A/N: Lovely reader! Thank you for following this story! I apologize the delay in uploading, but I am proud to say I wrote this chapter with my my heart, like I've written most of these chapters. I'm so happy to see all of you who enjoy it and leave reviews.

I see you! This is a shout out to all those you drop in multiple times asking when I will upload. Thanks for the motivation!

Chapter 23: The Dragon's Den

It felt good. Grinding into Ash's young, tight body. His weak struggle made Lance want to laugh; Lance was almost confident Ash had wanted to get fucked this whole time. It was so easy… Just hold the younger man down. And his voice… Lance had loved hearing it, all 'No! And 'stop!', soft pleas in between panting, groaning and struggling. At one point, Ash stopped struggling, docile. Lance was able to kiss him softly, pouring love into the kiss. Lance found Ash had tasted sweet, and that his lips were incredibly soft.

When Lance finished inside of Ash again, it took several moments for Lance to realize Ash was completely unconscious. Ash's lack of reaction took away from the climax, and Lance didn't reach quite the same high he had the first time he had raped Ash.

"Hey…. Common." Lance attempted to wake him, shaking Ash by the shoulder. No flutter of his eyelashes, no whimper in pain.

When Lance undid the rope, no sigh of relief. It was very disappointing.

Lance thought giving Ash the drugs would make it easier, reducing the threat of him fighting back. What he hand't counted on was completely wiping Ash out, to the point he would be unconscious.

Oh well. Perhaps it was exactly what Lance needed. He began get dressed, ready for the occasion.

The occasion was hiking. Lance wore boots and a thick jacket. Ash he dressed like a uncooperative mannequin, growing sick of the activity fast.

He carries Ash outside, heavy. Lance enjoys the challenge. Actually, it was more the lack of a challenge it was that Lance enjoyed. Lance wears the backpack he had previously prepared, ready to go on the journey. Dragon it's awaits them In the clearing behind the cabin. It roars.

Ash mumbles but doesn't awaken. Soon, Lance has maneuvered them both onto the dragon's back. Lance has straps he uses to secure the unconscious Ash to his chest. He slides one strap under both their arms and around both their chest. Even if Ash isn't holding on, Lance can keep him on the dragon.

They take off, but Dragonite flying past the tree tops, cutting through the air. They approach a few trees tops along the edge of the clearing, passing a clutter of trees. Further they go, until then:

An abyss opens in the ground.

An underground cave. In tunnels downwards into the ground, like an empty vessel through the ground. It's bottom pits are surrounded in darkness. A deadly leap into the earth for anyone on foot.

"Dragonite. Descend."

The Dragon lowered into the cave.


Gary stared at those glowing blue eyes. He could feel it all go away, all the pain and worry, all the stiffness. All he had to do was focus on those pulsing eyes.

His mind released, entering a trance like state, staring. Suddenly, he was just a passenger of his body. He felt himself sit up, stretch, testing the limits of his body.

Collapse. That's what Gary expected. He previously needed help to even walk. His body vibrated with warmth, his skin buzzing. Yet he moved not by a will of his own. The blue eyes were hypnotizing.

"Walk Gary. We need to go."

In the aftermath of the storm and flood, Saffron City itself was a wreck. But Gary walked incredulously, in disbelief. He watched the world around him distantly, protect by the hoodie.

He was healed. Gary had simply walked out of his hospital bed and left, unbeknownst to the staff. The world around him seemed to be in slow motion, distant and unreal.

The blink of an eye. Gary wasn't in the hospital anymore. Rain spattered around them, but Gary stood with an umbrella. He blinked back into awareness, a shiver running down his spine. He looked and saw those blue eyes.

It was the teenager, standing besides him under the umbrella. His hand was on Gary's shoulder, grasping lightly. He looked extremely uncomfortable.

"What… What is going on?" Gary managed to ask. He looked ahead: the entrance to their building. The teen nudged him forwards, and they made their way to the entrance and into the building.

"Mr. Oak!" The concierge greeted Gary with worried eyes. The old man was disheveled and mopping up the flooded lobby. Gary could feel the boy tense besides him as if he were going to flee. Still feeling as if it were a dream, Gary failed to answer.

"Your windows, sir. We put up boards, we closed it up! Can't get anyone to repair it until the storm passes, sir!"

Gary nodded numbly, he still felt directed by the invisible force that was not quite himself.

"Thank you..." Gary dismissed the man even though the old man was still talking. As if sleeping walking, Gary walk past, leading the boy to the elevator. The old concierge eyed Peter oddly, then back at Gary, confusion on his face. That wasn't Ash.

The elevator took them up. He unlocked the door, but the apartment wasn't empty.

In the middle of the living room was professor oak, his grandfather, a pokemon on his shoulder.

In that instant, it was like Gary had returned to his body.

"Pikachu!"

"Gary!" The older man stood amount the wreak. Glass was shattered at his feet. He looked around in horror, still wearing a thick rain jacket. Wind screeched in between the boards sealing the balcony window. The old man hurried to meet him, arms stretched wide. Gary felt shock as his grandfather pulled him into a hug.

Gary blinked, feeling his eyes sting. He shook it off, focusing. He needed to be strong… For Ash.

"What happened, my boy? The apartment… It's wrecked, Gary."

