Hello again! Welcome to the next chapter of the story!
Last time, Dawn got over her fear of Ash's actions (when he slaughtered those men) as she, at the same time, shared a moment with him later in the evening... But what will happen next?
It's good to see that many of you tried to answer the questions!
For the Bleach-one: It was when Ash kicked in the door to Dawn's room and yelled "Gooood morning, princess!", since Ichigo's father does pretty much the same thing (a little more violent, though...)
For the other... Well, I guess you need to read to find out!
I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to review at the end of it!
R&R!
The branches swayed gently in the light wind as they barley let some light shine unto the ground of earth. The patch of earth, in question, was being walked on by two people and a pokemon.
The two mercenaries had gotten permission to take the princess of Sinnoh out for a walk in the woods, after they had scouted it thoroughly of course, by the king. But Ash knew that if it had been any other time, they would've been rejected. King Cyrus would let them do almost everything right now, when he noticed that his daughter didn't seem afraid of the raven haired young man. On the contrary, she seemed more attached to him than ever, much to the knight's embarrassment.
"Lady Dawn, are you sure this is necessary?" The sword-wielding young man asked hesitantly as they walked under the thick branches. "I can't understand why you're sure that you'll fall walking along here."
"Well, we don't know that for sure, do we?" The beautiful young girl beamed at him as she tightened her grip around his arm. "You never know about this kind of road, right?"
"Right..." The mercenary scratched his head, confused by the opposite sex's logic, while his partner only did a tired: "Pika-chu..."
The three of them continued to walk down the dimly lit path. The path was located to the eastern side of the castle, around a half mile from the outer wall, so the princess could escape into it if they came upon any danger.
"Pikachu, pipi?" The young man looked at his long-time friend with a slight frown. "Pika-chu?"
"Why wouldn't she be alright?" The frown deepened as he saw the yellow rodent let out another big sigh. "What?"
"Pika!" The little mouse started to wave its arms angrily towards the couple, causing the mercenary to sigh as the girl had a confused look on her face.
"Fine..." Ash then turned towards the princess, which made it slightly awkward since their faces would only be inches apart, so he broke their little arm-lock before he spoke. "Pikachu wonders, for some strange reason, if Lady Leona is alright."
"'Some strange reason'...?" The girl shook her head, clearly not impressed by the slightly older mercenary's denseness. "Well, who would be alright after knowing that the one you loved had kept such a big secret from you?"
The mercenary seemed to get it and nodded knowingly. While the rodent just did a face-palm, knowing that it was the exact same thing his partner did.
"Well, time heals all wounds, as they say." The blunette smiled slightly, still feeling sad for her best friend. "She's feeling down now, but I'm sure she'll get over it!"
"Your words are true, Lady Dawn." Sir Ash nodded agreeing, causing a tinge or red appear on the royal's cheeks. "Time heals all wounds, yet leave scars some times."
"Hey, Ash..." The older boy looked up, slightly annoyed that the younger woman had ruined his poetic moment. "You are not keeping any secrets from me, right? At least not something big?"
"Princess..." It seemed that the mercenary fought an inwardly battle, until he sent her a small smile. "Of course I am."
"I thought so-... What! ?" It seemed like that wasn't the answer the princess had expected when she finally took in what he said. "Ash! Come on, after all this time?"
"What can I say, princess?" The young man shrugged his shoulders, they were starting to come out into a clearing and Ash could hear water flowing. "All healthy relationships require secrets."
Once again, the mercenary had said something that he thought was totally normal. Yet, the deep blush on the girl when she heard him admit that they were in some sort of relationship was enough to make the rodent want to electrocute them both, to teach them a lesson of course.
"Ash, I-..." Dawn stopped herself when she heard someone plucking some strings. "Do you hear that?"
"Of course, Lady Dawn." It almost sounded as though the raven haired man was insulted. "Stay behind me, it could be an ambush."
So they walked forward, slowly. Ash in the front, with his right hand around his sheathed sword on his back, his left holding Dawn's right hand, as she walked behind him, and Pikachu walked at the back of the line, to counter against possible attacks from behind.
Ash narrowed his eyes as he saw a figure in nature-green clothes sitting on a rock by a small waterfall, holding some sort of string-instrument in his hands.
"Look, it's only a bard!" The princess declared with a big smile as she was about to walk towards him, only to be pulled back by her bodyguard. "What's the big idea?"
"I don't trust him, Lady Dawn..." Ash muttered as his grip around his sword's handle tightened. "It could still be an ambush..."
"You know what?" The princess coaxed her hand out of the mercenary's grip. "You're way too up-tight to be a boy your age! Come on, let's listen to him!"
"Wa-..." Ash lowered his hand, which he had stretched out in order to recapture the princess's hand, and let out a deep sigh. "Fine. But at least be careful..."
"Sure thing!" Dawn smiled widely at him with a smile that would've made many men melt and felt that they could've died happy, Ash just let out another sigh.
The blunette walked towards the green-clothed man, whose face was covered by a big, round hat, also of the color green.
