Queen Caroline cradled her newborn in her arms, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm embrace over the scene. The room, hushed and serene, bore witness to a tender moment between mother and child. The delicate rhythm of an evening breastfeeding session filled the air. King Norman, drawn by the quiet beauty of the scene, approached Caroline with a gentle smile. The infant nestled in her arms, tiny fingers curled around her mother's, succumbed to the lull of slumber.
"Finally asleep?" Norman inquired, his voice a soft murmur. Caroline nodded, a contented smile playing on her lips.
"She sure is." Norman leaned in, pressing a loving kiss to Caroline's cheek. The room, now bathed in the soft glow of shared affection, held an unspoken understanding of the preciousness of the moment.
"She's so perfect," Caroline whispered, her gaze fixed on the sleeping child.
"She is..." Norman concurred, wrapping his arms around both mother and infant. As Caroline rested her head on Norman's shoulder, a peaceful quiet settled in the room. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the trio in their cocoon of familial bliss. "Ready to call it a night?" Norman suggested, his voice a tender invitation.
"Can you take her to her crib...?" Caroline nodded, her eyes reflecting the weariness of a day spent caring for their precious addition. Norman agreed with a nod, carefully cradling the sleeping infant in his arms. Caroline planted a gentle kiss on the baby's forehead, bidding her goodnight.
"Goodnight, my precious girl," she murmured. Norman, with a smile, carried the child to her crib. Their infant Princess, swaddled and dreaming, lay undisturbed in her crib. Norman glanced back at Caroline, their shared joy evident in their smiles. The king and queen, tiara and crown set aside, retreated to their own resting place. Caroline laid down, and Norman followed suit. The exchange of affections continued, the quiet murmur of love lingering in the room.
"I love you," Caroline whispered, her voice a soft declaration.
"I love you too," Norman responded, sealing the sentiment with a tender peck. As they settled into the embrace of sleep, the world outside the royal chamber remained still. The only sound—the soft rustling of dreams and the distant hum of the kingdom's heartbeat.
Hours later in the dead darkness of the night, little had changed for anyone. Yet, unbeknownst to the slumbering kingdom, a shadow stirred in the night. On the balcony of the royal couple, a ninja silent as the breeze, made his clandestine entrance into the royal haven. The baby Princess, oblivious in her dreams, began to stir as unfamiliar hands scooped her from her peaceful sanctuary. She shifted as the man slipped away, leaving behind a disturbance in the serene night. Suddenly, the Princess's cries broke the silence, reaching the ears of her parents. Caroline was the first to awaken as she sat up and looked towards the crib, horrified to see it empty.
"Norman!" she screamed, drawing her husband's attention also to the empty crib.
"GUARDS!" Norman's voice thundered, a desperate plea for aid. The tranquility of the castle shattered, replaced by a frantic urgency that echoed throughout. The kingdom, now awakened to the turmoil, sprang into action. The once serene night morphed into a battlefield of emotions as the realization of a stolen innocence settled over the royal couple. And in the shadows, the ninja vanished into the darkness, cradling the baby in his arms, leaving behind a kingdom plunged into panic.
The man's footsteps, swift and silent, carried him deep into the forest, the baby Princess's anguished cries echoing through the night. The hidden village, concealed by nature's embrace, awaited them like a secret haven. As they arrived, the infant's cries persisted, a poignant reminder of the upheaval her life had just undergone.
"You can stop crying. After all, from now on, you're one of us," the man uttered in a tone that held both reassurance and a hint of something darker. Despite his words the baby, still wrapped in her blanket, continued to cry and flail, a tiny beacon of vulnerability in the shadowy realm she had been brought to. He carried the crying baby into his hut within the village just as his sister exited his daughter's room, having just finished putting the young girl to sleep as well.
"There you are Koga." the woman commented. Koga approached her, a triumphant smirk playing on his lips.
"Pulled it off without a hitch Aya," he announced, showing her the crying baby in his arms. Aya's widened eyes betrayed a mix of astonishment and realization.
"That's... that's actually the..."
"The Princess of Hoenn." Koga nodded, his confidence unyielding.
"You're sure she's absolutely necessary?" Aya asked, after a moment of contemplation.
"Without a doubt," Koga affirmed, his gaze unwavering. His smirk deepened as he looked down at the baby who was oblivious to the machinations surrounding her as she continued to whimper in distress. "Who better to use against the kingdom than their own Princess? You'll make a fine asset, won't you, May?"
"May?" Aya wondered.
