Heaven’s Lament chapter 2! ^^

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

 

            It hadn’t been so bad. After all, as long as he didn’t force himself to think of her as his fiancée, it was surprisingly easy. She really was a child, quite adorable and naïve in her own way, and it had been quite amusing, watching her race around the gardens and trip and fall several times…

            Now it was night. He had his own guest chambers, quite lovely, but nothing like what he had at home. He liked his rooms at home better, but ah well…

            There were several trunks full of his luggage and he began to unpack. He slipped out of the clothes he had worn and stepped into the bathing chambers.

            The water was warm, and he sank into it gratefully. Children had so much energy. And then there had been that disgusting roast they had tried to force everyone to partake of during the banquet. He had eaten sparingly, touched solely the fruits and sweets. It was none so bad if he did that.

            His eyes were closed so he didn’t have to see the symbols scrolling over pristine flesh, like they were alive, which in a way they were…

            It mattered not.

            He stepped out and watched as silversteel crawled over his flesh, living metal. It hid his secret well.

            He watched as the winds began to blow around him gently, drying… his hair swirled around him as he sighed.

            Deceptions were everywhere. Hopefully this one would hurt less.

 

            “He’s quite charming.”

            Red nodded absentmindedly as a maid combed out her hair and another helped her out of the dress. She was simply glad that the corset was no longer required wear in this kingdom.

            “Did he kiss you?”

            “What? Of course not!” Red was still a child after all. The thought of kissing was quite terrifying…

            “Did he do anything?”

            “He played tag with me.”

            All of her maids’ sweatdropped, but then reminded themselves that their princess was still a child.

            Somehow, the thought of the dignified prince playing tag was shocking.

            Red thought back. “Oh. And he and I went flying on Pidgeot. It was fun. But then Pidgeot got tired pretty quickly so we had to stop.”

            “Did he hold you?”

            “Of course not! I clung onto his waist. He sat in front, since he’s heavier.”

            That didn’t really make sense, but the maids nodded.

            “And then we had cream sodas and they were yummy….”

            Their princess really was an airhead.

            Didn’t she know how to take advantage of the opportunity?

            At least they seemed to get along…

 

            He slept well, even though the bed was not his own. His dragons were curled up around the room, hiding things. Any assassin would have to get through them first.

            That was not an easy task.

           

            Red curled up with her stuffed Pidgey. Oh, she had Pidgeot in the mews and Fearow, but… they couldn’t sleep in her room.

            Mom said it was unsanitary.

            One of the maids left a cup of hot chocolate on the dresser and then left. Two others stayed in the room. They slept here after all.

            That way, at least a little resistance would be made before an assassin got to the princess, not that the maids were fighters…

            Around the bed, an almost invisible field shimmered. No one was sure what it was, but it was supposedly additional protection against ranged weapons.

            Red fell asleep quickly, dreaming of a red haired prince.

 

            The next morning, her maids brought her hot chocolate and buttered toast in bed and a basket of fresh fruit – phew! She did not have to endure another banquet!

            She didn’t like them. Sitting there smiling for hours on end was not fun. And Lance had just looked bored. At least she wasn’t alone.

            Misty said that Queen Articuno and King Lugia were leaving in a week or so. Good! No more fancy things!

            She hoped so at least.

            She helped herself to another slice of toast and wondered what would happen today. Maybe something interesting would happen?

 

            Lance woke up when a scream sounded. He saw a trembling girl in a black and white maid’s uniform staring at his dragons. He opened his eyes and glared at her.

            “What do you want?”

            “I-I just came to bring you breakfast, milord.” She squeaked.

            Lance shrugged his shoulders elegantly as the dragons parted to allow her through. In her hands she carried a tray with fruit and lightly spiced cakes, wine…

            “Leave this here.”

            “But milord….”

            “I need no help bathing or dressing.” Lance said sharply, as Aerodactyl bared his teeth. The maid fled.

 

            Lance changed into an elegantly cut suit of black velvet, fastening his cape around his shoulders – the weight was comfortable, as were the possessions hidden within.

            He smiled.

            He belted his sword-belt on, not bothering with any of the fancy armor he had brought. After all, the silversteel was curled protectively over his flesh and who cared what happened…?

            It wouldn’t hurt him.

            It was beautiful.

            It was one gift from his parents he appreciated…

 

            He polished off some of the fruit and cakes, took a sip of the wine, grimaced, and availed him of the water in the bathroom.

            That wine was disgusting, thick and heady. He liked dry, fruity wines, honestly, or he could do without it altogether.

            The dragons polished the leftovers off.

            Spotting a golden pull cord, he pulled it. A few minutes later, a servant appeared. He thanked him and requested toast and fruit juice.

            Later, he swallowed down two tall glasses of lemonade and decided that he had better go see his betrothed soon.

            After all, they should get to know each other. Yesterday, they hadn’t had time to talk at all, but today would be different.

            He could feel it.

            She was still a child after all. He felt sorry for her. After all, she was expected to give birth to a son at least.

            And that could be a problem.

            Luckily, she was too young, but in a few years… oh, the problems would come.

            Lance sighed.

 

End Chapter

Completed 8/19/05

Edited 5/25/09

Lance is sterile, and probably not human. That also explains why the Guardians typically don’t need to use protection in fanfic.

Lance: I hope no one finds out

Phantomness: Red will eventually, if not on her wedding night.

Red: EEP!