Off to the next chapter. I have some interesting ideas for this one. This is going to spice everything up!

I still don't own pokemon, or its characters.

Please read my tumblrlog, in which I have post a guide to writing!

http:/ /riikani .tumblr. com/post /11198619039/ rules-to-writing-a-beginners-guide

Remove the whitebars! Sorry for this shameless advertising, but I do think this belongs here.

Chapter 13: Untimely visitors

The next morning, after a fitful sleep, Drew made way over to the stables. He was actually going to borrow a horse. He was commander he figured now, he should be able to get one.

The only one working, was strangely enough Ash. Drew always thought that life started early at the stables. Sunrise was very early though. The black-haired horse-caretaker was seated on the box that contained, not surprisingly, Pikachu. He seemed have quite the conversation.

"Really, what do you think I should do, Pikachu?" he said. The horse snorted, and Ash shook his head. "No of course I know you're a horse, but there has to be some way to tell her that I am serious," he said. Drew was starting to get some idea what the young man was talking about.

The horse snorted again and pushed the arm of his human friend. "I know I should get my stuff together. I just find myself turned into a bumbling idiot every time she's near."

Drew snorted, "Not only when Misty's close, it seems!" he said dryly, and Ash almost fell from his wooden ledge he was seated on.

"Drew! What are you doing here so early?" he asked, pointedly ignoring the previous remark.

Drew smirked, "I was just going to borrow a horse, but I found you talking to our non-human friend, and found that interesting enough." At least Ash had enough decency to turn red.

"Sure, Drew. Why do you need a horse, though?" he asked.

Drew's smirk fell from his face, "I want to visit my mother actually. She has no clue she will be moved soon, and even though she doesn't live very far, it would take half a day on foot. I can be back when the sun's the highest when I have a horse," he explained.

Ash nodded, "In that case, I think you should take an old friend," he said and walked to the back, signing for Drew to follow him. "Apparently she lets no-one but you ride her," he mentioned.

Drew couldn't help the smile on his face, when he came eye to well, breast with Roserade. The red fox seemed to recognise him fairly well because the horse nuzzled it's nose to Drew's cheek immediately.

Ash grinned and folded his arms behind his head, "I think it'd be just right to take Roserade with you. You seem to have bonded," he said.

"Yeah, it seems so," Drew replied. But then he frowned, "Are you allowed to give her with me just like that, then?" he asked.

Ash grinned, "Yeah, as long as you take her back. The old geezer wouldn't appreciate me waking him up for something like this anyway. With your new rank, he could hardly refuse you anything."

Drew nodded, and swiftly started saddling Roserade, who, despite her fairly aggressive nature stood quietly. Drew was really glad that Roserade was alright. He hadn't seen her since his little diversion-trip, and even though he had hoped she was alright, it was a relief even so to know for sure.

He got up, and then turned to Ash, who stood in the doorway of the stable. "She'll listen to you," Drew said seriously, "When you were injured, and everybody thought you were dying, she didn't leave your side," he said. "It's known everywhere."

Ash smiled at him, a small wave of relief over his face, "Thanks Drew. Tell your mum I said hi," he said.

After that, Drew pressed his heels in the horse's flanks, and they were on their way.

-()-()-()-

Drew got off at the entrance of the small town, that he had known all of his life. It wasn't a clean town, nor very friendly, but it was where he had grown up all his life. He also knew where to find his mother.

Because it was early, Drew knew she was alone. Sure enough, he fastened the reigns of Roserade at the water-pipe of the small house that was barely more than a dump. It did hurt Drew to know, that his mum was still struggling there. With the words to Roserade to tell her to defenitely defend herself, he knocked on the door.

The tired woman he knew opened the door, "I'm not open for business yet," she said hard. Then her eyes widened, seeing the green eyes and hair. "Drew," she whispered.

Drew smiled at her, "Hi, mum," he said.

The woman named Yule flew him around his neck! "Drew! I am so glad to see you! My dear boy!" she said

Drew laughed as he plucked her from his neck, "How about we go inside, we're pulling attention," he said. Surely enough, the people that had woken up where staring at them,

Yule narrowed her eyes, "I think that's because of that ridiculously beautiful horse you have with you," she said. At this Drew could only laugh, and he let her lead the way inside.