"Greetings, lovely lady." He spoke in a sing-song voice, clearly showing that he was some kind of musician. "Would you care to hear a song?"
"Why, thank you, very much... Mr...?" Dawn did a slight curtsy as she wanted to know the name of the stranger.
"Nando Naoshi, my beautiful lady." He took off his hat and showed off long, black hair, the same color as Ash's. "I hope this song is to your pleasure:"
The bard-looking man cleared his throat and pinged on the instrument, he then started to sing.
"Some called him a hero
Others called him a zero
Who was he, you ask
Explaining that is no simple task;
He grew up in the town of Pallet
Yes, about that was no ballot
His mother by plunderers, slain
None knew who on that would gain
A man, Riley Gen
Yes, he saved him then
The king and queen of the land were happy
The children's new playmate wasn't so snappy
Then, at the age of ten
The man named Gen
Returned and took him far away
To a place that reminded one of a bay
As true as a fair lady's name is Laura
He was being taught the ways of the Aura
At the age of thirteen
A guardian he became without a scene
But the day after tomorrow
The world would go into sorrow
Riley Gen, his friend and teacher
Was killed by a man with one distinct feature
Evil as the murderer of murderers
The killer was seen by the herders
The Dark Aura slew his leader
To know that you didn't need to be a mind reader
The sorrow didn't end there
The death of the royal family he needed to bear
His shadow on the world, gone
Yet, none held their tongue
A rumor started a month ago
Amongst any other it would outgrow
The young boy who was said to be killed
Was not that unskilled
As true as I am a bard
He has become a-"
"Princess, we need to go." Ash grabbed her arm as Pikachu started to push at her leg. "It's getting late, and you need to be up early tomorrow."
"What?" Dawn tried to best to struggle free from the mercenary's grip. "Let me go! Don't you see that this song is about Sir Ash Ketchum, the Aura Guardian? I want to know what became of him!"
"You shouldn't believe in rumors, Lady Dawn." The girl had no chance against the young man's strength, so she slowly but surely was dragged away against her will. "A royalty only believes in facts, otherwise her kingdom will fall."
"Let me go!" She tried to kick and punch him, but those attacks didn't even make Ash flinch, nor cause him to show any pain.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Naoshi." The mercenary did a short bow. "But we need to go, we're in a rush."
"Of course, of course!" The man spoke in his sing-song voice once again. "Don't mind me, it was a pleasure to tell you the story!"
The raven haired, young man's eyes delayed on the bard a while longer, until he then started to walk towards the castle with a protesting young woman in his grip.
"Seriously, Ash... what's your problem?" The princess stood there with her arms crossed over her chest as she glared at him. "That may be the only time I'll be able to hear something about The Aura Guardian!"
"You don't believe the words of a bard, do you, Lady Dawn?" Ash answered her calmly as he gazed around the stone-dressed hall that was right outside the princess's bedroom. "They take any kind of known story and make it more 'exciting', just so people will listen to them."
"So, you're saying that his words were lies?" Dawn's glare narrowed on the mercenary's eyes, Ash felt slightly sweaty. "You don't believe them at all?"
"Well... Ehum..." The blue-haired beauty was actually surprised to see the raven haired knight being so uncomfortable. "This isn't a matter of whether it's true or not... as long as it's only counted as speculations, we can't decide if it's a fact."
"You didn't answer my question, Ash..." Pikachu looked on with slight confusion as the princess took a step towards the young man, with the man in question taking two steps back. "Do you believe his story, or not?"
"I... I..." The mercenary cleared his throat and glanced at the rodent, who gave him a quick nod. "It's time for us to patrol the castle... Good night, princess. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wha-... Hey! Wait!..." Dawn stretched out her hand towards him, but lowered it slowly as she saw him walk away quickly. "I didn't even bring up the thing that had happened last night..." She thought with a sigh as she returned to her room.
"Something wrong, princess Dawn?" The blunette's head snapped up at the sound of her best friend's voice. She saw her standing there folding her clothes. "Aren't you feeling well?"
"Leona!" The young woman forgot about Ash for the moment, this was the first time her friend had shown herself since the incident with Rudy Firetree... or Waterflower, whatever he wanted to call himself. "How are you feeling?"
"What? Oh... you mean that..." The girl with short brown hair lit up and waved her hands dismissively. "Don't worry, Lady Dawn, don't worry! I'm already over it!"
"I... see..." Dawn both believed and doubted her friend. She didn't think that she still hoped that Rudy would come back, nor did she believe that she would accept him even if he came crawling back on his hands and knees... But the wound he had left on her probably still hurt the chambermaid a great deal. "Well, if you need to talk about it... you know."
"I get it. Thank you, Lady Dawn." Leona answered with a smile, a brief flash of pain in her eyes, as she placed the last dress into the wardrobe. "But this event has made me open my eyes more. I couldn't care less about him!"
"I see. That's great, Leona!" The princess nodded satisfied as she started to, with the help of the chambermaid, change into her night-clothes. "You can forget about him, there's millions of better men out there!"