Rain had spilled in from the now shuttered broken glass balcony doors, pooling on the floor, books from the nearby shelves were wet. The room to the bedroom door was shattered into splinters

Gary felt disgusted, grimacing. He felt grossly violated, just the though of the uninvited presence that had been inside his home, his personal haven, and no respect for any of it.

He shook his head. He stepped away from professor Oak, shame growing on his face. He searched Pikachu's face, but the rodent skipped off the old man's shoulder.

"Pika…"

Pikachu approached the teenager, sniffing the air curiously.

"Gary, the hospital called me last night. I was the emergency contact in your Pokédex. They said you were injured, a serious condition. A broken back? Gary… I was terrified. Are you okay?"

He squeezed Gary's shoulders. His green eyes looking over, a stern concern within. To Gary it felt foreign. Last time they spoke, the two had a serious argument.

"Gary, I'm so sorry. I haven't been there for you. I'm going to change that, okay? We're a team, we're family, Gary!"

There was a spark of determination in his grandfather's eyes. Gary struggled to find the words to speak.

"Grandpa… It's Ash…" His voice came out shaky and strained, suddenly, he hugged the older man back, forgetting the distant and the arguments.

A small gasp came from across the room. Pikachu's ears bounced. The Oak family turned, looking at the teenager.

"Ash…" He whispered, a look of pain on his face. "Please… We must help Ash."

With a flash of light, the blue eyed teenager transformed, revealing its true form.


"Ash! Ash!"

He opened his eyes, realizing a thick fog surrounded him. It was fading. Through it, Ash could hear Peter call him.

"Ash! Ash!"

They were far away, but they were distinctly two voices.

A sudden dropping sensation in Ash's gut, followed by cold. It was like being woken to a loud sound. Realization dawned on Ash.

Mew!

The fog faded, revealing a clearing in the forest, one Ash recognized. They swirled, tree branches twisting over the night studded sky, a thin half moon in the horizon. The forest was psychedelic and creepy, like the poison Lance had used to make Ash's vision distorted and his body weak.

"Peter… It's a trap!" Ash called out. He looked up to the trees, where he spotted Peter, jumping down the branches.. Or rather, levitating? Too graceful for any human, Peter made his way to the ground and landed softly, floating.

With Peter near, the immediate surroundings calmed down. The two gnarly tree branched relaxes, almost falling still.

"Mew!" Ash reach for him in relief, and before he knew what he was doing, He hugged Peter. He felt the young boy tense for a moment, but relax soon after, hugging him back.

"Peter…" The young boy whispered. "Please call me… Peter."

Ash nodded, understanding. The wind around them picked up, howling. Ash heard it again, this time the sound carried by the wind.

"Ash!"

A hand squeezed Ash's shoulder. Ash looked at Mew, confused.

"We are dreaming Ash! Careful, or you shall awaken! The dreamscape has been disturbed! Delicate. You are in danger." Peter's voice was urgent. He looked around, checking to see if anybody listened. "You must shown me where you are."

"Ash!" Gary's voice carried in between the trees, branches rustling with the violent wind.

His voice was distorted and fading. Ash didn't understand.

"I can't. He's waiting for you. I'm the bait, I won't let you-!"

Peter disregards him, snatching Ash's elbow. Immediately Ash winces and gasped, expecting pain. Instead a flash of light, and the sounds around them muted. Warmth coming from Peter's hands.

"Wha—What are you doing?" Ash's knees felt wobbly. He felt weak, and despite his own will, Ash felt himself losing his footing. It was Peter who helped him down, into a sitting position.

"Sh… I'm helping." Peter reassured, pushing back Ash's hair and stroking his face. He wore that same smile Peter had used to comfort Ash. It was strange. Ash blinked, he had to remember he was dreaming.

The world shifted, transforming. Ash had experienced the sensation before, all of this he had seen.

"Ash… Where are we?" Peter sat besides him, still grasping his elbow. He spoke in a soft but desperate whisper.

With a grimace, Ash recognized where they were. Sitting tightly together in the back seat of Lance's car. It was Lance who was driving. Ash and Peter were tucked away to a side, the passenger seat pushed back into a lying position. Ash knew what was strapped underneath the lump of blankets.

"Lance's car. This is where he took me." Ash responded in another whisper. Then, a soft, muffled whimper from underneath the heavy blankets. Ash's stomach clenched, in pain to relive the memory, he felt sick to the point of vomiting, but unable to do anything about it.

"Look, look out the windows!" Peter beckoned.

Ash had to tear away his eyes from the passenger seat. Only then he saw the forest, the massive pine trees towering above.

"That's right… I didn't see where we were going… But I remember these trees… Tall, pines? And we're not far from the city…"

Ash realized what he was doing. He was helping Mew. He regretted instantly.

"No… No, no, no!" Panic invaded his voice. "I won't.. let you!"

Ash closed his eyes, and something happened. He felt the energy around them shift, and deep within, Ash also knew he was the one that was shifting it. He grunted from he exertion, but it need to be done. The scene shifted completely until they were no longer in the car. The seats disappearing, Ash felt himself fall back. At his side, it was Peter who guided him down.

"Ash… You are a talented dreamer. Not many can do what you've done."

Ash opened his eyes. They were in the Lance's bedroom, sprawling view of the forest before them. Ash lay on the bed, exhausted. He sat up immediately. Only then he saw his elbow, glowing from Mew's handprint.