Drew seated himself on one of three chairs around the kitchen table, that was set under the small window. A small stove, and a sink made up for the kitchen. Then there was the washing tub, Drew remembered both used for bathing as the laundry, and then the bed, which looked as greasy as ever.

"I hope you don't mind I have to finish this tea," Yule said, a little embarrassed.

Drew raised his brows, "Please do mum, I know you," he said.

It was silent for a few moments as Yule drank the tea, that, Drew knew, messed up her insides, but kept her from getting pregnant. As he had told the royal family, he knew his mother kept company to men for money. He wasn't ashamed of her, he knew she did it to survive.

Then Yule sat down at the table, and pressed her green hair, which Drew had inherited even if hers was darker from her eyes. She still was very pretty, Drew found. "So, what have you been up to ever since I saw you disappear at 14, saying you wanted to join the army," she said, a spark in her eyes.

And Drew told her. He wasn't one to keep secrets from her. He told her about his two-year training in the new-recruit camp. Life was hard there, early waking and heavy exercises. Then he told her how he had been scouted, and how he ended up in the veteran legions.

He told her, how he met May, and told her about how it was going to war. He told her how it was to serve under Gar and how he defied the man. He told her about how he was imprisoned and how they had punished him.

At this point, Yule, who had been listening silently, gasped and tears appeared in her eyes. She didn't say anything but grasped his hand and clenched slightly. Drew smiled comforting at her.

Then he continued how the princess had taken care of him, and how he, feverish and all with broken bones had stopped her wedding. Then he told her how they had fought while he healed, and then he told her about the deal he made with king Norman, and what he was offered. And that brought him up at this point.

Yule, smiled at him with tears in her eyes, "Drew, I'm so, so, so proud of you," she said tears making her sound choked up. "You got yourself out of this place and got yourself such a wonderful life. Sure, it's still hard, but it's worth living. I'm so happy for you," she said.

Drew clenched her hand, "Mum, why are you so happy for me? You will be leaving this place soon. I know for a fact the lands are already being prepared for you. It won't be long before the king's men, will take you to a nice house. You won't have any hardships to bear anymore," he said.

Yule smiled at him, "Drew, my dear son. I want what every mother wants. I want you to be happy, I want you to succeed in life. As long as I have that, I will be happy."

For a moment, Drew couldn't speak. The immensity of the sacrifice his mother made for him hit him full-force.

"Mum," he choked out, "I am happy. You succeeded. Now do something for yourself, and make a place in this new home for yourself."

Yule smiled at him, "Now, you tell your mother about your insecurities about this May," she said, shine in her eyes.

Drew laughed, "Mum!"

-()-()-()-()

To his surprise, not much later, he found Max knocking on the door, a carriage in span. "I thought your mother would want a ride," he said.

Yule came outside as well, and stared at the carriage, "I'd be happy with a cart too, you know," she mumbled.

Max laughed at her, "Your son has been very helpful to us, so this is us paying back." He said. Then he frowned, "Is there anything, you'd like to take with you?" he asked.

Yule smiled, "All I ever had of worth, has been Drew. I have nothing left in this dump of any worth," she said.

Max nodded, "Very well, then. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you, nor will Drew, for there are some things that need to be taken care of, but these men will bring you to your new place safely," he said.

Yule nodded, and then hugged Drew, "My dear, you have made me very happy. Go make that young woman happy too," she whispered in his ear. Then she entered the carriage.

Drew gathered his thought, "As soon as I am able I will come to visit you," he said.

Yule smiled at him, "I know you will, sweetheart. Go be of service now!" she said and the door of the carriage closed.

Drew turned to Max as soon as the carriage was out of sight. "You said, you needed me for something?"

Max nodded, "And I'm afraid I couldn't wait before you got back"

-()-()-()-

The news spread quickly. For May, it wasn't so bad to deal with the gossiping maids, wherever she went. Although it didn't do much harm, it brought a blush to her cheeks when May heard them. The conversation an the interaction between her and Drew should have been a secret, but May figured that a guy couldn't stop one's wedding on the brunt of death without being noticed.

