Happy Halloween! Chapter 10 is up! Thank you all for taking the time to read my story. As always, please let me know what you think of it so far and I hope you'll continue to enjoy as more chapters are posted. Thank you again and look forward to chapter 11 same time next month!
CHAPTER 10
Nami and the others stared at the screen in dismay as the news anchor finished her report on the upcoming engagement of Mendy and Elliott. Nami clenched her teeth and balled her hands. She knew they would make the announcement, but didn't expect them to give it so soon.
Jin adjusted his glasses as he stared at the screen.
"Wait, that's the guy she's supposed to marry? He looks way too old for her. Isn't there some kind of rule on that or something?"
Nami furrowed her brow.
"Could you focus? This is serious!"
Jin scratched his head and chuckled nervously.
"Okay, I'm sorry. So how do we go about crashing this party? The ceremony's in a couple of hours."
Nami took a deep breath, retrieved her hoodie from the couch, and made her way to the entrance doors of the Pokémon Center.
"Okay, follow me. We don't have a lot of time and we've got a lot of ground to cover. Come on, we've gotta move!"
Ayden and Jin followed Nami out of the Pokémon Center and ran down the street dodging oncoming people in the process. Nami ran as hard as she could. Her heart ached at the very thought of someone taking Mendy away from her and how she would never be able to see that smile of hers again. She couldn't let that happen. She had to save her no matter what.
She looked up and came to an abrupt halt. She, Jin, and Ayden caught their breaths as they gazed in horror at the road blocks in front of them. Traffic had come to a standstill as police and other officials barricaded the roads and led people through security checks.
Jin's eyes widened.
"What in the world is going on?"
Nami clicked her tongue.
"Remember the announcement they just made? This is part of it. They're gearing up for the engagement ceremony. All high-class and special VIPs are permitted to attend this event. They're simply only letting those people in."
Jin dropped his shoulders.
"But, this doesn't make any sense! We just heard the announcement! How did all these people get here so fast?"
Nami turned to him.
"You honestly think they'd let an announcement for an event like this go public before telling all the nobles across the region?" Nami punched her palm in irritation. "Damn! If only we had a little more time!"
Jin clicked his tongue and balled his hands.
"You've got to be kidding me! How're we supposed to get to her house now? We can barely see over all this!"
Ayden tapped Jin and Nami on their shoulders and ushered them to follow him into a nearby alleyway. Nami furrowed her brow in annoyance.
"What? We don't have time for any of your games! We've got to think of a way to get through here!"
Ayden continued to usher them toward the alley. Jin nodded and took Nami by the wrist.
"I think Ayden's got an idea. Come on."
They met Ayden in the alley away from all other onlookers. Nami placed her hands on her hips.
"Well? What is it? It'd better be good too! We're wasting time here!"
Ayden pulled out two pokéballs and threw them into air.
"Heracross, Fearow, I need your help!" Both pokémon appeared in a flash of light and approached Ayden so he could pet both of them. "Hey, we're in a hurry and need to get to a house on the other side of the city. Can you guys fly us there?" Both pokémon nodded and readied themselves for their passengers. "Excellent. All right, Heracross, I need you to carry me and Jin while Fearow you lead the way with Nami. She knows where the house is. So listen to her and follow her directions, okay?"
Fearow nodded and walked up to Nami. Jin smiled.
"Ayden! That's brilliant, man! If we can't go through, we'll go over! Well, Nami, what do you think? At this rate, we'll get there in no time!"
Nami clenched her fists in frustration. Why didn't she think of that? She's the one who's supposed to be leading this rescue mission. Why did he have to come up with the plan?
"Whatever! Let's just go! We're wasting time!"
She climbed onto Fearow while Ayden and Jin took hold of Heracross' arms. Nami tightened her grip as both pokémon took off towards Mendy's house.
"Just hang on, Mendy. I'm coming."
Sunlight streamed through the thin curtains of Mendy's room as she rested in her bed. She tossed and turned as her mind was filled with thoughts of Shellder being cooked into dishes and devoured by her family. A plate had been presented toward her. She looked down and could see bits of Shellder within the food. She looked closer and saw its eyes look up at her in a pleading way. She could hear its shrill voice begging her not to eat her, to spare its life and let it live.
Mendy shook with hesitation, screamed, and woke with a jolt. She took in heavy breaths as she looked around to see she had been brought back to her room. Her dream popped into her head and she curled up into a ball, sobbing into her knees.
A knock at the door drew her attention. She wiped away her tears and straightened up.
"Yes? Who is it?"
The door opened and Solare walked in.
"It's me, Lady Margarete. I heard a scream. Is everything all right?"
Mendy averted her gaze.
"As if you really care. Now leave."
Solare adjusted her glasses.
"I'm sorry, Lady Margarete, but I can't do that as of yet. We have to go over the schedule for your engagement ceremony this afternoon."
Mendy's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait! What did you just say?"
Solare walked further into the room.
"I said, we have to go over your schedule for your engagement ceremony. It's this afternoon, promptly at noon."
Mendy looked over at her clock. It read 09:55.
"Why wasn't I notified of this?"
Solare adjusted her glasses again.
"There was no need to inform you, Lady Margarete. Lord Yarrington demanded the ceremony take place as soon as possible. He wanted to leave nothing to chance that you might try to run away again." Mendy's heart sank. She couldn't believe this. They did everything they could to keep her trapped. No matter what she said or did, nothing got through to anybody. Solare's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Any minute now, your maids will arrive to help you get ready for the ceremony. Your hair, make up, and dress fitting will all be taken care of. Until then, please stay in this room and try to remain civilized."
