***The Next Day***

Queen Crystal, accompanied by her loyal bodyguard Stuart and Kanto native Gary contine their journey towards Johto's capital. They have safely crossed into Johto, and have not run into any issues so far.

They are currently following a dirt road, surrounded by trees, and bushes. The sun is up high, without a cloud in the sky.

"Excuse me Stuart? How far are we from the closest town?" Crystal asks from the comfort of her carriage.

"Well, we should be arriving to New Bark town within the hour," Stuart answers.

"Good. We all deserve a good rest before we continue to the capital," Crystal comments.

"Eager to return home, are we?" Stuart asks.

"No. Believe me, I miss sleeping in my own bed. But home will never be the same without my parents," Crystal says as she lets out a sad sigh.

"I understand. But at least you will have your brother," Stuart says.

"Yes, thank Arceus for that. I do not know what I would do without him," Crystal answers.

A comfortable silence follows as they continue down the road.

"May I ask a question your highness?"

"Ask away."

"What did you and Red talk about in the gym?"

Crystal grins.

"Why are you so concerned?"

"I want to make sure you're well m'lady. You've been silent for most of the journey. Something obviously happened. It is my duty as your bodyguard to ensure your safety and well being, and that includes your mental health!"

Crystal chuckles.

"If you insist. Besides, I think having the opinion of a trusted friend will help put me at ease," Crystal says.

"So you were not well. Why was that?"

Crystal sighs.

"I gave Red back the ring."

"Really? Why m'lady?"

"There are various reasons Stuart! First-"

Crystal is interrupted as two Aura Spheres are shot from the forest and hit Gary and his Rapidash. The blasts were so powerful they launch the Rapidash off the road, and Gary comes crashing  onto the ground with a loud cracking noise as he lands on his back.

He cries in pain and instinctively tries to get up. He begins to panic as he realizes his body won't respond.

"Gary!" Stuart yells as he tries to calm his spooked Rapidash.

Gary lifts his head, and spots two men wearing matching blue and black uniforms headed towards them. 

"Stuart! Get out here! It's the Lucario Le-"

Gary is cut off as a rapier pierces his throat.

He begins to gasp for breath. He attempts to speak but all he manages to produce is a gurgling sound as he chokes on his blood.

The Lucario Legion member pulls out his weapon out of Gary's throat, wipes it off and step on Gary's, squeezing the last bit of life out of him. He sheaths his rapier and snaps his fingers.

"Stuart! What is going on?" Crystal yells.

"Hold on! Yah!" Stuart yells as he finally manages to calm the Rapidash and forces them forwards towards the two men.

Two Lucario then rush out from the forest and appear in front of them.

Together they use Force Palm to launch the Rapidash and carriage into the air.

A third Lucario appears, and uses Force Palm to launch the carriage into the forest.

Crystal screams as the carriage flies through the air. She is rocked violently in the carriage as it hits the top of a tree, and comes tumbling down. The carriage lands with a loud crash, landing upside down.

Crystal groans as she clips off her seat beat. She flops on the roof of the carriage.

"Stuart?" She calls out as she she reaches for the door.

Before she can grasp the handle, the door is ripped off, revealing a Lucario.

Crystal gasps. 

She tries to move in any direction but her body won't respond. She watches helplessly as the Lucario grabs her and tosses her out of the carriage. She lands on the ground. She looks up and spots three sets of black boots.

"Stuart!"

A disgusting cracking noise lets out as one of the boots makes contact with her nose.

She cries in pain, instinctively grabbing her noise and crawling back, trying to recreate as much distance between her and her attackers as possible.

"Look at her. Crawl like the Trubbish she is," one of the men spits out.

Crystal keeping crawling away, until she's back up into a tree.

"Focus. Riley doesn't want any mistakes. The other five are doing a perimeter check," another comments as they stare down at Crystal. All three pull out their rapiers.

Crystal stares at the three men in horror. Tears fill her eyes as she waits to meet her doom.

Just as they're about to strike down, they stop as they watch a small yellow mouse Pokèmon fall from the tree and into Crystal's lap.

"Pichu?"

The Pichu looks around, confused where he's at.

Crystal immediately grabs him and attempts to protect him from the men.

"What the-"

Blood splatters on Crystal face as she watches in horror as a spear head appears out of the middle man's chest. He begins to gasp for air as his body begins to shake, going into shock.

Before the other two can react, the middle man is thrown to the one on the left, knocking him down to the ground. The man on the right is hit in the face with the blunt end of the spear, knocking him to the ground.

That reveals their hooded attacker, wearing a gray cloak, who pulls back his spear. He walks over to the man on the right. He jabs his spear down on the man three times, hitting his abdomen in three different spots.

