Another chapter!
Disclaimer/Notes: See previous chapter

Chapter 12

 

            The next morning, Ash picked up a strangely quiet Catelyn.

            “Was it home?”

            “No, but I remembered where home was.”

            “You did? That’s great!” Ash beamed.

            Catelyn shook her head. “No. It’s across the continent in Johto.”

            Ash deflated. * Johto? How’d she get here? *

            Catelyn sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so much trouble.”

            “No, it’s not that, really! I’m just kind of surprised…”

            “I understand.”

            Lance reflected inwardly that it was so easy to play Catelyn. She was naïve, innocent, shy… many things he was not any longer.

            Dare he say he felt partially attached to her, although she didn’t actually exist, them being the same person?

            How odd.

            “Um… so…” Ash looked nervous. “I guess it’ll be goodbye soon. I mean; if I win the league I can go to Johto…”

            “It’s fine.” Lance said.

            “Eh?”

            A brief flash of blue later, they were in Johto. Ash stared.

            “You can teleport?”

            < I remembered how. >

            “You’re telepathic?”

            < I remembered that too. >

            “Catelyn, who are you really?” Ash asked. Curiosity was burning him up. He had to know! Somehow! Even if the answer…

            Ash jumped back as Catelyn concentrated. Blue light formed, shattering – shattering? Ash ran in, but not before the energy waves made a few light cuts along his body. A few drops of blood fell to the floor.

            Golden eyes opened in surprise as illusion faded away, no, not illusion, transmutation, unwelcome… tail melted into legs, feminine curves vanished…

            Ash was… a guardian?

 

            Ash stared in surprise. “Who are you?”

            “Ore wa… Lance Dragyn.”

            “You’re *him*?”
            “Hai.”

            “B-but you were a girl! A mermaid! A…”

            “I know. I know. That was the effect of a curse I put on an enemy who should now be burning in the Phoenix’s flames.”

            “?”

            “Never mind.” Lance coughed slightly. “Ash, there was something I needed to tell you.” * Please don’t wish for something stupid. *

            “Okay.” Ash nodded.

            “Since you saved my life back in Lavender Town, I can grant you a wish.”

 

            Silence reigned for a few minutes.

            “You’re kidding.”

            “Why would I be?”

            “A wish? Any wish?”

            “As long as it’s not too outrageous, I can probably swing it.”

            “But…”

            “But what? Don’t you want anything?” Lance asked, feeling somewhat confused at Ash’s silence. He should be enthusiastic!

            “But I’ll never see you again!” Ash burst out.

            Blinking occurred.

            “What do you mean you’ll never see me again?”

            “I read in a fairy tale that if a mermaid grants a wish, she dies!”

            “…Ash, Ash…. You’re so kind. But firstly, I’m not a mermaid and never was, the form was just temporary, and two, I’m not going to die.”

            Ash stopped sniffling. “Really?”

            “Really…” * Honestly, this boy… what is up with him? *

            “Well, okay.” Ash said. “I wish…” He stopped. Did he really want to wish to be a pokemon Master?

            If he did, wouldn’t that mean he couldn’t do it on his own?

            Ugh! That would be as bad as Gary! He didn’t need outside influence to become a Master! He could do it on his own!

            On the other hand, just wasting a wish would not be good either.

            Wait…

 

            Information was a valuable commodity often overlooked. Plus, his mom wasn’t giving him any answers.

            Surely this wouldn’t hurt.

            “I want to know the connection between my mother and Team Aqua, and what she won’t tell me.”

            “Very well.”

            Lance’s eyes glowed golden, and Ash watched…

 

            “You can’t just quit!”

            “I can and I will! Damn it, Archie, you’re insane! Do you know what summoning Kyogre will cause?”

            “Of course I do! The sea will be reclaimed for the water pokemon!”

            “No, you idiot, the whole earth will flood and everyone will die! Then what will you do?”
            “You’re too pessimistic, Delia.”

            “And you’re insane!”

            “Fine! But remember, I offered you shelter!”

            “And I have full right to reject your offer!”

            “You think life will be easy for a pregnant, unmarried girl? Give me the child, Delia.”

            “Never!”

            “Then…” Archie stood up. “You are no longer part of the family.”

            “That is what I wish.”

 

            Delia walked out alone, head held high. The last time she would wear Team Aqua’s uniform.

            She knew she was leaving much behind, but that was fine.

            The future beckoned.

 

            “Mom was in Team Aqua?”

            “Yes.”

            “I… see…”

            “I’ll be leaving now.” Lance smiled. “I’ll see you in the future, guardian.”

            “H-hai!” Ash said, blinking back sudden tears as he waved goodbye. “I promise!”

            “Let’s make it then,” Lance smiled, as he brushed his lips against Ash’s, startled when the boy latched onto him.

            “I know I’ll see you again.” Ash vowed. “It will happen.”

            He smiled in response, brushing another kiss across Ash’s cheek. “I will wait until then…” And with a flash of  blue light, he was gone.

            Ash smiled at Pikachu. “Come on Pikachu, let’s head off to get the next badge. The faster we get them, the sooner I can go to Johto and see her – him again!”

            And with that, they headed off on a new adventure…

 

Completed 12/17/04

END FIC

Yes, as Catelyn Lance couldn’t remember his memories… eh, guess this is more shonen-ai than het? Oops… *shrugs*