Chapter 11: Vacation Invasion

It's the next morning after Lashara and Maria's botched attempt to shame Queen Flora with Kenshi's "massage." After getting a foot massage by Ash, the three slept together with Lashara and Maria unconsciously playing footsies with Ash's toes. Flora's maids giggled at the three slept soundly. Meanwhile, Kenshi had Pikachu while out collecting herbs and food from the nearby forest. "I thought the forest near the Holy Land Academy had plenty to offer," Kenshi awed.

("We're saving money with all of this!") squeaked Pikachu. As they began to go elsewhere for anything edible, Pikachu's ears perked up. Kenshi turned to see Pikachu's risen ears.

"Pikachu, what's up?" The two ran to find Hazuki in pink pajamas and running from burly men. She tripped to which the men grinned.

"I hate working for what I want," the muscular pepper-haired man said as he brought out a hunting knife.

"She's kinda pretty, huh?" the dirty blond man pointed out. "Too bad… Don't you think?" The muscular man approached a terrified Hazuki.

"We'll be getting the sign soon," he reminded as he neared Hazuki with the knife. "If you wanna play, get yourself a girl for yourself." Out of nowhere. Pikachu flew passed the muscular man with a glowing tail. Pikachu landed with his tail reverting back to yellow. The dirty blond pointed to the knife, causing the muscular man to look… and see the blade chopped off. "What the hell!?" Just then, Kenshi jumped onto the man, slamming him into the ground.

"Hazuki!" gawked Kenshi. The dirty blond charged at Kenshi with his own knife. However, Kenshi caught his arm and gripped it so tight, the dirty blond couldn't hold on. "Thunderbolt!"

("Gotcha!") squeaked Pikachu. Kenshi kicked away the dirty blond before Pikachu peppered him with a blast of electricity. He fell quickly.

"Kenshi?" gulped Hazuki. "What's that?"

"He's a friend," Kenshi assured. "Excuse me a minute." Hazuki watched Pikachu closely as he got to her side. Kenshi roped and hung the two attackers who recovered… for the most part. Kenshi had Hazuki and Pikachu on his back and shoulder as he ran towards the resort.

"We need to get back!" she warned. "Cordyline is the ringleader of a gang of bandits and they're at the villa Ceres and I stayed at and they're gonna attack the resort!" This concerned Kenshi.

"Ceres still around!?" he asked.

"He gave himself up so I can escape!" she confessed. "Kenshi, all of your friends are in danger! We need to warn them!"

"Don't worry!" advised Kenshi. "Pikachu's partner can do a lot without either of us!" Meanwhile at the resort, Ash, Lashara and Maria were enjoying some morning tea.

"After that massage you gave us last night," Maria pointed out. "I realize that having you as a potential husband and prince was a grand idea."

"Perhaps, but you still need to convince us at how you're the likely candidate," Lashara advised. "By the way, what happened to Pikachu?"

"One of Flora's maids said that Kenshi wanted to watch over Pikachu to apologize for the-" he tried to inform but an explosion from outside alerted the three. "What's that!?" He bolted to the window where a few explosions erupted. Lashara and Maria felt the rippling blasts.

"What's going on!?" ordered Lashara.

"I don't know!" shrugged Maria. "We need to head to the Control Room!"

"Right!" agreed Ash. He, Lashara and Maria headed into the Control Room where Yukine and a few maids awaited. Maids were on a control panel and viewing a few monitors.

"Status report!" ordered Maria. Chiaia, Wahanly and Lithia entered, also wanting to know the ordeal.

"Empress, are you alright?" asked Chiaia. She held a sword while the others didn't come armed.

"What is going on here!?" wondered Wahanly. Ash, Lashara and Maria turned to the girls coming in.

"Looks like an invasion," Ash guessed.

"We should remain calm," Lashara assured. "We cannot succeed if we show panic." Everyone came to the maids.

"A gang of bandits have infiltrated the resort's defenses!" one maid relayed. "They appear to riding air bikes over." A bleach blond maid shrieked.

