Let's get into it now! (-o-)
Diancie's tunnel led the Legendborn to the outskirts of the city, and the sight of it was the first thing they saw.
Azulia City was a sprawling series of canals, blocked off by a weathered and ancient seawall. There were many different kinds of buildings squished together, ranging from small primitive huts to tall and mighty modern offices. There were many people and Pokemon roaming the streets, while hundreds of ships filled the pristine blue ocean beyond them.
In the center of the city was an island, upon which a luxurious castle had been built. Tall gracefully twisting towers rose up from it, blue banners flapping in the sea breeze. The walls were surrounded in lush and vibrant gardens, and inside the walls rose a large pearly dome.
Ray smiled at the sight. It had been a long time since he'd been here, but he had met many friends in this city. He simply wondered if they remembered him just as fondly.
"So this is Azulia City, huh?", commented Clara, "Reminds me of Alto Mare."
Kelly whispered, "It is pretty, isn't it?"
"What's on that island in the middle?", asked Connor.
Ray answered, "The Mirana Estate, home to one of the largest and most influential noble families in Regiras. That is the most likely place the prince would stay, and perhaps he'd be willing to help us stop the Darkness from succeeding in his plan here."
"Well, seeing as apparently you're his friend, I'm certain that won't be much of a problem.", Ulfsigr commented.
Ray shrugged. "Perhaps."
They walked into the city, traveling alongside one of the canals. Small boats sailed through them, Magikarp frequently splashing out of the water. Some fishermen along the river were trying to catch them, which wasn't too hard.
Kelly had pulled on her cloak, hiding her features. Ray questioned her reasoning, seeing how warm it was today, but he did not judge. He wondered what she was trying to hide from.
They soon reached one of the bridges leading to the island estate. As everyone else started walking across it, though, Kelly stayed put.
"What are you doing?", asked Connor, "Come on!"
Kelly said, "Um...I think it might be better if I stay here. Keep an eye out, and such."
Catherine replied, "You know, leaving you alone just makes you a target for the Darkness. That hood isn't going to hide you from him. I don't know what history you have here, but you're just going to have to come with us. We'll protect you, no matter what it is."
Kelly sighed. "Fine. But please try not to drag attention to me..."
She walked over to rejoin them, and the heroes continued crossing the bridge. However, Ray was now quite curious what was bothering her. He did not know the Miranas very well, but since he suspected Kelly had once lived in Azulia City, perhaps she did. And perhaps she did not like them.
Once they crossed the bridge, they were immediately confronted by a steward and his Indeedee.
"Hey!", he shouted, "No peasants are allowed on the Mirana family's private grounds! Back to the city with you!"
"Is Prince Richard present?", Ray asked calmly.
"He is not accepting visitors at the moment.", the steward replied, "Now, if you would just leave -"
"Tell him an old friend would like to speak with him.", Ray interrupted, "One who bears the name Ray Derevin."
The steward turned very pale. "Of - of course, sir!"
He hurried off towards the castle, his Indeedee stumbling after him.
"Well, that was rude.", John commented, "It seems these Miranas are very dismissive of anyone they can consider lesser than they are."
Kelly muttered, "Oh, you have no idea."
After a few moments, the steward returned. "The prince will see you now-"
"How rude would I be, if I did not come in person?", came the voice of a charming young man. The steward whirled around, a look of shock on his face as the speaker came into view.
He was a tall man, about the same age as Ray. He had short, trimmed black hair and dazzling blue eyes, while his skin shimmered a well-tanned bronze. He wore an expertly tailored silk tunic, as well as a long red cape. The tunic featured the royal golden wheel, and if that wasn't enough to mark his status, a small golden circlet glittered in his hair.
As soon as his eyes fell upon Ray, his smile greatly widened.
"So it's not a joke, or an illusion!", he exclaimed, "You truly have returned!"
"Of course.", Ray replied, with a smile of his own, "Couldn't allow you to forget me, right?"
The prince chuckled. "As if I'd ever! You and I, we have a lot to talk about. Especially your new friends! One would even think you're trying to replace me!"
Ray rolled his eyes. "As if I'd ever be able to do that."
"So...you guys, like, really know each other?", asked Carlos, "Ray simply said he had saved your life, not that you were best buds!"
