Ikarishipping Story: Light and Dark

Chapter 1

Her duty as Princess of the Island of Newfound Hope was to keep her people safe. Not only was it her duty, but it was just who she was. Philanthropy was her philosophy of life, perseverance, everything really. She would not gain a wink of sleep without knowing that the people who slept in the town below the castle were warm and cozy in their beds. Thankfully, she retrieved a full eight to nine hours of rest the past night, but now, she was feeling a tad anxious. The words her mother had spoken to her the night before still ran through her mind, clear as day:

"We must speak tomorrow."

The fear she had seen in her mother's eyes was not discreet, rather, too overt for her liking. Sighing she glanced at the mirror, eying over her outfit of choice. It was an egg white side strap dress with no gaudy features. 'Tis plain and simple; that was the way her life wanted to live. Her blue hair flowed casually down her back, the childish bangs she once had now long and shaped to compliment her comely face. She wrinkled her nose at her reflection and adjusted her radiant blue eyes to the floor, impatience beginning to stir within them.

As she was about to stomp out of her dormitory and find her mother herself, the creaking of her door resonated throughout the vicinity, and soon enough, her mother's face peeked over the edge. The Princess had turned at this point, not missing an elegant step, and felt her heart drop at the sight of her mother. Black bags hung uncomfortably under her deep cerulean eyes, she walked with blatant lethargy, and her face had fallen into exhaustion and disbelief. However, with her aesthetic lacked in class, the golden crown that signified her position as Queen was placed delicately on top of her thick bob haircut.

The Princess bowed in respect as her mother inched closer to her.

"I wish to speak to you, Princess." The mellifluous voice spoke.

Throwing her hands into the air, the Princess exclaimed, "obviously!"

The Queen had stopped walking, making Princess Hikari postulate that she was hesitating to say something; something important. Usually when this behavior occurred in her mother, a price had to be paid; at Hikari's expense.

"…I'll just be honest," the Queen had begun, yet never finished.

Impatience being Hikari's omnipresent value, she stepped toward her mother and yelled, "SPEAK MOTHER!"

"Our island is in danger as we speak!"

Hikari flinched back, a gasp involuntarily escaping from her throat. Embarrassed, she covered her mouth, her eyes dilating to a great size. The Queen closed her eyes and walked toward the window as her daughter assimilated the news. These were HER people they were talking about. The people she vowed to protect since she was twelve years old…they were all in danger. She nervously began to pace, fiddling with the end of her white dress. The faster her pace became, the more ideas of doom came into her mind. Yet, for every problem she thought of, she devised a solution.

"Hikari…I know this is sudden, but—"

"How is this possible?" Hikari fervidly interrupted her mother, "our island has never been in economic danger!"

Hikari had only said that because she was praying to Arceus that the problem was just that; it was the least perilous of them all, believe it or not. Fundraisers were status quo on the island, and her people were beyond eleemosynary, so they were always a success. Natural resources were abundant, Pokémon could help with the physical labor, and she knew a great deal of politics for a sixteen-year old.

Her heart dropped when her mother shook her head at the proposition.

"It is not economic danger we're in, dear. It's…much more dangerous, I'm afraid."

"No…" Hikari instantaneously thought. "What…what is it, mother…my people…"

"We've been threatened by the Island of Lost Hope."

The Princess' head snapped up, her eyes having dilated once more; hearing that cold-hearted island's name uttered made her face ruddy with anger. The Queen recognized this, and stepped forward to touch her daughter's shoulder.

"Darling, I know how you feel…"

"…The Island of Lost Hope has threatened us?" The Princess digressed, not looking away from the window.

"Yes."

"I see…under what grounds?"

"I'm afraid no details have emerged on that area."

"Do they tell us why they threaten us?"

"No. The King refuses to tell us why—"

The Princess, incensed, stomped her foot, making her mother violently flinch. "Then how are we supposed to resolve the issue? The King has not insinuated the gratitude of the attack, nor does he insist on explaining why he attacks. This is complete and utter mayhem!"

"The King refuses to—"

"He is a STUPID king! How could a whole island choose an eighteen-year old tyrant to rule them?"

With no hesitation, the Queen firmly grasped the Princess' shoulders, hoping to calm her down. Facing a teary-eyed Hikari, the Queen maturely stated, "I know how angry you are at that island for its choices. Believe me, I feel the same way; but we need to handle this situation like civilized people—"

"But they killed Father!"

"BE QUIET HIKARI!"

Swiftly shutting her mouth, she looked down at the ground, refusing to let the tears fall.

"…I've called for a meeting between us, the Island of Lost Hope's King, and the island of Abundant Hope's King." The Queen gently explained, "And I want you to be there; but don't lose your head, otherwise…the King will do bad things to our island."

Hikari simply couldn't comprehend as to why her mother asked for her presence at this meeting. Of course she was going to lose her head; she was going to be face to face with the most corrupt, unethical man in the whole region. It's not like her mother wanted her to speak at this meeting anyway, so what was the point? Hikari knew about governmental infrastructure; but then again, she's never put it to use before.

"…When does this meeting take place?" Hikari asked, trembling.

