Chapter 10
Ash walks down the halls glumly with Pikachu. He hasn't been himself since he had his argument with Odyssey at the castle gardens. At the banquet, Odyssey wasn't there and Ash hardly ate or even said a word to anyone. Serena was worried about his behavior as the feast went on, but he didn't so much as give her a glance no matter how much he would feel calm and at peace to look upon her ocean blue eyes. Hour after hour, the last words the prince's Lucario said echoes in his mind.
"Master is a prince who will one day become king. Even if he makes a poor husband in your eye, that woman will want for nothing. What good is your attachment compared to that? Do you claim you can provide for her in your real life outside of the castle? Can you guarantee food and shelter and enough money to raise a family with her? Can you honestly tell me that you can make her happy with who you really are?"
The more he dwells on those words the sadder he gets. Finally, he stops walking and looks out a nearby window, showing a view of the city. Pikachu hops onto his shoulders as he thinks about his small home with Brock and Happiny and the idea of Serena living there. Tears fall down his face as he hangs his head in shame.
"Odyssey is right, Pikachu," Ash says sadly. "What was I thinking falling for Serena? Did I really think she and I might end up together even though she is betrothed to a prince? I could never be able to provide for a wife selling sticks just to try to earn a farthing. I was a fool to get my hopes up."
"Pikachu," Pikachu protests.
"No, I was," Ash says before turning to his companion. "And I'm sorry to say that you were too buddy. I'm afraid that there's no way anything could happen between you and Sylveon."
The mouse Pokemon winces at his words as if an arrow just pierced his little heart.
"Pika," he says sadly.
"I know, Pikachu," Ash says sympathetically. "It's cruel, really. Just yesterday I never imagined I would feel this way about any woman, and now more than anything I want to magically turn into Prince Timothy just so that I can marry Serena and be by her side forever and you can be with Sylveon too. But then again, we would still be living a lie if I did turn into the prince. I would be ruling a kingdom and tricking Serena still all for my happiness. That's not fair for anyone."
"Pikachu," Pikachu reluctantly nods in agreement.
The two of them look out the window sadly for a few minutes before Ash makes a decision.
"I know what I have to do," he says. "I should tell Serena the truth. I know the prince wouldn't approve of it, but she deserves to know she kissed the wrong man on the cheek. She needs to stop living in the dark once and for all. It's...it's better for her this way."
Pikachu's ears stay down as he looks at his friend with pity. Ash lets out a sad sigh and says, "Let's go find her."
Pikachu reluctantly nods in acknowledgment. Ash proceeds to walk through the halls, heading to Serena's quarters. In his mind, he rehearses what he feels he has to say to her, in his heart each rehearsal is more painful than the last. As he gets closer to Serena's chambers, He starts to fear that he might not even have the courage to speak to her honestly and he mentally prays to The Lord that he will be brave enough to do what is right.
As he walks down the hall, however, he passes by Markenal's study and sees a crack in the door. He leans in curiously and his eyes widen to find Serena herself instead of the royal tutor sitting by one of the tables and reading a book. She has a soft but blissful smile on your face as she reads intently. Ash finds himself smiling, feeling serene at the sight of the beautiful honey blonde woman he loves looking so happy. He snaps out of his thoughts, however, and secretly looks around the study to make sure no one is there.
"Well, I guess now is a good time as any," he says to Pikachu with a sad look.
Pikachu nods in agreement before Ash quietly opens the door fully. He enters the room and closes the door fully just in time for Serena to notice that she's no longer alone. She lifts her head from her book and sees the raven-haired man walking toward her with his Pikachu standing on his shoulder.
"Oh, hi, Timothy, Electchu," she greets with a small smile before she frowns in concern. "Are you feeling any better? You didn't say a word at dinner."
"Uh...not really," Ash answers honestly. "In fact, I wanted to talk to you about something."
"Yes?" She asks.
Ash struggles to find the best way to say anything. He knows what to tell her, but he doesn't know where to begin. But then he sees the book she is holding and his curiosity gets the better of him.
"W-well, before I speak, I must ask, what is that book you're reading?" He asks.
Serena briefly glances at her book and gives him a small smile.
"It's a book that I brought with me from Kanto called Princess Amour," she answers. "It has been my favorite story ever since I was a little girl."
"Oh? How come you are reading it here in Sir Markenal's study?" Ash asks.