"That's what I've decided to call her. To mark the month their downfall began." Koga answered, noting that it was in fact the first day of the month of May.
"I see." Aya nodded in understanding as she acknowledged the weight of their newfound responsibility. "Then I guess we have some training to do."
"Indeed we do." Koga agreed. May, now exhausted from her crying, sniffled and whimpered as Koga took her inside his room. The door closed behind them, sealing May's fate in this clandestine world. The village, veiled in secrecy, held the promise of a future shrouded in shadows.
Ten years had passed since the night May was torn from the cradle of her royal home. In the quiet village nestled within the embrace of the forest, she had been molded into a skilled warrior under Koga's guidance. The once crying infant had evolved into a formidable young woman, her proficiency in combat unmatched. In a secluded training ground, May sparred with her "sister," Janine, the clash of their weapons ringing through the air. May landed a calculated strike on Janine's shoulder, and seizing the opportunity, she swiftly swept Janine's legs, sending her sibling sprawling. With finesse, May pinned her to the ground with a throwing star to Janine's neck, a victorious smirk gracing her features.
"Alright, alright, you won," Janine conceded, sitting up. May, triumphant, stood and put away her star, casually moving a strand of hair behind her ear. Unbeknownst to both girls, Koga had observed the spectacle, hidden in the shadows.
"Very well done," Koga applauded, revealing his presence. May, surprised, turned to him.
"Father?"
"Your talent grows every day," Koga acknowledged to May specifically.
"Thank you, Father," May responded with a respectful nod. Janine got up off the ground and dusted herself off, huffing under her breath at her father's lack of attention on her.
"I'd say it's about time you faced a real test," Koga proposed, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.
"I will not disappoint you," May vowed, determination etched across her features.
"I want you to move down to the southern kingdom and steal an artifact from the treasury," Koga instructed.
"Yes, Father," May affirmed, her gaze unwavering.
"Dismissed." Koga nodded. May acknowledged the command with a nod and headed to her room, her mind already focused on the mission ahead. In the dim light of her chamber, she prepared for the task that awaited her in the southern kingdom, a realm that, unbeknownst to her, had once been her own. Once she had readied herself, she left her village and headed towards the Kingdom of Hoenn. She moved with purpose, her steps echoing the silent dance of destiny that awaited her beyond the village.
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Hoenn itself, a young boy with raven-colored hair stood in his childhood home, clad in the attire once worn by his grandfather. His mother, smiled with a mix of pride and nostalgia as she handed him the last of the sacred garments of an Aura Guardian, a wooden staff adorned with a crystal sphere at its peak.
"Is this what Grandpa Aaron wore at my age?" the boy inquired, a hint of awe in his voice. His mother nodded, her smile warm and tender.
"It is. He asked for it to be passed down should one of his descendants ever choose to go into the Aura Guardian service," she confirmed. A subtle smile formed on the young boy's face, accepted the staff, completing his look and testament to the legacy he carried. "He'd be so proud of you, Ash." Ash scratched his head, a bit flustered by the sentiment. His mother, Delia, enveloped him in a loving hug, expressing the depth of her emotions. "I love you so much."
"Mom..." Ash blushed, a mix of embarrassment and affection coloring his cheeks.
"Now get going," Delia urged, opening the door for him. "You don't want to be late on your first day."
"Thanks, Mom." Ash nodded, his determination shining through. He left the house promptly and headed towards the large and imposing castle of Hoenn. As Ash walked towards the castle, the weight of tradition and family expectations rested on his shoulders. This was what he had always wanted, and now the moment was finally there. He was ready to begin training. Soon, as he arrived in the castle courtyard, he encountered Gary, an old friend who had taken a different path in service to the kingdom.
"Good to see you made it, Ash," Gary greeted, a camaraderie evident in his smile.
"Good to see you too," Ash replied with genuine warmth.
"You still sure you don't want to swap and join the royal guard with me? We'd kick some butt no doubt." Gary, ever the persuasive friend, tried once more to sway Ash's allegiance. Ash chuckled, shaking his head.
"I think I'm better suited to what I have a natural affinity for," he replied, gesturing with his new staff for emphasis.
"Alright, alright," Gary conceded with a grin. "But let me know where your barracks will be so we can hang out sometime."
"Definitely," Ash agreed. Their conversation was cut short as Riley, the current Aura Guardian and Ash's cousin, emerged into the courtyard with his fiancée, Cheryl, and his partner in Aura, Lucario. Gary made a hasty exit as Riley, his arm around Cheryl, acknowledged Ash with a nod.
