Hi all! Waves
Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon, ok? Ok! - It belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics.
Timeline: 4 days
Chapter 20: Stay: VS Tentacruel
"It's so nice to relax." Ash said, putting on his sunglasses as they sat by Vermillion City… on the beach, of course.
"Isn't it?" Lance asked. "I see your Venus finally evolved."
"Yep! But why did you have to trap us in a blizzard?"
"I like variety." Lance smirked. "And it worked."
Venus was happy in the sun. Ah, so much better than the cold two days before. But now she was strong, strong enough to lift an Onix.
That counted for a lot.
Many other pokemon were on the beach or in shallow water. They chattered amiably amongst themselves.
Ash snuck another glance at Lance while the trainer was busy grooming one of his Dragonair, climbing up and down on its long body.
Dragonair seemed to enjoy the grooming though, purring as its scales got progressively shinier.
Ash smiled, opening his sports bottle and downing some water.
The second bright part was that the beach was other trainer free. Today was still a school day, and most trainers didn't take time to relax.
It was a pity, that.
Still, with the sea breeze tousling his hair and the screams of wingulls high overhead, Ash was in no mind to argue.
He basked in the light and the warmth of the sun, sleeping peacefully.
Lance finished grooming nearly half an hour later, as Dragonair flew off with his twin.
"You'll be a child of light forever…"
Lance shrugged off his cloak and dark red jacket and folded them neatly, before closing his eyes and walking to the ocean.
What's he doing? Victreebel asked.
How would I know? Tangela responded. I'm not a dragon-type.
"But of course," Lance added, as the ocean began to churn. "You'll need some help with Eevee… I know you don't like seeing her in pain…"
A tentacruel rose from the water. It was enormous, almost the size of a large building.
What is your command, Dragon Master?
Bring me the three stones of fire, water, and lightning, which rest underneath the waves as protection from the elements.
Tentacruel's eyes widened. Whose command?
By the dragon of the air and the dragon of the sea, I command you.
Without another word, Tentacruel dived back underwater. Soon, it resurfaced, holding aloft three stones.
Grass, Sun, and Moon, you do not desire?
No, for that is not the way of the choosing.
I understand and obey. Tentacruel laid the stones at the edge of the water line, and then swam off.
Lance's eyes returned to their gold color as he picked them up. "Ash will like these… his birthday is tomorrow, anyway."
Tangela and Victreebel exchanged glances.
Wow…
Tell me! I didn't know he could do that!
Neither did I!
Prepare to be surprised. Lance's Aerodactyl said, in a high fluting tone. It's common.
We will.
Lance strung them on a chain of fine gold, and then tucked the item into his black carrying case. It was too much of a hassle carrying a backpack.
Plus, he didn't really need one.
Seeing as Ash was still asleep, Lance stripped down to his trunks and went for a swim. Even when he returned an hour later, Ash was still dreaming.
"Must be tired."
Yes, that blizzard was hard. Aeroy said. I almost thought he and Venus wouldn't make it out alive.
I wouldn't kill him, Aeroy.
Oh, I know. But it might have taken him a long time to recover.
That's why I healed him afterwards.
Aeroy and Lance's Aerodactyl looked at each other and then flew over the ocean together to fish.
There was nothing like a warm, squirming meal to whet an Aerodactyl's appetite. Especially a pair in love, that got hungry often.
Lance toweled his hair dry and picked Ash up. "It's late, we'll crash at your house tonight."
After collecting both their pokemon, Lance teleported them to Pallet and quietly slipped into Ash's house, still carrying the younger trainer.
He put him to bed and then went downstairs to make spaghetti.
Ash woke up to the odor of basil and tomato sauce tickling his nose. It took a few minutes for his mind to clear itself of the dream state, but when he was fully awake he noticed he was at home.
"How did I get here? We were at Vermillion Beach…"
Star yawned from his desk, where she was napping. He brought you home.
"Lance did?"
Yes. Why are you so surprised? It's late.
Peeking out his window, Ash ascertained that his pokemon was telling the truth, and so went downstairs.
"Awake?" Lance asked, setting a plate of warm spaghetti in front of him.
"Yes." Ash took a bite and grinned. "Wow, you're a good cook. Another hidden talent?"
"Why yes." The trainer said. "You like it?"
Ash beamed. "Lance? Will you take care of me forever?"
Lance paused, the glass of milk halfway to his mouth. Where did that thought come from?
"What?"
Ash blushed pinkly, looking down into his pasta. "Well… we're both alone, and you're older than me, and I like it when we travel together…"
Lance smiled, taking a sip of milk. That is actually quite true… plus, it's my mission from Lugia to protect him...
He let Ash look at him for a few minutes with those adorable puppy dog eyes, before he nodded.
"Of course."
"Honto ni?"
"Hai."
Ash put down his spaghetti, and hugged the other trainer tightly. "Gomen nasai! I promise I'll be good!"
Lance smiled into Ash's hair. "I know that, kawaii little one."
Pretty, precious little child of light. Of course I'll protect you forever.
After all, it's not only my duty. You're so fragile, so small… the world will try to break you.
But don't worry; I'll always be here for you.
End Chapter
Completed 3/21/04