The rest of Lance Appreciation Week Stories! (3-7)
I realized that I didn’t post these stories! I did work on them, so why not!
WHO IS THE CAPED CRUSADER? (mystery)
Prompt: 3rd prompt: All versions of Lance! From R/B/Y to now!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35088931/chapters/87673627
Excerpt:
VIGILANTE STRIKES AGAIN—SAVIOR OF POKEMON?
More reports of a caped vigilante roaming the streets at night and rescuing Pokemon from certain fate. Police suspect that it is a member of a radical environmental group and warn… More on Page 24
“Must be a slow news day!” Trevor exclaimed as he tossed the headline in the garbage, “Vigilante! Wears a cape! What sort of things do they come up with to sell the funnies?”
Their Eyes Spell Trouble (drama/comedy)
Prompt 4: Young/Past Lance
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35088931/chapters/87680779#workskin
Excerpt:
“Grandpa!” the boy said, his pout loud and proud, “I was gonna fly!”
“Lance,” the Elder scolded, pulling the child towards him, “Do you believe that you, a small boy, will suddenly sprout wings and fly off a tall cabinet?”
His grandson shrugged. “Yes?”
The Elder allowed his cane to drop Lance back onto the child’s rear, letting Lance rub his leg in discomfort. He could see a growing disdain and restlessness that was apparent in all whelplings—his daughter was not shaping Lance into the proper disciple he needed to be.
So much of Miriam was in Lance’s spirit. Stubbornness, yearning, wildness… honestly, the Elder thought he was done with this when Miriam grew of age and married off to her husband. Funny way of the Great Dragon Spirit to prove how wrong he was.
They even looked alike. While Miriam had long, silky blonde hair and Lance had red hair, they shared the same eyes. Even the same smile and pout.
But the eyes spelled trouble. Eighteen years of hell, in The Elder's experience.
May I Come Down? (oral ghost story/humor)
5th Prompt: Seasonal/Holiday Lance!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35088931/chapters/87773437#workskin
Excerpt:
“Don’t be silly! It’s just a house!”
After building a fire and securing the doors, Clair went off to sleep and Lance stayed up to keep watch over the fire. He still couldn’t shake the feeling of the cabin, even with sleep creeping into his senses.
However, at a quarter to midnight, he heard rustling in the chimney. Startled, he looked up and wondered if a Pokémon had gotten in there to avoid the storm. Thinking it best to not say anything to Clair, he kept his mouth shut.
But the rustling got louder before a low, raspy voice came from the chimney.
“May I come down?”
Lance jumped out of skin. Was someone stuck in the chimney?
Don't Waste the Bullet (western/drama)
6th Prompt: Different Type!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35088931/chapters/87804466#workskin
Excerpt:
Another voice came to the woman’s defense and from an older boy, “Let my mother and little brother go. Send them back to the town. I’ll do whatever you want. Please. We lost our father last winter. They need each other.”
“My condolences,” Archer replied, unfurling the signature sheet, “Play your cards right, boy, and you won’t see him for some time.”
“I won’t sign the land over,” the woman spat right at Archer’s boots, “Let my sons go to town. Do what you will with me. But let my sons go to town. We have no guns.”
Archer glanced over at the youngest boy who still said nothing. He might be a little slow and, given his size, quite stupid. Tiny child with legs that barely held his head up. A day out in the unforgiving desert would kill him for sure.
“Proton. Petrel,” Archer said, motioning to the small child, “Grab the boy. Let’s make this sale official.”
Hot Commodity Bachelor Auction (Choose Your Own Adventure/Humor)
7th Prompt: Free Day!
https://archiveofourown.org/works/35088931/chapters/87871216#workskin
Excerpt:
“It’s for charity, Lance. Don’t be so close-minded.”
“It’s prostitution!”
Steven Stone chuckled at the very idea of Lance dressing himself up for a paid escort and adult date. “It’s not prostitution. Nobody is requiring you to do anything more than show up, make small talk, and eat a free dinner. Really, Lance, so dramatic.”
Lance scowled into the sign-up sheet that his (soon-to-be-ex) best friend shoved under his nose. His name was printed across the top by Steven’s own computer and signed off by the billionaire.
Bachelor Auction. An auction, as if Lance was livestock for market! Weren't there laws against this? Some PSAs on how people shouldn’t be sold for romantic interludes? Surely, nobody would be interested in buying him for a date!
He was Lance, cape-wearing hero and purveyor of dragon types! Nobody was interested in that…
“If you don’t do it,” Steven read his mind and pout perfectly clear, “I’ll be forced to extend my own hand. And you know how Metagross adores playing tag with you. Be a big boy and do this charity event with a big boy smile instead of squirreling away in your office or Dragon Den.”
Lance glared, “You wouldn’t do that to me. We’re friends.”
“I’m also a businessman. Business before friends,” his friend reminded him, “You are a hot commodity. I’ve done this for years and I would like to step aside for another eligible single man for once. Your name and elusive singleness will bring in a lot of money for this charity. So don’t be selfish and show up in a suit.”
“And what charity is this? Why can’t I donate the money?” Lance stared at the paper again as if he could burn a hole through it.
“Underprivileged orphans, Lance, and no. I want to build a resort nearby and I need to kick them out next year.”
“Wait, you’re kicking out—”
“Good grief, Lance, I’m giving them another less-than-desirable location so it’s not like they’ll be homeless.” Steven interrupted him as if he was insulted, “Really, my dear friend, you should think of others. Like me.”
Lance questioned if he should.
Tell Steven Yes
Go to Paragraph 1A
Tell Steven to Find Another Patsy!
Go to Paragraph 2B