Chapter 20: A New Adventure Begins

The very next day, Ash, May, and Max were at the docks, preparing to set sail for Rota. Brendan, Wally, and a small contingent of guards were joining them as well, with Captain Drake at the helm. While the guards prepared the ship, May and Max were saying goodbye to their parents.

"Take care, sweetie, and be safe," Caroline told May.

"We will," she promised. "I just wish we could all go. I hate the idea of leaving you guys here while those horrid Aqua and Magma people run rampant."

"I know dear, but don't worry. Your father and I will be just fine. Just try to enjoy yourself."

May smiled, and nodded.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see Queen Illeene again!"

"That's the spirit! Just go and have fun."

"And keep an eye on your brother," her father added, much to the prince's frustration.

"I'm not a baby!" He protested. "I can take care of myself."

"I know sweetie," his mother soothed. "But it's still a good idea to stick together. Besides, that means you'll have to keep an eye on her too!"

May rolled her eyes, but thankfully that seemed to pacify Max. Norman then turned his attention to Ash.

"Keep an eye on them, please…"

"I'll protect them with my life, sir."

"Thank you."

Just then, Captain Drake came up.

"We're all set. All the supplies are stored beneath deck, the sails are ready, and the winds are just right."

May and Max hugged their parents one last time and were just about to board the ship when…

"Wait!" Just then, the castle healer came in, with the two Eevee racing after her.

"Miss Joy, is everything okay?"

The healer smiled, and nudged the two Eevee forward.

"These two want to go with you."

Ash and May were surprised by this, and looked down at the pair.

"Is that true? Do you want to be our Pokemon?"

The two began jumping up and down excitedly. Ash and May nodded, but looked up at the nurse.

"Are you sure it's alright? You've only been working on them for a day."

"Yeah, I have no problem letting them come with us, but don't they need to heal more first?"

The healer smiled, and shook her head.

"I've done all I could for them, and they're walking just fine. Anything else could be better accomplished with fresh air. Besides, they practically begged me to let them go!"

Ash and May smiled, and scooped them up into their arms. Ash took the male, and May took the female.

"Well then, welcome to the team!"
"Evoi!"

Everyone smiled at the exchange before they all boarded the ship. Once everyone was onboard, the captain untied the rope to the dock, and they set sail, Ash, May, and Max waving goodbye to the King and Queen until they were out of sight. Once the boat had disappeared over the horizon, the two walked back to the castle, but the Queen noticed that her husband looked troubled.

"Dear, what's wrong?"

"I just hope they'll have a kingdom to return to."

Once the ship had settled on the open sea and was sailing smoothly, the trio relaxed. Deciding that it would be a good time to introduce their team to their newest members, Ash and May let out their Pokemon onto the deck.

"Everyone, this is Eevee. He'll be joining the team, so be sure to make him feel welcome."

"Same with her, and be gentle. They're both still recovering from injuries."

Their Pokemon were more than happy to have new friends, and were quick to welcome the new additions. Soon, all of the Pokemon were chasing each other around the deck, making Ash and May smile.

"I don't think we'll have any issues."

"Doesn't look like it to me!"

"Have you guys thought about which Pokemon you'll evolve them into?"

May tilted her head, confused by Max's question.

"Which one? You mean there's multiple?"

Max sighed, and took out a book, flipping it to a page showing Eevee and its evolutions.

"Mister Birch told me about it a few weeks ago. See, Eevee can evolve into a different Pokemon based on which method you use."

"Oh yeah, I remember now!" Ash chimed in. "Eeveen can evolve into a Flareon if you give it a Fire Stone, a Jolteon for a Thunder Stone, a Vaporeon with a Water Stone, or an Espeon or Umbreon depending on the time of day and how strong your friendship is!"

"Yeah, but according to this, there may be even more!"

This got Ash's attention. As far as he knew, there was only five of them.

"More?"

"Well, that's what Professor Birch told me. According to him, there have been reported sightings of others seen in Hisui, but the information from that region hasn't been consistent. But still, wouldn't that be awesome?"

Ash chuckled.

"Sure, but I won't force Eevee to evolve if he doesn't want to. If ever and whenever he wants to evolve, I'll let him pick."

May nodded in agreement.

"Same here. I don't want to pressure her."

This made the two Eevee smile, and they ran up to nuzzle their trainers, making Max smile.

"Well, I guess that answers my question."

Later that night, May stood on the deck of the ship, letting the cool breeze hit her face as she stared off into the inky darkness.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

May turned to see Ash coming up behind her, Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Oh, hey guys."

"It's getting late May, you should go to sleep."

"I know, I'm just…worried."

"About your parents?"

May nodded.

"Not just them, but the entire kingdom. My subjects are suffering, but instead of helping them I'm running away."

"But you are helping. You're securing allies to help us end this war."

"That's not enough! I should be there helping defend them!"

"May, ask yourself this: what could you do back home that your father can't?"

May opened her mouth to retort, only to come up short. Ash gave her a gentle hug, while Pikachu nuzzled her cheek comfortingly.

"I get it, you feel guilty for not being there. I think it's a great sign that you want to be there for your people, but like your father said, you're helping them more by not being there. He wouldn't have sent you on this mission if he didn't trust you, so trust him."

"Pika!"

May sighed, easing into Ash's embrace.

"You're right. Thank you, both of you."

"Of course."

"Chu!"

A few days later, they had reached Rota waters, and had just gotten within sight of land. Ash, May and Max ran up to the deck to watch as the kingdom came into view.

"Aw man, this is awesome! I haven't been here in years!"

"Hey, don't hog the view all to yourself!"

"Well, get there faster next time, Max!"

Ash and Pikachu sniggered at their bickering, before turning to enjoy the view. But as they got closer, Ash saw something off in the distance.

"Pikachu, doesn't that look like Mt. Moon?"

"Pi."

Ash was no expert at geography, a statement that both Misty and Brock would be all too happy to back up, but the shape of Kanto's tallest mountain was unmistakable. On closer inspection, the landmass did seem to resemble Kanto's.

Upon noticing how quiet Ash was, May and Max turned to see him staring intently at their destination.

"Ash? Something wrong?"

"Um, nothing. Just taking in the beauty."

May and Max weren't convinced, but let it slide. But as the ship docked, Ash turned to Pikachu.

"Looks like we're coming home, buddy."

"Pika."