"What… I don't want to be here… I want you to stay free. I don't ever want you to be at the mercy of…" Ash's struggled, losing the steadiness of his voice. "Of him…"

Big blue eyes stared at Ash, astonished. One hand reached for Ash's shoulder, attempting to comfort him. "You… Saved me Ash! I can't leave you."

"No!" Ash recoiled, sick. Peter watched, stunned. "You don't understand…"

The world blurred through Ash's eyes. It felt like there was wrench in his chest. He hunched over, hugging himself tightly.

"I… I…" Ash struggled to speak, trying to hold back emotion. "I trusted him. How could I be so… stupid?"

"No." Peter spoke firmly, looking Ash in the eyes.

"I… Should've known. I thought… I thought that if I saw him, I would know he was the one…." Ash spoke in anger, in heartbreak, the tears sliding down his cheeks. "… I was wrong."

A sudden clang. The loud sound of metal.

Ash and Peter both jolted up. The room was falling apart around them. The roof was ripped out, causing them both to gasp and grab at each other.

"Ash!" Peter shouted. The wind was ripping away the walls, furniture lifting into the air and swirling around, bound for the night sky. Peter tightened his grasp until Ash turns to meet neon blue eyes.

"I will find you!"


Ash was jolted awake, out of breath and panting. He had been crying, the tears fresh on his cheeks. His heart pounded, racing. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his eyes.

Where the hell was he?

A cave.

A deep sinking feeling dragged within Ash as he gasped. It had to be. Dark stone walls with jagged ends sprawled above him. Darkness was kept at bay just by lanterns and a fire crackling. A camp ground. They were in the corner of a grotto. Beyond the grotto, Ash saw Lance's silhouette. His form was distinguishable, it was the way Lance carried himself, tall and menacing, icy eyes glinting… like a predator.

In that instant Ash could feel his throat turn into a thick knot, he couldn't bring himself to say a word, to even swallow. Slowly Lance stands and turns to meet him. Ash wiped his face, dragging away the tears, almost slapping himself. Couldn't this be the dream instead? The scary branch of the forest was now preferable to this hell under the earth.

His body was shaking in anger, despair, the cold didn't make it easier. Lance was the vision from his nightmares brought to life. Ash looked down finding himself on a mat, a sleeping bag lay on top of him. He dashed the sleeping bag aside, revealing his shackled ankle underneath.

It was a heavy weight, icy cold. Metal and black leather. Thick. Attached to a long chain that stretched towards the dark end of the cave.

Lance removed his backpack, placing it on the ground. The man was dressed in hiking gear. Silence hung between them, in the thick, damp air. The fire crackling was the only source of warm. Ash chilled, but struggled to sit up and get on his feet. Ash realized he heard running water, a soft but steady trickling of water.

"Where…Where are we?" Ash's throat was dry and parched, yet he glared with hatred. Ash knew what Lance saw; vulnerable, cold and disoriented Ash. Scared. Yet, Ash managed to swallow the fear, allowing a numbness to spread through his body.

Lance's voice sounded amused. He watched Ash with his steady eyes gleaming with the desire. Ash felt like a piece of meat, ready to be devoured. The feeling of his own shaking limbs made him feel disgusted with himself, an inability to fight back.

Taking his time, Lance removed his jacket. He was wearing the type that had many pockets and zippers, Ash could only wonder what other tools he had brought with him.

Only when Lance approached the mattress where Ash lay.

"No! Stay away from me." Ash warned, holding up his hand. The sudden realization that his elbow no longer hurt was upon Ash. He put his hand back down quickly, maintaining his glare.

The lack of sound that came from Lance rebounded throughout the cave. Where were they that it was even possible for sound to carry that way?

Ash looked around himself, the walls of the cave were taller than the average apartment, more like the height of a metro station. Dark stone arched above them. Darkness prevailed around them, the soft light from the lantern only illuminating a small radius.

"You're quite lucky, Ash." Lance bragged. He looked out into the cave his smile made Ash sick to his stomach. He wanted to wipe it away, he wanted to smack it right off his face.

"In the Dragon's Den."

Lance pulled out a pokemon and released it. A large bulky Dragonair was conjured, slivering like a snake.

"Mew is not coming… You won't get away with this. Ash spoke with determination, even though the Pokemon was clearly there to intimidate him into cooperating.

"Nobody knows where you are, Ash. This land is secret. Only high level masters have ventured this far, like all the men in my family."

"Come here" Lance stood and walked into the darkness. Reluctant, Ash stood on unsteady feet and stepped off the mattress. Shocking cold travelled up his bare feet. He tiptoed over. Ash could hear the sound of running water, but it was coming from somewhere much deeper.

"Dragonair, use flash and jump into the water!"

With a revering cry of agreement, the Pokémon's tail began glowing green. It slithered off, reaching an edge Ash hadn't realized was there before jumping in.

It dived from the ground into the precipice. It took a short moment for the light to travel down and land with a splash.

Like a falling comet, green sparkled in a splash. The walls were painted green, and like a flare thrown deep into the water. The green light from the flash continued shining, rays of lights crystalizing from the water. The show of the lights was beautiful, the underground and its expansion was breathtaking.

Ash felt a knot twisting in his throat. The dancing light painted the picture of his prison, the perfect prison. The cave ceiling was covered in crystal-like stalagmites.

