Ron the True Fan: (Pets a hurt Gible) It's a sad day when Gible gets abused.
Takeshi Yamato: That's true enough.
Empire of Ransei - Aurora Province, Imperial Palace - 1014 hours local time - Day 254 of Ash Ketchum's Pokemon Journey
"You let them escape?" the Prince demanded.
"His Charizard was going to hit us with a fraction of a sun." Governor Nene retorted. "Blast Burn is not something you just walk off. Even Pokemon need time to recover from getting hit with superheated plasma."
Well, she had a point. "Find them. Then call in an air strike or something: that Charizard's not bulletproof." he ordered.
"Yes, my lord." the kunoichi said before leaving. Koumahito did not bother correcting her on the title. His father wasn't dead.
His mother was screaming about it, but the doctors were loyal to him and too competent to just let his old man die. But he was in no shape to run the Empire.
HE was in charge at long last.
But to consolidate his rule, he had to get rid of the foreigners. Ash Ketchum was THE biggest threat to his authority. Koumahito may not have had his sister's brains - he got the combined patience of their parents - but he recognized Ash as a threat. Hero complex and all that.
'Pokemon are being abused! I must stop whatever's doing it' and all that crap. Naivety.
His ancestor did not rise up because of a noble cause. Nobunaga was a threat. He chose to forgive that and allowed his family control of one of the most inhospitable locations in Ransei because of public opinion. Personally, Koumahito wanted the entire family stripped of their status and sent into the seas. So did his mother. His father didn't.
And Ash was little better then Nobunaga: unwelcome.
…But killing him was not on the agenda. The Tree of Beginning's bond to his family line was proven fact. Kill Ash, it's effectively suicide that takes longer.
That said… his sister was being a pain in the ass all the time. Why not put her to good use? Oh, that was a good idea.
How to make the world comply in one easy step: obey or the Tree of Beginning would die. Well, first, Ash had to put a brat in Tatsuki's belly.
Matter of time before they were found for that. He could wait.
Yakasha Province - roughly the same time
Tatsuki blushed, Ash scowled. Someone was talking about them in a way that one found embarrassing, the other annoying.
"I know you're unamused, Ash, but seriously." Kyoji commented on the scowl. "That just does not belong on your face."
"I am well aware." Ash said, trying not to snap. "But I can't shake the feeling someone's making lewd comments about me."
Kyoji could not resist laughing. "Isn't that a good thing?"
"I get the feeling it's not." Ash retorted dryly.
The swamplands were not exactly comfortable, but they were filled with Dark-types. That cloaked their psychic signatures.
And while the psionically-charged Illusio was practically next door, Ash wouldn't be causing mass death by people looking into his skull thanks to that. Bonus benefits and all.
Kyoji then cleared his throat, preparing to discuss something more important. "About what happened…" he started.
"I don't want Ransei to end up like Orre or Unova." Ash answered, cutting off the question.
"…Ok, Orre, I get, but… Unova?" Kyoji asked.
"Team PLasma got REALLY close to taking over the region. If N didn't grow a brain and realize his dad was a control freak, they'd've successed." Ash explained. "Hopefully Charizard torching him in Cinnabar makes him realize that Pokemon make their own choices if they want to be balled or not."
"You threatened to use Charizard to Blast Burn those ninjas." Kyoji said.
"I was bluffing." Ash replied. "There are only five people I actually want to see dead. One of them already is. Those ninjas? They're doing their job. I wanted them to back off."
"Charizard sure as shit didn't look like he was bluffing." Kyoji deadpanned, Gible nodding along.
"I said I was bluffing. Charizard wasn't."
"Ok, THAT makes more sense."
"Got to love Secret Power." Misty said as Psyduck did what Psyduck does. Ash insisted they use two quote 'secret bases', one for the girls, one for the smaller number of guys. As Ash clearly wasn't interested in seeing them scantily clad anytime soon and even Serena, who teased Ash endlessly, wasn't willing to force it, they agreed.
Tatsuki was dumbstruck by yet another subversion of her expectations of male behavior. And honestly, she was getting tired of things NOT MAKING SENSE.
He didn't peep on her. He kept his eyes well north of her chin. Outside the Gible incident, he kept his distance.
