Hey Guys,

I'll cut to the chase. These last four months, successive examination months. You heard me. This means I had exams in each and every one of those months which roughly translated to my disappearance from this place. They even had one on my birthday, something I'm actually accustomed to since it falls in the Exam season. Thanks to a certain special someone, I still managed to make that day memorial. My birthday hasn't been this good since 2014 so consider that benchmark crossed.

Oh, I forgot the juicy bit. It's actually still not over. I have one more exam to go. which will be followed by my compensation, the summer vacations. And let me tell you this. This will be my first real summer vacation in 2 years. Does this mean I'll be here updating more? Not gonna make a promise.

But what I am planning to do is at least put up the chapters I already have written. I'll see how many I can edit and proofread in a day but I'll be updating about two or three every now and then.

Okay. I tried to keep it short. Let's move on to the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon.

I also apologize for any Grammar/spelling errors in advance. There is only one of me so yeah.


Chapter 8

I'm moving.

Sapphire realized before she was even fully conscious. The pain returned with her senses, making her paws ache once more. She wanted to return back to the darkness she had just recovered from but something in the back of her mind was advising against it. The alarming sensation and the question that came with it snapped her eyes open and she found her speculation to be true.

"Where am I?!" she asked as she bolted right up and unsheathed her claws.

She looked down quickly and saw a scaly blue body with black ruffled fur. She smoothed her paw over the body, feeling the rough skin beneath and realized these were dragon scales. With her eyes wide with fear, she dared to look up and found two necks stretching out over, covered in black fur up to the muzzle.

"I believe the lady is awake," she heard an unfamiliar voice, startling her.

"Yes. I believe a felt something over," a second voice, presumably the other head, frightened her even more.

One of the heads turned around and craned over to look at her. Frozen in fear, Sapphire dared not move, her eyes fixed on the pokemon. She could not see his eyes for they were covered by the tufts of black hair falling over its eyes. The pokemon never stopped walking. She could still feel its body moving, carrying her with it.

"How do you feel, my lady?" it asked, politely enough to Sapphire's relief.

"I feel quite alright," she lied, blinking at the pokemon.

"Most relieved to hear, my lady," The head nodded before turning back.

She had read about this pokemon in history books back home. A Zweilous was a pokemon that was said to have two heads. A dark dragon pokemon, history had glorified its kind in many poems and legends alike. However, she had never been privileged enough to see one in person. The pokemon was said to be native of the dark and dragon kingdom. Then what was one doing out here in the desert? The question felt irrelevant as soon as she remembered how strange it must look to the Zweilous as well to find a Glaceon in one.

"Who are you?" she asked softly so as to not offend her rescuer. "Why did you rescue me?"

"It is not us who rescued you," the other head answered without turning.

"We simply follow orders, my lady," the first head added.

Sapphire fell silent for a few minute, taking in what the pokemon had just informed her of. Her confusion in this respect was only matched by the pain coursing through her body. She began to look around and realized she was no longer in the desert. The atmosphere had changed entirely. The hot, sunny plains of the desert had been replaced by cobblestone roads and a darkened sky. She looked up and saw thick black clouds swirling overhead, shielding the sun behind them. She took a deep breath, taking in the sweet aroma of this strange place she had been brought to.

"If you don't mind me asking," she started hesitantly, addressing the Zweilous. "You both appear to have a mind of your own."

"No doubt about that," one of the heads answered. "Though contrary to popular belief, we do get along just fine, him and I."

"Most certainly we do," the other head answered. "Unless there is food in question."

Sapphire felt her stomach grumble at the sound of the word 'food'. Her cheeks instantly went red with embarrassment from the sounds of her belly and she quickly began to think up an excuse.

"I-I apologize," she said, stammering. "I am famished."

"Oh not to worry," a Zweilous head informed her. "We are almost there. You will soon be fed and tended to."

"Yes indeed," the other head continued for his brother. "Look now, my lady. We are at the castle now."