It was not that May was particularly bothered by the gossip, but it did annoy her that people almost already assumed that she and the newly-made commander would marry.

"But wasn't that what you wanted?" Misty asked, when May had been complaining to her about it. "I mean, it's not like there aren't any sparks between you, and he definitely isn't a bad choice," she said.

May glared at her, why was she taking sides with the gossipers? "But don't you think it's going too quick?" she asked. "And besides that, he hasn't asked my father for my hand, nor has he spoken to me about it."

Misty sighed and sat back, "Perhaps you're right. Drew doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would marry anyone without knowing that person very well," she said.

May nodded and looked outside. In all the uproar of the last time, the season had changed into winter, and snow was softly falling, covering the trees and the ground. Due to the cold, not many people went outside, and apparently even the army was given a break.

Likewise, May hadn't seen Drew since their last outing, a little over 2 weeks ago, and she found that she missed him, despite them not being together very often. And even though May knew that he had to be somewhere in the castle, May had been prohibited to search for him. King Norman had said so himself, that if she cared for her safety, she shouldn't.

He was probably also being taught by army-seniors, how to be a good general, which was, as May found out his official rank. Once of age he'd be directly under her brother, him becoming marshal being the second royal child. He still had a lot to learn. May sighed and leaned back: this cold made her slow. "Well, Misty, it's strange to see you here," she said, deciding to poke some fun at her company. "What have you been doing. Misty? Sleeping in the hay with a certain stable-boy?" she asked teasingly.

The way Misty looked away however told May enough. "You have!" she exclaimed.

Misty turned red which clashed greatly with her hair. "So what," she said impatiently.

May fidgeted, "Well, I wouldn't have thought you'd have went that far already," she admitted.

Misty blushed a shade darker of red. "Not that far!" she protested.

May laughed nervously, "But still..." she said, letting the phrase linger.

Misty sighed, "Maybe you haven't noticed, but I have already turned nineteen, you reaching seventeen. It isn't that strange anymore May, not at this age," Misty calmly explained. "You'd even say we are old compared to the usual age."

Though May understood what Misty was telling her, the topic still made her cheeks burn. She raked a hand through her hair, "Why would you want to haste that?" she asked.

Misty smiled faintly, "Why wouldn't you?" she replied. With that said she left in search for that mentioned stable-boy, leaving May to ponder the subject alone.

'Why wouldn't you?' It spooked through her head. To a certain extent, May understood what Misty was saying. If you care for someone enough for that person to hold your heart, why not give all of you?

Because it's all you have left, that treacherous voice told her. May shook her head. She supposed that thought would have fit with Gar, most certainly, but with Drew?

The fear of losing him should've told her that Drew was special to her, and oh god, she really was in love with him. While she had admitted to having an infatuation, this was unseemly bigger, yet May found it not so hard to come to terms with as she would have thought.

Back to her previous thought, May found herself questioning if all that she had left was her body if the young commander had her heart. No, May silenced the voice that told her that was the case: he gave her pride and value back. And maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't mind as much giving him her body in return.

May quickly shook her head as she felt blood rising to her cheeks: what was she thinking! Those things should only concern married women, not her! Drew hadn't even asked her father for her hand, and all he had given her wasn't even a promise but a vague maybe.

This sobered May quickly from her giddiness. Drew was young and had still quite of a future ahead of him. Wouldn't she tie him down?

May looked outside at the snowflakes falling on the window ledge. She would, she decided, because with marrying her, rowdy princess, would he still get that respect from now his own soldiers?

May knew that question was unanswered.

A knock on the door awoke her from the heavy contemplation and the door opened to her (figuratively, since he was growing rapidly now) little brother. "May, we're supposed to go to the war-lord's chamber," he said hurriedly.

May narrowed her eyes, "Not another attempt to marry me off, may I hope?" she asked suspiciously.

Max chuckled dryly, "In the warlord's room? This is far more serious than your future husband," he said.

May nodded and grabbed her cloak. While her room had been warmed by the fire, she knew that the warlord's chamber was cold, rarely used and all, especially in winter even if the fires were on. That said, May suddenly frowned, as she followed her brother. Why would her father use that chamber in winter? The use for that chamber was to receive delegates from neighbouring kingdoms. But they never came in winter, it was simply too cold to travel.

