And finally, Kuroratia humbly presents to you...Conquest Diaries: Chapter 2! Sorry it took so long, guys. But, I really shouldn't chat right now, you want to read it, right? Well, please enjoy! Feedback is always accepted!

It was harder to pack luggage when you are blinded by waves of tears. When Katsuki and Amaterasu read the relieving letter from their mother, Tsukiko, they were so overjoyed, they cried. They wanted to see her so badly, the family started packing then and there.

Their mother did love them after all...

~[Chapter 2: A Moment Long Awaited]~

Stifled sobs could be heard throughout the house. Even Zoroark had a smile plastered on his face, not weak enough to cry. Katsu and Zoroark packed in the Master, while Katsuki and Amaterasu packed in the room they each shared. It was silent besides the sobs, but Ammy broke it first.

"K-Katsuki...?"

-Katsuki looked up from his bag- "Yeah Ammy? W-What is it?"

-the girl sadly looked at her brother, resembling that of a newborn Growlithe- "Do y-you think mom's okay?"

-Katsuki couldn't understand why she'd ask such a question.- "I'm sure s-she's fine. Why d-do you ask, Ammy?"

"Well, it's just, it's so sudden. I-I mean, why? She's been g-gone for so long... I thought she just..."

"Just what, Amaterasu? (She really does think mom forgot...)"

-Amaterasu wiped a tear off her cheek- "That she forgot about us, stupid! Surely you were thinking the same!" -she had blown out all of her energy with the last comment, that she dropped to her knees, covering her face with her hands-

"Amaterasu..." -he walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her and consoling her- "It'll all be okay... You just gotta think, she didn't, right? She remembered, and she loves us." -he pushed her away a little to look at her- "Think more on the bright side, sis! Isn't that your job?"

-the girl's eyes finally made their way to his, and she smiled faintly- "...Yeah, you're right, Katsuki."

-Katsu looked around the corner of the door, Zoroark behind him carrying the luggage, watching the brother-sister bonding moment and grinning- (What are you worried about, as long as they're together, they'll be okay...)

As soon as everyone finished packing, they went to board the plane immediately.

~{1710; Johto Region; December; Year 10; Pidgeot Airlines}~

The airplane was a tight squeeze. Heck, you were lucky if you got breathing room. The two children fought for dominance of the room they had, and Katsu tried to sleep. Zoroark had tried to stop the children many times, but, they didn't listen. But, at the same time, Katsu didn't blame them. Maybe they felt what he was feeling, a sense of excitement that was terribly hard to contain. And being children, it was more difficult to jar up that excitement, let alone seal it properly.

The sun had went down just a bit ago, even though they boarded the plane a while back, making the flight seem it was taking absolutely forever. Fortunately, the kids had seared all of their energy, so they were fast asleep. After things had calmed down, he slept too. Even Zoroark, who, being a Dark-Type Pokèmon, loved to explore the night, had conked out. The sheets of stars rolled past the miniature glass window, like a puppet play. The moon graced the night with it's guiding light, showing the way to anything that needed assistance. It glazed the passengers' bodies, leaving patches of white on skin and clothing. When it had felt it had done it's deed, the moon left, being replaced with the early sun, which is when they had finally landed. At a beautiful Ransei sunrise. Katsuki, Amaterasu, and Zoroark had been shaken up, squinting and grunting at the bright glow.

"Graaagh...Grah.." Zoroark sat up and shook itself off, whipping it's long mane everywhere, making the two children giggle as they wiped their eyes awake. They looked up, seeing their father handing Zoroark a suitcase.

"Come on, you two Slowpokes. These flight attendants are gonna be mad if we don't get off now." Katsu said jokingly, smiling and looking at the kids.

"Alriiiight! C'mon, Amaterasu, let's get off this stuffy plane and go see mom!"

-Ammy yawned- "Goodness, Katsuki... You have too much energy for it being this early..." -she wrapped her arms around her suitcase, following her father and other sibling, Zoroark trailing as caboose for safety reasons- The line made it's way off the plane, and into the warm glow of the sunrise. They all breathed in the fresh air, glad to be off the cramped aircraft.

"Thank you for flying with Pidgeot Airlines!" -one of the attendants smiled at the family-

"Thank you, ma'am, for getting us here." Katsu returned the smile, the children already running off and Zoroark barking at them. Katsu bowed to the lady.