"Yeah, I know!" Her friend answered her energetic. "I don't want to change my whole lifestyle just because of one man!"
"Absolutely not!" The blue-headed girl agreed as she got under the bed's covers. "You are who you are, and if they can't accept it, they can just get out!"
"I couldn't agree more!" It seemed like the young brunette was really hyped up now. "I need to go after a man who doesn't demand much of me, who is down to earth and has no problems of spending time without me!"
"Totally!" The princess had stopped talk like a royal a long time ago. It always happens when she enters a lively discussion with her best friend.
"Someone like Sir Ash!" The chambermaid pumped her fist into the air, as she had decided who her new target should be.
"Yeah! Just like-... WHAT? !"
It was a cold night, the guards shivered in their metal-armor as they looked over the wall. It was a common mistake on their part. They always expected that the enemy would first be sighted at the foot of the big stonewall... of course, that would be the case if there were an army. But what if it was only a lone man and a few pokemon? Especially if they were highly trained assassins who have already passed the guards and made their ways over the rooftops towards a certain window.
The tiles on the roofs resonated softly as the man stepped on them with light, flying steps. If anyone looked up from the streets below, they would've said that he was flying through the air. It was no feat that any normal man could achieve; he had after all been trained, since he could walk, in the ways of an assassin.
The man in green clothes and hat, with jet black hair, stopped as he finally had a good view of the window of his target. He could see the being sleeping soundly in there... but he could never be too sure.
"I need your help, my friend." His voice was low and quiet, but you could still hear the slight musical tone in it. "Aid me with your power of slumber; we can't afford the target waking up."
"Kricke!" The red cricket-like pokemon with gray eyes nodded as it silently hovered towards the window as it buzzed silently, preparing for its attack.
The Kricketune placed itself on the windowsill of the target's window, there she put her scythes together and rubbed them carefully against each other. Its body started to glow silver white as, slowly but surely, golden notes started to appear and float towards the sleeping girl with blue hair.
Then, when the notes made contact with her, they just popped lightly and disappeared. The only difference on the target's status would be that her breathing had gotten deeper as she had been put in a deep sleep.
"Thank you, my trusted friend." Nando Naoshi smiled sadly as he brought out his brown and black lute.
The assassin lifted his instrument and held such that it was perpendicular to his body. He then reached into the hollow of the instrument and pulled out a short golden-colored arrow with a sharp metal tip.
He took one of the lute's strings and pulled it back to the end of the body, which he then notched the arrow on, much like a crossbow.
"I ask that you forgive me, beautiful princess of Sinnoh." He muttered as he pulled a small trigger, that caused the arrow to shoot through the air, aimed straight and true towards the body of the sleeping princess.
Nando closed his eyes, he never wanted to see the death of one of his target's, it caused him to have trouble sleeping the following night.
"Let's go, Kricketune." He said shortly, his voice had lost some of its sing-song quality. "We're done here."
"Kri-kri... ket..." The astonished sound of his partner made him turn around, and caused his eyebrows to shoot up in amazement.
"I don't take it kindly to people who force themselves into my borders and threaten my missions..." The mercenary in a black cloak with silver-armor stood on the ledge, next to the windowsill, as he held the arrow between his middle- and index-fingers which he had caught mid-flight! "Mr. Bard..."
"Oh, my..." The bard/assassin smiled at the mercenary/bodyguard. "You truly are as impressive as the stories say... Sir Ash Aaron Ketchum..."
"Figures. I had a feeling that you'd know my name..." The mercenary muttered as he glared at him, before glancing at the arrow in his hand. "I see Hoenn sends their regards."
"W-What?" Nando hissed as he heard those words. "What are you talking about? Can't you tell from the design of arrow?"
"Yes, I can truly see that this arrow is a model from Johto, and it has the colors for it, too..." A dark smile appeared on the bodyguard's face. "But no matter how insulted they are, they wouldn't make it so obvious if they were to attack the princess, especially since Sinnoh is much more superior in military might compared to Johto."
"But, how-"
"The Shijin-group." It seemed like Ash already knew the answer to his question before he had even asked it. "A group of assassins dressed up as bards, minstrels, or poets. They are not known to any other region, apart from Hoenn, especially since they're under the control of the royal family... although, there have been cases of side-jobs here and there."
A quick snort was heard from the bard, and then it developed into full blown laughter.
"Amazing! Truly amazing!" He stilled his laugh and continued to watch the mercenary, who didn't look amused. "First you saved the princess in the forest, by pulling her out of the line of fire of my Kricketune's Perish Song. Then you figured out where and when I would strike and even caught my arrow with your bare hand... and, lastly, you have seen through my scam of making you believe that Johto had hired me! Your reputation, both as a mercenary and as a legend, is just as they say! Well, apart from the 'Three Meters Tall'-part..."
"Takes one to know one, I guess..." It seemed like, as usual, the mercenary wasn't willing to talk. "Just answer one question: Did the royal family of Sinnoh send you, or are you doing this of your own volition?"
