It's been a very very long time since I've updated this story. It is a bad habit for me to update this story every three years lol. Hopefully, it won't take me another three years for the next chapter.
So many things have happened since I started this story. It's hard to believe that Ash's story came to an end but I'm both glad and sad that it did. I hope that this story is still interesting even after all this time. So please enjoy this chapter!
Paper lanterns were being lit as Ash and his friends wandered through the festival. Music floated in the background overpowered by the sounds of chatter from stalls and crowds. Amami walked between Anabel and Ash holding both of their hands.
As her eyes started to droop close, Amami was swept off her feet. The warm arms that wrapped around her lured her to sleep. Ash smiled as he looked down at Amami. His eyes caught Anabel's who also seemed to shine with happiness. When May turned around to talk to them, she stopped when she caught sight of a sleeping Amami.
"Aww, aren't you three the cutest. If I didn't know better I would have thought you were a little happy family," May said causing Ash and Anabel to flush.
Max just laughed, "Try not to tease them too much sis."
"Yeah yeah, come on Max. I think I see a gift we can get for mom and dad," May said dragging Max away. Not before sending a wink at Ash and Anabel.
Ash and Anabel walked together for a little in silence, unable to look at each other. The blushes faded away as soft music echoed throughout the area. Ash turned towards Anabel with a raised eyebrow. Anabel smiled and nodded her head before the two took off to follow the music. After a few minutes, the two ended up standing before a raised stage where a piano, flute, and violin were being played. A jigglypuff took to the stage causing Ash to tense before the soft lullaby relaxed him. No one was falling asleep so Ash took that as a good sign. Anabel poked Ash's side drawing his attention.
"Why did you look like you were about to run?" Anabel asked.
"Bad experience with singing jigglypuffs. There was one that followed me throughout Kanto and Johto and constantly put me to sleep and drew on my face afterward. Gave me a deep-seated fear of jigglypuffs." Ash shivered from the memories.
Anabel just giggled. The two continued to listen to the music for a little while before returning to their walk through the festival. Ash and Anabel drew closer to the edge of the festival where their hotel was. Deciding to call it a night, the two made their way up to their rooms. Before they parted, Anabel kissed Amami on the cheek before sneaking a quick peck on Ash's before darting into her room.
Ash stood in the hallway for a long silent minute before Amami broke it my squirming a little. Wasting no more time, Ash entered his own room and put his daughter to bed. Raichu had followed them in and was now curled up with Amami. As Ash laid on his bed, he touched the spot where Anabel kissed him, the brief tingling warmth that lingered made it hard for Ash to sleep that night.
000
Amami was bouncing in her seat as she waited for the tournament to start. May and Max sat with her talking about stuff. Stuff Amami thought was unimportant compared to the fact her dad and Anabel were able to take the stage. The crowd began to fall silent as an elegant lady stood at the edge of the balcony she sat.
"Welcome one and all to Mirage's First Annual Tournament! Before we begin, a special treat has been set up for you all. Please welcome Ash Ketchum and Anabel of the Kanto Battle Frontier. These two trainers will be having an exhibition match to show off their prowess. The winner of this tournament will receive an invitation to compete against them later on in the Kanto Battle Frontier!"
The crowd began to mutter in excitement. Ash and Anabel walked into the arena waving toward the crowd.
"This match will be a one-on-one, trainers please send out your pokemon!" The referee announced.
"Take the stage, Metagross!"
"I choose you, Torterra!"
In a flash of light and a thundering roar, the two pokemon stood proudly against each other. Anabel and Ash shared a small smile before grins crossed both of their faces. The crowd cheered as Ash called out his attack first.
"Leaf storm!"
With a roar, torterra unleashed a leaf storm that took up the whole field.
Metagross eyes glowed as it took control of some of the leaves and used them to create a wall. The psychic reinforced wall of leaves protected it easily from the attack.
Ash could not help but pout at Anabel's smirking face.
"Rock climb into frenzy plant."
Torterria roared as the battleground shifted. Amami squealed when she saw the mountain that formed and torterra rushing across. Metagross flew into the sky before spinning into gyro ball.
Before Metagross could reach Torterra on his mountain. Large roots erupted from the ground while Torterra stood tall on the mountain. The roots kept Metagross from approaching by constantly smacking it away every time.
Metagross's gyro ball was battering the roots up quite badly.
"Who you think is going to win, Max?" May said looking towards her brother.
