Hey guys. It's Sweetenlow. Now I don't know if you guys know my good friend 10000reasons but this is his story. He's incapable of publishing anything for reasons I can't say because he has requested me not to. He is in no trouble, he is alive and well, and he should hopefully return in May. For those who like his work Protect and Watch Service, he promises to publish in May and apologizes that he cannot do it sooner. It's not on hiatus, technically, it's just he can't access it. until that time, enjoy this awesome story he made for you so you guys don't forget him while he's away.
Your favorite Lemon tree, Sweetenlow.
P.S: please enjoy these first three chapters and hopefully he can mail me more quickly. I want to know what happens just as much as you do.
Long ago, in a kingdom far far away, was a kingdom like any other. It was ruled by a king and queen a Gallade and Gardevoir and they were beloved by all its people. The kingdom prospered and grew because of them and they were all happy. One day, the king and queen had a child. A daughter who had become equally beloved as their king and queen were. She had grown with kindness and generosity and loved to play in gardens. Because of this, the king and queen had opened the royal gardens to the children to play in, so she may make friends. Among them was a child like her, a boy ralts, who was from a distant kingdom. He was no royalty, but he was of nobility. He was brave and kind, and they had become good friends. As time had passed, they grew up together, and grew closer. The king and queen were pleased she had made such a loyal friend and so the kingdom too was happy. But where the light dwells, there is ever to be darkness that wishes to snuff it out. This is the tale of the great knight who saved the princess and conquered a dragon.
"Come on, hurry Gerick!" Laughed a Zoroark, Zayden, running ahead.
Running behind him was a Barnabas the Blazekin. "You'll be late to see her and she will be dancing with someone else if you don't pick up the pace. Now run man, run!"
Behind them was a Gallade who ran after his friends laughing as he tried to catch up. The urged him on then beat hi up the stairs. As he chased them to the top, he stopped to take in the pearl while palace upon a mountain at the center of the city. It truly was beautiful in all its glory. Not a sign of wear or moss. It was perfect.
"Gerick! Do you want to dance with her or not!?" Teased Zayden, "If I beat you to the top, I will ask her before you!"
"Not if I get there first!" Barnabas challenged, already running to the top.
"Oh no you don't!" Zayden laughed.
They raced to the top and Gerick was left trying to catch up with them. He began catching up with them as they were not as fit as he. "It seems you are lacking the energy to reach the top. Where's that vigor you had on the first flight?"
"Hold on!" Huffed Barnabas, "I will catch my breath and you will have a match."
"I cannot wait to take victory on you now, if it is in my grasp. I will see you at the party!" Gerick shouted as he took off ahead of them.
"Gerick! Wait, my friend!" Laughed Zayden. "Your legs are much longer, Barnabas, this should be no trouble for you!"
"The reach of my legs means nothing to the weight they may endure. I have eaten far too much cake, I think. And I am about to eat more," Barnabas laughed back as he slowly raced Zayden.
"I suppose our friend has beaten us again then," Zayden said as he slowed.
Barnabas followed and pat his back. "Well, we have many more to pick from anyway."
Gerick reached the top, his friends not too far lagging behind, but enough distance that he may disappear in the crowed from. He dug into his tunic and took out the letter he had received from Geneviève only a week before. He even brought it to his nose so he could recognize her perfume. She had often sprayed her parchment with her perfume as to remind him of her. It was not a practice she made often, only when she had lost her stamp long ago. And to ensure she had it, in some way, signed, she used her perfume and ever since, she had not stopped. Mostly due to his request. The smell of roses filled his nostrils and a sweet sigh escaped him. "Geneviève, I am coming."
He read the letter over once more, instructing him to go to the gardens, in the spot they had first met and to wear white with gold trim as to match her dress so they would better recognize each other since it had been years since they last met. He had ensured he wore his very best and wore every color noticeably so she would not have to strain to see him. Stealing his courage, he took off not a moment later. He had not been in the gardens a long now but he could remember small details since his last visit. Eventually he came upon a spot he thought was the place the letter spoke of. He looked around but he could not find her. "Geneviève?" He called, but there was no answer. He hummed and looked around again but froze as soon as he could smell that light scent of rose over the many other flowers around him.