"Good to see you, Ash. Are you ready to begin?"
"You bet!" Ash nodded in return.
"Alright. I'll have someone bring your things to your barracks, so leave your bags here and come with me. We'll get started right away." Riley explained, gesturing for him to leave his belongings behind. Ash complied, leaving his bags behind, and followed Riley out of the castle gates.
Soon, in the heart of the serene woods, where the dappled sunlight played hide-and-seek through the leaves, Ash and Riley walked through the wilderness as Lucario walked with them, using his senses to help ensure their safety.
"I assume you remember my partner, Lucario?" Riley inquired, prompting a smile from Ash.
"Yep," Ash replied.
"Before we begin your training, we need to find the Pokémon that you're bonded to. Every Aura Guardian has one out there," Riley explained.
"Right." Ash nodded in understanding.
"Close your eyes and tap into your Aura. Feel the energy and life force of every living thing around you," Riley instructed. Ash followed the guidance, shutting his eyes to focus on the subtle energies that connected all living beings. Riley observed his aura, offering guidance as Ash gradually extended his senses across the area.
"What do you sense?" Riley inquired.
"I'm getting something a little ways into the woods," Ash replied.
"Lead the way," Riley directed. With Ash as the guide now, they ventured deeper into the woods. The ambiance changed, the rustling of leaves and distant calls of Pokémon filling the air.
"Mmm..." Ash mumbled, his senses alert to the pulsating energies around him. He stopped at the base of a tree and looked up into the branches above. After a moment a Pichu, playful and carefree, darted by on a tree branch, plucking an Oran Berry from a nearby bush. Ash's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Is that him?" Riley questioned. Ash nodded, his attention drawn to the Pichu nibbling on the berry. "Then you need to form a bond with him. How it is formed is unique for each pair, but the bottom line is establishing trust and an agreement to work together to better yourselves,"
"Right," Ash acknowledged.
"Go ahead and give it a try," Riley encouraged. Ash slowly and carefully approached the Pichu, who had finished eating its berry. As he climbed up to meet the Pokémon, a tentative exchange began.
"Hi there," Ash greeted, offering another berry to the small Pokemon. Pichu, initially suspicious, cautiously approached, sniffing at Ash's outstretched hand. The gesture of trust continued as Ash handed over another berry.
"Pi?" the Electric Type wondered.
"I just wanna be friends," Ash reassured. The Pichu, seemingly reassured by his words, gave a tiny smile and allowed Ash to pet him. The air buzzed with the formation of a connection as Pichu crawled up Ash's arm and settled on his shoulder.
"Like it there?" Ash asked. Pichu nodded, a contented smile on his face. Ash, with a genuine smile, accepted his newfound companion. "You're free to stay there if you want."
"Chu pichu!" Pichu affirmed as he settled into his newfound perch. With a smile, Ash started climbing back down carefully. As they descended from the tree, the bond between Ash and Pichu was sealed.
Impressed by the seamless bond between Ash and Pichu, Riley led the way back to the castle, ready to commence their first training sessions. However, upon reentering the castle courtyard, Riley's seasoned senses detected a disturbance and he stopped walking.
"What's wrong?" Ash inquired, noticing Riley's abrupt halt.
"There's a foreign Aura in the castle... one that I don't recognize," Riley explained, his expression marked by concern.
"That's not necessarily a bad thing, is it?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It is when no one is supposed to be visiting the castle today," Riley responded, his gaze focused on the unseen intruder.
"Is it him?" Ash questioned, glancing at Pichu.
"Pi?" Pichu asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"I've already committed his Aura to memory. This person is already inside the castle." Riley shook his head.
"Then who is it…?" Ash pondered, a hint of apprehension in his eyes.
"I don't know. Everyone's already up and working, so it's hard to pinpoint where they are. Search the West Wing for anything that looks out of the ordinary. I'll look through the east wing," Riley instructed.
"Will do," Ash affirmed.
"And try to be inconspicuous. We don't want to start an unnecessary panic," Riley cautioned before heading inside to investigate the east wing. Ash, guided by a mix of caution and determination, made his way to the west wing. Pichu, looking around the unfamiliar environment, seemed curious about their new surroundings.
"This is the castle," Ash explained. "This is where we're gonna live from now on. You and I are going to learn how to help keep everybody safe." Pichu, with a warm smile, seemed to realize that this would be their new home. As Ash ventured deeper into the castle, the air buzzed with anticipation. As Ash and Pichu explored the castle's west wing, the distinct sound of laughter caught their attention. Pichu's ears perked up, signaling that he sensed something.
