Chapter 9- Survivors

The next morning Lancelot awoke earlier than the rest of the group. Making his way back to the road were the two men he had slain earlier lay. Quietly he dug two graves and buried the two men. He had thought about waking Ash and Riley to help him, but decided since it was he who had slain the two men it should be him who buried them. After holding a small service Lancelot made his way back to camp to wake the rest of the group.

Lancelot found Ash sprawled out on top of his sleeping bag with Pikachu curled up next to him. The small mouse Pokémon woke from its sleep and lifted its head as Lancelot approached, kneeling down beside Ash Lancelot shook him by the shoulder. Lazily Ash raised his head to see who had woken him, when he saw Lancelot standing over him he let out a disappointed groan. "Come on get up, we're leaving in a few minutes." Lancelot said standing back up; Ash sat up and rubbed his head "No breakfast?" Lancelot shook his head "No time for breakfast." Lancelot replied before walking off to wake Riley.

As Lancelot went to wake Riley he stumbled upon something that surprised him. Riley was lying next to the fire as Lancelot expected, but instead of being alone he had Meredith wrapped in his arms. Lancelot nudged Riley with his foot. Riley turned to see what had awoken him, when he saw Lancelot standing over him he became startled and quickly let go of Meredith. Lancelot looked down at Riley expressionlessly "Get up Squire, we still have a job to do, and sleeping with the damsel is not one of them."

Riley's face became as red as a tomato "Sire we didn't sleep with each other! Well I mean we slept with each other, but not the way your thinking! Like we just fell asleep next to each other that's all." Lancelot just shrugged his shoulders and turned to go "I'll take your word for it Squire, but we still have a long journey ahead of us, so gather your things and be ready to move." "No breakfast?" "No time." Lancelot replied distantly.

Once Lancelot had left Riley turned back to Meredith. She slept so soundly almost to the point where it pained Riley to have to wake her, but they had to be going. "Meredith." Riley whispered, gently shaking her shoulder. Meredith opened her eyes and smiled seeing Riley in front of her. "Come on we need to leave now." Riley extended his hand to Meredith who graciously took it. After Riley finished packing his gear he led Meredith over to where the three Pokémon were. She was awe struck by the beauty of Riley's Rapidash and was equally amazed at Lancelot's Arcanine.

"Alright Meredith, you'll be riding with me." Lancelot said, hopping on the back of his Arcanine he offered his hand to her. Meredith frowned at the offer and moved closer to Riley as if to make herself hidden "But I wanted to ride with Riley." She said wrapping her arm around his waist, causing Riley to blush. "Look I need you in the front with me so you can direct us to your father, you do want to go back to your father after all, right?" "Well yes of course, it's just that…" Meredith's voice trailed off as she looked at the ground with disappointment.

"Sire, would it be alright if I take the lead this time?" Riley asked. Lancelot was taken aback slightly at this offer. "Well alright then Squire Riley, if you think you can handle it, then by all means take the lead." Riley nodded his head in gratitude, putting his arm around Meredith's shoulder he led her over to his Rapidash.

Ash watched as Riley aided Meredith onto the Rapidash, then looking over at Lancelot he noticed a hint of disappointment on his face. Ash grinned at this and rode up next to Lancelot holding an imaginary microphone to his face. "So Lancelot the folks at home are dying to know how well are you taking this rejection and what do you have against eating breakfast?" Riley suddenly strode by, passing Lancelot and Ash, with his arms wrapped around Meredith's waste keeping her balanced. "No comment," Lancelot growled riding off behind Riley while making sure his Arcanine kicked up bit's of mud onto Ash and Pikachu's face. "So not very well then," Ash said while wiping the mud off his face.

In the beginning of their ride Riley led them through a narrow path that was dense with vegetation that continually smacked them in the face. Eventually the path widened out and the trees along with it. There was a slight mist in the forest giving it an eerie feel, causing Ash to become uneasy. Although this didn't seem to faze Riley or Meredith, even though Ash was in the very back he could still hear them giggling with each other.

Suddenly a loud cry broke out from the forest "Beedrill use pin missile now!" A shower of needles suddenly exploded from the air and rained down on the group. Lancelot and Riley both managed to deflect the attacks using their Aura, creating large blue shield's that protected them. Ash attempted to create a wall like he had done earlier, but was only able to launch a puff of blue smoke. Rather than try to attempt to use his Aura again, he grabbed Pikachu and shielded the little Pokémon with his body, leaving himself exposed to the attack.

