Pokemon: Rise of The Phoenix

by YaBoySteven

In a world that knows only wars, where nations fight to control land and resources and chosen humans are able to transform into Legendary Pokemon, can Ash and his family hope to break the cycle and usher in a new age of peace and hope, or will a sudden revelation tear them apart, leading them to ruin? AshXHarem. Contains violence, dark themes, incest, submission, & sexual themes.

1. Prologue: The Birth of The Phoenix

War. It's all Ash's family has ever known. It was the year 906 in the Empirical Realms. Wars over land that was teeming with natural resources: Elemental Stones. Magical geodes imbued with fantastical, mysterious power. Whether they would dispense clean water, use frost to preserve meats and fish, light fires to heat stoves and forges, or conjure lightning for self defense, such items were highly sought after by every nation in the Empirical Realms.

Ash was but a boy of the age of 4 when he and his 8 year old sister, Anabel, were orphaned from a war between the Kanjoh Kingdom and the Unovan Republic that devastated their village. Alone, starved, and desperate to save themselves, they braved the way east, until they eventually came upon the benevolent woman who would be their adoptive mother, Cynthia, Queen of the Kanjoh Kingdom.

Time past, and as momentary peace among nations slowed the pace of war, allowing Ash and Anabel to grow up in relative safety, they were nurtured under the guidance of their new mother. Ash and his older sister became well meaning aristocrats within the Kanjoh Kingdom, offering to make lives better for the peasantry they sympathized with as well as any Pokémon the Queen took in who were displaced from their own homes due to war. Then one day, in the year 916, on Anabel's 18th birthday, she awoke to a power very few mortals in the world could awaken too, but a power preyed upon by many, even in Queen Cynthia's court.

Mantle: The term that which decreed a human who could transcend their human weakness and Attune to the form of a Pokémon from Legend. Told to be bequeathed on humans from the Gods themselves, Mantles are said to be chosen ones to serve as a Champion of the people, a fact many a pious Nations' leaders would lust after to exploit. Once Anabel awoke to the power to transform into Lugia, Guardian of the Seas, a symbol of strength for the otherwise smaller nation of Kanjoh, the Queen's court was quite content with turning the young woman into a soldier, sent to the frontlines whenever a need for mass destruction was needed, despite the price her body paid.

It is now the year 920, and as peacetimes faded, war for land and resources among all nations soon to become an inevitability, Ash's life would once again be thrown into chaos, just like those years ago.

Training in the Vermillion Castle courtyard, deep in the capital of Vermillion City, the 18 year old Prince of Kanjoh found himself knocked on his ass by his drill instructor, Commander Surge, Lord Commander of the Kanjoh army.

"Owww..!" Ash grunted, the blow knocking the breath out of him.

"What's wrong, son? You wanna take five?" Surge grinned, tapping his wooden training sword against his shoulder, his steel plated tunic clinking.

"No, let's continue." Ash sighed, reaching for his sword.

"Let's see if you have any of your big sister's skills when it comes to defending against a flurry of attacks." Surge suggested, readying himself into an offensive stance.

"Man, the Commander sure is fired up." A soldier watching from the sidelines noted.

"Well, it's not without reason, the Commander always did like those two siblings." Another said. "I think he's got a soft spot for Ash there on account of the fact he isn't a Mantle."

"Hey, not all of us can just transform into massive creatures that breathe fire and shoot beams of light from their mouths..." Another soldier grumbled. "I just hope that kid doesn't let it get to him. Can only imagine how much the court expects from him after all the heavy lifting they make Anabel do."

Overhearing the banter of the sidelines left Ash downtrodden, sighing at the comments. Noticing Ash's demeanor changed, Surge looked over to the others watching.

"Hey! No more dilly dallying, ladies! I see any more of you gawking rather than preparing for the Queen's return, you're getting assigned to clean the beast pens for the next 2 moons!" Surge called over, his words catching the ear of his men.

"Sorry sir! We're outta here!" The soldiers gasped, rushing off to continue their regular duties.

"Don't let it get to you, kid. Just cuz your big sis is a Mantle, doesn't mean you're inferior." Surge assured him. "Why, you take up better on my lessons than half these halfwits combined!"

"Heh..!" Ash chuckled, Surge's words some ground for comfort.

"Now, enough pampering, let's see those skills of yours in action!" Surge grinned, reassuming his earlier position.

Rushing Ash down, Surge began to swing his training sword. Down, down again, up, left, right, low swing, high swing. Each attack Surge levied onto Ash, the teenager responded in turn with precise, repelling blocks. Desperate to strike, Surge affixed his free hand to the sword's pommel, aiming for a piercing strike. Noticing the stance, Ash sidestepped the attack, grabbing Surge by the wrist, striking his fingers with his own training sword, forcing the Commander to drop his weapon, making Surge trip into the mud beneath with a well timed leg sweep.

Holding his teacher at sword point, Ash grinned.

"I win that round!" He smiled, extending his hand to help him up.

"Yes, I believe you did." Surge smiled back, rubbing his fingers from the stinging strike Ash gave him before accepting Ash's helping hand. "Good thing we're using training swords, otherwise, I'd be eating with my toes! Well, you certainly got form down, better than most of these whelps usually in the training yard, anyways. All's left is committing to the blow. I know you coulda hit harder than that."

"Well, I-" Ash began to say.

"Open the gates!!" A watchman said from Castle Ramparts. "The Queen has returned!!"

"Let's say we give your mom and sis a welcome home, eyy?" Surge suggested.

"Yeah!" Ash grinned, running out of the training pen. "With haste, Lycanroc!"

"Woof!" Ash's wolf yapped, the young hound having been watching its Master's training from the sidelines.

As the Castle gates opened, a caravan of soldiers spilled into the courtyard, with Queen Cynthia and Lady Anabel at the head of the group, riding atop a pair of Wyrdeer.

"Mother! Sis- I mean, your Grace, my Lady. Welcome home." Ash said, quickly adopting a more professional greeting to save face amidst the crowd. "How was your travels to Pewter Village?"

"Ah, Prince Ash. I'm glad to see you well." Cynthia cordially responded before beckoning her adopted son over to her side, leaning down from atop her Wyrdeer, whispering into his ear. "I'd like you to join us in the council room later. War is brewing."

"Have things really gotten that bad?" Ash whispered back with concern.

"I'd like you to see to your sister before then. She's been dying to see you." Cynthia whispered before discreetly giving her son a wink of approval before hopping off her Wyrdeer, leading it by the reins to the beast pens.

"Ah, my dear brother." Anabel smiled, addressing Ash in a similar manner as their mother as she hopped off her Wyrdeer, taking off her Silver helm and plate tunic, handing her gear off to her approaching handmaidens. "Walk with me, I'd wish to speak to you in private."

Offering her hand to the Prince, Ash chivalrously took it.

"If that is what the Lady of the Sea wishes." Ash bowed, guiding his sister to the castle proper, with Ash's Lycanroc following the duo.

Finding a terrace on a higher floor without anyone to meddle in their talks, Ash and Anabel dropped all form of formality, embracing one another in a hug.

"I missed you, Ashy..!" She hummed, addressing her brother by his family nickname, resting her face in her brother's inviting shoulder before briefly looking down at Lycanroc. "I missed you too, little one."

With a bark of delight, the dusk wolf began to hop on his feet, the Pokémon evidently delighted to be reunited with Anabel, nudging her with the rock crest above his head.

"I only wish you would be here more often, sister..." Ash somberly muttered, running his hand through his sister's violet ponytail braided hair before pressing his lips against her's, his sister humming in contentment.

"How I've missed your touch, my love..." She whispered as their lips parted. "But we must be careful. Mother may accept our relationship, but if the court were to find out our love, they'd send me out on even more missions to keep us parted."

"I don't care what the court has to say, my love. Should mother have her way, I'd become their king, and you, your King's Champion! There'd be nothing they can do!" Ash breathed out, gently clasping Anabel's cheeks.

"If only I wished it turn out that way. But with the way things are proceeding, I'm worried about war coming ever closer to our doorstep..." Anabel sighed, leaning over the railing looking over the courtyard of the keep.

"I assume the envoy wasn't a success, then?" Ash asked, patting his sister on the back. "Things seemed...tense upon your return."

"The villages to the West won't want for any more guards to defend their walls, what with Cynthia handpicking her most trusted guards for the Northern Garrison, but this war is showing no sign of stopping anytime soon. I worry they would be among first casualties, should the Unovan Republic press across the Strait into this continent. Thank the Gods we have them contained to their continent for now." Anabel scoffed, running her hand through her long hair in ponder. "But if things weren't grim enough, across the oceans to the East, the Galar Kingdom and the Paldean Empire amass strength. I hear Paldea's Emperor found himself a new Mantle who Inherited a Legendary. Were it not for our allies in Kalos watching our flank, we'd be completely boxed in, but the fools in court are too concerned for their precious Stones to see that."

"If that happens...were the Paldean Empire and their new Mantle decide to invade... the court will no doubt send you and your unit to the front lines..." Ash said dejectedly, leaning on the stone railing with Anabel, overlooking the courtyard teeming with soldiers organizing for whatever was being planned tonight, no doubt. "They expect too much of you..! You could just-"

Anabel halted her brother's train of thought, gently raising her hand to hush him.