Castle? Sapphire thought, even more surprised than she was before. She pushed herself up on her weakened legs and staggered up the Zweilous's body to look between the two necks. From the gap, she saw an iron gate encrusted with a thick layer of platinum, open. It was huge, three times the size of the gates to the Blitz Castle. The Zweilous carried her through the open gates and along the path ahead while the Glaceon stared at her surrounding in awe. Her jaw dropped at this splendid view.

A few pokemon were walking ahead of the Zweilous, marching in perfect sync. Looking ahead, she could now see the castle the Zweilous had spoken of earlier, its stony towers reaching for the swirling black clouds overhead and flags dancing to the soundless winds. She narrowed her eyes, trying to make out the sigil on the flag. That would provide her with some information of her saviors. Sadly, she could not make out the symbol.

The cobblestone road had rose hedges running along its side with roses in full bloom. What surprised her was no the beauty of these flowers but the peculiar shade of the said roses. They appeared to be black, their delicate petals a stinging color of death. The cobblestone divided into several other paths, each leading deeper into the garden of roses. Sapphire found herself yearning to walk around this strange place. However, fear was quick to bring her back to reality and she found herself shrinking away from the black roses.

"Where will you take me?" she asked the Zweilous.

"We are to escort you inside to your chambers, my lady," one of the head answered as respectfully as ever.

Soon enough, Sapphire saw the army walking ahead dispersing into the paths along the road while the Zweilous kept walking ahead until he had reached the wooden doors to the castle. The doors were open, two Houndor standing guard. They barely spared her a glance as the Zweilous entered, taking the Glaceon Princess with him.

The courtyard that followed was mostly empty with two flights of stairs swirling up to the floors above, one from the right and the other from the left. The staircase was as black as ebony with red carpets running down. She could see paintings on the wall, none of which she recognized from the books she had read. She briefly wondered if this was a part she had deliberately left unread. Now she wished she hadn't, for then she might have recognized the two Umbreon on the portrait to her right, one taller than the other with golden rings and a strong face and other with a more gentler expression and rings glowing blue.

The Zweilous climbed up the staircase to the left and then turned into the left hallway which Sapphire assumed must be the west wing of the castle. The place was new to her and she did not recognize a single pokemon they passed along the way, each giving her a strange look. She decided she would have to grow accustomed to it if she were to live in this new place. Every turn was new to her and the only think she could do was study the walls around her. They were rather plain, a contrast to the magnificent garden outside and she wondered what kind of ruler would go to such lengths for a beautiful garden but turn a blind eye to his own castle.

"We are here, my lady," the Zweilous brought her back from her own thoughts.

The pokemon pushed open a wooden door to a room and carried her inside. Sapphire saw two Roserade waiting inside, standing on either side of a huge canopy bed with white sheets and black curtains. A Blissey was present too, standing on the far corner of the room with her hands together and a pleasant smile. These pokemon were strangers to her and despite not having a reason to trust, she found their company welcoming. The Zweilous stopped near the bed and the two roserade jumped up to help the Glaceon Princess down.

"I believe I'll manage," Sapphire insisted, trying to stand up.

The Roserade had their arms around her in a moment and she found herself leaning on them for support.

"You mustn't push yourself, my lady," they advised her, their voices soft and soothing to her ears.

The two quickly helped her to her bed and sat her down. The Blissey then walked closer to the side of the bed, her face set in a smile. How this overweight pink creature was walking on such tiny feet with the least bit of clumsiness was beyond her. This was a strange land she had come to, filled with pokemon she had only ever read about but never seen. Sapphire noticed one of the Roserade hop down and begin to leave, the Zweilous following her. She wanted to say something to stop them from leaving her but found herself holding back. The Zweilous exited first, followed by the roserade who closed the door behind her.

"Look here, child," the Blissey diverted her attention away from the departing pokemon.

She quickly turned to look at her, blinking slowly at this pink healer. The other Roserade took one of her forepaws in her hand and began to rub her back up and down reassuringly. Sapphire looked at her too, confused as to what these two had in mind.

"It's going to be alright, my lady," the Roserade said as she gave her paw a gentle squeeze. "Blissey here will heal you."