"It turns out someone broke into the guard post, and it seems they hijacked one of our Sacred Mechanoids!" she added. The girls gasped in shock as Ash believed a reason.

"So, among the bandits is a Sacred MechaMaster," he assumed.

"Aside from that, they're coming our way," Lashara warned as the Sacred Mechanoid hovered above the water while carrying a giant ax and avoiding shots from the turret guns. It destroyed one of the guns with a swing of its ax as flying motorcycles flew behind it.

"The defenses have been penetrated!" the first maid gasp. "Part of the interception system's been destroyed! We're wide open!" Now, the group of girls began to show fear.

"There must be something we can do!" urged Lashara. "Maria, do you have any other Sacred Mechanoids, like a brand-new model hidden in the basement or something to that effect?"

"This is a resort!" snapped Maria. "Of course, we don't! Why would we keep Sacred Mechanoids here!?"

"Ladies!" shouted Ash. Lashara and Maria turned to Ash who held a Pokéball. "Did you forget who I brought?" Suddenly, an explosion ripped the control room. From his flying motorcycle, a brunette man with a small goatee and a headband arrived. He wore a tan open shirt and blue slacks.

"Hey, I hit the jackpot!" he sneered as Chiaia and Yukine drew out their swords. "Stop right there! Drop your weapons, put your hands behind your heads and lay down face-first or I'll shoot." Everyone froze.

"We should do as he says," Lashara advised.

"It's not our fight that we can win," Ash warned as he flipped a thumb up.

"See, I knew you kids know when you're beat," the headband man sneered while Staraptor flew from behind.

"Speaking of being beat," Ash sneered, "Close Combat!" Staraptor thrashed at the headband man for a few seconds before he shooed the Predator Pokémon. Then a flash of yellow appeared as it passed him.

"That's foul!" he shouted as he pointed a gun… well, half a gun. He saw it and panicked "What the hell!" Then, Hazuki's screams from above was heard. The headband man looked up, only to be stomped on the back of his head and onto the flying vehicle by Kenshi and Hazuki. Pikachu's tail was aglow as he recovered from the fall. Kenshi looked to the headband man who was unconscious.

"That's one unlucky dude," he realized as he also spotted the destroyed gun. "Good thing Wahanly told me of Pikachu's moves. Iron Tail is unreal." Ash and the girls gawked to Kenshi holding Hazuki on his back.

"Kenshi, why is Hazuki with you?" he asked. Lashara and Maria turned to Ash, knowing about Hazuki.

"Wait, you know that girl?"wondered Lashara. Ash nodded before looking up.

"That gang of bandits had a leader and they seem to be going after the Sacred MechaMasters at the villa around the mountains," Kenshi informed. "Meaning, they're after Ceres and Sir Dagmeyr!" That alerted Chiaia in learning Dagmeyr's predicament.

"Dagmeyr!?" she yelped before running out.

"Yukine, follow Chiaia!" ordered Maria as Kenshi hopped down from the still airborne air bike.

"Yes, miss," Yukine replied before chasing Chiaia. Looking around, Ash saw no trace of a sertain Dark Elf.

"Where could Aura be?" he asked.

"My mother as well," Maria added. Lithia scoffed to the danger.

"Perhaps you should send the Wild Beast and Little Brother to retrieve them," she suggested.

"Agreed," Lashara accepted. "Aura's closer but with you two running, Aunt Flora and Aura can be split between." Ash knew Lashara meant that one could get Aura and the other, Flora.

"Good idea," he acknowledged. "Staraptor, stay with the girls, including Hazuki. We'll be back."

("I've got faith in you!") he cawed. Pikachu hopped on Ash's shoulder and the two dashed out.

"Let's go, Kenshi!" he urged. Kenshi followed Ash and Pikachu out the door as Wahanly boarded the air bike.

"I'll hop on this!" she urged as she also brought out a pair of binoculars. "Maybe I can find out what's going on!"

"Please, just don't do anything rash!" groaned Lashara.