Mendy clenched her teeth as Solare made her way to the door.
"I don't care."
Solare looked back at her.
"I'm sorry, did you say something, Lady Margarete?"
Mendy tightened her grip on her bed sheets.
"I don't care what you all want! I will never accept this kind of life! You can promise me to that blowhard as many times as you want! You can put as many tracking devices on me and lock me in my room! I will never be a part of this kind of life! I'll find a way to get out! I did it once and I'll do it again!"
Solare cleared her throat.
"One way or another, Lady Margarete, you'll come around and you'll accept your responsibilities as the first daughter of the Yarrington household. For now, do remain here."
She closed the door and locked it. Mendy lowered her head and tears fell onto her lap. She heard the door unlock and open. Several maids entered with their hands full of suitcases, make up kits, and dresses. They all stood in a row in the middle of the room and then bowed. Solare soon appeared behind them.
"Now then, Lady Margarete, let's get you ready for the ceremony."
Mendy's eyes widened as they walked closer to her. Her shoulders dropped and her nightmare began.
Elliott stood in the middle of the lavish room filled with servants catering to his every need. He held his arms up while they applied his uniform on him. They meticulously placed every decoration on his person, polished his low quarters until they shined, and lint rolled his uniform making certain not a single thread fell out of place on the fabric.
Standing behind Elliott stood a woman with short black hair and glasses. She wore a dark blue business suit with black high heels and carried a clipboard in her arms as she watched Elliott get ready.
Elliott's expression soon turned impatient.
"Would you hurry up? At this rate, I'll be late for my own engagement ceremony! Let's pick up the pace!" At his word, the staff hastened their work. Elliott sighed. "For goodness sake. I'm surrounded by incompetence. Trinity, tell me what my schedule holds after the ceremony."
Trinity adjusted her glasses.
"As you wish, Sir. You have a meeting with several diplomats in the southern region of Isshu, followed by a meeting with the Johto ambassador."
Elliott grinned.
"Excellent. Trinity, after the ceremony, arrange a plane to take Margarete back to the palace in Lumiose City to begin her training. I expect her to be at least somewhat dignified by the time I get back."
Trinity jotted down notes on her clipboard.
"Understood, Sir."
The servants finished applying all of Elliott's decorations and stood back for him to lower his arms and adjust himself in the full-length mirror.
"Excellent. As soon as this ceremony's over, I can focus on more important matters. I honestly can't waste any more time with that uncivilized girl."
Trinity adjusted her glasses again.
"If it bothers you this much, Sir, then I really don't see the point in even having the engagement ceremony. You don't love her, do you?"
Elliott paused.
"Love? Where on earth did you get such a ridiculous concept? No, I don't love her and I don't expect her to love me. This is merely a political advancement on my part. Being wed to the daughter of the Yarrington family will greatly increase my status, affording me privileges beyond imagining. She is merely a stepping stone on my road to greatness. You should know that by now, Trinity."
Trinity averted her gaze.
"Yes, of course, Sir. I just can't stand the thought of you having to deal with someone like her. Even if it's for political advancement, she's hardly qualified to stand beside you at all. She's unrefined, temperamental, and I can think of many other women who'd be better suited as your wife."
Elliott turned toward her.
"Oh, like who?"
Trinity blushed and cleared her throat.
"Well, none come to mind at this particular point in time, but trust me, Sir, there are better options for you."
Elliott grinned.
"And that's where you're wrong, Trinity. There are no better options for me. She is the key to cementing my name among the noble elite. Regardless if she likes to fraternize with common filth, her name alone means far more to me than anything else."
Trinity tightened her grip on her clipboard.
"But, Sir-,"
Elliott glared at her.
"Trinity, you're overstepping your boundaries. Do not make me repeat myself. You are my aide, and as such there are certain matters you need not get involved in. Are we clear?"
Trinity straightened up and bowed.
"Please forgive me, your highness. I had crossed the line. I'm terribly sorry."
Elliott smirked.
"Good. Make sure you don't forget that. Now, make yourself useful and attend to what I've assigned to you. As soon as this ceremony is over, I expect everything to go smoothly. Now go."
Trinity bowed again.
"As you wish, Sir."
She walked out the room and closed the door behind her. As she leaned against it, the memory of her time with Elliott as kids surfaced. She remembered the day she first met him. They were both ten years old and back then, he didn't have an arrogant attitude, but a gentle aura about him. He stood in his little white suit with a red rose in his lapel next to his father as she walked up to him by hers. She wore a simple maid uniform with her hair fashioned into a bun and large swirl-patterned glasses.
Her father, a tall lean man dressed in a business suit, bowed before Elliott's father.
"Lord Montcroix, I thank you kindly for this opportunity. Trinity, you're going to be Prince Elliott's aide. Please work hard for the Montcroix family."
Trinity gave a nod to him.
"Yes, Father."
She spent the next few months following Elliott everywhere he went, taking care of all his needs. One night, Elliott snuck out of his mansion. Trinity searched frantically for him until she finally found him standing alone outside looking at the night sky.
"Prince Elliott! What're you doing? You're gonna be in big trouble if you're caught out here!"
Elliott continued looking at the sky.
