HI all! *Waves* started 5/22/04

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon; it belongs to Nintendo. I do own my non-profit fanwork, though; so don’t take it. I am not infringing on the pokemon companies’ copyright.

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics for pokemon talking

Chapter 9

 

            Blaine turned on his television. The Indigo League Preliminaries were beginning, and he hoped to catch a glimpse of his grandson. Really, the boy had improved dramatically; he now had sixteen badges and more pokemon.

            And of course…

            Blaine still wasn’t quite sure what the relationship between the two was, but it did not seem to be harmful, so he didn’t pry.

            Maybe it was brotherhood.

 

            An image flickered to life on the T.V. as the Volcano gym leader settled down with a bowl of spicy popcorn and his Growlithe.

            Ah, there he was. How nice, first match then…

            The battle began.

 

            “Go! Nidoking!”

            Ash smiled serenely at the trainer from across the arena. * This will be easy… Lance-chan didn’t train me for nothing, and this will prove it. *

            A flick of his wrist released Butterfree into the arena, and before Nidoking could attack, Psychic had knocked it out.

            Ash continued smiling as Butterfree next knocked out the opponent Squirtle, and then a Pidgeotto after that.

            Bob shivered from his place in the stands. Team Rocket had sent him to keep on eye on this new trainer.

            He was very good… but very odd…

            Bob suspected the boy was schizophrenic, because he always seemed to talk to empty air or glaze over in mid-sentence.

            Creepy…

            But he did have six, trained pokemon and possibly more hidden away… still, why couldn’t Jessie or James?

            Oh well.

            Frowning, he waited for the next battle to begin as Ash exited the platform amidst silence.

 

            “Wow…” Gary said, shaking his head. “That was fast!”

            Eevee nuzzled him. You’ll be fine!

            “I hope so.”

            I’m sure.

            Gary smiled, petting his pokemon. “Thanks, girl.”

            Eevee wagged her tail and licked his face. Don’t worry about a thing; I’ll fight well for you!

 

            Ash sipped his lemonade, grooming Vulpix’s fur carefully as he waited for his second match. < That was easy. >

            < It’s how much you’ve improved. > Lance told him.

            < Hai. >

            < Don’t doubt yourself, you have so much power, just add the confidence and you can win. >

            < All right, but it’s hard. >

            < Most things good are hard to come by, > Lance said philosophically, scanning the crowd for possible danger. * None… *

            Ash acknowledged the truth of the statement. * Like Lance-chan… * He grinned, taking another sip.

            Vulpix jumped off his lap after a last few brush strokes, shining prettily. Pikachu presented her with half an apple.

            They both ate together, side by side. Lance was in dragon form, curled up around his waist, and part of his chest as well, the white scales shimmering as he watched people walk by.

            Ash ran his fingers against Lance’s smooth scales as he smiled. * So pretty… *

 

The dragon arched under his touch.

            “So pretty.” Ash whispered, running his fingers along the slick shimmery white that held darkness within. “Kirei…”

            A few trainers backed away from the boy who looked like he was talking to air.

            < Idiots. > Lance thought, as he closed his eyes. No one of consequence was around, so he could rest.

 

            Ash’s second match was on the water field. Well, he didn’t particularly care what was used…

            “Go! Seel!”

            “You are summoned, Pikachu.” Ash said, as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and onto the field.

            Seel dived underwater.

            “This doesn’t work.” Ash said to no one in particular as he placed one hand on top of Lance’s head, and commanded Pikachu to use Shockwave. The dragon was still wrapped around his form.

            Like a shield, almost…

            Well, Ash didn’t mind, Lance-chan wasn’t heavy at all! And it felt cool, kind of nice in a way.

 

            The lightning hit… and the water amplified the power of the electricity, so Seel fainted.

            Jordan scowled. “Well, fine then! I’ll use something that’s strong against electric types! Go! Diglett!”

            Diglett appeared on the little island in the middle of the water field.

 

            < I’m not sure that will do much good… >

            < Probably not. > Lance agreed, as he licked Ash’s face. Ash giggled and Pikachu used Surf.

            “SURF?!”

            “Yes, under some circumstances Pikachu can surf.” Ash said helpfully. Pikachu sparked his cheeks happily in pride.

            I win!

            Poor Diglett hadn’t been expecting such an attack; neither had his trainer for that matter, and the water washed him off the island into the tank.

            Diglett fainted from a mixture of shock and fear.

            Pikachu jumped up and down happily, as Vulpix cheered loudly.

            Yay!

            I’m good at this, aren’t I?

            Yes you are! You’re making us all proud of you!

 

            Jordan’s head swelled red and large as anger sparks popped off much like exploded popcorn.

            “GRR! Magneton, go!”

            “Type for type, ne?” Ash asked. “Pity it won’t work…”

            Pikachu used Rollout!
            Magneton shook the first strike off, but the third was very damaging, and so it fainted, sizzling into the water.

            “Done.”

            < Yes, that’s very good… >

            Ash hugged Pikachu, and then he and his pokemon left the area. He didn’t’ have any more matches today, at least.

            It was time to rest again.

 

End Chapter

Completed 5/22/04