Disclaimer: Don’t own pokemon, so you no sue.

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

Chapter 9: Fallacy

“Well, this isn’t so bad.’ Ash said, as he took in the white plush carpet, the well-stocked kitchenette, and living area.

“I know. There are two bedrooms in a suite. Does he not want to lose money?”
“No idea.”

Catelyn grinned. “Well then… I’m going to go soak in the spa, and can you call room service for dinner?”

“No problem.”

Ash spent a while perusing the menu, cursing the inflated prices. But it was not as bad as it could be, so he ordered spaghetti and pizza.

The pokemon ran around the rooms, peering into drawers and potted plants and basically having fun.

“How pretty…” Ash said, inspecting the glassware in the kitchenette. “Maybe they thought we would break something?”
“Maybe.” Catelyn rejoined, returning.

Ash looked at her relaxed expression. “You know, I think I’ll follow your example.”

“Mm-hmm. I’ll go take a short nap. Shopping always tires me out.”

“Really?”

“’Course.” Catelyn walked into one of the two bedrooms, climbed into bed, and promptly zonked out.

Talk about the crystal truth.

Ash enjoyed his long infusion in the tub, and when he got out, the food was ready, so he ate first, not wanting to wake up a tired girl.

Catelyn got up roughly an hour later, polished off the leftovers, ate two of the chocolate cream bars in the fridge, and then proceeded to beat him thoroughly at a game of chess.

All in all, it was not an especially bad deal.

Ash put the receptionist’s strange ways out of his mind and focused on their second chess game.

After all, he did not want to lose again.

“So what’s wrong with this suite?”

“Really beats me…”

“Maybe it’s haunted!” Ash said excitedly.

“Really?” Catelyn raised an eyebrow. “Whatever you say, Ash.”

“Well, it could be true.”

“Then I’ll sleep with a dragon guard.”

Ash grinned. “Figures.”

After another game of chess, some ice cream, and cuddling by the softly glowing fireplace, both kids headed off to bed.

Catelyn waited until Ash had quit moving around before she shifted. Lance brushed his dark red bangs out of his eyes and grinned.

“He thinks there are ghosts? Well, let’s play a little game and test out Lugia’s prediction, shall we?”

< You little rascal. >

< Oh I know that very well, Lugia-san. >

< Ah, Chosen, you are still unsure of him. >

< I think that was apparent several lifetimes ago.>

< Have fun, but don’t break him. >

< I won’t. >

Sometime in the middle of the night, Ash awoke. To his shock, he saw the same boy that had saved him years ago, floating in a sphere of blue light.

Ash rubbed his eyes. * This must be some strange dream. *

“Hello.”

“Hi…” Ash said unsurely back. Was he going insane this time? Or maybe the hotel was haunted!
That would mean a ghost had saved him?!

Woah… hold thought there. Calm down.

“Ghost?!”

Lance laughed. “I’m a ghost?”

“Um…” Tentatively, Ash reached out a hand to touch.

His fingers hit something solid.

“You’re… not?”

“A ghost? Not last time I checked.”

“Oh.” Ash said quietly. “So, why are you here?”

“To check on you.”
“I don’t get it…”

“Surely you’re not blind.” Lance said, as he sat down next to Ash on the bed.

“I hope not!”

“I meant emotionally, dear.”

Ash coughed at the random term of endearment. A frantic blush began to spread over his face.

AAHHHHHHHHHHH! I’m alone in a room with a male who might be interested in me! HELP!
He shook his head frantically.

“No, no, no, no….”

Lance let Ash stew in his own mind for a few minutes. “So… let’s talk.”

“Talk?”

“Yes, talk. What did you think I was going to do?”

“Eep.” Ash muttered. * Talking? That’s it… okay then… *

“I’m a very busy guardian.” Lance continued. “However, since you’ve been thinking of me continuously, you have drawn my attention.”

“I… have?”

Ash blushed pinker.

“Yes, and I’d like to know why.”

End Chapter

Cliffhanger