"And depending on my answer?" Nando smiled as he loaded a new arrow onto the improvised crossbow.
"I will kill you, whichever answer you give me." Ash told him truthfully as he brought out his long-bow and drew out an arrow from his holster, also with a slight smile on his face.
"Well, then you aren't giving me much of a choice, former Guardian of the Aura...!" The sing-song voice completely disappeared as he pulled the trigger and fired an arrow towards Ash who, at the same time, had fired one of his own.
They both jumped to the side as they dodged the arrows from their opponents. Nando landed gracefully on another roof as Ash rolled around slightly before he got up... However, the second after he had gotten up, another arrow was fired from him.
Nando seemed to have figured it out beforehand and used the broad side of his improvised crossbow to block it... But his eyes widened as Ash came charging towards him, with his bow in his left hand and a sword in his right.
"Impressive, Sir Ketchum!" Nando laughed as he loaded the weapon at an incredible speed and took aim at the charging young man... "But it takes more than that to defeat me."
"Hmph, seems like it." The mercenary muttered as he broke from his charge and retreated to the side, now sheathing his sword. "And call me Ash, please!" By the 'please', he had fired another arrow which pierced the top of the bard's hat.
"Kricketune!" The bard/assassin called to his partner, who quickly stepped forward from the shadows, behind Ash, as it slashed at him with a silver-glowing claw.
"Damn it..." Another mutter was heard from Ash as he drew an arrow against the pokemon, making it back away slightly. He was now facing two opponents and he couldn't call on Pikachu since he needed him to guard the princess. "It seems like I underestimated you, Mr. Nando."
"And I you, Sir Ash." The bard panted as he loaded his bow and took aim at the moving mercenary. "It's truly a joyful battle, indeed!"
"That depends on the outcome." Ash said as he once again threw himself out of the arrow's path, after which he then had to roll away from the pokemon's attack. "But tell me this: Why are you doing it? The look in your eyes isn't that of a man who enjoys killing for money."
"Neither do yours, Sir Mercenary." The assassin sent him a weak smile as he loaded another arrow. "But we all do what we have to do."
"I agree..." It looked bad for Ash. Sure, if it had been one on one, he would've probably made it... But now it was two against one, and his opponents' teamwork was flawless... But a crossbow took more time to load than an ordinary bow, it also made Nando less mobile... With all cards on the table, it would be an even match. "But why don't you just quit? Why not join an army? Or, even better, be a real traveling bard?"
"Your words sound wonderful." Nando agreed as he once again loaded his crossbow, while dodging an arrow from Ash, he was still rather annoyed to have a hole in his hat. "But, even if I wanted to, I can't quit. The Shijin-group would never let me see the end of the day... You stay, or you die. That's their unchanged policy."
"Sounds like a really great slogan in enticing new recruits..." The bodyguard mumbled to himself as he could feel his quiver running out of arrows. "Then, let's finish this."
"Absolutely." It seemed as the bard's sing-song voice was slowly returning. "This has gone on long enough and the sun is going to soon come over the mountains."
Ash noticed the pokemon attacking him from behind, causing him do an about turn and send a kick into the Kricketune's stomach, sending it flying down the rooftop, most likely dazed or unconscious with the impact of the ground.
He then started to run towards the bard, whom thought he was going to use his sword again. Nando aimed at Ash's stomach. But, suddenly, Ash broke from his run, got down on one knee and slid, with the momentum from his run, towards the bard as the arrow flew over his head.
"I won..." Was the thought that flew through Ash's head as he let the arrow fly from his bow, it flew straight towards the bard... Only to be blocked at an awkward angle by the crossbow. "Dammit!"
Ash suddenly got up, as he loaded the bow in one swift motion, and took aim at the bard. Only to see that he, too, held his loaded crossbow to Ash's head.
Nando had taken a great gamble the moment before. He had managed to block the arrow with the neck of his crossbow, making it very likely that one would've missed it... But it had hit, and he swiftly reloaded his weapon.
So there they stood now. In a position where Ash was on one knee and bow aimed at the bard's throat, and Nando's crossbow aimed at Ash's head, as he stood up.
"So..." The mercenary seemed to ponder for a moment. "This was interesting... Either we both die, or we both live..." His grip on the bow and arrow didn't even quiver. "How do you want to do it?"
"The choice is easy, Mr. Former Aura Guardian..." The bard smiled sadly as Ash noticed the muscles in his hand tense. "I'd feel more honored to be killed by you than them..."
He then pushed the trigger on his weapon, causing the strings to shake violently, as he felt his death coming closer... he closed his eyes...
"Is it my turn now...?" The bard's eyes shot up, surprised that both he and the mercenary were still alive.
He saw Ash standing up now, his arrow hadn't even left the bow... so how could he be alive?
"I don't know if the legendaries favored me, or if it just was destiny..." Nando looked at his weapon as Ash talked. "But my arrow, that you blocked, weakened the string. It simply snapped as you put a little more pressure on it when you tried to fire..."