"Chu?"
"Hear something?" Ash inquired, following Pichu's subtle cues. Pichu nodded, pointing towards the master bedroom. As they approached, a softer voice mixed with laughter became discernible. Ash, his curiosity piqued, attempted to sense the energy in the room. However, his skills were just not up to par and he couldn't detect anything beyond someone's presence in the room. Taking a deep breath, Ash instead forced his way into the room. Upon opening the door, however, they discovered a surprising scene—May, wearing the Queen's tiara, and seemingly in the midst of playful mischief. She stood before a mirror, engaged in the whimsical act of trying on the royal crowns until she noticed their entrance and turned around.
"Huh?"
"Hands up!" Ash demanded as he entered the room, his authoritative tone cutting through the laughter. May just giggled, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
"Oh man. Just when I was starting to have fun." she sighed, adjusting the Queen's crown on her head.
"Put that down!" Ash insisted.
"Are you going to make me?" May teased, her smirk widening.
"Yes. I am!" Ash asserted.
"Then maybe I can still have some fun," May retorted, her eyes sparkling with defiance. Growling, Ash rushed towards her, attempting to put an end to her impromptu escapade. However, May displayed unexpected agility, using Ash as a makeshift springboard to vault over him, landing gracefully on the other side.
"What the—" Ash began, caught off guard. May, undeterred, delivered a forceful kick to his back, causing him to stumble forward. Pichu, perched on Ash's shoulder, tumbled off, landing with a soft thud. May burst into laughter, reveling in the unexpected turn of events. "Oh, that is it!" Ash stood up with determination. May, ever the agile trickster, smirked and assumed a ready stance. This time, Ash swung staff in her direction as he sought to regain control of the situation. May, however, demonstrated skillful block techniques. Undeterred, Ash attempted to swipe at her legs, but May effortlessly leaped up and over him, landing on the balcony. "Hey!"
"Better luck next time, Aura Boy," May taunted, her laughter echoing as she jumped off the balcony and disappeared behind the castle wall.
"Oh no you don't!" Ash called out, frustration evident in his voice. May, stuffing the Queen's crown into a bag along with other trinkets she had taken, made her escape. Determination fuelled Ash's pursuit as he scooped Pichu up into his arms and ran out of the castle after the thief. They quickly spotted May in the forest and chased her. As they ran, May leaped into the trees, staying a step ahead at all times. The chase continued with Ash calling after her, "Stop! Thief!"
"Do you really find me so pretty that you just have to give chase, Aura Boy?" May responded with a playful smile as she stopped in a tree just ahead of them. Ash, caught off guard and blushing, stammered a response as he stopped too. Before he could recover, May descended from the trees, kissed his cheek, and threw down a smoke bomb.
"Ack!" Ash gasped as he coughed in the cloud of smoke.
"Don't worry. I'm sure we'll run into each other again soon," May's voice echoed as the smoke dispersed. Ash, blushing even harder, fanned away the lingering smoke with his hand, only to find the girl had vanished completely, along with all the loot she'd stolen.
"Man, I'm in so much trouble," Ash sighed.
"Pichu." Pichu, drooping his ears in sympathy, chimed in with concern.
Soon, in the solemn atmosphere of the throne room, Riley took responsibility for the incident as he stood before King Norman on bended knee.
"Sir, I take full responsibility for the incident. I should not have sent my student in without proper training," Riley expressed, a sense of duty evident in his voice.
"At ease," King Norman commanded, signaling for Riley to rise from his kneeling position. Ash, standing alongside his mentor, couldn't help but gulp, feeling the weight of the situation. King Norman, with a measured expression, addressed the matter at hand. "This isn't the first time we've had strife from ninjas. Return to your post. We will address the matter in more detail soon enough."
"I assure you, Your Highness, it won't happen again," Riley vowed.
"Dismissed," King Norman concluded, granting permission for Riley to leave. Riley bowed and took his leave, and Ash, following suit, left the throne room alongside his mentor. As they walked through the castle corridors, Riley led Ash to the barracks wing.
"This is where you'll be staying while in training," Riley explained, his tone firm as Ash sensed just how concerned he was over the theft. Ash nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation and the responsibility bestowed upon him. "We'll start again at dawn tomorrow. Out in the courtyard,"
"Right," Ash affirmed, determination in his eyes. Riley nodded and headed off to his own quarters, leaving Ash to enter his assigned room. As he stepped inside, the weight of the day's events lingered in the air.