"If it is for the good of all, I would humbly and happily offer my power to ensure the people continue to live without the threat of war tearing them from their families, their homes, just as we were." Anabel spoke softly, a resolve in her words. "I know full well the cost of Attuning to my Legend, a toll any Mantle would know. Such is the price for divine, Legendary power. But it's all I wish to see my silver wings swathing our home in their protection, my scales shielding those who have not a chance on their own."

Clenching his fist, Ash shook his head in defeat.

"I know better to argue with you, Ana. But please take heed! You may be a Mantle, but you are still as human as I or any other. Know your limits, I beg you..!" Ash begged her before resting on the railing once more, looking up into the open blue skies above. "Would that I, too, were a Mantle, I could help bear the burden... If only the Gods chose me to inherit such power, you can give yourself respite!"

Smiling at her brother's genuine wish to help her, Anabel took to his side, rubbing his back affectionately, kissing him on the cheek as she did, a warm embrace for her younger brother and lover. The two of them may have been with each other since childhood, but they witnessed the true horrors of war firsthand. They fought to survive, with only each other to rely on until their adoptive mother, Cynthia, saved them in her generosity.

Even though Anabel knew Ash was raised to be the soon to be King of Kanjoh, a status which would allow him women aplenty to breed with, she did not care if Ash were to partake in such frivolous activities. She knew his love for her was requited and vice versa. So long as their love was mutual, Anabel didn't care how many women Ash bedded.

He always loved his sister deeply, more so than any conventional sibling would, but the young prince felt such feelings for other women, be it a fleeting fancy with a woman on the road, or even his adoptive mother as well. Anabel knew her brother harbored such feelings, but she didn't care. All she wished to be was a light in the darkness that would never abandon him, regardless of the women he chose to bed. He was her family, and more than anything, she wanted him to be happy.

Returning from her lustful thoughts back to the topic her brother was discusssing, Anabel began to blush, musing over the concept of both siblings being Mantles.

"I imagine it now...I, Lugia, and you...whatever Legend you'd inherit if you were Mantle...soaring the skies, without a care...free." She wistfully whispered. "Would that I could, I would Attune and let you ride on my back to see the beauty these lands have to offer from the heavens...but I imagine the court and even mother would not be too happy we're I to use my gift for such a selfish reason."

"Mother would certainly wish you not to, but only out of care for your health. The court only see you as a weapon, and nothing more." Ash grunted, spitting in disgust at the Regents and Lords in Cynthia's court. "The sooner this war ends, the sooner you can stop being their pawn. Better yet, flee from it all in the chaos...I'd sooner would wish you be free and away from here than be their puppet."

"I understand your hate for the lot of them. More than almost anyone, I'd wager, but I still have a duty to our people. Our fellow soldiers. Our dear Mother." Anabel began to say, only to remember something. "That reminds me...Mother told me that-"

Suddenly, the door opened to the balcony, Commander Surge making his presence, decked in his chain mail and blue and red leather tunic, the colors matching the flag of the Kanjoh territories. Before the Commander turned the corner, the two siblings removed from each other's embrace, playing off their private meeting as little more than a common dialogue.

"Prince Ash, Lady Anabel." He took to knee respectfully. "Apologies for the intrusion, but the Queen seeks your attendance in the war room."

"Very well, Commander. Lead us." Anabel smiled, gesturing the Lord Commander to escort them.

With a delay to his step, Ash remained on the balcony as the other two left, leaving him and his Lycanroc alone briefly.

"What do you think, boy? Do you think...there is a point to all of it?" Ash asked Lycanroc as he watched the sky, ominous storm clouds beginning to gather over the sea on the eastern horizon.

Noticing the others left without him, Ash rushed to join them. Heading downstairs and into the throne room, noticing Cynthia's throne was without the one who sits upon it, Ash hurried to the war room next door, opening it to hear the Lords squabbling as always.

"And what of our grain stores?! Winter will soon beset us! Our reserve of Leaf Stones to increase crop yields would only mean we'd trade our dwindling resource. We'd turn our problem into a more long term issue!" One Lord argued, his lavish purple ropes showing his status as one of the more wealthy Regents. "We simply won't have enough to feed our soldiers either way! Even worse still, should our yields not be up to quota!"

"And what of our cache of Fire Stones?" Another Lord asked, pointing towards where the city would be in relation to his position in the room. "Those homes out there will be buried in snow soon enough! We need trade with Kalos to resume so we have the Stones needed to heat our hearths and stoves!"

"What of our war beasts? Do we have enough strong Pokémon in our cages, should our Mantle not be enough?" An elderly Lord asked, looking in contempt toward Cynthia. "Had our Queen simply realized such creatures have their purposes on the battlefield, rather than mere pets, like her son's Lycanroc, our military might would be formidable enough to trade blows with the Empire without having to rely on Kalos for support."

"Blaine, I know you and some of the others in my court don't care for my more humane policies, warmongers that you are, but my decision is final." Cynthia bit back, her description of the man not falling on deaf ears.

"W-well, I would mean to say is that I'm more interested in a protected homeland." Blaine sheepishly responded, feeling all eyes of the room on him. "Protecting the Pokémon who've strove to give our homes shelter is important as well, but our smaller country should consider options, especially when the Unovan Republic and the Paldean Empire bear their swords at us."

"Bandits continue to harass our trade caravans. We've reports a camp of brigands has been found inhabiting the Mt Moon caverns." A military captain noted, changing the subject to a more relevant one. "With the war going on, our Garrisons around the territories are spread thin as is. We simply don't have the manpower or resources to track bandits in the mountains while our western most villages could face the threat of a possible invasion from the Unovan Republic."

"According to my scouts, they seem to mostly be sticking to their shores across the strait. They've made no moves to encroach on territory, but if they do, their numbers would greatly overwhelm ours." Surge noted, placing flags to indicate positions of troops on the map of the Empirical realms, the continent of Unova but a hundred leagues away from Kanjoh territory. "What I'm more concerned of is the Paldeans. I've received word from traders in the Gingko Guild that they've a new Mantle within their ranks. It may only be a matter of time before they deal with dissenters in their country and turn their sights on us."

"Should either happen, then we would surely send the Lady of the Sea. If our enemy were to want to cross any body of water, our Silver Guardian would unleash calamitous storms onto their ships." Another Regent responded, looking at Anabel.

"It would not be so simple. According to my spies, whispers among Galarian people have suggested they have recently had a new champion to inherit a Mantle, as well." Intelligence leader Koga added. " Were Anabel to take the field, their Mantle would surely do the same. It'd be chaos, especially if our Kalosian allies got involved. We're that situation to happen, we could only hope that bad blood between Galar and Paldea would steer them into lashing out against each other instead of us."

"Then you would just leave it at that?!" The purple robed Lord scoffed, slamming the war table. "Lady Anabel is our greatest asset and is a public figure for the people! Would you see she turn tail and run from such a challenge like a coward?!"

Hearing the man speak of his sister as nothing more than a tool of war made Ash's blood boil, the young prince clenching his fists in stifled rage.

"What of Caer Silver? That fortress has been the bulwark that has stood strong even amongst the might of a Gyarados's rampage. If worse came to pass, that bastion's gate has been the only proper road through the Silver Mountains. You all should know just how impassible the range is. Were we to fall back from our territories further west, we could hold them there." Cynthia interjected, noting her son peeking in the doorway. "Ah, Prince Ash! Come! Join us!"

Entering the room, Ash could feel the eyes of the room all on his, some far more sterner and condescending than others. Steeling his nerve and joining his mother and sister on their side of the table, Ash made sure he didn't interrupt further.

"And just what may our 'prince' have to say about the struggles of our glorious Kingdom?" The purple robed man sneered, mockingly beckoning Ash to join them at the table. "Come, Lordling. Have you no noble words to grace our ears?"

"Pay your Prince the proper respects he's owed, Lord Giovanni." Cynthia coldly reprimanded the purple robed Lord, her fist on the table now closed in anger. "I did not ask you to join my council, only to berate my son!"

"My apologies, my queen! I must rephrase myself! I simply mean to say that the boy is far too inexperienced to offer real advice on such matters." Giovanni mockingly apologized, his words all too plainly passive aggressive.

Before Cynthia began to refute, Ash raised his hand.

"Its fine, mother. I may be inexperienced when it comes to wartime tactics, but I think there could be a solution to our problems." Ash noted, pointing to a spot on the map north of the City of Vermillion. "Here. Cape Cerulean. Our second biggest trade harbor in Kanjoh. With trade of Stones being an issue, we can see to our Kalos Friends to meet us there to discuss trade negations as well as discuss how to deal with our not so kindly eastern neighbors. It's a well defended port too, with the Cascade Citadel there, we can ensure that our friends can be kept safe, should the Kalos worry they'd be at risk should either Galar or Paldea seek to attack us."

Looking up from the map on the table, Ash looked around the room, getting varying degrees of appreciation for his idea. Briefly dejected, Ash began to abstain from his offer, only for Surge to speak up.