Downstairs the air was tense. The royal castle had usually servants happy and it usually felt friendly. Now, every servant seemed quiet and careful. May wasn't sure what was happening. "Max, what's going on?" she hissed.

Max barely spared her a glance as he walked with purposeful steps, "We have no time. The king from the southern border has just arrived and we are supposed to be in that room before he gets there," he said hastily.

May swallowed, "So there is a war coming, again?" she asked.

Max didn't look at her, "This man is a fool, but one dangerous fool. He'd go to war in winter, even if it takes most of his army," he told her. May pressed her lips together, from the limited tactical knowledge she got she knew that a winter-campaign was dangerous and tough.

Max pushed open the large doors to the warlord's chamber.

Usually, on formal occasions, May wasn't allowed there, since there was a firm believe women in common did not belong in war. It was a large hall, with at the end a throne of black wood. Shields and swords hung on the walls, torches every few meters and on the sides tables with maps were placed.

In quick view, May recognized some of the most powerful people gathered. The royal physician (sometimes acting sorcerer when someone needed it) Oak, the commander of the cavalry sided by surprisingly Ash. The high lords of their kingdom were gathered as well. On the left side of the throne behind a table with maps that were showing the southern border stood Drew, sided by an older soldier.

May thought she imagined the flash in his eyes when she and her brother entered. Only for a second for Max went to stand on the right side of the throne and May went to the sides. As a daughter, she was most certainly not allowed to stand next to the throne.

The doors slammed open once again, and King Norman stormed in with powerful strides, his cloak snapping behind him. From the looks on his face, he was angry.

"I have my borders guarded, I am not preparing an attack!" he snarled at the men following him.

He sat down on the thrown, and now that they stood still, May could observe the men. The oldest bore a golden band around his head and was dressed in royal purple clothes. His skin was shades darker than May was used to seeing, a brown caramel. His hair was black but the edges were turning grey, He once should have been fit but age had weakened the muscles slightly, His long boots were settled on the grounds tightly. On the sides were two young men, both dressed royally, but not as flamboyant as their older companion.

"Then why have there been situated more soldiers than ever. You're testing my patience," the king argued.

Norman rubbed his sleep, "Kamesh, you fool, we've just made it out of a war. Not even you would risk not tightening defence on the borders," he said.

King Kames tightened his lips, "You are in no war with me or my country yet," he said.

May saw her father trying to calm himself, "You are threatening me yet you claim yourself being neutral. You know you would let other armies pass through your country when threatened with war. I am very much allowed to guard my borders better," he said.

The other king was slowly to see purple in anger. "I am not your enemy!" he shouted.

Norman apparently held back his anger, "Yet you also aren't my ally," he said.

The man smirked, and May swore that she saw his eyes flit towards her, From the suddenly tense air, May knew she wasn't the only one who felt there was trouble. "That can be arranged," King Kamesh replied.

Norman narrowed his eyes, "By what means?" he asked suspiciously.

Kamesh smiled, apparently at ease, "Marriage of course. Neither you or I feel something for making an oath that could be broken easily," he said.

Norman stood up, "You have no daughter or cousin for my son to marry, nor is he of age yet. Neither are your sons," he said, nodding towards the young men that, now May looked carefully were no more than 15 years old.

Kamesh apparently still saw no trouble, "But you have a daughter still," he said.

Norman narrowed his eyes, "She's not..." he said growling.

May understood that this was about her, and if her father didn't seem so opposed she would have been worried about becoming a bride again.

Kamesh shrugged, "And why not? She's a fine young woman, unmarried, and untainted," he said throwing a single look at May. The one in person wasn't sure why everyone was against the idea. May herself was against it of course, but marriage to one of the other kingdoms would be a fail-proof way of sealing a political alliance.

Norman stepped forward slightly, but stepped back when a loud bang was heard.

Even the slightest murmur stopped.

Drew had slammed his hand on the table with maps in front of him.

"Do you take us for fools?" he hissed.

Officially he was speaking out of line, but King Norman didn't look like he wanted to stop his first in command.

Kamesh growled, his dark eyes narrowing to slits, "What do you insolent..." he said but Drew interrupted him again.

