Things happen
Before anyone knew it, more than one week had passed on the island. Blaine had talked to Samuel and he had agreed to allow his grandson and Ash to stay another week. Blaine had seen what they could do and was very curious about what else they can come up with. Samuel had become visibly shocked when he was informed about Lance's condition, but at the same time he looked a bit relieved.
Blaine mused to himself, 'He was probably just glad his kids weren't the only ones with this ability out there. It doesn't really help that Lance caught some Team Rocket operatives during his mission. Luckily they did not seem to have a clue about the kids existence.'
Blaine pinched his nose just remembering the mess, the clean up had become. Lance had requested back up when he spied Team Rocket on the island. Two of his brightest Trix and Rex had gone as back up to help Lance gather intel and capture them. Things had turned downhill very quickly when it turned out Team Rocket were there to capture, detain and control Lady Moltress. The only good side was Lance got Moltress' blessings and they came back alive although Trix got shot in her arm and Rex broke his leg while fighting off the goons. Their Pokemon had quickly rushed them to the emergency room the moment they had returned. Trix lost a lot of blood but survived the encounter while Rex and Lance were giving a report on what happened.
Flashback:
Blaine barked at them, "Report!"
Lance, "My journey up the mountain was going well for the first two days and there was nothing out of place that was noticeable. On my third day, however my Pokemon, Dratini who was scouting the area came back with information about suspicious people on the area."
Blaine, "You were able to understand Dratini?"
Lance nodded slowly as if unable to believe it, "It took a few tries, but yes, I'm able to understand what she is saying. However, it seems that I can only communicate with the Pokemon who have dragon typing otherwise, it is impossible."
Blaine rubbed his chin, "It is still incredible. Is there any other abilities that you have managed to use?"
Lance shook his head, "No, I have not unfortunately, perhaps in the future? I might be able to do it. However, going back to my report, after I was informed, I followed Dratini and spied on a group of Team Rocket operatives being led by the infamous Stewart Pop, who is known for his less than stellar interest in children. I called for back up after learning there were a total of twelve of them on the island. Rex and Trix joined us as I was mapping out their exits and entries, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The three of us agreed to attack under the cover of the night and we would have too if they hadn't found Moltres and started to capture her."
Lance placed the lantern holding Moltress' flame on the table, "We had to adjust our plan and move in before night fell to get Moltress out of the ship, they were using to transport her. To say she was furious would be an understatement. We had a hard time trying to get her out without getting hit by her flames, while also dealing with the operatives. I don't know how it happened but half way through on the second day of the fight, I somehow managed to win Lady Moltres favor and got the blessings, thus fulfilling one of my mission."
Blaine nodded, "Thank you Champion! Now I believe there are two people waiting for you to return."
Lance smiled, "I will go meet them after cleaning up and healing. I would rather they don't see me this messy."
Flashback end!
Lance left the leader to his thoughts and gave a sigh one he reached his assigned room. He had not expected this mission to take five whole days, yet it did. He was exhausted physically and mentally, he had not slept properly for five days at all only twelve hours in total. After taking a nice, long shower to wash off the dirt and feeling of blood on him, he went out in search of his Pokemon that he had left at the healing ward. They had spent the day and night resting, the next day though Lance sat in one of the private rooms trying to reach his core. It was harder then he had previously thought and left him pale and gasping for air as he felt another chain fall.
Dragonite sensing the change rushed to him, -You are here, Lance.-
Dratini, -Are you alright? You don't look well.-
Flygon, -You look exhausted partner.-
Lance smiled at them reassuringly as they herded him back to their rooms, "I'm exhausted but I'm afraid the mission is not over yet. We still need to deliver the Flames to the league."
Altaria cooed, -We will Lance but you need more rest.-
Nurse Joy walked in on this, "My word! You must have a very deep bond with your Pokemon if you can actually understand them."
Lance just nodded while the dragon types gave a cry of happiness making Nurse Joy laugh before she proceeded to inform Lance of their condition, "Dragonite and Dratini are almost recovered from exhaustion, Flygon will have to stay the night, since he took a critical hit to his backbone."
Flygon protested, -But I feel better.-
Nurse Joy having a suspicion spoke sternly, "No matter how strong you are, that takes time to heal. Altaria needs to be careful with her broken wing. No battles or training, till it heals. I would like it if she stayed the night as well. Team Rocket really did a number on you guys. Oh and you have two young visitors."
Dragonite perked up, -Is it the two little ones?-
Lance pat Dragonite's paw and went out to greet his visitors, who much to his guess turned out to be a worried Ash and Gary, "Ash, Gary, what are doing here?"
Gary huffed, "What are we doing here he asks!"
Ash, "We were worried Lance, we heard you guys got hurt."
Lance led them to the private room where his Pokemon were, "Let me guess. The Pokemon informed you."
Ash nodded, "They didn't like the people who you were fighting with either. They asked us to thank you for getting rid of them."