The Tauros Ash had been riding suddenly threw him off, Ash hit the ground hard, but out of reach from the attack. His Tauros had willingly spared him from the onslaught of barbs and instead offered itself. His Tauros didn't even so much as flinch when it was hit by the attack, remaining still and composed.

Ash jumped back onto his feet with Pikachu perched onto his shoulder again, but as soon he was on his feet again he was tackled back to the ground by some unknown assailant who wasted no time beginning to punch out Ash's lungs. Ash felt a sudden rage explode out of him, ignoring the burning pain in his lungs Ash grabbed the attacker by the throat and slammed him to the ground.

The man, whoever he was, cried out in pain as Ash delivered a punch to his face. The attacker squirmed trying to free himself from Ash's python grip but to no avail. "Who are you!?" Ash yelled grabbing the attacker by the collar he brought him closer to his face. He was young about eighteen or nineteen, with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. Ash noted the stubble he had around his chin from a lack of shaving. "Screw you." The teen replied with a snarl. Ash cocked his fist back as he got ready to throw another punch, causing the kid to wince. "Wait Ash don't!" Meredith cried, Ash turned and saw her running towards him with Riley close behind.

"Ash please he didn't mean any harm!" Meredith begged, Ash lowered his fist but kept a tight clutch around the teen's collar. "You know him?" Ash asked even though he already knew the answer would be yes. Meredith knelt down beside him and nodded "He's my brother."


Mordred waited patiently for his guest to arrive, though he despised him for his high sense of self regard and arrogant attitude, he would still need him in order to take back Camelot. As he took a large gulp of wine one of the wooden doors to his left swung open. Drew walked through it with a dying rose held in his hand reclaiming his seat across from Brendan he poured himself a glass of wine.

Mordred glanced over at Drew and the dying rose he held in his hand and chuckled quietly to himself. "Drew why is it that you chose to serve me?" Mordred finally asked Drew looked up at him with a blank expression "Well, because you offer me a seat at your side once you reclaim Camelot...my lord." Drew said bowing his head, Mordred nodded at this "Yes, yes of course…But what does Camelot mean to you, you've never seen it so why should you want anything to do with it." Drew lifted his head and tried thinking of a reasonable reply, while he was thinking the two front doors suddenly swung open.

A man dressed in an orange suit with his sleek brown hair combed back, walked inside along with two guards and their Houndoom's. Mordred stood up with his arms opened wide "Giovanni welcome, it's been far too long." Mordred said trying to sound welcoming. Giovanni grunted and walked over to the table and took a seat at the end and motioned Mordred to take a seat.

"So why does King Giovanni grace us with his presence?" Mordred asked once he had been seated "First off I'm the President of Team Rocket not the 'King' and second, I'm here because my patient's is wearing thin." Mordred frowned at him "Well I'm sorry to hear that." Giovanni gave a fake laugh "I'm sure you are." He said leaning in closer to the table "Listen I don't know what the deal is but you're wasting my resources searching for this boy and if this delay continues then I will have no choice but to take the four thousand men and Pokémon I lent you back with me."

Mordred reached into his pocket and pulled out a small candy wrapped in blue "There are only so many of these Rare Candies in the world, hence the name, but at Camelot there is nothing rare about them." Mordred suddenly leaned in closer holding the piece of candy out in front of him like a piece of meat "If you take your men away then you will never get your side of the deal." Giovanni remained silent at this "Remember Giovanni the mineral you seek in order to create these can only be found in the vault at Camelot, and without it you will never obtain the superior Pokémon army that you seek." Giovanni leaned back in his chair with his hands together in the shape of a triangle.

"The authorities are beginning to grow suspicious, just yesterday they ransacked my office in Viridian city, but came up empty." Mordred shrugged at this "They'll never think to come here its too remote for them to reach and besides we have the place on lock down no one gets in or out." "Except for the twenty citizens that broke out the first day you arrived." Mordred's face twitched trying not to look surprised that Giovanni new "How'd you come about that information." Mordred asked glaring at Brendan, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"It doesn't matter how I came about it, that's beside the point. What does matter is I want these survivors dead, the last thing we need is for one to escape and raise the alarm." Mordred nodded at this "Yes, we're already on that." Giovanni grinned at Mordred "Good, then you have eleven days until I return to take my men back, so you had best capture that Ash Ketchum kid and begin your attack." Then Giovanni standing back on his feet stormed out of the room. The table was silent for a moment after Giovanni's departure then Mordred glanced over at Brendan "So where were we."