Serena sighs with a smile and says, "I just love to read in a study. I used to sneak into the royal tutor's study at my father's castle just to learn about things that he deemed unnecessary for a princess to learn: science, history, algebra, Pokemon, Pokemon battles, you name it."
"Ah, so that must be why you looked so cheerful to take part in Sir Markenal's lectures and how you knew so much about what was going on during my battle with Sergeant Calem," Ash says.
"Yes, it is," Serena answers. "Honestly, I always feel more like myself when I'm around knowledge, even if I'm reading a love story like Princess Amour."
"How so?" Ash asks in confusion.
Serena smiles at his question, happy that he asked.
"Because although this is a fictional tale, it's based on the legend of Princess Florinda, a Kantoian princess from many centuries ago," she replies. "It tells the story of when she fell in love with a man named Potter who was the caretaker of her father, the king's garden. Her father forbade her from seeing him again when he learned of her and Potter's relationship under penalty of banishment."
"Banishment?" Ash asks in surprise.
Serena nods and says, "Princesses in Kanto are obligated by their title to marry who their fathers say they should marry or be disowned by the royal family. If they do not marry someone of royal or noble blood, then they have no use in the eyes of their fathers."
"That's awful," Ash says. "What happened to Princess Florinda and Potter?"
Serena turns to her book and with a serene sigh answers, "For a time, Princess Florinda and Potter obeyed the king's command, but it wasn't long before they accepted that they were only half of themselves without each other. Then one day, Florinda discovered a loophole by learning that anyone in the royal family has the power to marry people, including marrying themselves to the person they wish to spend the rest of their lives with. Thus, she and Potter met in secret and with the few people and Pokemon they trusted as witnesses, she officiated her own secret wedding between herself and the man she loved and made it official by giving Potter the ribbon around her neck."
"You mean one like the blue one you have around your neck?" Ash asks. "I was wondering why you and Holly wear one."
Serena turns to Ash in confusion.
"Well, yes," she admits. "But I thought you knew that. Has Sir Markenal not told you about the customs of Kanto?"
Ash stutters for a moment and as honestly as he can replies, "I can't say I have been told about it."
Serena blinks once surprised and says, "Well, in Kanto, unmarried women like me and Holly are to always wear a ribbon that covers our necks until either the day we die or the day of our wedding where we are to give it to the groom. It's a custom in my country for the bride to symbolically say that she has willingly allowed the man to become one with her by removing her ribbon, showing her neck to him for the very first time and giving the fabric to him. Ideally, it is respectable to women because it shows how a woman's body, heart, and soul is for her to give and her alone."
"Ideally?" Ash asks.
Serena nods with a frown and says, "Sadly, Kantoian society does not acknowledge that principle like it used to. Although the custom is followed, not many people respect its meaning much like Princess Florinda's father."
Ash frowns at her response before he asks, "So what happened to her and Potter after they were married?"
Serena turns her head to her book again and answers, "Her father stripped her of her title and banished them as is the law in Kanto and so they had to flee to Johto where they struggled to find work. Eventually, however, they were allowed back into Kanto when her father died and her sister became queen and convinced her husband, the new king who loved his wife dearly, to revoke their banishment. Thus both couples lived happily ever after and history would call Florinda Princess Amour in honor of her deeds for love."
Ash can't help but smile at the idea of a princess marrying a man out of royalty and still eventually live happily in security. Serena smiles back and continues.
"To be frank, Florinda has been a hero of mine and many other Kanto princesses in ages past," she says. "There have been princesses who have followed her example even if they marry into royalty. Some would even fall in love with the prince that they are meant to marry so much that they decide to officiate their own weddings just like Princess Amour. I grew up dreaming of doing the same with my wedding and maybe even use my power as a princess to officiate other people's weddings. I find the idea of uniting two people in love before The Lord to be just wonderful."
Serena hugs her book and smiles blissfully at the thought, making Ash's own smile grow until something crosses his mind.
"Serena," He begins. "Have you ever wished that you would marry someone other than a prince before?"
Serena turns to Ash, surprised before a shy smile enters her face.
"Actually, I have," she says. "And it was when I first came to Kalos."
Both Ash and Pikachu look at each other surprised. Ash's mind goes back to his dream of him in the forest back when he was just a boy before she continues.
