Wai! Plotbunny, don’t die!
Short Summary: Lance, as Crystal, now seeks to destroy missingno and protect
Ash as well as the King’s Crystal.
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. I own this non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic since I wrote it myself.
Notes: ** for thoughts, <> for telepathy, italics for pokemon talking
Lance is Crystal
Chapter 2
They left the beach and went back to Ash’s house to crash later that evening, Crystal as well.
Delia was mildly surprised, but when she noticed how Crystal seemed to gravitate towards Ash, she smiled.
Well, about time he found a girlfriend!
It was better than Misty at any rate. She seemed too temper-driven.
“Ash?”
Ash blushed, since Crystal was sleeping in his room on the floor with a blanket. Misty and Brock were in the only guest room, and fitting three people in there would be too much trouble.
“What is it?”
Crystal sniffled. “I’m lonely… can I sleep with you?”
“Um…”
Ash was about to say no, but he felt his resolve break into little slivers when she looked at him with teary eyes.
Well… his bed was big enough for two people, and it wouldn’t do to make her cry. His mom would get mad!
… Too bad he hadn’t been able to find his sleeping bag. No, that wasn’t it. It was still being washed.
“All-all right.” Ash said. * Scary… *
Crystal smiled and climbed up next to him. Within minutes, she was cuddled up to him and fast asleep.
It was a bit more difficult for Ash himself to fall asleep, but it felt kind of nice to hold someone, and soon, he succumbed to slumber as well.
Pikachu woke them the next morning, and they dressed and went downstairs for breakfast.
“So, where are you off to next, Ash? You should catch some more pokemon.”
“I know, mom.”
“Do you have enough money to pay my bike back? You just won Orange League.” Misty demanded.
“Actually, I do.” Ash said. He handed her the requisite amount. “Now you don’t have to follow me anymore.”
Misty nodded, but then stopped short. * Wait a minute… how do I get the King’s Crystal now? *
“No, that’s ok, I like traveling with you.”
Ash’s jaw dropped.
Liar. Pikachu muttered. His ears twitched angrily.
Crystal smiled, handed Pikachu the ketchup bottle, and continued drinking her milk like nothing was wrong.
Pikachu focused his attention on the ketchup first.
“Well, Ash, I’m going home to Pewter.” Brock sighed. “Or I’ll hook up with Suzie. You have your dream, I have yet to reach mine.”
“All right, Brock.” Ash said. “I hope to see you again in the future.”
“Me too…”
The breeder bid goodbye to the trainer and left that day.
“Ash?” Crystal asked.
Ash smiled at her. “Hey crystal, want to have a practice battle?”
“Hai!”
“Well, let’s go to the front yard so we don’t break anything.”
Crystal smiled shyly, completely different from her earlier genki demeanor, but still cute.
Misty scowled as she watched from the living room.
“Lapras, go!”
Lapras smiled as she appeared in a flash of red light. Yay! My turn again!
“Lightning, I choose you.” Crystal said in reply, as an Ampharos appeared opposite Lapras.
“Lapras, Ice Beam!”
“Don’t worry, lightning, Cotton Spore!”
Lapras’s speed dropped as Ampharos took damage from the attack.
“Lapras, Sing!”
“You’re faster now, Lightning… Shockwave…”
The no-miss attack slammed into Lapras, earning a cry of pain from said pokemon.
“Woah!”
“I’m using an electric type, Ash.” Crystal reminded him.
“Baka!” Misty cried. “That was stupid!”
Ash glared. “Lapras, Confuse Ray!”
This time, the attack hit, and the confused sheep looked around blankly before a Body Slam paralyzed it as well.
Due to parafusion, the battle quickly ended.
“You’re a good trainer, Crystal.” Ash grinned.
“You think so?” Cue the shimmery eyes.
Ash nodded.
“I’m so happy!” Lance said, glomping onto him as Ash blushed again.
“Um… Crystal? You don’t have to do that.”
“Do what?”
“… Never mind.” Ash said, after caesura.
< Chosen, you are… >
< Devious? I don’t care. I’d like to have love before death this time. >
< Ah, yes, that’s true. > Lugia said wisely.
Lance smirked. < Well, Misty hasn’t found out yet. >
< No, she only sees you as the holder of the King’s Crystal. >
< Do you think she will make her move soon? >
< Well, it depends on if Ash leaves you alone with her, doesn’t’ it? >
< … Hai. >
End Chapter
Completed 6/9/04