"Sam what are you doing here!" Meredith exclaimed embracing her brother in a tight hug "I was looking for you, you disappeared last night and Dad wouldn't stop worrying, so I set off to find you." Meredith smiled at Sam, happy that she had brother that would risk his own life to save hers. "Thank You so much Sam, but you shouldn't have worried these men here saved me." Meredith pointed to Riley. Sam looked at the three it was the most unlikely group of people he had ever seen. "Thank you for rescuing my sister." Lancelot stepped forward "It was our duty, no thanks required." Sam nodded at this. There was a low humming noise then from the brush a large Beedrill appeared before the group, quickly Sam pulled out one of his Pokeballs and returned it.

Lancelot was growing impatient at the time they were wasting so he returned to his Arcanine "We must be going now, I trust Meredith's brother can bring her home safely." "Wait, where are you going?" Sam asked letting go of his sister "To Silvertown," Lancelot replied Sam almost gasped at Lancelot's answer "You can't go there, it's occupied with Team Rocket members, you'll never make it."

"The Lady Guinevere is waiting for us and for her we shall go through any danger." "Please!" Sam said taking another step forward "Come with me and my sister, our father, he has a map that'll show you how to get in without being spotted." Lancelot looked at the kid suspiciously. "Why would you give that to us?" "Because you saved my sister and it's the least we could do for you."

"Sire, an alternative way in might serve us well." Riley said. Lancelot considered this then finally agreed "Ok then young man lead us to your camp." Meredith had to restrain herself from crying out with joy that she would get to spend more time with Riley.

Ash returned to his Tauros and gave it a pat on the head "Thanks bob, you really saved me back there." The Tauros just snorted in reply.

Sam led the group through the same path they had been traveling, with the forest occasionally closing in on them then quickly opening back up again. Eventually they came to a small canyon with its walls rising to a height of around forty feet; Ash could feel the presence of someone watching as they pressed on through it. Sam, who had been walking in front of Riley and Meredith, halted in front of a small cave opening.

Taking out a flash light he turned it on, the beam of yellow light stabbed through the seemingly never ending cave. "Watch your step and stay behind me, it's easy to get lost here." Meredith reached out and took Riley's hand in hers, causing him to blush a little. The cave echoed with the dripping of water off of the rocks and the occasional howling wind.

Sam's flashlight cut through the darkness as they pressed on through the cave. Towards the middle of the cave Sam's light began flickering "Uh oh." He said as the light died, leaving the group to be swallowed up by the darkness. Ash could hear the sound of Sam slamming his hand on the light and mumbling profanities as he tried to bring it back to life. Riley growing tired of waiting lifted his right hand and created a powerful blue light that illuminated the entire cave "You just keep walking." Riley said to Sam who nodded in agreement.

Sam continued making his way down the cave until he came to a small path that was lined with lit torches at the end was the unmistakable glint of sunlight. Sam led them out into the welcoming rays of the sun and Ash had never felt happier to see the light of the sun. After taking in the sun Ash looked at his new surroundings.

In front of him was a wide open field with a group of tents positioned in a circle at the center. Running through the field were groups of bug and normal type Pokémon that played without a care in the world. "Well this is home for now, please allow your Pokémon to roam." Sam said. Riley nodded at this and getting off his Rapidash and helping Meredith down, allowed it to run free. Lancelot and Ash did likewise, but when Ash told Pikachu that he was free to play the little Pokémon chose to stay at his side.

Sam took the three over to the tents that were in a circular formation, through the large cracks between the tents Ash saw a group of around seven people sitting at a wooden table. One rose up upon seeing Sam and Meredith and began running towards the group. Meredith cried out with joy as she saw her father and ran to his arms, Sam also ran over and embraced his father tightly.

"Daddy I'm so happy to see you again." Meredith said with tears streaming down her cheeks, Meredith's father held back his tears "I'm so glad both of you are ok." He said giving each a kiss on the cheek.

Then looking back he noticed the three strangers standing there. Meredith turned to see what her father was staring at and smile. "Dad," she said, walking over to Riley she placed an arm around him "This is Riley, Lancelot and Ash, they're Knights of Camelot and they saved me from Team Rocket." Meredith's Father stepped forward and extended his hand to Riley "My names Thomas, I don't care who you are, I'm just happy you brought my daughter back to me safely." Riley shook the man's hand.

