A/N: Two things before we get started: 1. Any Pokeballs you see in this story, regardless of which character is throwing them, will be the same kinds you see in Legends Arceus, which will be explained in another chapter, and 2. Although this story takes place before the Advanced seasons of the anime, the movepool will be from Generation VIII just so I won't have to keep changing between the two since I'm writing this story concurrently with The Journey Starts Today. However, I do not have encyclopedic knowledge of what moves Ash's Pikachu learned at what point in the anime, so if he uses a move that he shouldn't be able to do yet, that's why. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Hold on, let me check…nope, still don't own the franchise.

Chapter 3: Throwing Down with the Monarch

After dinner, Ash and Norman made their way to the training area of the castle. The rest of the royal family moved off to the side to watch, along with a few curious guards and servants. Brendan stepped forward to act as referee.

"This will be a one-on-one battle with no time limit! Once either Pokemon is unable to battle, the battle will be over!"

Norman nodded, drawing out a curious looking Pokeball. Unlike the ones Ash was used to seeing, which were metallic, this one was clearly made out of wood. Ash had to wonder how it could possibly hope to capture a Pokemon within it.

"Give us a good battle, Ash!"

"You can count on it, your highness! Ready, buddy?"

"Pi!"

"Alright! Pikachu, I choose you!"

"Go, Vigoroth!"

Ash watched in amazement as a tall, white- furred Pokemon burst out of the wooden Pokeball, swiping the air furiously as he hooted a battle cry. Ash almost took out his Pokedex to scan it for more information, but decided against it. He really didn't feel like having to explain what it was, and felt that he couldn't give an adequate explanation anyway.

"Battle begin!"

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

"Slash, Vigoroth!"

Pikachu fired a bolt of lightning right at Slakoth. To Pikachu's surprise, Vigoroth expertly dodge, running right up to Pikachu with lightning fast speed before slashing him hard across the chest, sending Pikachu flying backwards. Ash was impressed, he didn't think a Pokemon like that could be so fast or powerful.

"Pikachu, are you alright?"

Pikachu was quick to recover, bouncing back to his feet with a determined "Pikachu!" Ash thought for a moment, realizing he needed a new strategy.

"Okay, if power won't work, we'll match his speed! Quick Attack!"

Pikachu took off spriniting, ramming right into Vigoroth with breakneck speed. But to Ash's surprise, Vigoroth didn't even flinch.

"Counter, Vigoroth!"

Vigoroth grabbed Pikachu around the waist and threw him to the ground, the electric mouse hitting the ground hard. But to everyone but Ash's surprise, Pikachu picked himself up off the ground once more.

"Incredible!" The king remarked. "That's usually our finisher, but your Pikachu refuses to give up?"

"Because that's not our style! RIght, buddy?"

"Pikachu!"

"Impressive, but let's see how far that gets you! Fury Swipes, Vigoroth!"

Without giving Pikachu a chance to catch his breath, Vigoroth pounced once more, slashing at him with his claws. Pikachu managed to dodge a few, but Vigoroth wouldn't let up.

"Thunderbolt, Pikachu!"

Luckily, with Vigoroth at such close range it was impossible for the attack to miss, and the shock forced Vigoroth to stop his relentless assault, giving Pikachu some space to work with.

"Alright, keep him at a distance with Thundershock!"

Pikachu let loose a series of electric shocks, each one forcing Vigoroth to take steps back to try and regain his footing.

"Throw him off balance with Earthquake!"

With a grunt, Vigoroth slammed his fist into the ground, sending a small shockwave through Pikachu that knocked him off his feet.

"Now, Sunny Day!"

Vigoroth charged up a ball of energy in his hands before tossing it into the air, the ball exploding and creating a bright, warm environment in the room. Ash, Pikachu, and everyone but Norman found themselves having to shield their eyes from the bright flash.

"Now use Solar Beam!"

"Don't let him fire it, Pikachu! Use Agility!"

Pikachu charged forward, but didn't make it very far before the Solar Beam hit him dead on, blasting him into a wall. Once the dust settled, he slumped over unconscious.

