Chapter 7
The audience and contestants left the theater to leave or have tea in the ballroom. The Archduke and Duke Grovyle approached Cinderella.
"You have done well, my lady." said Duke Grovyle, "Your grace and talent have no boundaries."
"My Lady, someone would like to see you." the Archduke said, "We'll let you change out of those costumes and then I will lead you to the royal terrace."
Cinderella and her Pokémon went back to their dressing room. Then the maids helped Cinderella and her Pokémon changed out of their costumes. She got back in her original pink dress while Valiant, Ariel, Mikey, Rex, and Bella got back into their royal ribands.
Rose only needed to have the ribbon for her mother's pendant changed and sat near the down while she waited for the others to finish changing. She looked at herself in a mirror and placed her paw on the pendant. She wondered what her mother would've thought if she knew that she and her friends won.
"Mommy," she whispered, "Wherever you are, I hope you're happy for me. I had so much fun and I wish you could've seen me."
Just then, a familiar, angry voice came from next door. "Is that all you have to say?!"
Rose twitched her ears. She realized it was Cinderella's stepmother. Curious as to what was going on, Rose walked out into the hallway. She went over to the door across from Cinderella's dressing room, which was opened a jar, and peeked into the room.
Patricia and her mother were both in the room. Her mother was pacing the room, her stone face contorted with fury. Patricia was sitting in a chair with her head and eyes lowered and very frightened. Blair, Buttons, Emerald, Princess, Jewel, and Gloria were all standing to the side, just as scared.
"Listen, young lady," said the stepmother coldly, "I did everything for you! I married a duke, gave you the noble title you were born to take, and gave you everything you needed to win this contest! Now you let the Archduke's daughter walk in out of nowhere, let her steal your win from you, and all you can say is 'sorry'?!"
"I tried my hardest, Mother," said Patricia weakly, "I really did. I couldn't have known that baking would be part of it."
Rose watched and listened, confused. She thought Cinderella's Stepmother was always nice to Patricia. She had never seen Patricia look so vulnerable before. What was going on here?
"Then you're not trying hard enough!" snapped the stepmother, "I demand maximum expectations from you! How are you ever going to be a perfect lady if you don't even give it everything you've got?! I didn't give you that wretch's title just so you can mess up your chances of a getting a suitable husband!"
"But, Mother, I don't want to-" Patricia began.
"Silence!" shouted her mother, "I am your mother and I know what's best for you! This is your future we're talking about! You will do as I say and you will never question me again! Do I make myself clear?!"
Patricia swallowed and failed to hold back her tears. Rose could tell that Patricia didn't really want to do as her mother said.
Rose backed away from the door and ran back to the dressing room. She found the others all dressed in their ribands while Cinderella was having her hair redone.
"My Lady, where have you been?" asked Valiant.
"I'm sorry," said Rose, "I heard something across the hall. I don't think Patricia's really that mean."
The other Pokémon stared at Rose. Ariel and Bella seemed surprised and confused. Mikey and Rex looked at her like they didn't believe her.
"Really?" said Bella.
"You don't think so?" retorted Rex, "How can she not be? She stole Ella's title and kicked me out!"
"Her mommy was being mean to her." said Rose, "I saw everything just now."
And she told them everything that had happened in the room next door. Valiant listened closely as Rose recounted everything.
"If that's true," said Ariel, "Then why is she always acting that way to Ella?"
Rex chuffed. "So? That's not unusual about that woman."
"No," said Valiant, "Something's not right. I can sense sorrow from that room."
"I don't believe it!" said Mikey, spitefully, "Ella may forgive her every time, but I never could!"
"What are you all talking about?"
Everyone looked to see Cinderella, who had just finished getting dressed.
Rose ran up to her. "Cinderella, won't believe this, but I just saw-"
Just then, the Archduke called out from the hall. "My Lady, are you ready?"
"Oh, yes, Your Grace, just one second," said Cinderella. She looked back at Rose. "What were you trying to say again, Rose?"
"That will have to wait." said Valiant, "Our escorts are waiting on us."
Cinderella and her Pokémon walked out into the hall to meet with the Archduke. They made their way down the halls and through the noisy crowd and bustling Pokémon in the palace. They were lead out to the royal gardens just outside the ballroom.
Finally, they stopped at the private terrace with a balcony overlooking the town and countryside. It was a beautiful view. There was a small table with two chairs and a larger table for twelve Pokémon.
A Sceptile, Excavalier, Gallade, and a shiny Dragonite were already sitting at the larger table. A shiny Rapidash was standing near the railing, looking over the view. A young man was sitting in one of the chairs at the small table with a black Pokémon they couldn't see sitting at his feet.
Cinderella couldn't see his face, but he wore a fine dark grey suit, a black jacket with braided golden tassels and a black cape that draped off this left shoulder.
"Sir, I present to you the winner of the contest." said the Archduke, "She calls herself the Masked Maiden."
The man and his Pokémon looked over, looking bored and disinterested. Cinderella's heart leaped when she recognized him and the unknown Pokémon.
It was Philip and Alex.
Cinderella was speechless as she stared at Philip. He was the last person she expected to see today.
Once he saw Cinderella, Philip's expression changed. His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open as he stared back at her. He looked as if he had just seen an angel. Alex stood up and walked towards Rose with interest. She blushed shyly and hid behind Cinderella's dress.
The two trainers stared at each other for a moment as they tried to comprehend what they were seeing. After a moment, Philip regained his composure and stood up to greet Cinderella.
Philip stammered through his words. "I-I'd never seen anyone as- Uh, I mean, you're just so- You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
"I'm flattered." said Cinderella, "Thank you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, my Lady," said Philip.