"Heal me?" Sapphire asked, even more puzzled now.

"Yes, child," the Blissey replied. "Just try not to move much and close your eyes."

How is she going to heal me without an antidote or healing herbs? She thought before closing her eyes, choosing to trust this pokemon. The Blissey put forward her hands and arched her tiny wings, closing her eyes too as she used her healing pulse. A white ring formed around the Glaceon's body and began to rotate around her, releasing a mystic energy in the air. Sapphire, not sure if she should open her eyes, kept them closed, relishing in the energy she felt around her. Her wounds and cuts began to fade and the pain with it.

"You may open your eyes now," the Blissey's voice came and her eyes fluttered open.

"What was that?" Sapphire asked, baffled. "I do believe I have never felt better. How did you do it?"

"I have been blessed with healing powers," Blissey informed the Glaceon Princess, smiling sweetly at her. "My kind exists to heal the wounded and aid the hurt. It is the source of our energy."

"And the food is the source of ours," the sound of Zweilous made her turn sharply to the door. "Won't you say, my lady?"

Sure enough, she found her friend returning, pulling a small cart behind him and the other Roserade walking beside him. Sapphire chuckled, the first time she had laughed in a really long time. She watched the two stop close to her bed and the Roserade set about. Sapphire watched her uncover and dish and bring it up to her on her bed. The smell of freshly baked potatoes and cheese began to make her mouth water. The Roserade placed the tray in front of her and gave her a reassuring smile.

"You may eat now, My lady," the other Roserade said, releasing her paw and stepping down from the bed.

"Eat?" Sapphire asked. "In bed?"

Even when she was ravenous, Sapphire could not help but question her manners as a Lady. She looked wildly from the Zweilous to the Roserade, searching for an answer.

"It hardly matters, my lady," one of the Zweilous heads answered.

"You must eat. You look famished." The other head nodded in agreement.

With nothing holding her back, Sapphire began to eat, slowly as to not come across as savage but eating fast enough. It tasted good and she couldn't tell if it was because she had been hungry or because it was actually the work of chef. She could not care less as long as there was something down in her belly to keep it from making that disgusting sound again. The roserade observed her, smiling at their guest as she finished every last bite of the meal.

"That was excellent," Sapphire said as soon as she finished. "May the Legendary bless the cook."

The Roserade smiled, pleased that their guest was content with their services. The Zweilous then cleared his throat.

"We have some business to attend to," one of the heads spoke. "If you will excuse us, my lady."

Sapphire nodded at the pokemon as it bowed with both its head and then left the room.

"I best be off too," The Blissey spoke up next. "They might need my help down there with the wounded."

"I am very grateful to you," Sapphire said, addressing her healer.

"You need not be grateful to me," the Blissey replied, nodding respectfully. "You must be grateful to the Prince."

With that, the Blissey quickly walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Sapphire had to wonder how a pokemon of that weight could move so fast.

"The Prince?" she asked the two Roserade who remained. "Who is the Prince?"

"We have been ordered to bring you to him once you are well enough, "one of the Roserade informed her. "Does the Lady wish to rest before that?"

"I think I'll manage," Sapphire replied. "Will you take me to him now?"

"We must bathe you first," the other Roserade said.

Sapphire, now looking down at her messy blue fur, realized that she was no way near fit to be seen by anyone, much less royalty. She gave a little gasp, embarrassed with her own appearance. She did not look like a lady at all but rather someone who had been hard at work in the castle hearth.

"Not to worry, my Lady," one of the Roserade said. "We have prepared your bath. Come follow us."

Sapphire slowly climbed down the bed, this time, without needing any help. Her legs felt surprisingly strong and it was certainly easier functioning on a full belly. Escorted by the two Roserade, she was led to a room adjacent to her own chambers where a bath had been prepared with hot water. The Roserade pointed at it, smiling. The Glaceon slowly got into the tub and felt the warm water soak into her fur. Relaxation washed over her as she closed her eyes and led the Roserade come near.