He then felt a light delicate tap on his shoulder and a soft harmonious voice address him. "Are you searching for something, my lord? May I be of service to you?"
He turned slowly and there his Shiny Gardevoir stood dressed in white with golden trim. He smiled back and replied, "My lady, it is I who wishes to be of service to you." He bowed on one knee and bent his head.
Her hand lifted his chin and met his lips with her own. "Sir Gerick, I have longed to see you. You have followed your orders well and I am pleased."
"Anything to please my lady," He smiled as he stood, embracing her for another kiss. Once they parted, he kept hold of her hands and asked, "Now that I have fulfilled her majesty's wishes in letter, what may her instructions be now? I am at her service after all."
Geneviève giggled then stood composed as she had been taught, "Your arm, and an escort. My Father will be speaking to the crowd soon. They wish to see you again."
"Of course," Garrick offered his arms and she took it, "It is my pleasure to escort her majesty anywhere."
They walked out of the gardens where Geneviève's handmaiden waited. With a wave of a hand, Geneviève beckoned her to follow, "Melody, come." The Lopunny in a pink and white dress and bows curtsied and followed them.
They reached the ballroom where not long after the king and queen appeared on the top of the stairs. A fanfare sounded and a herald announced their presence. All bowed, even Geneviève. The king wasn't just any Gallade. Royalty was blessed with an enchanted Mega stone that lasted until they stepped down from the crown. As such, both king and queen were mega evolutions. In addition, the king was not an ordinary black and white but a gold and white in stead and the queen, while black, was a golden green instead of white. He stood taller than any Gallade and had a voice that reached the shivered your soul and spirit.
"My people," He began, "My guests. I welcome you with open arms and a joyful heart to this ball held in my daughter's honor. For she is becoming of age and soon she will learn to rule as we have, for many years." Applause rang throughout the ballroom. Once silenced the king went on. "I thank all who have come and welcome all of you to join us for dinner." With that, the dining room doors opened and the party began to migrate over.
"Come, Gerick, my father and mother have saved a seat for you. Melody, you are released. Please enjoy yourself."
"Thank you, my lady," Melody bowed.
The two made their way through the crowed slowly and met the king and queen at the royal table. The king, seeing them, put on a big smile and embraced Gerick. "Gerick, my boy. Welcome! Welcome! Please, sit next me. We have much to discuss."
"I'd be glad to discuss whichever the king so chooses to discuss," He smiled.
Geneviève took a seat next to her mother and they spoke discreetly. The king washed his hands in the bowl of water placed before him then leaned over. "Now, tell me, my boy. How is your estate in Hoenn?"
Gerick gave the king a bright smile. "Wonderful, your royal majesty. We have not had a problem since the plague had passed a decade ago. My mother and father are doing well and regret that they could not join me in coming."
"A shame," The king sighed, "It seems every attempt to see them has been cast aside in by fate. Perhaps one day. I do have more personal matters to discuss but…I believe they should wait till near the end of the night. It is only right since it may be…"
Gerick waited for the king to finish but he did not. "My lord, are you alright?"
"It's nothing," was the reply, "don't let it bother you. We will speak latter. Enjoy yourself. There is nothing to worry about"
Gerick smiled but felt a little nervous now. He tried to ignore what the king possibly wished to discuss but if it had bothered the king that much, he felt it would but unpleasant. When they had received their meal and he and Geneviève began to speak again, he found it easier to relax. After the meal, he and Geneviève shared a dance or two and would have gone for a third had the king not asked for Gerick to join him for a walk. He had nearly forgotten and the evening was almost up.
"What was it you wished to speak to me about?" Gerick asked.
