I tried to get this out like 3 week ago but I've been having end of the semester testing and stuff. So I was unable to get the chapter typed out. I wanted this to come out before December 1st, which is Kate and Kellyn's birthday. Sorry It's a few weeks late!
Aqua: Squirtle-Chan doesn't own anything!
Chapter 25
Birthday Hijinks
Kate POV
It's been 3 days since Keith and I watched Peter Pan together and fell asleep together. Kellyn and Rhythmi happened to be the ones who found us curled up together in Keith's bed and lets just say they've been teasing us nonstop since then.
Today is Saturday and Keith, Kellyn, Rhythmi and I have the day off to celebrate me and Kellyn's birthday. Keith and Rhythmi told me that we're going to head to Pueltown first before going to the beach.
I really can't wait! But... I'm still being haunted by the words Spiritomb said to me... and these nightmares are really starting to depress me.
I looked over at the clock... 7 AM. I sighed and pushed myself out of bed. I'm supposed to meet Everyone downstairs at 9AM.
I tiredly grabbed Calypso's pokeball and let her out.
"Mistress? Is something the matter? You aren't usually up this early." Calypso questioned.
"Oh... Um... I just have a lot on my mind. I just wanted to hang out... Just you and me... That might cheer me up. It always does." I smiled meekly. Calypso has always been the best when it comes to cheering me up. She was my first Pokemon after all...
She smiled warmly at me. "Of course Mistress Catriona. But are you sure nothing is the matter?"
I gently rubbed her face. "Nothing is the matter... I've just been having terrible nightmares lately..." I promptly turned to my reflection in the mirror. "So I was thinking of doing something different with my hair... Just to spice things up today before I end up right back into my pigtails on Monday... Me, Rhythmi, Keith and Kellyn have plans today and I have time spare... about two or three hours actually..." Rhythmi is calling it a double date... Though she says she'd rather do it with Issac or Sven than Kellyn. "I always have it up in these boring old pigtails. Rhythmi told me to dress up a little... Like I did during my contest days. Oh how I miss those days. Me and you owning the stage. It was so much fun. Before I became a guardian, or the prophesy or this whole Dim Sun mess... I was so happy. Maybe... Maybe once all this Dim Sun nonsense is over and the darkness is vanquished... maybe me and you and the others can go away for a while. Travel. Do contests. Just like the good old days." Thinking about the happy days always cheered me up...
"Oh yes Darling! That sounds extravagant! We must do it darling! Hmm... now on the topic of those gorgeous locks of yours. Why don't you do that fishtail braid updo bun your mother always did? Those always looked so beautiful on her." She giggled. "So I'm positive that it would look just as stunning on you darling!"
"Oh yes! I always loved that hair style!" I giggled before sitting in my vanity chair and starting on my hair. I spent an hour conversing and styling my hair with Calypso, my beautiful Milotic by my side.
I finished my braided updo with my mothers favorite shell and crystal hair comb. I then put on some makeup. I used a pretty amethyst eyeshadow, turquoise eye liner, some rose colored blush, navy mascara and some ruby red lipstick.
I stared in shock at myself in the mirror once I finished up. I looked just like mommy... identical even.
"Oh Catriona! You look glorious! You must do this more often! Oh the memories of your mother pour into me!" My friend squealed in delight. She's always been a drama queen.
I smiled, glancing at the clock... It's already 7 O'clock!
"I guess I should start getting dressed." I stretched before walking out of the bathroom and over to my closet and took out two dresses as well as my bikini. "Which one?" I held both dresses up to myself one at a time.
One dress was a royal blue lace dress and the other was a light blue 50's pin up Sailor Dress.
"The light blue one is very cute." Calypso nodded her head in approval.
"Alright then! Light Blue it is!" I quickly took off my pajamas and put on my bikini. I on the dress over it before pulling on some white thigh high socks and some light blue Mary Jane pumps. I then put in some earrings made out of a Waterstone with a matching bracelet. "It sucks that the necklace Keith gave me is gone..." I sighed. "But I guess having a Starmie is pretty cool."
