ME like writing a lot!

Disclaimer: I don't' own pokémon. It belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan comics. Also… it belongs to 4Kids and a lot of other companies. This is non-profit fanwork. I only have my own plot, characters, items/attacks, etcetera.

Notes: for telepathy, for thoughts, and italics for pokemon talking

Timeline: 1 week

Now, Lance does not have feelings for Ash, at least not in the way of love-love. He thinks of the other trainer as a younger brother.

Chapter 18: Desperate Contrast – VS Mewtwo

            Lance sat by the water, eyes closed. He was fishing, but it was only a pretense.

            Lugia, have you seen what is needed.

            Not yet, my Chosen. But, I do acknowledge that he has hidden power. That empathy shows signs of magic.

            I see.

            Keep watching. And do try to protect him. We need him to stay pure.

            May I inquire why?

            There is a long story, which, alas, I cannot tell because it is forbidden. However, for this earth to recover, you need a pure heart and one of darkness.

            And you already have me.

            Precisely.

            Lance smiled, fingers slipping to his chest. And I will play the darkness in this unfolding drama.

            He felt more than heard Lugia's mental smile. Yes.

            Lance smiled back. Gladly.

            A second later the connection dissolved into an explosion of inaudible sound.

            "Lance?"

            "Hm?" Lance asked, seeing Ash walk up to him. "Something you wanted to ask me?"

            "Yes."

            "Ask away."

            "Did you battle Giovanni before?"

            Lance nodded. "I have sixteen badges."

            "Wow… he used earth type pokemon, right?"

            "Yes, but except something like Koga. Giovanni takes a more active role in battles than some of the other gym leaders."

            "I'll remember that." Ash promised.

            Lance checked the line, seeing nothing on it, and waited patiently to see if Ash had anything more to say.

            Sweet. Honey tinted light and so pretty.

            A pretty little child dancing so close to the abyss of darkness, glowing with his own light

            Pretty, pretty little one. Pretty little one, pretty…

            I'll protect you forever; I'll take care of you and keep your light shining. Because neither light nor darkness can stay apart from each other for long, and the world needs your light.

            Don't worry, little one, I'll be with you when we walk the path of destruction together.

            Until then, I'll take good care of you.

            Such a pretty little doll, shimmery black and chocolate and sweet like spun sugar, sweet like ice cream dancing on a summer day.

            Candy and cream in plastic cup, melting on a cool spring day.

            Ash sat down next to him, smiling sweetly.

            "Did you want something else?"

            "One of your chocolate bars?"

            Lance laughed, pulled out the treat, and tossed it to the other trainer. "Here you go."

            "Arigato!"

            Ash peeled off the wrapper and put it properly in a waste receptacle, before biting down into the chocolaty goodness with an expression of bliss.

            Yummy…

            The two aerodactyls soared overhead, before they encountered something else. It was…

            A Dragonite?

            There shouldn't be wild Dragonite flying around here, its close to viridian and too dangerous!

            Maybe it's a messenger.

            Maybe!

            Let's go see!

            They flew up to the dragon.

            Greetings to you and your nest! May the wind carry you in its wings!

            Greetings to you two, The Dragonite replied.

            What brings you here?

            I have a message for the child of light from Mewtwo.

            Aerodactyl stopped. The child of light? But only the Dragon Master and we are here.

            Mewtwo told me I would find him with the Dragon Master. The Dragonite explained. Will you take me to him?

            We will.

            Dragonite followed the two Aerodactyls, landing in front of a very surprised Ash.

            "A Dragonite!"

            Dragonite took a letter out of somewhere, presented it, and then flew off again.

            Ash stared. "Strange…"

            "Yes, its not everyday something like this happens. Open the letter."

            Shrugging, Red carefully unfolded the envelope and pulled out a sheet of blue paper with a typed invitation on it.

            Ash (Red) Silver,

            You are invited to come to the Viridian City Gym, in precisely seven days after you receive this letter. I am expecting you.

            M.

P.S. Bring the Dragon Master with you.

            "Who?" Ash asked.

            Lance frowned. Mewtwo…. Very well, I'll see what your plan it. It had better correspond with Lugia's or I will fight you.

            His eyes shone with a faint blue light Ash didn't recognize. "Me."

End Chapter

Completed 3/17/04