"I asked if you took us for fools!" Drew snarled, green eyes flashing dangerously. "We are aware of your customs, and the fact you already have three wives."

May suddenly realized what the problem was with this marriage. She wouldn't marry just any member of that royal family, but the king himself. Drew was apparently more knowledgeable about the customs than she was and continued. "Marrying her means accepting her in your harem, doesn't it?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

Kamesh scoffed, "I have no idea how the hell you got that information. But yeah, it would mean exactly that. Does it have any importance?"

It was the first time May saw Drew absolutely livid, and she was glad she wasn't at the receiving end of that. He seemed a hundred times more powerful than ever as he let his emotions take over. He came from behind his table. "You seem to have forgotten one little titbit," he snarled.

Realization flashed in the opposing kings eyes, "You wouldn't..." he said.

Drew scowled, "And why wouldn't I? You weren't planning on keeping the deal, huh?" he asked. "Our princess would become a harem girl, not a wife, unless your first wife agrees to the conditions of accepting her as a wife. And if she's just a harem girl, you are in no way obligated to honour her family," Drew finished, spitting in front of the man's feet.

Then he grabbed the king by his royal cloaks while the man sputtered indignantly. Drew glanced back at king Norman, who like Drew didn't seem all that pleased, and received a small nod. Mat knew what her father gave him permission to do when Drew threw the man to the floor. Then he leaned forward.

"You have guts to pull this off," he hissed.

The man stared up at Drew, then at King Norman who was still seated on the wooden throne and then he stretched out a shaky finger at May. "That girl, that rumoured hellcat of yours, will be the death of you all," he said with unsteady voice.

May blinked surprised, she hadn't even said one thing.

"And we will fight you for this, this means war," he concluded.

To May's surprise, Drew grabbed the man's collar again. "We will not let those insults slide, Kamesh..." he hissed and after that May couldn't hear Drew anymore as he said something too low for May to hear. But apparently it was shocking enough because Kamesh widened his eyes and scrambled of the ground, pulled his cloak tighter and scurried out of the chamber.

Drew straightened his back, "I'm sorry," he said, "It seems I have instigated a new war."

Norman sighed and stood up, "If you hadn't done it, I would've," he said. He suddenly looked tired, "When you have the chance, it would be wise to start preparing for war. You only have a few days to whip your men in shape, provisions to be made," he said.

Drew nodded and Norman glanced around the room. "Please get your respective underlings as soon as possible prepared. You are all dismissed," he said. "Commander Hayden, would you stay for a moment?" he asked.

May glanced one time at her father and Drew, wondering what was so important before she left the room too.

-()-()-()-

Drew saw red.

The second the man had mentioned taking May into his harem, Drew had felt his blood boil.

Ever since winter started, Drew had had enough time to contemplate the idea that was May, well next to his up-speed general tutorial, He had known earlier that he was quite fond of the princess and well, he knew this needed to be solved. He had permission to ask her to marry him, and he knew that she at least didn't loath him.

Did he want her to wait for him to come home?

Before he could made a resolution, he had been called to the warlord's chamber, still not sure how to face the girl itself and her father. He had been completely in agreement with himself that he would keep silent until he was sure of himself.

But that foreign king had made him lose his temper and a red haze had appeared in front of his eyes. Apparently his subconscious had enough self-preservation to not take King Norman in complete disregard, but it took all Drew had not to break the foreigner's neck,

After all he had fought for, after the way he had fought for May, he'd be damned to let her become some concubine. He had grabbed the man's cloak and threw the man to the ground. Then he leaned forward, "You have guts trying to pull this off," he hissed as sharp as possibly. He wanted to rip the man in two, four pieces and the only reason he did not was because the princess was watching.

Kamesh had visibly paled and had pointed a shaky finger at May, who looked slightly baffled. Drew stood tense, waiting for his reaction. "That girl, that rumoured hellcat of yours will be the death of you all," he said with unsteady voice.

Drew saw May blink surprised and Drew felt the boiling blood race through his veins about the unnecessary accusation.

"And we will fight you for this, this means war."

Drew didn't hesitate and leaned down to grab the man's collar again, "We will not let those insults slide, Kamesh," he said, and then leaned close and said with a low voice, "I fully plan to take that hellcat as my wife. I'll make you eat the insults before having your head on a platter," he said.

