Chapter 17: Coast to Coast
Ash and May left the medical tent, still processing the new information.
"Twins…we're having twins…"
Ash nodded.
"Yeah, I know…"
"You haven't changed your mind at all about being a father, have you?"
Ash smiled, and gently squeezed her hand.
"Not even for a second. It's just a surprise, you know?"
May smiled, and pecked his cheek.
"I know, but we'll work it out."
"That's good. But you need to be more careful now that we know that. We got lucky that nothing happened after the fight with Lady Lilligant."
"Some call it luck, I call it skill."
"May…"
The Princess rolled her eyes.
"Ugh, fine! I promise to take it easy from now on."
"Your fingers better not be crossed behind your back."
May grinned, and revealed them to be just that.
"You know me too well!"
"Hey lovebirds!"
Before the argument could continue, Kenny and Akari came running up.
"What's up, guys?"
"Commander Kamado sent us to find you. He's calling an emergency meeting, and wants all members of the Survey Corps present."
"What for?"
"I don't know, but he sounded serious. We'd best not keep him waiting."
The quartet reached Kamado's office, where they were surprised to find an important guest waiting for them.
"Miss Irida? What are you doing here?"
The clan leader waved hello before she began.
"I hate to bug you again, but I could use your help."
"What's wrong? Has another Noble Pokemon gone crazy?"
Akari jabbed Kenny in the stomach, shutting him up as Irida continued.
"Not this time. In fact, the problem is that we don't have a Noble Pokemon where we need it. You see, until a few years ago, The Cobalt Coastlands were watched over by Lord Arcanine. However, he passed away saving his children from drowning, leaving them orphaned."
"Oh my!" May gasped.
"The poor things," Akari sympathized.
"Indeed," Irida nodded, "But as tragic as the accident was, it also left us in a very precarious situation. The islands were left without a Noble to watch over them, something that could not be left unattended. As such, I tasked the warden with training his offspring to take over. Unfortunately, progress has been slow, and she refuses to speed up the process.
"Forgive me, Irida," Ash interjected. "But it seems to me like you're trying to force these orphaned Pokemon into a role just because of their heritage. Don't you think you're putting too much pressure on them?''
"Believe me, I wish this wasn't necessary," Irida said with a sigh. "I wish I could leave things as is, but the truth is the Noble Pokemon serve more than a ceremonial role. The Pokemon of the areas they protect look to them for guidance and order, and trust them to settle disputes that they can't on their own. Things have been relatively peaceful in The Cobalt Coastlands until now, which is why I've been so lenient. But the Pokemon have been getting restless, with many trying to take the role for their own. But the truth is none of them hold the level of respect Arcanine did, thus any power they manage to grab doesn't last for long. That's why it needs to be one of his offspring to take the mantle, to restore balance."
"I see," Ash nodded, not quite liking the answer, but understanding the logic.
"I was hoping that you could convince her to speed up their training, perhaps even provide sparring partners for them. Given your expertise, I figured she would listen to you."
"With all due respect, why can't you do it?" May asked. "If the Warden is one of your people, shouldn't they listen to you?"
"This particular Warden and I don't get along, I'm afraid. I was chosen to lead the clan over her, and while we try to keep things civil, I can tell she has always resented me. And given the delicate nature of this task, I figured it would be best for it to come from someone else."
"I told her that I would leave the decision up to you," Kamado said once she was done. "Ordinarily I would like to keep out of such matters, but you four are the experts on Pokemon, it seems."
The quartet exchanged looks, silently debating for a minute before nodding.
"Alright, we're in."
"Excellent, thank you."
After that, the quartet were dismissed to prepare for their trip. Ash and May were in their house, grabbing their essentials.
"At least there aren't any crazy nobles this time, right?"
"Yeah…"
Ash sighed in frustration. He knew that tone of voice all too well, and it wasn't good.
"Still upset about earlier?"
"Yes! I'm pregnant, Ash, I'm not helpless."
"I never said you were, but you're carrying children. Anything that happens to you could endanger them. It's not about what you're capable of, it's about safety. Not just for them, but for you as well."
May sighed.
"I know, but I hate feeling so useless. Ever since I was born, I've had all manner of servants waiting hand and foot over me. I never had to do anything for myself, and I hated it. That's why I wanted to get into Pokemon training, so that I can prove I'm more than just the next in line to the throne. And now I feel like that might be taken away from me."
Ash nodded, and pulled his wife into a loving hug.
"May, I promise that none of us think you're useless. You're the toughest person I know, and I think its awesome that you want to do more than just wait around to become queen. But it's not just about proving yourself anymore. These Noble Pokemon aren't just strong, they're dangerous. You remember what happened to Kenny after Kleavor scratched him, don't you? He was in the infirmary for a week, and that was just a grazing shot."
"True…"
"I'll make you a deal. I'll ease up on the nagging, just be more careful. You don't have to sit on the sidelines, I would never make you do that. But just try to avoid putting yourself in more danger than you should. Please, for me?"
May smiled, and kissed him.
"I love you."
"I love you too, now come on. It's time to go."