I apologize for the long wait once again. I just had a lot of writers block and I just couldn't really get myself motivated enough to write. While I do have some later chapters somewhat figured out as far as plot wise, this is one I hadn't planned out very well and I got a little stuck on it (I HATE TRANSITIONING). But, I've been working on it ever so slowly and tonight I finally finished up the last few hundred words or so. So, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and I don't own Pokemon.

OH, and one more thing. Sly's last name has been changed. I couldn't think up a suitable one when I made it, so I just kinda went with 'Foxtrot', much to my disappointment. From now on, his last name is "Redfox"...(I watch a lot of Fairy Tail ok) (and has also been changed in the last chapter where it was first mentioned)

AND FUCKING HELL, before I forget again, props to 'LovingTogetic' for coming up with the design for Lucy's bandanna. I was honestly stumped for a design, I'm not good at fashion related shit. Thank you very much

Chapter 10: Reunited

~Lucy~

This is agonizing...we'd been arguing for over ten minutes and she wouldn't budge a single bit. I was getting to the point of just walking away, but that wouldn't do me any good. Nobody in the crowd had said anything yet, it was just a banter between us, Darian, and on occasion Miss Blair when mother said something nasty about the Guild or Guildmaster.

The Queen Lucario barred her teeth for the hundredth time today. "You are coming with me and that's final! Gavin, seize her at once!"

My ears perked at the mention of Gavin. Gavin Alfaro, my grandfather. I already knew he was here since I could sense his aura, but I hadn't expected her to bring him into this fight. What would he do? He caught me as I was escaping and allowed me to go free. Surely he wouldn't side with her, would he?

Grandfather walked ever so slowly in my direction, a look of concentration adorning his tired face. He suddenly looked so old and worn. My heart was pounding, he was the one person I valued the most. If it came to a struggle I would not fight him.

Grandfather now stood in front of me and reached a hand out. I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for his paw to grasp my arm tightly as he prepared to force me back home. Instead, I felt a gentle touch as the Gracidea flower atop my head was removed. I quickly opened my eyes to see the old Lucario toss the delicate flower into my astonished mother's paw.

"I should have never let Darnell marry you."

She was at a loss for words now, stuttering angrily as her mind continued to process the words grandfather threw at her. "I-I...H-how dare you!"

"Aurora, you were never fit to rule. You nor your mother. A queen or princess should be selfless, kind, humble, trusting, and respectable." Selfless? I mentally flinched. I wasn't selfless...I abandoned my own people because I was selfish. "While you do not seem to have any of these qualities, Lucy would make a wonderful queen. Even so, nobody is going to force her into a life she doesn't desire, not even you. Now, let's take our leave and stop bothering these explorers. We are disturbing their work." He turned to smile at both me and the audience, uncaring that he just insulted the queen in front of the entire Guild.

Nobody had ever dared speak against the Queen Lucario, at least not to her face, and mother stood gaping."You'd dare speak insult me? Such an act deserves punishment!" A cold smile graced the queen's faced. "And I have just the thing. Gavin Alfaro, you are hereby banished from our territory! If you are spotted within our borders, you are to be arrested immediately. If you resist capture, we will use any force necessary to bring you in!"

There were gasps from the remaining Lucarios, as well as a few from our 'audience'. "F-father will never let you do this!"

"My child...who said he has to know?" She grinned wickedly. She was actually going to lie to him?!

My gaze hardened. "My child? Don't flatter yourself. From this point on, I no longer have a mother, Aurora."

That certainly set off a nerve as I watched her supress a menacing growl, her eyes holding nothing but anger at my words. "Guards...seize them both!"

The guards looked fearful as grandfather and myself took to fighting stances, drawing forth bones of green energy. With solemn looks, they brandished their own as well and made move to advance. I didn't blame them one bit. They each had families, children and wives. Aurora would banish the guards if they did not obey, and by default, their families would leave as well.

As they inched ever closer to us, a barrage of attacks separated us, a stream of fire coming extremely close to the queen Lucario.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Darian looked at Aurora with a disapproving gaze. "Lucy may be your daughter, but she is still a member of my guild. This could have easily been settled upon privately, but instead you have made this a public display, meaning this is now our business as well. If you wish to continue, be warned: We will not idly stand by while our comrade is in distress." Darian's speech was emphasized as the Pokemon began charging various attacks.