"It's a sound plan. Two birds, one stone. We can use that chance to offer discussion and war tactics with our Kalos alliants. A good place to step up such a meeting, as well, away from the capital, should Paldea or Galar be so bold as to actually go through with such an attack." The Lord Commander grinned, patting Ash on the shoulder.

"It's a great plan, brother!" Anabel smiled up at him from across the table. "With such a location, I can Attune to my Legend. Access to the oceans would allow me to defend the meeting."

"You've learned well, my son." Cynthia smiled proudly from the end of the table. "Such a strategy was one I designed quite similarly myself. Which is why I already set in motion to begin plans for it. I sent a letter by Noctowl to my friend in the Kalos Kingdom. She has agreed to meet me at Cape Cerulean tomorrow night. Lord Commander, I trust that those in the Northern Garrison will be informed?"

"Yes, milady!" Surge nodded, raising his arms in a cross across his chest in salute to his queen.

"What is this, your majesty?!" A Lord scoffed. "We're I correct in understanding it, the Northern Garrison is located far still to the West than Cape Cerulean! Are the guards posted at the Cape not adequate for you? If I'm not mistaken, did you not recently replace the original Northern Garrison watch for those you specifically handpicked?! What are you planning?!"

"I am tasking the Northern Garrison with a different matter. While I, my daughter Anabel, and several of our Castle guard be traveling by convoy to Cape Cerulean, I will task Lord Commanded Surge and Prince Ash with joining hands with the Garrison to dispatch the bandits that have occupied Mt Moon. That mountain is home to our supply of Moon Stones, and I'd wish to have it cleared out, should our trade negotiations with Kalos to bode well."

"Yes, but the entire garrison?!" The Lord asked, perplexed.

"They know what needs done. I'm certain those at Pewter Fortress feel the same as us when it comes to the need of removing dangerous bandits from our mines." Cynthia insisted. "Now, if that is all, this council is adjourned."

With that, Giovanni and most of the other Lords left, leaving only Commander Surge, Queen Cynthia, Anabel and Ash behind.

"Ash, there is something Anabel, Surge and I must speak of in private." Cynthia mentioned to her son, the young man taken slightly aback that he would need to leave.

"If...that is what you wish..." He complied, somewhat dejected.

Bowing to his mother and sister and nodding to Surge, Ash took his leave.

"Is this for the best, mother? Letting him know would help him prepare for what we are all fearing will happen." Anabel sighed, upset she would keep her brother in the dark.

"It's for the best. I don't want him to worry, especially over you. I know he frets for you, but should all go to plan, we can see ourselves through this." Cynthia replied.

"So our plan is in motion, then, milady?" Surge asked, his hands fastened to the belt on his hip.

"Yes. It's time for the black dragon to fly to a new home." Cynthia nodded, looking at her hand, a faint glow in it. "I know we have traitorous Lords within our ranks. Those who'd see me and my Kalos associate assassinated at Cape Cerulean. It's far too prime an opportunity for them to refuse. Remember that letter I spoke to you about in private the other day?"

"Yes, the Pidove carrier bird with a missive from a currently fast approaching Paldean galleon." Surge replied, recounting a tale Cynthia told to her Commander in private. "You said you let the Pidove complete its delivery to whoever it was meant for, but you didn't track down who it was."

"I know all too well who are likely involved in the plot, but what they don't know is it works perfectly for us. When Cape Cerulean is no doubt besieged by the Paldean Empire and their Mantle, Anabel will meet them in battle, and we shall slip away in the chaos and rendezvous with you, Ash and the rest of the Northern Garrison in the forest between Mt. Moon and the Cape."

"So dispatching the bandits at Mt Moon is an excuse to move our trusted soldiers." Anabel noted. "I know what your goals are, but what of Ash? He deserves to know as well!"

"And he shall, but right now is too soon. Not only will he worry about you putting yourself in harm's way, but our plans for the future are too great to cover to him so soon. He is still under the impression he will be King of Kanjoh. Our destiny lies elsewhere. We can't afford to fail if we want to see a peaceful world, so that means we will fill him in when we reconvene at our destination." Cynthia explained.

"Then we have our roles." Surge nodded, turning to leave the room, his armor clinking as he departed.

"We talked in private. Ash and I. He's worried about my body paying the price for fully Attuning as often as I do." Anabel sighed, approaching Cynthia for comfort. "Mother, I worry for him. He's so worried about others, when he should be concerned for himself. I would gladly lay my life down if it meant he can live happily!"

"I know, my daughter..." Cynthia softly spoke, caressing her cheek.

Leaning into each other, the two women planted kisses on each others' lips, gentle as a spring breeze.

"If we are to be his women, we must show him that he can rely on us. We can't let him worry himself over what we do for his sake." Cynthia caressed her Daughter's face. "When we all go to our new home, we will be there for him, to help guide him if he were to stumble, to comfort him should he falter."

"Does anyone else know? About that?" Anabel asked, pointing to her Mother's hand, it's gentle blue glow still present.

"No, I've made sure only you and Surge know. Ash will know that too, in time." Cynthia reassured her, looking to her hand as the glow faded. "Now, we've a big day tomorrow. When you and you brother take to rest, be sure to give him enough comfort from the both of us..!"

"Of course, Mother..!" Anabel winked to her as she strutted out of the room.

Day soon became night, and up in the top of the castle, within the Prince's bed chambers, Ash lay soaking in his bathtub, the warmth of the vessel kept up to temperature with the usage of a Fire Stone kept on a stand beside him. Hearing the shutters to the room's window open, Ash was met with none other than his sister, the young woman in her semi-Attuning form.

Her arms covered in silver scales and her eyes adorned with the Sea Guardian's blue crests, almost appearing like a mask on her face, Anabel fluttered just beyond the windowsill, her slim form kept aloft by the silvery scaled wings of Lugia protruding through her silvery white nightgown without so much as damaging the garment, with a slippery, dew wet tail decorating her backside wagging back and forth like Ash's Lycanroc's tail when he sees his master return from a day of training.

"May I join you?" She asked sweetly, stepping through the window before dispelling her partial transformation. "I always miss the chance to bathe with you, Ashy!"

"For you, there's room aplenty, Ana." Ash smiled, ushering in his sister to join him.

Sensually sliding her nightgown over her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor, Ash watched his sister's naked, hourglass shaped form strut over to the bathtub, lifting her long legs up and over the lip of the tub before settling down on the opposite side of her younger brother, sighing in relief as the warmth of the water washed over her body.

"Ahhh, that's nice..!" She exhaled before coming closer to her brother, her hands now resting on his legs underneath the bubbles. "Well? My breasts won't clean themselves..!"

"They look quite sweaty from a long day, I see..." Ash slyly grinned, his eyes sizing up his sister's perky, firm d cup breasts. "I'll have to take my time."

"Enjoy yourself, Ash. You've earned it for being such a good boy..!" Anabel bit her lip, taking great pleasure in playing the doting big sister, even in romance.

Lathering her chest in soap, Ash ran his fingers across her, creasing his hand inside her cleavage every so often, with Anabel happily pressing her tits together to further pleasure her lover. It wasn't until long before Ash decided to nest his face in her chest, moaning in delight for getting the chance to lick his sister's cleavage.

"Yeah... you like that don't you, little boy..?" Anabel smiled, petting her brother's head as his lips slid back and forth in her chest. "Good boy..!"

His sister's affirmation all he needed to get excited, Ash lurched forward, meeting her lips with his, his hands on her bubble shaped rump.

"It's been so long since I've pulled out my 'sword', sister." Ash breathed into her ear. "Shall I ask you to polish it for me?"

"For my stalwart Prince, it would be my pleasure..!" Anabel obliged, submerging herself into the tub.

Her Legend being a natural underwater, Anabel had no need to resurface for air, once she semi-Attuned again, taking on some attributes of Lugia, including being able to not need to breathe underwater. Gently grabbing Ash's beating cock, Anabel inserted it into her mouth, happily sucking her brother off. Though distorted by the water, the young woman could tell her motions were satisfying her lover.

"Fuck..!" Ash breathed, holding fast to her face as his pelvis began to thrust back and forth.

Anabel just let him use her mouth for as long as he desired. So long as her little brother was happy, Anabel was delighted. He was her everything, her joy, her love, her everything. She wanted to belong to him, to be his and his alone, forever. Such was all she needed to be happy in life.

"Gonna cum..!" Ash grunted, pulling at Anabel's hair. "Fuck-!"

His phallus climaxing from his sister's deft tongue and soft lips, Ash released his semen into Anabel's throat, the elder sister knowing it remiss to lose even a single drop, swallowing it eagerly. Re-emerging from the water, Anabel swung her head back, her long, violet ponytail undoing itself.

"I needed that..!" Ash grunted, petting his sister's head. "Thanks, Anabel..!"

"Oh, no lover boy. I'm not done giving my love!" Anabel playfully chuckled, planting kisses on Ash's neck "Let us take this to your bed..!"

Stepping from the bath, Anabel began to dry her body off before using her tail to hand Ash a towel of his own.