"When… I don't remember…" The past days were a confusing blur. He struggled to recall what was dream and reality. When was it last that Ash had seen Gary? "Why did you take me here? How long have I been here?"

Ash cleared his throat, standing tall. He called upon his reserve of strength, his faith that he could make it out. Focus, Ash. You lost the battle. But you're still alive! If you want to see him again, you have to stay alive. Focus on the goal:

Stay Alive, and get out of here.


Gary stared. Pokemon or not, the voice speaking sounded like that of a child, scared and insecure. Gary tried to channel Ash within him, recall how he befriended and lured Pokemon so easily. So… Had they been watched by two different people? Ash's kidnapper and this Pokemon?

"Ash said to trust you."

With a flash of light, Peter transformed. Gary then knew why Lance would want to catch him.

The small feline floated before them. Pikachu exclaimed in delight. It was skittish and nervous, Gary could tell from the twitching of its tail.

"Telepathy!" Professor Oak exclaimed. "Gary… That's a Mew!"

"Sh!" Gary shushed the old man, eye on the Mew. Same blue eyes as the teenager standing before them had.

"Mew… You have to me help. Do you know were Ash is?


The dragon swam below, the light from it's tail bouncing through the cavern. It delighted Lance, every single time, just how beautiful the cavern was when illuminated by an underwater flash. The water was fresh, clear and deep. Cold if jumped in.

"I've never brought anyone here. Ash.. You're the first one." He turned to look at his prisoner. Ash sat on top of the ruffled sleeping bags, disheveled and glaring. His hands grasped at his ankle and at the chain, holding it and testing it nervously. Ash was visibly shaking.

Goosebumps traveling up Lance's spine. He smiled, feeling elated. Was Ash shivering out of cold or out of fear? Probably both. Lance approached him, watching the apprehension grow on Ash's face.

Ash grew tense, eyes going wide. His hand frozen, the chain no longer jangling. Lance stopped just out of reach, watching Ash closely. Big, glossy amber eyes looked up at Lance, flashing with fear before Ash swiftly looked away. The color drained from his cheeks. To Lance it seemed as if Ash was holding his breath.

"Well now, I'm glad you decided to join us in the land of the living." Lance sank into his heel, lowering to Ash's level. Instinct had Ash trying to stand— immediately Lance pushed him down back onto his spot on the sleeping bag. A small grunt of pain escaped Ash, whose hand shot up to grasp Lance's arm.

Lance laughed, grinning wildly. He had designed everything for this very moment, and Ash was delivering fantastically. Cast down and wounded. Submissive. The consistent glare Ash had given him when Lance had fucked him the night before was gone, replaced with shock and weariness.

"Now Ash…" Lance reach out to touch him. "You decided to cooperate?"

Ash sank back, flinching. He kicked himself back, pressing himself off the sleeping bag and towards the sloping cave wall where the chain was attached. Lance snatched at him, fingers slipping under the collar. Easily he brought Ash closer, face to face. Ash's hands clapped over Lance's wrist, gripping tightly.

The boy squirmed. Lance beamed, exhaled by the power. He felt alive again, in control. Like a fire had been lit in his veins. His heart spiked and adrenaline rushed through his system.

Ash tried to look away, but Lance was too close. Dread filled his amber eyes, but he had yet to say a word. He wasn't fighting, Lance noted, he only kept his tight grip on Lance's wrist, like holding onto a lifeline.

Lance reached out and touched Ash, smoothing down a lock of inky hair.

A whimper escaped Ash, who had tensed all over and squeezed his eyes shut. When he looked at Lance again, Lance could feel Ash's humiliation and fear. If he could breathe in the essence he would. Ash struggling, breathing unevenly.

"Relax!" Lance laughed, like it was all a joke. He shook Ash, lightly. "I'm barely touching you."

Ash grit his teeth, his body wire tense.

Ash's hair was disheveled and unruly. Lance smoothed it back, watching Ash in admiration. He was entranced. Ash grimaced, even in Lance's hold leaning away, disgusted.

"Mew is coming." Lance taunted, a smile growing on his face.

Ash shook his head. Lance saw a small spark of rebellion in his eyes. So the boy wasn't completely broken after all? Lance liked the idea of this.

"No." Ash's voice was small, and he was able to look at Lance only an instance before his eyes looked away. "No. He won't come."

"It doesn't matter what you told it…" Lance rolled his eyes. He released Ash, who fell flat on his back with a grunt. "A pokemon like that can't resist staying away from those it shares a bond with."

Ash's heart began drumming in his throat. Lance crouching over him brought back a flash of bad memories, memories so painful he felt a part of himself go numb. He grew still, wide eyes unfocusing.

"Once inside the cave, it can't teleport out. That's the first trick." Lance looked around the cave. The Dragonair's flash still bounced across the surface of the cave, green and blue dancing light. A few lamps lit the camp, but they were still in the dark. Deep underground? Under a mountain?

Lance's hand placed itself softly on Ash's neck. Ash gasped under his breath, cringing as a shiver ran past him. Would he choke Ash next? Kill him?

But in a moment of intense certainty, Ash knew he could not fight Lance. If he wanted to make it out alive from this cave, he could not allow Lance to hurt him any further. The urge to give into his emotions, to thrash and scream, was quelled by the certainty that had spread over him, an instinct he knew he must follow despite it going against everything he stood for.