The two began to scrub her body, one taking her paws while other scrubbed over the back. Their hands were gentle, their rose like-structure softly brushing over her body. She smiled softly, her eyes still closed. She was waiting for the Roserade to engage her in conversation but found them to be surprisingly quiet. Her handmaidens back home had a knack for chatter and though she missed them, she found her comfort in silence.

"There, all done, my lady," one of them finally said.

They helped her out of the tub and then dried her all over with towels. With the two of them, the process was quick. Once finished, they led her back to her room where they brushed her fur down and let her admire herself in the mirror.

"I look wonderful," Sapphire said, hardly recognizing herself from the creature she had been prior to the bath. "Thank you so very much."

"Our pleasure, my lady," one of the Roserade replied.

The other put out her rose-like hands in front of Sapphire. Curious, Sapphire looked down and saw a single black rose nestling in the larger petals of the pokemon's hand. Understanding what they intended, she lowered her head and let the Roserade prop this black rose into her ears.

"You are ready now," she said, smiling at her yet again.

"Then we mustn't keep the Prince waiting any longer," Sapphire replied, nodding and smiling back.

With that, the two Roserade began to walk together ahead with the Glaceon Princess obediently following., Once again, she found herself being led through the strange hallway until they reached the two staircase. Walking down the flight of stairs from the west wing, the Roserade continued to walk until they reached the center of the main courtyard and the door that led deeper into the castle premises. Sapphire followed the two and walked along one last hallway straight up ahead until they reached the end of it.

She saw a door, the largest one she had ever seen. It appeared to be a wooden door heavily coated with Platinum and strange patterns carved into it. A single pokemon, a Malamar stood guarding the door. Sapphire reckoned the pokemon must be awfully strong to not need a companion for his job.

"Go on, now," The Roserade encouraged her, nodding at the Malamar.

"I wish to speak to the Prince alone," Sapphire whispered to her two new friends. She had remembered how her own father's throne room used to be filled with courtiers and noblemen alike and figured the norm was not likely to be any different in another court. She simply did not wish to be ridiculed in front of an entire court with her tragic story which was hardly believable.

"He is alone, my lady," one of them replied. "Trust us."

Slightly puzzled by the ways of this prince, she nodded politely and then turned to the Malamar. He opened only one of the gates for her to pass through, preventing her from seeing the full room ahead. Slowly yet steadily, she went in, stopping only when she heard the door creak close behind her.

This was when she saw her savior for the first time, an Umbreon. He was standing at the far end, his fur black as the night sky with golden rings along the back and tail. He turned his head to look at her and Sapphire saw no signs of smile or relief. Unlike most rulers, he wasn't sitting on his throne, something she found odd. Most rulers learnt to love their throne, a symbol of their power and absolute authority over their kingdom. He appeared to be least interested. Instead, he was standing down the small flight of stairs that led to it, a place where courtiers would stand, not their ruler.

He nodded at her, signaling her to come closer. Now she was frightened. Unlike the pokemon earlier, there was nothing welcoming about him. The air around her felt tense, her senses screaming at her to turn back and run. Her paces were involuntarily slower than she had intended, knees shaking beneath her. She stopped just close enough for him to see her better but still far enough to not invade his personal space, which was quite a lot of it. With this distance, she could see his eyes, cold and emotionless. Yet, there was something gentle about them that was calling out to her. He blinked slowly, taking in her features and she felt herself growing increasingly uncomfortable at being objectified.

He began to walk closer to her, his body showing no signs of fear or disgust. Sapphire gulped, trying to stay calm in the presence of this dark prince. He circled her, studying her from every angle before stopping right in front of her eyes and sitting down.

"Do you know where you are?" the first question came.

"No, your Highness," she answered.

"Do you know who I am?" He asked her another question.

"They call you the Prince."

"Prince of what?"

"I would say, Darkus, Your highness. I am in company of the ruler of this kingdom and he has their element."

Prince Skull stayed silent for a few second, blinking at her. Then spoke up again.

"And who am I to you?" he asked.