And Serena grinned at seeing her confusion. "You know, it's kinda inevitable…" she started.
"Leave her alone." Iris cut in.
'Agreed.' Anabel sent telepathically, attempting to cut down on the noise. 'If you want a victim for your perversions-'
'Victim, sweety, implies they didn't want it.' Serena, mostly Jade, thought back. 'I'm all about CONSENT.'
'…I was going to say 'take me',' Anabel finished, Serena making a giggle before double-taking on Anabel.
'What,' said all of her personalities AND Astral Serena, the latter in total disbelief.
Anabel blushed, though only Misty noticed, leaving the others to discuss their own problems. 'Look, if it spares everyone else your teasing… I'll be your willing virgin sacrifice.'
Serena just blinked. ALL hands on deck to process this turn of events. She… finally got someone to agree to something. And had zero idea how to proceed.
'I thought this would take years! Weeks and weeks of knowing one another-' Jade started.
'Apparently we annoyed her to the point of giving in.' Asuka added, sulking.
'Unlikely. Her blush indicates her own curiosity on the matter.' Rey remarked. 'A life spent with Sabrina is as asexual as one can get. However, we must proceed with caution. We may have more knowledge, but zero practical experience.'
Jade smirked 'Well, if we want that-'
'ASH AND ASH ALONE.' went ALL of them. THAT overwhelmed their overly-horny personality.
'…we could practice with toys…' she muttered.
'…Perhaps later.' Rey acquiesced, Astral Serena STARING at her corporeal self. 'MUCH later. For now…perhaps we should let Anabel into this discussion?'
Misty wisely just left the two to have their mental talk. Or whatever it was. Serena was a massive pervert in this timeline.
"Is she-" Tatsuki asked.
"A massive pervert all the time?" Misty cut off. "Yes. But she does stop when it gets serious or if it's REALLY a bad time."
"I thought that was a boy thing." the princess said, though her eyes told a different story, Misty hoping that she wouldn't be just as bad as Serena.
"Did you learn all your social lessons from manga or something?" Misty asked. "Girls can be just as big perverts as men.'' She then gave the Ranseian royal a critical look. "Sometimes worse."
"…I'm not allowed to get out much. I sneak out, but… I stick out like a sore thumb." the princess admitted. "And I'm impulsive."
Misty's eyes narrowed. "We figured when we learned you tried to stab Ash with a freaking sword." she said dryly.
"I thought he was barging in to look at me naked!" Tatsuki retorted.
"Ash? A peeping tom?" Misty said, trying not to laugh. "That… That's comical."
She tried imagining Ash doing just that. All she got was him looking into her eyes lovingly over fences, cracked open doors and bushes, not at her boobs.
It was adorable AND funny.
Tatsuki just STARED in confusion.
Pikachu chuckled at Tatsuki's face. It was in a state best described as 'the fuck'.
"Pika." 'I suppose we need a plan.' he 'suggested'.
"Yeah, we do. But I'd rather not create an armed insurrection." Ash said. "Kick Tatsuki's mom and brother in the face and get them locked up for the rest of their lives, sure. But not take over the region. I already have ONE unwanted kingdom."
And cue Tatsuki's 'the fuck' look intensifying. This girl was gold. "Pikachu?" 'So, what do we do? Talk to the local governors and ask for their help?' he asked.
Kyoji snorted. "Yeah, no. Illusio's governors just run the place, they stay out of imperial court politics." he said, translating the whole thing for those who couldn't speak Pokemon. "And while we might get help from Yakasha's governor, I doubt Spectura's going to bother. The dead don't care."
Ash sighed. "I'll talk to those guys, then. Ghosts LOVE me." he said, not looking forward to dealing with the spirit channelers. "I'm effectively Giratina's brother. They might listen."
"We're not going with you." Misty said shakily, surprising both Ash and the others who knew of her… condition. "I've had enough spiritual encounters. I don't want to be anywhere you aren't-"
"If those Shadow Pokemon weren't dead already…" Ash cut in, showing just how much he cared for their safety and well-being and how little patience he had left for those that endangered it.
"But I want to be near powerful ghosts even LESS." she finished. "…Just make it quick."
"Yakasha is on the other coast. It'll take a few days to get there unless you fly." Tatsuki explained.
