The Golden Throne

Chapter 46: Wake up call

"Over there," Red pointed out the edge of a forest to his Charizard. The Pokemon understood and landed at the location. It was two hours past sunrise and the trio had just returned from their successful mission. After unmounting Charizard, Hilbert quickly- and quietly made his way to the tree where Hilda was fast asleep. He paid attention to the ground, making sure to not step on any branches or twigs that might wake the rest. He'd have hell to pay if she found out he snuck away with her Pokemon last night.

He arrived, but only his crumpled jacket that she laid upon was there.

"Where were you?" He heard her voice say. He could see her figure from his peripheral vision.

Hilbert turned to her and saw that she had her arms crossed. She looked angry, with dark circles around her eyes. "It's... uh-" Hilbert quickly produced Brave's Pokeball.

A slap to his face interrupted him, and she snatched her Pokemon away.

"What was that for?" Hilbert yelled.

"What's gotten into you, Hil?"

"Look, I'm sorry I snuck away-"

"I don't want to hear it!" Hilda interrupted. "You distance yourself from me, you didn't comfort me when Eelektross died. And now you stole my Pokemon to go off on another of your stupid adventures- putting yourself and my Braviary in harm's way."

"I said I'm sorry!" Hilbert shouted at her, shutting her up. "You don't even know why I needed your Pokemon! Just stop jumping to conclusions, and appreciate that I'm trying to do what's best for everyone."

Hilda crossed her arms and looked away. "But you aren't doing what's best for me."

"What?" Hilbert rolled his eyes.

"I need you now more than ever,"

"Hilda, coddling you is the least important thing right now. You're fine!"

"I was right," Hilda glared at him. "You have stopped caring."

Hilbert closed his eyes and massaged them. "Hilda... I'm tired, hungry and thirsty. The last thing I need is you being UNREASONABLE!" Hilbert shouted again.

"It's always about you isn't it?!" She cried. "Forget it," She sobbed and stormed away. Hilbert let out a sigh.

"Hilda," he called out. "Hilda!" He said again walking after her. He caught her by the hand. She glared at him. "I'm sorry. You were right, I should have paid more attention to you. And be more understanding."

Hilda looked at her feet. She was silent and avoided looking him in the eyes. Finally... "I'm scared, Hilbert," she murmured.

"There's nothing to be scared of. We'll make it through this pregnancy,"

"I'm not afraid of that," she shook her head. "I'm afraid of you."

And with that, she jerked her hand away.

The sound of an explosion erupted nearby, jolting Hilbert and Hilda out of their skin. The two of them snatched their Pokeballs just as several armoured Infernape descended on them from the trees.

"Stay close to me!" Hilbert said. "Ego, go!"

The Emboar beat his fists on his chest and let out a hearty grunt.

"Tiny!" Hilda called out, and the juggernaut appeared from his Pokeball with a flash of light.

The Infernape chattered excitedly among themselves as they circled them, leering and taunting Ego and Tiny. Hilbert could hear the rest of their group engaged in battle close by. But... how did they find us again?