"They're really pretty, aren't they? The stars, I mean. Have you ever wondered how many there are?"
Trinity adjusted her glasses.
"No, Prince Elliott, I can't say I have."
Elliott grinned.
"I have. Every day I wonder. What's all out there? There's gotta be a huge world out there and it's just begging me to explore it."
Trinity straightened up in shock. She'd never heard him speak like this before.
"But, what about all your lessons and your tutors? Don't they teach you all about the world already?"
Elliott shook his head and turned to her.
"What about them? It's just political nonsense no one really pays attention to. I want to see the whole world up close and personal, not from behind a desk at some diplomatic meeting. Someday, I'll travel the whole world and see what it's really like and find a way to make it a better place that makes people happy. Trinity, wanna come along with me? It'll be great. Just the two of us. We can help make the world a better place together."
Trinity blushed and averted her gaze from him. She never expected him to talk to her so casually.
"But, Prince Elliott, I'm just an aide. The rules of nobility say I can't-,"
Elliott grabbed her hands and held them tightly.
"I don't care about social rules or any of that stuff! So what if you're my aide! I'll find a way for us to change the world! Even if that means making you my wife!"
Trinity dropped her shoulders. Right then she knew, Elliott differed from all the other nobles. He actually cared about people. His warm smile made her certain that he could really make a change. She smiled and nodded.
"Yes, I'll stand by you no matter what."
As the years went by, she noticed a particular change in Elliott. Once he learned of all the benefits of being married to particular nobles, his viewpoints changed drastically. Even more so when he learned of how his political ranking would increase if he developed marital ties with the Yarrington family. Since then, his smile no longer gave the warmth as before. It became cold and greedy. He no longer spoke casually to her and only maintained a business-like relationship.
Trinity continued to lean against the door listening to Elliott order the other servants around. She then thought of how he became this way and Margarete's face surfaced. She tightened her grip on her clipboard and gritted her teeth.
"Damn you, Margarete Yarrington."
Rose walked down the stairs toward the deployment team. She hadn't even gotten to the bottom of the steps and already she could hear all of them working toward getting everything ready. She entered the room and saw many Chaos Grunts checking the plane and loading it for the mission. In the center of the room, a young female member spoke to her squad. She had red hair tied into a bun and wore black pants and boots along with a tucked in shirt branding the standard silver 'C'.
"All right! I want Teams A and B to be in front! Teams C and D will hold back and provide backup for whenever necessary! This is an important mission that we cannot fail! Am I understood?"
The squad responded with a "Yes, Ma'am".
"Good! Prepare for sortie! Fall out!"
At her command, her squad did an about-face and dispersed to get ready for the mission. She breathed a sigh of relief as they left, but straightened up when she heard Rose's voice.
"Second Lieutenant Heida, could I have a word with you."
When Heida saw Rose walk toward her, she popped to attention, and gave a salute.
"Of course, Captain Rose."
Rose waved her down.
"At ease, Lieutenant. I just wanted to come by and check to see if things were going smoothly. I take it you're leading this mission?"
Heida nodded.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm still inexperienced, but I will lead this squad to the best of my ability and come back with the fragment in hand."
Rose smiled.
"Now that's the kind of attitude I like to see." She reached over and held Heida by the chin, leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Don't stress too much. You'll do just fine. If this mission is a success, I'll personally rank you up to First Lieutenant and make you my deputy."
Heida's eyes widened.
"Y-You're deputy, Ma'am? That's quite an honor."
Rose pulled her closer.
"That's only if you bring me back the fragment. If you fail, your rank won't be the only thing you'll lose."
Heida's shoulders dropped and she gulped as she trembled in fear. She heard the rumors of what happens to those who fail a mission from Rose.
"Y-Yes, Ma'am, I assure you I won't fail."
Rose brought Heida's face close to her.
"Good. Don't disappoint me."
Rose turned and walked toward the exit, leaving Heida frozen staring at Rose's back as she left. Her face reddened as the thought of being Rose's deputy filled her mind. She wanted nothing more than to stand by Rose's side.
"Yes, Captain Rose, I will not fail you. I swear I'll get you that fragment even if it costs me my life."
Ayden, Nami, and Jin flew through the air as steady as they could, cautiously making sure they didn't disturb Heracross and Fearow's flying. They flew through the clouds to give themselves cover from all the security. Ayden directed them to not fly too fast so they could communicate with each other.
Nami rode silently. She only had one thing on her mind, to get Mendy out of that mansion. Her mind kept slipping back to her run-in with those men in the alley. She couldn't believe she let them overtake her like that. She could still remember how they forced Mendy to the ground like a criminal. The very thought made her blood boil. She would never forgive them for treating her like that.
Jin looked over at Nami.
"Hey, Nami, you okay?" She didn't respond. Jin stared at her for bit before asking again. "So… uh… what's the game plan? Are we getting close to the mansion?"
Nami looked back at him and then gave a nod.
"Yeah, we're getting close. Do you see that mansion up ahead? That's her home. It's still a distance, but we're making good progress."
Jin's eyes widened as he gazed upon the multi-story mansion in the distance. Never had he'd seen anything like it before. Even from a distance, he could tell how luxurious and grandiose the mansion's exterior appeared.
"Wait, Mendy lives there? No way! That mansion's gotta be like three times the size of the Pewter City Museum! Can you actually imagine living there? Bet it would be awesome!"
Nami scowled.