"You three must be tired, please join us for a meal." Thomas offered. "It would be our pleasure." Riley said answering for the group. Lancelot and Ash exchanged reluctant looks, knowing the more time they wasted here the greater the difficulty finding May and Guinevere would become, but Riley having already hastily committed them to stay made leaving now impossible. Thomas was pleased at Riley's answer and led them through the camp, where the other seven survivors wandered about.

As soon as they walked into the circle of tents Ash noted how the people, like their gear, were both tired and weary. As Thomas led them into the camp the people rose and marveled at Ash, Lancelot, and Riley, as if they were liberators freeing them from oppression. "Friends! Gather round!" Thomas called. The tired people quickly rose and gathered together in curiosity to see who these three strangers were.

"Friends today is a great day, for had it not been for these three brave Knights my daughter would not be here today. So let us honor them with a celebration, even amidst these dark times." Murmurs filled throughout the crowd, who were these Knights and what are they doing here. Eventually they came to some sort of agreement and began clapping and applauding the three of them, Ash couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for himself and his friends.

Thomas then went over and put an arm around Ash and led him to a red canopy, from the outside it was obvious this tent was bigger than all the others. "Now while we prepare, I ask that you take rest here in my family's canopy, for the time being." Ash entered the red canopy, it was fairly large, three cots had been laid out side by side with thick wool blankets strewn about on each one. "Thank You," Riley said shaking Thomas's hand again.

Thomas nodded and closing the door to the canopy went to attend to other matters. Riley collapsed onto one of the cots and allowed himself to relax, when he noticed Lancelot and Ash weren't doing the same he looked up and found both of them scowling at him.

"Is there something the matter?" Riley asked. "Yes there is," Lancelot replied "Why did you commit us to this honor when we haven't the time to do so." Riley stood up "Well come on Sire, we've been traveling almost non- stop for a week now, I just thought some rest would do us some good before we continue." Lancelot glared at him still unconvinced, Riley looked to Ash for support.

"Ash back me up here," Ash shook his head "I'm sorry Riley but I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with Lancelot on this one." Riley looked at Ash in disbelief "You two need to lighten up." He said in a defensive tone. Just then the canopy flaps opened up revealing Meredith, she stopped abruptly when she saw the three "Sorry I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Riley walked over to her "Not at all, is there something wrong?" Meredith smiled "No I just need some help carrying water from the nearby stream." Riley took a knee in front of her "Then I'm at your service my lady." He said, Meredith giggled at this "Come on then," she said.

Riley grinned at her and following her out the canopy shut the flap behind him. Ash looked over at Lancelot who shook his head and sighed.

Ash looked over at Pikachu expecting to see the little Pokémon eager to play but instead saw that he had made himself a cozy nest on the cot and was dozing off.

Ash considered joining Pikachu, but glancing down at his gloves he felt the sudden urge to use his Aura. Journeying away from the tent Ash snuck off to the woods where he found a quiet stream, taking a seat Ash crossed his legs and began to meditate quietly. Inhaling and exhaling deeply Ash began clearing his mind, finding it easier than the previous day but it still proving to be difficult. After an hour of this he finally rose ready to try his hand at his Aura.

Putting himself in a fighting stance Ash held his palms outward trying to direct the flow of his Aura outwards. In a matter of seconds the crystals on his gloves began glowing bright blue, and from his palms he created a wall of blue Aura that's size was equal to his own, keeping calm Ash let out a deep breath and let go. At first the Aura only continued to grow but then in an instant the wall shot out from his hands, with the recoil knocking Ash back a little. The blue Aura slammed against a nearby rock obliterating half of it and throwing pieces of rock everywhere.

Ash stood there for a second stunned at what he had accomplished, then jumping in the air he cried out with joy the feeling he felt was better than whenever he won a gym battle or any battle for that matter. *clap* clap* Ash halted his celebration and turned to see Lancelot walking towards him slowly clapping and his face beaming with pride. "Congratulations Ash, you've done in two days what some people can't do in two years." Ash smiled at the complement, but then Lancelot's faced turned serious again.

"Now let's see if you can do it under stress." Ash gave Lancelot a confused look "Wh-?" Before Ash could even ask his question Lancelot had drawn his sword and thrust it towards Ash. Ash jumped backwards with the tip of his sword barley grazing at his jacket. "What the hell man are you insane!" Ash screamed while drawing his own sword.