"Come on, I know you love it when I use the tail!" She teased him, her silvery tail flicking back and forth, it's motions mesmerizing to Ash.

"Such beauty..!" He grinned, accepting the towel.

After sufficiently dried off, Anabel playfully wrapped her tail around Ash's wrist, guiding him to the bed before getting in a doggy style position, raising her tail up to reveal her pussy, pink and desperate for a fucking. Fastening himself to his sister's rump, Ash watched in delight as his sister's tail wrapped around his waist, the sensation of her soft, slippery tail on his body enough to get him erect again.

"Such beauty shouldn't be used for warfare." Ash hummed, running his hand along the base of the tail, making Anabel squirm in delight.

"The only time it isn't, I use it for you, and you alone, little brother..!" Anabel smiled, looking over her shoulder, her hair now disheveled, only adding to her cuteness.

Hilting himself inside her, Ash moaned as Anabel's tail began to wriggle against his waist, the cool, wet sensation of it, and yet still there was more. A thump, a thump, and another thump. In rhythmic pattern. Ash could feel his sister's heartbeat from the tail, her delight and excitement, right there for him to feel. The pleasure in knowing he could satisfy and excite her, despite knowing his sister was a Mantle, and therefore could have any man she wanted, Ash took great joy in knowing she chose him and him alone to be a mate.

Ash did not care that they shared blood, for they had a bond that transcended such things. They knew many saw such relations between siblings to be utter heresy, but that didn't matter. They faced the horrors of war firsthand, saw death and destruction as mere children, a sight no innocent should suffer. And yet despite the anguish, they had each other, and they both knew as long as they had each other, nothing could stop them.

Returning his thoughts back to Anabel, Ash began to press himself further, thrusting with a quick, yet gentle pace. All the while, Anabel just knelt there and took it all in, absorbing how great her brother made her feel, her orgasm reaching her. Desperate to have more fun before her climax, Anabel gestured to Ash she was changing positions. Getting on her back, Anabel spread her legs wide open, inviting her brother to breed her for as long as he desired. Fixing his hands to Anabel's waist, his fingers digging slightly into her exposed, slim belly, Ash began to grunt as he thrusted in and out, picking up the pace with every repeated motion.

Using the muscles in her dexterous tail, Anabel used her own transformed body to guide Ash's motions, helping him pump in and out of her pussy, the elder sister beginning to howl in delight, only for her brother to clasp her mouth shut with his hand.

"Sshh! We don't need the castle guard hearing you!" He shrilly whispered, before getting more sensual with her, leaning down to her ear. "Your moans are for my ears only, sister!"

"O-o...ooohh!" She moaned, her eyes rolling back, the young woman playfully biting Ash's hand in delight, soaking in his dominance, all the while absentmindedly coiling her tail around him further, wrapping him up to just below his armpits.

"Ana! I'm coming!" Ash groaned, calling her by her nickname as his fingers dug harder into her waist.

"Me too, Ashy!" She moaned, responding to her nickname by addressing Ash with his own.

Cuming simultaneously, the two siblings howled in delight as their climax took them, their brains and bodies seizing from the joy. Now laying besides one another, panting and staring into each other's eyes, Anabel was the first to congratulate her lover.

"That was amazing..! Who's a good boy..?" She grinned, running her fingers through his raven black hair.

"Me..!" Ash smugly agreed before he felt his sister's tail coil around him again, this time not just his torso, but from his feet, all the way up to his head. "It's been so long since mother joined us in our love making. Maybe sometime soon we can have even wilder fun..!"

"I'd love that, Ashy..!" Anabel heaved contently, putting her hand up to her rapidly beating chest as she nested Ash within her soft, gentle tail's hold. "Mother and I are yours. The court be damned, we are your harem, yours to breed and deliver your progeny whenever you wish to be ready..! We will always be there for you. I will always be there to protect you..!"

"You're so beautiful..!" Ash wistfully hummed, pressing his lips to the end of Anabel's tail, his soft sensual kisses making Anabel giggle. "You are perfection, hardly fitting to be on a battlefield."

"Sssshhh...relax my love... don't think such negative thoughts now..." Anabel hushed him, putting her index up to her lips. "Let my tail coil you in protection. Let yourself fall under my power...relax into my hold over you...and allow me to watch over you while you sleep..."

"You're so beautiful, Ana..." Ash smiled wistfully, his eyes entranced by the beauty of Anabel's silver scales, their pearlescent gleam illuminated by the pale moonlight creeping through the window across from the bed. "So warm..."

As Ash nodded off to sleep, Anabel briefly pondered what her brother meant by 'warm', as the Mantle knew her semi-Attuned form only was ever described as gently cool to the touch before. Dismissing it as simple pillow talk, Anabel watched over her slumbering brother, slowly dragging his coiled body closer to her's with her tail so she could press her forehead against his, all before gently pecking him on the the forehead with a soft, angel's kiss.

"Sweet dreams, little brother. May our Mother's plan let us live a life free of the war that has tormented us." Anabel doted softly before falling asleep, undoing her Attuned form and returning to her pure human form.

After a night of gorgeous sleep, Ash awoke to not only the sound of chirping bird Pokémon, but the sound of soldiers down in the courtyard below, gearing up and preparing to depart. Realizing he must have slept in, Ash looked to his side to see Anabel had already departed, leaving a note with a kiss mark of her signature lipstick in the corner.

"Last night was heavenly, Ashy! I only wish for more fun between us more frequently in the future. I must depart with Mother to Cape Cerulean at 7. With luck, we shall avoid any obstructions and make it there by nightfall. Lord Commander Surge and his squad will be awaiting you, should I have already left. We'll see each other soon. Love your big sister, Ana." Ash read aloud, realizing it seemed to be roughly 6:30.

Rushing to dress himself, equipping his leather armor chest piece and matching wrist guards, finally putting on his steel plated boots. Before he reached for the door, Ash took a silver colored Pauldron from his wardrobe, a special piece commissioned by his sister as a gift for her dear little brother. A left sided Pauldron, made from one the silver scales that come from Lugia's body, fashioned into an armor piece for Ash as a sign from his sister to let him know she would always protect him, no matter how far apart they were.

Finally opening the door, Ash got immediately startled upon seeing Surge just behind it, the Lord Commander evidently standing there this whole time, ready to greet him.

"Lady Anabel did say that you were sleeping soundly. She advised me to wait for you, as you'd wake eventually." He smirked before getting some teasing digs in. "I trust you and your sister had fun last night?"

"You...know about that...huh?" Ash sheepishly asked, itching the back of his head, realizing that the duo may have been loud enough, even despite Ash urging his sister to stifle her moans.

"No, I just had a very good hunch you two were planning on spending the night together, so I made sure the castle guard felt confident that this wing of the castle need not be patrolled last night." Surge said with a wink and nudge before handing Ash his sword's shoulder sling hilt, the blade both sharpened and polished before hand. "Now, if we're quick enough, we might just see Queen Cynthia and Lady Anabel off."

"With haste, then." Ash commanded, taking the charge.

Quickly descending the stairs from high up in the Castle chambers, all the way down to the central keep, Ash saw the caravan of soldiers making way to Cape Cerulean had all but finished with their preparations, the Queen and the Kanjoh Kingdom's Mantle leading the pack atop their Wyrdeer mounts.

"Wait, please!" Ash called from behind the crowd, the squads of soldiers and the Lords of Kanjoh on the side watching as Ash approached the convoy.

Finally reaching the front of the pack, Ash looked up to his mother and sister, the queen wearing a jet black dress, with decorative hair pieces lining her eloquent and gorgeous long blonde hair. Anabel was just as fetching, the young lady wearing her battle armor, a half silver plate, half chain mail assortment, with her head decorated with a silver helm, the visage of Lugia's maw making a striking statement that Anabel was the proud Mantle of Kanjoh.

"My Queen. My Lady Mantle." Ash said with due honorific titles before the presence of so many. "I bid you a safe, and prosperous journey."

Bowing to the the Sovereign and the Champion of Kanjoh, Ash graciously began to avail himself, taking note of the rank and file soldiers grinning at the Prince, while taking little heed in the whispers of scorn from the Lords, muttering amongst themselves as they saw Ash's biding farewell. Before he began to take leave, however, Ash felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning to face her, Ash looked up at his elder sister, sitting atop her Wyrdeer, her silver armor radiating in the light of the sun, her matching silver Dragoon spear saddled to the side of her mount. She was a picture perfect image of what an angel would be, had Ash ever known one.

"Come, Prince. Let me have your hand." Anabel asked him, her open palm inviting Ash to join his hand with her's.

Without a word, Ash gingerly placed his hand in her own, only for Anabel to look him in the eyes, a faint look of guilt and yet composure, only for her eyes to soften, the Mantle bringing her little brother's hand up to her lips, the young Lady kissing the back of his hand ever so slightly, caring little for the opinion for the gallery of onlookers.

"We will see each other again soon, my Prince." Anabel smiled, her soft gaze different from her normal look.

