Chapter 29: Home Sweet Hoenn

After what felt like an eternity to May and Max, the fleet docked in the port, where they were greeted by Sir Steven and a few of the royal guards.

"Your highnesses," he said with a bow. Thank goodness you're alright."

"My parents," May said bluntly. "Are they alright?"

Sir Steven nodded.

"Magma and Aqua are persistent, but we've kept them at bay. They haven't reached the capitol yet."

May and Max breathed a sigh of relief.

"And with our support, they never will," Queen Rin put in, surprising the head knight.

"Queen Rin? We're honored, but shouldn't you be overseeing Rota?"

"My cousin Illene is more than capable of serving as a temporary leader," she said. "Prince Ash and Princess May helped my kingdom in our time of need, I'd be remiss to not do the same for you."

Steven nodded, and bowed.

"We are honored by your presence."

"Sir Steven, if you don't mind, I'd like to see my parents now," May cut in. "We need to inform them of Rota's support, and I'm sure our visitors would like to rest."

"Certainly, Princess. If everyone would follow me."

With that, the cavalcade began the long trek back to Petalburg castle. Sir Aaron brought up the rear, his gaze fixed on Ash as he moved forward.

Master.

Sir Aaron jumped, but relaxed when he realized it was just his Lucario.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that? We've been together our entire lives, you can just call me Aaron."

My apologies.

"What is it, Lucario?"

That boy, Ash. I know you can sense it as well.

"I do."

You need to tell him.

"No."

Ma-Aaron.

"It's not my place, nor is it the time."

When will it be time? Who's place is it? He deserves to know.

"That doesn't mean it has to come from me."

You're lucky he hasn't noticed it already.

"No, I'm smart. I haven't taught him that far, and if I'm lucky I'll never have to."

You and I both know you're just delaying the inevitable.

"He's dealing with enough as is, he doesn't need that added on top of it all."

And if he finds out some other way?

"He'll hate me whether I tell him or not.

Or maybe he won't if you're honest. Don't you think it'd sting less if it comes from you?

"Enough. I'm not saying anything, and that's final. And you're not to say anything to anyone else, is that understood?"

Lucario glared at him momentarily, but nodded.

Very well.

"Good, now come on. We don't want to fall too far behind."

As Misty and Brock stepped through the portal, they found that their new surroundings were not at all different from the area they had just left. Tall trees loomed over them as they took stock of their surroundings.

"Well, this is it, I guess."

"I thought Celebi would take us directly to Ash, but this looks just like the forest we were just in. How are we supposed to find him?"

"HELP!"

Misty and Brock jumped into action, putting their thoughts of Ash aside for the time being and running towards the cry for help. They found a little girl, no older than 8, being harassed by a group of thugs in red tunics, clutching her Marill for dear life.

"Please, just let me go!"

"Not until you hand over your Marill, brat!"

Misty and Brock, enraged by their actions, stepped forward.

"Hey, leave her alone!"

The leader saw them and sneered.

"This doesn't concern you, so why don't you run along?"

"It does when you're bullying a defenseless little girl! Leave her alone or you'll be sorry!"

The thugs laughed.

"Oh really? You and what army?"

"Alright, you asked for it! Go, Starmie!"

"Onix, I choose you!"

Brock and Misty didn't even need to call out any attacks. The thugs took one look at their Pokemon and, knowing they were hopelessly outmatched, the three booked it.

"And don't come back!" Misty yelled at their retreating forms, before turning to their intended hostage. "Are you okay, sweetie? They didn't hurt you, did they?"

The little girl shook her head.

"No, you got here before they could do anything. Thanks for saving me!"

"Of course. My name's Misty, and that's Brock. What's your name?"

"Vivian, but you can call me Vivi."

"You really shouldn't be out here by yourself," Brock said gently. "Are you lost?"

Vivi shook her head.

"No, I know where I am. My father sent me out to collect some berries for the feast tonight, but those Magma grunts cornered me and Marill. But I'm alright now thanks to you!"

At this moment, Togepi squealed, making Vivi coo at her.

"Aw, I've never seen a real life Togepi before! Can I hold her? I promise I'll be gentle!"

Misty smiled, and let Vivi take Togepi into her arms. Togepi smiled, and giggled, making Vivi feel better.

"Aw, you're just the cutest thing!"

"Togepi!"

"Excuse me, Vivi," Brock interjected. "But we're not from around here. We're looking for a friend of ours, maybe you've seen him? He's got black hair, travels with a Pikachu on his shoulder?"

"Yes, Prince Ash! He should be returning home today."

This got Misty and Brock's attention.

"Come on, you can wait for him in the castle!"

And with that, she turned around to lead them home, her Marill bouncing along after her. Misty and Brock followed, but kept a quiet conversation between themselves going.

"Prince Ash?"

"Don't look at me, I know just as much about it as you do."

Misty sighed, rubbing her head in an attempt to relieve her headache.

"Ash, just what have you gotten yourself into?"

When May saw her parents waiting for her, she quickly ran into their waiting arms, as did Max.

"Mom, Dad! Thank goodness you're alright, I was so worried."

"We're fine, dear."

"We could do without all of the attacks, though," her father added, though he did smile when he saw their guests. "Although I get the feeling that won't be a problem for much longer."

"Your daughter helped my kingdom in our time of need," Queen Rin said, bowing. "I intend to repay the favor."

"We're grateful," Caroline replied. "And honored to have you."

"Please, let us discuss more over dinner," The King suggested. "I'm sure you're all very hungry."

"That would be lovely, thank you."

The feast was delicious, and soon the two kingdoms had an alliance and plan of attack drafted, allowing everyone to relax for the first time in a long time. Just then, one of the castle guards approached Ash.

"Pardon me, Prince Ash, but there are some visitors at the gate who wish to see you."

"Visitors? For me? Who are they?"

"They wouldn't say, only that it's urgent that they see you."

With a sigh, Ash pushed himself to his feet to go and see them.

"Ash?"

"It's alright May, I'll just be a minute."

Despite his reassurance, May still got up to follow him.

"May…"

"If these people won't give their names, they could be trouble. It'd make me feel better if I went with you."

Ash nodded in understanding, and the two made their way to the throne room. When Ash saw who was there waiting for him, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Brock? Misty?"