Whee! Another chapter

Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me!

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

Fic Timeline: This takes place post Quemar, implied that in the past Lance had feelings for Ash but never got a chance to reveal them.

Chapter 4

 

            “So tell me, how’d you find me?” Ashline asked as they rode Lance’s dragonair to Seafoam.

            Lance chuckled. “Searched the trainer database.”

            “But…” Ashline frowned. “You’re a gym leader?”

            “Close enough.” Lance said, not answering the entire question. “Hakuryuu, start diving.”

            Dragonair nodded as they skimmed the surface of the waves before landing.

            “Well, here we are.” Lance said. “Did you bring camping supplies?”

            “Hai!” Ashline replied, grinning. She set up her tent, suddenly realizing something. “Um… Lance?”

            “What is it?”

            “You do have a sleeping bag, right?”

            “No, why?”

            “Ah! You’ll freeze! I know; you can sleep next to me and we can share my sleeping bag!” Ashline said helpfully. * Woohoo! Lucky! *

            Lance raised his eyebrows, but nodded.

            “So, off to catch some pokemon are you?”

            Ashline nodded.

            “Here.” Lance tossed her something that looked like a walkie-talkie. If you get lost or stuck, call me.”

            “Why are you being so nice?” Ashline wondered.

            “If you die it’s technically my fault for bringing you here, so please be careful.”

            “K, I promise!”

 

            While Ashline cheerfully ran off, Lance flipped open his minicomputer.

            < Input password. >

            < I, Lance Dragyn, pledge my loyalty as Dragon Master. > Lance typed.

            < Scanning… scanning… identity confirmed. >

            Lugia’s image popped up. < Chosen? >

            < Hello father. >

            < Why are you calling me this early in the day? >

            < Things came up. I’m found… him. >

            < Him? > Lugia perked up, as the computer vanished and direct telepathic interface descended.

            < Yes, Father. >

            < Excellent! We’ll contact Honou at once-. >

            < No. >

            Lugia paused. < Why not? >

            < ‘He’ is a girl. >

 

            <WHAT?! >

            < That’s what I’m saying, Father. My *soulmate-to-be* got reincarnated as a ditzy, childish girl! It’s only the knowledge that somewhere under all those layers of fluff and glitter is the soul I love that’s preventing me from tearing her throat out! >

            < Dear me…> Lugia said, still shocked.

            < She’s flirting with me too, and it’s annoying. Do you know how hard it is to look cool and collected? >

            < Considering this situation, I’ll lift the ban. Go ahead and take the medicine. >

            < Arigato, Father. >

            The computer clicked as two silvery-blue tablets fell into Lance’s waiting hands. The evident relief in those golden eyes shone as he swallowed.

            Blessed ice…

 

            “Corsola, Ancientpower!”

            The Shellder collapsed in a heap as Ashline threw a poke ball. “All right! I’ve got a Shellder and a Seel already!”

            Starmie nodded, yawning.

            The Corsola that had once been a Staryu smiled happily, jumping up and down.

            A loud screech sounded off to the right.

            Ashline whipped her head around. “Is that a-?”

            No, that’s a golbat.

            “Darn. I was hoping I’d found Articuno…”

            Ashline shrugged. “Corsola, Ancientpower again!” She threw another poke ball.

            Golbat was caught!
           

            Lance watched, invisible. * Not bad, not bad… she’s got skill at least, or luck, as it were, but then again, she is a phoenix inside. *

            < She also has a poke ball that transforms pokemon. >

            < Honou! Why are you in my head? Get out! > Lance snapped.

            < Touchy, touchy. >

            < Of course I’m touchy; you *killed* me! >

            < Sorry! >

            < Sorry doesn’t cut it. Like father like son. > Lance sighed.

            < You’re just as distant and cold as Lugia is! >

            < Thank you. >

            < It wasn’t a compliment! >

            < I know. >

 

            Honou looked at Lance. < You’re still angry with me aren’t you? >

            < Hai! >

            < I really am sorry. >

            Lance did not reply. He was still staring into space and trying to formulate an answer when Ashline came back.

            “Lance, I’m back – eek!”

            Honou sweatdropped as his son – er, daughter now, fainted dead away.

 

            < Well, that’s interesting. > Lance said.

            < Do something! >

            < Like what? >

            < I don’t know… why don’t you kiss her? It always works in the movies. >

            < You legendaries have _way_ too much free time on your hands. > Lance muttered. < And the answer is no. >

            < Then… >

            < First, you need to leave! If she wakes up and sees you again, she’ll only faint again. > Lance said.

            Honou huffed but vanished. < I’ll be watching you… >

 

            Lance reached down and, sure enough, found a small bump on Ashline’s head. His eyes glowed gold for a split second as he activated his healing power.

            Ashline woke up a few minutes later.

            “Ow… what happened?”

            “You slipped on the ice and knocked yourself out.” Lance said. “You okay? There’s a bump on your head.”

            Ashline rubbed the sore spot, wincing. “I hope.” * Ack! I just fell on my face in front of the trainer I’m trying to impress! Great going Ashline! *

            “It’s getting late. I’ll make something for us to eat.” Lance said.

            “A-arigatou!”

            While Lance made canned clam chowder and took out some yummy wheat crackers, Ashline clenched her fist behind her back. * I can’t fail now! I’ve got thirteen days left to impress him! Got to do my best! *

 

End Chapter

Completed 11/16/04