"Yeah, well quit daydreaming. It may look like heaven, but it's a real hell in there. Mendy told me all about it one day. She even compared it to a prison. That's why we have to get her out of there."
Jin regained his focus on the mission and nodded.
"Yeah, you're right. You've got it. Whatever you need, consider it done. We're here for you, Nami. Mendy's our friend too. We'll get her back no matter what."
His words made her forget her anger for a moment and managed to put a small smile on her face.
"Thanks, Jin, I needed that. Come on, let's get her out of there!"
Solare and the other maids finished their work and left the room, leaving Mendy to look herself over in the mirror. She didn't even recognize herself. Her hair had been fashioned into a bun, she had been festooned in a diamond-studded purple dress that made her feel she would trip at any given moment, purple elbow gloves adorned her arms, and light blue mascara and rosy-red lipstick had been applied to her, making her feel even worse. She didn't care about any of these things; she would gladly trade it all just to be back on her journey and learn as much as she could about water pokémon.
Mendy looked out her window as dozens of high-class visitors flocked into the mansion. Each one carried an important social status along with an attitude that said they didn't care about anyone but themselves. Every time she looked at an official, she could feel her anger rise. None of them cared about what other people had to go through. All they ever cared about was the chance to increase their status and make themselves richer and feel more important.
A click of the lock on the door drew her attention. Solare appeared along with two guards. They walked in and then stood on opposite sides of Mendy while Solare stood in the doorway.
"The engagement ceremony will begin shortly. Your presence is required outside. You will be escorted there. Gentlemen."
The guards each took one of Mendy's arms and led her out of her room. Solare walked behind them, keeping a close eye on Mendy, who walked with her head down as if she been put in a daze.
She couldn't believe any of this was happening. Any moment her engagement would be made official, and then she would have to spend the next three years learning how to be Elliott's wife. The fact she couldn't do anything at that point, made her feel even worse.
Solare and the guards led Mendy through the hallways of the house where every maid and butler stood waiting. As she walked by them, they each gave a bow along with a congratulatory statement. She averted her gaze as their hollowed words rang through her ears.
They reached the end of the hallway where two butlers stood waiting for their arrival. They both bowed and opened the door toward the outside. Mendy walked out and saw hundreds of guests waiting in red-cushioned seats. A red carpet led up to a white gazebo in the middle of the garden.
Elliott stood under the gazebo with his arms behind him in a parade-rest fashion. His expression showed annoyance as he hoped the ceremony would be over quickly. Beside him stood the minister, a short bald man wearing a black robe with a golden cross on each sleeve. Her parents stood off to the side. She could feel their eyes glaring at her, telling her not to mess this up and embarrass them. She tried her best to avoid their gaze.
She reached the gazebo and stood in front of Elliott. As soon as she was in place, the guards bowed and walked away. The minister cleared his throat and then stood between them.
"Today, marks a special occasion. Today, we recognize the engagement of the first daughter of Yarrington, and the first son of Montcroix."
The audience applauded. While Elliott waved to them with an arrogant grin, Mendy dropped her shoulders and looked up to the exit. Guards stood all around her, ensuring she couldn't escape. The applause died down and her attention fell back onto the minister as he cleared his throat again. He held up his hand and revealed two gold rings.
"I have here, the ceremonial engagement rings; the ring of mind and the ring of soul. These rings represent virtue, spirit, and an everlasting unity between these two houses. Prince Elliott Montcroix, may I have your hand please?"
Elliott kneeled and offered his left hand to the minister. The minister gently placed the ring onto his finger and then motioned him to stand up.
"Prince Elliott Montcroix, I give you the ring of mind. Do you swear to hold true to your commitment in this holy union and forever give honor to the two houses?"
Elliott nodded.
"I swear."
The minister then turned to Mendy.
"Lady Margarete Yarrington, may I have your hand please?"
Mendy hesitated. She took a half-step backward then froze. Her breathing hastened as she felt the pressure of her parents behind her. If he placed the ring on her finger, there would be no way she could get out of the engagement. By law, she would officially be engaged to Elliott. Simply taking the ring off and running away wouldn't help. She'd be bound to him forever. He could legally do whatever he wanted with her. He could have every cop in the region go after her if he wanted.
She closed her eyes and Nami's face immediately appeared. Suddenly, her mind cleared itself of everything around her and she focused on Nami. The promise they made and the memories of sharing their dream filled her mind. She couldn't break her promise. Not now. She made up her mind that day she'd do whatever it took to keep it alive.
The minister gestured toward her again.
"Lady Margarete Yarrington, may I have your hand please?"
She turned to the minister and dropped her shoulders.
"No, you may not."
The crowd gasped and whispered in awe at what they just heard. The minister adjusted his glasses.
"I'm sorry, Lady Margarete Yarrington?"
Mendy felt her body relax. She knew she could do this.
"I said, you may not have my hand! I've made up my mind and I won't be married to this man! I refuse to be a slave to this world anymore!" The audience's whispers turned to disgust. To think such words would come from a noble's daughter. She looked over and saw Elliott had reached the limit of his patience. He snatched the ring from the minister and then grabbed Mendy's wrist. "Hey! What do you think you're doing? Let go!"
Elliott glared at her.
"Be silent! I've had enough of you already! I have a lot to do and I don't have time to deal with your foolish behavior! Now hold still!" Mendy struggled against him. She balled her hand to keep Elliott from applying the ring. "Open your hand!"