"It will take place at two o' clock this afternoon."

"…I shall be there after my daily ride."

The Queen kissed her daughter's forehead and bid her good day. When she was out of sight, Hikari found herself gazing out the window once more. The lush green plains the Ponyta, Rapidash and Tauros would run through shook gently with the tranquilizing breeze. The pellucid lake she swam in as a child still sat there, all types of water Pokemon resting on top or adventuring below. Behind the plains and lake lay the dark green forest abound with Pokemon of all types. At night, Hikari recalled, the land was most beautiful.

All this gorgeous landscape was now in danger because of a brainless King's decision.

Walking over to her closet, she thought angry thoughts to herself.

"Would any person be so heartless as to vacuously threaten a helpless island?"

She began to sift through her collection of heterogeneous clothing, mostly dresses. If she were to just see the King, she'd show up in armor so they could fight to the death. She shook off the tears as she pulled out a sapphire dress with light gold trimming. Gently, she laid it on the bed, and stared at it.

"Like hell if I care about how I look in front of this royal ass." She maliciously thought to herself.

Standing up straight, fists clenched, she walked out the door, her destination: the stables.


Whenever in a time of grief, Hikari would always go to the stables, and talk to the Rapidash; for some reason, she believed they listened to her. In reality, she just need someone to talk to, for no one else would listen.

She walked up to her personal Rapidash, and it neighed in glee at the sight of her. Smiling, she opened the stall and stroked the Pokemon's silky coat. The Rapidash neighed again as Hikari retrieved her leather bridle and slipped it over its head. Easily pulling herself onto the beast's back, she commanded it forward, and let out a deep sigh.

As Rapidash leisurely walked, Hikari absorbed the peaceful atmosphere, its sights, and its sounds. Chimechos chimed in the forest along with some mirthful Seedot. Bunearys hopped along with Lopunnys, followed by some Bellossom. Goldeen, Seaking, Horsea and Cloister swam with one another in the lake. So many happy Pokemon made the Island of Newfound Hope their home; and she was glad about that.

What type of Pokemon lingered on the Island of Abundant Hope? Well, of course there were Pikachu, some Wynaut, Rhyhorn, Charizard; strong but lovable Pokemon. It was no surprise to her, because the Island's King, Satoshi, was both strong and lovable. She had always been fond of Satoshi's will and tenaciously persistent attitude. At the time of her father's death, the king did all he could to help the island financially and spiritually. No matter what happened, each island had one another's back.

Satoshi had shown an affection of Hikari before, but not the same as hers. She could tell he was looking for a strong Queen such as herself; beautiful as well. She has negotiated the idea before, but she just wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. She was only sixteen years old anyway.

As for the Island of Lost Hope, there were tough, surly Pokemon living there; and that was the way Shinji liked it. Mightyena, Absol, Salamence, Tyrannitar, Houndoom, Typhlosion…they were harsh Pokemon of all sorts. Of course, every Pokemon is capable of being gentle, but the atmosphere these poor creatures are in doesn't exactly facilitate with that concept of kind-heartedness. She had heard that his collection of personal Pokemon weren't exactly lovely either; but they were strong…very strong. King Shinji could beat any Pokemon he wished. Every trainer he's beat, he would make them his servant for life. She has never met him face to face, but she was glad he was going to. He was probably just as ugly and repulsing as the deeds he has done to people and Pokemon alike.

At that moment, Hikari tried not to think of the meeting, but rather, think of peaceful thoughts.

It worked instantly.


A soft knock is heard on the door, followed by a whisper: "Hikari?"

Hikari had just finished adjusting her dress. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, she saw her mother standing in the doorway, smiling.

"You look lovely."

"Thanks." The Princess sharply replied.

"…Are you ready?"

"Almost." The Princess replied in the same tone as before.

"Hikari, don't be short with me. This may be the one chance to repeal the threat, you need to be on your best behavior. I'm begging you."

Hikari knew her mother was right. It was times like these she needed to push away her stubbornness and look at what was better for the people. She loved her people, she truly did, but she was also very overprotective of them. While she longed to be rid of this threat, she also did not want her people to be in the same atmosphere as King Shinji.

She sighed, pulling her hair back with a golden bow, letting her bangs fall.

"Fine, mother. Let us go."

How badly she wanted to make that king suffer for what he's done to the little family he's had left. She knew she couldn't though, for her mother, and her people's safety.

For once, she'd keep her mouth shut, and let the adults handle it.

Well, some of it, anyway.

Her mother led the way to the meeting room, and when she opened the double doors, there was a familiar face; her good ol' friend Satoshi.

"Princess Hikari." He greeted, rising to his feet, "you look radishing…I MEAN RAVISHING! You look…you look ravishing." He scratched the back of his head, sporting that toothy grin of his.

She giggled lightly. "Thank you, King Satoshi."

He then bent down and kissed the top of her hand, making her blush slightly. Feeling awkward, she made her way over to the seat next to her mother. Satoshi had settled himself across from the two powerful women with his sage of a mother.

A loud bang suddenly burst throughout the room as a dark figure stood in the doorway; an unsettling feeling fell upon everyone.