Lancelot replied with a swift downwards cut towards Ash. Ash blocked the blow with the flat of his sword then tried kicking Lancelot away, but Lancelot being quicker pushed Ash's sword to the side. Kicking up with his right foot Lancelot knocked the sword out of Ash's hand and caught it with his own. Ash stumbled backwards almost falling into the stream. "Come on surely I taught you how to handle sword better than that." Lancelot said throwing Ash's sword aside.

Ash slowly circled around Lancelot waiting to see where the next strike would stem from. "You did teach me, and don't call me Shirley." Ash replied. Suddenly Lancelot launched forward with his sword pointed at Ash, Ash rolled backwards but recovered quickly back on his feet again.

"Come on Ash don't just let me keep slicing at you, use your Aura!"Lancelot screamed, before swinging his sword at Ash again. Ash side stepped him barely avoiding the strike. Putting a hand forward Ash tried using his Aura, even with the gloves Ash could only produce a puff of smoke. Before being able to try again Lancelot sliced down towards his hands, Ash was only just able to move them out of the way before Lancelot could slice them off. "How the hell am I supposed to remain calm with you swinging your sword at me!?" Ash yelled Lancelot shrugged his shoulders "For every Knight it's different, sometimes they think of an object that pleases them or they see an object, but that's something you'll have to discover on your own, hopefully before I shred you to pieces."

Ash continued dodging Lancelot's strikes while at the same to trying to use his Aura. Ash was ducking rolling and doing everything in his power to avoid being hit. At one point Ash rolled forwards avoiding Lancelot's attack, but Lancelot using the pommel of his sword hit Ash in the back knocking him to the floor. Ash tried picking himself back up but felt the crushing weight of Lancelot's foot smash him back down to the ground.

Ash picked his head up ready to give into defeat when in the distance he saw something. Through the thick forest Ash caught sight of something familiar to him. Leaving behind a trail of brilliant colors a Phoenix like beast soared in the sky. Time seemed to slow at the sight of this creature, while at the same time it captivated Ash and filled him with feeling greater than any he had ever known.

Suddenly Ash felt the point of Lancelot's sword against his back. Ash now having the calm he required turned himself over facing Lancelot and with the thrust of his palm shot forth a sphere of blue Aura.

Lancelot was picked up off his feet and thrown back so hard that he blacked out for a few seconds. Tiredly Ash picked himself up and limped over to where his own sword lay. Picking it up he limped back over to Lancelot and placed it onto his heart. "I think I won," Ash said breathing heavily "It was a lucky shot," Lancelot replied. Ash rolled his eyes and sheathing his sword offered his hand. Lancelot took it and returned to his feet.

After dusting himself off Lancelot knelt down and picking his sword up returned it to its scabbard. Lancelot looked down at his chest; the tunic he had been wearing now had a hole burnt through it along with his chainmail. "Well I have an extra tunic, but let's hope no one stabs me in the chest."

Glancing back Ash hoped to catch a glimpse of the creature he had seen earlier, but it had already disappeared into the skies, as he was about to turn back around when something glittering on the ground caught his eye.

"Come on Ash lets go back to camp," Lancelot said, Ash turned from the object to face him "You go on ahead, I uh, I think I dropped something important." "Oh, well if it's important I'd be happy to help you find it." "NO!" Ash exclaimed so suddenly that it startled Lancelot "I mean," Ash said clearing his throat "I think it's better if you go on ahead to camp, I'll catch up with you latter." Lancelot looked at him suspiciously "Are you sure Ash?" "Uh, yea of course," Ash replied. Lancelot eyed Ash with suspicion before finally giving in "Alright, but hurry up, it's not the safest here in these woods." "I know I'll be up in a second." Ash replied as Lancelot turned and left for camp. Ash waited a few seconds before slowly crawling up the hill to make sure Lancelot was gone. Once he was in the clear he ran back down the hill and to the strange object lying in the ground.

Kneeling down beside the glittering object Ash found it to be a feather, picking it up he examined it more closely. It was vibrantly colored with all the different shades of the rainbow, changing into different ones depending which way the sunlight hit it.

Holding the feather in his gloved hands caused the small orbs on top to glow a dim blue. Ash was curious about this, so holding the feather in his left hand and extending his right he tried firing his Aura. Almost instantaneously a perfect sphere of Aura shot out from his hands and down into the forest. A few seconds latter Ash heard the muffled explosion of his Aura hitting a tree.