"No! I said let go!"
The audience sat in amusement at the spectacle. Many found it embarrassing for the Yarrington family to have such an unrefined daughter. Wentworth furrowed his brow as his anger rose. He snapped his fingers, and at his command, a couple of guards came to his side.
"Restrain that girl and make sure Elliott gets that ring on her hand. I will not tolerate any more foolishness. Hurry up!"
They ran up to the struggling Mendy and held her down. One guard put her in a headlock while the other forced her hand open, ensuring her finger stayed ready to receive the ring.
"Hey! Stop it! Get off me!"
Wentworth walked up to Mendy and slammed his cane onto the ground. The impact caught her attention.
"Enough! Just what do you think you're doing on such a momentous occasion? You're actions clearly show no respect for the Yarrington family! Minister!"
The minister jumped up at the call.
"Yes, Lord Yarrington?"
"Hurry up and get that ring on her now! I will not tolerate any more interruptions! Am I making myself clear?"
The minister nodded.
"Of course, Lord Yarrington. As you wish."
He walked over to Elliott and retrieved the ring. Mendy struggled as she watched him approach her. Her heart pounded against her chest and tears welled up and fell down her cheek. She closed her eyes, praying this would all go away.
"Marill! Water Gun!"
The voice echoed throughout the garden and drew her attention. She recognized it, but couldn't believe she actually heard it. She looked up and her heart nearly jumped up her throat.
Marill fired a stream of water down toward the ceremony, drenching the gazebo, the guards, and the audience. Everyone stood up and ran away from the unannounced shower. Elliott jumped back and looked up to see who attacked them.
Nami held Marill in her hands as she watched the audience disperse and scream for cover. She quickly scanned the area until she found her. Huddled between a few guards, she could see Mendy amidst the fray.
Elliott balled his hands and gritted his teeth. He had come too far to let things get ruined now. He had to be engaged to Margarete no matter what. His reputation and his ladder to the top depended on it. He turned to the minister and snatched the ring from him.
"Give that to me! This foolishness ends now!"
He walked up and had the guards reposition Mendy's fingers so he could apply the ring. He carefully readied the ring and proceeded to place it on her. Mendy struggled as much as she could, but the guards held her down.
Nami's anger reached its peak. She jumped off of Fearow and dove toward the ceremony while reaching for a pokéball.
"Oh no you don't! You get away from her right now! Staryu! Rapid Spin!"
She opened her pokéball and Staryu zipped through the air toward Elliott. Elliott barely had the ring touch Mendy's finger when Staryu slammed him in the side and sent him flying across the garden.
Mendy's eyes widened as she saw the ring fly out of Elliott's hand and land in the nearby bushes. She looked up and gasped as she saw Nami fall toward the gazebo.
"Marill, Water Gun toward the ground!"
Marill fired its attack and slowed down their descent. She smiled when she saw three guards ready their stun guns and batons. She'd been wanting a rematch. She landed and saw the first guard run up to her with his baton. Staryu came back and tripped him. The moment his feet left the ground, Nami ran up and kneed him in the face.
The second guard ran up to her with his stun gun. She took the baton from the first guard and hit the second guard in the gut. She then took him by the head and flipped him to the ground. The third guard came from behind her with his baton. She grinned. She picked up the second guard's stun gun and struck the oncoming guard in the stomach. He screamed as the electricity surged throughout his body and he fell over backward off the gazebo.
"That's payback for what you did back in the alley, you son of a bitch!" She straightened up, recalled her pokémon, and turned toward Mendy. "Hey, you okay?" Mendy stared at her all the while not believing what she saw. Nami grinned. "Sorry, I'm late, but I swore I'd protect you, didn't I?"
Tears cascaded down Mendy's cheeks as she jumped up and hugged Nami.
"Nami! I'm… so happy you're okay! I was so worried about you! I started to think I'd never see you again!"
Nami hugged her back. However, she couldn't keep her own tears from falling.
"I'm so sorry, Mendy. I'll never let something like this happen again. Everything's going to be okay. You ready to get out of here?"
Mendy looked at her with her tear-stained face and gave a nod. Wentworth walked up to them and slammed his cane down. Nami jumped in front of Mendy to shield her.
"You there! Get away from my daughter! Just who are you to interrupt our royal ceremony? She has a very important duty to uphold and she will do it! I'll have you thrown into the cellar for this kind of act!"
Nami grinned. As he approached them, she held the stun gun up to him and forced him to stop.
"Oh yeah? Well up yours, old man! She's coming with me, got it? I won't let you all do as you please with her anymore!"
He furrowed his brow and gripped his cane as his anger welled up.
"Why you insolent little brat!" He snapped his fingers. At his command, every guard in attendance surrounded the girls. "Arrest this hoodlum girl and take her to the cellar! Then, restrain Margarete and get that ring back! I will not tolerate any more interruptions! Do it now!"
The guards charged the girls, but fell backward as several lightning bolts rained down on them. Wentworth looked up and saw two boys descend onto the gazebo.
Jin waved his hand as they headed toward them.
"Hey! The cavalry is here! You ready, Ayden?"
Ayden nodded.
"Fearow! Grab those two and let's go!"
Fearow swooped down and the girls each grabbed a leg as Fearow soared back into the sky. Wentworth looked on in anger as he watched his daughter fly away. Elliott soon appeared beside him.