Ash pulled out a Pokeball. "I have a Pidgeot. She just needs a map of the region to find her way around." he said. "I'll be back in a day or two, hopefully."
"You're taking me with you." Max all but ordered, adjusting his glasses. "It's part of your-"
"You're going to Illusio." Ash cut off. "I'm not happy dealing with the spirits any more then you are, but I'd rather deal with them then have to deal with some ghost possessing you." Personal experience was a bitch like that.
Anabel blanched at the idea of going to a location with a large number of trained psychics, but Serena put a hand on her shoulder and… she relaxed, but was blushing heavily?
Pikachu cackled. "Pipi." 'At least someone gets it.' he said. Ash ignored the comment.
"Can someone get me a map for Pidgeot?" he asked. "I got tired of being lost a LONG time ago."
Ranseian Royal Palace - 1247 hours local time - Day 255
Three of Ransei's most important nobles were waiting to speak with him. Ume Motochika of Fontaine Province, Tatsu Yoshimoto of Chrysalia Province and Yamagi Ieyasu of Valora Province were three of the most powerful members of the court outside the Emperor himself.
Fontaine produced all the power in the western part of Ransei with its' massive number of hydroelectric dams and waterfall-powered turbines. Chrysalia's silks brought in massive profits for luxury goods. And Valora continued to serve as the political hub of Ransei.
His plan worked. Oh, sure, the Ferrans WERE responsible for the bombing, but this was supposed to take place years from now. After all, thanks to his ancestor, his family were literally unable to assassinate one another. Naive fool thought that if they couldn't kill one another, they would be forced to talk out their problems.
Still, a nagging thought in the back of the Prince's mind needled at him. Ketchum. Ash was the heroic type, though more a reluctant 'don't want to, but have to because no one else will' breed. And while they had their own league… Ransei's Pokemon and trainers were not up to par.
Their champion? At most, Elite Four elsewhere. Even that fairy queen Dianthia in Kalos could crush their local League Champion. The Elite Four? Mid-tier Gym Leaders were their counterparts. Gym Leaders were the same as Ace Trainers outside Ransei.
Technology had eroded their skills. And now a proper Champion-level trainer with a concrete sense of right and wrong was in Ransei, loose and without supervision. And if those idiot priestesses were right, the true Chosen of Arceus.
He needed to be found, locked up and preferably putting enough children in his now-clearly rebellious sister as possible to ensure their dominance over the planet before getting two rounds to the head.
His mother, who was downing sake straight from the damn bottle from her throne, was also concerned. Komuahito thought it was the same thing: Ash.
She wasn't. There was something different going through her mind. She knew she only had two children. But the Emperor was allowed to take as many concubines as he wished so long as they truly consented.
So when Komuahito started acting like… a spoiled dick… he shook his head, but did nothing. Sayaka assumed it was because he didn't care or was planning on removing him from the line of succession in favor of their daughter, who took too much after him.
NOW, though… those rumors that he had another child, an OLDER one… WELL, that ruined her plans to run the empire using her son as a puppet.
Ash WAS a worry, given Shamouti, but… the military could handle him. A potential rival to the throne was another can of worms.
One they DIDN'T need to deal with.
Yakasha Province - 1325 hours local time
Ash kept his eye on the sky. Something was off. Something had been off since… well, he got there, but still.
"Stupid question, but I haven't noticed anything other then shrines to Giratina, Palkia and Dialga." he said, hoping to avoid Misty slapping him for deciding to go alone. Max had made it clear where Ash went, he went, even threatening legal action even Taggard wanted to avoid, but the girls going near the ghosts was a no-no. "Where are the other legendaries?"
Mei looked uncomfortable with the question. Kyoji was just confused.
"Uh… why?" he asked.
"Well, this might sound stupid, but legendary Pokemon maintain a sort of balance in the local area. Keep the whole flow of the world going right, if you get the idea." Ash explained. "But I've been feeling something was WRONG with Ransei since we got here. Hard to describe."
"We should table this discussion until we return here." Mei cut in quickly.
Ash sighed, releasing Pidgeot. "Misty, I know you're mad-" The swimmer marched up to him and slapped him. He just brushed it off before she hugged him. "Buh?"