"Come on, Zoroark. Let's go after them." He said with a slight sigh. Zoroark laughed dryly, and ran on all fours with his master running next to him. "Amaterasu! Katsuki! Slow down!"

"Greeah!"

The siblings stopped, but not because of their father's command. "Whoa.." The two gasped in unison.

In front of them stood a beautiful town. It spread across lavish emerald fields, and was spotted with miniature houses. Granted the town was small, it was very pleasing to the eye.

Katsu and Zoroark, both panting, stopped next to them. "Please, you two...-hah- ..don't run off like that...-hah.."

"...Rhha..."

"Sorry, dad. I was just really excited to see mom." Katsuki looked back at his father with the best Growlithe eyes you ever saw.

"I know you are, buddy.." Katsu fluffed his mired hair. "How about we go find the train to Ignis?"

Amaterasu looked at her father, a little confused. "You're saying, this isn't Ignis?"

"No. This is...Aurora, I believe." Their father fumbled in his bag for a map.

An unfamiliar voice cracked the air around them,"And you are correct! Gorgeous place, isn't it?"

The group jumped and looked up, Zoroark growled and leaped at the stranger. It's eyes suddenly blazed with fury, immediately seeing the stranger as an enemy. Before Zoroark could reach him, an Infernape blocked his path, batting away the other Pokèmon. Zoroark flew to the side, but landed on it's two feet, growling at the interferon. Zoroark was about to attack, until Katsu ran to it's side, with the children behind him.

"Zoroark, no! Buddy, it's okay! Calm down.." He pet his muzzle, and the Illusion Pokèmon's growling stopped. Katsu then turned around. "Please, I'm very sorry. My Zoroark was just protecting us."

The man stood behind his Infernape, smiling. "He does a great job at it. You have a very tight bond with your Zoroark, don't you? I can feel it, it radiates from the two of you."

"Umh,..thank you..."

"Hey, Ammy! Look at that Pokèmon! It looks like a Fire-Type, like that one that came to our house with that man!" The two were already over by the man and the other Pokèmon, admiring the flames that trailed the air.

"H-Hey! You two, be careful!" Katsu yelled to the kids.

"Don't worry. Infernape won't hurt them." The man was now beside Katsu, watching the children. Katsu then jumped at the sudden tone of the next comment.

"Oh! How very rude of me! I never properly introduced myself! My name is Hideyoshi, and you are?"

~{1710; Ransei Region; December; Year 10; Aurora}~

The group had finally headed into town, with two additional members. A man named Hideyoshi and his Infernape had accompanied Katsu, Zoroark, Katsuki, and Amaterasu. Hideyoshi wore a large crown made of pillar-spear like items, with a furry hat behind it that trailed all the way down his back. He wore a blue cape that looked to be tied around his neck, and a white jacket with line patterns running up and down next to where the zipper would be. Along with that, a red undershirt with a gold pattern on it, and white pants. His shoes were mainly covered by his pants, but they appeared to be black.

Katsu was getting to know Hideyoshi. "So, Katsu, do you come from far? Pugilis? Yaksha? Maybe even Dragnor?"

The other man chuckled a little. "Even farther. I come from Johto. Goldenrod City."

"Whoa! You've come quite a distance! But, if I may ask, whatever for?"

"For my wife." Katsu said slowly, realizing how difficult it would be to explain the situation to the other.

"Ah! True love has no distance! You can love from miles away! How nice! How does this story start?"

"...I-It's a long story. I don't want to bore you.." He turned to look ahead, his eyes turning a shade duller in color.

"I want to hear all about it." Katsu's eyes widened, and then looked back at Hideyoshi.

Hideyoshi smiled, and then Katsu warmly smiled back. "Alright. Then, please, let me start over a cup of tea at my house."

"Sounds great."

~{1710; Ransei Region; December; Year 10; Aurora; Fukuzawa Rental House}~

The two siblings had grown quite fond of Infernape. And, more or less, Infernape had grown fond of them. Zoroark learned to have more trust in Infernape, so he started to bound around with the rest of them. The quartet played around in the vast fields behind the house, while Hideyoshi and Katsu conversed at the dining table inside. Katsu took a sip from the cup.