Though Anabel said the words she said, that wasn't her true meaning. Ash knew all too well his sister's mannerisms, her body language. Though he could not understand why he thought it, to Ash it seemed like Anabel was worried over something. Something was was going to happen, very soon.

"Please be safe, Ashy." Was all Ash could feel could describe the look her eyes gave him.

Releasing her brother's hand, Anabel turned to her mother, nodding to start the caravan.

"Open the gates!" Cynthia ordered.

"Yes, your Majesty!" The gate guard replied, pulling the chains to open the Keep's massive gate.

Leading the charge, Anabel and Cynthia drove their Wyrdeer out of the keep, making their way down into the city, proper, their caravan bound North.

With Ash left to himself, Surge rejoined Ash, his pet Lycanroc in tow.

"Come, Milord. We have our own tasks at hand. We must make North West, ourselves. We've bandits to clear out!" Surge spoke up, handing the reins to his trusty Cyclizar mount, the Dragon type Pokémon eager to ride. "We've a Tauros wagon with us that Lycanroc would go in. You, me and my Storm Squad are to meet with the Northern Garrison before noon, so we've little time to waste.

"What was that about, Surge?" Ash asked absentmindedly. "Why did she make that out like something bad was gonna happen?"

"Pardon me?" Surge asked, not fully paying attention as his focus was on rallying his troops to ready the wagon to set out.

"Something big is going on at Cape Cerulean, isn't it?" Ash muttered.

Realizing Ash had already begun to catch on to his Mother's plans, Surge discreetly looked over his shoulder, hoping to catch sight of the Lords who had overseen the Queen's departure. Seeing that the most troublesome ones had left, Surge turned his attention to Ash's concerns.

"I may be out of place for saying this, but the Queen believes there might be an attempt on her life." He whispered to him.

"What?!" Ash panicked.

"Sshh!" He urged Ash before whispering further. "Our departure to deal with brigands in the mountains is a pretext to give us reason to depart from the Capital without arousing suspicion. The Queen had ordered most of her most loyal, trusted soldiers to occupy the Northern Garrison. We are to convene with them and coordinate an exodus into the wild territories further North."

"Lord Commander, what's going on here?!" Ash whispered, begging to understand what was going on.

"I've said too much as it is. We must leave now before the traitors begin to understand Cynthia's plan." Surge shrilly whispered, breaking away from Ash to resume issuing commands to his soldiers. "Brock! Get your platoon in gear! We needed to be Northbound since yesterday. Come on, ladies! Pick up the pace!!"

Without a word, Ash mounted his Cyclizar, the young man nervously tossing theories in his mind. As he began to worry more and more about his family's well being, a sudden silence came. No soldiers walking about. No mooing Tauros to be heard. Not even his Cyclizar that was beneath him was even around, the young Prince now all of the sudden standing when he knew he had already mounted his Pokémon. Looking around, Ash saw he was truly, completely alone in the Keep's courtyard. Looking up to the sky, it was almost like the entire span of the heavens looked under a grey pall, a bleak, ominous dread hanging over everything.

Suddenly, Ash felt another feeling of fiery warmth, a warmth, he can recall, he felt just like night, right before he drifted to sleep in his sister's tail. Even more unnerving still, Ash felt like he was being watched. Not by Surge, the soldiers, or even the snobby Lords that normally clung to the shadows. A cold, suffocating, unseen glare, like if shadows themselves watched his every move, eyed his very soul, almost as if weighing him.

"There you are..." A distorted voice called.

Turning to see the source of the voice, Ash found nothing, only more bleak emptiness. Suddenly, a strong headache overcame Ash, a searing migraine like none he'd ever had before.

"Milord?" Surge asked, grabbing Ash by the shoulder. "You okay?"

"Huh?!" Ash asked, only to realize everything was back to normal, all except for the agonizing throbbing in his brain that still persisted.

"Head in the clouds, your Grace?" The commander asked. "I know you must be concerned for your family, but you got to remember. Your sister is Lugia. The Guardian of the Seas. No matter what might oppose them, the might of the Silver Wyrm will drive back any force. Now, if you are quite done staring out into space, we must get going."

Despite his opinions that such a strange phenomenon happened, Ash elected to keep such things to himself, believing what he experienced was nothing short of a daydream. After finally departing from the Crimson Keep and leaving Vermillion City behind them, Ash took one final look back at the Capital City that had been his home for so long, knowing not of how long it would be until he returned.

Dawn soon turned to noon, and Ash and his company of soldiers convened at the Pewter Watchtower, home to the Northern Garrison who kept vigilant watch over the area. Letting Surge do the talking, Ash watched as Surge explained things to the soldiers, not quite close enough to hear the conversation. Not before long, Ash, alongside Surge's Storm Squad and the North Watch began to make way to the bandit's hideout.

Though they took the brigands by surprise, Ash and co were left to the disadvantage of the terrain, the criminals having the high ground. Pinned down under a hail of rocks hurled at them by the magical power given to the bandits by the Moon Stones they stole from the mines, Ash and his companions sat helplessly as the bandits continued to pressure their aggressors.

"We can't so much as peak a look at their casters, unless we wanna get crushed by rubble!" Ash cried out. "Do we not have any sort of way to deal with these louts?!"

"I might have an idea..." Surge chuckled, his gravelly voice indicating he had a scheme.

Pulling from his pocket a Thunder Stone, the gem glowing yellow with lightning pulsating within, Surge issued his will upon the Stone, granting him the power needed. Suddenly, a thunderhead churned over the bandits on the mountain's cliff side, the villains none the wiser. With a snap of his fingers, Surge called down a barrage of lightning blasts, dispatching the bandits without even a degree of effort.

"That's a Thunder Stone for ya!" A member of the Storm Squad cheered, pumping his fist in the air in triumph. "That puppy's got some kick to it!"

"They don't call Lord Commander Surge for nothing!" Another cheered.

"That's only the first wave, lads. Stay vigilant. According to our intel, these mines are close quarters and have many winding turns." Surge warned them. "We split up and draw and quarter the brigands here, but I want no man in a group of less than 4! And don't be playing the hero or nothing! Our Queen wishes to see each and every one of us up at the border come dawn, tomorrow."

"Yes sir!" The soldiers all answered, stepping into formation.

"Vasquez. You take squad one through the front entrance. Brock, you take the entrance to the west. The rest of you, take positions around the base of the mountain. Pick off any who try and flee. Leave none standing." Surge ordered.

"By your order!" The soldiers replied once more, taking up their posts.

Ash and Surge left to one another, Ash noticed the Stone Surge had used to smite the bandits earlier lost its sheen, breaking into pieces, it's shards slipping through Surge's fingers, hitting the bedrock beneath them.

"Bloody things are only good for so long..." Surge scoffed, wiping his hands before turning to Ash. "You'd wonder why we even bothered going to war over the blasted things. Such comforts so short lasting, it's hardly even worth it."

"Mother has said similar." Ash spoke up, looking down at the shards at Surge's feet. "She's fantasized much over what a world would be like, had we not had such trivial things bringing all nations across the realms to blows."

"It's a big dream, for sure. And not one she'd give up on so easily." Surge responded, taking a cigar from a box in the nearby supply wagon, turning away from Ash to light it. "Let me ask something of you, Ash. If you had the choice to remove such things from the world, even if it meant dirtying your hands and making life tougher in the short of it, would ya?"

Pondering Surge's question, Ash thought back on how much his life was dictated over the wars that were waged, all due to the Stones. The fact that Mantles like his sister were nothing but slightly less expendable pawns in Nations' efforts to claim more of them. The very thought sickened him.

"I'd be a liar if I were to say I have not used Stones out of convenience, but Mother is right. The Stones are a plight on the people. They may offer us gifts not so easily gained like purified water or fast growing crop, but the bloodshed, the violence. The failure to see reason. And my sister is made to suffer for it, even despite my mother's best attempts to see her away from the battlefield." Ash spoke freely, clenching his fist. "But then again, had such things not existed, I would not be here right now, given a loving family and a regal lifestyle. I've mixed feelings over it, but to answer your question, yes. We'd all be better off if they were to disappear."

Taking a moment to breathe out cigar smoke, Surge looked to the sky, pondering himself, though what specifically, Ash knew not. Dropping his cigar and stomping it out, the Lord Commander patted Ash on the shoulder.

"Well, here's hoping we can work to make such a world possible, one day, eh?" He gruffly spoke before turning his attention to Mt Moon once more. "Come on. The sooner we held that lot wrap this up, the sooner we can make North and I can tell you what this was all about."

"Very well." Ash replied, drawing his sword and making his way up the mountain.

As daylight faded and dusk began to set, just a few leagues to the East, Cynthia, Anabel, and the squadron of Kanjoh soldiers waited at the stone docks of Cape Cerulean, standing as a greeting party to the Duchess of Lumiose, Diantha, alongside a trio of handmaidens. Noticing the ship she chartered was woefully undermanned, both by crew hands as well as Kalosian Soldiers, Cynthia smiled and opened her arms up to greet the Duchess as a gangplank was extended from her vessel.

"My dear Duchess! My has it been too long!" Cynthia warmly greeted the Kalos dignitary, shaking the brunette's hands with her own.