The king sighed and smiled, "We will speak of it soon. First, I must ask, what do you think of my daughter Geneviève? Is she not the most beautiful in the kingdom?"
"There are no words to explain her, but beautiful is closest, I think. She is more than that though. Kind, gentle; just. She is courageous as well."
"Courageous!" The king laughed, "Tell me."
Gerick laughed. "Well, I swore I would not tell. And I am a man of honor. I am afraid I must withhold it from you."
"Ah, I see," The king nodded in understanding. "I will not let you forsake your honor. You need not say a word. But I must ask for your honesty. Do you love her?"
Gerick froze and the king followed. They faced each other and there was a long pause. "I suppose my actions do not speak loud enough if his majesty must ask. I do not know if what I say will thus be honest."
"Nonsense," He king pat his shoulder and continued their walk. "Your actions are why I ask. Not because I need to know. I only wish to know if you will say it."
"I will say it as often as I am asked," Gerick straightened his back. "And I… I do hope to flourish it."
The king smiled but wearily. "I am glad…but I am also saddened by this."
Gerick's heart sank. He knew exactly where this was going. "My lord…?"
It was the kings turn to stop their walk. He faced the nearest guard tower and did not face Gerick as he pondered. "I only wish that I could give her to you, for I would rather have no other than you as my son. But fate seems to laugh at me, and my kingdom, and it seems as though all good things are not allowed to remain."
Gerick's heart had sunk its deepest and shattered. He gasped quietly and tried to understand the king. "What do you mean by this? If it is the king's wish than let her hand be mine. Do not deny yourself your hopes and dreams."
"Hopes and dreams mean nothing to the needs of my people. And while we have had a growing kingdom another wishes to take form the growth. Not all kingdoms are as successful as we are."
Gerick dipped his head and close his eyes. War, of course. What way to take happiness than to start a war. Gerick tried to think of something anything he could do. But nothing came to mind.
"I am sorry, Gerick. But to ensure war never touches my kingdom, we must become stronger. Tell me, I hear Hoenn has strong warriors."
"We pride ourselves in being amongst the strongest, second to yours, Galar. But I don't see why you need strength if you already have it," Gerick replied.
The king nodded, "I see your reasoning. But do not be fooled. We may have powerful warriors, but it is not the strength we need. But numbers. If we were to make an alliance with Hoenn, though marriage, our enemy would think twice before attacking. Hoenn, strategically, is closer to the Johto region. Our new enemy who has turned its eyes against us."
Gerick was cut deeply by this. His region's prince would marry the love of his life. It felt like an insult to him as well as a spite. The king was not a rude or evil man but this was much out of character for him. "I understand. But that you would propose mirage first… did they request this?"
The king nodded, "It was the only form they would accept being we have nothing to give them to convince them otherwise."
Garrick sat against the stone walls of the castle. He was close to tears but did not le them fall. "Does Geneviève know?"
"She will in time. I wished to tell you so that you would be informed and she would not worry for you. If she were to tell you I fear you would perhaps harden your heart against her. At least this way, it would be against me and you would not change your opinion of her." The king put a hand on his shoulder, "I am glad you understand. And I wish I could stop this and control it, but it out of my hands. I am truly sorry."
Gerick did not say a word once he found the strength to stand. "There is no point in hardening my heart. But I cannot accept this. If this be your decision. Then my visits are meaningless. I will not return."
The kind nodded sadly, "I was afraid of that. But I will not stop you. It is your right that you feel this betrayed and… I cannot be forgiven for it. As much as I regret it; I cannot change this decision. It must happen."
Gerick was furious, but he did not show it. He felt as though he needed to prove himself and change the king's mind, but he could think of nothing. The frustration and anger boiled and he wanted to storm out. But he couldn't do that either. He swallowed his pride and instead bowed. "Excuse me, I feel as though I have…" he nearly said something rude but caught himself. "I have worn myself with this conversation. I wish all the good in the world to be with you and your kingdom. And I wish you and your kingdom as much luck as it can. Hoenn will no doubt be of service to you. Should they…you call upon me, I will answer."
