Title: After the Music Fades

Author: Shadow/Phantomness

Rating: PG-13

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

Summary: Champion Red has been missing for five years, and the only person who can find him is the last person he talked to – Dragon Master Lance Dragyn.

Warnings: Fanon, vaguely implied shonen-ai

Part One

“I do not see why you want me to find him.” Lance said coldly.

President Goodman tugged at his mustache nervously. “The fact of the matter is, Lance, and I am speaking in the strictest confidence, that Kanto needs a hero.”

“And you want for Red to be that hero.”

“Why not? He was the youngest Pokemon League Champion ever! Age twelve! Not many people can boast of that!”

“He was too young for the position and you know it!”

“Yes, well, he burned out within two or three years before he left. Quite a pity too, lots of fans down the drain…”

Lance resisted the urge to roll his eyes in disgust. So the President only saw the League System as a way to make money. “I have not seen Red since he left for Mount Silver. You know that.”

“Oh yes, but…”

“It’s been five years since we heard anything, and we’re not even sure that Crystal is a reliable source. Sure, she says she battled Red in the Silver Cave, but how do we know if that is proof?”

“We don’t. That’s why I want you to investigate.”

Lance raked a hand through his long hair tiredly. “Very well. Starting with Mount Silver, I suppose.”

“That would probably be the wisest course.”

“I don’t see why you couldn’t just ask the Nurse Joy on duty yourself. Surely she’d notice if Red was around – it was the only place to heal pokémon and he did not bring a large amount of supplies.”

“… Well, the fact is, Lance, she’s dead.”

Lance blinked.

“She died three months ago.”

“And you only brought this to my attention now?”

“That outpost was very low priority! So we only check it twice a year.”

“I cannot believe this.” Lance groaned. “All right. I’ll head out to Mount Silver, but you shouldn’t expect any results.”

Within a few minutes, he was packed with camping supplies and pokémon, and he and Aerodactyl soared off.

“So, Ptera, do you think Red is still alive?”

< He’s not one to die easily. >

< True, and it is against the prophecy. I would have felt it. >

< I think he is just hiding. >

< Poor child. >

Aerodactyl flashed a toothy grin. < He’s probably grown up quite handsome, Master. Maybe he’ll let you mate him now. >

< Ptera, I do not force him. > Lance’s cheeks flushed pink for a second. < And I won’t force him. >

< No, but you watch him with love in your eyes. Well, you did, while he was still at the Plateau with the other Elite. >

< I suppose I do – I did… >

< You love him, don’t you? >

< Do you really need to ask? >

< No, but I like teasing you. Red’s Aeroy is quite pretty herself. >

< Ahh… so now I know your true reason for inquiry. She may have mated with his Gyarados though. >

< I can still hope! >

< Yes, you can, and so can I… >

They arrived at Mount Silver half an hour later. Steam bubbled up from the numerous hot springs dotting the landscape. Down below, they could see wild Ponyta and Rapidash browsing, and the ponds teaming with Poliwhirl.

The place was quite picturesque, but the wild pokémon were much too high-leveled for an ordinary trainer to enter.

Only one of the Elite Four or a Champion was allowed to pass.

The guard lounging at the entrance kiosk with a magazine had been decidedly unhelpful. Even when Lance produced a snapshot of Red, the man could not identify him.

What a mess.

The League had truly ruined things, and now he had to clean up?

Lugia, it wasn’t fair.

He descended, and recalled Ptera. His eyes flashed with the barest hint of blue for a moment, as he strode towards silver cave.

The pokémon that passed eyed him with wary respect, for they could read his aura.

Dragon Master…

“Yes?” He turned to face the Rapidash who had spoken. Her herd gathered behind her, lending their support.

She held her head up proudly and matched his stare. You seek for your Mate, do you not? For the Child of Fire and the Child of Ice shall protect the Child of Lightning…

“Yes.”

It is no secret, but he has not visited our home in many moons.

Lance nodded. “I thought as much.”

We do not know where he has gone, I am afraid.

Lance petted her on the nose. “I accept your aid, given freely. May the Fire bless you for your honest words.”

Without another word, he turned to leave, releasing Ptera once more.

Wait!

Lance turned, to see a Pidgey fly up. It whispered in his ear for a moment, before his eyes hardened.

“So that is where he went. I suppose it makes sense.”

You won’t bring him back against his will, will you? The bird asked anxiously. Because even though we respect you, Dragon Master…our first duty is to the Child of Lightning…

“No.”

The Pidgey nodded, and fluttered off again.

Lance half-smiled, before he and Ptera took off.

Destination: Cosmos Island.

End Chapter

Completed 10/15/06

I’m trying to prove I can still write series fanfiction, though drabbles and ficlets and one-shots are so much more fun!

Red: Where am I?
Phantomness: We’ll find out next chapter, and then I’ll let Lance seduce you

Red: EEP!

Pika-chan: *Laughs*

Shoyko: *Yawns*

Kairo: ^^