This is so much easier to write than a research paper! *sigh*

Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This non-profit, non-copyright infringing fanfiction belongs to me!

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks.

This is ALTERNATE UNIVERSE, takes place after Pokemon Special/Adventures book 7. Lance is dead.

Chapter 7 – Unlikely allies

 

            When Agatha said that she was a ghost master, she meant it literally. She could go incorporeal just like a real ghost, she could summon wild ghost pokemon and understand their language, she could teleport, and she could heal – poisoned and paralyzed pokemon.

            Red was impressed.

            He was also surprised she had agreed to team up with him. All he had was a couple of pokemon and the scroll of the Emerald Phoenix prophecy. Hardly anything someone would want!

            Still…

            Why argue with fate?

 

            The two of them left Pokemon Tower. Agatha said that it wasn’t safe anymore. Since Johto was still free, they headed there…to Ecruteak, to be precise, where Agatha and Morty exchanged notes and chatted for a long time. After all, both ghost masters had some interests in common…

            Red went outside to get some fresh air. He had just settled down on a park bench with a glass of lemonade in one hand when it began to snow.

            … It was September. Last time he checked, it did not snow in September!

            What in Mew’s name was going on?

            Had Team Rocket unleashed the legendary birds as an attempt to conquer Johto? No, a quick glance at the sky showed no Articuno…

            What was going on?

 

            Forgoing fresh air for now, Red bolted back into the Ecruteak City gym.

            < Something wrong? > Morty inquired.

            < What’s got you running in here like a skittish cat? > Agatha asked.

            “Either I’m hallucinating, or it’s snowing outside.” Red said. * This beats all… * It was snowing…

            < You’re not hallucinating. > Agatha said helpfully. * This is not normal! *

            Morty frowned. < Something’s wrong, but I cannot see what it is. Agatha? >

            < No, I cannot sense it either. >

            < Kuso… >

 

            Floating was a nice feeling.

            Lance idly petted the pink dratini ghost’s head. So long… why had that person bothered to call him up in the living realm. He no longer belonged there, being dead…

            It hurt too much to think about life. No, it didn’t, he had vowed to forget and he had done well.

            The only memories he could not suppress were those of his own death. Ironic, perhaps… but it did not matter.

            He was content enough here, and if anyone dared make him leave this realm…

            Well, then he’d shred their souls.

            Lance smiled.

 

            Snow continued to fall.

            It had been falling for three days without a pause. Plants were dying. Grass pokemon were dying, frozen solid.

            The Government of Johto was frantic. However, they had no idea how to stop it… no one did, really. So they began to pray…

            But none of the legendaries listened.

            Who would? There were more pressing matters at hand.

 

            < No. >

            What do you mean no? Zapdos screeched.

            Articuno yawned. No means no, brother.

            < Yes, Zapdos. You would do well to hold your temper. > Serebii reprimanded. < We cannot interfere! >

            This is personal! My favorite trainer candidate for Thunder Master is in serious danger of his life!

            Kyogre glared. Well, my candidate’s dead! So don’t complain!

            After much bickering, nothing had yet been resolved.

 

            < This cannot go on. >

            Red faced Agatha curiously. “What cannot go on?”

            < The snow… all this death only serves to make Team Rocket gain power. >

            “I don’t understand.”

            < No, you wouldn’t, you do not understand the rituals of blood sacrifice which are performed to gain power… >

            “?”

            < Do not think on it. > Morty said.

            Red sighed, as the two ghost trainers started another conversation, leaving him out. Not again…

 

            Honestly, though! Couldn’t they just perhaps tell him what was wrong? He would try to help, really!

            Really…

 

            What was he supposed to do, anyways?

 

            Red sat by the window and watched the snowfall, his pokemon surrounding him in a warm circle.

            Maybe… he could try and stop this?

            But how?

 

            There was no one to help him.

            Agatha had promised, but so far, she hadn’t actually done anything. Maybe, even with her cool powers, she couldn’t?

            That could be very bad…

 

End Chapter

Completed 2/12/05

Phantomness: *sneezes*

Lance: Ill again?

Ash: Seems like it