"Cchhuu…" Pichu yawned, displaying signs of fatigue.
"Sleepy?" Ash inquired. Pichu yawned again, nodding in agreement. Ash chuckled and walked over to the bed. Gently laying Pichu down, the Pokémon happily curled up on the soft pillow and quickly fell asleep. Ash, watching his companion find comfort, couldn't help but smile, momentarily finding solace in the simple joy of their shared journey as he whispered to his partner. "Goodnight, Pichu,"
In the tranquil village nestled within the hidden forest, May entered Koga's hut, her eyes gleaming with success.
"Father?" May called out, catching Koga's attention. Koga turned towards her, intrigued. May, with a triumphant smile, revealed the treasures she had acquired. She tossed her father a bag containing the spoils of her recent adventure. "Got a few new golden chalices for you from the treasury," she announced, pride evident in her voice. Playfully, she adorned herself with the Queen's crown, a little extra addition to commemorate her successful mission. "And a little something for me too."
"Very impressive," he smirked, acknowledging her prowess. May's smile widened, and she struck a regal pose with the crown atop her head. "It certainly suits you,"
"I certainly think so." May agreed, her confidence radiating.
"You have a promising future, dear." Koga commended her.
"Thank you, Father," May replied, grateful for the acknowledgment.
"Rest up. We'll go on a new expedition in the morning," Koga declared, hinting at the anticipation of future adventures.
"An expedition? What treasure requires so many people?" May inquired, curious about the nature of their upcoming quest.
"Not everything is about treasure," Koga cryptically replied, emphasizing the varied motivations behind their endeavors.
"As you wish, Father," May acquiesced, heading to her room to prepare for a well-deserved rest.
The following morning brought the warmth of the rising sun, signaling the start of a new day. May, stretching out her body as sunlight filtered through her window, felt a renewed sense of energy. With a smile, she stepped outside to join her family. Koga, engaged in conversation with Janine, acknowledged May's arrival with a nod.
"Good morning, all."
"Morning," Janine greeted.
"So, who's all going on this expedition?" May inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"This is a family expedition," Koga revealed.
"Oh. Then where's Aunt Aya?" May asked.
"She in her hut. It's just us this morning." Koga explained.
"Alright then," May accepted, ready for the adventure ahead.
"Let's go!" Janine exclaimed, igniting the excitement. May nodded in agreement, and Koga, taking the lead, signaled the beginning of their family expedition as he led his daughters into the forest that surrounded their village.
In the heart of the woods, Koga guided May and Janine on their journey. May, intrigued by the prospect of their mission, questioned her father about the process.
"Partners?" she asked, seeking clarity.
"Yes." Koga nodded in affirmation. "It is important to be accompanied by another to give you needed assistance."
"Such as your Crobat?" Janine inquired, recalling the helpful companion she had witnessed her father's Pokémon provide.
"Indeed," Koga confirmed.
"We really get to decide for ourselves?" May's eyes lit up with excitement.
"If they provide assistance," Koga explained.
"Awesome!" May exclaimed, high-fiving Janine in shared enthusiasm. With Koga leading the way, the trio ventured deeper into the woods. As May scanned her surroundings, she caught sight of a bushy tail vanishing behind foliage. Intrigued, she leaped into a tree to get a better view. To her surprise, an Eevee emerged, sniffing out a berry. May's eyes sparkled with recognition. "An Eevee?"
"Vee?" The Eevee cooed, alerted to May's presence when she heard the young girl's voice. She looked up at May.
"Eevee is a versatile Pokémon... certainly not a bad choice," May mused to herself. Observing the Eevee as she timidly backed away, May noticed a cut on her back leg. Deciding to offer assistance, May hopped down from the tree and spoke gently. "It's ok. I just wanted to ask if I could help with that cut on your back leg. I'm worried it's infected,"
"Ee?" The Eevee, initially cautious, tilted her head.
"It's alright," May reassured, kneeling down. "The last thing I'd ever do is hurt a Magical Creature."
"Vee eevee…?" The Eevee, still uncertain, looked at May with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"I'd just like to make sure your leg is ok. It does hurt, doesn't it?" May empathized.
"Voi!" The Eevee responded with a vocal affirmation.
