Chapter 12: The Spring Harvest Festival

After a night of camping out, Ash and May returned to Dewford Town the next morning, where they found a surprise visitor waiting for them.

"Dad?"

"Your highness?"

The king chuckled, giving his daughter a big hug.

"Hey, sweetie! I heard about the attack on Rustburo, are you okay?"

"I am, thanks to Sir Ash! Is everyone alright?"

"They're just fine, and The Aqua Kingdom hasn't been spotted yet."

May breathed a sigh of relief. The king then turned his attention to Ash.

"And Sir Ash, I trust you're protecting my daughter?"

"With my life! Not that she needs it."

Everyone had a good laugh at that.

"So May, have you made any new friends?"

"I have! Come on out, everyone!"

Norman smiled, patting all of May's Pokemon on the head.

"Impressive! I'm glad to see you're taking your assignment from Birch seriously."

"Dad, I'm happy to see you, but why are you here?"

"Oh, right! The Summer Festival is in a few days. I knew you love going to it, so I wanted to come and get you so you wouldn't miss it. Lady Roxanne told me you were heading to Dewford next, so I came to meet you."

May gasped.

"I can't believe it, I almost forgot about it!"

"What's this Spring Harvest Festival about?"

May giggled.

"Sorry, I forgot you weren't from around here. Every year, we celebrate the coming of Summer and the crop growing season with a big festival for the whole kingdom. There's music, food, and even performances."

"Sounds great! When is it?"

"In a few days. You're both welcome to join me if you'd like."

Ash turned to May.

"Well, Princess? Shall we?"

May laughed, and nodded.

"Yes, please!"

Once Ash and May were ready, Norman led them to his boat in the harbor. To Ash's relief, it was much larger than 's vessel, and looked to be more suited for open water. Their captain was waiting for them.

"Are we ready to sail, Captain Drake?"

"Perfect weather, your highness! We should arrive at Lilycove by sunset."

"Excellent."

The captain then turned his eyes to Ash, looking him over.

"So, this is the new knight I've been hearing about, the one you entrusted to guard the Princess? A little young, isn't he?"

"This is Sir Ash. He saved me from a group of Magna thugs with his Pikachu. He may be young, but his heart is true."

The Captain nodded, and offered Ash a handshake, which the boy accepted.

"A Pikachu, eh? Not a very easy beast to tame, much less battle with. Anyone who can earn their respect has earned mine."

"Thanks, Sir Drake."

"No need for formalities here, kiddo. Just makes me feel old. Drake is fine."

"Ok then, Drake."

The captain nodded, before getting to work on the sails with the help of the king. Once they were unraveled and at mast, he untied the boat from its dock, and the four set sail.

True to Drake's word, they reached Lilycove Village as the sun was setting. To Ash's surprise, the village was fairly populated. While it wasn't as big as Petalburg, it was closer to the towns and cities from his own time than any he had seen so far.

"Wow."

"Impressed, Ash?"

"Yeah, I didn't expect to see another large town."

May nodded in understanding.

"This is the second largest town after Petalburg. It's intended to be a trading post for merchants, or a resting place for soldiers, so it needs to be large. And since it has a port, it's where we decided to hold the festival."

Ash nodded in understanding. Before long, they reached the festival grounds. When they got there, they were surprised to see the rest of the royal family as well.

"Mom, Max!"

"May! It's so good to see you, dear!"

May ran over to give her mother and brother a big hug.

"I was worried you'd forgotten about it."

"Forget the Summer Festival? As if!"

"Have you caught any new Pokemon? Can I see them?"

May smiled, and released her team, her brother kneeling down to pet each and everyone.

"Wow, so cool! Will you be competing in the tournament?"

"Tournament?"

"Norman dear, you didn't mention it?"

The king chuckled, and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"I guess I forgot."

Everyone laughed, before Norman explained.

"Well, you know how the knight's usually have a jousting tournament during the festival? Well, ever since our Professor Birch helped invent the Pokeball, people have been taming wild Pokemon more often. Thus, we thought we'd hold a Pokemon battle tournament instead!"

"Wow, that sounds awesome!" Ash interjected. "Can I join?"

"Of course! It's open to everyone."

"Awesome! What do you say, buddy?"

"Pikachu!"

May turned to her own team, a little less enthusiastic than Ash.

"Well guys, do you want to give it a try?"

Her team yipped excitedly, allowing May to give a small smile.

"Alright then, let's do it!"

"That's the spirit!"

After signing up, Ash and May walked around a little bit, taking in the small amount of trainers practicing their moves.

"Not a lot of competitors, are there?"

"Dad said he wanted to keep it to only a few the first time, to see if this would be worth doing more of in the future. Including us, there will only be sixteen competitors."

"Wow."

"Ash, Princess!"

Ash and May turned to see Brendan and Wally coming towards them.

"Hey guys! Are you going to compete in the tournament?"

"You bet! I've got a Taillow I caught recently that's just dying for a chance to battle."

"And it'll be good practice for my Ralts!"

"Awesome! I can't wait to battle you guys."

"Please! As if any of you actually have a chance."

May groaned, as a smartly dressed teen in green hair approached them.

"Oh, not you."

"Did you miss me, Princess?"

"Hardly, Drew. My father already turned down your proposal, so leave me alone!"

Drew just waved her off.

"Relax, I'm not going to try that again. Besides, being the lord of a castle is enough work. I'm just here to show the rest of you how superior I am."

And before anyone could retort, Drew walked away, leaving everyone displeased with his attitude.

"Well, he's sure of himself."

"You get used to it."

"Who is he, anyway?"

"That's Lord Drew of LaRousse Castle. He's a wise leader, but he's arrogant and cocky. I'm just glad my father beat him, otherwise I would've had to marry him!"

"God, I can't stand him," Brendan snarled. "What I would give to teach him a lesson!"

"You may just get your chance," Ash said thoughtfully.