"I think Ash will. He seems to have the upper hand at the moment. But Anabel has been training with him so something unexpected will probably happen.
Without any warning, Metagross's attack changed. The edges of gyroball sharpen like a blade allowing for Metagross to cut through the roots. Anabel had a smug smirk as metagross barreled towards Torterra.
Ash took a deep breath before yelling, "Final stand, giga impact!"
Torterra roared as white energy exploded around him. In a flash, torterra was charging at Metagross.
The two pokemon collide and for a brief moment, the attacks seemed to be evenly matched. That was until an explosion echoed throughout the arena.
Amami coughed and was busy waving the smoke away while trying to peer into the battlefield.
As the smoke began to disperse, the silhouettes of torterra and metagross standing came to view. Everyone had bated breaths as they waited for the smoke to completely clear. For a second they could not tell who won. For both stood, but were not moving.
When the last of the smoke cleared they could see that Torterra had completely passed out but was still standing while Metagross was barely hanging onto consciousness while covered in many scratches and soot.
"THE WINNER OF THE MATCH IS TOWER MAIDEN ANABEL!"
The crowd roared along with Amami who was nearly falling over the barrier cheering. May was holding the back of her shirt to make sure she did not fall.
"Brings back some memories huh Max?" May said smiling.
"It does, and they still have the same romantic tension too," Max joked causing May to laugh. Anabel and Ash were shaking hands in the middle of the field while smiling and blushing at each other.
It did not take too long before Ash and Anabel joined Amami, May, and Max in the stands. The next match between the tournament participants just starting in the background.
"Did you enjoy the match Amami?" Ash said picking up the little girl.
"Uh huh, you and Anabel were super awesome. Torterra was like swoosh, whip, smash. While Metagross was boom, smack, swoom." Amami waved her arms around with each sound.
Anabel was giggling at Amami's overexuberance.
"Calm down sweetie, now it's time to cheer on the other challengers." Anabel took Amami from Ash and sat her on her lap. Ash pouted as he took his seat next to the girls.
"I wanted to watch the match with Amami."
"Too bad, today is my day with Amami," Anabel said sticking out her tongue.
"Yeah it's girl's day today," Amami said copying Anabel and sticking her tongue out.
May and Max were laughing in the background while Ash made an overdramatic sigh. Anabel and Amami shared a look before they dissolved into giggles too.
As the matches continued, Amami was busy cheering her heart out. Eventually, it was the final match, a heated battle between a bayleaf and a quagsire. For a pokemon with a four time weakness to grass, the quagsire was not giving an inch in the fight. With an earth-shaking bodyslam, the quagsire knocked out the bayleaf.
"Congratulations to Eve and Quagsire, your battling spirit shone brightly today," the elegant lady from before said. As she stood before the winner. "It is my great honor to present you with this, a full set of luxury balls, a soothe bell, and special berries known to deepen friendships! And let's not forget this!" The lady pulled out an envelope with the emblem of the battle frontier stamped in wax on it. "Your invitation to challenge the Battle Frontier!"
As the winner accepted her prize, Ash had a faraway look in his eyes.
"You okay?" Anabel asked quietly to Ash.
"Yeah, just remembering how I met Queen Sara and the adventure we had rescuing her kingdom from an evil tyrant." Ash sighed, "It's also when Misty's togeipi evolved into togetic and chose to stay here in Mirage to protect the other togeipi."
"Yeah, that was a mess," May said shaking her head.
"You know, ever since I started traveling on my own it's been very plain and relaxing. Nothing like traveling with you, Ash," Max said.
"Does that mean we get to go on adventures papa?" Amami asked.
"Every day is an adventure with you," Ash said causing Amami to pout.
"Boooo, I want to fight pokemon, chase off evil, and save princes and princesses just like you papa!"
Ash sighed and hung his head while everyone else laughed. Anabel picked up Amami and sat her in her lap.
"You have your papa's luck don't worry. You'll be on your own adventures soon enough."
"I hope not too soon," a voice said cutting in.
The group looked up to find Queen Sara standing before them. She was wearing a dark blue dress similar in design to her mother's from so long ago. Guards stood in the background with a careful eye on them.
"Sara! It's good to talk to you again." Ash stood up and greeted Sara with a handshake.
"Hello Ash, it is good to see you again. You as well May, Max." Sara nodded her head in greeting. "Your exhibition match was beautiful to watch Miss Anabel. I am glad to be able to meet such an excellent trainer like you."
