AN

Roy: Holy Christ we're back! Sorry we haven't updated in so long! We were a bit focused on our other story but now, since its summer in a week, we're rebooting and we're posting the 31st chapter as the 1st year anniversary of this story!

Jake: Well we're back! Sorry if we took so long!

Twista: My fault really but we were a bit spread out.

Jake: So in this chapter, we'll see our heroes enter Connor's home town and we will finally reveal who Connor is!

Roy: Enjoy! Happy anniversary to this account and this story!

Disclaimer: Pokemon is not ours!

Dan 3rd Person POV

"Are we almost there?" asked Liz wiping the sweat out of her brow,

"Yes!" said Connor grinning,

"You said that hours ago…" complained Dan as Jordan and Luke trudged alongside him up the hill,

"Dan is right" said Quincy, "This is taking so long and we're only getting higher!"

"That's because I live somewhere high okay?" said Connor as he effortlessly walked along and said "I remember this place! Come on!"

As soon as they climbed on top of the hill, at the distance, they saw a large castle settled on a high rock formation surrounded by a forest. A small town was seen before its gates and from within, the castle stood proud and tall.

"We're here!" said Connor, "Welcome to my home! Cameran Town!"

"Hey I remember this place!" said Liz, "My mom brought me here before and we attended something called the Aura Festival."

"Ahh the memories…" said Connor smiling,

"You live in the town?" asked Quincy,

"Grown and raised," said the shaded teen,

Dan stood above the hill with his friends marveling at the scene. They would be heading to Celadon City after Saffron but Connor wanted a detour since passing through here would shorten their time by about a month to get to Celadon.

Now, the group sees Connor's home town and Animus grinned beside Connor as Liz said "Let's go?"

"I'll introduce you to my mother, she is usually at the palace." Said Connor,

"Why is she there?" asked Dan,

"Duties to fulfill," said the teen,

Quincy followed the group as they went down the hill and entered the palace. It was very beautiful as the road was pave d with tiles and graceful sculptures were everywhere. As they walked through the town, people who recognized Connor gave him waves and smiles as Connor waved back and replied "Good day! Glad to see you again! How are you?"

"You sure know a lot of people," said Quincy,

Dan and Liz were ahead looking around with Luke and Jordan as Connor shrugged and said "Well we were always out here whenever possible."

Ahead, as Dan was walking beside Jordan, Luke and Liz, a guy with shoulder length blonde hair pushed his glasses up as he stood on top of a ladder. He was hanging a banner and he grumbled "Stupid genetics…can't reach…"

He stumbled and fell on the ground on his butt with a thud as the banner ripped off and fell on top of his head covering his face. The guy ripped off the banner, pressed his glasses up and said "Dammit Cassie! Why would you leave me to do this stupid chore!"

"You okay?" asked Dan,

"That was quite a fall," said Liz,

"I'm fine," said the teen in glasses,

He stood, dusted himself up and pressed his glasses sup once more and said "Pardon me for asking but who are you? The festival isn't for another few months and no one visits till then."

"Oh I'm Dan Ketchum and this is Liz Carterina," said Dan,

He gestured at Jordan and Luke and said "These are my partners Luke and Jordan."

The two nodded as the guy crouched and inspected them. Dan noticed he had an accent like Connor and for a guy who wore glasses, he wasn't too lanky. He wore a leather jacket, a shirt, jeans and shoes as pokeballs were around his belt.

For some reason, Dan found him familiar and then he nodded saying 'This Riolu looks good as this Pichu. They look powerful for a Pokemon in their stages of evolution."

"Thanks!" said Dan, "Who are you?"

"Forgive my rash attitude," said the teen, "I am Malcolm Cuomo, trainer, scholar, knight and explorer at your service."

"Knight?" asked Liz,

"I am one of the Queen's guards," said Malcolm, "Just as is her Son and our master."

"Wait!" said Dan, "I find your name familiar,"

"Its probably nothing," said the teen, "what are you two doing here? There is no nearby gym here besides Celadon and that is but a few weeks away."

"Well…"

Dan was interrupted when Connor walked over with Quincy and said "Dan! Liz! Don't stray too far!"

The guy with glasses removed his glasses and blinked as he said "Connor is that you?"

"Malcolm old friend!" said Connor as he laughed and grasped hands with the other teen,

Quincy crossed her arms as she said "Do you two know each other?"

"Yes," said Connor, "My friends say hello to my childhood friend Malcolm Cuomo. He is the one who got me into taking the Gyms this year."

"Well you did need a break," said Malcolm, "Besides I think you have a way better chance than what I did last year."