Prince Richard replied, "Oh, the two are always a likely combination. But yes, we were friends even before that dark night. We followed the Path together, you know, although Ray was always my better."
"Oh, don't sell yourself short. You were a perfectly fine Pokemon trainer!", Ray said.
Ulfsigr said, "Not to interrupt your renewed friendship, but aren't we here for something more important?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, that is true."
Prince Richard replied, "Very well then. Let us head into this castle, where we will be able to discuss this matter over some food and in some more comfortable accommodations. I am quite eager to know what you've been up to!"
He started walking back to the castle, and all the Legendborn followed him. (-o-)
Soon, they were all seated in the castle parlor, where a Chansey had delivered them some tea and cookies. Prince Richard had also ensured that their hosts would not bother them until he was ready for them.
Once he was certain they were all comfortable (although he was clearly rather confused on how Ulfsigr insisted on still wearing his armor), the prince asked, "So, what brings you to me? I am quite interested in hearing how you might possibly need my help."
Ray took a deep breath. "It is quite a long story. Let's start off with this. Have you ever heard of the Legendborn?"
"Ah. I see.", Prince Richard replied, "I know exactly what you wish to tell me about. It is not merely rumor."
He sighed. "So the Darkness has truly returned, then? And here I thought my nightmares were related to me turning eighteen."
"Nightmares?", asked Ray.
"Horrible things, yes.", Prince Richard replied, "You would not wish to know of them. But do not fear, I believe you. I'm assuming your hunt for the Darkness has led you here?"
"Yes.", agreed Ulfsigr, "We were told that it was trying to stir up a truly powerful Pokemon here, and we want to stop it. Unfortunately, we have no idea where to look."
Prince Richard said, "Well, do not fear. The Mirana family would know all about ancient powerful Pokemon, and it would be a good idea to ask them about it. I believe the lord Henry is listening in just outside the door?"
There was a muffled oof, before a man opened the door. He had long bright green hair and sea-blue eyes, as well as silvery armor emblazoned with the image of a strange whale-like Pokemon. He had a short beard and was probably around twenty-one-years old.
"Hello, my prince.", he said, "You requested me?"
"In a way, yes.", Prince Richard replied, "Would you be willing to tell us about any potentially powerful Pokemon around here that an evil entity may try to control?"
"Well...", Lord Henry said, "There is our Noble, who lives beneath the island. That would be a likely target."
Catherine replied, "True...but I doubt that the Noble we spoke to would be able to sense its anger from all the way in Invertius. I suspect we're looking for something a bit...stronger."
Lord Henry looked hesitant, before finally saying, "Perhaps...but we will not help you unless you do a few things to prove yourself worthy first."
"Henry, are you sure you couldn't just tell us?", asked Prince Richard.
Lord Henry shook his head. "Not even for you, my prince, but I will permit you to assist them. I need you all to do three things. First, I need you to find a pearl of deepest blue. Second, I need you to catch a one-of-a-kind Pokemon that hails from the sea. No simple Magikarp will do. Lastly, I need you to find the prince's betrothed."
Prince Richard paled at that. "Truly that is not entirely necessary-"
"Oh, it is. Fill them in on the details, I have to go inspect some ships.", Lord Henry replied, "Farewell."
He strode away, and the prince sighed deeply.
"I had heard the king arranged a betrothed for you.", Ray said, his face deathly calm, "Who is it?"
Prince Richard answered, "A one Katrina Mirana, perhaps the only daughter whose hand has not been gifted yet. I was supposed to meet her yesterday, but there was a most intriguing dilemma."
"And that is?", Ray asked.
"She ran away months ago.", Prince Richard replied, "And no one has seen her since. We certainly have a problem on our hands here. I was hoping I could get out of marriage, but it appears that in order to keep the world safe I am going to have to sacrifice my dream future. Oh well...better than no future at all I guess..."
John stood up. "Well, seeing as these challenges sound tough...might as well get started now, right?" (-o-)
AN: Another chapter completed! Next time, we'll be popping over to Glashear and see what has been happening over there! Then we'll continue see-sawing back and forth until eventually our teams finally reunite.
Well, I'll see you all next time!