"Relax, I'll be fine!" reassured Wahanly as she flew off. The turret guns fired at anything moving, including Ash and Kenshi. They came across a stone cottage with a pair of staircases above the front door.

"That's Princess Aura's cottage!" alerted Kenshi.

"Okay, you go on ahead!" noted Ash. The two split as Ash and Pikachu entered the cottage. Ash knocked on the door to a bedroom where Aura had wrapped herself in a blanket. "Aura!? Are you okay!?"

("We're here for you!") hollered Pikachu. Thinking of her safety, Ash opened the door to find the Dark Elf curled up. Ash and Pikachu became worried as the Mouse Pokémon leaped into her lap. She allowed the blanket to drop, revealing herself in a white nightgown with a pink ribbon.

"Pikachu?" she gasped before turning to Ash as he approached. "Ash?"

"Aura, are you okay?" asked Ash. Aura bit her lip, trying to find her words.

"I know you're here to rescue me, but… I'm just not myself."

"What's wrong? Tell me and I can help you. The sooner, the better with these bandits attacking the resort." Feeling pressured, Aura opted to confess,

"It's the time of day and I feel rather strange. Kenshi… did he tell you?" Ash and Pikachu shook their heads as two guys burst through the window: one in white with a white bandanna and one in black with the sleeves ripped off.

"Stop right there!" they shouted. Ash and Pikachu wouldn't comply.

"Thunderbolt!" The signal told Pikachu to use Thunderbolt once more. The blast of electricity stopped the two before Ash clocked them across their chins. Both crumpled to the ground. Aura cringed at seeing the boy and Pokémon defend her. Ash returned to her side. "If you want, I can carry you back to safety." Rather than accept Ash's offer, Aura lunged at Ash to hug.

"I'm afraid!" she yelped. "I know you want to help!" Ash patted her exposed shoulder. "You… saw my body… didn't you?"

"I'm more worried about your health than your body," he admitted. That's when more men broke in from the door and window. Ash flung another blanket on the guy at the door before making a lunging charge, elbowing him in the chest so hard, he keeled over and dropped the knife before dealing an uppercut to the chin. That bandit fell, knocked out. Then, Aura kicked another bandit in the neck. He went down as Aura stood tall.

"There." She turned to Ash and Pikachu who seemed a little surprised. "Sorry about before. It's a period of weakness I have daily. Please, dismiss what you've seen and what I've said, otherwise, you'll need to take responsibility for it all."

"Right now, my responsibility is making sure you're okay." Hearing Ash take responsibility made Aura grin. They and Pikachu boarded another air bike from one of the bandits with Ash taking the handlebars and flying while Pikachu was in front and Aura holding Ash's waists behind. Aura was now wearing a purple vest over a white gown.

"Do children your age use air bikes!? If so, it makes sense on how skilled you are in controlling one!"

"Well, the closest I've used is a jet-ski! Those skim over water! I just have a feel for it!" They caught up to Wahanly being chased by the Sacred Mechanoid.

"Steady the air bike! I'll man the gun!"

"You got it!" Aura leaned onto Ash and overlapped his hands with hers.

"Steady…" Finally lined up, Aura thumbed the buttons down which fired a cannon round from the front. The round smashed into the Sacred Mechanoid's back. Wahanly looked back and eyed the three on the other air bike.

"Ash!" she shouted. "Aura! Am I glad to see you two and Pikachu, especially since I needed backup!" Regrouped, Ash, Aura, Wahanly and Pikachu aimed the air bikes at the Sacred Mechanoid. "We can't give this Sacred MechaMaster an open target!"

"Right!" agreed Ash. "We need time for Kenshi to get Flora back! How much ammo's left!?"

("Not much!") alerted Pikachu. Ash looked at where Pikachu indicated and found a gauge that was mostly black. Aura saw the display as well.

"We can limit the gunfire or call for a retreat," she pondered. Suddenly, screams could be heard. Passionate screams echoed from a fixed direction. Ash, Aura and Pikachu turned to the sound. "That's gotta be Queen Flora!" In Wahanly's MechaWorker, Kenshi drove while a wild Flora bounced around his lap. She wore a black silky nightgown with her abdomen exposed.

