Whee! I love writing!

Disclaimer/Notes: See previous chapter

Lance: I sense long series

Ash: *yawns* As long as there’s no lemon

Phantomness: *picks up scythe* I’m the writer! Me!!!

Chapter 13

“Go, Clefable!”

“Bulbasaur, I choose you!” A flick of the wrist sent send pokemon into the arena, ready for battle.

Clefable immediately ran towards Bulbasaur with a Doubleslap. Before reaching her destination, however, she was ensnared in Bulbasaur’s vines, before a hefty dose of Stun Spore coated her in paralysis.

“Eek! Clefable, use Metronome!”

Metronome turned out to be Ancientpower, which did do some damage while raising Clefable’s stats, but not enough to KO Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur shrugged, Mega Drained away.

This turn, Clefable was paralyzed.

Bulbasaur used another Mega Drain.

“Clefable, use Ice Punch!”

Bulbasaur dodged with a high jump; normally she wouldn’t be that fast but paralysis did help.

A flurry of razor leaves shot at Clefable.

Clefable surrendered and fainted. Gabriella whistled. She was slightly concerned, but not that much yet, so…

“Clefable, return! Persian, I choose you!”

“She’s bringing out Persian already?” Ash frowned. * I don’t think her cat-type knows any fire moves… *

“Bulbasaur, Poisonpowder!”

Poisonpowder hit! Persian used Hyper Beam!
Poor unfortunate Bulbasaur fainted…

Ash sighed. * Not enough defense… oh well… better use – not squirtle, it knows electric moves… *

“Pikachu, I choose you!”

Pikachu happily let off a Thunderbolt as soon as she entered the arena. Sure, Persian countered with its own Thunderbolt, but Pikachu had STAB.

A thunderwave stopped the cat, freeing the mouse, and next Toxic splashed on those white flanks, Paralysis + poison = good combination.

Gabriella clutched the railings tightly as Pikachu’s Double Team and Protect strategy kept her out of harm’s way until poison had drained off all of Persian’s HP. What to do now?

She… couldn’t’ lose, could she?

As her emotions roared to a high pitch of fear, the ribbons in her hair started to glow…

“I choose you! Kangaskhan, use Mega Kick!” Pikachu went a-sailing and Ash quickly recalled her.

Down to one x one…

He had to win. Not just for himself, but for his pokemon!

Fingers were already fumbling for the poke ball, before his conscience stopped him. * You’re not going to break your promise, are you? *

Was winning worth sacrificing someone else’s life?

No! I won’t!
Lance’s poke ball lay untouched as he released another pokemon, hoping for the best. “I choose you, Gastly!”

Gabriella laughed. Such a low evolution… “Kangaskhan, use Mega Punch!”

Mega Punch simply went through the pokemon. Ash seized his chance. “Gastly, use Hypnosis!”

Zzzzz….

“Good! Now use Dream Eater!”

Gastly had been an easy catch; poison-types were weak to ground so Charmander had used Dig. It had been quick work in Lavender’s pokemon tower.

Two hits later, it was down.

Thank goodness normal moves don’t hurt ghosts.

Gabriella burst into angry tears. That burst of emotion suddenly kicked her body into glowing.

Evolution…

Well, nothing had really changed upon clearing, but yes, she was now another normal-type pokemon.

Pity…

Pokemon aren’t supposed to compete in competitions, poor Gabriella… so Ash won by forfeit.

Two left…

He was a bit nervous, but it wasn’t too bad. Gastly on the other hand, looked absolutely tickled pink at this easy victory. It had gained six levels in one blow.

Would evolve to Haunter soon then…

Lance and Gastly were talking, so he didn’t bother them.

< I’ve never seen your type of pokemon before. >

< Neither have I… I’m the first ghost-dragon hybrid I know of. >

< You’re pretty. >

Lance blinked in surprise at this unexpected comment. < Well, thank you. >

They spent the afternoon playing tag, which with two ghosts was a bit different, considering they floated through walls, people, other pokemon in the way…

It still was fun!
Since Gastly was still a child, Lance took pity and ‘adopted’ said pokemon along with her dragons. Ash didn’t’ mind…

Was kind of cute in it’s own way.

Gastly took up residence in Lance’s great ball.

Ash took Lance out to dinner in disguise. She temporarily magicked her hair dark blue, and changed her harem girl clothes into a white t-shirt and jeans.

They had pizza. True, it wasn’t romantic, but right now it was just two friends celebrating and having fun.

After dark, they went training.

Wild Hoothoot appeared!
“Lance?”

Genie smirked, Thunderbolt striking down the Hoothoot and also a passing Golbat. < Yes? >

“Any trainer would be proud to have you on their team.”

Darkness concealed, so he didn’t see her blush. < Thank you, Ash. >

“Prepare for Trouble!”

Lance sighed. “I don’t’ have time for this…” A Twister attack sent Team Rocket flying away again. It had become pretty commonplace.

_Was_ TR bugging him to find him?

Ash still wasn’t completely sure on that, but oh well… right now, he was too happy to care.

End Chapter

Completed 9/10/04