"But it has, Queen Cynthia. You've been well, I trust?" Diantha asked, happy as ever to be reunited with her long time friend before turning to Anabel, decked in her splendid armor and distinctive spear. "Ah, Anabel I presume? I've not seen you since you were but a little girl. And here you are, not only a fine soldier, but a Dragoon, no less! I would hope your brother is fairing just as well?"

"He's doing splendidly, your Grace." Anabel smiled, cordially bowing, her heart to her chest.

"Let us continue our discussions indoors." Cynthia suggested, pointing to the brick fortress just behind her. "Men, see that Diantha's crew is given space amongst the barracks, as well as given a good meal."

"Right away, your Highness!" A captain of the soldiers replied, waving to his men to help the ship's crew unload their cargo.

Dusk soon turned to night, the moon rising over the ocean's horizon as Cynthia and Diantha covered their plans in secret inside the Fortress' top most tower, it's vantage point overlooking the near entirety of the Cape's wharf.

"So that's the long and short of it, I'm afraid. They may have tailed us from a far distance, but I know for certain the galleon I saw follow me was for certain part of the Paldean fleet." Diantha informed the duo. "They will no doubt try to sack this Harbor and try to take both our heads. I, too, have identified suspicious persons in my court I believe whom are collaborating with the Empire. I'm sure it'd benefit them quite a bit if their Duchess were to be slain in a foreign land without any living witnesses to refute the claim if were done by a treacherous Kanjoh assailant. Would be easier to provoke war with Kanjoh after the Empire absorbs Kalos into its fold."

"I doubt the Galar Kingdom would sit idly by and watch its Northeastern Neighbor drop its long-standing neutrality towards them, we're it to be annexed by the Empire. They would come to blows, for sure." Anabel noted, her eyes on the moonlit waters from her window view.

"Which mean this moment will be exactly our best chance to make our move North. Come Diantha. I know we both want the same thing." Cynthia begged. "Come with us. With the Mantle of Xerneas on our side, our new home would be even better defended."

"I'm sorry, but before I might join you, there is business I've with some in the Hoenn Region South of here. I've reason to believe the delicate power struggle between the Magma and Aqua clans is beginning to boil over into a civil war. Diantha apologized. "Both sides have a Mantle of their own, and I had made a promise to the Draconid clan to help serve as a mediator. But I can only have done so discreetly, what with my country's bad blood between us and the people of Hoenn. I must depart as soon as possible. I understand you face some danger imminently, but I'm certain the Guardian of the Seas will be more than enough of a match to whomever this new Mantle Paldea seems to have acquired."

"That's true. If someone had only recently became a Mantle in the Empire, they will not be adept at Attuning so soon. Those first transformations into your Legend are always the most difficult." Anabel replied, holding her hand to her chest as she recalled back to how others described it to her. "It's the memory loss that was the worst of it. Not knowing what you even had done when going berserk like that. I was lucky to know when Mother told me I never hurt anyone."

"I truly am sorry for my abrupt departure." Diantha bowed before throwing a dirty cowl and cloak over herself. "As for my shiphands, I know the chaos will soon ensue. Aside from my handmaidens, I only took those I did not trust. I trust you will see my girls out of here safely?"

"I will protect them with my life." Cynthia nodded her head, accepting the charge. "And for what it's worth, I don't trust the soldiers I brought, either."

"Then I bid you both farewell. May this battle be ever in your favor." Diantha bowed before departing.

"Not that I blame her, but I was truly hoping to count on the power of Xerneas..." Anabel sighed.

"Don't doubt yourself, Ana. You've been training years as a Mantle. Whatever this Mantle may turn out to be, I'm certain you have far more experience." Cynthia affirmed, looking down at the palm of her hand, a soft, sparking blue glow emanating from it. "Even if things do get that out of hand, I will do what I must."

"You don't mean-" Anabel began to say, only for a flash of light on the horizon amidst the darkness to shine, a blatant signal to all in the area.

"That was-" Cynthia noted, rushing to the window, spyglass in hand.

"A full Attuning. So the Empire moves in earnest, then." Anabel noted, grabbing her spear propped against the wall. "I will face this Mantle head on. I'll do what I can to cause as much chaos for you and Diantha's handmaidens to slip out of here. After that, I'll try and slip into the ocean and find my way to you later."

"Anabel, wait!" Cynthia called to her adopted daughter as the young Mantle took to the tower's open balcony, the Dragoon standing on the edge of the railing. "Be careful..!"

Smiling with brimming confidence, Anabel chuckled, winking to her Queen.

"Don't worry, mother. I made a promise to my brother!" She smiled, clutching a ball of condensed, rapidly spiraling air in her hand. "I intend to keep it!"

Casting a small scale Aeroblast at her feet, Anabel propelled herself high into the air, spinning her spear in her arms before holding a pose, throwing out her arms like a bird's wings before a flash of light emanated from her. As the light died down, Cynthia looked up in the sky at an airborne sphere of water, the orb of liquid bursting to reveal Lugia, the Guardian of the Seas.

Crying out a bellowing, confrontational cry, the sound of the raging ocean coming from her breath, Lugia flew towards the harbor, taking note of a silhouette underneath the waves. Suddenly Koraidon burst from the ocean, the Legendary of Paldea, crashing into the stone harbor, the massive lizard cracking the pavement under its own weight.

"We've been waiting for you, Mantle of Paldea." Lugia spoke using telepathy. "You will face the wrath of the Sea Wyrm tonight!"

A deep, guttural roar from Lugia surged out, the massive Legend's voice itself strong enough to blow over nearby wagons and disturb the waves. Koraidon responded in turn, bellowing out with a roar like sounding war drums. As the two Legends had their standoff, Kanjoh soldiers noticed row boats making landfall, squadrons of soldiers spilling out onto the docks.

"Leave none left standing!" A Paldean squad captain ordered to his men, the Empire's soldiers rushing to meet the Kingdom's.

"We're under attack! Call for the Keep's garrison!" A Kanjoh squad captain ordered to his underling, the fledgling soldier running to the fortress to rally any soldiers still inside, looking back only to see the Empire's troops began to rush in.

As steel clashed and blood began to spill, Lugia and Koraidon maintained their gaze upon each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

"Not coming, eh? Well then how about this?!" Lugia spoke, firing her Scale Shot, her silver scales like careening missiles.

Dodging the attack only just barely, Koraidon lept back and ran across the pier, smashing part of the Kalos ship's hull in the process before ultimately breathing out its Flamethrower attack. Firing Hydro Pump to quench the flames, Lugia began to position herself above Koraidon, only for Lugia to underestimate how nimble this Mantle was in their Legend's body, the great Lizard's claws grazing Lugia's leg with a Dragon Claw.

"Ahhh!" Lugia screeched, her cries of anguish shrill enough to stun the skirmishing soldiers nearby, all of whom began to desperately cover their ear in agony.

Recovering from the attack, Lugia shot a Psyshock attack at Koraidon, concentrated balls of Psychic energy smashing against the scaled beast. Reeling from the attack, but still able to keep going, Koraidon ran across the harbor in a flanking maneuver, crushing nearly half a dozen Paldean soldiers underfoot in the process. Scaling the walls of the Keep, Koraidon's long white protrusions on its head transformed into wings, the wind under them just enough to help close the gap between it and its opponent.

Grabbing Lugia by the throat, Koraidon began to assail Lugia with several punches to the face, Lugia flying around erratically, desperate to shake it off. Suddenly, Lugia's pupils began to constrict, her rage coming back in the form of a retaliating Aeroblast, the devastating air cannon not only enough to blast Koraidon off her, but sending dozens of soldiers flying and reducing the Kalos ship to splinters, the pinpoint attack piercing through its hull like a hot knife through butter.

As the battle raged on outside, Cynthia desperately guided Diantha's handmaidens out through the back of the keep, through a discreet narrow hallway at the back end of the fortress, only to be confronted with a single stray Paldean Soldier who managed to break through the Kanjoh defenses.

"Ah, the Queen..! Fortune favors me! Once I've cleaved your head from your shoulders and present it to my Emperor, he will appoint me his Lord Commander." The soldier gloated, his face underneath his helmet no doubt leering in arrogance. "Take solace in knowing your end lifts me to greater heights!"

The soldier brought his great sword down with a wild swing, Cynthia sidestepping without any effort.

"Hold still, damn harpy!" The man growled, already grown impatient and sloppy, struggling to keep his center of balance steady.

"Your form is so ugly. Would the Emperor really want such an unrefined slug of a man such as you to lead his forces?" Cynthia smugly taunted him, the woman not even yet drawn her weapon.

"Silence, whore!" The man shouted, swinging his sword once more, sending it crashing into the stone wall where Cynthia stood in front of.

"That was your second mistake." Cynthia smiled sadistically, drawing her rapier on her side, thrusting it through a chink in the soldier's armor, her blow piecing through an artery under his armpit. "Such a way to address me is only reserved for my darling children."

Flinging the blood from her sword's tip, Cynthia left the now collapsed man to bleed to death, returning to her task of escorting Diantha's maidens to safety.

