Yeah, chapter 3…
Disclaimer: I really want to own pokemon. Then I wouldn’t have to shell out ridiculous amounts of money for all their manga and games… *nodnod*
Notes: Er… Lance is a bastard.
Chapter 3
They trudge through the smog, disabling the stray Grimer or Koffing that floats by every so often. Lance’s Aerodactyl perches on his shoulder, and Ash wonders almost that it looks like wings.
A Dark Angel…
Sure, why not? Lance is wearing black silk, streaked with red at the throat and wrists, perhaps real rubies, perhaps not.
Did that bubble shield really work? It seemed so, since Lance looked comfortable. After checking through most of the town without luck, they decided to stop. The Pokemon Center was still standing so it would serve for shelter tonight.
It might even have beds!
They tried the water, but of course it was broken, so Ash had Squirtle give him a cold shower before he found a clean bed to sleep on. Some of the rooms were dusty, but otherwise fine.
The windows were intact. Good.
Lance told him goodnight in clipped tones, and then closed the door of the room next door. Aerodactyl eyed him as it perched on the dresser, flashing a fanged smile.
I think it’s working.
“Thank Lugia.”
You’ve certainly impressed upon him that you’re…
“Cold?”
Well, yes.
“I can only make it worse.” Lance began to comb his long hair out of the spikes with a sigh. “He can’t like me.”
Are
you hoping that Erika will… with him?
“Why not?”
It is a good idea, but she bows to your will… for you are the Dragon Master…
“Then I’ll ask her to be nice to him, and if he has a friend, so much the better. If a crush, so much the worse, but it shall pay off in the end.”
Master…
“I have to do this, Ptera dear. You know that as well as I. I may hate it, but it is the only way he will have the power necessary, when he is strong enough to finally wield the Sacred Sword…”
But this masquerade… it will destroy you, Master.
“So much the better. The end will hurt less. You see, Ptera… I don’t want him to regret anything.”
Ptera gave his Master a sad glance before he tucked his head under his wing. He listened as Lance brought up his power, and left the room, no protection from the outside elements.
Ah well. The Dragon Master would return in time.
“You came to seek us?” Koga asked formally, though he already knew the answer. Aya stood at his side silently, offering her support. Erika glanced up from her kneeling position. Janine frowned.
“Yes.” Lance said simply.
“Ash would have found us tomorrow.”
“I know.”
“What are you planning?” Erika asked. “I feel… the chill of winter wrapped around your heart.”
“You are correct.” Lance said, moving his hands apart, and the image shimmered between them. Koga paled.
“The Sacred Sword…” He breathed. “You hold it once again?”
“It seems that its power is necessary.”
“But… that means…” Janine burst in. “You’re going to die!”
“Shh.” Lance held a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell Ash, all right?”
“We won’t.” Aya promised. “Tomorrow then?”
“Yes.”
“We are loyal to you, Dragon Master.” Koga intoned seriously. “We will join with you, to buy the world some time yet. I suppose that soon you will unleash the power of the Sacred Sword.”
“Then the earth will be green again.” Erika said, dreamily. “That will be nice.”
“Indeed, but it will take sacrifice.” Aya glanced at Janine. “Daughter… you do not need to…”
“No.” Janine stood. “I am a ninja still, and I am not so much a child. Even Ash fought when he was only ten. How can I who am older do no more?”
“Brave child.” Lance gave her a smile, and she glanced back shyly. “I must depart now. Fare you well.”
His fingers traced silver glitter in the air, and they smiled.
“I feel sorry for him.” Koga said honestly.
Aya closed her eyes, feeling her brother’s arms around her. “Why?”
“For he holds near-infinite power, yet he cannot have the love of the one he truly loves.”
Aya had to agree. “It is easier to hold less and be happy.”
Janine glanced at her parents, before she went to sit next to Erika. The Grass Master was inspecting her Vileplume.
“It is lucky that my grass pokémon’s dual poison nature helps protect them from the smog outside.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think he will be all right?”
“Poison falls under his control, Erika, as you well know.”
She blushed. “I forgot such a basic fact. It is strange.” She gave her Gloom a hug, before she closed her eyes with a tired sigh.
“I feel so tired all of a sudden…”
“It is quite late. We should all rest, for tomorrow, the battle begins…”
Silence enveloped them all.
Lance slipped back inside, and sighed as he shed the armor of Dragon Master, watching it melt away. He climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep.
There were no nightmares tonight, but how long would the state of affairs last?
He wished he knew…
End Chapter
Completed 11/6/06
ANGST!
Lance: *Not happy*
Ash: *Cries*
Phantomness: *Hefts Scythe* ne, don’t piss off the authoress, hai?
Shoyko: Oh alas… poor me… more work…