Chapter Twenty

A Pokémon Fan-fiction

Written by Hoenn Master, and edited by dashboardgecko

I quickly returned to my dwelling with Blaziken, and together we quickly packed our few belongings: Blaziken, his satchel and some favored berries, and I, my weapons, armor, and provisions of food. Once I had properly stored my missive within my bags and Blaziken had settled himself, we set out for the new mayor's home, bouncing along the bridges. We made our imminent departure known, and after the mayor had been convinced that there was no need for a sendoff later in the day, Blaziken and I quietly left the newly-reestablished Fortree.

We headed south, intent on following the river until it made a turn for the sea, encountering no one and nothing until we reached the ford the villagers had crossed what felt like a year ago. There we stopped, drank to our hearts content, and cooled ourselves before Blaziken took my clothes and the equipment. He took three steps back, and in one leap cleared the large body of water, leaving me to contend with the cold embrace of the river.

Though I could swim, I had never been entirely out of my depth, especially in flowing water, and the sudden imposition of the task was daunting to say the least. However, just as I was about to strike out and pray for the best, Blaziken, sensing my unease, took a grappling hook and threw it across the river. I stared at the steel head for a few seconds before I realized Blaziken's intent, and picked up the implement.

"Tie that around your waist, John; I'll pull you across," Blaziken called, tying his end to a nearby tree and grabbing the rope.

"Right. Thank you, Blaziken!" I replied, quickly untying the head and looping the rope under my shoulders, keeping a firm grasp on the now freed head of the tool.

The water was bitterly cold as Blaziken dragged me across the river. I was soon thankful for tying the rope around my chest instead of depending upon my rapidly failing grip. I came out of the river after what felt like an hour, but what was really less than two minutes, spluttering frigid water and shaking violently. Thankfully, we had warm drinks with us to sip while I dried myself and put my clothes back on. Once we'd finished, we began our journey in full.

It was nearly a week before the signs of the king's army became less than a day old, and another full day of travelling before we at long last caught up to the force. It was at least two thousand men strong, a relatively small force in the grand scheme of things, but still an impressive number. Blaziken and I walked quickly, soon coming into the sight of the sentry.

"Hold, sirs. This is the army of King William. What is your business here?"

I saluted and quickly produced the missive I had been keeping for this very purpose. "I am here under summons from Princess Sabrina and King William. I have the royal seal on the signature to prove it."

The guard's eyebrows rose, the seal clearly visible on the scroll of parchment, directly next to what he assumed to be the king's handwriting. "Very well. You and your partner may enter. The king's pavilion is in the center of camp; follow this path until you get the next checkpoint, then inquire further there."

"Very well; thank you, guardsman," I nodded, immediately beginning the trek into the proverbial sea of tents.

It took almost half an hour to properly navigate the camp. Though Blaziken and I were both accustomed to military life by this point, we were entirely ignorant of temporary camps, as we had never truly been on campaign. Once that was accomplished, however, we stood before the large crimson tent, awaiting a summons from the royalty within.

After several more minutes of somewhat tense waiting, we were at long last ushered into the warm tent by the guards. As we walked in, I was surrounded by the familiar sight of chess boards, a table with a map of Hoenn, covered with several wooden figurines representing military forces, and the welcome sight of Princess Sabrina and King William in the robes of royalty, as opposed to the armor of war.

Blaziken and I immediately dropped to a knee and bowed before the king, remaining that way for a short time before straightening our backs. The king now looked far more worn than I had seen him before, with his hair almost completely gray and many more worry lines on his face. Regardless, he smiled at Blaziken and I as we entered.

Sabrina smiled as well, though more wanly than her father. I had to admit, she looked far better in wealthy attire than any dress I had seen her wearing before; it was a large, richly embroidered dress with a good deal of expensive linen lace lining the bodice and cuffs of the sleeves. Her cobalt hair cascaded down her back, having grown out considerably since we had last met. Lance also looked the part, his feathers shining and his plumage more vibrant than ever. When she stood, however, I caught a flash of the same excellent riding boots she wore as an Aura Knight, as opposed to slippers other noble ladies might wear. She still seemed to be every part the independent girl I knew in our younger days.

