I hate physics midterms… so much work…

DISCLAIMER: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic belongs to me.

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

Created 10/5/04

Chapter 4

“Ash, you’re so grown up now.”

The boy smiled, half-coldly, half-happily. It was an odd expression. “I know, Grandfather.”

But the world had so many evil people in it…

“Has Birch been treating you well?”

“Lots better than Oak, that old bastard.”

Blaine nodded. Ash had apparently shed his shyness… not that he blamed him. Naïve was cute, but could also be dangerous, very much so.

Do not believe all people are good. Most are not.

Yes… sad but true.

“So how are you doing?”

“Very well, thank you grandfather.”

“Ash…” Blaine hesitated. “I think it’s time to tell you what happened to your parents. You’re old enough to deal with it now.”

“They didn’t die in a plane crash?”

“No.”

And the walls of innocence came crashing down…

Whirl Islands, Lugia’s Cave

< Chosen. >

Lance opened his golden eyes and sat up, his white robes pooling around him. < Yes, Lugia-san? >

< A new problem has arisen. >

< Very well. > Lance knew what this meant. Kill secretly and be out of there before anyone was wiser.

It was simple. He didn’t care…

After all, it was the duty he was born for. What cared he for peace? Lugia’s child on one side, on the other, the embodiment of the pokemon’s wrath in spirit form…

There was no peace.

He didn’t mind.

Lance stood up as the dragon blades whirled around him. “So?”

< Here. > Lugia transmitted the image of the boy as Lance nodded, before he vanished.

Time to play cat and mouse…

“… My parents were killed? Who?” Ash demanded. * Who would dare… *

“I do not know myself.”

“I’ll find out!” Ash vowed.

“There’s something else, Ash.”

“What is it, grandfather?”

“You have a half-brother…”

“I do? Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?”

“Er… he’s a pokemon.”

Ash blinked. “…?”
“Mewtwo was created from Mew and Giovanni’s DNA, so he is technically your half-brother.”

“… Mewtwo? What type of pokemon is he?”

“Psychic.”

“Psychic hmm… I’ll need help finding the murderer. I could use his help.” Ash nodded. “I’ll go look for him then.”

“Good luck! He’s rumored to be in Kanto.”

“Then I have to go back, not just for the pokédex.”

“Yes.”

Ash nodded. * In life, one has to do unpleasant things anyways… let’s go. Why not start now? *

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

Blaine blinked.

“I’ll find out who killed my parents. Don’t worry, Grandfather, I’ll make sure to avenge their deaths!”

“That’s a good child.” Blaine approved. * You can fulfill the vengeance that I am too old to partake of. *

Ash finished packing his supplies and flew to Oak’s on Charizard’s back.

Oak gave him a pokédex once he paid the fee. The old man didn’t care much for procedure, only for profit.

It was very lucky.

Oak didn’t recognize his new look either. He saw Gary, but didn’t give any signs of recognition. It wasn’t as if he hated Gary, Gary was just… well, not needed.

Still, to control Mewtwo, he would need badges. Even if they were relatives, that was no guarantee for instant obedience. Mewtwo was supposed to be uncontrollable too… but where would it be?

Ash set out for the first gym. Pewter. This would be easy – wait. He had… flying/fire, dark, bug/flying… or he could use Aggron.

Hmm… he really ought to catch some more pokemon.

Ash began to ponder as they walked along…

Lance’s eyes snapped open, settling on solid gold. < Should I kill him now, Father? >

< I just realized something. He’s searching for mewtwo. >

Ice blue rage filled Lance’s vision. < Mewtwo? >

< Yes. The false legendary, Mewtwo, must not be allowed to wake. >

< Then what must I do, Father? >

< Win his trust, win his confidence, for our sources say Mewtwo will not wake for a few months. Then… >

< Kill him before Mewtwo reveals the truth. >

< Hai, although I highly doubt the psycho cat will do that. It is too fixated on revenge against _all_ humanity. >

< Excellent. >

< Yes… > Lugia paused. Lance would probably have some trouble with this. Oh dear… maybe making him emotionless hadn’t been the best strategy.

< Chosen? >

Lance waited patently as Lugia tried to explain the situation. He wasn’t quite clear on it though.

Finally, Lugia decided that the best way would be to rent some Disney movies, make Lance watch them, and then quiz him.

That didn’t work too well either… fantasy, even for children, was much too far from reality…

Besides, that was PWP love, not real love.

< Father… >

< I know, it’s not working. > Lugia sighed. < Just go on instinct. >

< What do you mean, Father? >

< If it feels nice, try it. >

Lance nodded seriously. < Hai. >

End Chapter

Completed 10/6/04

Lance: I’m an emotionless robot again?

Phantomness: Yep!
Ash: *Sigh*

Phantomness: I don’t like Disney movies…

Lance: Well, neither do I!