"And I am grateful. I am sorry, Gerick I…"
The apology never felt so empty despite how genuine it was. He was truly sorry, but Gerick was too angry to hear it he finally let his anger speak, but briefly. "One does not apologize for what they cannot control…unless they are hiding that they can."
With that, he left the king in surprise and looked for his friends. He figured they were near the barrels. When he had found them, he hid nothing from them. He told them everything he had been told and gave them an option to stay, but they refused.
"Where you go, we will also, my friend," Zayden said, patting his back. "I am sorry that it had to be you, my friend."
"Such a thing," Barnabas said in confusion, "The king is not this cruel."
"He is not," Gerick agreed, "But as king, cruel or generous, you must make difficult decisions. I imagine his hear is broken…as is mine. Come, let us leave. I cannot face Geneviève like this."
Zayden stopped him and shook his head, "You cannot leave her like this. What man leaves his lady with such wretchedness. She will be despaired and you must comfort her."
"She is looking for you," Barnabas pointed.
Gerick traced his friends field of view and saw as Geneviève was looking for him happily. She was then stopped by her father who was now taking her to the side. Gerick debated whether to listen to Zayden or not.
"Stay, brother. She will be glad for it," Zayden urged.
Barnabas put his hand on Gerick's other shoulder. "I agree with Zayden. Stay."
Gerick nodded. "You are right, of course. I thank you, my friends. You are too good to be mine."
"Nonsense," Barnabas said, patting his back.
"Don't worry, my friend. You will find love again," Zayden gave him a drink. And the three drank a little until they saw Geneviève try and compose herself as she hastily made her way to the garden, Melody following her. "There she is. Go to her."
Gerick finished his drink and ran quickly to her. She disappeared into the gardens and he tried to refined the place they had just found each other. When his memory finally served him, he managed to find the Lopunny and the Gardevoir, knelt down in the flowers.
"How? How could he? My own father! How could he let this happen?" She cried.
Melody stroked her back and comforted her, "My lady, be strong. His royal majesty would not do this unless he had to. Do not hate your father for this."
"I do not hate him. but I cannot forgive him for this," Geneviève cried, wiping her face. "I wish Gerick was here. I wanted to see him one last time. I can't let him go, I won't."
Gerick took a deep breath and fixed himself to appear stronger than he felt now. He approached and cleared his throat to ensure his voice would not sound disheartened. "My lady?"
Melody looked up and smiled, "My lady, it's him. he has come for you. He would not leave you so easily, see?"
Geneviève's head turned quickly and gasped. "Gerick!"
Gerick opened his arms and embraced her as she ran into them. She sobbed and hugged him tightly. She sobbed his name several times and Gerick comforted her. He gave Melody a nod. She curtsied in return then left them so they may have a moment in private.
"Gerick, I'm scared. I'm scared we will not see each other again. If I marry the prince then what will I do? I cannot leave the castle according to its law! But we cannot risk war in our region. I do not want to marry him."
"Shh, do not speak of it, Geneviève. Think nothing of it. Remember those times we had together. Remember the times we have now. We may not see each other, but you can always write to me. I will reply."
She hugged tighter and continued to sob. "What can writing do that seeing you cannot? I haven't seen you in years and now I have you…only to lose you forever."
He chuckled and kissed her head. "It won't be forever. We will see each other again. I know it. Somehow."
Geneviève finally parted and faced him. "Kiss me again. One last time."
Gerick smiled and closed his eyes then kissed her. The kiss lasted the longest out of all others they had shared. This one was to make their memory last. With their final kiss, they parted with few words, as to make the parting less painful. Gerick took one last look at the palace on the mountain, then rode off with his friends to return to his home. Geneviève watched the three figures ride away, and again burst into tears. She could not take the feeling of never seeing her love again. None of it was real. It couldn't be…but the more she tried to wake up, the more she fell in despair that her situation… was very real.