Because I really think the anime characters are sometimes pale clones of the Pokemon Special manga characters. Admittedly they are all based on the game, but manga is so much more fun!

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

Chapter 2

Ibuki smirked as she downed her double. She flashed Wataru a proud smile and he nodded. She would prove herself worthy of Dragon Mastery yet! Clair gasped, coughing as she fell to her knees.

She and the others of the Elite – for they were all Chosen in one way or another, whether Realm Guardian or lesser Guardian – waited.

Moments later, the legendary pokémon shimmered into view.

Ash gasped. What was going on? Was this whole thing some strange set-up? Why were the legendary pokémon here? There were even a few he had not seen before…

Lance glared. “Who are you and what do you want?”

Kanna laughed. “He has your temper but not your tact, dear cousin.”

“Such a pity.” Wataru’s tone was calm, but anger glittered in his golden eyes.

Lorelei frowned at Kanna’s words. “Who are you?”

“I think it would be safer to ask who you were…” Kanna’s tone was chilling. But after all, she was the North Wind that froze the soul.

Kikuko looked at her clone contemptuously. “At least the power did not transfer.”

“Would that we were all so fortunate.” Red sighed despondently. “It seems that mine picked up certain aspects of character. The process isn’t perfect of course, but it would explain some things…”

Shiba simply grunted, a bit put out that his clone was bulkier than he in size.

Serebii floated into view, and quailed slightly under the glares all three Realm Guardians stared her way. < Tis not my folly. > She said simply.

The stares abated, and finally, Wataru shook his head.

< Very well... >

< Would you please explain the situation then? > Charlotte added.

Red could not agree more. It was frightening, to be looking at his clone. Very frightening…

< It happened just prior to you all being put in Sleep of Death. > Suicune spoke up, darting a glance at her Chosen. < They had somehow managed to obtain samples of DNA from all of you, whether by hook or crook or simply raiding the hospitals. As soon as the process began, we put you to sleep, otherwise, you would all have died… >

< So they are flawed copies, but still capable of fulfilling prophecies? > Natsume queried with anger in her tone.

< To some extent, yes. Red’s clone retained some of his ability to… feel a kinship with legendary pokémon. Charlotte’s clone carried over her fear of water… Wataru, yours came with a bit of the Viridian Power… >

Wataru narrowed his eyes.

< Kanna… you were fortunate, that you were spared the indignation of the process. Your degrees are much more separate. Nothing of your personality remains in her. > Kanna crossed her arms.

< Kikuko… you can see quite clearly how yours turned out. >

< I suspected as much. What could they do with the DNA of the dead? >

< That same goes for Matsuba. Natsume, I never intended for yours to arise, because of your dual guardianship, but it is fortunate that of the Moon, she inherited only madness. >

< Safer, certainly. > Natsume scowled.

< Itsuki… you have certainly suffered much. >

< Yes, well, Karin and I never did have much luck did we? >

< As for Blue and Silver… >

The almost-siblings exchanged nauseated looks. < We are not pleased. >

< Indeed. > Lugia looked almost huffy as he sighed. < We have two options. >

< Name them. > Wataru said, as he felt his fingers already sharpening, their nails becoming claws of purest silversteel…

< Although I’m sure some of you might prefer to kill your clones-. >
The clones all looked rather alarmed. Some looked affronted, indignation shining in their eyes. Others were warier, and did not speak. Kyou noticed Koga shooting him reproachful looks, and he ignored them. Katsuya gnashed his teeth, wondering how on earth his clone had turned out into a silly fop.

Blaine coughed.

So there was a bit of a link between clone and original. It was to be expected, after all…

“If you think I’m not going to kill mine, you’re gravely mistaken.” Blue scowled.

May frowned as she pulled Max behind her protectively, noticing Silver’s irritation.

“It’s not fair! We are alive also!”

< And that precisely is the problem. > Honou frowned. < It would be unfair to kill you for no crime you yourself committed, and yet, it is too dangerous to have you here… and we cannot put you in Sleep of Death. It would kill you. >

Bruno shook a fist at the phoenix. “Why don’t you come down and make me!”

Shiba sighed despondently, as Honou lost his temper and flamed Bruno. He did not kill, but the intense flames caused the duplicate to pass out.

< Anyone else have smart remarks? > Mewtwo rumbled.

Ash looked at Mewtwo, then at Mew. “But… even clones can find a place in the world, can’t they?” He remembered New Island, and what had happened there, but now he was not so sure if this life was even his…

< Yes, but… >

Mew shushed Mewtwo. < You have a kind heart, and a good spirit. It would be a shame to waste it. >

Red’s brow furrowed, but Wataru laid a hand on his shoulder. Red winced. < Wataru… your claws are still… >

< Sumimasen. Do you need me to heal you? >

< Not yet, no. >

< Could we hope to coexist? > Sabrina asked. Natsume blinked at her incredulously. < Say, a trial run for a few months? >

< … I suppose… > Serebii nodded, eyes bright. < It is worth a try. > What she saw in the future she did not say, and they did not press.

< But first of all, > Red said, and his voice was angry, < Let us destroy the ones who caused this problem. >

The clones looked aghast. The other guardians nodded.

With a bright flash, all had teleported away.

Misty looked at Ash. “I’m scared.”

“Me too, Misty, me too…”

End Chapter

Completed 7/26/06

With this fic I can double the championshipping! I could have Lance with Ash and Red with Wataru~!

Red: *Hugs Wataru*

Ash: *Hugs Lance*

Phantomness: SQUEE!