"Such misfortune..." The bard sighed deeply. Yet he smiled a little, glad that he would face a quick death and pay for his crimes. "Can I beg of you to do it quickly?"
"Of course." Ash nodded, no emotion visible on his face. "You won't feel any pain."
The mercenary then took a step back, most likely to make sure that no blood spattered on him. He took aim at the bard's head and hesitated... then he took a deep breath, and at the moment Nando saw the sun rise over the mountains, blinding him slightly as he heard the arrow leave the bow and jumped a bit as he felt a tinge of fear in his body... Then, nothing...
"Nando, the assassin of the Shijin-group has just died." The older man was in shock as he felt his right ear, which the arrow had grazed. "You are Nando, the bard of Sinnoh."
"W-Why...?" His eyes were completely open and his hands trembled as he looked at the raven haired boy in front of him. "Why? Aren't you Ash, the mercenary. The man who slaughtered men, women and children for the sake of money? Why would you spare me? Who is just like-"
"-Like me." Ash filled in with a comforting smile. "You're not the only one that dislikes taking lives. When I look into your eyes... I see myself in them, too. You showed no fear when you were about to die, only regret."
"Pika!" The bard jumped slightly as the rodent had placed himself on the mercenary's right shoulder now that the danger was over and the princess safe.
"What is it that you regret?" The bard didn't know why... But he was filled with a warm feeling when the mercenary looked at him with those hard, yet understanding eyes. This was the kind of man who led men and never faltered. Nando felt something he hadn't felt in years... He felt hope.
"I... I regret..." It seemed like Ash waited for him to talk to finish, probably for the first time. "I... regret joining them."
"And it's not something you can undo, Nando." Even Pikachu was surprised to hear Ash not using any honorifics for the bard. "However, there is one thing that you can do."
"That is...?" The bard's voice didn't contain any more of its sing-song quality, he felt too shocked by emotions to think of it. "What can I do?"
"Live." The older man took a step back, nearly having a heart-attack. Live? Such a simple word, just to make up for everything he's done...? "Live and help with the things you do best: Sing, tell stories and protect. Tell the story of hope towards those in despair, tell the story of poverty towards those who are rich, tell the story of love towards those in loneliness... Never stop telling stories and helping people... Do that to the end of your life, and I'm certain you'll be forgiven."
Nando sank down to his knees. Only a man who had lived through the stories of despair and loss would understand his words, let alone speak it.
"Yes..." Ash relaxed and another smiled appeared on his face as he heard the bard's weak voice. "Yes!" It was stronger now as he stood up. "Yes! You are right, Sir Ash!"
"Call me Ash, Mr. Bard." The mercenary did a slight nod towards him, as a greeting for the reborn man. "The events that occurred this night will be kept secret. The only story that will be let out is that the princess was attacked by an assassin with a crossbow and I, Ash the mercenary, killed him and disposed of the body."
"Ash..." The man's musical voice had appeared again as his eyes were filled with new hope. "I will never forget your name, so you may call me Nando. I hope we will meet again."
"Why wouldn't we, Nando?" Ash smiled, a true smile, at him. "Don't move too far from this town... I'm certain that the princess is going to marry someone in the near future... " Nando didn't know if he imagined the disappointed expression on the mercenary's face, or not. "and, if that happens, I am not allowed to guard her anymore... Pikachu and I would gladly take in another traveling-companion."
"Ash Aaron Ketchum and Pikachu, partner of Ash." The two companions looked at the bard. "I would gladly join you on your adventure, no matter how long I have to wait." He then got down on a knee, bowing before them. "I thank you with my whole heart!"
"Arise, Nando the bard." Ash chuckled slightly, taking Pikachu by another surprise. "You don't have to bow to me... I have left that life behind me, and I don't plan on going back."
"So we both have that in common, I see." The bard smile as he picked up his used weapon and looked at it. "I will dispose of this... But I will get a smaller version of a real crossbow, only for protection and hunting."
"Sounds like wise words, Nando." Ash and Pikachu nodded at him.
"I haven't heard the full story of 'Ash the Aura Guardian'..." The man turned around and started to walk away, as they heard the guards changing their shifts. "But I will look forward to hearing it someday from you in person. I bid you farewell, for now!"
"Goodbye, Nando the bard." Ash smiled, followed by a: "Pikachuu!" As they saw him disappear from the roofs, only to start walking on the streets below towards his fainted pokemon.
"Pik-chu?" The rodent suddenly asked as he looked at Ash. "Pika-chu-chu?"
"Really? How was I acting strange?" The mercenary looked at the rodent with his head tilted. "Now that you mention it... I do feel a little stiff in the shoulders..." His words made the rodent fall down anime-style, once again.
"By the way..." The rodent got up and looked at him. "How long have I been awake now?"
"Pikaa." The rodent answered him with a giant sweat-drop at the back of his head.
