Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Satoshi Tajiri, Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me under international copyright laws and taking it is plagiarism. Thank you. *Phantomness bows*

Chapter 12

Gareth watched Lance curiously. Although Lance had told him of Ashline’s words, he could not believe so easily. The sly little minx could still try to string them along.

He was not about to give in again…

Ash had been the cause of too much trouble. He did not wish to forgive.

Indeed, the man’s pride still stung.

Golden eyes slanted a sideways look at him. The King of Blackthorn frowned.

It did not bode well.

That night, the Shinouites feasted and danced, drinking and making merry for the first time in months. At last, the cruel war was over!

If only it were that simple.

When it was dark and the streets were finally quiet, Lance unlatched the bolt and slowly, the Kings dropped into the city silently. Three men went to open the gates. The rest of their fleet had hidden around the island, and as a signal flare burst the sky, the bronze-clad men streamed into the city. The reckoning had begun!

Paul woke up suddenly, his sleep disturbed by screams and shouts of terror. To his horror, flames were leaping from house to house, while corpses slumped in the gutters.

He hastily threw on his armor and grabbed his bow. “How…”

The slave-girl gave a pout, before realizing that they were in danger.

Paul began rushing towards the high tower where he had left Ashline. However, when he arrived at his so-called-wife’s chamber, there was already someone there.

Lance gave a cold smile as he nocked his bow.

The arrow pierced Paul in his right hand. He gave a cry of pain, clutching at the wound. It was already difficult for him to shoot with his missing fingers, and now…

The next shaft lodged in the man’s eye, sending him flying backwards.

Ash shuddered, but could not say that she felt guilty about this turn of affairs. Paul deserved worse.

Paul howled in agony, his frame wracked with shudders. “P-Poison!”

“You deserve to die as Red died.” Lance spoke quietly. He drew his sword, sensing movement, but it was just Ash.

“Lance! Why are you here?” She whispered. What was going on? Was he alone?

“Shush.” He commanded. “You’ll see your husband soon enough.”

All the blood drained from her lovely face. “G-Gary is here too?”

“High King Gareth,” He corrected, as Paul gave one finally scream and crumpled, blood-flecked foam lining his mouth. “You did not think I would risk my life to rescue you alone, did you?”

The Princess who had been Queen flushed. “I suppose not…”

There was a pause, as Lance re-sheathed his weapon. “Do you still love your husband, Ash?”

“I…I don’t know.” Ash replied. She moved towards the redhead. Lance narrowed his eyes as arms slid around his waist.

“Well,” He stated, “I do not wish to become your lover. I will protect you without any bribes, Ash. I am your friend and not your concubine.”

Brown met gold, before she blushed and stopped her movements. She did not, however, leave Lance’s lap.

“I don’t think Gary will take me back…”

“That remains to be seen.” He replied softly.

Ash sighed, and looked out the window, trying to ignore the violence. “Yes.”

“You do not believe he loves you?”

“I am no longer sure. We were comfortable, but I never felt passion for him.” Ash shook her head. “He could be cruel…”

“So are all men.”

“It has been ten years, and I have not been faithful.”

“Whether such dalliance is your fault or that of the deathless gods remains to be seen.” The Blackthorn King said dryly.

“I lusted for Paul, yes.” Ash nodded. “But I do not think I loved him either.”

“Then you have never loved anyone?”

“Love… I don’t think I believe in it.” She turned. “What about you, Lance?”

Dull golden eyes met brown. “The one I love is dead.”

“Then the rumors were true?”

“Ah, so you have heard of them. Were Red and I lovers? Certainly,” Lance shrugged. “My tastes never ran towards women like you.”

“I… could have been happy with you, I think.” The younger confessed quietly.

“Perhaps,” Lance agreed. “But it is too late now.”

The rampage continued outside, and it was several hours later before Gary staggered up the steps. His armor was matted with gore.

Rage boiled in his heart as he saw Lance guarding Ash. “Out of the way!”

He brandished his sword.

“No!” Ash yelled. “Don’t! Gary!”

“What, have you chosen him as your new lover?” Gary’s tone was ugly. “Faithless to one and all, I see!”

“Nothing like that!” She cried. Her husband truly hated her, didn’t he? Not that she could entirely blame him…

“He killed Paul.”

Gary eyed the fallen corpse, finally recognizing the wife-stealer. “Ahh, well then, I congratulate you.”

“I was only doing my duty, High King.” Lance replied.

“Yes, yes, and you shall be rewarded well.” He said impatiently. “Now, let me put this faithless whore to death.”

“Would you kill your wife so easily?” Lance asked softly.

Loud laughter erupted from Gary’s mouth. “Of course I can, and I will! I haven’t decided how, though. Perhaps I’ll string her from the mast. Or the men can take their turns with the slut before we toss her over the wall. That might be more fun.”

Ash’s eyes widened. She had judged correctly.

Gary would not take her back.

End Chapter

Started 2/12/08

Completed 2/18/08

Edited 5/27/09

I hate long days!

… Oops. Didn’t mean to make it this way but it works with the ending. I honestly cannot see Gary and Ash reconciling. Gary is too arrogant and Ash is too flighty. There’s also ten years of separation between them…