Another chapter!

Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction that I have written and it belongs to me.

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

 

Chapter 19

 

            “Charmander, use Flamethrower!”

            There went the building…

            “All evidence destroyed?” Lance asked, as Ash nodded. They teleported away very swiftly, as sirens wailed in the building… it was too late now.

            “Success?”

            “Hai!”

            Giovanni handed over another folder, which they took and opened in their room. This, Ash thought, was routine.

            But it was a routine he liked.

            Sometimes at night, Lance would pet him and it was so nice too… sweet, and it was sweet, sweet as sugar.

            He liked sugar.

            They dropped by the cafeteria and got lemonade and cookies. It was sweet.

 

            The twelve-year old yawned. * Stupid hormones… *

            But Lance _was_ very nice

            And… it didn’t hurt at all, he didn’t think it would but Lance was being careful… still, Lance would be fourteen in a matter of days.

            He should get him a present. But what should he give to Lance for his birthday?

            Lance had gotten him the most kawaii little stuffed Charmander plushie, and he had appreciated it, but…

            What to get Lance?

            He sighed.

 

            “Are you still tired, Ash? We can wait until tomorrow to leave.” Lance said, from sprawled out position on the bed.

            Ash sat down next to him. “Not really.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “Hai!”

            Lance idly ran his fingertips against Ash’s chest. “If you say so…”

            Ash purred; leaning into his touch, and quickly divested himself of the black uniform top.

            Lance smiled. < Eager tonight, aren’t we? >

            Ash shrugged. < I want you. >

            Lance smiled. < As you will… >

            Why would he deny his sweetling anything?

 

            < Chosen… >

            Not that dream again…

            Lance opened his eyes, and blinked as a pair of huge blue eyes stared into his. “What?” This wasn’t another dream, was it? He couldn’t be hallucinating…

            < Hello. >
            “… Hello.” Lance replied, reaching for his poke belt surreptiously.

            < Do not be alarmed. >

            “You’re the one who’s been calling me in my dreams for years, aren’t you?”

            < Very perceptive, young one. I am Lugia. >
            ‘Why me?”

            Lugia laughed. < Because you have the heart of a Dragon Master and others do not. >

            < What? >
            < Let me explain. > The bird/dragon settled down on the floor, shrinking to a tiny size. < I want you to be my Dragon Master. >
            < A… Dragon Master. >

            < You are already on your way there. >

            Lance looked confused. < I know I use dragon-type pokemon, and I know the four ancient names, but… >

            < I choose you, not Claire or even, god forbid, Marie. >

            < So what do I have to do? >

            < Accept my power and be my representative in this world. > Lugia said.

            < What about the test? >

 

            < You’re a sharp one. > Lugia nodded. < But… there’s no danger here. >

            < What? >

            < You don’t have to take the test. >
            < Lugia-san, no disrespect intended, but it seems you are playing favorites in my favor. >

            < Ah… you were always bright, Chosen. >

            < I don’t understand. Have we met before? >

            < Yes, but you can’t remember, oddly enough. > Lugia shrugged. < In either case, I wish you a lot of luck… >

            That was all Lance got before a bright flash filled his vision and he proceeded to black out.

 

            When he awoke, to his horror he found silver bracelets had embedded themselves into his arms.

            “What the?”

            < My power, Chosen, is yours also now… trust your heart and everything will be fine… >

            < Lugia-san… >

            < I choose you. Do not worry why, for this is my decision and I will abide by it. >

            <… > Not quite knowing what to say, Lance sighed.

            Life was just never, ever peaceful, was it?  Now, he had to keep those hidden… or he could just tell Giovanni he’d splurged on jewelry.

            It was his taste. The bracelets weren’t heavy either, but still… how odd.

            Ash shifted slightly in his sleep. Lance climbed back into bed in his Dratini-print pajamas, and then fell asleep. His body needed time to adapt. Plenty of time...

            Ash was very worried when Lance didn’t wake up the next morning. He seemed to be just sleeping, but…

            How to explain to Giovanni?

 

            Checking the mission report, he saw that Lance had highlighted a few sentences. There!

            So he had to go find a shiny Bulbasaur? He shouldn’t leave Lance here alone, that was no way to be…

            Finally, Ash sent Flareon off. She was a good scout, talented. Sure, soon enough, the Bulbasaur emerged and was easily captured.

            Ash made his report to Giovanni, who was too busy to notice Lance’s absence, and took their new report back.

            He did not want to decipher this though…

            Lance was still sleeping when he returned. With a sigh, Ash began keeping silent vigil over his friend.

 

End Chapter

Completed 6/25/04

Phantomness: Silent vigils are fun! Vigil was a vocabulary word I learned in eighth grade.

Ash: Why is this relevant?

Phantomness: I’m bored!