"Forty hours..." The mercenary started to look slightly pale. "Well, I can sleep two hours until it's time for the princess to wake up."
"Pi." The rodent shook on his head, making all the color disappear from the young man's face. "Pikachu pi pi."
"Right... the meeting with Mr. Harrison..." The bodyguard's head hung low as he walked with heavy steps towards the castle... people who looked at him would wonder what he was doing on a roof so early in the morning.
The blue-haired girl stretched her arms as she looked around in her room. She had awoken but a few seconds ago, when the light of the sun reached her closed eyes. It was early, but she didn't know just how early... But, as usual, her very dear friend Leona was in the room and preparing the clothes she was to be wearing today.
"Good morning, Leona." Dawn yawned, only to earn a glare from the chambermaid. "What?"
"Princess! A lady shouldn't yawn so openly!" It seemed like Leona mostly was Dawn's chambermaid first, and a friend second. "And good morning."
"How can you manage to be up so early, and still be so cheerful?" The girl mumbled, more to herself than to her friend, as she made her way towards the bath in the adjacent room. Leona helped her with the clothes and she sank a few minutes later into the hot water. "Can't I just be allowed to sleep a little more?"
"Don't be silly, Lady Dawn." Leona scolded her slightly as she washed her back with a sponge that was a little too rough for the 18 years old girl's taste. "As they say: The early bird catches the worm!"
"Since when...?" The young woman muttered as she blinked out the sleepiness in her eyes.
"Since when?" A smug smile appeared on Leona's face as she leaned forward and whispered into the princess's ear. "Since I met Sir Ash this morning... And did I mention that he was changing clothes?"
"Leona!" The princess's eyes shot up as she gasped and blushed at the same time. "You cheated!" It seemed it was clear that both of the girls had a slight friendly competition over the woefully unaware young man. "Did you really see him without clothes?"
"Alright, I lied about the clothes-part..." The girl admitted with a slightly far away look and a little drool in the corner of her mouth. "But I did actually meet him this morning. He was on his way to see Mr. Brock."
"Well then, why don't we go and meet them then?" Dawn asked as she got up from the bath. Only to be wrapped in a towel, courtesy of Leona. "Let's hurry up and get dressed, I'm curios with what they do."
This was a new record for Dawn to get dressed... it took only thirty minutes instead of the usual hour. Of course, her hair didn't look as good as she wanted it to and so on, but the thought of seeing Ash made her ignore those things as she and her friend walked down the red and brown carpets that lay along the corridors of the castle, surrounded by stone-walls and paintings of all her relatives and ancestors, whose names she was forced to remember.
They came to the big red door that led to the king's advisor chambers, of which Dawn had never been in before. The blue-haired girl knocked and waited for an answer... She pushed open the door as she heard an absent "Come in" from the other side.
The sight after she had opened the door made her gasp and blush a deep red color.
It wasn't because of Brock or Ash, who were sitting around a table... What really made her gasp was the room of the advisor.
"Oh, my..." Was the astonished voice of her friend and chambermaid, and it properly conveyed what she thought at the moment.
The room had a single window that was showed the eastern gate and port. He had a king-size bed... although it only seemed as though the left side had never been used. A red carpet covered the floor of the room, three walls were covered with bookshelves that were stuffed with all kinds of books. In the middle of the room was a square-table and four chairs on each side.
It was a rather normal room... if it hadn't been for one thing.
The wall, opposite of the bed, was covered with paintings that would make most high-class woman feel soiled as well as faint.
The motives on the paintings were fully colored and could be explained with one word:... offensive... It wasn't really necessary to say that the motives consisted of one, or sometimes more, women in different positions. Without clothes, of course.
"Brock Harrison!" The advisor let out a short shriek of fear as he heard the voice of the royalty filled with hate. "What is the meaning behind all those paintings?"
"I have gotten permission from the king, princess Dawn." The squint-eyed man was quick to explain himself as he waved his hands defensively in front of himself. "I have paid for everything and nothing is illegal here!"
"But how dare you expose Ash to these kinds of things?" The young woman with blue hair demanded to know as her eyes flared with anger, causing the brown-haired man to sink down onto his chair, cowering in fear.
"In- In my defense, Lady Dawn..." The advisor gulped and glanced at the mercenary. "He doesn't seem to mind them at all!"
Of course, as soon as he said those words he understood how wrong they sounded... True, all color disappeared from the princess's face as she walked with heavy steps towards the table, only to suddenly stop with a confused face. Leona just watched this in wonder and amusement.
"Ash...?" No response, it seemed that whatever it was, the man was very distracted by the thing on the table.
Dawn, fearing that it was a new edition to Brock's wall hurried to the side of the table, so she stood with her back against the wall with paintings, followed by Leona.
"You are... playing chess?" The princess watched with an empty look at the very focused Ash as he narrowed his eyes onto the board.
"It seems like this is a first for him, Lady Dawn." Brock explained as he sat with crossed arms. "I usually finish a game of chess within half an hour... However, this has gone on for two hours."