"I have some medicine that I think will help if you're willing," May offered, reaching into her pouch. The Eevee tilted its head, intrigued by May's intentions. May introduced herself, extending a friendly gesture. "My name is May. I live in a little village not far from here,"
"Eevee?" The Eevee cooed, stepping a little closer. May smiled warmly, offering her hand. The Eevee, after a moment of consideration, sniffed May's hand and nuzzled it. May continued to build trust, gently stroking the Eevee's fur. The small Pokémon responded with contented purring. May, sensing the connection, smiled and gently picked up the Eevee, laying her in her lap. As she examined the injury on the little Pokémon's back leg, the Eevee giggled.
"Don't worry. It'll help with the pain." May reassured, pulling out herbal medicine from her pouch. She carefully applied the healing salve and wrapped a bandage around the leg. The Eevee winced in pain, but it soon faded and she looked up at May in surprise. "Does that feel better?"
"Voi!" The Eevee nodded, expressing relief.
"I'm glad," May said with a smile, her touch soothing the Eevee's discomfort. As the Eevee stood up, May cautioned her. "Careful. It still might be tender."
"Voi!" Eevee acknowledged gratefully. With the treatment complete, May smiled at her.
"Say, Eevee, I'm looking for a new friend to come back home with me and help me learn how to do what I do better. Would you be interested in coming with me?" she offered. The Eevee, showing enthusiasm, jumped on May's head with a grin. May giggled and welcomed her new companion. "Then welcome to the team, Eevee."
"Eevee!" Eevee responded joyfully as their bond solidified, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.
As May and Eevee returned to where Koga and Janine were, the picturesque scene of newfound partnerships unfolded in the forest. Janine, too, had connected with a Pokémon, befriending a Spinarak.
"Father, I'd like you to meet Eevee," May introduced, a genuine smile playing on her lips.
"This is your choice?" Koga observed them with curiosity.
"I think we'll become great partners." May nodded confidently. Koga studied them in contemplation before speaking again.
"Have her evolve into a Glaceon as you train. Snow Cloak will come in handy for stealth," he instructed her. May looked up at Eevee, contemplating the potential for evolution. Eevee, in turn, looked at May upside down, a playful curiosity in her eyes.
"Ok. We'll be a great team," May affirmed, smiling at her newfound companion.
"Vee," Eevee responded enthusiastically, purring in contentment. It was then that Janine jumped down from a tree with a small green Spider perched on her ponytail.
"Find someone?" May inquired towards her sister.
"Yp! A Spinarak!" Janine announced.
"Neat," May remarked, acknowledging Janine's choice. Janine nodded in agreement, a sense of pride in her accomplishment. "Congratulations. Eevee and I look forward to working with you both,"
"Likewise," Janine responded, a smile mirrored on her face. Satisfied with the successful partnership formations, Koga cleared his throat and drew all their attention.
"Very well. Now let's all head back to the village and begin preparing. Tomorrow you'll both begin your training with your new partners." Both young girls nodded and, with their Pokémon companions by their sides, they headed back towards the village, anticipation and excitement bubbling within them as Koga followed them with a satisfied smirk.
That evening, in the quiet aftermath of their return from their journey, Aya, always observant, approached Koga as the girls returned to their rooms for the night.
"So, she befriended a Pokémon?" Aya inquired, eyeing May's door before returning her gaze to Koga.
"Yes." Koga nodded, acknowledging the development.
"And her trip 'back home' didn't cause any déjà vu?" Aya probed further.
"She did go out of her way to steal the Queen's Tiara for herself, but I'd say it's safe to assume she felt no connection to the place," Koga responded.
"What about the people there? Did they recognize her?" Aya questioned him.
"No." Koga shook his head.
"That's probably something to watch for. Even after all this time, I imagine a parent can tell." Aya suggested.
"Even if they do, once she's shaped into the woman I'm going to make her, there's nothing they'll be able to do," Koga explained, confident in his plans for May's future.
"How so?" Aya asked, pressing for details.
"She's already miles ahead of my own daughter. She'll be the greatest ninja in the village before long. Just you wait..." Koga revealed his ambitious vision. "Once she comes of age, she'll finally be able to bring back to the village what the Kingdom stole from us all those years ago."
"And that is?" Aya wondered.
"Never you mind." Koga's response was cryptic, laden with an undertone of warning, "Just pray that I still find you useful when that happens."
"Very smooth," Aya dryly sighed at the thinly veiled threat. With that said, she headed back to her hut, leaving Koga alone as he looked up at the dimly lit sky. It was a new moon that night so it was even darker than usual.
"Soon enough King Norman…soon enough you and your Kingdom will be brought to ruin. By the hand of your own daughter."
To be Continued...