Kamesh' eyes widened and to Drew's amusement he scrambled off the floor and he was gone rather awkwardly.

Cold fear suddenly grabbed his heart, "I'm sorry," he said slowly as he felt his heart in his throat, "It seems I have instigated a new war," he said. Some commander he was, already starting a war.

Norman sighed and stood up. Drew was afraid he would be angry but instead the man said, "If you hadn't done it, I would've," he said and Drew saw other men in the room nod in agreement. Suddenly Drew felt a new wave of respect and affection for this man rush over him.

He zoned out when Norman started to give orders, nodding where appropriate. He had seen Gar giving orders last year, he knew what he was supposed to do.

"Commander Hayden, would you stay for a moment?" Now that was unexpected. Drew felt May's eyes on him for a moment before she left the room too.

Alone, Norman smiled at him, "Thank you for defending my daughter's honour," he said.

Drew shook his head, "It was nothing," he said. No way he was telling the father of his thought-process at the moment. Especially that if she was to be a concubine, she'd better be his, and his only. Not that he wanted the fate of one for May, but he did admit that having such clothes on May would be...interesting.

He forced the accompanied blush down and looked at Norman, who was looking at him scrutinizing.

"What is it, my lord?" Drew asked.

Norman sighed, "I'm asking you this as a father. Do you intent to be a good man for my daughter?" he asked.

Drew blanched, "I was..." he started but was interrupted.

"Don't give me any other story than the truth," Norman said. "I think we're past that."

Drew shut his mouth, thinking over what to say. He knew it was probable King Norman had heard the whisper his careless mouth had let out, and therefore Drew couldn't play dumb. "I don't think I can be a good man, but I want to be the man your daughter needs. I think I can be that," he said.

Norman nodded, "I told you before, and again, I tell you now, but I would like for you to take my daughter's hand. You're an honest man," he said.

Drew stared at the man who was completely serious and then for the first time, made completely up his mind, "Then, I would really like to marry May. It's...she could've been the daughter of a pig-owner, and I'd still want her. It's not because she's a princess but rather despite that, I want her."

Suddenly he felt embarrassed about his passionate speech, "Well, if it's..." he added, but Norman let out a rolling laugh.

"That's some speech, young one. If I hadn't been sure already, this would have me convinced."

Drew nodded, strained. No matter what, he hadn't been expecting that reacting. Then he stood up straight. "Sire, before I marry her, there are two things of greater importance, I think," he said. Norman raised a brow but signed for Drew to continue. Drew bit the inside of his cheek, "First, I want to ask May whether she'll have me. I am not trapping your daughter in an unhappy marriage with someone she doesn't want."

Norman smiled faintly, "You'd have me thinking you did that already," he said.

Drew smirked at this, "Just smoothing out the kinks sire. " Then he scraped his throat. "Secondly, I don't want to marry her before I leave for war," he said.

At this Norman did frown, "War can take years. Do you want her to wait that long for you?" he asked worriedly.

Drew looked at the swords on the wall, and thought that in battle they looked so much different. They would only shine when the sun is reflected off them.

"She'd make me the happiest man on earth if she decides to wait. But, I won't blame her if she decides she doesn't want to. I don't want her to be a widow before she has ever had the chance to be a wife. Or if the wedding night goes like it's supposed to and have her raise a child on her own," he smiled wistfully and smirked at Norman. "I do intend to make her a mother and I want to see that child grow," he said mischievously.

Norman winced, "Put like that, you're a father's nightmare," he said and sighed. "Very well, I understand these conditions." Then a playful glint appeared in his eyes, "Was that all? Or do we need to discuss the dowry too?" he asked.

Drew laughed, "Are you kidding me? May's all I want to have to deal with. That's all up to her," he said.

Norman released a breath which seemed to have been stuck for much longer than possible. "Thank you, Drew," he said and sank back in the throne.

Drew, sensing the conversation was over, made his exit. He had a conversation way harder than this waiting for him.

Here you have it! Drew's made up his mind! We've only been actively waiting for that for like 4 chapters or so XD

Please leave a review! I'd be glad with that!