All these thoughts passed through Ash in an instant, he remained still, letting the hand remain on his neck. Lance was breathing deeply, watching Ash with lust in his eyes. Ash pressed his hand flatly into the ground by his waste, resisting the need to swipe at Lance. He kept looking blankly up into the rocky ceiling and the auras-like light traveling across it.

Ash shivered.

Lance seemed to enjoy touching Ash's throat for a moment longer, before he sighed and sat back. He began unbuttoning his jacket.

Dismayed, Ash felt like his stomach was dropping. Please, not this.

Lance shrugged off the jacket. Ash pictured Lance chucking it aside and jumping him, even flinching just at the thought. Instead, Lance held out the jacket.

"You look cold. Take it." He put it on Ash's feet, and got up, sauntering over to the camp fire.

Shocked, it took Ash a long moment before he was able to sit up and grab the jacket. Putting it on, he realized it was several sizes too large, and still warm with Lance's heat and smell. The result was dizzying, instant relief. The cold was intense, making it hard for Ash to focus. The warmth was much needed to Ash, who still wore the cotton white shirt and grey sweatpants, loose and comfortable, but not very effective against the cold.

"You're cute." Lance laughed, returning from the fire.

Ash snapped his eyes onto Lance, taken off guard. He felt himself flush and made himself small, eyes cast down and slouching forwards.

"Here." Lance offered a water bottle. Sealed. He struggled with his left arm, elbow stiff. Ash drank and dropped it by his side, hugging himself and rubbing his wounded arm. The cold still sharp. He felt weakened by it, angry. Ash took another deep breath to steady himself.

"How are you feeling?" Lance crossed his arms, a look of mild concern on his face.

Ash gritted his teeth and looked at everything except Lance. He hugged his knees close to get warmer. The chain around his foot and neck were heavy and cold.

"Why do you ask, if you clearly don't care?" Ash muttered. His head was pounding and he was starving to the point of nausea. Every muscle in his body was tense.

"I care because I need you alive. We're going to be down here until Mew shows up."

Ash felt sick and wanted to lie down, but refused to stand down. He closed his eyes instead. He felt so hopeless. Ash swallow hard.

"I need to go to the bathroom. How am I going to do that chained up like this?" Ash hid the fear behind a cold demeanor. He kept his voice low and even, avoiding angering Lance.

Lance's eyes narrowed. He watched Ash for a long moment then stepped closer again, this time heading for the chains. A bicycle lock had looped the chain length several times. Lance unlocked it and the chain released, several circles of it falling.

"Short leash… If you misbehave. You need to relieve yourself, follow the wall to the corner. Water pools there before streaming down into the river. That's your bathroom, understood?"

Ash turned to look. The wall sloped downwards and down a length, where Ash assumed the running water could be heard, a soft trickle that filled the caves. He nodded stiffly.

Lance motioned towards the wall. "Go."

Staggering to his feet, Ash leaned on the wall and made his way down the rocky cave. The light from the flash faded but Ash could still see the puddles of swelling water like half moons gathering at the edge of the slope, streaming down gently.

Lance returned to the camp. Ash sank to his knees, dipping his hands into the clear water. Freezing cold shocked him, but he rinsed his face attempting to wake up from his own reality. He glanced over his back. Lance seemed occupied with the camp table. At least he wasn't leering.

When Ash finished, he unzipped Lance jacket and swung his left arm out to examine his elbow. Pulling back his sleeve released puffy red skin, swollen. Ash dipped his hand in cold water and gingerly wrapped it around his elbow, cradling his arm.

He winced. Lifting his shirt, he examined the bruises and scratched from the fall.

Ash's eyes grew wide and he gasped under his breath. He shot a quick glance back. Lance wasn't paying attention. Carefully, back still towards Lance, Ash peeled back the corner of the bandage.

His heart swelled with joy. He couldn't believe his eyes. The bandage… was stuck on another bandage. In between... A razor and a bobby pin.

He felt so nervous, he felt he would drop it. Gary had bandaged him up… he remembered their conversation, about paranoia and means of escape… Had Gary hidden a razor and the bobby pin when he dressed Ash's wounds? He pocketed the razor and the pin, slipping his arm back into the jacket. Ash's heart was pounding in his throat.

He returned to the site nervously, chain dragging behind him, resounding noise bouncing off the cave. His throat felt thick with a knot. His hands were shaking, eyes wide as he approached the camp.

Lance turned to look, grinning in satisfaction as Ash made his way back.

"I'm going to get out of here" Ash's determination was reignited in his voice, though he was talking more to himself than to Lance. Lance scoffed and put down the knife he was using to cut vegetables.

"Yeah, maybe. But only if you can survive long enough."

The casualness of Lance's statement still shocked Ash. He struggled to process the man's words; was he confessing his intention to murder Ash?

"If you're going to kill me… Why wait?" Ash glared. He felt himself strategizing. If Lance came close enough, could he slash him with the razor? His hands twitched, wondering how fast he could pull the razor out. Would he even succeed? Worse— would Lance take it and use it against him?

Lance ignored him. Ash stepped forward, only to stagger. He landed roughly on his knees, back onto the mat and sleeping bag. His head pulsed loudly, he felt sick. He stared a his hands propping himself up, but saw a blurred distorted image along with a light headed feeling. A cold sensation of defeat overwhelmed him, and Ash could barely think.