"And then, A man on a Rapidash came to our door, giving us a letter from Ingis. I kne-"

"Wait, Ignis?"

"Yes. That's where Tsukiko is."

The man draped in red, crimson, and variations of orange smiled wide. "Is Tsukiko her name?"

The smile scared the father a little. "Yes. Tsukiko Fuku-"

"Fukuzawa! Oh, how did I not realize this sooner?"

Katsu looked like he'd just seen a Dialga in a tutu and ribbons.

"Fukuzawa is one of my army. She's a great fighter. One of our best! She's kept Ignis safe for a long time. She always talks to her comrades about her husband and children. Of course, she meant you guys. She told us how she missed you."

Okay, now Katsu was really lost.

"Wait, wait a second! One of YOUR army? You're not telling me you're the-"

"Ignis's Warlord! I'm the Fire Master!"

"...You're...You're THAT Hideyoshi!?"

"You bet!"

"W-wow...I-I'm really sorry I didn't show you more respect, sir!" His face turned red, completely embarrassed at how he treated one of the strongest men in the country as his friend.

"Sir? Hey, you don't have to be sorry. And, please, with how we've gotten to know each other, don't call me sir. I see you as a friend. I know we just met, but I have a good instinct about making friends. Just call me Hideyoshi."

Katsu's face lightened up a bit, and he smiled at the man dressed in embers.

"Or, it's your choice, but you can call me 'The Fire Master'!"

"Is Tsukiko okay?"

"She's fine."

Amaterasu and Katsuki were now inside, sleeping in their new rooms. Zoroark and Infernape were curled up next to them, snoozing as well. The house was silent besides the two men's voices and the often chuckle. Hideyoshi added some more spice to his tea.

"Tsukiko is a great warrior. Her and that Ryhorn make a great team."

"Yeah, she always got along with Pokèmon, but she got along with Rhyorn the best. Those two were always inseparable."

"Yes. She helps out other members with their Pokèmon whenever they get out of control or fall ill. Fukuzawa is a great help. A nice woman, too. I can see why she would marry a person like you."

Katsu smiled. "You mean that?"

"I do."

Katsu grinned, and looked out the window behind Hideyoshi, specks of white catching his eye. "Wow, it's snowing a lot."

Hideyoshi looked behind him, spinning around in the chair and getting up, "Yes, it's beautiful. But, it's also getting dark." Hideyoshi stood up, pulling on his white and red jacket, until Katsu stopped him.

"Hey, Yoshi, wait a minute."

Hideyoshi grinned. "Yoshi, huh? Already have a nickname for me?"

Katsu ignored the last comment. "What kind of friend would I be if I made you go all the way back to Ignis in...that?" He pointed out the window, where ferocious winter winds twisted and tangled billions of snowflakes.

"But, I shouldn't stay. I don't want to intrude anymore than I have."

"Really, Hideyoshi? After I invited you into my house? After I practically opened up to you, which, now you know, I hardly do anymore? Come on, you're welcome to stay, just use the guest room."

Katsu couldn't tell the other man's emotions since his face was tilted down. But, he thought he saw a cracked smile, and just the slightest sign of a teardrop. He couldn't be sure, though. After a moment, Hideyoshi pulled Katsu into a big Ursaring hug.

"Thanks, Katsu. I mean it." He walked away with his head still bent low, and made his way down the hall, where he could finally show his face,crossed with tear streaks, and looked for the guest room. When he finally found it, he went in and closed the door.

Katsu was worried about his friend, so he went to go listen through the door, and heard barely audible stifling. He was worried, but thought he should just leave him be. Then he went to go check on the children and Pokèmon, who were doing just fine, and then went to his own room to get ready for bed.

For, tomorrow was going to be a very exciting day.

Well, that's Chapter 2! Again, sorry it took so long to publish. I pushed it aside for a while, and I hope you forgive me. I'm so glad I could fit Hideyoshi into the story, he's one of my favorite Warlords in the Pokemon Conquest series. But, now he's sad. Why? Does it have something to do with Nene? Well, that's for Chapter 3 (Or a possible 2.5) to tell!

Well, I thank you all for your patience on this Chapter, and hope to get 3 out quicker! Thanks for reading!

Yours Truly,

Kuroratia