"Queen Flora!"complained Kenshi. "I can't see!" The MechaWorker jumped and landed on the Sacred Mechanoid before being thrown off. The MechaWorker landed and Kenshi and Flora calmed down. "Good, I can see again."

"And I had a fun ride with you. Kenshi Dear," Flora teased. The Sacred Mechanoid sneaked behind the MechaWorker.

"Kenshi, behind you!" warned Aura as Ash positioned the air bike. Ash caught Aura's thumb close to the button.

"Not yet," he muttered. Aura gawked before the MechaWorker flung forward. The ax swing missed and now lifted it for a shot as if the ax was a rifle. To Ash, this was the moment. "Now!" Aura pressed the button where a round struck the knee of the Sacred Mechanoid, crippling the mech. It also shot from the rifle but the knee shot changed the trajectory to fly harmlessly clear.

"That should buy time for Kenshi to clear out of there with Queen Flora!" realized Aura. The Sacred Mechanoid lifted the ax which fired a flare that exploded. Everyone cleared from the rain of embers as the Sacred Mechanoid opened and Cordyline exited, landing on another air bike.

"Hey, I know her!" reminded Ash. Aura and Pikachu blinked to what Ash knew. As Cordyline rode, she leaned to the side and vomited. With both sides falling back, Flora's visitors gathered at a table. Flora was bouncing on Kenshi.

"Looks like those bandits pulled a fast one," Maria groaned.

"Yes, indeed," Flora cooed. "He pulled a fast one all over me!" Trying to ignore the hot and bothered queen, Lashara continued.

"We cannot believe this," she mulled. "They completely had their way with us."

"Yes, and I loved every minute of it!" squealed Flora. "It was just delightful! Oh, I can just wish I can find the same excitement with Ash! Oh, that's so dreamy!" Maria groaned and seethed.

"You can wait until I claim Ash's virginity before you ruin the same womb I emerged from!" she snapped. Everyone was aghast, shocked at the princess and her wish. They all looked at Maria with blank stares, even Pikachu who was on Lithia's shoulder.

"Well, talk about priorities…" gulped Aura. Lashara came over to Maria and slapped her across the face.

"What in the world makes you deserving of Ash's virginity in the first place!?" she stormed. "You're not the only one who wants to ride the New Emperor's Staff!" While Maria recovered, Pikachu grew curious.

("What does… virginity mean?") he gulped. Lithia wasn't sure on an answer.

"It's… something that people will lose when they… love someone," she tried to simplify. It just left Pikachu more confused. Aura focused on the situation using a holographic map.

"We think they took this escape route," she believed as a pink arrow streaked along a map. Where the arrow stopped, Flora pointed to its resting spot.

"So, you think they're here?" she questioned. Kenshi also had a finger on the map near Flora's.

"That's right," Kenshi confirmed.

"Why's that?" the queen asked.

"Those bandits didn't seem too bright," Kenshi briefed. Ash cupped his chin as Pikachu could tell of Ash's scheme.

"What are you getting at?" wondered Lashara.

"They didn't act like the escaping type," Kenshi added. "But more of finding a rendezvous point to gather."

"In short, they're choosing emotions over logic," Flora guessed. Kenshi bobbed his head.

"Then we can come up with a quick response once we find the camp and determine where these kidnappers have the Sacred MechaMasters," Ash surveyed.

"Ash, are you sure about a plan so flippantly?" questioned Maria.

"Kenshi's got a point in how they executed the attack on the resort," Ash informed. "Kenshi, you've got the quieter steps. Think you can do it?" A nod from Kenshi was enough to convince Ash. Hazuki came to Ash with Staraptor on her head.

"Ash, thank you for making sure I'm okay," she praised as she allowed Staraptor to perch on her arm. "Your Staraptor helped me in keeping calm while I worry about Ceres."

"Trust me, Staraptor and Pikachu have helped plenty of people around," Ash assured. "Right now, let us rescue Ceres and Dagmeyr from these kidnappers." Hazuki bowed before Lashara and Maria approached.