He turns to the other side, where the last surviving Lucario Legion member managed to get up and calls for their Lucario. Three Lucario appear and surround the surviving member.

"You're going to die for what you did! Lucario, summon the rest!"

The Lucario begin to howl.

The hooded figure chuckles in response.

"That's funny. That's what I was going to say," Gold says as he takes off his hood. His gold colored eyes locked on the Lucario Legion member. 

"W-what? Riley didn't say anything about-"

"You all made a mistake. Now you have to face me," Gold growls as he twirls the spear in his hands. 

"Lucarios, kill him!"

All three Lucario rush at him

Gold stops and pivots his foot forward. He puts his spear on his shoulder so it rests along his arm, and is pointed at his attackers. He turns back towards Crystal and smiles.

"Don't worry, everything is fine now," he says as he faces back towards his foes.

Just as the Lucario are about to reach Gold, a big ball of fire suddenly rushes out of no where and tackles the three Lucario out the way.

The fireball fades away, revealing Typhlosion as he pins down all three Lucario. He opens his mouth and unleashes a Fire Blast at point blank range.

Crystal covers her nose, as smoke and the smell of burning flesh spreads. The sound of metal on metal breaks out.

Typhlosion then stands on his hind legs, and let's out a powerful roar, his fiery mane lighting up the whole forest.

In the light, Crystal makes out numerous figures fighting in the distance. As the smoke clears, she spots Gold standing over her last attacker.

Gold spits on him, then walks over to her.

"I'm sorry for everything Princess," he says as he offer his hand to her.

As he helps her up, he notices her eyeing the twitching body a few feet from them.

"Don't worry. He'll stop moving soon."

Crystal frowns.

"Why don't you put him out of his misery?"

Gold frowns.

"They lost that privilege the moment they attacked you."

Crystal sighs.

Pichu, still in Crystal's arms, coos as he leaps out into Gold's chest. Gold chuckles and catches him.

"Good job buddy. You did well distracting them. How about you take a nap?" Gold says, his serious demeanor instantly changing as he cares for his baby Pokèmon.

"Gold. Thank you for saving me. Now, please help me find Stuart."

"Will do Princess. But first, I need to check up on my friend," Gold says as he reaches into his pocket and hands Crystal a towel. She quickly wipes the blood off her. 

"Stay close behind, ok?" He says as he jogs towards the road. Crystal follows, with Gold's starter taking up the rear.

"Thanks for the assist Exbo," Gold says to his partner as the clanging of metal gets louder.

As they get past the last bush, they make it onto the road, six bodies of both men and Pokèmon lay on the ground. Sapphire is fighting off two more, while her Blaziken battles off against two Lucario.

They watch as Sapphire makes quick work of them, and bodies drop to the ground, her Blaziken also finishing off his foes.

"I thought you said they were dangerous? Pathetic," Sapphire says as a Blaziken follows behind her.

"Well sorry for taking precautions! Besides, how was I supposed to know you can sword fight?" Gold asks.

"The bar you idiot!"

"Bar fights are not the same as, you know what, arguing with you is pointless. Just did you see anyone else beside the Lucario Legion?"

Sapphire shakes her head. She makes eye contact with Crystal, whose been staring at her.

"What are you looking at?" Sapphire spits out.

"Hey! Show some respect! This is the Princess of Johto! Now bow!" Gold yells as he bows to Crystal.

"Bow? I bow to no one!" Sapphire says, crossing her arms.

"What the hell did you just say?" Gold says, snapping right up and towering over Sapphire.

Sapphire doesn't back down, although she is intimidated.

"Gold, leave her alone. She doesn't have to bow, although I do expect some respect, Princess Sapphire of Hoenn," Crystal says.

Gold's eyes widen as he stares at Sapphire in disbelief.

"What? How did you know?" Sapphire asks.

"I remembered your name when we met long ago. Plus, you have a Blaziken, only confirming you're from Hoenn," Crystal expains.

"Anyways, thank you for rescuing me from my attackers, Princess Sapphire," Crystal says as she bows to Sapphire.

Sapphire chuckles awkwardly as Gold continues to stare at her in disbelief.

"I hate to ask another favor, but could you help me find my escorts? Both Gary and Stuart were with me, and..."

Crystal voice trails off as she notices Sapphire and Gold share at look.

"I'm sorry to inform you, but they're dead," Sapphire says.

Crystal's heart drops.

"What? How?"

"Those Lucario bastards took out the Kantoian first. And when they launched you into the air, the driver fell to his death."

Crystal falls to her knees and choke back a sob.