Knowing Lancelot or Riley probably heard him he quickly pocketed the ribbon before turning to run up the small hill. Upon reaching the top he encountered Lancelot standing before him with his arms crossed and a look of displeasure across his face.

Ash jammed his hands into his jacket pockets trying to play off his obvious guilt. "Find what you were looking for?" Lancelot asked "Oh…Yea of course I did." Ash said trying to go by Lancelot. Lancelot stepped back in front of him. "Ash I'm not a fool, I saw you down there with something in your hands that not even you recognized, now tell me what was it?"

Not having the will to argue Ash reached into his pocket and pulled out the feather. Lancelot's eyes widened at the sight of it. "That's a feather from the legendary Ho-Oh," he said astonished. "This is truly remarkable, some Knights spend their whole lives searching for a single feather, and here you are holding one you just found on the ground, remarkable." Lancelot suddenly looked up Ash with his stiff Auburn eye's "Keep this safe Ash and keep it close, at all times. With this and the gloves you have, you'll be able to control your Aura with ease." Ash nodded and put the feather back into his pocket.

After the two returned to camp Lancelot changed out his tattered tunic for a light grey one that had the red Ho-Oh stitched in the center.

Ash spent the remainder of the day playing with Pikachu and playing with some of the other Pokémon. It had been awhile since he spent any time with Pikachu and so he truly treasured the time they were spending together.

At nightfall when it was time for the meal, Thomas had the set up two tables in the shape of a T. The three heroes sat at the head of the table with Riley on the left Lancelot on the right and Ash in the center. The meal consisted of freshly grilled fish apples and grapes, for drinks they served them water. Thomas, who had been sitting next to Lancelot rose from his seat with his glass held high.

"Though this is but a humble meal, it is our way of thanking you for the safe return of my daughter, so I propose a toast, to the Knights of Camelot!" "To the Knights of Camelot!" the rest of the table cried raising their glasses.

The rest of the meal was spent eating and socializing with the general mood amongst the people was cheerful. Thomas, who was sitting next to Lancelot, leaned over to him "So tell me what brings you to this area any way?" Lancelot took a sip of his water before answering "The three of us have been charged with the quest of rescuing the lady Guinevere, who is currently being held in Silver Town, were we intend to go and rescue her." Thomas was taken aback by this

"You can't, it's swarming with Team Rocket and there Pokémon, besides there's no way in without being spotted." Lancelot shifted in his seat facing Thomas "Really, because your son Sam has told me of a map you possess that shows of a safe route inside the city." Thomas glanced over at his son who was speaking to Ash about their encounter from earlier, then glanced back at Lancelot who was waiting for an answer.

"You have to understand, if I am to give you this map it will only show you how to get in without being spotted, once you're inside the map will be useless." Lancelot shrugged his shoulders "As long as we have safe way to get inside that's all that matters, we'll figure the rest out once were there." Thomas placed a hand on Lancelot's shoulder "I admire your bravery, so I will give you the map." Thomas reached into his back pocket and pulling out the map he handed it to Lancelot, who graciously took it. "So when is it that you plan to depart?" he asked while Lancelot placed the map in his belt.

"At dawn tomorrow we shall leave." Thomas looked down almost sad, Lancelot seeing this felt pity for him "Fear not Thomas for when we rescue the lady Guinevere we will come back for you and your people." Thomas brightened at this "Thank you so much, I could never thank you enough."

After dinner the remainder of the night was spent around a large campfire Riley spent much of his time talking with Meredith and Ash continued hanging out with Pikachu. After about an hour Meredith retired to her bed giving Riley a kiss on the check before she left, leaving Ash and Riley as the last two awake.

Ash then walked over to Riley and took a seat next to him "So I guess being an Aura Knight has its perks." Riley looked over at Ash "What?" Ash grinned at Riley and playfully nudged him on the shoulder "I'm talking about Meredith dude, you can't tell me there's nothing going on between you two. I mean she is the reason why you were so gung- ho about staying here."

Riley poked the fire with a stick then looked down "Well I'd be lying if I said you were wrong." Riley said in a somber tone. Ash raised an eyebrow at this "You know Riley usually if you like somebody you're supposed to be just a little bit more enthusiastic." Riley shook his head "You don't understand Ash, we could never be together, I'm destined to become an Aura Knight of Camelot and when that happens I will be bound to Camelot and Camelot alone."