"What rank did you place in?" asked Liz,

"Oh I won the entire thing," said Malcolm with a smile,

"What!?" said Quincy, Dan and Liz,

Connor laughed and said "Right, I forgot, he made it to the top and lost to Morrison of the Elite 4."

"But that's the third member!" said Quincy,

"Believe me," said Malcolm running a hand into his pocket, "It wasn't easy."

"How good are you?" asked Dan,

"Would you accept it if I asked for a battle," said Quincy,

"I would but right now I need to fix this mess." Said Malcolm scowling at the ripped banner,

"Cassie out you up to it?" asked Connor,

The teen nodded as Connor laughed and said "Sounds about right my friend, let's find your sister."

"She'll be glad to see you again," said Malcolm, "So will your mother, will you visit her today?"

"Yes," said Connor, "I will introduce my friends as well."

"How about a good old battle?" asked Malcolm, "For old times sake."

"Fine," said Connor, "We'll see how far I've come in these months."

Dan leaned to Liz and said "Is it me or this place seem cool."

"It is," said Liz, "The Aura Festival was cool here too! I remember a kid our age back then winning the tournament here."

"Dang," said Dan, "Sounds cool."

Quincy looked around and said "So where's this Cassie?"

"Knowing her," said Connor, "Flying around"

"What?"

Just then a voice from above said "Look out below!"

Quincy, Dan and Liz ducked as a girl leapt off a descending Pokemon and Malcolm said "Good Lord not again…"

He was slammed down on the ground as the girl landed on him and she said "Hey bro how was that?"

"Infuriating," replied Malcolm with a bored expression,

Connor chuckled and said "Cassie how have you been? I see your training with has improved your landing."

"Connor!" said Cassie giving him a hug, "You're back!"

Quincy, Dan and Liz were once again surprised and stood up. Cassie was different from Malcolm and Connor and she did not have their accent. She wore a pair of brown sweat pants, a closed jacket and she wore goggles above her head along with a wind cap keeping her long blonde hair contained.

Connor smiled as she pulled away and said "Great to see you too Cassie."

Jordan hopped up on Dan's shoulder as she said "Hey! Those are the goggles you asked about? Told you she would do the job right."

Connor nodded and said "Thanks, your connections help at times."

"It comes with being a coordinator Connor," said Cassie,

The brunette teen introduced the group to the blonde and she said "Hi! Call me Cassie guys, this guy here is my brother."

She patted her foot on Malcolm who was still flat on his stomach on the ground as he said "Charming."

Liz put her hands to her mouth and squealed as she said "Oh my gosh! Cassie Cuomo? Three time regional Top Coordinator?"

"One and only!" said the blonde,

Liz shrieked and held Cassie's hand and shook it with vigor as she said "I am such a fan! The final routine last year? It was amazing!"

She chuckled nervously as Dan said "Guess Liz is in fangirl mode again."

"What did you say Grapehead?" asked Liz as she whipped her head back cracking her fist,

"Uhh…" said Dan as Jordan shook his head and Luke tilted his head,

"Break it up you two," said Quincy,

Cassie's eyes went wide as she said "I forgot to say something! Malcolm you're being called by master in the stadium."

"What for?" asked the glasses wearing teen,

"I don't know but you know how she gets," said Cassie shifting her foot,

"Don't remind me," said Malcolm massaging the bridge of his nose,

"Who are you talking about?" asked Quincy,

"Our master," said Connor, "She who taught us how to battle as a trainer and as a person."

"Your master is a she?" asked Dan,

"She sure don't act like it," said Cassie with a snicker,

"That she does Cassie that she does." Said Connor,

Cassie and Connor laughed as Malcolm grew a tick mark on his head and said "I am being summoned so if you would…GET THE BLOODY HELL OFF ME!"

His sister raised her foot as Malcolm stood, dusted his shirt and said "We're on the way to the palace. Do you want to accompany us Connor?"

"Gladly," said Connor, "Come on guys!"

Quincy, Dan and Liz fell behind as Connor caught up with the two while Animus trailed behind with Luke and Jordan as Quincy said "Wow, he sure has some weird friends."

"I think they're cool," said Dan, "They remind me of Bella and Blake."

"Who?" asked Quincy,

"Remember?" asked Dan, "My twin older siblings."

"Oh yeah," said Quincy with a nod,

Above them, Cassie's Altaria soared above them into the Castle as Connor stood before the gates with the group and the guards in armor said "Who goes by?"