"You feel it now?"

Ash stared uselessly, tongue tied. He couldn't find the words to utter, a sense of shock spreading through him. It was like the ground rose up to meet Ash, himself not realizing he had fallen until the thick impact resonated through him. His perspective sideways, he watched Lance stalk closer. Lance is the predator, Ash is the prey.

Lance flipped Ash onto his back, easily. Instinct had Ash tense, but his arms and legs wouldn't respond. He wanted to kick, punch, scratch- Ash spasmed instead, in a state of paralysis. He lay stiff and flat, Lance straddling his waist.

Ash wanted to scream, shout, but he couldn't even speak.

"Here's the deal, Ash" watching Ash's terrified expression. The way he looked at Ash, it was as if he felt affection for Ash instead of hate. "I've injected you with poison. That's what your feeling right now! In the next hours you'll develop fever-like symptoms, along with these episodes of paralysis… Ash, it's over unless Mew comes here."

As if to accentuate Lance's words, intense electricity coursed through Ash. He saw his hope flying out from his reach, out of his hands. Would he die paralyzed? Prisoner of his own body? Ash tried to speak but it was like the most difficult thing to move his tongue. Defeat was infuriating, if only he could reach for the razor, he was so close.

"I know this Mew." Lance played freely with Ash's hair, pushing it back, running his hand down Ash's face, neck, touching Ash's lips. He grabbed Ash's hair roughly. Ash squirmed. Lance yanked his hair toward him, pressing Ash onto his chest.

"He'll come if he knows you're in pain."

Suddenly, Ash's limbs became unlocked. He struck away Lance's roaming hand and jerked, trying to throw the man off. They wrestled, a wild gleam entering Ash's eyes. Ash twisted and wouldn't let Lance get a proper hold of his arm. A fire ignited, Ash thrashed and screamed, kicked and punched. Lance tried to pin him down again, thrown by the burst of rebellion. He brought a hand on Ash's chest and pinned him down.

Ash twisted, reaching for the razor tucked away in the pocket. He was close, his fingertips feeling the edge inside the pocket.

"Ash, don't fight!"

"No!"

Not truly aiming or looking, Ash slashed wildly at Lance. The razor sliced through flesh, followed by Lance's sharp gasp in shock.

Gold eyes went from hungry to wide in surprise. He pulled back swiftly, one hand flying to his face.

Ash didn't wait. He slashed again, this time lower, at Lance's rib cage. He pushed the razor as deep as it would go, the small edge cutting through Lance's shirt and digging into his chest.

Immediately, Lance caught Ash's wrist in a crushing grip. Ash's fingers lost hold of the razor as Lance slammed his wrist into the rocky ground. Sharp pain made Ash cry out, the tight grip pinned him down. Only then, Ash could see the damage he had inflicted.

The razor had sliced through Lance's cheek and up his temple. Blood streamed down the sliced wound. His face was contorted with rage, his expression wild.

"Stop!"

Ash didn't see the blow coming. The punch struck him on the side of his head, hitting hard like steel. White exploded across Ash's vision. He fell limp.

Lance grabbed Ash by the neck. He had pulled out the knife from the holster and held it up to Ash's face, shaking and panting hard, sweat and blood running down his face.

Ash was to stunned to even react. He didn't recoil, he didn't even blink. His eyes closed and he let spinning sensation overpower him. He lay listless, letting the numb sensation wash over him.

Gold eyes glared at Ash, the knife trembling in Lance's hands. Then, as if it took great resistance, Lance brought back the knife to the holster and stepped up, finally backing off Ash.

Through a blurry vision Ash saw Lance standing above him, one foot on each side. Lance took a step back as he winded a kick, landing straight at Ash's gut. Ash bent over and grunted in pain, arms holding his stomach.

His vision went in and out of focus.

Lance cursed, hobbling his way to the camp ground. Ash saw Lance collapse onto the bench, pulling up his shirt.

Reaching the table, Lance sat and dragged his bag closer. He began rummaging, hissing and wincing before inspecting the wound. The razor was still embedded in between his ribs.

"Fuck! Where the hell did you get it? Shit."

He pulled out a rectangle mirror, peering into it. Lance grew cold as he saw the slash on his face.

"Oh…No, no, no, no, no! Dammit, Ash!" He turned to glare at Ash, who remained on his side.

Lance went back to examining himself, hissing and cursing further. Ash's hands were sweating. From his fetal position he could reach the cuff on his ankle. He thought he would drop the pin, Lance's blood had made his fingers slick. The pin found its way into the lock, without Ash even having to look. He jammed it and moved it around, working the pin. Then, a dull click. The cuff snapped open.

Ash shot to his feet, looking up at Lance. He was too focused, examining the wound on his chest. Picking at the razor, he slowly pulled it out, shouting in pain.

Springing, Ash found his footing and ran.

Lance's head snapped towards Ash's direction. Rage flashed through his eyes once more, but he did not follow. Instead he sort of stood and then sat back down, shaking in anger. He tossed the razor on the table, hands stained with blood.

"You won't get far!" Lance balled up the shirt he had taken off, pressing it to his face. He was shaken by the pain caused by the deep slice, the pulsing at his cheek. He pressed his shirt into it, staunching the blood, watching as Ash ran further into the cave.