"Greetings, John. How have you fared since I last saw you?" Her voice, noble as always, carried a certain ring of relief and a faint note of urgency.

I responded in kind. "I have been well, Princess. As soon as I received your message, Blaziken and I came at once. What is it you require of me?"

At this, the princess sighed, and King William took over the conversation, motioning for his daughter to return to her canvas and wooden stool. He himself stood and walked forward to where I was, and Blaziken watched in surprise as the king made a motion for us to stand.

"This is a matter of great importance, Sir John. Noble Blaziken, you have been this knight's partner since his earliest days as an Aura Knight's squire, correct?"

Blaziken blinked in slight surprise, but nodded. "Yes, I have. What of it?"

The king chuckled at the blunt response. "Would you consider yourself a powerful judge of your partner's character and distinction as a knight?"

The powerful Pokémon looked the king in the eye for a full five seconds before responding. "I would, your highness."

"Then you would be able to tell me if Sir John would be suited to a role of great power and prestige and remain the man he is now?"

"No one remains the same after an event like that. However, if you mean will he maintain his morality and typically good, if somewhat emotional, judgments, then yes, I believe he would."

I started in surprise at the sudden turn the conversation took, looking briefly at Sabrina's reaction, only to see the same wan smile as before. However, the king suddenly addressed me, bringing my lapse of attention to an abrupt halt.

"Sir John. As you no doubt understand, my daughter is, at the moment, unwed. The nobility have been entirely unsettled by this, and for good reason, with the recent events regarding the Order."

I could hardly believe my ears at that moment; I did not dare to believe I was to be selected, but the foolish hope persisted.

"To continue, I have obtained the response to the problem at hand. There are no noble families which my daughter feels have sons who she could possibly forge a suitable marriage bond with. I, after close observation, agree. None of the noble's sons are capable of ruling this new nation well enough that I should be comforted in the knowledge that I must leave its construction and control to them. That said, Sabrina has brought to my attention two young knights who served with distinction, honor, and valor. She claims they are of the highest moral caliber, fully capable of defending their kingdom alongside the greatest of warriors, and able to understand the common folk in a way most nobles are incapable."

Immediately, I began to fully understand exactly what was happening. "Milord, are you referring to-"

The king, however, raised his hand, cutting off my words. "I am. My previous arrangements, made before Ghetsis' disappearance, were to grant you a large estate, and give the hand of my daughter to Ghetsis once he was properly installed as a nobleman."

This news was nigh overwhelming to my senses; never could I have believed that Ghetsis and I were to be so fortunate. However, if what was said was to be believed, then… "My king, if I might put one question to you?"

King William nodded. "Yes, Sir John?"

I hesitated for a moment, before pressing on. "Was Ghetsis aware of these arrangements?"

"He was indeed, which is exactly why I know for certain he was not voluntarily avoiding the scouting parties."

"Then, if I might be so bold, milord, does this not put you in the very same position you began with?"

The king chuckled. "No, it does not. While I will not lie to you, Sir John, you were not the first choice in this matter, Sabrina and I are of the same mind on this matter. As there are no suitable noblemen to select, we will simply make a suitable one: you."

A.N.

I apologize for the long wait; I actually forgot I had this chapter more or less ready for release for over a week. I also apologize for the shortness, but I assure you this was purely because of my desire for a cliffhanger.

Thanks must go to dashboardgecko for his invaluable advice and input in regards to this last, great part of my story.

There will be much more, but the final arc is upon us, dear readers. After years of waiting and writer's block, laziness, and business, my first story is nearly at its end.

Signed: Hoenn Master, forever a patriot.