"Surge, I hope you're all wrapped up on your end." She thought to herself.

Just prior to the events transpiring at Cape Cerulean, back at Mt. Moon, just on a ridge below the summit, Surge's Storm Squad and the North Watch had finally finished erecting a pyre, throwing the bodies of the slain bandits atop the lit flame. Wiping his gloves of the blood that stained them, Surge took a deep breath in, realizing that his team was just barely ahead of schedule.

"Alright, men. Take 5 and catch your breath. Our Queen will need us ready to begin the exodus soon enough!" Surge ordered the troops.

"Yes, Commander!" The soldiers cheered, taking out their flasks of water and wrapped food rations.

Sitting on a rock away from the others, Ash began to sharpen his sword with a whetstone, the moon's light upon the blade, shining into his eyes. Putting his hand up to his Silver Scale Pauldron, Ash began to wonder what Anabel would be up to, right about now. He began to wonder what would've been so concerning for her to have given him that look earlier in the day. Shaking his head, Ash sheathed his sword and looked up to the sky, hoping that maybe, just maybe, he'd get his answers.

Thinking now as good a time as any to ask Surge what was really going on, Ash got off his rocky seat, only for that same familar warmth to come over him. Knowing that something was off, just like what he experienced before, Ash looked around.

Then, in but a blink where nothing but brush and boulders were stood a hooded figure, his features completely indistinguishable in the darkness. As the figure began to turn around and walk further up the mountain path, Ash began to suspect it was a stray bandit they must have overlooked.

"Hey, you! Stop!" Ash shouted, readying his sword and pursuing the suspect.

"Ash?" Surge asked, swearing he could have heard his protege yelling, only to look up and notice Ash running up the mountain, sword in hand. "Hey, wait!"

Following Ash, Surge began to run up the mountain path as well, the young Prince still quite a head start on him. Reaching the very top of the mountain, Ash looked around, knowing that there was nowhere for the man to run or hide.

"We've killed all your friends, cutthroat!" Ash threatened the man, though he lost sight of him. "Come on out and I promise your end will be swift!"

Ash began to look and look until his eyes turned Eastward, towards Cape Cerulean. Though the fort was still leagues away, the shockwaves from the now ensuing explosive battle caused disturbances in the air, even as far inland as Ash was.

"Wait...that's..!" Ash gasped, his guard lowering.

Suddenly, the pained cries of Lugia, carried on the wind had reached Ash's ears. His eyes widening, knowing the sounds of Lugia's cries for all the times he stayed for Anabel's Attuning training.

"Ana..!" Ash panicked, realizing that no mere bandit quarrel was worth his time at this point. "I'm coming!"

Before Ash could turn, however, in but the blink of the eye, the hooded figure seemingly appeared right in front of Ash, but merely a couple feet away, clad in a pure white robe and a golden cowl. His hood obscuring the top half of his face kept the mysterious man an enigma to Ash. Only the sickly pale skin of his aged, wrinkly face and scarred, dried lips could be seen, mouthing an incantation in a language Ash didn't recognize.

Frozen in shock from the experience, Ash remained motionless as the hooded figure raised his arm upward, his crooked, decaying finger mere inches from Ash's face. Once more, the man spoke, only this time, no sounds left his mouth, and not long after that, all perception of sound left Ash's senses. Only after the man had finally finished mouthing his listless words did an eerie, conspiring smile stretch across his face.

Suddenly, the cloak of the man began to spontaneously ignite, the flames swathing him completely. Ash remained inert, frozen for whatever reason, be it fear or panic, or some other worldly power all together compelling him to remain still. As Surge finally climbed to the top of the mountain, his eyes looked up at Ash, the young man's back turned to him, only for a moment before a fiery explosion threw him backwards. Dazed, but quick on the recovery, Surge readied himself for a fight, only to be halted in fear immediately.

Perched atop the peak of the mountain was a massive bird of fire, it's size rivaling Lugia itself. It's plumage crackled like a blazing wildfire, its talons sharp as obsidian shards, and its mouth ebbing out sulfuric fumes. The great beast threw its head up into the sky, a mystical cry bellowed from its beak, with a sound of crackling embers and what sounded peculiarly like a shrine's bell chimes coming from it. Not a moment later, and the monster began beating its wings, the hurricane like force throwing Surge off his feet once more as it took to the sky.

By the time the Lord Commander was able to get up again, the Phoenix had already departed from the mountains, setting sights on Cape Cerulean in fiery fury.

"What just happened?!" Surge gasped, looking around the area only to realize Ash was nowhere to be seen. "Milord?! Ash!! Call if you can hear me!!"

"Sir, what just happened?!" Brock asked, the North Watch and the Storm Squad having climbed the mountain after they heard the explosion.

"I...I don't know!" Surge heaved, worried what happened to Ash. "I heard Ash yelling, and I saw him run up to the top of the mountain, and then...then..."

Surge began to reflect on what had transpired. In the briefest of moments he was able to see before that massive fire bird appeared, Surge saw Ash staring off toward the East, no doubt towards Cape Cerulean. Then, in the blink of an eye, a vortex of fire enraptured Ash, the young Prince gone and the Phoenix taking his place.

"No..! That's impossible!" Surge gasped, looking to the East as he saw the fire bird beelining it towards the coast. "There's no way..! He wasn't a Mantle-he couldn't have been!! We would've known by now!"

"Your orders, sir!" Brock asked, desperate for guidance.

"We follow that monster! Cynthia would have never predicted this. If that...thing gets caught up in the battle at the Cape, then our Queen and Lady Anabel are in danger! We gotta get them out of there!" Surge cried, flailing his hand about. "What are you still standing around for?! MOVE IT!!"

"Yes sir!" The Soldiers replied, rushing down the path to the mounts and Tauros led wagons.

"It can't be! There's no way that's him!" Surge said to himself, tossing around the idea in his mind, checking the area for Ash's body one more time, to no avail.

As the battle between Lugia and Koraidon remained a standstill, devastation wrought upon the keep and harbor in their wake, the last wave of Kanjoh soldiers outside the fortress were finally cut down. Seeing to raid the Fortress and assassinate Queen Cynthia, all of the foot soldiers began to charge into the keep, with the captain of the Empire's troops remaining outside, now looking up at the two titanic beasts brawling it out.

"What are you waiting for, Mantle?! Finish it off, already!" The captain ordered Koraidon.

As Lugia began to circle overhead once more, Koraidon clutched its hands together, forming a sphere of energy, a Focus Blast it intended to lob the second a good shot was available. Suddenly, Koraidon noticed a burning flame in the sky, careening towards them. Canceling its attack, Koraidon reached to grab the Captain, the armored man like the size of a small doll in the hands of the massive bipedal dragon.

"What are you doing, you imbecile?!" The man shouted up to Koraidon, fruitlessly stabbing Koraidon's hand, his dagger not so much as even cracking the scales.

"You want to burn?" A voice from Koraidon called out via telepathy, the dragon nodding to the fire bird rapidly approaching, its radiant flames illuminating itself in the night sky.

"By the Holy Emperor...what is that thing?!" The man's demeanor briefly changed to fear before immediately demanding Koraidon to retreat. "Get me out of here! Forget the others, they're expendable!"

Hesitating for a moment, Koraidon seemed to scoff at the command, whether it was the act itself or the man issuing it was unclear, but Koraidon fled all the same, jumping several stories up and out to sea, swimming back to the Paldean ship anchored leagues offshore, holding the captain just above the water as it paddled away.

Wondering why her opponent would suddenly retreat, Lugia turned around only to be met with a violent Phoenix barreling towards her, a Flare Blitz primed, its body alight in harsh blue flames. Dodging just in time, Lugia watched as the sudden intruder smashed into one of the towers of the keep, decimating the infrastructure, the heat of the fire bird's body hot enough to start melting the masonry.

"Another one?!" Lugia gasped, watching as the Phoenix began to dig itself out of the debris from the tower it crashed into, the firebird's eyes pitch black.

"Wait, this is different..! This one's gone berserk..!" Anabel said from within her Legend, flapping her wings to get back into the air. "Hold on! Didn't that one come from behind me? From the West?!"

Flying over the keep and heading West, Lugia soared over of the forest just beyond the keep, knowing that Cynthia told her earlier she'd flee there to to join up with the North Watch. Seeing its target fleeing, the Phoenix cried out in rage, engulfing it's body once more, flying after Lugia in hot pursuit. Clipping Lugia's side with its wing, swatting her to the forest below, the Phoenix began to fly high up, crying out in crazed blood-thirst. Reeling from the attack, Lugia shook her head before looking up, noticing the firebird flying down at a rapid pace.

A dive bomb! Swathed in hellishly hot flames, the Legend screamed out as Lugia raised her wings up, forming a shield made of magical energy, taking the hit head on. Though the force field held against the attack, the ground beneath didn't, cratering underneath the massive force. The ground soon gave way, the two Legends plummeting into a spacial ravine below. Tumbling ever downward, hitting jagged cliffs on the way down before the ravine opened up to a massive underground cavern, its roof held raised by a myriad of stone pillars, far too uniform to be a natural rock formation.

