Notes/Disclaimer: Really, just see another chapter. I get annoyed to have to always put it. I don’t own pokemon, it belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics, this is non-profit fanwork and it’s mine… I’m not infringing on their copyright either.

Timeline: 4 years later…

Chapter 11: Evermore, Nevermore

It was finished. A colossal task had finally been completed.

The relief was shimmering through the air.

Ash felt guilty, but he was fully glad that it was over. Now, pokemon flourished.

It didn’t even feel strange that there were no other people around. Though on reflection, Ash doubted he could count as human anymore.

That part of him had been sealed ever since he had joined Lance and the legendary pokemon in their quest.

Now, as he and Lance lay floating among the currents of the warm ocean, they could finally relax.

It had been agony, not being able to touch.

All their time had been spent working. They had fallen asleep exhausted every night. Even feather-light touches were rare.

But their love had held firm, proving it true.

Wasn’t that what really counted?

Lance turned lazy golden eyes on his partner. < So, now what? >

< Now, we enjoy life. > Ash said, grinning.

< I was hoping you’d say that. > Lance replied, before kissing the other trainer breathless.

When Ash finally regained his senses, he noticed that they were cuddled up together on a sandy beach.

Happily, he snuggled into the proffered embrace.

It was a piece of peace.

That was all he was asking for.

Lugia and Suicune watched over the two lovers as they slept.

So was it worth it?

< I think so. > Lugia said. * And yet, we put them through the blender of the world… it’s a miracle they came out in one piece. *

< It is. > Ho-oh said, flying down to join them. < They deserve the peace they are getting. I will grant them my power, the Phoenix Gift. >

Suicune stared. Phoenix gift?! But… you have only cast the phoenix curse in the past.

That is because no humans deserved my gift of life together forever. Ho-oh said practically. And in the future, we may need their help again.

Yes…

Phoenix’s Gift was different from Phoenix’s Curse.

The Phoenix’s Curse was a punishment. All the generations of the one who was cursed would suffer forever in an agony of flames, invisible flames that would not kill them, and would not stop burning until they repented truly.

On the other hand, the Phoenix’s Gift was the gift of rebirth. Death could bring about it a shower of flames, and the one with the gift would rise again.

Three times three times three chances at life.

That would be enough, and then in the end, the legendaries would seal the two inside the Dream Realm, and keep them safe.

In the end, it doesn’t even matter….

End Chapter!

Or… if you want to see a snippet of more fluff, then read on.

Ash purred as Lance trailed kisses down his throat. < Lance… >

< Hm? >

< I’m so glad it’s all over. >

< Me too. > Lance said, as his hands began going places where they probably shouldn’t be.

Ash was blushing too hard to speak any more. It was amazing what shades of red he could turn.

Of course, it wasn’t as if his vocal cords were in any condition to move, considering the Lance was still kissing him. But it was kawaii anyways.

So, in the end, everything turned out fine, because Phantomness is a sucker for happy endings.

Started 2/27/04, and completed 4/1/04