"Pikachu is unable to battle! Vigoroth and the king are the winners!"

The crowd clapped as Norman shook Ash's hand.

"You've trained your Pikachu very well. Thank you for an excellent battle!"

"Thanks, your highness. Pikachu and I had a great time too, right buddy?"

Pikachu smiled, and gave a weary thumbs up before he was taken away to be healed. Max suddenly came running up and gave his father a big hug.

"Dad, you were amazing! Vigoroth was awesome!"

The king chuckled, and returned the affection.

"Thanks son."

May and the queen laughed.

"I don't know, I think Sir Ash made a valiant effort."

Ash turned away, trying to hide his blush at the princess's compliment, something that didn't go unnoticed.

"Well, it's getting late. I think we should all turn in for the night."

"Ash, you don't have any place to stay, do you?"

Ash slapped his forehead. In all the excitement, he'd completely forgotten about where he and Pikachu would sleep at night.

"Um, not really."

"Well, why don't you stay in the castle with us? It's the least we can do to thank you for saving May."

"That's a great idea, dear!"

Ash appreciated the thought, but had to decline.

"Thank you, but I couldn't stay here without any way to repay your kindness. I was happy to help, but I didn't do it because I expected a reward."

Norman thought for a moment, before smiling.

"So, you wish to earn your keep, is that it?"

"Well, I guess that'd be alright."

"Alright then, I hereby appoint you as Princess May's guardian!"

Ash was about to open his mouth when May protested.

"Dad, I don't need a guardian!"

"May sweetie, I know you don't like it, but those Magma grunts will be back, and your Torchic just isn't enough to protect you. I'd just feel better if you had somebody looking out for you."

May huffed, but didn't object further. Ash considered it for a moment, before turning to May.

"If her majesty would allow me, then I would be honored to protect her."

May smiled, giggling before giving him a curtsey.

"Well, if I must have a guardian, then he should at least be handsome. So yes, I accept your service."

Ash blushed, before turning to bow to Norman.

"Your highness, I promise to keep her safe and protected."

Norman nodded, before taking out his sword and placing it over Ash's shoulder.

"Henceforth, you are given the title of honorary knight, in service of the royal family. Rise, Sir Ash."

Ash rose to his feet, his mission now clear.

"Thank you, your highness. I promise I will not fail you."

After picking Pikachu up from the infirmary, May led Ash to where he'd be staying.

"Your bedroom will be right next to mine, in case I need you during the night. My father's choice, not mine."

"Sorry you're saddled with me. If you ask me, I think you're more than capable of defending yourself."

May laughed, and slapped his shoulder.

"Quite the charmer, aren't you? It's alright, I understand why my father thinks I need one. After all, I am next in line to the throne."

Ash nodded in understanding.

"Your father is really strong. Pikachu could barely keep up with his Vigoroth!"

May sighed.

"Yes, well it surely doesn't make my love life any easier. He already declared that any suitor who wishes for my hand in marriage has to beat him in a Pokemon battle. Something about how the future king has to be able to hold his own in battle, or something like that."

Ash nodded in understanding. At last, they reached May's bedroom.

"Here we go, Princess. I'll be seeing you in the morning."

"Ash, wait!"

Ash turned, only to be surprised by a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks for saving me today."

"You're…you're welcome, Princess."

After saying goodnight to May, Ash entered the bedroom he had been provided. It was a fairly elegant room, with a large wardrobe, a king sized bed and a balcony overlooking the town. Ash walked over to the wardrobe, picking out a simple robe to wear to bed.

"Well buddy, guess this is our home for the time being. This will be interesting, won't it?"

"Pi!"

After petting Pikachu on the back, the two climbed under the covers, Pikachu curling up against his side as the electric mouse drifted off to sleep. But Ash stayed up for a while later, thinking back to the mission he had been given. What was the disaster he was supposed to prevent? Did it have anything to do with The Magma Kingdom? And what did Arceus meant by "if that's what you want" when he asked if he would be returned to his own time after everything was said and done. His friends, family, and other Pokemon were there! He grew up in the modern day, of course he would want to return to it.

Wouldn't he?