"This is the cavern system said to lie underneath Cape Cerulean..!" Lugia said to herself telepathically, finally straightening herself out, wind beneath her wings again. "And those pillars...are those Celestica ruins?!"

Lugia turned her head around as her hostile opponent crashed into one such pillar, smashing it with its massive body, the creature laying atop the pillar before turning attention to Lugia again, casting Incinerate by firing many of its flaming feathers like missiles towards her. Countering with Scale Shot, Lugia canceled out the attack before beginning to fly backwards, shooting scales at the Phoenix as it shot a Flamethrower at her.

"I made a promise to my brother! I won't let you stop me from returning to him!" Anabel said in her Legend form as she dodged the attack.

As the battle prolonged, the duo flying between pillars, Lugia nimbly avoided every attack the firebird launched, the aggressor far more clumsy, smacking into pillar after pillar in its blind rage. Using its sharp talons to clutch to the side of a pillar, the Legend cried in rage, engulfing its body once more in harsh blue fire, jumping off the pillar as leverage to catch up to Lugia. Spinning through the air, Lugia elegantly avoided the attack, seeing the opportunity to strike her opponent's exposed flank.

From her mouth, Lugia shot a devastatingly powerful Aeroblast, blowing the Legend down into the ever descending dark depths of the cavern beneath them. Waiting for a moment to make sure it didn't re-emerge, Lugia began to turn away, only for the Phoenix to soar back up, its fire in its feathers now glowing like every color of the rainbow. Opening its beak, the Legend cried in a mixture of pain and rage, rivers of fire pouring off its body and into a sphere in front of its mouth.

The energy gathering, Lugia noticed this thing needed to be stopped, and fast.

"Thats way too much..! It'd destroy the entire forest above with that..!" Lugia said to herself before shooting a plethora of scales at the Legend.

The Phoenix, however, took the attack head on, letting its body be torn apart by sharp scales. Soon enough, the massive fireball began to glow a harsh white, the Phoenix casted what was its end all, be all. Sacred Fire was flung at Lugia, the Guardian of the Sea dwarfed by the intense orb of heat.

"No..! Can't dodge it!" Anabel panicked from inside Lugia, trying to move her body to avoid the impending attack.

But it was fruitless! The fireball hit Lugia square in the stomach, sending her flying back, further into the chasm. As the fireball exploded, destroying several stone pillars in its wake, the Phoenix flapped its wings, staying aloft and studying the darkness to see if it slain its target.

But from within the dark blew a bright silver light, a glowing circular barrier of scales swirling around Lugia's body, it's Multi Scale ability help resist the otherwise certainly fatal attack.

"My scales may dull, but they will never break!" Lugia cried triumphantly, readying a powerful Dragon Rush, the Legend suffusing her body in a vibrant violet light before rocketing toward the exhausted Phoenix, hitting it square in the chest.

Up above on the surface, Cynthia and Diantha's attendants were making their way through the forest, having heard the battle between the dueling Legends, yet not having seen it themselves.

"I never would have figured the fighting would make it this far West." Cynthia noted, somewhat concerned that the destruction would mean the forest and its inhabitants could potentially suffer unnecessary harm.

"My Queen!" A voice called out in the dark, Surge and his Storm Squad arriving at the rendezvous as instructed.

"Ah, Commander. I trust all faired well on your end?" Cynthia asked, ignorant to the situation.

"No! Something's gone horribly wrong!" Surge panicked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Looking around at the group behind the man, Cynthia realized her son was missing.

"Where's Ash?" She asked, only to interrupted as the ground began to quake.

A few leagues to the South East of them, Lugia dove up from underground, the Phoenix still pierced in the stomach by her attack, the Guardian of the Sea driving the battle back to the keep. Smashing into the keep itself, the titanic Legends' crash landing reduced what little remained of the fortress to rubble, the firebird trapped beneath the rubble, weakened and badly wounded, its chest bleeding from Lugia's last attack.

"Now to end it!" Anabel said from within Lugia, an Aeroblast condensing in front of her mouth.

Suddenly, Anabel felt a presence within her opponent. A familiar Silver Scale she had seen to fashion into a Pauldron for her brother. Canceling her attack, Lugia looked on in horror as the convulsing Legend in front of her lay in agony, crying out in pain.

"N...no-no-no..!" Anabel mouthed to herself, in denial of what she had just perceived. "This can't be real! There's no way..! Ash!"

Losing her will to fight, Lugia simply flapped her wings above her brother, still in shock and denial that her brother was a Mantle, her distraught mind forgetting that the Phoenix was still berserk, not capable of rationality. Beneath the rubble, the firebird's body began to hum in a golden glow, triggering its Regenerator ability, healing its wounds and restoring its vigor and rekindling its rage. Breaking free from the rubble that trapped it, the Legend cried out in wild fury once more, taking off and piercing Lugia with its beak, taking both of them up into the sky.

"What in the hell is going on up there?" The Paldean captain said from his vessel, the Imperial soldier and the Paldean Mantle now in human form watching as the phoenix continued to carry Lugia higher and higher, above the ocean.

"Fight it, Ash! Take control!" Lugia begged to her brother, shooting Psyshock from her mouth, only for her lack of will to fight to make such a feeble defense pointless, the psychic sphere attack harmlessly popping on the wings of the enraged Legend.

Suddenly, Lugia felt an unbearable amount of heat emanating from the Phoenix's body, its feathers once again glowing like the rainbow. Sensing that an attack beyond measure was inevitably to not only engulf her, but the surrounding area, Lugia swathed her wings around the firebird, even at it relentlessly kept jabbing her with its sharp beak. Surrounding the duo in a Multi Scale shield to help contain the impending explosion, Lugia held tight to her brother.

"Calm down, Ash!" Lugia gently pleaded. "Ana's here for you."

Her words fell on deaf ears, the fire Legend's eyes still black as tar, control still beyond the one inside. The heat soon began to become unbearable, Anabel now worrying her shield could not contain it all.

"Ash!" Anabel called out one last time, embracing her brother's Attuned body in her own, her wings gently holding him like a hug.

The Phoenix then released all of its pent up fire energy all at once, it's Burn Up triggering a devastatingly hot explosion that shattered the Multi Scale, incinerated what was left of the port and the keep, and began to evaporated the tides that lapped away at the harbor, the explosion that could be heard as far south as Viridian City. Falling from the sky, the Phoenix plummeted below, the rubble of the fortress breaking its fall. Lugia, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Fire began to spread throughout the forest, halting Cynthia and Surge's attempts to return to the keep.

"No! I can't have failed them!" Cynthia panicked, her body beginning to glow, only to be halted by Surge.

"My Lady, don't! You know the price it's tolls!" Surge urged her.

"I have to save them!" Cynthia stammered, clamoring in a sweat.

"Follow the North Watch to our exodus! Leave their rescue to me and my Storm Squad!" He pleaded, holding her shoulders to force her to make eye contact with him. "I will bring them back!"

Hesitating, Cynthia closed her eyes, unhappy with the decision she would be making.

"Fine! I'll go!" She relented, turning to join the North Watch. "You all better make it back safe."

"We will, my Queen." Surge assured her. "Vasquez, you take your unit to contain the forest fires! Brock, you and the rest are with me!"

"Yes sir!" His soldiers responded.

Amidst the brimstone and smoldering wreckage, the firebird's form dissipated, leaving behind the unconscious body of Ash Ketchum, the Prince left behind in a creator his own doing. Standing atop him was the hooded figure who Ash happened upon on the mountain summit, the decrepit figure looming over him with an insidious smile.

"And thus arises Ho oh: The Phoenix of Rebirth." The robbed figure said with a deep, humming echo to his voice. "Your destiny is yet to unfold."

Disappearing in the blink of an eye, the robbed man left before Ash began to briefly stir from his unconsciousness, only to once again succumb to the pain, left alone amid the burning wreckage.

Author's Note: Hello once again, dear readers! YaboySteven back again with a brand new story. A high fantasy like story featuring a warring world where humans can transform into Legendary Pokemon. Much like many of my stories, this will be a harem story, but not one that will incorporate hypnosis, unlike most of my stories. You all might be wondering where this suddenly came from.

To put it bluntly, after publishing my first chapter of the DND styled fanfic I made a while back, I realized I was not satisfied with it. So instead, I intended to give up on that one and start the fantasy story out fresh, with a plot centric Prologue to get you all to understand the concept and plot that is behind this new story. Harem based content will be there in chapters to come, should anyone be interested in seeing me carry this story further.

I personally hope you all enjoyed reading this, as this is by far my longest single chapter ever, and I personally very much enjoyed writing it. I hope you all will agree. Now, as for other fanfics, I will continue to work on my other works, primarily the Highschool fanfic, when I have the time. Some projects will remain on hiatus until my writer' block for those specific works gets undone (I primarily refer to Ash's Hypno Harem part 2), so I hope you all will be able to remain excited for my future installments to come.

Either way, I hope you all enjoy this new fanfic, as this will be replacing my previous fantasy fanfic from this point onward. Hope to hear from you all in the reviews. Happy reading!