"I mentioned before that I got lost and injured in the woods and a boy who looked just like you and his Pikachu rescued me and Sylveon when she was an Eevee, right?" She asks, earning a nod from Ash. "Well, while I must admit that when he came to me I felt so infatuated with him. There was I was, hurt and afraid. I cried out to my father, hoping he and his guards would come and rescue me, but no one heard me. I wept like the little girl I was even with Eevee there to comfort me until a Pikachu found me and called out to his master who was looking for him. His master turned out to be that raven-haired boy around my age who greeted me with a smile and treated my wound. When I still couldn't get up, he encouraged me by saying, 'Don't give up until it's over.'"
Ash's eyes widen as he remembers that he said those very words to her during their battle and he suddenly begins to remember saying that to a girl before once upon a time.
"I was reluctant at first, but then I took his hand and he helped me up," Serena continues. "He pulled me so hard that we were in a hugging position once I stood. I remember blushing so hard as if I was hugging the mightiest and most handsome knight known to man. Afterward, he helped me find my father's carriage. The last time I saw him, my father was bluntly thanking him for his help before he ordered the convoy to move. I never saw him again."
Serena frowns, dwelling in the memory. Ash looks away from her and his mind is lost in realization. Suddenly, he remembers everything she said, like a fond memory that has been lost forgotten. He fully realizes that he was that little boy who helped her. Then, his shock turns into shame as he secretly hates himself for forgetting Serena after so many years. Serena, herself, however, doesn't notice as she continues to speak.
"So to answer your question, Timothy, I did want to marry that boy despite the fact that he wasn't royalty," she says. "I used to dream that one day I might see him again and we would fall deeply in love and get married. I even used to imagine that he would turn out to be a prince in disguise so that we would have no trouble receiving my father's blessing. Nobody, not even Sylveon, and Braxian have ever made me feel happy the way I felt happy because of that boy who came to my rescue...well… nobody except one person."
Ash looks at her in confusion until Serna puts her hand on top of his. Pikachu looks in shock and Ash stares at her with his mouth agape as she looks at him sweetly. She giggles softly at his reaction to her revelation until she frowns in realization.
"I'm sorry, Timothy," she apologizes. "In all of this discussion about my book, we didn't get around to talking about what you wanted to talk to be about."
Ash frowns deeply as he and Pikachu remember why he came here.
"That's okay," he says softly. "It was kind of my own fault. I changed the subject. But now that you bring it up, it's important that I tell you this now."
Serena nods in understanding before she puts down her book and walks over to sit next to the man she thinks is the prince.
"What is it?" She asks.
Ash takes a deep breath to muster the courage he needs to do what must be done.
"Serena...I know who that little boy is."
Serena gasps softly.
"What are you talking about?" She asks.
But before Ash can answer, the door knocks and he, Pikachu and Serena turn around to see Markenal entering.
"Pardon us, Sir Markenal," Serena says respectfully. "I know this is your study and -"
"Please, don't worry yourself, Your Majesty," Markenal says with a wave of his hand. "If anything, I am glad to find both of you."
Ash and Serena look at each other and Pikachu cocks his head in confusion as Markenal walks over to Ash.
"Your Highness, I have grave news," he reports. "I'm afraid your father is dying."
Serena gasps again as both she and Pikachu turn to Ash. The raven-haired man stands there helpless as the head of the household and the woman he loves turn to him, thinking the former just told Prince Timothy that his father is dying.
"What do you mean he's dying?" Serena asks. "I thought he was just ill."
"I'm afraid his illness is more grave than we thought," Markenal says with his head down. "He is in fact at his last moments and wishes to see you immediately, sire."
Ash is at a greater loss for words than before. He feels helpless after learning that he is to come to the king's side and there seems to be no way he can get anyone to fetch Prince Timothy before his father dies.
"But...but this isn't right," he protests. "I...I'm not supposed to be doing this. I don't know how to act or what to say. I...I shouldn't even be -"
But then his protest is silenced with Serena placing her hand on his shoulder. He turns to her as she looks at him with a sad but supportive smile.
"Go to your father, Timothy," she says caressing his cheek with her other hand. "Don't think about what to do or say. Just be there for him."
Ash wishes he could just say that the king is not his father and he is not Prince Timothy on the spot, but he knows he cannot tell her in front of Markenal. He takes a deep breath and reluctantly walks over to Markenal.