"Sir Connor, Sir Malcolm, Lady Cassie and company," said Malcolm,

The guards nodded as the gates' opened and Dan and Quincy gaped as the massive door opened and inside, they saw people in modern clothing going about and Connor said "This is Cameran Palace"

There were mosaics of Pokemon and trainers, relics hung about and even paintings were hanged. The hall was gigantic and Dan and Quincy felt small just by standing here.

"Reminds me of home," said Liz with a smile,

People walked about and Malcolm said "Follow me"

Soon, they reached the stadium where the stands were empty. In the battle area stood a group of teens, male and female, about the age of late teens stood. They all wore matching uniforms of white and grey and the crest of aura was in their chest area.

But a woman with long black hair tied in a ponytail. She had her arms crossed and a stern expression was on her face. She wore the same uniform as the teens but she had a purple cape on her back as she had one long red highlight in her hair.

A Mienshao stood beside her as it crossed its arms like her trainer and Liz said "Cool, what's that?"

She pointed her Pokedex at it and it spoke "Mienshao, the Martial Arts Pokemon and the evolved for of Mienfoo. Mienshao's arm attacks are so fast they're almost invisible. Its uses its long arm fur as whip."

"That looks beautiful!" said Liz with a squeal,

The woman growled and said "How hard is it for you all to learn that battling does not come from by the book standards! It's from the heart and aura! We all wear the symbol of aura and we do not bear the power Sir Aaron once had but we have the capability to feel! Now tell me, how it can be so hard to learn how to listen from within."

She turned and saw Malcolm and said "I brought one of the knights, Malcolm here to show how it is done! And-"

She stopped as she spotted Connor and he smiled with his shades up and waved as she said "Connor! Welcome home!"

All the other trainees' eyes widened as they kneeled and Quincy said "What's up with that?"

"Must be a knight thing," said Dan, "Right Liz?"

The brunette shrugged as Connor laughed nervously and the woman said "It's glad to have you home. So, as long as you're here would you like to participate in an exhibition battle for all the trainees?"

Animus nodded as Connor said "Why not? Let us make it a double battle as well."

The woman stepped a bit back and said "Who will be your partner? Malcolm?"

"No no," said Connor,

He looked at Quincy and said "Stonecold? Care to lend a hand?"

"Her?" asked Malcolm, "Can she even battle with her heart?"

"She can," said Connor, "If it would be possible can it be Cassie and Malcolm against Quincy and I?"

She nodded as she said "As you wish. By the way my name is Cera Kasami."

Quincy nodded and said "Quincy Gracedia, these two kids are Dan Ketchum and Liz Carterina."

Cera raised a brow at Dan as she felt her bracelet and said "Hmmm"

"What is it?" asked Cassie, "Let's get is started!"

"Nothing," said Cera, "Get into position."

She looked at the crowd of trainees and said "Watch and learn! You're about to see three experienced knights do battle!"

Connor watched as Dan and Liz took a stand next to Cera and said "Ready for this Stonecold?"

"Why me Shades?" asked Quincy,

"Just a feeling." Said Connor with a smirk,

Cera raised her hands and said "This battle will be a two on two double battle! Each trainer will use one Pokemon! Trainers choose your Pokemon!"

Connor nodded as he said "Animus let's rocket!"

The Golden Lucario flipped to the field and Maloclm said "Starters are we? Let us see how far we've come! Ignis heed my call!"

Malcolm threw a Pokeball from his belt and out of it came a tall humanoid fire Pokemon. It stood with its back hunched as it spotted Animus and smiled as it pounded its chest and howled. The fire on its head grew bright as everyone looked at the released Infernape on the field."

Cassie then said "This will be fun! We're going all out huh? Sona hear my call!"

Animus stood ready as Cassie's starter flashed into the field. It soared in the aird and circled a bit and descended down next to Infernape and gave a small smile as it crossed its wings and opened them and stood ready beside the fire type.

Dan pulled out his Pokedex and it spoke "Noivern, the Sound Wave Pokemon and the evolved form of Noibat. They fly around on moonless nights attacking careless prey. Nothing can beat them in a battle in the dark."

"Ahh Ignis and Sona. How have you been?" said Connor,

The two nodded at the childish teen. Animus grunted and said "We meet again my friends."

"Animus," said the female Noivern, "How nice is it too see you again."

"Get ready for a beat down dog boy!" said Ignis,

Animus laughed as Quincy said "If you think I can't do this Shades you're dead wrong!"

She flicked her red hair and said "Leo! Call of the Forest!"

Her trusted grass type starter landed on the field with his arms open. He saw the fire and flying type on the opposite side and Quincy nodded as Leo readied himself as Cera said "Lucario and Sceptile versus Noivern and Infernape! Battle begin!"

"Ignis Flamethrower!"