Ash's bare feet pattered on the rocky ground. He didn't look back.

Swish! They flew past white cloud, thick, until they burst through and the landscape finally revealed itself:

The vast Viridian forest spread below.

"Gary…Please take this with you:" His grandfather held his hand and placed a Pokeball in his looked unsure for a moment. Pikachu climbed on his shoulder, nodding in support.

"Take Pikachu as well."

Mew swished past the cloud, descending lower. It was then that the clearing appeared, the one Mew recognized from Ash's dream. Mew's blue eyes turned back.

Mew, you must trust me. We can free him if we have a plan…

The heavy beating of wings could be heard. Following close behind, a Hydreigon flying closely behind. On its back rode a trainer, cape on his shoulders and aviator googles over his eyes.

"Where do we go?!" Gary shouts over the wind and the beating wings.

Mew motions with its whole body, swirling in place. The telepathic message goes through.

He's down below! We're almost there!

The white pokemon burst forwards, zooming down below. Gary looked down. From underneath his cape, the yellow rodent climbed out and clung to his shoulder.

"Pikachu!"


He's down below! We're almost there!

Huh?

Ash had been running except… Only now he wasn't. He was face forwards in the dirt, collapsed. He didn't remember falling. He didn't remember passing out, only realized it had happened as he staggered to sit up, slowly recognizing his surroundings.

The Cave. The damn cave. Dizzy, Ash made it to his feet. Disoriented. Where had he been running? Without the light of the camp and Dragonair's flash, Ash could no longer see clearly. His whole body pulsed in aches and bruises. Fever burned through him, his limbs shaking.

Please, please let it be real.

The voice that had awoken him. Mew? Then again if it were real, what real chance did Mew stand alone against the Dragon master? Ash hated himself for wanting Mew to be there, to save him. But then again, the voice had said 'we're almost there'.

We… Who was with Mew?

Ash shakily made it to his feet. He began the slow process of moving forwards, hand sticking out and taking tentative steps as he inches through the dark. He felt a dropping sensation as a roaring sound carried through the cave. Another dragon? Ash found a stone wall. Which way to go?

On a whim, he followed the cave wall to the right. There was a way out and he would find it. He only had to keep looking, resist and look past the pain, past his own exhaustion-!

"Ngh!" Ash fell onto his knees, his feet giving out. He wanted to continue. He needed to continue, but he couldn't even move-! "Dammit". Ash gritted his teeth and tried to grasp the wall for something to hold onto, something to hold himself up and continue moving.

"Ash.." Lance's voice carried, along with the sound of his footsteps. They approached from behind Ash, the light cast from Dragonair's tail illuminated the path before them.

"We're in the depth's of the Dragon's den… Did you really think you would get out all alone?"

Tired hazy eyes looked up. Ash saw Lance had stuck together a hodgepodge of Bandages and gauze crisscrossing over his face. He wore a new shirt, so Ash couldn't see his chest wound underneath the cape he had slung around his shoulders… His rage still simmered in his eyes, but the wild expression was gone, as if Lance had that wild part of himself under control. There was a look of disappointment in his face.

Out of breath and panting, Ash tried to stand up. His muscles tensed but that was it. He closed his eyes, expecting the worse. He was paralyzed again.

"Enough… Enough running." Lance's voice sounded distant, but he was close and approaching. The Dragonair slivered to a stop, standing vigil with it's tail glowing. The soft noise, the reverb of sounds that were particular to the cave only made the situation more somber. Still kneeling, Ash watched the towering figure's shadow dancing.

"Aren't you tired yet? This constant running." Lance himself sounded ragged. As trying to move but couldn't, the electricity coursing through him. A small cry of desperation escaped Ash as Lance stepped closer.

"Enough!"

Ash's screamed. Lance snatched him by the shirt and threw Ash to the ground with force. Ash landed limply, still unable to move. Tears gathered in his eyes, shock coursing through him.

Lance was crawling over him. He was forcing Ash face first into the dirt. He was tying Ash's wrists behind his back! Ash's screams filled the cave, resonating down the endless paths.

"No! No!" The despair cut through his voice, painting the walls with his agony. There was a brief struggle, a reprise from the paralysis, but it was fruitless. He was already bound. The world began closing in on him, the claustrophobia seizing once again.

Ash collapsed, sobbing. The fight drained out from him. He couldn't hide his weakness anymore. Yes, he wanted to answer Lance. He was exhausted of running. All he knew was the constant ache, the pain that never went away. All he knew was how he had failed.

The tears were jerked out of him against his will, overcome by the despair. He wasn't ready to give up, but he had been caught. His life was over the moment he accepted Lance's bargain and followed him into the car. Defeat so painful and overwhelming, Ash's body curled up as he sobbed. His cries echoed through the depths of the den.

"Shh… Shh…" Lance gathered Ash into his arms, wrapping Ash into a thick hug. Ash gasped sharply, pain and terror gleaming in his eyes. Lance was going to hurt him- Lance was goin to make him pay-!

"Shh…" One gloved hand came up to smooth Ash's hair down. The man looked worried, concerned. Ash flinched, expecting a blow. Instead Lance caressed his raven hair and wiped his tears away. Gold eyes were gleaming. Ash did a double take… Tears?