"Okay," he says. "T-take me to him."
Markenal nods and gestures to follow him. Ash turns to Pikachu only to find Serena picking him up and holding him in both arms.
"I'll look after Electchu," she says. "We'll both be waiting for you."
Ash sighs and gives her an appreciative look before he turns around and follows Markenal.
The walk down the halls is dark and quiet. Ash feels helpless as Markenal escorts him. He worries about what will happen when Timothy learns about his father's sudden death and that his doppelganger was there to hear his father's last words instead of him. What could he do to comfort the prince? It seems he can do no more than relay those words to the soon-to-be king and pray that it might be enough. Guilt fills Ash's body as he and Markenal make it to a tall doorway.
The old man opens the door and gestures Ash to enter. He gulps as he slowly enters a giant bedroom barely lit by two candles standing between a large bed on the other side. The purple bed curtains cover a shadowy figure laying perfectly still on the bed. The only movement that can be seen is the figure's belly barely going up and down as the person wheezes weakly. The next thing Ash knows, Markenal shuts the door behind him, alerting the person on the bed of his presence.
"My son," the King says with an infirm voice. "Come closer."
Ash barely has the willpower to move his legs toward the bed as the sound of a man dying in front of him breaks his spirit. He takes off his hat and kneels down out of respect for the king. The poor man fights the urge to run away as a frail hand weakly stretches out and takes his hand as firmly as the dying king is able to."
"My son...Timothy…" the king wheezes. "From the day you were born, I have tried to prepare you for this moment. Soon I will be gone and you will be king."
Ash's heart grows heavy as he takes in the words of the man who thinks he is talking to his son.
"Soon, you shall also marry Princess Serena and she will be your queen," the King continues, grabbing Ash's attention again at the mention of the woman he loves. "I know you have been displeased of being forced into marriage when many king and queens before you have not including your mother and I. I confess that it displeases me that I honestly had no other choice for the future of our line and our kingdom. But please understand that I didn't arrange your marriage just for that. It is my wish that you and Serena learn to love each other unconditionally as your mother and I once did. King Oak has told me about how she is a smart, caring woman and I believe she will make a wonderful wife."
Ash nods in agreement, secretly wishing that the wise and caring woman the king speaks could somehow be his wife.
"You… you must promise me," the King begs desperately. "To love your wife and rule the kingdom with all your heart justly and wisely."
Ash looks at the shadowy figure of the King sadly as he knows what he must say on behalf of the dying man's son.
"I promise."
Without another word, the candles flicker for a moment before they go out completely, covering the room in complete darkness.
Ash walks down the halls in the dark. He had just watched the King of Kalos dir before his eyes. Before long Markenal and the rest of the castle will find out and spread the word throughout the kingdom.
Ash sighs as he makes his way to a large hallway that contains a giant window showing the city beyond the castle gates.
"I gotta find the prince," he says quietly. "He needs to go back to his position before -"
"Timothy?"
Ash turns around to find Serena emerging from the shadows followed by Pikachu, Braixen, and Sylveon. The princess looks at him sadly as she figures out what is on the raven-haired man's mind.
"Your father is dead, isn't he?"
Ash frowns his head as he truthfully answers, "Yes, the king is dead."
Serena begins to shed tears as she runs over to Ash and pulls him into a deep hug. Even though his real father died years ago, Ash doesn't hesitate to hug her back taking comfort in her embrace in his moment of helplessness. Pikachu hangs his head as Sylveon stands by him and nuzzles him gently.
"I'm sorry," Serena whispers quietly. "I'm so, so sorry. I wish there was something I can do to help you through this."
Her grip on him tightens and he just closes his eyes and holds on to her.
"I don't know what I'm doing, Serena," he says. "I feel stuck."
"I know," Serena says calmly. "It must be hard to lose your father like this."
"No, that's not what I'm talking about," Ash says.
Serena frowns in confusion as she breaks the hug slightly. Ash lifts his head and looks at her deeply in the eyes.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," he says. "I was not supposed to be there to see that. I should not have been there to see that man die. And I especially am not supposed to be crowned king."
Serena stares at Ash for a moment before she gives him a small smile.
"Yes, you are and you will," she says supportively. "And I will be there waiting for you after you are crowned king."
