In War, people die, hai? And I just happen to cast people I dislike as um, cannon fodder sometimes.

Seriously though, I think I did better this time.

Viva Championshipping and Originshipping~!

 

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 7

 

            A few weeks passed, while the Shinouites drew steadily closer to the black ships. Almost a month after Red’s initial announcements, Steven and his men finally made it past the rude earthen barricades the Kings of Kanto and Johto had put up.

            “We’ll make certain they never bother us again!”

            “Yes! Now they’ll never sail home!”

            “Their only fate is death!”

            The steel-gray haired man lit the blazing torch against the nearest ship. The old, creaky timbers caught almost immediately, sending a plume of dark smog heavenwards.

 

            The ships were burning! Furious flames leapt towards the sky. Laughter and death cries mingled with smoke belching from creaky timbers.

            The Kantoites and Johtoites were frantically trying to fight the opposition and quench the flames at the same time, but it was clearly a losing battle.

            Yellow watched this all in dawning horror. Someone had to do something! But most of the leaders were already wounded, and…

            She rushed into Red’s tent. “Red!”

            “Yellow? You look troubled.” She frowned.

            “It’s the ships! The ships are on fire!”

            Ah. That was dire news indeed. Now there would be no way to sail home… she stood. “Our ships?”

            “N-No, they hit the group from Ecruteak first…”

            “Then it is not my concern.”

 

            “Red! How can you be so heartless?”

            “I swore an oath, and I will keep it.” Her cousin frowned.

            “But all that death…” She shook her head. “High King Gareth will see reason eventually, Red. There is no sense in letting innocents die!”

            “Yellow.” Red told her quietly. “Lance came four nights ago with an offer. High King Gareth promised me much gold, if I would lead my men into battle. But he did not apologize. And until he repents, I shall not bend to a lesser King.”

            The rest of her words went unspoken.

            If even her husband could not persuade her to help, who could?

 

            “Red,” Yellow said quietly. “If you will not fight, then let me.”

            You?” She asked incredulously. “Yellow, you don’t know what you’re asking!”

            “No.” She sighed. “There is too much death! If I can help, I won’t stand back!”

            “You are a healer-.”

            “Lend me your armor and your chariot.” Yellow smiled. “I’ll lead your men into battle. Trust me.”

            “That’s insane!”

            “Please, Red!” She begged. “I won’t do anything reckless! I’ll just put out the flames – it’s not fair to Morty and the others. They didn’t hurt you. I don’t need to fight – it’s the thought that counts. As long as they believe that I’m you…”

 

            For several long minutes, Red was quiet. Finally, she nodded.

            “Very well, dear Yellow,” She sighed. “I don’t approve at all, but I’ll grant your request.”

            “Thank you!”

            She helped her into the armor, surprised that it fit, though they had to add some padding. Yellow had grown…

            “Be safe.” Red whispered. She was his little cousin, after all. “And do not leave the ships.”

            Yellow nodded, and with a shout, rallied the men.

            Red’s soldiers streamed after her into battle. The fires were hastily doused, and a cheer went up from their army.

            “Red rides again!”

            With a roar, the battle rejoined.

 

            But Fate was cruel, and Steven’s eyes flashed as he faced the one he thought was Red. Yellow paled.

            The man drew his spear, and its thrust was true. With a cry, she fell onto the ground. Steven was elated, almost awestruck, that he had killed this woman.

            The greatest threat to his city was gone! Or so he thought, until he stripped off the armor and discovered the truth. He had not killed Red after all!

            Who was this blonde?

Nonetheless, he would have borne the corpse back in triumph, but now, the battle around Yellow’s body ranged fast and furious.

            Finally, Chuck managed to wrest the body from a spearman. With a grunt, he hoisted it over his shoulder and began dragging it towards their camp.

            The archers took aim at the big man, but before they could fire, they fell forwards, pierced to the heart.

            Lance limped up, his armor shining. He had been wounded in the thigh earlier, but his hands were steady as arrow after arrow rushed into the Shinou ranks.

            Steven narrowed his eyes. “Retreat!”

 

            Slowly, the battle lines separated. There was no sense in letting his men die like sheep led to the slaughter, now that things had turned out this way.

 

            Red was horrified when she heard the news.

            “What now, Red?” Gary’s voice was dull. “What now?”

            An angry fire sparked in those crimson eyes.

            * Yellow… *

            She would have her revenge

            * Steven, you should not have killed my cousin. She never harmed you or your men! I will not let her death go unpunished! *

 

            The King and his Court exclaimed over his son’s prize. Red’s armor was legendary, forged by the Gods, but Wallace watched her husband with a heavy heart.

            Killing an innocent woman was dire news, and when such a woman was cousin to a powerful warrior, so much so.

            Steven felt slightly guilty, but how was he to have known the truth?

           

            In his room, Ashline cried when she found out what had happened. Why…

            So much death, so much killing…

            When would this cruel war end?

 

            Steven though, had the armor cleaned and polished, ready to wear on the morrow. He would challenge the real Red then.

            The Gods were with him. He would not lose!

 

End Chapter

Started 10/9/07

Completed 11/12/07

Edited 5/27/09

You know, Yellow = Patroclus came from the fact that she cross-dresses during the Special manga anyways… and now she’s actually not an utter brat!

*Cough* But I will not write Specialshipping… she’s dead now, anyway!

Writer’s block sucks. Yes it does!