"The pleasure is mine, your majesty." Anabel said standing up still and carrying Amami on her hip. "I'm sorry for this one's lack of manners." Anabel nudged Ash with her foot.
Sara laughed, "Think nothing of it, I'm glad Ash treats me just like any other person. It is a refreshing change of pace."
"Did papa really save you?" Amami asked with wide eyes. Sara beamed at her.
"He did, has he told you the tale yet?" Getting a no from Amami, Sara's eyes twinkled. "Then let me tell you the tale. Perhaps over dinner as well?"
Amami wiggled down from Anabel's gripe and ran up to take Sara's hand.
"Food and a story!" the little girl cheered happily.
Sara giggled as she began to lead the way telling Amami some simpler stories of the kingdom's history. She motioned for the rest of the group to follow. Ash happily followed along with the promise of food. While Anabel, May, and Max rolled their eyes at how easy it was to get the Ketchum family to cooperate at the mere mention of food.
000
"... And that is how I became Queen." Sara said wrapping up her story. Amami had stars in her eyes while Anabel had been listening very intently. May and Max both enjoyed listening to their adventure with a nostalgic look. Every so often, Ash would add in a detail Sara forgot. Mostly though, he was busy enjoying the high-class food.
"Whatever happened to Hansen? There were rumors that he was locked away for life floating about but nothing concrete," Max asked.
"He was indeed locked away for life. Though life was not a very long time. In only a few years of his imprisonment, he passed away." Sara gained a sorrowful look on her face. "It's hard to believe the man I looked up to as an uncle would do as he did."
The group was silent, unsure of what to say. Sara shook her head. She changed the subject to asking Ash about his own adventures. Ash happily took over and shared what he did after leaving Mirage Kingdom. May and Max were happy to share their own perspectives as well. Anabel and Amami were happy to simply listen in.
Before the group knew it the night had grown late. With the promise to meet up once more in the morning to spend the last day of the festival together. The group returned to their rooms for the night. What no one noticed was a man standing on top of one of the castle's towers.
"Tomorrow you shall pay."
000
The last day of the festival was in full swing. Amami was cheering from the queen's parade float next to Sara. A few locals recognized Ash, May, and Max as the heroes of their kingdom and celebrated loudly as the three awkwardly waved from their spots. They had not expected to be a part of the togeipi parade but they could not find a reason not to join. Anabel was standing beside Sara easily going with the flow. Ash looked towards her often and wished he could be as confident in the spotlight as she was. He was definitely caught off guard when someone tossed him their leggings. Thankfully Espeon, who was resting by Ash, stuffed the leggings in a crevice of the float. Thanking the pokemon, Ash tried not to blush as Espeon kept catching random clothing articles.
The simple peace and joy of the parade was ruined when a large explosion ripped through a bunch of other floats in front of the queen's float.
Anabel covered Sara and Amami with her body as Ash, May, and Max simply covered their eyes. Once they could look, they saw two men standing in the wreckage. One was looking at the mess in horror while the other was smug.
It was clear to Ash who exactly was responsible.
The smug man walked forward calling out a tyraniter and a camerupt.
"Queen Sara, you will pay for what you did to my brother! And once I make you pay, I will become king in honor of him!" The smug man cackled.
"Ford," Sara said in disbelief.
Ash did not care, there were people and pokemon that had been hurt become of him. He was also putting Amami in danger.
Grabbing two pokeballs, Ash shouted out some commands, "Anabel, keep Sara and Amami close and safe. May, Max, help the bystanders. I handle this jerk."
"Arrogant much?" Ford sneered.
"No, you're just overconfident," Ash said as he threw out his pokeballs.
Kingler and Heracross appeared in a flash of light. Without another word, Ash's pokemon put the Tyraniter and Camerupt on the backfoot instantly. Ford crowed out as he grabbed the horrified man next to him.
"Go after the queen!"
Before the young man could say anything, he was shoved away as Ford gave him a dangerous glare. He ran away after Anabel and Sara. Before Ash could stop him, Ford released a lot of other pokemons.
Ash growled, today was going to be a long day as he pulled out more pokeballs.
000
Amami darted around the festival stalls. Anabel and Sara were nowhere in sight. Castle guards were busy evacuating people while fighting off attackers. Pokemon attacks flew over head causing the lost girl to whimper whenever one stray too close. Finding a quiet bush to hid in, Amami cowered wishing for Ash or Anabel to save her.
