Red stares into the mirror.

He gently touches the scar that runs vertically across his eye.

He shakes his head, then puts on his helmet.

He is wearing the traditional king armor; gold plated with an Arcarnie painted across his chest plate.

He steps out his room, and heads towards the courtyard.

"Red."

Red turns around and finds his Uncle Giovanni leaning against the wall. 

"Uncle Giovanni."

"I just want to say goodbye."

"Really? Where are you going?"

"Alola."

"Alola? Why?"

Giovanni sighs.

"Your father's death does not mean the banishment is lifted. I just had to come home to make sure you and your siblings were ok."

"Oh. But-"

"Do not worry. Everything will be fine. You will avoid war, and bring those terrorists to justice," Giovanni says with a smile then walks away.

"I'll try my best," Red whispers as he turns and makes his way to the courtyard.

...

A small group of soldiers mounted on Rapidash wait in the courtyard. On their right shoulders, two swords crossing are painted, symbolizing they are part of the King's vanguard.

Ash leads the Kanto and Johto heirs out of the castle, with Yellow following close behind.

"Yellow! Are you alright?" Crystal asks.

"Of course! Why? Is there something on my face?"

"No. It's actually your arms. They're covered in scratches and bandages. Not to mention the bruises!" Crystal says as she reaches for Yellow's arm.

"Oh! I have been real clumsy lately!" Yellow says as she inches away from Crystal.

Before Crystal can say more, a member of the vanguard rides up to the crowd.

"Hey Ashy-Boy! About time you came out!" The member yells from his Rapidash.

"Shut it Gary!" Ash yells as he hops on his own Rapidash with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Quiet! Now get back in formation! The King is coming out!" The Captain yells at the young adults. They quickly move into place and look towards the entrance of the damaged castle.

Red steps out of the castle. He lifts his face guard up and makes his way to his siblings.

"Blue, you're in charge. Green, you're in charge of Blue."

"Yes sir!" Green says with a smile. 

Blue stares at Red.

"I know you're trying to lighten the mood, but in all seriousness, you better come back safely," Blue say as he pulls Green and Red into a hug.

"Wow. I did not know Blue had feelings," Crystal whispers to Silver. He rolls his eyes.

Red looks over to Yellow, who avoids eye contact.

"If all is well, I will be back in about a week," Red says. 

He mounts his Rapidash.

"You mean when all goes well, right?" Crystal asks.

Red smiles.

"Of course. I have to come back to you, don't I," he says as he closes his helmet. He clicks his tongue, and his Rapidash takes off, with his Vanguard following closely behind.

Everyone in the crowd begins to disperse, besides Blue, Green and Yellow.

"Give them a thirty minute head start. Rapidash may be faster than your Pokèmon, but they are carrying armored men, so they will not be able to hit their full speed. You should be able to catch up to them relatively quick so keep your distance," Blue lectures.

"Yes sir," Yellow says.

"And do not forget your disguise," Green mentions as she wraps her arm around Yellow.

"Don't be worried. You'll make it back safely!"

Yellow nods as she watches Red and the vanguard disappear from view.

Blue pulls Green towards him.

"I hope everything does go well. Otherwise, we are sending this poor maid to her death, and we have no one to blame but ourselves," Blue says as he heads back to the castle.

Green sighs and holds her hands to her chest as she says a silent prayer.
...

***Two Days Later***

"Finally! Land!" Clemont yells as he jumps off the boat and into the sand.

Alain rolls his eyes as he walks onto the beach.

"Welcome to Kanto gentlemen," X says as he greets the two Kalosians.

"Glad to be here. While our men are unloading, how about we discuss the plan?" Alain asks.

"Agreed." X says.

"Follow me," Y says as she leads the X and Alain towards a tent. 

Serena stays behind and watches Clemont dust off his clothes. He looks up and spots Serena.

"Oh Serena! Hello! How've you been?"

"If I'm completely honest, I'm not doing so great," Serena says as she gives Clemont a hug.

"Why? Are you ok?" Clemont says as he breaks away, gently grabs Serena's chin and begins to examine Serena.

"Physically I'm fine! I just, didn't make some smart choices," Serena says as she pushes Clemont's hand away.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No," Serena squeaks, as she pulls out a stack of papers held together by a string.

"Trevor asked me to hand you these," she says, giving them to Clemont.

"What are these? And where is Trevor?" Clemont asks.

Serena gives Clemont a look.

"Oh."

Serena takes a deep breath. She tries to hold her composure, but tears have already begun to fill in her eyes.