Gary nodded as they both sat down, "One of the fire types even sent a stone for you as a sign of appreciation."
Ash took out the stone and handed it to Lance, "Cooper said, it was a mega evolution stone and that this one is for Altaria. Turns out when she took the hit she protected a bunch of baby fire types that had gotten to close to the battlefield."
Altaria perked up hearing this, -Mega stone?-
Lance took the stone, "Tell them, I accept and appreciate the gift. These stones are rare and hard to find."
Gary looked at the stones, "Are they really? That's the second one we came across."
Lance looked curiously, "Which was the first?"
Ash, "It was a Magmortar mega evolution stone. Cooper says that was the first one he saw as well."
Lance hummed, "Sounds like you kids had quite an adventure."
Gary eyed his pale face, "Not as dangerous as yours though."
Lance looked at Ash and Gary, "When and what exactly did the Pokemon tell you?"
Ash ran his hand on Dratini's head as she made herself comfortable, "They told us you started fighting them three days ago. Two days ago Rex's Pokemon were almost killed and Rex fought with his staff instead. Trix was shot yesterday but she still kept fighting. Yesterday, you also freed Lady Moltress and proved your worth as a leader winning her favour."
Gary who watched Pikachu and Eevee chat with Altaria spoke up, "They did not tell us the details, of course. Just that you were fighting the bad people, got hurt but alive. That sort of stuff."
Lance, "Ah! I see, I do not know whether to be impressed that you have a network of Pokemon that can get you information or worried. You know, you cannot go around telling people about this, right?"
Gary quietly answered, "Grandpa Oak warned us about them you know. The organizations that are around the world, and what they would do, if they found out about us."
Lance nodded, "Professor Oak is one of the best and a former Champion."
Ash smiled, "Don't worry Lance, we are careful promise. Outside of our family and Blaine and his team, you are the only person to know about this."
Gary, "Now, how are you doing Lance? It has only been a few days since you connected to your core. How are you holding up, exactly?"
Lance smiled brightly, "Much better than before. I have been able to communicate with my partners in battle much easier, also I have noticed some of my reflexes have become better, sharper."
Ash smiled, "That's good! Have you meditated yet?"
Lance shook his head negative, "I have not had much time to do so. I probably will do it tonight again though. In the last battle I felt myself become stronger. Earlier I think I managed to get rid of at least one more chain."
Gary hummed, "Maybe now that you are actively using your core. You are burning away your chains."
Ash got a thoughtful look, "That is no doubt happening. Let's just hope whoever chained you doesn't notice."
Dragonite growled, -They will have to go through me first.-
Lance rubbed his oldest partner, "Thank you, my friend. But don't worry, I'll be careful and we'll face them together."
Gary's eyes sparkled, "You can communicate with your Pokemon now. That's fantastic!"
Ash nodded clapping, "Yeah! Now the Pokemon can go to you for help as well."
Lance chuckled, "I'm afraid, I only understand those who have dragon typing in them and that too only my team. The other types are a bit difficult."
Ash nodded making himself comfortable on Lance's left, "I understand, I had problems trying to understand a new type or Pokemon if I just met them. It takes time to understand."
Gary leaned by his right, "Spending time with the new Pokemon makes it much easier to understand them though it requires a lot of time but it's worth it."
The three of them talked the evening away almost cuddling at one point and somewhere, somehow Lance was not sure, he was taken by them to have dinner at a restaurant that had just opened up. Gary insisted on it, since it was possible Lance might have to leave early the next day, therefore they should have dinner together at least once. Dragonite and Dratini who had gone with him snickered at his flabbergasted expression. The dinner was fun and Ash and Gary got a kick out of acting like his spoiled younger brothers to keep the crazy fangirls and fanboys away from the red haired teen. No one wants to piss off an older brother after all, especially one that specialized in dragons. Lance's eyes were filled with amusement whenever they did that even though he had a neutral expression on. Lance decided to walk the two of them back as it had gotten late at night before returning to the centre.
Gary spoke up before they went inside, "Hey Lance! You are one of us now."
Ash hugged Lance, "If you ever want to talk about cores, you know where to find us."
Lance's eyes softened, "I know where Professor Oak lives. Thank you! I appreciate it."
Dragonite, -Take care, young ones!-
Dratini, -We will have to have a battle in the future.-
Pikachu, -Yes, we do!-
Eevee, -We will.-
Ash and Gary went inside after wishing Lance goodnight. They were greeted by Cooper, Charmander and Litten who had stayed out of their pokeballs waiting for them. Ash and Gary greeted them as the two fire types jumped on them welcoming them. Cooper got a look on his face when that happened but smiled welcoming the two kids back. The two young beginner Pokemon are going to be inconsolable when the kids leave at the end of the week. Cooper scratched his head wondering what will happen when the two leave, he only hopes nothing drastic.