"Princess, I'm sorry. I really am, but we have to go. I'm not sure if there are any more of them, and I do not want to put your life in any more danger," Gold says.

"No," Crystal croaks.

"We are not leaving until we bury Gary and Stuart."

"Uh, Gold's right Princess. As much as I enjoy a good fight, I enjoy being alive more," Sapphire says.

"No! As Queen of Johto, I demand we bury them. Now!" Crystal yells.

Gold grabs Crystal by her shoulders and lifts her to her feet.

"You're Queen now? What happened to your mother? What about your father?" Gold asks.

Crystal doesn't answer as she continues to cry.

"Crystal! Answer me damn it!" Gold says, shaking her.

"Gold, stop! Can't you see she's in enough pain as it is!" Sapphire says as she pulls him away from her.

"Sorry," Gold mutters. He walks up to tree, gives out a yell and punches a tree. He then lets out a sigh. 

"Stay here with the Queen Crystal. I'll bring the bodies here," Gold says as he walks away.

...

After Gold buried the bodies, Crystal walks over the graves with two hand-made crosses.

"Thank you for giving your life for mine. You will not be forgotten Gary," Crystal whispers as she places one on his grave.

She turns to mark Stuart's grave.

"Thank you for always being there for me, even though I did not want you there at first. Rest in peace, old friend," Crystal says as she wipes away the last of her tears. She places the cross on his grave.

"Where will you go my Queen? We will take you there," Gold says as he bows.

"We? Who said I'm going? I thought we were going to Kanto?" Sapphire asks.

"I was going there to meet up with Crystal," Gold explains.

"You do not want to go to Kanto. It's a battlefield right now as Kanto tries to push back Kalosian forces," Crystal says.

"So it is true," Gold whispers.

"I know you Hoenners love to fight. But you don't want to drag your family into a war, do you?" Crystal says.

Sapphire groans as she rolls her eyes.

"Fine. Where are we going," Sapphire asks.

"First New Bark Town. Then go to Falkner in Violet City to fly to home to Goldenrod City. There, I can make the people responsible pay for what they have done," Crystal says as she stands up and continues down the road, with Gold and Sapphire in tow.

....

***Meanwhile at Pewter City***

"You called my lord?" Ash asks as he walks into the gym. He has just finished his "scouting".

"Yes, take a seat on the floor. I'll be there in a second," Red says as he makes his way over.

"How are you Ash? We have not had a proper conversation in quite a while," Red says as he pours tea.

Ash chuckles.

"Yeah, it has been. We've just been busy so it's alright," Ash answers as he accepts a cup of tea.

"But that does not excuse me from neglecting your training, and for that I apologize."

"No need to apologize. I understand as King you have many responsibilities, especially during war," Ash says.

"Thank you for being so understanding Ash."

"No problem! That is what friends are for, right?"

Red chuckles.

"Of course."

"And despite the circumstances, I'm doing well. Really well actually," Ash admits.

"I can tell. You have been in a really good mood these last couple of days. Why is that?" Red asks.

"I uh, found Serena," Ash says, admits.

"Really? That's great! I am happy for you. I can tell you really like her," Red says with a grin.

"Of course I do! She's a friend!"

"But I mean, you like her more than a friend."

Ash pauses.

"Possibly. Honestly haven't thought about it that way. I've been focusing on just enjoying my time with her."

Red chuckles.

"That's good Ash. If you need any advice, you can always come to me. I know a thing or two about women, and trust me when I say you want to learn from my mistakes."

"Women? I thought you liked Crystal?"

Red sighs.

"I did. Unfortunately, the Queen did not feel the same way," Red says as he puts down his tea.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't-"

"It's fine. Either way, that reminds me of another reason why I call you in," Red says as he lays out a map of Kanto.

"I spoke to Blue via Connection prior to our meeting. He says that first snowfall is a week away from home. Therefore, we have two weeks to reach South of Pallet Town, or risk getting snowed in," Red explains.

"Since the Battle of Pewter City, we have received numerous reinforcements. The last of our men and supplies should arrive in a two days."

"Does that mean we're gonna scout more?" Ash asks.

Red shakes his head.

"One of our scouts actually reported that the Kalosians have a base in Viridian Forest, which is a half a day's walk. Which means that by the end of the week, we will continue our campaign to drive the Kalosians back."

"That's great to hear your majesty," Ash says.

"If all goes well, all of this will be over soon," Red says.

Ash nods, as he gives Red a weak smile.

"Now, I shall let you get some rest. You are excused," Red says.

"Yes sir. Have a good night," Ash says as he heads out the gym, with a sense of uneasiness, and dread.