Well, let's continue!
Chapter 19: Demo: VS Magmar
"You're a… what is a Dragon Master?" Ash asked, furrowing his brow.
"It means, I can do this," Lance said. His eyes flared bluer and there was a clashing sound. Pulling off his black cape, Lance revealed a pair of silver wings. They were dragon's wings, shimmery steel, reaching to a wingspan of eight feet. They were sharp-edged like his Aerodactyls.
"…Wow…"
Ash was vaguely reminded of what had happened when he discovered Lance could heal, but there was again no fear, just a tingle of excitement.
"Can I touch them?"
Lance blinked. "I suppose…just don't touch the edges on the bottom, they're like knives. They can even cut through steel."
"K." Ash replied, walking behind Lance and placing his fingers on the metal. It wasn't really cold, just cool to the touch. Ridges of scales covered them.
"Don't they hurt?"
"Not even heavy.' Lance said. "I guess they're kind of like a Skarmory's wings. Hollow inside, but still very strong."
"I see…"
Poli poked his head out of the water. Quiet! I think this might be a relationship development!
Huh? Star poked her head out of a berry bush. Wow!
Venus also stuck her out of the same bush quietly. It's about time.
Maybe! Aerodactyl said as he and his mate soared overhead.
Several of Ash's other pokemon watched in anticipation.
After Ash had finished exploring, his curiosity piqued, he waited for Lance to say something else.
"I can also summon, but you can probably guess that."
Ash nodded. "Dragon-types."
"Hai."
"Anything else?"
"I'm not telling all my secrets." Lance quipped. "Why don't you wait and see." He sat down again, as Ash sat down next to him, almost in his lap. Lance raised his eyebrows, but didn't comment, not even when Ash leaned his head against his chest.
Sugoi… Star said, wagging her tail. I like this.
I still think Lance is not realizing Ash's feelings… Venus said.
Why?
Just a feeling…
Hmm… Kadabra remarked. It is intriguing. I've never seen the mating process before.
Kadabra! Poli scolded. You!
What? I'm just learning human ways.
I don't think this is a good example. Skarmory whispered from his tree. For example, you should find a giggly girl.
Why?
Because that usually has much faster results…
And you would know this how?
My great-uncle's trainer was one.
Ah.
Lance idly stroked Ash's hair, not even realizing what he was doing. The blue glow was still in his eyes, but not overpowering.
Yes, my Chosen, don't worry about Mewtwo. I realize that you are anxious.
Lugia, I should not confront him?
Correct. Unless he attempts to forcibly darken the child of light's heart…
Would he? If the world continued in this way, would he not suffer too?
Yes, but Mewtwo cares not much for life, unlike my siblings and I.
Why?
Long story, my Chosen.
Very well, I will not pry in these affairs. Lance said, cutting connections.
Take care of yourself as well, my Chosen.
I will.
A Magmar burst out of a bush and charged.
Star glared. No! You are not interrupting this moment! She shifted into Vaporeon and spat out a hydro pump. However, the Magmar charged on towards the two.
"Lance!"
Lance's eyes opened and then flared, as Magmar suddenly crashed into empty air.
"Don't worry, the Dragon Shield is protecting us." Lance whispered. As Ash watched, what looked like a blade of water formed in his hands, still glowing?
Lance calmly made one downward slash.
Magmar shrieked, water drenching it in a deluge, and quickly ran away as fast as it could.
Nice. Gyarados said from the stream.
Very cool, so that's what a Dragon master can do. Poli added.
Lapras took a mouthful of pondweed and chewed slowly. Interesting.
I think it's unfair. A voice piped up.
A Magikarp splashed up. Hello father.
My little Nemo! How are you?
Perfectly fine, thank you father, mother.
Lapras blushed pinkly. I'm glad.
So your trainer is joining with the Dragon Master?
Seems so. Gyarados said. He's also rumored to be the Child of Light.
Magikarp's eyes turned into saucers. Truly?
We are almost certain. Lapras spoke up.
Magikarp splashed along, watching.
Ash was still looking at him.
"Was there something else you wanted to ask me?" Lance asked, a bit unnerved by the silence.
Of course, there was that unidentifiable emotion in Ash's eyes he still didn't get.
Lance willed away his wings and the Dragon Shield, as the sword vanished as well.
"You'll come with me to the meeting place in the letter?" Ash asked.
"Of course.' Lance said, inwardly relieved that it was a simple question.
Ash beamed. "I'm not scared then."
Without another word, he wound his arms around Lance again and smiled.
Lance held him, not quite knowing what to say.
Kawaii…
Yes, Star, we know you're enjoying the sight. Venus remarked, eating another berry.
I can't believe Lance still hasn't noticed.
Maybe he's faking it?
Hmm…
End Chapter
Completed 3/18/04