Wai~!
I hate physics with a passion. Really. It might have something to do with my midterm! >.<
Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon. Satoshi Tajiri and Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics own pokemon. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic belongs to me.
Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks
Chapter 4: But I need your help…
By the end of the first day, Ash had won three battles. The first, against Javier, had already been described in graphical detail, although not of the blood-and-gore sort, then two more against grass masters who had double-teamed him. Losers.
He was feeling pretty confident.
Blaine was pleased his grandson was doing well. Flannery was sparkling too, as she had managed to beat a Water Master named Marina, much to her own surprise. Good strategy she had used, Overheat was her signature move after all…
“You’re just observing?” Agatha asked, pulling up a chair next to him.
“Getting too old for this sort of thing.” Blaine grunted. “Fire mastery doesn’t cancel out aging like ghost, psychic, and dark do.”
“Ah…”
“You?”
“Karen’s doing well, Gary… well, he didn’t go ghost like I hoped. He went ground… I’m not too happy, but if he likes it…”
Blaine coughed slightly. “I see.” Personally, he wanted his family to stay fire, no questions asked. Agatha was undoubtedly more lenient…
To each their own.
The Tournament generally lasted only a week, after which the scores were tallied. The two trainers with the most wins were given ‘Master Champion’ status. More than one loss, and you were eliminated from competition. Of course, you were welcome to turn down challenges, but it reflected badly on your honor (and possibly your family’s) if such an incident was incurred.
Dangerous.
Slitted golden eyes regarded the challenger thoughtfully. “Are you sure you wish to challenge me?” * Tis not a wise move… *
“Yes!”
“Fine then. Shall we?” Blue and blue glowed in unison.
Lance stood across the arena from Katrina. “Fine.”
Did she really think Water could beat Dragon?
Hydro Pump. How expected and mundane. He flew, letting the wind skim his wings as he laughed.
She couldn’t even scratch him.
Ice beam?
Flamethrower.
Dragons were very versatile after all.
Time to finish… Dragon Rage.
Finito. He hadn’t even needed Hyper Beam.
“Hi.”
Lance looked up, spotted a partially familiar visage. “Ah… it’s you, Ash.”
Ash grinned. “I’ve won seven rounds already!”
“That’s wonderful.”
“You?”
“Oh… only four. I see no real point in battling.”
Ash’s jaw dropped.
“Just teasing you, child. You really need to lighten up.”
“That was mean.”
“As you say…” Lance did not prod further, and Ash uncomfortably fidgeted. Finally, he spoke again.
“I- well, Lance, I want to challenge you.”
“Now?”
“No…” Ash blushed. The truth was, he knew he would most likely lose, but… it might be fun. * Then again, it’s not just that… *
Power shimmered in the Dragon Master’s every move. He wanted that confidence. Ninetails did too.
Energy…
It shimmered and glowed and was so _pretty_…
Cunning reflected in Lance’s eyes as Ash peered into them. A dragon he might be, but Lance was as slippery as an eel.
I want that power…
Flames burned hotly in his soul, but the darkness dipped and swelled within as anticipation flooded his being.
“Ah…” Lance’s voice dropped to a crooning whisper. “And what will you offer me? Everything has a price…”
“What do you want?” Ash asked foolishly.
Lance smirked.
Ninetails tensed slightly. She recognized this smile…
It wasn’t exactly malicious, but…
< Are you sure, Ash? >
< Why not? >
< Er… >
“Well… you can fight me, but if I win…” Lance trailed off.
“Yes?” Ash prompted.
“You have to obey me for a week, no questions asked.”
That sounded kind of scary…
Was he willing to take the risk?
Lance patiently waited while Ash squirmed in thought. * He wouldn’t, would he? Oh, I don’t know him well enough. What a weird bet… but then I can’t lose! *
Several shades of crimson filled the boy’s face.
“If you don’t want to, then don’t.”
“I’m not a coward!”
“Did I imply that? I think not.”
“Then…”
“You’re still young, and you just got Mastery. Don’t be reckless!”
“Oh.”
“Throwing your life away now would be pointless.”
Ash winced. He hadn’t killed anyone _yet_, but it was getting close when his blood ran hot in the fervor of battle.
So hard to maintain control…
Perchance Lance had the same problem?
Difficult to tell, the trainer’s icy façade was so realistic he could almost feel the chill radiating off. Oh well.
“See you later then.”
Lance waved as Ash headed off to challenge someone else.
< So what did he mean? >
< I think, > Ninetails said carefully, < That he wanted to mate you. >
Ash’s jaw dropped like a rock. “Now way in a million years! Why?”
She shrugged. No idea.
How… not nice…
Well, he would definitely _not_ challenge Lance. No way! Hentai~!
End Chapter
Completed 11/3/04
Lance: Why am I suddenly a pervert?
Phantomness: Ninetails has misinterpreted your response.
Lance: *nods* Good…
Kairo: Ehehehe…