"Sona Air Slash!"

Infernape took a deep breath and busted fire from its mouth which sent Leo and Animus dodging. The Noivern soared into the sky as she took sharp turns and delivered a powerful slash with her wing sending a violent slash of air towards Leo who held his arm back and a green blade grew and Quincy said "Leaf Blade!"

The grass type growled as he slashed upwards and the attack was rendered useless. Leo took a ready stance and Connor said "Careful, Sona and Ignis are fast. We'll need to keep up if we want to win."

"You underestimate me Shades," said Quincy,

He slipped off his shades revealing blazing ruby irises and he said "I don't plan to. Animus cover Leo! Ice Beam!"

Putting his paws together, the Lucario sent an Ice Beam towards Sona who blinked out of vision in the air and quickly zoomed towards Animus with Cassie saying "Aerial Ace!"

"Fast!" said Dan as Jordan and Luke were on the edge of their seats,

Animus leapt up as Quincy said "Block it Leo!"

The grass type didn't notice Infernape rush at him and a blazing fist was blocked by Leo's steady arm and he growled at the monkey and pushed him back as Malcolm said "Fire Blast!"

"Focus Blast Leo!" said Quincy,

The two attacks collided resulting in an explosion which caused all but the trainers to stagger. The trainees looked surprised as Connor said "Animus! Slow her down! Use Metal Sound!"

The Lucario put his claws together and a powerful high pitched sound caused everyone to cover their ears. Infernape howled in pain as Noivern winced in agony. Leo stepped back as Jordan cried in pain as he covered his ears and fell of Dan's shoulder.

Liz covered her ears and said "Kya! Stop!"

Animus took advantage of the weakness and sped forward, forming a Bone Rush in his paws and smashed the staff upwards on Ignis' stomach. The fire type flew in the air as Quincy took the chance and said "Leo! Now! Aerial Ace!"

The Grass type flipped in the air and zoomed towards the falling Infernape at a great speed but then Cassie said "Sona! Cover Ignis! Wing Attack!"

Leo was caught midair by the Noivern's wing causing him to be knocked back and Ignis recovered and safely landed on the ground. Animus swung his staff around like a bo staff and held it ready as the trainees watched the intense battle.

"Who do you think will win kids?" asked Cera,

"I don't know," said Liz, "I know Connor and Quincy are a cut above most trainers but they're against a League Winner and a Top Coordinator."

"I guess," said Dan, "Connor and Quincy could lose this."

"But you don't seem to know something," said Cera without looking at them,

"What is it?" asked the two young trainers,

"Connor there is the Palace's Royal Vanguard meaning he's the best battler in the palace," said Cera,

"Better than you?" asked Dan,

"Taught the three there everything they know," said Cera, "Apparently their travels made them learn some tricks."

She pointed to the field as Animus met each punch and kick Ignis threw with his own. The two fighting types were moving around the field in increasing speeds as they smashed heads, fists and legs against each other in an all out brawl.

Leo on the other hand was dodging and evading any aerial assault Sona dealt. Cassie grinned and said "Now Sona! Crescendo Concert!"

The Noivern flew up high as Quincy said "It's a combo! Leo use Detect!"

The Noivern soared high and used its superior speed as it circled around Leo in an increasing speed and it seemed as if tens of the Noivern were circling Leo. Suddenly, one by one, each of the silhouettes burst into blue flames as they each zoomed towards the Sceptile whose eyes were glowing blue.

With simple leans and even massive flips, Leo evaded each of the incoming copies and he flipped in the air as Quincy said "Now! Iron tail!"

As another seemingly identical silhouette was evaded by leaping over it, Leo's tail glowed bright as he flipped and slammed it down on the Noivern's back and surprisingly, the attack connected making the dragon/flying type crash hard below him and he made some distance by kicking away.

The copies disappeared as Cassie said "Sona! Are you okay?!"

The Noivern growled and stood as Quincy smiled and waved her red hair as she gave Leo a nod and said "Great move Leo!"

"How did you know?" asked Cassie,

"It was Leo's tail," said Quincy, "A sensitive organ that can feel the wind pressure under it."

"Smart," said Cassie, "Fine then, Sona Dragon Pulse!"

"Energy Ball Leo!"

The two attacks collided and another explosion followed. Animus and Ignis burst from the dust cloud and faced each other with their faces beaded with sweat. Animus gestured for him to come forward and Malcolm said "He wants a fight huh? Alright Ignis! Take Down!"

The Infernape ran forward with reckless force as he came close to tackling Luke but Connor smiled and said "Its time! Animus reverse it!"

