Championshippers unite~!

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

Red was surprised to see a huge crowd of trainers congregating outside of Steven’s mansion. It was quite an impressive edifice, definitely, but for some reason, he got a strange feeling in his stomach when he looked at it. He shook his head – he was being paranoid. Obviously, a lot of strong trainers had been invited, so maybe they would be having a tournament! That would be cool.

Moments later, the hosts walked out. Red’s eyes widened as he picked them out. Steven was here, and so was Lance and many of the Elite Four from Kanto and Johto. Even Charlotte from Cosmos was here! Why were all these strong trainers at the party too? Could this have something to do with the missing trainers?

“Welcome,” Lance said, his voice quiet. Red felt something twinge inside, unaware that his brown eyes had taken on a faint silver glint. Lance’s eyes were already pure silver, his power spreading through the trainers as he spoke.

“As you may have realized, we have sought the strongest, most promising trainers in all the regions to attend.” Lance continued. “This is because we shall be offering a limited number of trainers the opportunity to train underneath the Elite Four and Champions we have gathered here.”

He stopped for a moment, as the crowd grew excited, several excited yells splitting the air while murmurings filled the rest.

“However,” Lance continued, “We would not pick just any trainer. Therefore, this month shall be a test, as it were. Only those who survive until the end are worthy of becoming our apprentices.”

At this, the trainers began shooting looks at each other. Red felt the atmosphere shift almost immediately – instead of finding friends here; he would have nothing but opponents and enemies, and Poochyena growled menacingly at a girl who was standing too close.

She edged away, her green hair in its buzz cut shaking a little.

“The first test shall begin tomorrow morning.” Lance said. “Steven has graciously allowed us the use of this island’s natural cave system. Somewhere, hidden deep inside those caves, are Moon Stones. To pass the first test, you must retrieve a Moon Stone within twenty-four hours. But be warned, there are vicious wild pokemon in the caves.”

While they absorbed this information, Red wondered. Was it really worth it?

But… if he didn’t try, they would probably call him a chicken! Besides, he could use some good battles!

He could deal with wild pokemon just fine!

I can’t wait! Poochyena barked excitedly.

Red smiled.

After a few minutes, Lance spoke again. “That is all. Tonight, dinner will be served at six, and afterwards, there will be music and dancing in the ballroom. You are free to partake of whatever you choose.”

With that, he walked away, the other members – even Steven – trailing him.

“How many do you think will pass?” Lorelei asked.

< We only prepared twenty Moon Stones. > Will sent. < And I highly doubt even that many will make it. >

“Then that would certainly simplify things.” Steven glanced outside. “I don’t like the look of some of them.”

“Well, we wanted to have a large pool, just in case.” Lance smiled. “Besides, they’ll have to fight each other.”

“And the prisoners.”

“Those too,” Lance smirked. “I’d be surprised if even five made it out.”

“Look at them.” Charlotte said in disgust. “So confident. So cocky.”

“Now, now…” Karen smiled. “We were like that once too.”

“Not for long.” The Cosmos Champion retorted. “We grew out of it soon enough, when our eyes were opened.”

“And so will they.” Lance cut in. “We can send the failures home this first round – they’ll not speak of the shame. Tomorrow, after the test is complete, we’ll reveal our true intentions.”

“Is it safe?” Steven questioned.

Lance shot him a sharp look. “Worse case scenario, we can have Agatha erase their memories. For those who prove resistant… well, their skill levels are still far below our own.”

The Steel trainer nodded, understanding.

Lance’s answering smile was vicious.

The dinner and dancing that night was fun, but Red simply ate his fill and then went upstairs to his room to prepare. If there was a test the next morning, he didn’t want to be tired!

He checked his poke balls one last time. Poochyena was napping on his pillow, and he had secretly brought more than six pokemon, just in case. Suicune, Arcanine, and Pidgeot went on his belt, along with Poochyena, Venusaur, and Espeon.

Snorlax and Blastoise were in his backpack, and on the little chain around his neck went his precious Dragonite.

He was ready.

< So, Will, up for putting some bratty trainers in their places? > Karen asked.

The masked psychic smiled. < Why not? It would be a good way to burn off some stress. >

< Oh, I can think of a better way… > Karen purred, stalking closer to him.

Will just laughed, as he pulled her into a kiss. < Ah. Well, we can play now and fight later. >

The two of them fell onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, and said no more.

“Red’s cute, isn’t he?”

“I didn’t notice anything special about him.” Lance said. Then he frowned, as Charlotte giggled. “All right. He does look like jailbait. He can’t be more than ten – maybe twelve – years old!”

“He’s seventeen, actually.”

Lance stared at her. “You’re kidding.”

“I checked the official League database. I’m not.”

“… Hmm.” A small smile curved the Dragon Master’s lips. “Then this might be interesting after all…”

End Fic

Completed 7/27/07

Kaleidoscopes are strange things. If you turn the bottom in different ways, the patterns change. So is it with Red’s life and circumstances, hence the title of this story!

Lance is not precisely lying when he gives his speech, just not telling the whole truth!

Lance and Steven are NOT a couple! Just friends!