I walked over to my bed and picked up the still sleeping Aqua and straightened her bow. I glanced at the time. I'm supposed to meet Rhythmi, Keith and Kellyn downstairs right now.
"Well it's time for me to get going now, I suppose. Some people are coming to install an aquarium in my room today. I trust you to make sure everything is just right." I giggled before kissing Calypso's cheek. "See you later alright?"
"Yes~ Of course~ You go have fun~!" She smiled at me before shooing me out of the room.
I walked down the long hallway and towards the area everyone agreed to meet. I cradled my sleepy Squirtle as I made it to the escalator.
"Kate?" Aqua blinked looking up at me. "Wow you look so pretty!"
I giggled a bit. "Thanks Aqua." I smiled as I made my way through the halls of the Union HQ.
"Are you lost, little lady?" A familiar voice questioned. "This area is off limits to civilians. Though I guess I can let a beautiful lady as yourself go. But for a price."
"Hmm?" I turned to see a familiar Cowboy Ranger standing behind me, his face really close to mine. "Sven?" I felt my face heat up significantly.
Was he flirting with me? Does he not recognize me or something?
"Oh Kate? I didn't even recognize you! You look mighty beautiful." I noticed a blush dust across his cheeks. "I was going to ask for a kiss as the price... But I think Keith would murder me..." He sighed putting his hands on his hips. "So where are you going dressed up so nice and pretty?"
"It's me and Kellyn's birthday soon and Rhythmi and Keith are taking the two of us out today to celebrate." I smiled.
"Well you should dress up more often..." The way he was looking at me was making me blush. "I might have to risk getting murdered if it means getting a kiss from a beautiful lady like you." He smiled.
"Well I better get going. I-I don't want to keep everyone waiting." I smiled meekly.
Sven tilted his hat to me. "Have fun."
I quickly rushed away from him and towards the area I'm supposed to meet everyone... I took deep breathes to lower my heart rate.
"Sorry I'm late!" I smiled as I walked up to the threesome.
"Oh, no worries! I just got here too-" Rhythmi turned to me. "Woah..."
Keith and Kellyn turned to me as well and their jaws dropped.
"Wow Kate! Who knew you had curves hidden under that bulky uniform of yours?!" Rhythmi squealed. "You look so pretty! And this dress is so 50's vintage! And your hair and makeup is cute!" She gushed in her usual fashionista way. "And this hair comb! It's gorgeous!"
"Thanks Rhythmi. It was my moms." I smiled brightly.
Kellyn stared at me with a slightly shocked look on his face before smiling. "Wow... You really look like mom when you dress like that."
I smiled back at him.
I turned to my red headed boyfriend who still stood silent staring at me. "Keith? You okay?"
"Y-Yeah! Y-You just look really pretty." He blushed crimson red.
I giggled. "Thanks Keith. So where too first?"
"Oh I was thinking we could stop by a diner for breakfast." Rhythmi smiled.
"Sounds good to me!" Kellyn shouted happily, Blaster clinging to his back like a backpack.
"Munchlax..." I sighed shaking my head. "Sounds good! Let's go!"
Soon the four of us plus our partner Pokemon were walking down Union Road.
Kellyn was wearing a bad ass Gyarados graphic Tee, dark wash jeans, some tennis shoes, the Cascade Badge he won in Kanto all those years ago was on a chain around his neck. He's starting to get the Sapphire Family muscles... Every male in my family has been tall and muscular while all the females in my family have been Short and lean... Well with the exception of Aunt Grace... She's a bit of a larger mermaid... much... much larger...
Kellyn is really proud of his trainer days... And I know he misses it. Kellyn never really wanted to be a Pokemon Ranger... Battling and traveling is in his blood... If it weren't for me wanting to be a Guardian he would have traveled all over the world by now. But he seems to be enjoying his life as a Ranger so far. Even though I know he's only staying a Ranger to be close to me.