Ash looks at her in confusion on asks, "What are you talking about?"
"Sir Markenal spoke to me while you were with your father," she says. "You are to become king within the week and right after your coordination, we are to be married."
Ash's heart leaps at the sound of Serena telling him that she is to marry him. But the moment of joy only lasts for a moment before he looks away from her.
"No, we shouldn't be," he says.
Serena looks at him in shock.
"Why would you say that?" She asks hurt.
"Because I'm no good," Ash says. "I'm wrong for you, Serena. I have nothing to give to make you happy in any way. I'm worthless to a woman of your status."
Serena stares at him, surprised that he would say that. Then she puts her hands on both sides of Ash's face and forces him to look at her.
"You are more worth to me than you know," she says wholeheartedly. "And do you know why? Because when I never saw that boy again, I did not think I would ever love someone else the way I did for him ever since that day. But in the short amount of time that we've seen each other, you have given more to me than even that boy did. Maybe you meant what you said earlier that you know who he is and maybe you don't but I don't care. There's only one person now who has made me truly happy. One who I would happily give my hand in holy matrimony before The Lord. One who I truly love. And he is the man standing before me right now."
Ash's eyes widen and he blushes at Serena's words. The princess looks at him sweetly as he stares back befuddled. Sylveon and Braixen smile for their master and the fairy Pokemon steps closer to Pikachu, making the mouse Pokemon blush as well. Then Serena wraps her arms around Ash, closes her eyes and slowly leans in. Ash's heart beats rapidly as the woman he loves comes closer to press her lips against his. He begins to lean in too until he remembers Odyssey's words. With his heart heavy again, he puts his hand in front of Serena's lips, leaving the honey blonde princess confused that he stopped her advance.
'I am so sorry, Serena," Ash says with a tear in his eyes. "But I really don't deserve you."
Serena looks at Ash feeling even more hurt than before.
"Please understand that I don't want to stop you," Ash begs. "Were it up to me, I would kiss you with everything I have and jump for joy at the idea of becoming your husband and do anything that pops into my head to make you endlessly happy with a snap of my fingers. I...I love you, Serena. I love you more than anyone I have ever known in this world, but you deserve to know the truth."
"Timothy, I don't understand," Serena says.
"My name is not Timothy," Ash says, taking Serena aback. "I'm not a prince and I'm not your fiance."
Serena stares at the raven-haired man while Braixen and Sylveon look at each other confused and Pikachu steps away from the fairy Pokemon he loves ashamedly, knowing what his master is going to say next.
"I'm a pauper," Ash let's out. "My name is Ash. And my Pikachu is just named Pikachu, not Electchu."
Sylveon turns to Pikachu with a look of betrayal in her light blue eyes. Pikachu looks away, unable to look at her because of his guilt as Ash continues.
"We live in a tiny, two-story house by the river with our friends, Brock and Happiny," he says. "On the day that you came to Kalos, Prince Timothy decided he wanted to see life outside of the castle and so after saving me and Pikachu from the guards, he decided to take advantage of how much we look alike and told me to switch places with him. He was supposed to be gone for just the day, but he never came back. When you and I were scheduled to meet, I thought I was just going to meet the prince's fiance, learn anything about her to report to the prince for when we switch back and that would be it. But from the moment we laid eyes on each other, I couldn't stop thinking about you. On the night that we were flying with Aloe, I wasn't up just because I couldn't sleep. I was up because of a dream. A dream of a day I had since forgotten where I helped a crying, injured girl get up with Pikachu."
Serena stares at Ash in shock as she realizes what he just said.
"I was that boy, Serena," he confesses. "That's why I asked you if you ever went to Kalos before, to know whether or not you really were that girl from all those years ago. And I knew I should not have gotten more attached to you even without Odyssey warning me constantly, but I couldn't stop myself from falling in love with you. I am telling you all of this because I don't want to lie to you anymore. You should not have been tricked at all and I'm really, really sorry. It was wrong of Prince Timothy, Pikachu and me to deceive you. I am not the man you think I am. I have nothing to my name to support a wonderful woman like you, and the man who is supposed to marry you left before he could have the privilege to meet you."
Serena stands completely still for a moment before she lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding and takes a step back from Ash.
"You…" she says in disbelief. "You were the man Sergeant Calem was beating? It was you all along?"