"Why… Why did Mew chose you?" Lance's voice was unsteady. Ash had never seen any other emotion on Lance's face except arrogance and anger; or glee from causing Ash pain. The look of hurt and pain stunned Ash. Gulping for air, Ash began to steady his sobs, calming down. His own tears streamed down his face, his arms and legs shaking. A combination of fear and cold.

Ash couldn't bring himself to answer. It didn't matter. Lance kept talking.

"Why can't you see the power that you have…That we have, here, together?" At the last word Lance tightened his grip around Ash, making him wince. One tear dropped from Lance's gold eyes, landing on Ash's cheek.

"If you could see it, you wouldn't hurt me. You would want to be with me Ash! Don't you wanted to be invincible? Don't you want to have that power?" Lance pushed Ash onto the ground, arms tied behind him. "Don't you want to be with me?!"

"No!" Ash cried in despair, thrashing helplessly. Lance was grabbing him so tight, it was painful. He kicked and squirmed, heart in his throat.

Lance grabbed Ash's face and leaned in for a kiss. He pressed his lips into Ash, but something else happened as well. A vision filled Ash's mind. He could see it clearly.

He saw himself: Ash was battling in a league, uniform and cape. He was commanding the red Gyrados. Lance steps up besides him, his mentor, his partner. Lance's hands place themselves on Ash's shoulder. They share a look of knowing between them. Ash grins, eyes gleaming in arrogance. Lance draws him into his arms, into a kiss. They are surrounded by gold-!

"No! Stop!" Ash twists away from the kiss, shaking his head. The vision disappears as Lance pulls away, a wet sensation left upon Ash's lips. He holds Ash, keeping him pinned with a loosened grip.

"We could be beyond wealthy, Ash." Lance whispered, his warm breath upon Ash's face. "We would have power. We could have anything we wanted."

The man sounds like a desperate salesman trying to get the close. Ash looks away, dazed. Fever burns through him, his body aching. Ash feels himself slipping, the darkness of the cave reaching the edges of his eyes. He is either going to die or pass out again. The sickening feeling overcomes Ash.

"Ash!" Lance shakes him, making the nausea worse. "Think about it! You didn't die. You were healed from the brink of death. Think how many people would pay for a second chance of life. How much is that worth, Ash?"

The words go through Ash, like waves. Ash absorbs them, but they don't make sense. Ash closes his eyes, tired, so tired. He falls still, a twisting feeling in his stomach.

"It's priceless, Ash"

A strange sound surrounded them, first like a hissing then a hum. Lance grew still, gold eyes going wide. He looked up around them. Then it began.

Cracks upon the cave walls. Where they were hidden and dark before, a light began illuminating through them. Ash saw the same stalagmites at the roof top of the cave and around the edges of the path. The crystal within began to glow, casting the cave in pink light. The light pulsed in intensity, the vibrating sound elating from within the crystal.

"It's here! Mew is here!"

Lance stepped away from Ash, taking his warmth with him. Ash lay motionless on the floor, bathed in the pink glow. His feverish eyes managed to watch Lance as he pulled it out: A master ball.

"No…" He whispered weakly. He didn't even move as Lance began walking away, leaving him behind.

"Dragonair, stay with Ash. If he tries to leave, use iron tail." Lance ordered to the Dragon, who slithered in closer. Ash twitched, still lying on the floor.

"Not like you can go anywhere." Lance scoffed, throwing Ash one last glance.

He begins running down the tunnel, clearly knowing his way around. The crystal hum and glow in pink. Ash loses sight of him, taking the path through a smaller tunnel Ash had never seen around the corner.

Ash closed his eyes, wishing he could awaken from this nightmare.


The mouth of the cave opens like jaws. Mew dashed in, his movement manic and gone in flash. He has entered, not waiting as the Hydreigon lands on the ledge of the cave. He could fly down the cave, and down below in the darkness, Ash was stranded and hurt.

Please, I hope I arrived on time. Please, let me find him.

Thick dread filled Gary. This was a gaping hole in the earth, at least 80 feet open down below. The bottom was surrounded in dark where Gary has seen Mew dart in. The sky opened up around the gaping hole.

Dread filled Gary. Ash was down there.

"Hydreigon, into the mountain!" The Dragon drew its heavy wings and lifted them once more. Gary held on, determined. He would go to to Hell and back for Ash. Giant wings glided them downwards, past the rocky abyss and into the depths.

They landed. It was was much darker now. Gary could see the path into the cave. Inside, there was something glowing within. Above them, the cave tunneled upwards towards the sky.

Gary jumped off the huffing Dragon, onto the damp, wet mud. He returned the beast into the Pokeball and switched.

"Umbreon! I choose you!"

The eevelution appeared in a flash of red light, already tense and alert. Umbreon growled softly, nervous. Together Gary and his pokemon walked towards the cave, where the sky wouldn't be visible anymore. The yellow marks on Umbreon's fur began glowing as they entered into the darkness.

Please. I can't lose him again.


Author's note's:

I'm very excited if you made it to the end! Thank you so much for supporting this fanfic and I apologize for the wait.

I took a day off of work to finish this chapter. Please enjoy.

Something I enjoy is reading all your reviews. Each one makes me smile and motivates me to keep writing.

Stay tuned for the next (and final (?)) Chapter of Bound.

Best Wishes,

Neon