Another chapter!

Started 9/25/04

Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic belongs to me under international copyright laws. Do not take my work!

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

RECAP: We got to see a bit of Samurai’s dastardly plan, which failed

Chapter 14

“Lance! It’s open!”

“What is?”

“Saffron City is once again open to the general public!” Ash cried excitedly. “Isn’t that great?”

Flicker of surprise passed over the boy’s face, before he shrugged. * Father must have thought of another plan, otherwise he would not have given up Silph. But he only wanted the Master Ball technology, and now… *

Why not? Surely the scientists could have figured it out. He would ask when he called again tonight.

He still had four or five month’s time…

“Shall we go then?”

“Hai~!” Ash cheered. They climbed aboard Dragonite airlines and away whisked into the open sky.

Saffron was open, sure enough, not a sign of Rocket occupation. Very clever of his father… all evidence had been disposed of.

Sabrina’s gym awaited them.

“I’m Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and I challenge you for a Marsh Badge!”
The psychic gave him a half-eyed glance and nodded. < Abra. > In her lap, the doll dropped the poke ball and Abra was released.

“Scyther, I choose you! Use Pursuit!”

The Abra began teleporting, but Pursuit hurt _more_ when it was trying to escape. After a few hits, Abra was down.

Sabrina looked like she was in shock, but she did drop the Marsh Badge. That worked well…

“Yay!” Ash cheered, hugging Scyther. “I won!” * It was easier than I thought too… *

Yes, nothing to worry about. Scyther bragged.

Ash giggled and gave her another hug.

Kawaii, very kawaii Lance thought to himself * you need a protector, child. Trust me. I’ll hide all the unpleasant stuff and… it will work just fine. *

Blaine was fire, but… wait, he had that badge! Oh, that left Giovanni… could he use Surskit again? Probably.

“I’m almost there!”

“Yes, after you collect the badges you can challenge the Elite Four.” Lance smiled. “Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Karen.”

“Dark-types are new, aren’t they?” Karen had only been champion for about three months too…

“Yes, I believe so. The scientists are currently exploring Johto for more information on new pokemon.”

“That’s so cool!”

“Isn’t it?”

“I hope there are some new bugs.” Ash grinned. * That would be very cool… like maybe a spider? But not an ugly one like that… *

Then, he could catch more bug pokemon… yep, that would be really fun!

They spent a day checking out Saffron’s fighting dojo. That was more challenging, but Scyther was part flying and her wing attack _very_ good against those Machop and Mankey.

Dual type; type advantage! Score!
Butterfree and Venomoth could learn Psychic attacks, which would be just as effective, but he was trying to train evenly.

Giovanni – well, he could use Surskit, or just use poison/sleep/confusion to try and win against raw power.

It should work! Hope never fails to light a way, no matter how improbable, right? Right. That was just how Ash’s mind worked.

His father might be good, but if he didn’t cheat, Ash should win without a problem. After all, bug did beat psychic too…

No matter _how_ good Mewtwo was…

It hadn’t escaped yet, had it? That was very good. Their secret weapon _had_ to be secret and safe, otherwise… well, hell could break loose, putting it mildly.

“Father?”

Ash was sleeping, having been hit by some stray sleep powder during a battle against a trainer’s Machamp. Interesting pokemon; at it was not a Machop, but too weak to beat Venomoth. Surskit had tried to wake him up with a Water Gun. However, as of now it was not succeeding.

Sigh.

“Yes, what is it?” Giovanni asked.

“How is the Rocket Ball?”

“Complete.” Giovanni smiled through the phone, even though it wasn’t visible. “And you? Is the mission succeeding?’

“I believe very soon I can reveal myself to him without troubles.”

“That’s good news, Lance. I’m counting on you, son. Do not fail.”

“Hai.”

Lance hung up and… well, that was that! He’d need maybe another month to wind Ash to his side, and then… a smirk made its way across his features.

The boy would be his. It wouldn’t necessarily be a _bad_ deal. He’d take care of him, he promised, but he’d also use his powers for his own good.

Bug-type empathy is rare and useful…

After all, they had all those super-powered insects waiting… before the league came this year, strike.

Then, you win…

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise… does that apply for early battling too?

If so, it would make sense in a twisted way.

Ash woke up, yawning.

“Sleep well?” Lance teased as he blushed redly. Lance was so… different. But nice! He liked Lance. After all, it wasn’t like he had other friends besides his pokemon. Pokemon are good friends though.

I like pokemon.

I think I like Lance too…

They had white cherry Icees and fresh-baked honey-glazed pretzels at stand afterwards. Ash liked snacks.

He sat there licking the last of the honey glaze off his fingers, washing it down with sips of ice-cold sugar water.

Yummy…

“So when are you getting the last badge?”

“Um, I’m not sure. I still want to catch some more pokemon.” Ash did not mention that Oak was heartily disappointed he had only netted insects.

He _should_ help complete the pokédex, but… it would be unfair to the pokemon if Ash caught them only to send them to a box forever.

If that was the case, it was better to leave pokemon freedom, right?

He thought so.

Lance nodded. “Well, whatever you want. I’m just tagging along with you.”

“I… I think…”

“Yes?”

Ash shook his head. “Never mind.” * I can’t say it! I’m not even sure I’m in love! But I like being with him… Argh! It’s so confusing! *

Seeing his advantage, Lance did not press.

After all, he was still in the trust-winning business.

I’ve only known him for a few weeks! Ash reprimanded himself.

But he saved your life… a little inner voice nagged.

Ash sighed.

What to do? What to do?

I don’t like him! We’re just _friends_! That’s all! Really! I swear to Mew and Honou and whoever else cares!

Please just leave me alone…

The voice shut up.

Ash took another swig of his drink and got up. He ordered another pretzel and began chewing it, more to occupy his mind than because of any sense of hunger.

The garlic and salt was tangy though. Very tasty.

He’d have to remember to buy more pretzels in the future here.

Lance began polishing his poke balls. He felt Ash’s eyes on him again, this time, oddly frightened?

He’s not afraid of love is he? That will screw my entire plan…

Maybe…

Lance hadn’t considered using love potions or anything of that sort. No matter how corrupted he was with vice, he still believed in pure emotion. Well, well, a Paradox, no? How utterly confusing!

Ash was making him feel again…

I don’t want to hurt him? But… I can’t fail this mission either. What do I do?

End Chapter

Completed 9/25/04

Ash: I’m so…

Lance: Heroic? Noble? Self-sacrificing?

Ash: None of the above!
Phantomness: *raises eyebrow* Really?

Shoyko: Lance is getting confused now!

Kairo: Indeed

Pika-chan: *eating aforementioned honey-glazed pretzels and white cherry Icee* Oh lovely, lovely food!

Phantomness: *yawns*