"So, what can you tell us about Hazuki and why you're helping out?" demanded Lashara. Hazuki fidgeted in knowing about the promise being exposed. Ash nodded, willing to help out.

"That woman who jumped out of the Sacred Mechanoid is Cordyline," he started. "She helped Hazuki sneak into the same villa as Dagmeyr and Ceres. My thoughts are that Cordyline are after the Sacred MechaMasters at the villa and leaving Hazuki to the mercy of those kidnappers." Lashara and Maria's eyes lit open to the fear behind it.

"Has this happened to you?" wondered Maria.

"Knowing how many times Pikachu's been taken from me, it's a risk I try not to take or imagine," Ash assured. Everyone boarded a flying trailer truck haling a few cargo boxes. Wahanly's at the wheel. Hazuki had Buizel in her lap.

"Everyone, listen up!" voiced Wahanly. "We'll be leaving the draft soon. We can't go any farther in this!" Aura stood up.

("What is it?") asked Buizel.

"In that case," she spoke. "Kenshi and I'll scout the area like we've got arranged."

"Take it easy, Aura," Ash wished.

"I'm begging you," Hazuki pleaded. "Save Ceres."

"Hazuki, we'll do it," Ash hushed. "All you need to do is let us do the work."

"I know, but…" Everyone knew of Hazuki's concern. Chiaia stood up.

"I'm going with you!" she offered. Ash and Aura were ready to decline.

"I would prefer you stay with everyone else," Aura refused.

"Besides, I'll need you in my planning to rescue Ceres and Dagmeyr," Ash informed. "We don't want emotions battling emotions, that'll get you destroyed." Chiaia gawked to Ash having a plan.

"Wait, when did you have a plan?" asked Lashara.

"When it comes to being a Pokémon Trainer, strategy becomes second nature," he sneered. Lashara and Maria awed Ash's background of his career.

"Okay, Ash," Aura complied. "Let us know of your plan when we return. Kenshi, come." Kenshi stood and joined Aura out.

'Oh, Dagmeyr…' prayed Chiaia. The truck pulled over where Wahanly drew a map on the dirt using a stick.

"According to the map, this is the layout of the location without the trees," she started.

"The plan is a surprise strike from the far exit," Ash plotted.

"To what you're saying, Ash…" spoke up Chiaia as she took Wahanly's stick. She pointed to the pathway by her feet. "You think it's best to start not here…" Then to the opening on the other side by Ash's feet. "But here?"

"Close," Ash corrected. He pointed to the side of the entrance near him. "Right here."

"That still leaves the entrance back here as a means to escape," Wahanly pointed out as Aura returned.

"How's the strategy?" she asked.

"We may understand it when Ash completes his explanation," Chiaia sighed. "What about you?"

"Right now, they're stockpiling every weapon they have," Aura relayed. Kenshi also returned.

"Just as we thought," he confirmed. "They've got the prisoners in two containers, and they're about ready to ship them out."

"Alright," Ash nodded. "Wahan, how's the MechaWorker?"

"Ready to go," Wahanly sneered. "Thanks to Pikachu's electricity, it's got a bonus two minutes."

"Great…" grinned Ash. "Kenshi, you take the MechaWorker as a means to distract. Aura, Wahan, the cargo truck's yours. Chiaia and I will disarm the air bikes." Lashara and Maria watched Ash took control of the situation.

"Ash seems to know the ordeal," Lashara whispered.

"We may be wanting him for his mind and his workload," Maria quietly shrilled. "I can't wait to further smother in love with him and not act like Mother."

"Oh? And what of your talk of "taking Ash's virginity'?"

"Give it time when he becomes my prince." Doubting, Lashara's smug wanted to challenge Maria's wish. At the checkpoint, the bandits had gathered to check a few things as well as rest. That's when Kenshi came down onto the area with the MechaWorker.