Miss Blair held her ignited stick towards Aurora. "You are no longer welcome here. I suggest you leave."

She sent the Braixen a nasty glare, but ordered the guards to back off anyways. They may be powerful, but the small band of Lucarios wouldn't be able to take down an entire guild.

She sent a glare my way as well. "I'll be back for you." With that, she turned abruptly and the guards followed her out, bowing sorrowfully as they glanced between me and grandfather.

I turned to the older Lucario, my ears drooping in sadness. "I-I'm so sorry. If you hadn't have had to stand up for me, this wouldn't have happened. It's all my fault…"

Giving me a warm smile, he reaches up and ruffles the fur on top of my head. "Nonsense, child. I already knew the consequences of my actions, but I did what I thought was right. Besides, I've been wanting to do that for years." He winked and let out a few chuckles.

"Lucy!" I yelped as I was lifted off the ground and into a bone crushing hug. "Why didn't you tell us you were a princess?" Tsubaki pouted, setting me down and leaving me covered in bits of green and purple slime.

"I just...didn't want anyone to know. I ran away...if word had gotten out, they probably would have been here even sooner. Also, since I did abandon my duty, I pretty much forfeit that title anyway."

Drax tilted his head slightly. "You don't act like a princess, though. You act more, ah….'normal'."

"That's because she wouldn't listen. Five years of training completely wasted." Grandfather cracked a smile. "She's always been more of the adventurous type."

My paws on my hips, I smirked at the elderly Lucario. "Well, I wonder who I got it from! Last I recall, you weren't exactly the best influence."

Grandfather let out a deep laugh. "That I wasn't!" When Lucy was a little Riolu I used to sneak her out of the castle to go on patrols or gather berries with me. I also used to tell her stories about famous Exploration Teams. Ah, but as Lucy grew older and evolved into a Lucario, her mother put a stop to that very quickly."

"Then it was nothing but proper etiquette and all that malarky. They finally stopped when they realized I wasn't going to listen. Father was pretty ok with it, but mother was far from pleased."

"She doesn't seem pleased about most things." Drax observed.

"Unless she gets her way. It was a real pain. I don't understand why father puts up with her." I sighed.

"He's loves her, dear. Ever since he laid eyes on her. Love can make you do crazy things."

He smiled fondly, most likely remembering his wife, Judith. She died not long after I was born.

"But...what will you do now? You have no place to stay, and someone won't be along with your things for at least a few days." I looked down, fiddling with my paws.

"I'm sure something can be arranged." I glanced up as Darian and Miss Blair approached. "Good evening, Gavin. It is nice to see you again."

Grandfather chuckled. "Darian! I haven't seen you since you were a cute little Deerling! You look well."

"Um..Y-yes. It has...been a while." The Sawsbuck stammered, a bit of a blush on his cheeks.

Drax and Gale both gaped beside me. "D-did Darian just stutter?" The question seemed to make the Normal/Grass Type a bit uncomfortable.

"Ah, still with the formalities. Throw him for a loop though and he's all stutters." He sent a teasing smile the Guildmaster's way.

Darian shuffled awkwardly for a moment before collecting himself once more. "Yes. Well, I believe I have a solution to your predicament. There is an extra room near the dining hall if you'd care to stay." Darian paused for a moment and continued when it looked as if grandfather was about to protest. "In turn for staying, you would of course be paid for your services."

The Lucario raised an eyebrow. "My services?"

"Yes. If you have not heard by now, a couple weeks ago the Starlight Guild suffered heavy damage from a nighttime assault. The Pokemon responsible are still at large."

"I'd not heard of that. We don't get much news unless we ourselves venture out, or traveling Pokemon drop by. But I am to assume that I would be guarding the guild at night, then?"

Darian nodded in response. "That, and I imagine some of our members would enjoy a spar or two with a former guard captain." He chuckled.

"Haha, how can I say no to that? I have a job, a place to live, and I get to see my favorite granddaughter everyday. It's a deal!"

Chapter's a bit shorter than I wanted it, but I thought this was a nice place to end it off. I'm not promising anything when it comes to when I'll update next, but I'll try and get it done sooner. If I don't update in awhile, I'm honestly extremely sorry