Title: What really matters
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Championshipping (Lance x Red)
Fandom: Pokémon
Theme: #9, Attitude VS Aptitude
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Thank you. *Phantomness bows*

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Warnings: Shonen-ai, fanon references

“And thus, I urge you all to vote yes on measure A.” The man stepped down, as the audience burst into raucous, roaring applause. President Goodman adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles with a pleased smile. Surely this televised broadcast would do the trick. The mere pressure of League support would urge voters to cast their ballots and ban near-legendary pokemon from competitions.

Of course, it would also effectively remove most of the Elite Four. He had made sure their pokemon would count – Lorelei, Lance, and Agatha would be gone, along with their precious Champion, and he knew enough to control Bruno.

Yes, it was a good day.

“That… that bastard.” Red almost – almost flung the remote control at the screen, wanting to wipe the beaming, friendly smile off the man’s face. “Can’t they see what a fake he is? He was oozing insincerity with every pore of his body! He looks like a toad! That disgusting blob…!”

“Well,” Lance said mildly, “I daresay the Council noticed it, but they are backing him every step of the way. And you must remember that the public is terribly naïve.”

“Just say stupid, Lance.” Red sighed. “I suppose it would be a mistake to go and refute his statements?”

“Seeing as most trainers don’t have legendary or near-legendary pokémon, it would be seen as a sign of self-interest.”

Red glared, but accepted Lance words as he deflated miserably. “It’s not fair…”

“Life generally isn’t.” Lance said, shrugging. “But what can we do? Suffer in silence? Run? Fight?”

“The last option would be my choice, except then there would be a lot of innocent people caught in the crossfire, and I don’t like that.” Red spoke.

Lance nodded. “It’s a sacrifice, I suppose. Hurt a few for the good of the many. He’s planned this well. After all, if all legendary pokemon belong to the government, no one can use them. It sounds good, but really, they are simply consolidating power.”

“And once they do, no one will stand against the League.”

“Exactly.”

Red clicked the blaring set off, watching the blank screen. “There is nothing we can do about this?”

“There is always something we can do, but you would not sacrifice innocents.” Lance said sharply. He held out his hands, revealing a deck of cards.

The picture of Missingno glittered black.

“No.” Red shook his head. “That’s… too much…”

“I know.” Lance replied. “But the system is rotten. Only a clean sweep would fix things now.”

“I-I don’t want to believe that….”

Lance said nothing else, and Red brooded in silence, before he held out his arms and Lance scooped him into a hug, offering what little comfort he could.

End Fic

Completed 2/15/07

Attitude is more important in public speaking than aptitude, since the audience feels the emotions/feelings more than your wicked public speaking skills. Not that Phantomness has wicked speaking skills, but…