I glanced away from Kellyn and looked to my blonde best friend who was wearing a cute pink chiffon dress and matching pumps. She wore a white lace cover up and a variety of pinks adorned the flawless skin of her face. She's really curvy. She's certainly changed a lot since school... From what she's told me, she hasn't heard from Issac for a long while... She told me that she still really likes him but she also likes Sven and a lot of other guys. I can tell that she's really worried about Issac.
My eyes finally landed on my favorite red head. He was wearing an Arcanine graphic T, some worn blue jeans, a jeans jacket and some plain tennis shoes. He's changed a lot since Ranger School too... I guess we all have changed.
Kellyn's gotten taller and more muscular, Rhythmi's gotten slimmer and curvier, Keith's gotten taller and muscular, not as much as Kellyn but he's still gotten bigger. Even I've changed a lot in appearance. According to Kellyn, I look more like mom with each passing day. And coming from him... That's the highest compliment.
I followed them all happily. I'm so happy that we are all together for once.
The four of us made our merry way to Pueltown where we went to a lovely little all you can eat buffet diner for breakfast.
Needless to say it was a very eventful morning. Kellyn stuffed his face to his hearts content, earning many comments from me and the everyone else on Kellyn's abnormal appetite. To which he happily ignored.
After we were all finished eating, or more so everyone but Kellyn was finished eating we walked out of the diner with full bellies and explored the shopping district of Pueltown.
Me and Rhythmi happily went from store to store purchasing lots of items, from jewelry to clothes and leaving the boys to carry the bags and boxes.
Kellyn wasn't having much of an issue holding all the bags and stuff due to his Sapphire mermaid family super strength. Poor Keith though... He looked like this was torture.
After a couple hours of shopping we made our way towards Nabaki Beach for a fun afternoon at the beach.
"It's such an amazing day!" Rhythmi cheered as we reached the beach sitting all our stuff down on the soft warm sand.
"Agreed!" I cheered. "Now it's time to swim!"
Me and Rhythmi happily threw off our dresses causing the two boys to blush and freak out.
"What?" The two of us questioned innocently. "We wore our swimsuits underneath our clothes." The two of us then ran towards the water.
I wore a light aqua-blue strapless bandeau bikini top and matching bikini bottoms. While Rhythmi wore a bright green bikini top with the straps tied behind her neck in a bow and a matching bottom.
"Right... Underneath..." Keith sighed.
"Don't scare me like that sis! How can I protect my little sisters honor when you look like your stripping in public!" Kellyn whined joking slipping out of his clothes to reveal his swimming trunks underneath.
"Don't you think Kate looks really sexy~ She's practically a woman now~" Rhyhtmi giggled clinging to me. "I can't believe how curvy she's gotten since school!"
"Rhythmi!" I blushed bright red.
"Come on Katie~ Embrace your sexuality-" Before she could even finish her sentence I splashed water in her face and dived under water to avoid her yelling and whining.
Keith seemed to imagine something as his face went bright red... his nose started to bleed.
Aqua, Jet and Blaster squirted water at the red headed boys face before running off to play. "Pervert!"
Kellyn laughed his ass off. Poor Keith didn't know that our partners called him a pervert.
"Dude! Your nose is bleeding!" Kellyn laughed. "That is like an anime/manga clique!"
"Shut up!" Keith shouted blushing.
I noticed Keith's nose was bleeding. "You alright Keith?" I questioned.
"Huh? Y-Y-Yeah I'm fine!" He mumbled.
Kate? Kate? Are you nearby? I sense you near by!
A familiar voice shouted at me.
"I'm at Nabaki Beach Manaphy. Right on the coast of Almia... I'm swimming." I told the prince.
Yay! Yay! I'm close by! Come meet me! Come meet me!
"Meet you?" My eyes widened.
Yes silly meet me! Come on! Come on! Come on! Come escort me to the beach!
I glanced towards my friends and brother playing around in the water. I should only be a minute... Prince... I quietly dived under the water and started swimming out to sea.
I swam until I saw a familiar blue Pokemon swimming towards me.
"KATIE!" The Prince shouted tackling me into a hug. "I haven't seen you in so long! I was so worried!"