"You selfish, selfless bastard." she said. "You're leaving us alone when we need you and you need us just to keep us away from ghosts. You're not the only ones with living crutches. You ARE our crutch." Ash knew that.
Kinda why Kyoji was looking sheepish, much to Becca's confusion. Forgiven, yes, NOT forgotten. Brock was one of the many non-romantic living emotional supports Ash had.
Hell, even the TRio were a comfort in their own twisted fashion!
"…I'll… be back as soon as possible." Ash said. "I don't wanna deal with ghosts, either."
Misty let him go. "Just count yourself lucky you're not the only one." she said, referring to the others. Serena's efforts to make all the girls… well, go from one side of the fence to straddling it were bearing fruit. Robin was openly staring at Misty's sizable behind, for example, though she had no clue WHY.
The girls were supporting each other. Anabel even looked less worried about the psychics for some reason, but was sporting a MASSIVE blush. He could guess why. But he wouldn't pry and DIDN'T want to know.
"Pikapi." 'Ash, you need to hear this from me.' his starter said. "Pika." 'You're an idiot.'
"Better an idiot then a pervert." Ash replied, climbing onto Pidgeot's back, Max clamboring up, his instructor sighing and helping him up. "I want you to know that the second a ghost shows up, you RUN. Period. You're not ready for them."
"And when will I if I don't get some practice in?" Max retorted. A fair question.
"When we have time and not in a hostile area where the locals kinda want us all dead." Ash answered, Max scowling but not arguing with the logic. "Lavender Town. In Kanto. NOT here."
With that, Ash patted Pidgeot's neck, signalling her to take flight, heading for Spectra Province.
"…You know why he was asking about the legendary thing, don't you?" pried Kyoji toward Mei.
"Not. Now." the priestess ground out. "Later."
"Fair enough." said the specops soldier. "Well, don't worry. I'll make sure no one knows we're on the move."
"Comforting." Serena said dryly, sounding like her princess-y persona as she pulled Anabel close.
Kyoji had a good idea what was going on there. But they were Ash's girls. And while HE was more comfortable with juggling his job and romance… Ash needed a kick to the head.
Or just a LOT of therapy. Probably mostly the therapy and a boot to the ass.
Entry 113: Yakasha Province
Swampland for miles, Yakasha's primary export is, in reality, special forces operatives, as it is home to one of Ransei's ninja clans. Populated primarily by dark-type Pokemon, Yakasha is a great training ground for ninja, mainly the Kotaro clan, but anyone with the will and potential are trained.
The Kotaros themselves are more loyal to Ransei then the Emperor, but so long as the Emperor operates solely in the interest of the region, they obey.
Ron the True Fan: 'Why is this called the Johto Arc when it's taking place in Ransei?' …I'mma smack someone for not utilizing a fair bit of critical thinking. Orre and Johto took SIX MONTHS. What, you wanted me to skip straight to Johto at the start of Year 2? I don't DO that. Also, this took longer for three reasons: one, vid backlog. Two, a bit of writer's block and three…well…three guesses.
Takeshi Yamato: The many, many idiots who JUST WON'T SHUT UP WHILE ASKING FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER?!
Ron the True Fan: I WAS going to say 'Because Take's tired', but that's also a valid one. I mean, for FUCK'S SAKE, people. I DO have other things to do.
Takeshi Yamato: Fair enough. And good point on my being tired, too. I am Poke'd out at the moment, have been for a while. Been trying to get back into it, but… well, haven't played Sword in MONTHS, maybe a year or two, just gave my copy of Let's Go Pikachu to Mom, haven't even PICKED UP any of the Gen 9 games yet… My attention's just elsewhere.
Ron the True Fan: And I've been BUSY trying to build up vid backlog JUST to get ready for this. It is NOT easy. Fortunately, I now have enough to actually focus on this for more then 5 minutes a day, IF THAT.
Takeshi Yamato: Right. But yeah, between Ron being busy and me just focused on non-Poke stuff, don't expect new chapters right away. I am thinking it might be best if we do three chapters a year on average. That'll give Ron time to work, me time to rest between Beta sessions, but will still give a decent upload schedule.
Ron the True Fan: And Gible time to recover from his dentist appointment. (Gible scowls)
Ja Ne!