"Lord Yarrington! I'm sorry, sir, I was blindsided and struck by one of those filthy creatures."
Wentworth turned to him.
"Elliott! My daughter and your future wife has just been kidnapped! Bring her back this very instant! I don't care what you have to do! Just get that girl back here and make sure that ring goes on her finger!"
Elliott bowed.
"Lord Yarrington, do not fear, for everything is under control. No matter where they go, the collar on Margarete will tell me exactly where she is. And as long as I have the key, she won't get far, you can count on that. Men!" At his call, his guards came up to him. "Round up your gear and get the vehicles ready! We're going after Margarete! I'll be leading this time! There will be no errors!" They gave him a salute and readied for the chase. Elliott balled his hands. "You're not getting away from me that easily, my dear Margarete."
With that, he took off with the rest of his men. Wentworth scowled and stormed back into the mansion, quickly followed by Vivian. When everyone had left, Trinity walked toward the mansion when a gleam caught her eye. She went over to it and found the ring that had flown out of Elliott's hand. As she analyzed it, images of Elliott putting it on Mendy's finger popped into her head. She tightened her grip on the ring, trying to hold in her anger. She looked up and saw several guards run up to her.
"Yes, gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
One of the guards stepped forward.
"You're Prince Elliott's aide, right? We were ordered by Lord Yarrington to search for Lady Margarete's ring. Will you help us look for it? It would be a big help."
Trinity discreetly placed the ring in her pocket and adjusted her glasses.
"Of course. I'll help in any way I can."
Elliott and his men traveled through the city of Cerulean, tracking down the signal on Mendy's collar gave. When the signal stopped moving, one of Elliott's guards spoke up.
"Prince Elliott! We've got them! They've stopped moving along route 4! They're only a little ways from here!"
Elliott grinned.
"Excellent! Head straight for them and make sure to give them our sincerest of welcomes!"
His men obliged and headed straight for the route. When they arrived and Elliott stepped out of his car, he grimaced at the sight before him. Foliage and trees surrounded him. Never before did he ever imagine he would have to trek through nature. Already his pure white shoes had scuff marks on them.
"Men, let's hurry. I don't wish to stay here much longer."
His team nodded and began their search. They slowly followed the path and kept their focus on the signal. The beeping hastened as they neared their target.
Elliott moved some hair out of his eyes and wiped his brow as the humidity kept him perspiring no matter how many times he wiped away the sweat. Unaware, Elliott slipped and found his perfect shoes and suit had both been tarnished and sullied with mud.
"What is this? How could you let me fall into something this horrid?"
His men tensed up. One of the guards spoke up.
"Our deepest apologies, Prince Elliott! It is a rather large puddle! We thought you had taken notice of it!"
Elliott balled his hands.
"Obviously not, you incompetent fools! You'd better find Margarete right now before I fire every single one of you!"
His men went back to following the signal. It led them off the route and deep into the forest. Elliott and his men climbed over bushes and tree limbs to get to the signal. The debris from the forest ripped their clothes and several mud puddles dirtied them even further. Elliott's anger reached its boiling point as he trudged through trying to keep his clothes intact, but to no avail.
They stopped when they noticed the beeping told them they had arrived at the collar. They looked around, but no one could see Margarete anywhere. Elliott stomped up to the man with the tracker.
"Well? Where is she?"
The guard shrugged.
"I don't know, sir, the tracker is saying she's right here."
Elliott looked around. The signal hadn't moved at all. She had to be around there somewhere. His attention fell onto one of his men pointing to a nearby tree and they all looked up to the towering plant. To Elliott's horror, he saw the collar stuck in the top branch of the tree. His eyes widened. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key to the collar. This whole time, he'd be walking through the mud and the unbearable decorations of nature only to find that he'd been tricked? His goal to find and bring back Margarete ended in failure? It all came up to nothing? He tightened his grip on the key and threw it as hard as he could.
"Damn it! Why? How? How could she possibly get that collar off? This doesn't make any sense! I had the key in my pocket this whole time!"
The group held onto Fearow and Heracross as they gently sailed across the sky and away from the mansion. The wind whipped through their smiling faces as they relished in their successful rescue. They landed in a clearing along route 5 and Ayden recalled his pokémon. Nami looked around and a smile spread across her face.
"We did it. We actually did it! Woo-hoo! Mendy! How're you feeling?"
She looked over and she saw tears in Mendy's eyes and a smile on her face. She couldn't remember a time she felt happier. She felt the warm breeze sweep across her face and every muscle in her body relaxed. She turned and faced the group.
"Everyone, thank you. I… I honestly don't know what else to say."
Nami walked up to her and gave her a hug.
"There's no need to say anything. You're back and that's all that matters."
Mendy nodded and wiped away her tears. She looked up and moved some hair behind her ear.
"You're right, Nami. Thank you for always being there."
She smiled and Nami's heart skipped a beat. There it was. Mendy's award-winning smile. Seeing that smile again made everything up until now worth it.
Mendy turned and faced Jin.
"And Jin, I can't believe you got the collar off so fast! And it was a stroke of genius to place it on top of a tree."
Jin laughed as he twirled a screw driver around his fingers with pride.
"Who needs some stupid key? Thanks to that Team Chaos guy, my lock picking skills skyrocketed! That collar was a piece of cake compared to the stores I had to break into!"
Mendy dropped her shoulders and giggled nervously.
"I don't know if that's something to be proud of."