"Hey, it's ok. I'll give these a look, and we will do what we can to help our friends, both here and back in Kalos, ok?" Clemont says as he gives her a hug.

Serena nods, and hugs Clemont back.

...

***The Next Day**

Red rides through Viridian Forest. He comes across a woman in a chair. She is sitting on a wooden platform, with a table and an empty chair across from her.

"Prince Red. I've been expecting you," Y says as she takes a sip of wine.

"I can tell. I'm assuming you have a glass for me waiting?" Red asks as he hops off his Rapidash.

"Sir! It could be a trap!" The captain warns.

"Maybe. But all her troops are hidden in the trees behind her. Just stay here. They shouldn't try anything. But if you see something I don't, then step in," Red says as he walks over to Y.

"You don't mind if I bring this, right?" Red asks as he gestures towards his shield.

"Not at all," Y says.

Red steps up the wooden stage and takes a seat. He takes off his helmet and places it on the table.

"Where's your friend?"

"Don't worry, he isn't here to give you another scar," Y says. She pours wine into an empty glass and hands it to Red. He gives her a look but takes the glass.

"That's a shame. I wanted to give him an update on his friend he left behind," Red says, taking a sip.

Y's face goes pale.

"I'm going to be blunt. Why on Earth did you attack my home?"

"Tell me how Trevor is doing," Y blurts out.

Red shakes his head.

"I asked first."

Y stares at Red.

"Your father started an era of pain and suffering. He promised to help us! Instead of food and clothes, we were given steel and blood. He stripped us of our resources and honor. He got what he deserved," Y spat out.

Red takes another sip, then sighs.

"I want to apologize."

Y's mouth gaps open.

"I had no idea what my father was doing in Kalos. It wasn't until after the attack that I read his journals," Red says as he pulls out a journal from his armor and tosses it on the table.

"From these, I learned about the atrocities he committed. Many you may not even be aware of," Red says as he places the wine glass on the table.

"Luckily, I am not my father, and I want to make things right."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Y asks.

"Easy. I'm going to give you what you want. I'll pull out my troops and let Kalos govern itself," Red says.

Y stares at Red in disbelief.

"You're joking."

"I am not. You get your freedom, and I avoid war. We both benefit," Red explains.

"However, before Kalos can gain it's freedom, there is something I need."

"Which is?"

"I want everyone single person involved in the attack in my dungeon," Red says, his tone of voice changing.

"As soon as you complete your side of the bargain, I'll give you what I promised," Red says.

Y stays silent.

She wants to take the deal. Even if it means that she might die, at least it will be for the greater good.

But she does take the deal, a weak Kalos will fall victim to Riley's wraith. It's only a matter of time before he creates a world war, and she will do what she can to ensure Kalos is on the winning side."

Y stands.

"As tempting as it is," Y says as she takes one final sip of wine.

"I will decline your offer."

Y's Grenninja lunges from under the table and pins Red on the ground with a loud thud.

"What? Why are you doing this!" Red yells as he struggles to break free.

"Some things can't be forgiven and forgotten," Y says, as she walks over and pulls out her rapier.

"Don't worry. You will see your daddy soon enough."

She pulls her rapier back. Just as she's about to thrust it forward, a string wraps around her wrist and pulls her back into the ground.

"What the hell?"

She pulls on the string, breaking it.

She examines the rope, and noticed a little hook on one of the ends.

"A fishing rod?" Y asks out loud.

Suddenly, a Doduo appears from the trees and double kicks Grenninja off of Red and launches it into a tree.

"Are you ok your majesty?"

Red looks up and spots a young farm boy with a straw hat looking down at him.

"King Red! Are you alright?" Ash asks as he and the rest of the vanguard rush to his side. They circle around him, creating a protective circle. 

"I am, thanks to this young man," Red says as he guestures towards the young farm boy.

"Ash. Take him somewhere safe. Things are about to get ugly," Red orders.

"No. I stand by my king!" The boy yells, holding his fishing rod tightly.

Red smiles.

"Then take this, and stay by my side at all times. Men! This boy will stand with us today. Make sure he lives into tomorrow!" Red orders as he hands the boy a dagger. 

"Yes sir!"

Red looks over to Y, who has called out to all of the Kalosians to come out of hiding, and are rushing to her aid. 

"You have chosen wrong," Red says as he pulls out his sword from the sheath in his shield.

"And now you will pay for your mistakes," Red says as he raises his sword, and leads the charge.