Pikachu: Petalburg Castle

15th June 1593

Three chaotic years later, it was Ash's turn to be confided in bed. The war went on for three years and as soon as Lance accepted Iris' request of divorce, everyone had decided to surrender and considered it a waste of time. Suddenly, everybody hated Cilan and accused him of stealing King Lance's wife. Only a few years ago, the same people were complaining about how harsh Lance's punishments were.

Pope Mickey was composing of a new treaty for all the monarchs to sign and follow. Even though the war was over, Ash was still on the edge of war with his family.

Princess May was keeping an eye on her fiancé. The couple didn't know when their wedding would be. They had decided not to make any plans until both parties were ready. King Norman arranged May's bedroom to be rearranged for her needs ages ago. I remember when her little mattress on the floor was replaced by a gigantic king-sized bed. The marble room had been painted red with yellow floral patterns and glittered with tapestries.

A good rest was what they both needed. Queen Caroline had been arrested, but nobody explained why. Ash's father was keeping his lips sealed. Whenever she was mentioned, May was sent to her room like a naughty child. Max had not been himself either. Max did not go to church anymore and often the priests would gather in his room for prayers. May was less religious than his brother, she was more interested in fashion and war. She knew of Ash's desires to become king, and of her future father-in-law's eccentric plots.

Ash's dad had a violent reputation. If it weren't for his high status, he would have been long gone by now. Ash's mother had been told many times to get rid of him, but she remained as faithful as ever. May couldn't trust Giovanni, even though he was Ash's father. To be honest, Ash dosen't trust him either, so why should I trust him? Giovanni had been working hard to make sure that both of his sons got what they wanted, but he wasn't doing it for their own benefit. Giovanni wanted to rule the world, and his sons were merely pawns in his game. If he honestly cared about his own sons then Kamon would have been free by now.

They still held onto their words. Ash would not marry May until Kamon was released and Norman gave strict orders that Kamon was not to be released until his reign was over. I highly doubt that Norman will abdicate anytime soon and he's nowhere near close to dying. The phrase like father like son could never have been so false. Ash did inherit his desire of the throne by his father, but he had a sweet and tender nature that was taken from his mother's side. His grandfather, Samuel Oak shamelessly named Ash as his favourite grandchild.

May knelt besides the bed as she curved away the creases of the bed with the back of her hand. To Hoenn, Ash was a prince. They may not have been married, but it was clear that King Norman took a liking to Ash. Norman wanted his daughter to produce heirs to the throne, even though she wasn't next in line.

It didn't take long until May hopped onto the bed.

"So how are you feeling?" May asked Ash. She cupped his cheek and her fingers twisted over to his nose.

"I'm feeling better," Ash replied. He chuckled and held his stomach in a tight grip. "I must admit that I am hungry."

"The maids will be coming with the food shortly," May assured him. "You do not have to worry."

"So did you go to Iris' wedding?"

"I did. But only for a short while."

"What was it like?"

"It was a wonderful service, everybody seemed really nervous but it was a great night."

"I wish I was there," Ash said. He forced himself to get up. "It would have been nice to have made it. Iris was probably annoyed that I wasn't there."

"Iris didn't seem to care. She was so happy with Cilan. She didn't really care about anyone else."

"May... do you think Iris would really cut my head off?" It had bothered Ash for many weeks. Iris and Ash had a quarrel about the poverty in Cinnabar Island. They had some disagreements and then Iris called him a child and that she threatened to execute him if she didn't listen to her. The words sent a earthquake in Ash's spine and mind. Ash and Iris had been great friends for a long time. He couldn't believe that such a good friend would say something like that. I think Iris had spent far too much time with Lance. That is something Lance would make her say, not something that would come from her own tongue.

"She'll have to go through me first," May roared. She clenched her fists and growled. "Iris should give you an apology."

"Maybe she'll write me a letter soon."

"I'll go there myself tomorrow morning."

"But..."

"No buts Ash. We need to talk about it. Even a Queen shouldn't pick on people."

"You're right May."

Two plump chanseys came into the room with Ash's supper. Ash's eyes lit up as he snatched a handkerchief from the bedside table and sat up straight ready for his food. The tray rested firmly on his knees. One chansey passed May a knife and fork in case she wanted something to eat too. Ash quickly tucked into the pile of meat and noodles before him. May helped herself to some too.

"This is good stuff," Ash cried out with the gravy shining on his mouth. Ash turned his face and saw May chewing on a meatball. "Hey! Why are you eating my food?"

"Cause it's my food too."

It was the closest that Ash and May had ever gotten into an argument. Although the mood of the evening was sincere, there was concerns still masked by their smiles. May was worried about the future of Hoenn. Her younger brother was technically the heir to the throne, but he was sick with a fever that had no cure. If they both die, Hoenn would be without a future king, and Norman would be in trouble.

"ASH!" May screamed at the top of her voice. "I'm to become queen!"

Ash gasped. He had finished his food by the time May spoke. He passed his plate over a squirtle who happily took the plate away. "Really? But I thought Max was heir to the throne?"

"Not anymore," May replied. With every second, her voice became sweeter by the enthusiasm in her voice. "I can't believe it. I'm going to be Queen. That's why everybody's been so kind to us. That's why our fathers have been pressurizing us."

"If you become queen..." Ash mumbled. "When we get married, I'll become... king."

May nodded and bounced on the bed before kissing Ash's cheek. "Yes. You will become King Consort of Hoenn. Our reign will also be the beginning of the Ketchum Dynasty." She held onto Ash's hand and said, "Maybe someday we will rule more than Hoenn."

"I've dreamed about being the greatest king ever since I was born," Ash announced. Pikachu jumped on his shoulder with his fist in the air. "I've heard so many people say it won't happen. But now I know it will. My dream is about to come true." Ash's speech ended in a fit of laughter. I jumped on his head and pretended to be a crown. Oh boy, Ash is terrible at being modest.

"Together we're going to change the world," May cried. "Hoenn will be at peace once and for all."

"Then we can finally set Kamon free!" Ash yelled. He was close to tears. This was the moment he had been waiting for. His little brother could finally be free from the injustice he had suffered. But I have a feeling that what Giovanni told him three years ago was actually true. What if Kamon is used as a pawn to get back at Iris. With Lance and Iris divorcing, it means that Ash and May get the chance to be the golden couple, but it leaves Iris more vulnerable. If there's one thing Ash can't stand that's seeing his friends in danger.

King Norman's Abdication Speech at Petalburg Castle On The 7th July 1593

Good people of Hoenn, this is the darkest day of my life... but it will bring a brighter tomorrow for you all. My wife has died. She was burned at Dragonspiral Tower for a crime she didn't commit. My son is dying. We may be sacred flesh but kings too are human. I hope that you all understand that my grief is too strong for me to perform my duties as king. From this day forward I discharge myself as king. And I want you all to know , as Arceus is my witness that it was by choice to abdicate. Nobody influenced or persuaded me to do this. It has been entirely my decision.

But I will serve and honour you all until my death. I lay down my burdens. I will be succeeded by my daughter May. She is betrothed to Prince Ash of Kanto. They will give you a bright promising future. I am sure that you all miss me as king, but due to tragic events I have had to make decisions based on what I believe is best for my country.

I will be looking forward to my daughter's coronation And I pray that you all share my enthusiasm and pray for our new queen. I wish her, and you, her people, happiness and prosperity with all my heart.