"Sorry to worry you Prince." I said after swimming up to take a breath of air. I looked around... "Wow... I guess I swam farther than I thought... Let's head back to Nabaki beach before I worry everyone."
"Alright!" Manaphy cheered. "I wanna see Kelly! I wanna see Kelly!"
The two of us swam back towards the shore.
Kellyn POV
"Hey... It's getting late and I haven't seen Kate in a while..." Rhythmi frowned looking out to sea. "Y-You don't think she drowned or anything?"
I know for a fact that she wouldn't drown... but it is worry some that she's disappeared.
I sighed when I noticed that stupid red head being chased around by the partner Pokemon.
"I'll go look for her." I sighed standing up before walking towards the shore. Before I was able to dive into the water a familiar Pokemon tackled he into a hug, causing me to fall back into the sand, yelling. "What the...?"
"KELLY!" I heard the Pokemon shout.
"Manaphy?" I groaned sitting up, rubbing my head. "Huh... Manaphy?"
"The One and Only Kelly! I'm here~ I'm here~ I'm here~! Can you believe it!? I finally found my way to Almia~! And I found Katie~! Oh, Oh, Oh! And you too, of course!" The Prince spoke in his usual over excited tone.
"Good to see you too Manaphy..." I sighed rubbing the young princes head.
"Sorry Manaphy was bugging me to come meet him and escort him to the beach." Kate sighed walking up unto the beach.
I looked to Manaphy with a disapproving look. "Now Manaphy... You know you shouldn't have bothered Kate." I looked at the Pokemon sternly. Manaphy just laughed nervously.
"S-Sorry Kelly! I-I mean Kellyn!" The Pokemon stammered over his words.
Each Guardian has there own role. Kate's is to guard the Shrine of Kyogre and the Temple of the Sea, something she takes great pride in, seeing as it was once moms job to guard the Shrine. Dad's is to protect the Pokemon of the ocean and my role is this little guys caretaker as well as assistant guard of the Temple of the Sea. Basically I'm the steward and protector of the Prince.
"Hmm? Woah? Kellyn, Kate? How do you guys know a Manaphy?" Keith questioned us.
"Manaphy is a dear friend. Know the little guy since he was a hatchling." I sighed looking down at him. "I was in charge of taking care of him for a long time but I left my aunt in charge of him when I left for Almia."
"Wait... You left who in charge of Manaphy?" Kate looked at me dumbfounded.
"Aunt Grace." I told her.
"Oh you poor baby! I'm so sorry!" Kate picked Manaphy up and hugged him.
"I know! It was awful Katie! Simply awful! Never leave me alone with her again!" He wailed.
"So over-dramatic..." I sighed.
I noticed Keith Jogging over to us wrapping his arms around Kate from behind. "Hey~ Hmm? Hey? Who's the little guy?" He looked to Manaphy.
"This is Manaphy~" Kate smiled happily nuzzling the seafaring Pokemon.
"Who's he?" Manaphy looked up to Kate and frowned unhappy at how Keith was touching Kate.
"This would be my boyfriend Keith." She smiled.
A slightly dark expression appeared on the Pokemon's face.
Oh no... Manaphy has that look on his face again... Guess he doesn't like Keith either...
"But I don't like him!" He whined burrowing himself into her chest... "You're mine Katie! Mine, mine, mine!" Manaphy started crying obnoxiously loud.
I sighed. "Manaphy. Stop being a brat." I pulling him away from Kate and irritably started walking away with the bratty Pokemon.
I plopped down on the ground and leaned back against the cool surface of a rock. I proceeded to rub my temples.
"But Kelly! How could you let her date a weird boy like him!? He's holding onto her and everything!" Manaphy wailed.
I sighed again. "You are such a pest..."
"Hey, Kellyn? Who's this cutie pie?" Rhythmi questioned walking over and sitting down next to me.
