Here we go!

Disclaimer: Again, I don't own pokemon. It belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This is non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfic written by me and so I own it.

Timeline: 8 months

Chapter 30: Mantle of Duty

            "Where are we going?"

            "The valley." Lance said, not clarifying. Still, Ash knew that it was probably somewhere they hadn't already been.

            They had traveled through Johto and Houen, these two facts having almost completed his pokédex alone.

            Red wound his arms around Lance's waist while Dragonite soared over the land below, its wings beating rhythmically.

            A strange apprehension welled up inside his chest, but he kept silent. Even if Lance led him into death, he would follow.

            Perhaps he trusted the older boy too strongly, but it could not be said for truth.

            He had only caught a glimpse by accident. Sick with fever, as Lance healed him, and not with speed either, for his body needed time to recover from its own assault.

            With cool cloths upon his forehead and pain ringing in his ears, he had seen Lance kill without tears.

            It had been a bringer of pestilence, some creeping black spirit, but…

            There was no sympathy in that gaze of ice. None at all as he struck it down.

            What really stuck in his mind was what Lance had said.

            My life is bound to the child of light, to take him away you must go through me first. I will not give him up.

            The spirit had hissed, but laughed. And you have this claim over him?

            Lance had smiled. Only what he asked for. And since he desired it, I will protect him forever…

            Then, he had focused his power and blown the spirit to bits.

            Foolish. Lance laughed. Lugia's will and mine cannot be broken so easily… not at all…

            It was almost in the same instant that the terrible pain in Ash's body had started to abate.

            He had been sick for three days after, but gradually, all of the poison had leeched itself out of his system.

            And it had turned out for the best.

            "You are being awfully quiet." Lance said, breaking into Ash's musings.

            "I was just thinking."
            Lance nodded, as Dragonite continued on its pathway through the skies. I understand. I hope he is prepared for what lies ahead.

            Perhaps an hour later, they landed in a valley.

            Verdant green burst before their eyes, twining earth and green tones. It was picturesque, pastoral, and pretty perfect…

            Down below, Lugia waited.

            Welcome, Dragon Master and Child of Light. He greeted in his brassy voice.

            Lance knelt down, and Ash quickly followed his example.

            No, no, none of that formality. Lugia quickly said. We have not that time to waste.

            They both stood up, waiting.

            Now. Lugia said, fixing his blue eyes on Ash. I surmise you are confused about the matter at hand?

            "Um… yes?"

            Rich laughter resounded in his head. I understand. We kept this secret from you. Small wonder you cannot comprehend it.

            Lance listened quietly while Lugia turned to Ash.

            I know that you trust my Dragon Master.

            "Of course I do!" Ash said defensively. "He'd never hurt me!"

            You speak the truth there indeed. However, that is not my main purpose for calling you here.

            Lugia stretched his wings and resettled himself. I hope he is prepared.

            You are a child of light.

            Ash looked confused. "You keep calling me that, but…"

            It is simple. Your spirit shines brightly through the darkness of this world. Is that not the truth?

            Ash digested this new bit of information, chewing over it carefully in his mind. Well, yes… but why is that important?

            A pensive glance fixated itself upon his physiognomy.

            Because. You need to stay that way. Lugia said. As long as your heart still shines with pure starlight, we are safe.

            "Me?! I'm not that important!"

            Lugia chuckled again. Yes, I know. You always look down on yourself, and the mask of egotism that you wear is thin. However, your destiny is woven with ours, and, yes, his as well. For you are a child of the Phoenix.

            "I am?"

            Red looked like he had been knocked in the head via a mallet or some other throwing object.

            Yes, quit being so incredulous. The legendary said. If you hadn't, Lance's magic transfer would have killed you.

            Ash paled, eyes sliding over to glance at the Dragon Master, who was staring at Lugia attentively. My god… but I didn't die! Lance wouldn't hurt me on purpose, ever! He's always there when I need him and he takes care of me. No, it must be true then. Why else? Lugia won't lie to me.

            Besides, he liked the magic sometimes. Even though he didn't know how to utilize it, it was a shield and a healer. Plus, he liked his  new hair.

            Lugia gave him a few minutes to compose himself.

            "So… what do I have to do now?" Ash asked. With the revelation, something had to happen.

            I expected that. Lugia coughed, clearing his throat even though he was using telepathy. Very well. It is actually very simple.

            "Simple?"

            Yes. All you have to do is continue living.

            Ash blinked. "What?"
            Lance stood up, walking behind him and placing his hands on his shoulders. "What Lugia means is to live your life and help the pokemon that cross your path. There are many out there who need your healing."

            Exactly! The legendary said.

            "But…" Ash still felt somewhat befuddled. "That's it? And I'm no great healer, I can't even use magic like Lance…"

            I mean healing of the spirit, not the flesh. Lugia intoned. Surely you have seen the results with your late father's pokemon?

            "Well, yes…" Ash smiled. Helping pokemon? That was it? Of course he would!

            Then accept the blessing of the legendaries. Honou said, dropping into the valley. For Ash was his Chosen, not Lugia's, even though Lugia was more eloquent and thus he had made the speech.

            Rainbow light shone from his wings and clothed Ash in magnificence and power.

End Chapter!

Complete 4/11/04