Ash hangs is head in shame and nods.
"I hope one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me," he whimpers.
"No…" Serena says in disbelief. "You...you lied to me. You...you tricked me into thinking I loved you. You...you scum."
"Yes, I know," Ash says with a pleading look. "Please, Serena, I would do anything to -"
Serena slaps Ash so hard that he falls onto the ground.
"Get away from me you wretched snake!" she screams angrily with tears in your eyes. "I don't ever want to see you or think of you ever again."
With those words, she runs away struggling not to cry with Sylveon and Braixen following suit. Ash doesn't try to call back to her as his heart has fully broken through her words. Tears run down his face and he hugs his legs as he lets out all of his shame and guilt with his cries. It takes several minutes before he quiets down and sniffles as he stands up.
"W-w-well, that went as well as it should have, right, Pikachu?" He whimpers only to not hear a reply from his companion. "Pikachu?"
Ash gets up and freezes in horror. Standing where Pikachu is, is Calem with a boastful grin as he holds Pikachu in a body lock, covering his mouth.
"Pikachu!" Ash screams as he begins to run toward him, only for a hand to grab him by the shirt and lift him up. Ash tries to free himself in vain as he comes face to face with a tall, muscular, bald man looking at him with piercing red eyes and a condescending grin.
"Well, well, well," he says. "If it isn't the cute little phony prince who has been causing such a ruckus."
Powuru lets out a maniacal laughter followed by Calem. Suddenly, the entire room is filled with laughter as other soldiers and Calem's Absol emerge from the shadows. They look and point at the poor man mockingly as he hangs in the air helplessly.
"You were a fool to completely give yourself away to the princess like that," Calem taunts.
"I disagree," Markenal's monotone voice says as he emerges from the shadows with a tall posture and his arms behind his back. "I think it was somewhat admirable what he did. Foolish for sure, but certainly brave to say anything else."
"Sir Markenal?" Ash asks confused. "What is going on here?"
Powuru chuckles with his mouth closed.
"What's going on is with our dearly departed king out of my way, we have some business to take care of, you little tramp," he says. "And if you do every little thing I say, you and your little rat might live to see the full extent of our plan."
"P-p-plan?" Ash asks in fear.
"Yes," Markenal says firmly. "So if I were you, I would listen to the captain."
"No, I won't," Ash says. "You can't make me do what you - ACK!"
Powuru grabs Ash by the throat with his other hand and squeezes, making him choke helplessly. Pikachu calls out to him despite Calem covering his mouth. The captain of the guard continues to suffocate the poor man until he's close to passing out and lets him go.
"Now do you understand who calls the shots?" He asks as Ash coughs violently. "Do you understand that it takes little effort for me to kill you and your pet in whatever way I wish if you resist me in any way?"
"Yes," Ash wheezes.
"Good," Powuru says. "Now listen up, you worm. Within a week there will be the coordination and you will be crowned king and marry the princess. As a fake king, you're going to do everything I say and not speak a word of my plans to anyone, not even that pretty little squeeze you want so badly. In return apart from simply not killing you, your pet or your bride-to-be, you will all live comfortingly like a real king, spending the rest of your days with your queen in luxury. Do we have a deal?"
In his heart, Ash wants to say no, but he does not want the Captain and his men to harm Pikachu or Serena. With his head down, he reluctantly nods.
"Very good," Powuru says. "See? Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"
Calem and the other soldiers chuckle in amusement. Even Markenal smirks as Powuru carries Ash away.
"Now as much as killing your yellow blob would be fun, we need him alive just as much as you for publicity," Powuru explains. "That said, I hope I don't have to tell you not to try to use him to escape or fight back."
"No, sir," Ash says in defeat.
"Good," Powuru says eased as they reach Timothy's bedroom. "Now why don't you two get some sleep. We have much to do in the morning."
With that, Powuru throws Ash into the bedroom and Calem tosses Pikachu in like a doll. The pauper and his companion groan on the ground as Powuru slams the door shut and begins laughing again victoriously.
"An amusing little way to execute things," Markenal says as they walk away. "He has no idea that you are going to kill him and the princess anyway. Although, we still need to retrieve the real prince."
"Oh I wouldn't worry about that," Powuru says in a matter-of-factually tone. "He told the princess that he lives with a man and a Happiny someplace by the river. That makes his pathetic home pretty easy to find since only a few houses in the city that match that description. We shall have the prince and his own rat back home before midnight. Meanwhile, you must inform the peasants about the passing of our beloved king."
