May: Littleroot Town

29st July 1593

Giovanni invited lords from the less prolific regions. Ash and I were to attend, we had to. If I'm to go to war with Unova and Johto, I have to expand the kingdom. The new Hyrule residents will be more than willing to cast revenge on Lance and Iris, but people like Takeru will be fighting with their conscience. If I gather people from places like Orre and Alma, they would require less persuasion.

Giovanni called me into the room next door and we had a small private discussion. It was pointless in my opinion.

"Who invited Ritchie Hale?" Giovanni asked.

"Ash did."

"I knew should have the bastard disposed off."

"That's out of order!" I yelled. Giovanni was all smiles until he saw Master Ritchie's face. Ritchie and Ash looked so alike they could almost be twins with a bit of a makeover. I know that Ritchie is Delia's bastard son, but geez, Giovanni doesn't have to be so threatened by him. I mean Ritchie's the last person to be plotting to take the crown of him. "Ash wanted him to be there and he did. I don't see the problem with it."

"Ritchie should not be involved in royal affairs," Giovanni stated. I can't believe how stubborn he is. I'm not looking forward to the day he's going to pester Ash to get me pregnant. I know having heirs are important, but there are more important things right now. I can't bring a child to the world on the brink of war. We'll have children when we're ready. I'm astounded at how bitter Giovanni is towards Ritchie. Fair enough, he's not his son but I think he should practise what he preached about continuing the work of Mew. Mew wouldn't want Giovanni tossing Delia's son aside.

"He could be just as useful as Kamon."

"My son is a worthy prince," Giovanni muttered. Oh boy... it looks like I pissed him off. Oh well, I'm Queen, and if he wants to keep both sons he'll have to listen to me and get over his stubborn pride. "It's a disgrace to see him compared to a useless and vile bastard. Ritchie is a flawed clone. My sons are unique and powerful."

"I'm sorry but you'll just have to deal with it," I said.

"I refuse to be in the same room as a Hale," Giovanni just went on and on. "They are pathetic. They are a threat to my plans."

"If you want to keep both sons..."

Those words were enough to keep him quiet. I really shouldn't be abusing my power, but his terror can't affect me because I'm bound to his house by marriage. It was time for the meeting. This was the moment. They all want me to go to war, but I've got a strategy that will help us win. Most of Hoenn's enemies use sheer power, but what good is power when you have no idea how to use it?

Ash was sitting on the chair next to me and he remained silent. His face didn't move an inch and he stared fiercely. Looking at him was like gazing at a magnificent portrait.

"My lords," I announced. "I would like to warmly invite you to Hoenn and I hope you enjoy your stay." I was cheery, but only for a brief moment. This was serious and I need them to trust me. "The Hoenn Kingdom is expanding and I want your land to be a part of it. I'm sure all of you are aware of the tragic event of The Johto Massacre in 1589. They called it ethic cleansing. The truth is thousands of innocent people were murdered, but thousands more were saved by us. They retreated into the desolated Hoenn were the survivors all live in peace." I slammed my fist on the table, which is something my father-in-law was likely to do. "Gone are the days we hide our true feelings," I announced. I felt so proud of myself, I felt as if I was really helping the world become a better place. The lords all had warm smiles on their face.

"If we let people chose who they marry there will be no need for adultery," Ash announced. "And if there's peace, then there will be no need for theft."

Ash and I were met with a round of applause.

"What a great speech," Ritchie roared.

"Thank you all for coming," May said. "Feel free to stay and enjoy the food."

"I'm staying for sure," I could hear Ritchie say.

"Let's ride a boat to The Vatican," Ash suggested. "Let's visit Pope Mickey and tell him the good news."

Giovanni stormed out of the house. It looks like he'll be having no part of this celebration.