I looked to the beautiful blonde and smiled. "This is Manaphy. It seems he wanted to come visit us. I've raised him since he was an egg... He was supposed to be with my aunt... but it seems to me he ran away from home..." It was only a partial lie... I did leave my aunt in of caring for him because I knew he'd cause trouble if I brought him with me. He didn't come just to visit though... Kate needs him to help save the temple.
She smiled happily at Manaphy. "We'll he's definitely cute!"
Manaphy stared at the blonde in awe... "She's pretty! Pretty! Very, Very Pretty! She's Beautiful!"
"Yes, Manaphy. I agree... Rhythmi is very pretty... and beautiful." I blushed a bit.
"You... I mean... Manaphy thinks I'm pretty?" She blushed.
"Yeah... Though I'm pretty sure everyone thinks you're pretty." I laughed a bit before sighing. "I guess I need to drop this pest off at my dad's house..."
"No! No! No! No! No! I wanna stay!" Manaphy whined diving into Rhythmi's lap away from me.
"Sorry Rhythmi..." I looked at her to see that she's still blushing. "I'll get this little guy out of your way..." I grabbed Manaphy and rushed away yelling about how I'd come back soon.
Rhythmi POV
He called me pretty... beautiful... That was definitely not something I'd expect to hear from Kellyn.
I stared after him as he ran off with the Pokemon. He sure is fast.
I never really thought about it before. But Kellyn is pretty handsome. Tall. Muscular. I don't really know much about him, other than him being Kate's brother. Kellyn gave up a lot just to become a Ranger to be with his sister. He really does care about Kate.
I looked out to the ocean to see Kate and Keith playing in the water with the Pokemon.
Now that I think about it. I don't really know much about Kate either.
Those twins are so secretive. I learn something knew about them everyday.
"What are those two hiding...?" I spoke to myself.
Kellyn looked tired as he walked down the stairs that lead to the beach... He must have ran all the way home and all the way back.
"S-Sorry... I left all of a sudden..." He collapsed on the ground next to me.
"Kellyn... I just realized... I've known you for a while now... but I hardly know a thing about you..." I looked to him. "Mind telling me a little about yourself. Like do you truly like being a ranger?"
Kellyn POV
My eyes widened a little bit. "Do I like being a Ranger...?" I repeated the question.
"Yes." She looked out to sea.
"To be honest... Rhythmi... I'm not really sure. At first I only joined the Ranger School to be with Kate. Gave up a lot to do that. Including caring for Manaphy. It's always been like that. I've always followed Kate. I want her to be happy and I want to protect her." I stared blankly out at sea.
"Kellyn... What is it that YOU want to do?" She looked at me.
"I really liked being a trainer... I loved battling and traveling the world." I looked at the badge that hung around my neck. "I kinda miss my days as a trainer... I was thinking about maybe when Dim Sun is defeated... returning to Kanto... I haven't told Kate that though..." I watched Kate and Keith laughing and smiling. "I think she'll be fine without me..."
Rhyhtmi stared at me with a slightly sad look on her face. "Do whatever makes you happy Kellyn. I'm positive that Kate would understand."
"Yeah... I know she would. However, some days... I wonder what Kate wants..." I sighed.
"What do you mean?" She frowned.
"The happiest I've ever seen her was when she was a Coordinator... I know she misses it... But knowing her... She'd stay a Ranger forever if it meant being near you two..." I told her. "I never had the chance to thank you two..."
"Thank us?"
"Yeah... You both took care of her when she had no memory to rely on... you trusted her and believed in her... Thank you. I'm really glad she found friends here..." I smiled a bit. "I was really worried about her being in Almia all alone."
"Of course." Rhythmi smiled widely.
I grinned at her. "Well we had better start packing up soon! The Suns about to set!" I stood up and stretched.
"Yeah." She stood up as well.
Kate POV
I tiredly walked up to Kellyn and was surprised to not see Manaphy with him.
"Hey, where's Manaphy?" I looked around.
"Oh... I took him to dad's house... You know how Manaphy is... Always needing to be entertained... Dad can take care of Manaphy while we are off doing Ranger things... I was thinking maybe we could just take him when we do ocean missions and stuff like that." He informed me.