"As you wish," Markenal says as he takes a turn to another corridor to fulfill his new duty.
Meanwhile, Timothy has been sitting down on Ash's bed, deep in thought while Electchu sleeps soundly on his stomach. A smile is on his face as he thinks about all the people and Pokemon he helped today by giving them food before the Royal Provisioner tried to have him arrested. In his mind, he admits that it felt great to help his citizens personally. His only regret is that he couldn't do more at the town square. Brock was hesitant but eventually accepting that he really is the prince. After they emptied and abandoned the cart and set the Gogoat free, Timothy explained everything to the taller man and while he was displeased that he left Ash at the castle, he felt better when the prince assured him that his Pokemon was protecting him.
Timothy continues to think until he hears the sound of a dull and gloomy church bell. He lifts his head to the window curiously as Electchu wakes up to the sound. The bell is soon followed by the faint sound of people and Pokemon crying all over the city. Timothy opens the window and both he and Electchu look around to see citizens wailing on the other side of the river. The prince spots an old man sadly rowing his boat by Ash and Brock's home and calls out to him.
"You there, what's happened?" He asks.
"The king is dead and the Prince is to be crowned within the week," the old man calls out.
Timothy's eyes widen and he shakes his head in disbelief.
"No...no he can't be," he protests out loud. "He was just ill. He had nothing life-threatening going on at all."
"Apparently, his condition took the people in the castle by surprise," the old man calls back. "They are burying him in the morning."
At this, Timothy steps away from the window in shock. Electchu looks at his master worryingly as the sudden loss of his father overtakes him. The prince steps back until he reaches a wall and begins to cry like a little child as he slides down to a sitting position. Electchu quickly rushes to Timothy's side and the young man hugs his Pikachu with all his might as he bawls his eyes out as the two of them hug each other with everything that they have. The prince cries for a while until he eventually calms down and does no more than sniffle.
There is a knock on the door and it slowly opens to reveal Brock and Happiny entering with grim looks on their faces. Timothy lifts his head to look at the taller man with his eyes red from crying.
"We came as soon as we heard," Brock says as he walks over to Timothy's side and puts his hand on his shoulder. "I know what it's like to suddenly lose your parents to a sickness, Your Highness. It is something that never gets any better. All you can do is carry on and live life the way they would have wanted you to."
Timothy gives Brock an appreciative smile before he slowly stands up and clears his throat.
"You're right," he says while looking the Seal of the King on his finger. "Now it's up to me to right the wrongs that have emerged under my father's nose. People terrorized, children going hungry, corruption in the royal guard. If you two wish to stay while I go over there and bring Ash and Pikachu back to you, I understand. You all will be compensated for any troubles I caused on all of you, regardless. You have my word on it."
Brock looks at the prince surprised and shakes his head before getting down on one knee.
"Sire, your wish is my command," he says sincerely as he bows his head.
"Happiny," Happiny says as she bows as best as she can.
Timothy and Electchu both smile at their new friends' replies and the former places his hand on Brock's shoulder.
"Brock, I owe you both my and Electchu's life and this will not be forgotten," he says. "Come now, my friends, we must return to the palace at once."
Suddenly, the bedroom door breaks open to reveal Powuru and several soldiers breaking in.
"Or a visit to the dungeon, my prince," Powuru says with an evil grin. "Get him, boys!"
Timothy quickly grabs the sword he took from one of the soldiers earlier and raises it in defense while Electchu turns his tail into iron at the ready. The soldiers merely laugh as they charge at them and quickly overpower the prince and his Pikachu, resulting in Timothy losing his sword and both of them get captured. Brock picks up Timothy's sword and bravely hold it up against Powuru, but the taller, muscular, bald man sneers in amusement and grabs the sword out of Brock's hand with ease before he takes out a dagger and stabs him on his side.
"Brock!" Timothy cries out as Powuru picks his wounded friend up and throws him out the window effortlessly. Timothy and Electchu hear Brock fall into the river as a soldier picks up Happiny and chuckles at her helpless cries before also throwing her out the window as well. Before the prince can hear her splash into the river, a soldier hits him on the head with the bottom of his sword and everything turns to black.