A flash of light made Amami look up to see a bird-like pokemon with togeipi patterns hovering overhead.
"A togekiss," Amami whispered in awe.
The togekiss gave Amami a gentle pat on her head before yelling angrily at some attacking pokemon and sending Aura Spheres at them. Once they were all gone, Togekiss caused a green glow to appear around Amami.
With wide eyes, Amami watched as some scrapes disappear and energy flowed into her.
With a wave of his wing, Togekiss motioned for Amami to follow him. Togekiss continued to chase off grunts and pokemon with prejudice. Amami watched in awe as all the bad guys fled before the normally gentle pokemon.
Togekiss continued his rampage until he stopped in front of another bush. Amami and Togekiss peeked over the bush to find the young man that was with the bad man earlier. He was cowering with his hands covering his head.
"This never should have happened. I never wanted to do this. By Arceus, Sara is never going to forgive me."
"If you say sorry, then maybe she would forgive you."
The man froze before slowly looking up to see Amami staring down at him.
"I'm part of the attack on her kingdom, how could she forgive me?" the man asked sitting up and wiping away his tears.
Amami took a seat next to the man.
"If you're sorry then you apologize. If you can't apologize then you do what you can to make things right. That's what my papa said. So if you want to make things right, you need to fight for Ms. Sara!" Amami said thumping a fist into an open palm.
The man stared up at the sky unsure for a little while. He toyed with the pokeball that sat on his belt.
"But I've never been any good at fighting."
"Are you no good? Or are you just scared?"
The man flinched, for there are no words more cutting than a child's sometimes.
"You're right, I'm scared. My father was the one that tried to overthrow the kingdom. I'm scared to face Sara. I don't think I could handle it if my childhood friend looked at me with disdain."
"Disdian?"
"Err… disgust?"
"Ooh," Amami said nodding her head along. "Papa said that it's okay to be scared. That sometimes you just have to put on a brave face and face your fears." Amami played with her skirts for a bit before looking up at the man. "Which are you more scared of? Fighting for Ms. Sara or losing Ms. Sara?"
The man froze, his eyes glazing over. Amami stood up and brushed off her skirt as the man clenched a fist on his shirt and stood up. The man had a determined glint in his eyes that made Amami smile.
"What are you doing here by yourself?" the man's brow furrowed with worry as he looked down at Amami. "Where are your parents?"
"My papa is fighting the bad man that attacked Ms. Sara. Anabel is protecting Ms. Sara. I got separated from them by an explosion," Amami said as she patted Togekiss on his belly. "Togekiss is protecting me. I think he will help me return to my papa." Turning the man, Amami looked up at him and asked, "What are you going to do?"
"I'm… I'm going to set things right," the man stepped out of the bush and began walking towards the explosions.
"Papa is most likely that way too," Amami said to Togekiss. Togekiss let out a thrill before also flying toward explosions as well with Amami skipping her him.
000
Anabel was pissed. Amami was separated from her and countless amount of goons was keeping her from searching for the little girl. Sara hid Anabel cradling her togetic's pokeball. Anabel did not blame her for being unable to battle more. They were out numbered, but not outmuscled as Anabel's pokemon knocked out the goons and their pokemon. Yet it seemed as if there was no end to them.
That suddenly changed when a large aggron began to tear it's way through the goons rank.
"None of my guards have an aggron," Sara said in a whisper.
"Metagross, prepare to engage if that aggron is hostile," Anabel said in her head. Metagross gave her a glance. That was all she need to see to know he heard her.
As the aggron got closer, Anabel spotted the young man that was with the crazy fool that attacked the floats. Anabel was about to signal to Metagross to attack when she saw the young man order Aggron to take out a mightyena. He was a traitor? Anabel hoped so, one less person to fight off.
"Spencer," Sara said breathlessly.
"You know him?" Anabel asked looking back.
"He was my childhood friend," Sara said with a longing look, "He was Colonel Hansen's son. We grew up together in the palace before he moved away to live with his mom. I… I didn't want to believe it was him standing with Ford."
"Well, it looks like he doesn't agree with that madman if he's attacking his own goons like this."
There was a sparkle of hope in Sara's eyes as she watched Spencer from afar. Anabel's eyes continued to scan the battles until she spotted a Togekiss that was particularly vicious in its attacks. But it was what was behind the Togekiss that gained Amami's full attention.