Jin grinned.
"Yeah, maybe not, but in any case, we couldn't have gotten to you in time if Ayden hadn't thought of using his pokémon. We were able to bypass so much ground because of it."
Mendy looked at Ayden who stood with his arms crossed. He looked back at Mendy and then walked up to her. As soon as he stood in front of them, Mendy crossed her arms.
"To be honest, you're the last person I'd expect to have helped. I almost want to ask why you stuck around in the first place… but I won't. Thank you, Ayden."
Ayden nodded and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a pokéball and handed it to her.
"I believe this is yours."
Mendy held the ball in her hands and her eyes widened.
"Squirtle's pokéball? You had it this entire time?"
Ayden nodded again.
"I have a feeling he's eager to see you."
Mendy gave a nod and threw the ball into the air.
"Come on out, Squirtle!"
The ball popped open and Squirtle appeared in a blinding flash of light. She gasped when she saw him. He looked like he'd never sustained any damage at all. His skin color had returned to its original light blue shade and all the bruises had vanished. He landed and instantly ran into her arms. She knelt down and gave him a hug.
"Oh, I missed you so much, Squirtle! I'm so sorry I put you through all that with Raye. Can you ever forgive me?" Squirtle nodded and dug his head into her arms. Mendy hugged him back and smiled. "I promise. I'll never let you go through something like that again. I'll work harder and we'll become an even stronger team."
Jin and Nami smiled as they watched the two reunite. Piik smiled as well and turned to Ayden to get his opinion on the matter. He turned to her and lightly smiled when jolt of pain struck his head. He fell to his knees as the pain intensified. The others turned to him wondering what was happening. He tried to keep the pain under control, but his head kept throbbing until he opened his eyes to a vision.
He saw Mendy sitting on her knees in front of her parents. Her arms had been bound and connected to a collar. He saw her father take his cane and strike her in the shoulders. Her screams filled the room, but her parents didn't seem to care. He saw a maid force her up by the collar and lead her out of the room like a dog.
When the vision ended and the pain subsided, Ayden lay on the ground with Piik shaking him with worry and everyone else looking at him in curious bewilderment. Jin knelt down and placed a hand on Ayden's shoulder.
"Dude, you okay?" Ayden took in deep breaths as he looked up at Mendy. "Ayden?"
Ayden looked back at Jin and nodded.
"Yeah. I'm fine, Jin. Thanks. And don't worry, Piik, I'm fine really."
Piik looked at him skeptically, but decided to let it go. She could worry about him all day and he'd still give her the same answer. So, as long as he said so, she'd believe him.
Mendy stared at Ayden, not sure what to make of the situation while Nami simply crossed her arms.
"Hey, if you're done hugging the ground, let's get moving. I don't know about you guys, but I've had enough of Cerulean for a while."
Mendy nodded.
"Yeah, I'm with you there. But first, I need to get out of these clothes. If I take another step in this, I think I'm gonna lose my mind."
Nami smiled.
"Well, it just so happens I managed to salvage your backpack along with an extra set of clothes for you."
Mendy hugged her.
"Thank you! You're the best friend in the whole world!"
Nami's smile widened.
"Yep, I know. I know." Nami wrapped her arm around her and they walked toward the trees. She looked back and Ayden and Jin with a menacing glare. "We're going over here so she can change! You boys better not peek! You got that? I'll be standing guard just in case!"
As they went behind the trees, Jin scratched the back of his head and smiled.
"Wow, she must really care for Mendy. That's what I call a true friend. What do you think, Ayden?"
Ayden stared off into the trees where the Mendy went, his mind deep in thought about the vision he just had. Nami said Mendy had a tough childhood with her parents, but she never mentioned anything about how her father treated her. Something didn't sit right.
Nami looked over and found Ayden staring at her.
"Hey! What're you looking over here for, huh? You trying to sneak a peek or something? You pervert! I can't believe you!"
Piik furrowed her brow. She didn't appreciate anyone calling her master names. Jin looked at Ayden in surprise.
"Wait a minute. Is that the reason why you're spacing out? You're thinking about Mendy?"
Ayden nodded.
"Yeah, I am."
Jin's and Piik's eyes widened. Sweat fell down Piik's face as she analyzed what just happened. Jin's jaw dropped and he shook his head as he searched for the words to say.
"Dude! I never pictured you the closet pervert type! Don't know why, but my opinion of you strangely enough hasn't changed."
Ayden shook his head.
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm thinking about the events up until now. The reasons why Mendy wanted to get away from her family so badly. Nami said it was because of tradition and she didn't want to be a part of it, but I get the feeling there's more to the situation than just that. To be that adamant about staying away from Cerulean over something like that just seems odd to me."
Jin lowered his shoulders and stared at Ayden. He had a point. He'd been so focused on getting Mendy back, he never really thought of why she had to go through all this in the first place.
Behind the tree, Mendy eagerly took off the jewelry and wiped off her make up as quickly as possible. She reached for the zipper of her dress, but it barely escaped her fingers.
"Uh, Nami, could you help please? I can't reach the zipper."
Nami gave Ayden a death glare and then slowly walked behind the trees.
"Yeah, sure, coming." She went behind the trees and saw Mendy struggling to reach the zipper. She rolled her eyes and wondered how this girl ever got along without her. She snickered to herself and reached for the zipper. "Okay, hang on, I got it."