As the Infernape lunged forward, the Lucario flipped as he landed both his feet on the Infernape's chin sending him back staggering and Connor opened his palm as he extended his hand and said "Now partner! Extreme Speed and then Close Combat!"

Animus blinked out of vision and reappeared behind Ignis with his leg raised but then Cassie said "Sona Hyper Voice!"

A powerful blast of sound knocked Luke away and Malcolm smirked and said "Thank you sister."

"A pleasure Malcy!" said Cassie,

Animus got up as Leo came near him and said "These two are no pushovers."

"Just like how I remember it," said Animus,

Connor shook his head and said "Cassie and Malcolm are backing each other up. We need to end this now Stonecold!"

"How will we do that?" asked Quincy,

"Follow my lead," said Connor,

"Animus use Quick Attack!"

"Follow up with that Leo!"

The two Pokemon burst forward in a dash as the zoomed towards Ignis who howled and Cassie said "Steel Wing Sona!"

The dragon/flying type soared forward with its wings glowing but then Connor smiled and said "Time to nuke them! Animus catch her! Quincy now!"

"Right!" said Quincy as she suddenly saw the plan,

"Ignis Flare Blitz!"

The Infernape blazed forward as Animus caught the Noivern's wings and flipped the Pokemon by tumbling and sending it into the air. Animus leapt upward as Connor said "Ice Beam!"

The Ice type attack landed directly on Noivern's back causing the super effective attack to knowing it down on the ground hard. Meanwhile, as Animus did his job, Quincy smirked and said "Leo now! Counter!"

Leo glowed red as Ignis' eyes widened and Malcolmn said "Abort! Abort the attack Ignis!"

It was too late as the fire type collided with Leo and the damage dealt to Sceptile was delivered two fold on the already exhausted Infernape. Leo smirked as Animus and him stood back to back as the two out maneuvered Pokemon stood and growled.

Animus and Leo readied into fighting position as Cera said "That is enough!"

The four Pokemon eased up a bit miffed they did not get to end their battle. Cera walked in front of the trainees and said "Do you see their heart and aura for battle? Accept you relationship with you self and your Pokemon and grow strong together."

The trainees nodded and looked at the four in awe as Dan said "That's it?! They didn't end it!?"

"That looked cool," said Jordan, "I think Animus was going to win!"

Liz scoffed and said"Is that all you think of Dan? Ending the battle? It was a demonstration."

Cera turned at the four and said "I was wrong to doubt any of you have lost what I have taught. Great job you three and Quincy, your battling reminds me of an old friend of mine, a knight here from before and you even share the same name."

The four smiled and nodded and returned their exhausted Pokemon as Connor said "Malcolm, Cassie, good battle as usual."

"You found yourself a keep there Connor," said Cassie, "You were in a dance, a dance with her in a battle."

"What?!" asked Connor turning a tinge of red,

"You and Quincy there were dancing alright," said Malcolm, "I guess you found the person to dance with."

"You're being absurd Malcolm," said Connor,

Quincy raised a brow and said "You two are good I'll admit that,"

"It's mutual," said Malcolm shaking her hand, "You and Connor did well out there, like a seasoned team."

She rolled her eyes as Dan and Liz approached and Liz said "That was so cool guys!"

"I nearly lost myself in that battle," said Dan,

Connor ruffled their hair and said "Anything for my two protégés,"

The two pushed his hand off as he smiled and then Cera laughed and then said "Her majesty is here to visit! Stand ready!"

Connor raised an amused brow as he turned along with everyone else to see a woman in her early forties with long blonde hair in a flowing purple dress. She looked younger than she could have been and she wore a tiara on her head as all the trainees, Cera, Malcolm, Connor and Cassie bowed.

Quincy, Dan and Liz followed to not be seeming disrespectful and then the woman nodded and said "Rise everyone."

"Queen Illene," said Connor bowing,

The woman slowly approached the bowing teen that stood a head taller than the queen and everyone else stood as well. The Queen gave the teen a smile and said "Welcome home Connor."

"Glad to be back mother," said the teen smiling warmly,

"MOTHER?!" asked Quincy, Dan and Liz,

"Yes," said Queen Illene, "I am Queen Illene, Lady of the Cameran Palace and Connor here is my son, the Prince of the Cameran Palace."

The three surprised outsiders looked at Connor who smiled and said "I guess I owe you all an explanation."

AN

Roy: That's a wrap! Happy anniversary guys!

Jake: Damn we needed to get that out! Some plot development in the next chapter! It won't be long now! See you all soon!

Twista: If you all liked this leave a review below!

Roy: Did not expect this did ya? Well then tell us what you think!