Amami.
A sigh of relief escaped Anabel the minute she spotted the girl. Her pokemon also eagerly responded to her emotions and began to clear out a path for Amami. In seconds, Amami was able to cross the battle field with ease and jump into Anabel's arms.
"Oh Amami, I was so worried," Anabel said as a few tears escaped her.
"I was so scared," Amami whispered.
"You were such a brave girl. And you were able to make it back to us. I'm so proud of you."
Amami began to cry as Anabel stood tall and gently bounced the girl in her arms.
"My my, how sickenly sweet."
The cruel voice of Ford ruined Anabel's relief. Her eyes darted around for Ash.
"If you're looking for you boy toy, he's busy with other things right now," Ford said with a sneer. "Now I've come for your head, your majesty."
"No," Spencer said as he and Aggron moved to stand between Ford and the girls. "This madness has gone on long enough. I won't let you hurt anyone anymore."
"Oh now you grow a spine," Ford said mockingly, "What a shame it was for the wrong reasons."
Ford pulled out his last pokeball and released a Hydreigon. The dark dragon let out a roar that scared the goons and their pokemon away.
Aggron let out a grutteral growl before charging in to face the Hydreigon. Anabel's pokemon were about to engage as well until Anabel held up a hand to stop them. She could feel the deep determination and fear in Spencer as he faced Ford. She could also feel his desire to prove himself to Sara. This was his battle, not one for her to interfere with, and she could respect that.
When Anabel turned to Sara, she saw the pure focus the queen had for Spencer. Saying nothing and simply standing by her side, Anabel watched as Spencer and Aggron struggled against the Hydreigon.
Dragon breath lashed out everywhere as Aggron used ancient power to create a wall to protect itself. Once the dragon breath dissipated, Aggron reached out to grab Hydreigon's leg. With a hefty swing, Aggron slams Hydregion straight into the ground.
The dark drake roars in anger as it began to glow red.
"That's outrage! Counter it with Iron head!" Spencer shouted. Ford was busy laughing manically at his nephew.
Aggron's head glowed a bright silver before he smashed it straight into Hydregion's head. Hydregion's outrage was disrupted as it was staggered by the iron head. Aggron growled viscously as it once more picked up the Hydrgion and swung it towards Ford.
Seeing his pokemon flying at him, Ford quickly brought up a pokeball and returned the dark dragon.
"This isn't over! I will have my revenge!"
As soon as Ford said that, a blow to the neck knocked him out. Infernape huffed as he picked up the man. Ash walked a little bit behind with May and Max.
"Oh good, seems like everything is wrapped up here," Ash said wiping away some sweat.
"Hey everyone!" May said waving while Max gave them a nod.
"Are those three not phased by anything?" Sara asked a little exasperated.
"I blame Ash, he's dragged them into so many adventures this is just par of the course for them," Anabel answered.
"Yes you're right, they were like this too after the first time," Sara said with a sigh causing Anabel to giggle.
"Togetic! Is that you? You evolved! Misty is going to be upset at missing seeing you again, you've gotten so big." Ash hugged the Togekiss that had escorted Amami. Togekiss let out a thrill and nuzzled Ash.
May and Max also spoiled the pokemon with hugs of their own. Anabel carried Amami to the pokemon and the two gave the jubilee pokemon a tight hug.
"Thank you for protecting Amami and bringing her back to us," Anabel whispered. Togekiss chirped as it nuzzled Anabel's face.
Upon being let go, Togekiss gave one last thrill before flying high in the air and disappearing into a flash of light.
"Huh? Where did Togekiss go?" Amami asked looking about.
"Probably back to the land of togepi. Togekiss is their guardian," Ash said looking at where Togekiss disappeared with a fond smile.
Anabel realized Sara was not with them, looking back, she saw Sara and Spencer talking softly to each other. When the two hugged, Anabel had to suppress a squeal. Amami hugged her head when she saw them hug.
"Does that mean they're together, like you and papa?" Amami asked.
Anabel blushed, "Err, yeah sweetie. Something like that."
Amami's beaming smile made this long day worth it.
And that is the Mirage Kingdom. I hope you enjoyed this and that it wasn't too over the place.
I always enjoy writing these three and I hope I can share more of it in the future.
Have a good day yall!
PK OUT!