"The one who rescued me," Sapphire replied, humbly. "The one I am indebted to."

Skull stopped again, breathing slowly and studying the Glaceon before him. She looked frightened but was trying her best to conceal it. The Umbreon Prince had always been very quick to pick up on fear. Her appearance was most intriguing and her manners still more. He had been right. She certainly was a proper lady. She knew how to hold herself up and talk like one.

"Who are you?" he asked her again. "May I have the pleasure of knowing who stands before me?"

He was asking, not demanding or ordering, but asking. Sapphire was surprised by his manner. Despite being the ruler here, he treated her with as much civility as if she had been his equal. The question brought back the terrible memories she had forgotten for the short while she had been at Darkus. Now they were rushing back to her, one after the other, reminding her of her true identity. Sapphire looked down, choosing not to look into the cold, black pools of darkness he called his eyes.

"I-I don't know," Sapphire answered. "I do not know who I am anymore."

Prince Skull was not someone who particularly enjoyed games, especially not from those who found themselves at his mercy. He'd been through this before. Prisoners of wars often feigned ignorance and pretended to not hold any information. However, this was different. Those were pokemon fighting in war. She was just a Lady.

"You are an ice pokemon," he said to her. "Is Glacial Kingdom not your home?"

"No, your Highness," she replied. "Things would have been very much different had that been true."

"Then tell me where," he insisted. "I can take you back if you wish."

"No!" Sapphire said a little too quickly, daring to look at him. She looked back down almost immediately, scared of what his eyes might reveal. "Y-your Highness," she quickly added before coming across as disrespectful.

Skull never looked away, his expression still the same as he witnessed this sudden change in the Glaceon's voice. He still could not make sense of what this pokemon had been through but clearly it had something to do with her home. Without a word, he turned and began to walk to his left. Sapphire followed him with her eyes. With his back now to her, she could look at this pokemon. She watched him pull up a crimson red curtain, revealing a balcony up ahead to the left of the throne room.

"Come," he ordered and walked up to the edge.

Sapphire slowly followed. Unlike him, she did not stand too close to the edge but rather a little distance behind him. Skull was overlooking his kingdom, Darkus. From up there, he could see his palace gardens below and the cities ahead with their cobblestone roads that led through. The sky above was grey, clouds looking heavy with rain. Sapphire could not see much from where she stood but she found the view to be splendid anyway.

"What do they call you?" Skull asked her another question, not looking away from the view below.

Sapphire did not want to answer. A name, a royal one at that, could give away everything. She did not wish to reveal her status to Prince Skull. Perhaps he has already heard of me. She thought. It wasn't uncommon for rulers to not know about the royalty of other kingdoms. If he were to learn, perhaps he'd send me back to Blitz. Or use me for political gain. What reason do I have to trust he won't? His people had been kind and so had he, when he chose to save her instead of leaving her to die out in the desert. Unfortunately, her past experiences had left her skeptical and she could not bring herself to trust him with everything.

"You may give me any name you desire, your highness," she answered instead.

Skull, albeit surprised by her answer, decided to not insist on this.

"How about I address you as….Glace?" he suggested. "Lady Glace?"

"Yes, your highness," Sapphire said, bowing. "Whatever you deem fit."

"Then I shall call you that," he said, turning back to look at his kingdom. "And I hope one day you will trust me enough to tell me your real name."

Sapphire sighed softly, wondering if she would ever come to trust anyone enough to tell them who she really was.

"Do you like your new home, then?" Skull asked her again, snapping her out of thoughts.

"Home?" she mumbled sadly, the word feeling strange on her tongue.

"Darkus is to be your new home now," Skull replied, now turning to look her in the eye. "You will stay here."

Sapphire looked uncertain for a minute before nodding her head in agreement.

"As you wish, your highness," she said, bowing again.

"Now go. I will summon you when it time. He nodded at her, his muzzle never smiling.

"Time for what, your highness?"

"For you to meet our deity."


Okay guys. Thanks for reading. Feel free to message me if you got something to say. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.