"Is he really that good?" Dawn was astonished, for the second time this day. How can somebody hold out for two hours, especially against Brock who was a rather well known chess-player in the royal court of Sinnoh.
"It isn't that he's so good..." A giant sweat-drop was visible on Brock as he watched the mercenary slowly move his hand towards one of his pieces. "It's more like he takes an unbelievable long time to move..."
"Oh..." Dawn understood what he meant as she saw the hand slowly grab a Knight, only to be interrupted by a: "Pika-Pika!"
"You're right, Pikachu..." The mercenary slowly nodded to his partner, who was perched on his shoulder. "We will leave the flank open to the queen... we have to protect everyone from the royal family, otherwise the king won't be able to perform to his fullest..."
"Pika." The rodent nodded with determination.
"Are... you sure that Ash has completely understood the game." Dawn asked hesitantly as she finally saw him grab one of his remaining few Pawns.
"Well... to a certain extent." Brock sweat-dropped when he saw Ash take out his pawn instead of his Bishop. "I've been taking it easy on him this whole time, but I think it's time to end this."
He then moved his Rook and took out Ash's on the opposite side, surprising the knight.
"You can't move that!" Ash declared with a firm voice as Pikachu sparked his cheeks. "That's cheating."
"No, Sir Ash..." Brock's sweat-drop grew only bigger and bigger. "You can move this piece as far as you want, in any straight direction."
"Don't be foolish with me." The mercenary shook his head. "Even an idiot can see that this piece is shaped like a guard-tower! You can't move a guard-tower so easily!"
"Ash..." Brock face-palmed himself as he shook his head. "Trust me, I promise you that you can move this piece in that manner."
"Alright, I trust you..." The mercenary and rodent glared slightly at the advisor, still not fully believing him.
Then another five minutes passed as the mercenary-duo looked at the board, wondering what they should do... attack or defend? Why wasn't he able to see the fighting-spirit of his pieces, or see the strength in his Pawns? What kind of unrealistic game was this? Why can't they flank their enemies? He could easily take down the king if he just-
"ASH! How long time are you going to take, really! ?" The two mercenaries jumped in their chairs, clearly surprised by the scream that hit their ears.
"Princess/Pika-chuu?" It seemed as though the two bodyguards had been so into the game that they hadn't notice the two girls standing there watching them, much less hearing them talk to Brock. "What are you doing here, Lady Dawn and Lady Leona?"
"We came here to see what you were doing... but now I want to yell at you for taking so long to make a move!" The princess declared with an angry voice. It was so clear that Ash was going to lose, so why not just get it over with? "Just move a damn piece!"
"Yes, Lady Dawn!" She was surprised to see that both Ash and Pikachu salute her as they turned their attention back to the board. Then, a few seconds later, Ash took his Knight and took out the Rook that Brock had moved.
"I was hoping you'd do that." Brock smirked as he took his Queen and took out Ash's Bishop two squares from the king. "Checkmate."
Dawn let out a long sigh... finally the game was over, and she would be able to spend time alone with Ash and-...
The two girls let out a high shriek as they saw Ash draw out his sword and Pikachu's tail glow silver-white, each one of them making a sweeping-motion towards the chess board, making the table split in two.
"I won." Ash declared with a content smile on his face as he sheathed his sword and Pikachu perched itself on his shoulder, an equally satisfied smile on the rodent.
"ARE YOU STUPID!'?" Ash and Pikachu had been through many battles, they had seen countless deaths and dealt out as many in their line of duty... But both of them cowered in fear at the princess's very angry outburst. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, SWINGING YOUR SWORD AROUND INSIDE THE CASTLE!'? YOU EVEN SPLIT THE TABLE!"
"I-... I-..." The scared mercenary took a deep breath and his eyes closed. Then, when he opened them, he had regained his normal stoic look. "The purpose of this game was to eliminate the opponent's king, while protecting his own, correct?"
"Well... It's true, but-..." The princess, who also had calmed down, agreed hesitantly, until she was interrupted by Ash.
"And that was exactly what we did." He was agreed with a happy: "Pi-kachu!"
The princess looked at them with an empty look and her mouth slightly agape... even more so as a pale Brock held up his King and Queen, both split perfectly in half...
"Just... Just, forget it, Ash..." There was still a cross-popping vein on the back of her head as she tried to reign in her anger. "Dad wants to meet you, Pikachu, Brock and me... So I suggest we go and meet with him as soon as possible."
"Understood, princess." Ash and Pikachu nodded as they got up and were about to walk out the door, before they turned around and looked at Brock. "A very amusing and relaxing game, chess, let's play it again sometime!" He was followed up by a: "Pikachu!"
Brock only looked at the broken table with tears in his eyes, he mourned for the chessboard that he had gotten from the King of Sinnoh himself...
Several hours later; Some cities away from Hearthome City...
"This is incredibly stupid..." Muttered a certain young mercenary with raven black hair. "How is this going to help me relax...?"