I nodded my head in understanding.
"I say it's time to head home~" Rhythmi yawned.
"Sounds good to me! I'm exhausted! And it looks like the Pokemon are too." I pointed to the three water type Pokemon who where all passed out leaning against each other. I dried off and pulled my dress on. Rhythmi happily did the same.
I picked up my sleeping Squirtle.
The four of us gathered our things and Pokemon before trekking home.
"Today was so much fun!" Rhythmi squealed.
"Agreed!" Kellyn smiled happily as we walked towards the Union... Blaster fast asleep in his arms.
"Oh! I almost forgot! Presents time!" Rhythmi turned to us.
"Presents?" The two of us questioned.
"Yep! Presents!" She reached into her purse and handed us both a wrapped box. "Open them~"
The two of us opened our present from the blonde.
I smiled when I saw the cute Piplup plush in my hands. "So cute~! I love it!"
"Woah! Cool!" Kellyn looked at the Gyarados Figurine. "Thanks Rhythmi!"
"Glad you guys like your gifts!" She grinned. "Keith! Your turn!"
I looked to the red head who handed us each a box.
Kellyn opened him. "This is kinda bad ass! He lifted up a really cool looking Gyarados Graphic T-shirt. Thanks Keith!"
I opened my gift up happily. "Ahh! It's so pretty!" I lifted up a beautiful water stone necklace.
"I thought since the first one was accidentally used on your Starmie... That maybe you'd like a replacement." He smiled.
"I love it! It's perfect!" I smiled widely and hugged him. "Thank you~!"
Keith seemed very happy with my response because he grinned one of those goofy grins of his.
The four of us soon found ourselves standing outside our rooms...
"Well Night everyone! Happy Birthday you two! Today was so much fun!" Rhythmi smiled before going into her room.
"Well I'm ready to hit the hay! Night!" Keith kissed my cheek before retreating into his room with Jet.
"I can't believe Manaphy actually made it here on his own..." Kellyn sighed. "Well now that Manaphy's here... I'll start focusing on figuring out what is going to happen to the temple while you focus on Almia's needs... While I was taking Manaphy to dads... he told me some troubling news... he said that the crystals in the Sea Crown are turning dark one by one... In Manaphy's own words "The temple is dying..." My brother had a cold sad look on his face. "Catriona... We don't have much time... Once the last crystal turns black... it's... game over..."
"What are we going to do Kellyn..." I bit my lip.
Kellyn was silent for a long time... "I'm returning to the temple Kate."
My eyes widened. "Y-You're going to leave?"
"Not forever... Sister... just for a little while... Until I can figure out what is happening to the temple... Manaphy is coming with me. We'll fix whatever is happening at the Temple. You focus on being a Ranger." He smiled gently... "I'm planning on leaving sometime in January. I'll tell the Union that I've declared it my personal mission to get Manaphy home. I'll be back before you can miss me." He smiled and put a hand on my shoulder.
"I already do..." I hugged him. "Just promise me that you'll stay safe."
"Aren't I always. I'm going to tell dad about this tomorrow... and knowing him... He'll want to join me. I'll be perfectly fine." He tried to assure me. "And you stay safe as well..."
I nodded my head. "Alright. And I will... Night Kellyn."
"Night Kate..." He kissed my forehead gently before walking into his bedroom with Blaster.
I walked into my room and locked my door... I sat Aqua down before falling face first onto my bed... I felt like crying but I could cry... I felt like screaming but I couldn't scream...
I rolled onto my back... "What am I so worried about... Kellyn will be fine... These Crystals are worrying me though..." I sat up and changed into some pj's, took my makeup off and pulled my hair into there usual pigtails. I laid back onto my bed... "Guess I should try and get some sleep..."
I soon found myself lulled into a deep sleep... a surprisingly dreamless sleep.
Yay finally managed to get this chapter written XD Took me like 3-4 weeks but I did it! At like 3:30 AM But uh who cares~! I did it and I'm happy now I'm going to go sleep XD