Title: Alone
Author: Shadow/Phantomness
Pairing: Championshipping (Lance x Ash)
Fandom: Pokémon
Theme: #1, Alone (Theme Set #2)
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: AU, shonen-ai, shota, Character Death

He found the child crying in the middle of the woods. From the sight of his bruises and the dead Pichu next to him, it was quite evident what had happened. He sighed. He normally disliked children immensely, but to just leave him here for the pokémon to feed on was harsh. Also, the child might have a clue, so…

He picked him up, and the child did not protest. He took him home, and fed him the truth serum, asking questions and receiving answers in a numb voice.

Afterwards, he tucked Red into bed, and went hunting.

Red woke up in a strange bed. For a moment he didn’t remember what had happened, but then memory returned and he began to cry, harsh gasping sobs as he thought of what had happened to Pichu. Poor Pichu had only been trying to protect him, but then that Team Rocket agent had released Graveler…

Where was he?

He slid out of bed, feeling relieved that his bruises didn’t hurt as much, and tiptoed across the wooden floor. He found a bathroom with a tub, and a kitchen-slash-dining room, but no other rooms. On the table were a bowl of something steaming, and two bowls. He filled one of them with the rice porridge inside and began to eat.

A few hours later, he heard footsteps. The door opened and Red got his first look at the man who had found him. Long crimson hair fell to mid-back, his form encased in skintight white leather, eyes golden-bright… he colored.

“Hello?”

“I see you’re awake.” Lance said. “Did you eat anything?”

Red nodded and Lance said no more, dishing up a bowl for himself. “I’m sorry about what happened to your Pichu. Rest assured that the men who hurt her were punished for their crimes.”

Red blinked, but didn’t object. Pichu was dead. Poor, poor Pichu…

“Where is your family? I should be taking you home now. It’s not safe for children to wander in the woods.” He said, standing up. Red flushed.

“My-my mom’s sick. I was out to find the Miracle Herb…”

Lance shook his head. “The Miracle Herb does not exist. It is only a rumor.”

“Oh.” Red deflated. “I see.”

“So where is your home?”

“Pallet Town.”

He had suspected as much so after Red had eaten a bit more, he coaxed him onto Dragonite’s back and they both flew off for Pallet Town.

Red’s mother was glad to see him return safely, and she tried to act cheerful even from her sickbed, but she fooled no one. That night, after Red had been put to bed, Lance spoke to her.

“You’re going to die very soon, Delia.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I am glad he found you though. We were friends once.”

“We still are friends. I conclude from your state that you have broken off with Giovanni?”

“Yes…”

“Brave of you to do so. Did he have one of his ghosts curse you?”

“I suspect it, but I have no proof.”

“You will not live much longer. Would you…”

“Yes.” Delia sighed. “I want you to take Red in. He’s my only child.”

Lance hesitated. “Is he Giovanni’s?”

“I believe so.”

“You must realize I want nothing to do with that man, or his children…”

“But you can feel it can’t you?” She asked. “Why didn’t you leave him, Lance? What drew you to him?”

Lance’s eyes widened. “The power of the forest…”

“Is that enough reason for you to keep him?”

The man sighed. “I suppose.” A few moments passed, as he listened to her labored breathing. “Delia… I can help ease the pain, if you’d like.”

“Promise me you’ll take care of him now.”

He nodded, bluish light already flickering over his fingertips. “Then I’ll promise.”

The next morning, Red was packed and ready to leave with his new family.

End Fic

Completed 11/17/06

Not romance yet, more like friendship with a tiny hint of championshipping…