Here we go again…

Disclaimer: Talk to Nintendo or Shogakukan comics. They own pokemon. I just own Destiny, new pokemon, this particular bunny and fic…

Notes: < > for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics for pokemon talking to each other.

Chapter 4: Moonrise

It was a dark and stormy morning.

Ash noticed that it had been raining in Kanto continuously and the area was now in danger of flooding, even though he was in Johto.

“Lance?”

“Hai?”
“Dragons can control weather, right?”

“Very perceptive.” Lance said. “Kanto will flood.”

“Why?”

“Why?” Lance repeated. “Because it is the will of Lugia.”

“How do you know?”

“I’m Lugia’s Chosen.” Lance repeated. “And the darkness will reign. Can’t you see?”

“See….”

Lance shook her head. “Never mind. The memories will return in time.”
Ash blinked. He had absolutely no clue what she was talking about.

“And a dark addition to your deck will even it out nicely…” Lance mused. “And some pretty lights.”

Ash continued to blink.

“And of course, more shadows… shadows to play with and train with.”

What is she talking about? Houndour asked.

Why are you asking me? I have no clue. Absol replied.

It sounds weird…

I know. Charmander huffed slightly.

Pikachu smiled at Charmander and flipped her ears.

“Looks like someone has a crush.” Lance whispered.

“Well, they are compatible…”

“Very true, that.”

Ash looked at Lance. “…”

“Never mind.”

Ash nodded and turned his attention back to the Caterpie on the tree.

“Do you want to catch it?”

“I’m not sure…” Ash whispered. “I released my Butterfree into the wild.”

“You’re afraid of losing another one.”

“Yes.’

Lance sighed. “Loss… is a necessary part of life.”

“A-ano, are you speaking from personal experience?”

“Hai…”

Ash looked confused. “You’re sad because you lost your title?”

“No, not that.” Lance laughed lightly.

Ash crossed his eyes as he thought.

“You lost someone? Your parents?”

“I ran away from home. I didn’t miss anyone but Claire.”

“Oh…”

Ash paused to think for a while.

“Um… you had a boyfriend?”

“… I guess you could say that…” Lance mused.

Ash felt a sudden stab of jealousy. “Who?”

“I can’t tell you.”

“Why?!”

“Serebii.”

“…” Ash blinked for a while longer.

“Ah, little guardian, there is so much that is hidden from you.” Lance said. “But do not worry. They will come in time.”

“I still have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Pretty little cards…” Lance said, as she stretched out.

Ash sighed. He wished she would tell him.

His dark Pikachu licked his cheek softly. Ash smiled. She was a lot like his old pikachu…

She lightly zapped him. Cheer up!

“Hai!” Ash said obediently.

Pikachu scampered off to find Charmander.

Ash smiled in spite of his dejected mood at Lance’s refusal.

Lance was fast asleep, in full dragon form. Ash didn’t know why until he heard footsteps approaching.

“I see…” Ash whispered as he looked up to see whom it was.

It was a girl.

“Want to battle? I’m Kit.” She said.

“Um… okay.” Ash replied.

“Great! Let’s make this three on three.” Kit grinned. “Bulbasaur! Go!”

Ash’s Dark Charmander immediately popped out and torched it in 0.98 seconds.

Kit’s jaw dropped. ‘Is that a Charmander? But I thought…” She pulled out her pokédex. “Charmanders are orange!”

“Mine is special.” Ash replied. “Send out your next pokemon.”

“Pidgey, go!”

Charmander yawned and used another Flamethrower. Pidgey’s gust only made the flames rise higher.

“Trap with Fire Spin.” Ash said.

Charmander nodded. A few minutes later, the heat overcame pidgey.

It fainted, obviously.

Kit looked stricken. * I can’t use Ivysaur; he’ll just beat it. Lotad might be in danger as well. And I don’t want to use Bellsprout. That only leaves one pokemon. *

“Pichu, go!”

“Charmander. Flame Wheel.’

Ash’s voice was quite emotionless as the battle ended. Kit looked at him in shock. “AAHHHHHHHHHH!”

Faint black shadows were appearing around Ash’s form while he floated in midair, motionless.

Kit took off running.

And the shadows continued to surround the prone form of the trainer.

End Chapter!