The moment her fingers touched it, she froze. Her shoulders relaxed as she stared at Mendy's backside. The way her hair sat professionally in a perfect bun, and how beautiful she looked in her dress mesmerized her. It reminded her of the day they met and how she thought she was a princess from a fairy tale.
Mendy looked back at her.
"Nami? You okay?"
Nami snapped out of her thoughts and blushed. She quickly unzipped her dress and hurried out of the trees.
"Yeah, I'm fine. No worries. Let me know if you need anything else." Before she walked away, Mendy grabbed her wrist. Nami turned around and saw the most solemn look she'd ever seen on Mendy. "Mendy? What's wrong?"
Mendy paused then lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, Nami, for everything."
Nami stared at her for a brief moment then smiled.
"What're talking about? You don't have to apologize. None of this was your fault."
Mendy gritted her teeth.
"Yes, it is! Everything you've gone through since coming here has been my fault! Being chased and attacked by my father's guards, do you have any idea how worried I was? How painful it was to see you get hurt like that? I couldn't even do anything to help! All I could do was watch as they attacked you! The last I saw you weren't even moving! I couldn't even check on you to make sure you were okay! How can you possibly say I don't have to apologize?"
Nami drew her in and tightly hugged her.
"It's because you're my friend that you don't have to apologize. I know I must've worried you, but I'm fine. See? Come on, you saw me kick those guys' butts back there, right? You don't have to worry anymore. Everything's going to be fine. We'll get out of this city once and for all and get back to our journey together."
Mendy cried into her shoulders and Nami sat with her as she let all her worry flow out.
Jin leaned against a tree as he, Ayden, and Piik waited for Mendy and Nami to return. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and breathed a sigh.
"Wow, they've been behind that tree for a while now. Wonder what they're doing. I'm starting to get a little bored waiting on them. Ooh, look, a Pidgey."
Jin's attention quickly fell on the small brown bird pokémon as it landed gently on the ground. Just as he knelt down to study it, Nami and Mendy walked toward them with Mendy back in her old clothes of jeans, sneakers, and a black tank top. She let her hair back down so that it went slightly passed her shoulders.
"Oh yeah! I feel much better now!"
Nami leaned into Mendy's ear.
"Try to keep your distance away from Ayden. I saw him staring at the spot where you were changing. He looked like he had some nasty thoughts."
Mendy blushed and then the rest of her face burned with anger.
"That little pervert."
Her eyes widened when she saw Ayden walk towards her. When he got close, Nami jumped in front of her.
"And what do you want, you perv?"
Piik charged up her cheeks, but Ayden petted her down.
"Calm down, Piik. Mendy, I think you owe us an explanation about why all this is happening. We're all too involved now and we can't afford to be ignorant of the situation any longer."
Nami took a step forward.
"Hey! She doesn't have to say a damn thing to you! Her business is hers alone! And what are you talking about being 'too involved'? In case you've forgotten, Mendy's the only one being targeted here!"
They all paused when they heard the speaker system turn on and a voice boomed throughout the city.
"Citizens of Cerulean City! The first daughter of the Yarrington family has been kidnapped by a group of delinquents consisting of one girl and two boys all ranging between twelve and sixteen years of age. Please keep an eye out for a girl with brown hair wearing a pink hoodie; a boy with silver hair, wearing black, with a Pikachu; and another young man with brown hair and glasses. These three kids have disrupted the engagement ceremony of the Yarrington and Montcroix family. Please be on the lookout."
The announcement ended and a deafening silence fell on the group. They looked at each other as the announcement rang through their minds. Jin fell to his knees in defeat.
"So, we're criminals now… and just when I got my name cleared in Pewter City too."
Mendy balled her hands and clenched her teeth. Not only are they hunting her friends now, but calling them criminals as well? She couldn't take it anymore. They didn't deserve this.
"All right, I'll tell you what happened."
Nami looked at Mendy.
"Wait, what?"
Mendy held up a hand to stop her.
"It's okay. They have a right to know. I'm the reason they're being hunted down right now. It's time they knew why."
The afternoon sunlight glistened off the sleek metal body of the aircraft as it flew across the sky, soaring above the clouds well out of eyesight of the citizens below. Heida stood with her arms crossed as she watched over her squad diligently work toward their objective.
"Have you picked up the signal of the fragment yet?" Her entire squad responded with a solemn 'No, Ma'am'. Heida slammed her fists onto her desk. How could this possibly be? They've been flying for several hours and they still hadn't picked up the location of the fragment. "Keep searching! This is an important mission that we cannot fail!"
She took her seat and rubbed her head in exasperation. If she didn't find that fragment and returned to Captain Rose emptyhanded, she could only imagine what would happen to her. The very thought sent chills down her spine. She had to find that fragment. She had to be Rose's deputy. She perked up when she heard the sound of the alarm.
"Lieutenant Heida! I've picked up the fragment's signal!"
Heida jumped out of her seat and ran toward the front of the airship.
"Where is it?"
The Chaos grunt pointed to her screen.
"The signal's coming from a mansion on the other side of the city. It'll take us a while to get there though."
Heida nodded.
"That won't be a problem. As long as we get our hands on that fragment, I don't care how long we have to wait. Make a beeline for that mansion and prepare to infiltrate. We will not leave here without that fragment in hand."
Her squad replied eagerly and went back to work. Heida grinned. Finally, the fragment will be in her possession and then she'll be able to present it to Captain Rose with her head held high.