He could still recall the king's voice and satisfied smile as he spoke those words this morning:
"Sir Ash! I have gotten word about how you have seemed exhausted recently, even to the extent of forgoing meals." Ash glared hatefully at the advisor to his side, who started to sweat profusely. The king continued, oblivious to what was going on. "As you understand, we can't have a man, who's not able to carry out his duty to the fullest, guarding the royal princess of Sinnoh."
"Of course not, sire." Ash bowed low, Pikachu right next to him and Brock behind him. Dawn stood at her father's side and looked rather worried. "Just let me rest for a few hours, and then I'll be able to carry out my mission to the fullest once again."
"I am afraid it's not that simple, Sir Ash." The young man looked at the older king, with a hard and confused look. "You can't relive stress by just sleeping for a short time, trust me..."
"Then, what do you suggest, my king?" Ash didn't know what to think or feel as he eyed the king, a man who was truly a master of not revealing anything. "Is sire implying that we should break our contract?"
"No!" All the males in the throne-room looked at the princess, who had a slightly red face after her sudden outburst. But the king only cleared his throat, slightly annoyed and embarrassed. "No, Sir Ash, I wouldn't go so far as to suggest that."
"Then, what, my king?" Ash could see that even the blond captain, Cynthia, had entered the room as she watched the kneeling mercenary, whom she sent a small smile at.
"Stress and exhaustion isn't something that is so easy to cure..." The king seemed to be approaching his finale now, soon he would reveal the things that he had decided. "That's why I am suggesting that you take two days off."
"Is it really necessary to rest that long, sire?" The king only nodded at the young man's question, making a grim look appear on Ash's face. "I understand. If you'll excuse me, I'll be heading back to my quarters now."
"Hold on, I haven't finished yet." Ash stopped mid-stride from getting up from his kneeling-position. "It isn't enough by just resting. You need to have as little thought and contact with your mission as possible... That is why I have decided that:" He got up from his throne and spoke with authority. "Sir Ash, knight of Sinnoh. I, King Cyrus Berlitz of Sinnoh, hereby ban you from the walls of Hearthome City for two days! You are to leave within an hour and not return until you have reached Pastoria City and stayed there for at least five hours, before you are able to return here."
The two mercenaries, captain, princess and advisor all had empty looks on their faces, their mouths open wide in shock.
"Do you understand me, Sir Ash?" The king had gotten a softer look on his face as he sat himself down onto his throne once again, happy that all this was over now. "Did I make myself clear?"
"Y-Yes..., sire..." Ash blinked a few times, to make sure he was still in the realm of reality. "But, if you don't mind me asking... What about the princess? Isn't she in danger now that I am leaving?"
"True, that would be the case..." Cyrus agreed, but a calm smile appeared on his face immediately. "But that's why Sir Pikachu, who doesn't seem to be exhausted at all, and Captain Cynthia will take over your duties as stand-ins for those two days."
"Of course Pikachu wouldn't be tired..." Ash thought with a dark face. "He's been sleeping on my shoulder as soon as he wants to rest..." But instead he said: "And what does the Captain and Pikachu think about this?"
The king turned to them, looked knowingly. "Well?"
"Euhm..." It seemed as the king's words had taken even the captain by surprise, but she was not one to falter. "If it's your highness's wish, I will make it happen."
The rodent just puffed its little chest with pride and waved his left paw and follow with a proud: "Pika-chu, chu-pi!"
"Very good," The king nodded, satisfied. "it seems as though we are in agreement."
"Hold on!" Everyone's attention turned towards the princess, who stood there and didn't seem too happy about the outcome. "Don't I have a say in this?"
"Well, of course, Dawn..." The smile on Cyrus's face grew bigger, he had been preparing for this outcome. "But are you sure you'd like Sir Ash to collapse from exhaustion? It could be dangerous for him."
"I-..." Dawn knew when she was defeated, so her head hung low as she said: "I have no objections..."
"Excellent!" The king clapped his hands, to make his orders absolute. "Then, Sir Ash, I suggest you hasten to pack. You're to leave in thirty minutes."
"Unbelievably stupid idea..." Was another mutter from the mercenary. "Since when do I need to take a vacation?"
"But..." He changed his mind slightly as he saw the beautiful city in front of him. "Staying here for a few hours may not be so bad after all..."
End of chapter 14
How did you like THAT poem? That one took more time to come up with, than the whole chapter... :/
You've probably figured it out already... but the correct answer for Brock vs. Ash would be "Chess"! ^^
Question Time!
As you see, Ash will take a short vacation from all this bodyguard business... But it won't be as relaxing as he thinks. He will encounter a girl (that he has not met before). So, the question is: "Who do YOU think he'll meet in the next chapter?" (Hint: She appeared rather early in the anime)
NOTE! ! ! !
This fic's ending will be a little special... In which way? I'll let YOU decide the ending! So, I'd like to ask you to vote on my profile, with the poll. Make sure you vote, so it doesn't end to your dislike!
It's better to review later than never and I'll be seeing you in the next chapter!
R&R!