Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon, it belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanwork owned by me and only myself.

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

Chapter 8: Little flitters

I don’t break that easily. You still can’t tell, can you? Pity…

He vanished his knives and walked back slowly. Carefully averting his eyes from the other resident, he settled down with his dragons next to him.

Why did Ash stay in this region if he was afraid? Really, that boy was always hard to understand unless you knew what strings to pull.

Still, better not overplay anything, as that can disrupt the purpose. He dexterously unwound the skein of black thread and began weaving the fate lines for the Magikarp colony that had begged him for help that afternoon.

No tangles until later down, so life would be good for a time. That was enough for them.

He watched as Ash’s attempts at alchemy fizzled. Sparks of purple dust jumped everywhere.

“Ash…”

The child jumped as if he’d been stung. Lance brushed invisible dust off his cloak and walked over. “I’m not going to hurt you, just watch.”

He concentrated his magic, eyes closed as the blue threads sprang out in a complicated weave.

Ash watched, without saying a word. Still, it was a start, he was not running away crazily.

Things might, might, work out?

Too much to hope, but at least he needed to learn this, so he stayed.

And so, the first lesson began…

They spent several months before Ash had finally mastered the webs of alchemy. It was a new topic and magic type to add to their repertoire.

It was a start, at least. The little one wasn’t quite running from his touch anymore. The hatred had been dimmed if not exterminated…

Always take things slowly so no steps are missed, it’s a pain fixing them later. With all lessons, life follows this path.

Rushed motions are often a painful tumble down a cliff.

Literally and figuratively, those things happen when one is Chosen…

Ash watched, fascinated, as he tore one of the threads apart. Down below, a rocket member screamed in agony.

It was… quite lovely.

It was revenge, too. Don’t I deserve the right to wreak havoc in search of revenge? Of course I do!

I’m Chosen, no one will contradict me. Besides, they killed my family.

This will be so fun…

He made the changes small, though, so that Serebii would not notice. A few lives here and there didn’t hurt.

I must be careful, not lose control… not like that time with the Unown, I can’t make that mistake again.

No, I will be careful. Don’t worry, Lance… I can’t call you chan yet, but don’t worry, things might get better.

At least I can trust you not to hurt me…

But that’s about it.

Still… you are a very good teacher. Plus, you were always stronger than me as Chosen, heart’s strength and magic and loyalty too.

I still have a lot to learn from you. Plus, you always had ice and iron for control. I wish I could do the same. Emotions are such a pain sometimes…

Articuno’s gift must not have kicked in yet.

Ash yawned, tired after another day of training, before he fell asleep. * Well, there is one way to test… *

He might not like it though.

Still… might as well…

Ash smiled before he fell asleep.

He woke up, time had no meaning in this realm; the Chosen controlled it on their whims. But the sunrise was real pretty…

Ash admired the sunset and then concentrated, shifting his clothes into his golden armor as he went to find Lance.

“I still need to finalize that spell…”

He found the Dragon Master already awake, dodging a multitude of swift attacks from various pokemon. That was one way to increase evasion. Technically, Swift should hit no matter what, so being able to dodge it was a worthwhile skill to learn.

“Ohayo gozaimasu, Lance.” Ash said. Lance gave him a wave and a Hi in return as he continued to jump, teleport, and fly around.

“Can I help?”
“Sure, throw a few Shockwaves at me.”

Ash nodded, focusing the foolproof lightning move, and then started. It was well over forty minutes later, if they counted time, before Lance stopped.

“You need help on something?”

Ash nodded.

“Fine, I’ll make breakfast and then we can talk about it.” Lance’s expression shifted into slight puzzlement as Ash gave him a winning smile. * Well… he can’t have changed that quickly. He isn’t forcing himself to be happy, is he? That’s even worse. No, I’d be able to feel it… *

Eyes going blue for a split second as he sifted through the emotions, what really screamed out beside the need for attention and affection was acceptance. Interesting.

< Acceptance can lead to many things… > Lance mused, as he made them sugar buns for thier breakfast. Ash consumed eight of the sugar syrup-filled puffy baked goods.

He smiled.

These were really tasty! He’d have to remember to try the recipe sometime, assuming he didn’t explode the realm by accident with his mediocre culinary skills.

Afterwards, they worked on the spell he was having trouble with, and Ash didn’t even wince any more when Lance came closer. That was always a good sign.

The Dragon Master looked pleased as he tucked the little one into bed. * It has finally begun, then… *

Lugia slept, most of the other legendaries as well. The guardians stayed in the realm…

And the Siren wreaked havoc below. True, she was not part of their plan, but… the human population was folding inwards, again.

Prosperity always led to strife, strife to conflict, conflict to war, and war to death. It was an unbreakable cycle.

A pity no one old and wise cared.

Lance dimmed the lights, allowing only a few stars to shine in the bleakness of the false night. The nocturnal pokemon ran through the area, staying quiet though.

He fell asleep as well, untroubled by dreams.

End Chapter!

Created 4/26/04, completed 4/30/04