Ash felt himself getting irritated at what Riley was saying "You mean to tell me that once you become a Knight you can never date or marry a girl?" "Well I can, it's just it would be extremely difficult with all the responsibilities I would have." Ash scoffed at this "Dude that's the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard, not being able to see your girl because you have responsibilities." Riley looked at Ash "What would you have me do, abandon my responsibilities?" Ash shook his head "No, but I would find some way to make it work, that is if you truly want to be with her." Riley looked back down at the fire ashamed that he had been acting so selfish

"You would go to the ends of the earth for May, wouldn't you?" "I'm kinda already doing that." Ash replied with a laugh. Riley allowed himself to smile "Yes, then that is what I must do I will find a way to where me and Meredith can be together." Riley turned to Ash "You know Ash you are truly one of my greatest friends." Ash grinned and put out his fist, Riley looked down at it confused "Fist bump it bro." Ash said Riley put his fist awkwardly against Ash's "I guess we'll have to work on that…" Ash said looking back down at the fire.

There was a short pause between them until Riley looked up at Ash again "Bro?" he asked. "Yea man bro, brother same thing," Riley's eyes beamed with happiness "You consider me a brother?" "Well yea man, you saved my butt when you didn't have to, and any one he does that…well I guess I would consider them a brother."

"Well then goodnight bro," he said before walking over to his tent. After Riley had gone Pikachu went and curled up onto Ash's lap "He buddy, it's been one heck of a week hasn't it." "Pika," the little mouse Pokémon said with a sigh. Ash nodded and laying his head back closed his eyes "But It's not over yet."

At dawn the next morning Lancelot came and woke Ash and Riley. As they prepared there Pokémon to leave Meredith came running out from her father's tent, nearly tackling Riley to floor as she threw her arms around him. Riley tried to comfort her as tears began streaming down her cheeks, Ash watched with a sense of sadness at the two.

Riley slowly lifted her chin up and looked longingly in her eyes then in a swift motion he placed his lips against hers and together the two embraced each other in a warm and loving kiss. Slowly their lips parted and Riley whispered something in her ear that made her giggle. "I promise I'll see you again." Riley said as he mounted his Rapidash, Meredith wiped away the last of her tears and nodded.

"Squire Riley, it's time." Lancelot said, Riley tipped his hat to Meredith before joining with Lancelot and Ash. Without further delay the three shot forth through the field and into the cave, Lancelot's Aura guiding them all along the way.

The hooves and paws of their Pokémon thundering on the ground as they barreled on through the cave and into the forest, Ash could feel that they were getting close to rescuing May. As the three companions rode, their bodies became disguised as dark silhouettes in the pre dawn hour. As the sun finally rose high above the sky Lancelot halted their advance and pulled out the map "Were not but an hour's ride from our destination." Lancelot said putting the map back inside his leather belt. "Well then what are we waiting for." Ash said eagerly.

Lancelot nodded and took off down the narrow path. As they continued down the path became narrow but eventually widened out towards the end. The three rode across a vast green plain that led them to hill overlooking their destination. "Silver Town…" Ash said looking over the small town.

The town looked nothing like it had once been. The great stadium that was positioned in the middle of the city now had its walls decorated with the red Team Rocket R, along with every other building, with some even bearing large flags that covered entire walls.

On every street corner Team Rocket goons marched up and down on patrol in columns of twenty men long and four men wide black assault rifles, with bayonets attached to the barrels, were slung over their shoulders and walking along side them were some of the most menacing Pokémon Ash had ever seen. The large stadium that had once been used to hold great Pokémon battles was now being used to house these soldiers and their tanks.

The road leading up to the main entrance of the town was guarded by twenty men, two tanks and an enormous Tyranitar. "Were do you think there holding May?" Ash asked surveying the heavily occupied city

Lancelot scratched his head looking at a whole set of possibilities, then he saw it. "In there," Lancelot said pointing to the V shaped Pokémon center that overlooked the stadium and was conveniently placed in the center of the town.

"Well now, we wouldn't this to be too easy, right?" Ash said. Suddenly Riley put his hand on Ash's shoulder "Whatever happens Ash, know I will stay by your side." Riley put out his fist. Ash smiled and gave him a fist bump. The pulling out his ribbon he looked at it longingly before gently kissing it and placing it back in his pocket "Alright then, let's go."


Hope you enjoyed it, don't forget to leave a review and tell me your thoughts!

-AshandMay17