*Dances* I <3 Championshipping~!
Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to 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*
This is *HET*
Chapter 2
The next morning, Ash was dry-eyed, but still seething. What could she do? Run away? She doubted she would survive a day. There were bandits and monsters all over the place! Should she just accept this fate?
Lance had left that morning, and the others had jeered, saying that the man was too poor to be her husband.
Actually, Lance was one of the two people she could stand. The man just seemed to be quiet. She didn’t mind quiet.
Gary though… if Lance left, she would have Gary… who hadn’t tried to molest her last night so he might not be that bad.
She definitely knew whom she wouldn’t pick!
Well, Gary it was then. Ashline sighed. She might as well try to get to know him a bit better. That could help, right?
“High King Gareth?”
“Gary.” He responded automatically, seeing Ash. “Here to yell at me again?”
“I apologize. I was … ill last night.” Ashline said.
Gary glanced around. The rest of the hall still buzzed noisily, but here in their corner it was relatively silent. “What did you want to say?”
“I wanted to say that I would like to get to know you.”
Gary blinked.
She waited. Was it so unexpected? True, she was still leery about the entire affair. Nonetheless, she had her family’s honor to think of, so she would make a good marriage and not be too miserable. Hopefully…
“I do not know anything about you.” Gary said.
“Then we will both learn,” The Princess said firmly.
“As you wish,” What was with the sudden change of heart? Gary felt baffled, but hid it well. “So, what are your hobbies?”
“I like playing the flute…”
They drifted off into conversation.
Giovanni had not missed the exchange. Well, well. It looked like he would net a powerful son-in-law. Excellent!
As High King, no one would oppose Gary…
It was truly a match made in heaven! He would offer bountiful sacrifices to the deathless gods in the morning.
That evening at dinner, he announced his intentions to let Ashline choose whom she wished to marry. That set in motion a flurry of preparations, as the kings sent their servants to fetch wondrous presents, each trying to outdo the other.
Surge brought Ash a beautifully matched pair of horses.
Brock brought a dress, wonderfully fine, woven silver silk as bright the moon, fastened with seven large golden brooches.
Morty brought a circlet and earrings of amber, with a triple-stranded necklace.
The others also crowded around with their gifts, but when Ash saw that Gary had brought her a silver flute, whispering that she hoped she would play it after they were married, well, it made her feel better.
It was almost as though Gary really cared.
However, before the Princess made her choice, Giovanni had them all swear an oath – The oath of Brotherhood. They were now honor-bound to defend whomever Ash chose. War on one would be war on all.
Kanto and Johto belonged together, as one faction…
Yes, Ash thought, looking at Gary, taking in his pleased expression. Perhaps she could be happy with this match.
Gary was handsome, with chestnut hair and piercing eyes. She could do a lot worse.
They exchanged a few quiet words, snatches of spoken conversation, and the betrothal was announced on schedule. When the wedding was announced six months later, none missed it, and brought magnificent gifts. Even Lance, who had not sworn the oath, did not stay away, and Gary accepted three finely wrought vases studded with precious stones, as was his due.
That night, Ash lay in bed, and shivered. She did not know what it would be like. She had been kept a pure virgin like her sisters, who had married also. May had sailed off to Houen to wed Prince Drew, while Blue had chosen a young nobleman named Silver.
Her maids had tittered, and one had offered a bladder full of chicken blood in case… proof was needed, but Ashline would have none of it.
She was not a cheat!
Gary stumbled in late that night, well fed, his cheeks flushed rosily from the wine.
“H-Husband.” Ash stammered.
“Yes.” Gary said. “Mine.”
He clutched her close and kissed her hard. Ashline blinked, shaking slightly at the forcefulness displayed. Gary had always been gentle, but now…
What was going on? She could smell the alcohol in Gary’s breath. It didn’t make her feel better. The scent of grapes was nauseating…
The kiss was bruising, Gary’s hands were hot and heavy and her shoulders.
“You are mine.” Gary repeated.
What could she say to that?
She lay limp as Gary parted her legs. She cried out at the first intrusion, for she was still a girl, and Gary a man, and the pain… there was pain.
Also, Gary did not realize that she was not aroused, and did not know he had to prepare her, so it was rough.
The dryness burned.
She was not like one of those whores, who could control their bodies to serve men’s needs without fail.
Yes, the Princess could manage a household, and weave linen, though not beautifully. She was expected to act as a wife and not a warrior!
So why was Gary being so hard on her?
Finally, her husband stopped, and petted her hair. “That was good.”
Ash did not cry until after Gary had fallen asleep. How could she have missed this side of her intended?
Were all men such beasts at heart?
Were all alike, then?
Was she also a monster inside?
She would have to live like this for the rest of her life! Could she?
Her tears soaked the pillow, and she knew not what to do. Perhaps… she could learn to bear the pain, for she must bear him children.
But it would not bring her pleasure.
Ever…
End Chapter
Started 9/14/07
Completed 9/16/07
Edited 5/27/09
Don’t die bunny! I am, however, hoping that the series does not drag on too long. I don’t think Gary is a rapist, just pretty damn inconsiderate. He’s used to getting his way and not too good with being nice in bed. Outside of bed, he can be pretty nice, but he’s not perfect. And Gary is DRUNK, okay? So you can excuse his behavior.
Ash: I hate you! I hate you!
Phantomness: *Shrugs*
Lance: *Coughs* Trust me, you’re getting off easy… have you seen some of her other fics?
Many thanks to AnimeDuchess for betaing! I would have posted earlier, but my beta was in college and hasn’t contacted me for almost a month, so…
And Palletshipping could not be farther from my OTP. But I’m trying…