"Hey, how's it going!" he greeted with the MechaWorker's claws opened. Other bandits ran from the truck, a perfect opportunity for Wahanly and Aura to jump into the driver's seat. Cordyline and more bandits came out from the ruckus. They gasped at seeing Kenshi and the MechaWorker.

"It's… that brat!" she gawked. Ash and Chiaia reached the air bikes.

"Okay, Pikachu," Chiaia urged. "Use Iron Tail!" With a glowing tail, Pikachu slashed the air bike's front as Chiaia sliced the other gun off. After his fun, Kenshi chose to make his exit.

"Sorry, but this is where we leave!" he apologized. With Cordyline and the bandits stunned, Kenshi and the crew wheeled out with the trailer truck and Ash on top of the cargo glaring down at Cordyline with a grin. Rather impressed, Cordyline smiled.

"Maybe having Dagmeyr was a little soon," she sneered. "He's got some spunk for a small body." At the new rendezvous point, Ash, Chiaia and Pikachu met up with Dagmeyr who didn't seem harmed.

"Dagmeyr, did they hurt you?" gulped Chiaia. Dagmeyr scoffed to Chiaia's worry.

"See for yourself," he shrugged. "Actually, all things considered, I was treated very well."

"I'll say," Ash observed. "Everyone may have been scared but none look hurt for starters."

"You did arrive a lot soon than I expected," Dagmeyr smiled.

"That's thanks to Ash and Kenshi," Lashara pointed out as she arrived. Dagmeyr found the empress and bowed.

"I'm terribly sorry to have worried you," he apologized.

"At least you're okay," Lashara sighed. "We'll be meeting with Aunt Flora soon so try to relax until then." Dagmeyr bobbed a nod as Lashara made it to Ash. "To think, a Pokémon Trainer's mind is as dangerous when it works. That being said, the empire may be ours to dominate." She kissed Ash on the lips, making Ash's face become red and Chiaia gulp.

"Lashara, not in front of the other guys!" she gawked. Dagmeyr giggled to the scene.

"I'm starting to think Lashara's voting herself into your family, Ash!" he teased. Outside, Ceres was reunited with Hazuki as they held their hands together.

"I'm glad you're okay, Ceres," Hazuki sighed.

"So am I," Ceres smiled. Back outside, Ash and Pikachu looked on with the group on a new mess.

"So now about Ceres and Hazuki since all they wanted was time together," Ash muttered.

("They look like a great match,") Pikachu squeaked.

"Of course, this has the makings of a diplomatic nightmare," Aura pointed out.

"It does?" blinked Ash.

"We are talking about a Sacred MechaMaster and a commoner," Lithia added.

"That will be enough," Lashara halted. Everyone turned to the empress. "We may bring the two back with us, but the girl won't get off easy and Ceres will be placed in a precarious position."

"So, even if we do return them to the Academy, there may be consequences for the two," Ash realized. "I do think it's a bit extreme. Makes me wish I could take them back to the Pokémon World."

"I know what you mean, Ash," Wahanly murmured.

"So, we can say we found two missing kids around here, and bring them back," Lashara suggested. "That way, Ceres and Hazuki can avoid penalties."

"Right, and since Ceres was kidnapped, we can say that Hazuki came to us for help when they needed it," Kenshi concluded.

"I don't know if it will pass," Aura doubted. "Though, it's out only choice given the circumstances." Everyone agreed to what was needed as Ash and Pikachu came to Ceres and Hazuki.

"We'll do what we can to get you two off the hook," Ash promised.

"Ash, thank you for your help," Ceres praised.

"Also, we'll inform Queen Flora and request you two to stay at her resort for emotional relaxation," Ash added. Hazuki hugged Ash for his trouble.

"You have no idea how grateful we are to you and your friends," she cried.

("Just stay safe, okay?") wished Pikachu. Hazuki leaned up and kissed Pikachu's reddish cheek. He gawked and became as red as his cheeks. After that, everyone flew off and left Ceres and Hazuki as the group planned to return to the Academy. Ash and Pikachu have experienced a resistance as well as new royalty. What could be next for the trainer?

TO BE CONTINUED…