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*

Chapter 4

Gary’s heart was filled with rage when he returned from his uncle’s funeral three weeks later and found out what had happened. He cursed Paul for violating the laws of hospitality and Ash for being a whore. And with such an affront, he sent messengers to all the kings of Kanto and Johto, begging them to gather their armies to march to Shinou, a clear declaration of war.

And the men who had sworn the Oath of Brotherhood all came, for tensions had been mounting high between the countries for ages. But two were missing, and the prophet Gary consulted was told that the war could not be won without the aid of Lance and Red – though Red would not be at all what he had expected.

Lance had not sworn the Oath of Brotherhood, and therefore was not obligated to answer the call, but he was a King of Johto and Gary was High King over the region. So Gary hastened to Blackthorn, and found the King in a state of madness. However, when he grabbed Lance’s younger sister, Clair, just a toddler, and attempted to throw her off a balcony, Lance stopped him.

The man had feigned madness, for he had been forewarned. Charlotte was fond of him, and told him his fate. Once he left Blackthorn, he would never return, and he loved his small kingdom and his family fondly.

But there was no cure for it. Lance appointed Drake, his cousin, as Regent in his absence, kissed Clair goodbye, and took his heavy war-bow and arrows up from where they had been resting in peacetime.

Four ships of men came with him to Viridian.

Gary was well pleased at this acquiescence, though Lance’s heart burned with anger against the High King. He needed the man’s counsel, for so far they had been unable to discover the whereabouts of Red.

Gary had sent messengers to the King of Cerulean, demanding the teen be handed over, but Pryce had refused.

Now, he needed a plan…

Lance was intelligent, yes, and he had the special favor of Charlotte, the Goddess of Wisdom. She loved him for his wiles and his courage, and wished him luck secretly. The King disguised himself as a peddler, dying his brilliant red hair a mousy brown and screwing up his golden eyes to hide their characteristic sheen.

He showed up at Pryce’s palace, and began hawking his wares. Soon, the princesses came running out, and began to examine them, beautiful bronze mirrors, and wispy shawls of fine, bright cloth, golden rings, a strand of pearls…

But hidden among all the women’s apparel was a sharp sword and a shield of beaten bronze. When all of the maidens were busy, Lance gave a curt nod.

Bruno and Chuck, who had hidden been a pillar, suddenly sprang into action. The big man howled his war cry, while the other blew a trumpet.

Red immediately threw off her confining women’s clothing, grasping the weapons at the ready. She saw no enemies, however, only Lance, and the two others, who came around and clapped her on the shoulders, albeit a bit reluctantly. They dressed her in a fine cloak and kilt as befitted a warrior, and took her back to Viridian with them. Woman though she might be, they knew the might of the Amazons well, and were pleased to have her on their side.

Red’s father sent his men, a hundred ships full, and her sea-nymph mother cried, for it had all come to naught.

Red would win glory in this war, but she would die young, and childless…

The first night, Red listened to the older men talk, feeling at ease among them, and yet uneasy. Gary was High King, yes, but he seemed incompetent. Brock was far too loose with women, and many of the others boastful beyond measure.

Lance sat apart from the others, nursing a goblet of wine, wrapped in his long dark cloak. Red walked over to him. They would be sailing in a few days, once the winds were fair enough to launch their black ships.

Lance looked up.

She flushed under the scrutiny. This man really had beautiful eyes, as golden as the sun…

Lance indicated that she sit, so the girl did so.

“You are angry, I suppose, with the trick I played?”

Red blinked, before she chuckled. “Perhaps, but no mortal may escape his fate, whether a man or woman. If I am to die a great hero in Shinou, so be it.”

That surprised Lance. Red looked young, but she was wiser than many older Kings. Perhaps women matured faster?

“You don’t like Gary.”

“High King Gareth,” Lance corrected.

“I do not like him either.” Red ignored the correction.

“Perhaps, but tis not wise to say so openly…”

Lance got up and left the room. The woman followed him out to the gardens. They were very beautiful, with wild roses curling sweetly over marbled stakes.

It was peaceful here…

Red eyed Lance, wondering what was going to happen. Suddenly, Lance drew his sword and pressed it to her throat.

“I should kill you for slandering my King.”

“But you won’t,” She purred, meeting his eyes.

“No,” Lance supposed, “I won’t.” He lifted the blade, seeing that no mark had been made. “So the rumors were true.”

Red wore the god’s protection over her body, invisible armor, and no weapon could harm her, the bards had whispered.

The black-haired girl shrugged. “More or less,” She twisted suddenly, pinning the older man to the ground underneath her.

She kissed her then, enjoying Lance’s startled look.

Lance responded by slipping his tongue into her mouth. His fingers tangled in dark hair, and Red chuckled. She could feel Lance’s hard length pressing against her hip. Her own body was responding eagerly, and she lifted her kilt so he could slide inside of her. * Yes… *

“Mm…” The Amazon purred, as they moved, and it wasn’t gentle, but what of it? She was hot and ready and Lance took command with the ease of one who truly ruled. Even as she was pressed down, she made no sound of protest.

There was no reason to.

Lance impaled her again and again, and their whispers were soft, for this was still a secret, and it was best to keep it that way.

There was nothing wrong with this.

Nothing…

What woman would deny such a man, she thought, and her husband was well pleased with the match, for what other woman could he rely on, to fight back-to-back with him, and stand by his side on the battlefield?

End Chapter

Completed 9/16/07

Edited 5/27/09

Gary can be pretty bratty, ne?

Um, I honestly don’t think Lance cares about Ash since he has Red…

And Ash shouldn’t have run off with Paul but he WAS drugged, technically.

I like reviews. They make me happy since it helps me know people actually care about what I’m writing. Palletshipping’s hard for me to write, and I like encouragement…