Either I get them back together or I don’t…

DISCLAIMER/NOTES: See previous chapter

Started 9/10/04

WARNING: Twisted love, Insanity

Chapter 11

“Lance?”

Red looked around, confused. Lance’s traveling bag still lay across his bunk in the pokemon center, but he was not there.

Where could he have gone?

It wasn’t as if Lance couldn’t take care of himself, though, so Red did not fret until he discovered early the next morning that said Dragon Master had still not returned. Odd. He wasn’t this careless.

Very odd! Surely he’d at least leave a note.

Situation-wise, this was not looking good. With a sigh, Red released his Espeon. “Espeon, do you know where Lance is?”

< I can scan Master Ash. Why? >

“I haven’t seen him, what if he’s in trouble?”

< Daresay I that he can take care of himself. Still, we should be cautious. > Espeon’s eyes glazed purple as she started scanning…

And scanning…

Ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty had passed before the pokemon stopped.

Lance must be very far away then!

“Well, where is he?”

< … Whirl Islands… > Espeon said quietly. < But you can’t go there. >

Perplexed expression registered itself on Red’s face as he blinked. “Why not?”

< Lugia’s sanctuary is off-limits to all except his family and the dragons he allows… > Espeon frowned. Should she tell the rest?

Maybe it would be better that way.

< Master Ash, please do not go. >

“Why?”

< Death waits if you do. > * There, I said it. *

Now it was shock that augmented this trainer’s physiognomy. “WHAT?!”

< Love spurned becomes hate, Master Ash. What did you do to him? >

“What did _I_ do? He’s the one who was acting all uppity!”

< … So you say. >

Red thought back, hard, and then froze. Misty. Last night. The kiss. Oh no…

How could he have forgotten something so fundamentally obvious? Lance _read_ auras, didn’t need eyes to see that!
Kissing… that would definitely meld two people’s spirit energy, so he and Misty, and if Lance had seen!

Ouch! No wonder he was angry!

“But I have to go explain!”

< Master Ash, think. You’ve just broken him once again. You failed your second chance, so to speak. Do you think he’ll listen? >

The answer was unconditionally, a resounding NO.

Red slumped down to his feet. “Then what can I do?”

Espeon flicked her tails. < You failed, Master Ash. What more can you demand from him? >

“But he-!”

< You hurt him first. > Espeon reminded him.

“Return.” Red recalled her to the poke ball, not wanting to listen to any more. * It’s true… * His conscience pricked him, but he didn’t know _what_ to do.

FAILURE.

Pretty. Power was pretty and dark and dancing shimmering lights and killing those trespassers was so _easy_ it didn’t mind if he were sightless.

Pretty.

Lance’s blades whistled through the air, responding to his call. They were a part of him, forged from the silversteel of his dragon wings. Created from his own blood and bone… bound forever.

Of course they listened. Never missed their target, and they never hit him by mistake. A little bit of magic goes a long way…

I won’t lose, of course I won’t…

He pricked up his ears as someone else entered. * Oh? Another foolish person who wants to capture Lugia-san? *

Giggled as the blades danced around him and he attacked.

Red panicked as sharp pointy objects surrounded him from all directions. “Ahh! Ouch! Lance, stop!”

“What are you doing here?!” Lance demanded, stopping momentarily. “Explain now.” His wrist shot out and grabbed Ash by the collar of his jacket.

“I-I came to apologize.”

“Saying “I’m Sorry’ will not change anything.” Lance demurred. “I don’t need you anymore, dear.”

You failed.

This is what your reward is.

“But I love you!”

“Your actions have proved otherwise once and twice again… you forget, _Red_, that I was your teacher for ten years. I know you well enough. Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying, damn it!” Red exploded. “What do you want from me? How can you claim to love me if you don’t show it either?”

“Were I not here, I would kill you.” Lance snapped. “But I will not let your blood stain this sacred place.”

“Demo, I love you and I’m sorry, but oh, I’m sorry!” * I have no choice now, so… *

Lance’s eyes widened as metal slid between his ribs. * Oh I knew I shouldn’t have taught him all my tricks… *

Even guardians die.

He slid quietly to the floor, waiting.

Fine. I’ve had it. I’m giving up. Closed his eyes and waited for the light to fade and the pretty darkness to claim him again.

Peace.

Red carefully wiped the blood off his sai, before slipping it back into his jacket. “This was the only way, Lance.”

Taking the other blade carefully, he slid it between his own ribs and slumped down next to Lance, feeling his life ebb as he took Lance’s hands in his own.

At least we’ll be together in death… this world is no place for us…

END

Completed 9/16/04

Phantomness: Oops

Lance: >.< OOPS?! I’m going to kill you!!!

Ash: ;.; I wouldn’t really kill Lance would I?
Pika-chan: Hope not! I’d miss those yummy pastries.

Kairo: *slaps Pika-chan*

Shoyko: Why? Why? I work so hard because Phantomness keeps writing darkfic. *Sob*

Phantomness: Well, Lance is overemotional and Ash makes stupid mistakes and that is not a good combination! Nods So there!