"Thank you, um…"
Cinderella paused when she realized she couldn't let him know she knew him. Philip answered for her.
"Philip. Just call me Philip."
The Archduke spoke up. "We'll leave you two alone to get better acquainted. Your lunch will be brought out in a few minutes."
The Archduke and Duke Grovyle left. Cinderella smiled at Philip.
"You must be really important to be having a luncheon with the winner of the Perfect Princess Contest," she said.
"Oh, I'm no one important." said Philip too quickly, "Not really. Shall I show you and your Pokémon the gardens while we wait for our food?"
"We'd love to," said Cinderella.
"That would be wonderful," said Valiant.
So, Philip and his Pokémon took Cinderella and her Pokémon on a tour of the royal gardens. There were so many beautiful trees and flowers. They were in different shapes, sizes, and colors. On one side of the gardens was a giant hedge maze with a cherry tree in the center. On the other side was a battlefield where members of the court could have Pokémon battles. In the center of all the garden was a grand fountain with a Milotic statue surrounded by four siren statuettes.
There were many wild Pokémon hanging out in the gardens. Many of them were harvesting nectar and pollen from the flowers. Some were taking the time to talk with their friends.
Rose looked around in fascination. This was so much for her to take in. Alex noticed this.
"You seem to really like the gardens, my Lady," he said.
"Oh, yes," said Rose, "This is the most beautiful garden I've ever seen."
Alex smiled at her. This Eevee seemed so familiar, and yet he couldn't place his paw on it.
Together, Cinderella, Philip, and their Pokémon had lunch on the palace terrace together. They were served sandwiches and cake with tea. After they finished their dessert, Cinderella and Philip started a little small talk.
After a while, Philip asked a question. "So, who are you, my Lady?"
Cinderella frowned. "I'm sorry, Philip. I wish I could tell you, but… I'm afraid."
"What are you afraid of?" asked Philip.
"It's a long story." said Cinderella, "My family didn't want me to perform in the contest. In fact, they don't even know I'm here."
"But why not?" asked Philip.
"Because they don't know what they're doing." said Cinderella peacefully, "I'm a duchess of the royal court, even though they've reduced me to a servant maid."
Philip nearly jumped out of his seat. "What?! Why?"
"I don't know. It seems my stepmother thinks I'll hinder my stepsister's chances to marry someone. You see, my father's a high noble and friend of the king, but he and my stepmother have only been married for sixteen months. That's why I'm wearing this mask and I can't tell you who I am."
"Why doesn't your father do anything about them?" asked Philip.
Cinderella frowned. "I haven't seen my father since I completed finishing school. He doesn't even know what happened to me. I'm living in the servant's quarters in the attic and some of my Pokémon were kicked out of the house, even though they lived there since they were little. But I don't hate my stepmother and stepsister."
Philip stared at her in surprise. "But why not? I could never forgive someone who did that to me."
"Because I can't. On her deathbed, my mother made me promise her that I would be kind, gentle, and brave. I have always been kind to my stepmother and stepsister and even helped them out. I still have Duke Lucario, my Pokémon, and my friends. If anything, what's happened to me has made me a better person and my Pokémon and I learned a few things. We can make my own clothes, my Pokémon know a few unique moves, and I can bake fourteen different flavors of Poké Puffs."
"Really?" said Philip, "My Pokémon and I can bake some really great Poké Puffs, too. Maybe some time we can get together and make some."
Cinderella smiled. "I'd like that."
Just then, a nearby Swellow chirped three times followed by a thrill. Cinderella jumped. That was a signal that her family was starting to head home.
Cinderella stood up. "Forgive me, but my Pokémon and I must leave."
"What? Now?" said Philip, surprised, "But you still haven't told me your name."
"That Swellow is a friend of mine." said Cinderella, "He's warning me that my family is coming home. They can't know I'm gone."
Philip started to protest. Then he saw the look of urgency in her eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
"Then go ahead." said Philip, "We don't want anything bad happening to you. But before you go, I'd like to give you something."
Philip reached into his pocket and pulled out something on a gold chain. It was a beautiful golden key adorned with diamonds and pearls.
"Take this key. It will be a symbol of our friendship." he said as he slipped the chain over her neck.
"Thank you, Philip." said Cinderella, "I will treasure it with all my heart. Maybe we'll see each other again someday."
"I hope so." said Philip, "I'd like to see you again, my Lady. Farewell."
"Goodbye, Philip." said Cinderella, "It was nice meeting you."
Cinderella and her Pokémon bowed and left the garden. Valiant quickly lead them through the palace and out the front door. He easily knew his way around the palace, despite it being easy for even the palace staff to get lost in a building with 775 rooms.
Outside, Cinderella and her Pokémon saw her stepfamily climbing into a carriage. The seven of them quickly found a concealed spot and hid. Ariel concentrated, and, in a flash, they had teleported outside of their house. Cinderella's forest and barnyard friends were out there to greet them.
"You're back!" cheered Sparkle.
"So, how'd it go?" asked Patch.
Rose smiled. "We won, guys! We won the contest!"
The Pokémon clapped and cheered. They all swarmed and danced around Cinderella and her Pokémon.
Then they all began to talk.
"What was it like?"
"How did you win?"
"What things did you do?"
"What did the palace look like?"
"Did you see the king and queen?"
"Come on, tell us everything you know!" said the Pikachu brothers.
"Alright, alright. Settle down, everyone." Valiant called over the many voices. "We'll happily explain everything. But first things first. We need to change Ella out of those clothes and get the house ready before Ella's stepfamily gets home."
Everyone sighed, disappointed. But they had no choice. Cinderella and her Pokémon rushed to her room to change out of their clothes while the others helped finished her chores.
