Ash is 14 now.

Chapter 22: Meet the mewtwo: VS Mewtwo?

            Ash and Lance waited outside the Viridian City outskirts for the mysterious letter-writer.

            Ash smoothed his new dark blue jacket self-consciously. I hope he didn't expect a lot.

            "I suppose you're nervous."

            Red nodded his head. "Of course! What does he want?"

            "I wish I knew the answer to that question." Lance said, fiddling with the gold cords at the throat of his cape.

            He whispered another protection spell inside.

            Layers of invisible shielding covered both trainers, although Ash knew not of it. It was better.

            Of course I have to protect him, but it doesn't have to be obvious…

            I have to protect you from the world, little one.

            Not just for Lugia, but also for myself.

            You're my friend…

            "There was no time on the letter?'

            "None." Ash said, taking it out again. "Just a date."

            "I hope we will not be waiting her for an entire day."

            "Of course. That would be a grandiose waste of valuable training time." Dragonite peered over Lance's shoulder, also seeking.

            Not here yet…

            Lance's two Dragonair also prowled the air, seeking.

            They choose not to evolve, preferring their second forms to being Dragonites. It was free will, though, so Lance did not particularly care.

            As long as they were happy, he was content as well.

            Yes...

            Soon, a flash of purple signaled the arrival of the long-awaited psychic cat.

            Hello. Mewtwo greeted.

            Ash jumped at the voice inside his head, looking around for a  few seconds before he realized what it was.

            "Um… hi?"

            I see you are confused.

            "Of course! Why am I here? What do you want?"
            I simply had a gift to deliver.

            Lance raised his eyebrows skeptically, but Mewtwo did nothing but pull out six poke balls.

            You are of age now to carry some of the power of the legendaries with you. Take good care of them.

            Without another word, Mewtwo flew off.

            Lugia, what was that all about? Lance asked, after having relayed the information.

            He is telling nothing but the truth. Lugia said, peering through his Chosen's eyes. Perhaps I judged him a bit too harshly.

            I see…

            Keep an eye on him still. This year will be crucial.

            I shall.

            And do not be afraid to follow your heart, my Chosen.

            Lugia vanished before Lance could question farther.

            Ash opened the poke balls.

            The first was another Eevee, a male, who took an attraction to Star instantly.

            The second, a baby Articuno. For the third, a baby Zapdos, and fourth, a baby Moltres. All female.

            The fifth was a Dratini, which instantly got fawned over by Lance's two Dragonair. She was rather cute, with large red eyes.

            Lance smiled, seeing the mothering instincts in his pokemon. Well, I have never seen that before.

            And lastly, there was another Aerodactyl, also a girl. This time, both Aerodactyls were the proud 'parents'.

            The group now enlarged headed into the forest, where the parents and children chattered and groomed each other companionably.

            Lance listened to the symphony of the woods as he tried to figure out what Lugia had said. Trust my heart? I do acknowledge my feelings. What is he talking about?

            He furrowed his brow, trying to come up with an answer, but none presented itself.

            Maybe Lugia is talking about the future. I will wait. Dragons are supposed to be patient after all.

            Ash's new Eevee and Star were double-teaming two Arbok and doing a very good job of it.

            However, what surprised Ash was when Eevee turned into a purple pokemon.

            "What?"

            "An espeon without-." Lance stopped, staring, as a Psybeam rammed one Arbok into a tree and Star's Ice Beam sent the other flying.

            Afterwards, both eevees turned back.

            "What's going on?" Ash asked, slightly panicked.

            "Looks like your other Eevee can transform as well."

            Yes I can. Eevee said proudly. Espeon, the psychic. Umbreon, the dark master, and Phantasmeon, the ghost.

            Sugoi… Star said.

            You're cool too!

            Star blushed a little. Maybe my wish for a companion is finally coming true. And he won't think I'm strange, since he's the same way!

            Eevee handed Star a flower. You did great!

            Star took the flower and beamed. You too.

            "Sugoi…" Ash said, echoing star's earlier comment.

            Lance peered at him with something akin to pride. "Of course, the pokemon's strength also reflects the trainer's skill."

            "It's true for you."

            "You too," Lance said. "Remember when I told you, that you had strength only you didn't know it?"

            Red thought back and nodded.

            "Well, this just proves my point." Lance said, staring into those mesmerizing brown orbs again.

            Ash smiled. "Gomen…"

            "No, don't be afraid when people praise you. You are better than you think you are." Lance told him. "Don't let people put you down or say you're too young. Most of the time, they are just jealous. Believe in yourself."

            And maybe… can you believe in me?

End Chapter

Complete 3/25/04