Chapter 8
It was three days after the Perfect Princess Contest.
It was breakfast time, and this time, it was at the table. Cinderella and Rose were cooking in the kitchen, Ariel and Bella were cleaning the parlor, and Valiant was busy serving the stepmother and stepsisters. Outside, Red and Mikey were cleaning the stables.
Over the next few days, Cinderella told her friends everything about what happened at the contest. Many of them were pleased that Cinderella won and spent time with Philip. Many were surprised about what Rose saw happen between Patricia and her mother. The Pokémon had been talking about it for the past few days.
Patricia and Sabrina were nearing the end of their meals when Cinderella came in with more pancakes.
"How was your meal?" she asked.
"Just fine, just dandy," said Patricia bluntly.
"It's delicious, Ella!" said Sabrina, "Your cooking is so good, I think even the king and queen would love to come over for breakfast sometime."
"I've made more pancakes." said Cinderella, "Would any of you like seconds?"
"I'll take some," said Patricia.
"Yes, please," said Sabrina.
Cinderella served her stepsisters more of her pancakes, then gave some to their Pokémon. They thanked her and continued with their meal.
The atmosphere was less tense than it was a few days ago. When the family got back from the contest, Cinderella's stepmother was fuming with rage. She banished Patricia's Pokémon to the cellar for a whole day without food. Cinderella helped them out by having the Rattata sneak them whatever fruits and scraps they could get.
Patricia had been shut up in her room and stayed in there for two days. Cinderella took better time to observe Patricia. When Cinderella was in sight, Patricia acted like the rude person she always was to her. But behind closed doors, she saw a different side to her. She seemed sad and vulnerable. Cinderella tried to ask Patricia about it, but she rudely refused to answer her questions.
However, this morning, the family seemed to be talking about something different than usual. They seemed to be pretty excited about something.
"What's with the liveliness this morning?" asked Cinderella, "Are you going somewhere special again?"
"Have you forgotten?" said Patricia, "Today is the last day of the kingdom's Pokémon League championship."
Cinderella smiled, but she already had a good idea that was what they were talking about.
The Pokémon League was a two-month-long tournament where Pokémon trainers faced off against each other in single battles. Pokémon trainers from all over the kingdom had been competing in elimination rounds. They started with over a thousand trainers until only two trainers were left to face off in the final match. Whoever won would be crowned the Pokémon League Champion.
Cinderella had secretly been competing in the league with her Pokémon as the Masked Maiden. It was her first time battling in the Pokémon League. To win it, she and her Pokémon had to take their skills to the highest level. Valiant put himself and Cinderella's other Pokémon through rigorous training sessions. The equal to that of any professional trainer. They practiced their combat and moves six days a week, often until they were exhausted. Rose still had a long way to go, but she was learning quickly.
All of Valiant's training sessions had paid off. Cinderella had barely managed to make it into the finals. She was the first lady to make it this far in the league. She heard that the crown prince held the championship title for four years. If she was going to win this year, she and her Pokémon had to give it their all.
"I can't wait to see what happens!" said Sabrina, "I can't believe the Masked Maiden made it all the way to the finals. She'll be battling the prince!"
Cinderella looked up. "Who's the Masked Maiden?"
"Didn't you hear of her, stupid?" said Patricia, "She's a new Pokémon trainer that came up out of nowhere. People say she's unstoppable and has never lost a battle. She even won the Prefect Princess Contest a few days ago."
"Why is she called the Masked Maiden?" asked Cinderella, playing along.
"Because she always wears a golden mask over her face." said Sabrina, "Nobody even knows who she is. But I've heard rumors that she's the Archduke's daughter. Maybe even a princess."
"May I go and watch her?" asked Cinderella.
"Never!" snapped the stepmother, "We will not be disgraced by the presence of you! You will clean the stables, scrub the floors, dust the furniture, weed the garden, beat the rugs, wash and mend the laundry, wax the table, and polish the silver until we come home."
"I already did those, Stepmother," said Cinderella.
"Do it again!" snapped the stepmother, "It's clear you and your Pokémon are not doing your jobs when wild Pokémon are getting in the house! Now get to work!"
"Yes, Stepmother."
Cinderella and the others had to clean the house for the second time. After breakfast, her stepmother and stepsisters dressed in their finest clothes and went to the carriage waiting outside. Sabrina said a soft goodbye to Cinderella before the carriage took off.
As soon they were gone, Cinderella ran up to her room in the attic. She knew what her stepmother's answer was going to be and knew she was going anyway. Bella and Ariel were already waiting there in their Order of the Aurum ribands and holding a pink and yellow dress with a pair of white hand gloves.
After washing up and getting dressed, Ariel put up Cinderella's hair in a simple knot and gave her a headband with pink roses. A little powder was applied to her face and a dash of charcoal was applied to her eyes. She was then given a fan and a small purse to carry her belongings. She placed her mask over her eyes and looked in the mirror.
A beautiful, blonde stranger was smiling back at her.
"You look great, Cinderella," said Rose, smiling.
"Let's go to the Pokémon League," said Cinderella.
The four walked down the stairs and out the front door to find Valiant waiting there with Rex and Mikey. They were also washed up and wearing their Order of the Aurum ribands and metals.
"Is everyone ready?" he asked.
"I'm ready!" said Rose, smiling.
Everyone else also said yes.
Using Teleport, Ariel took Cinderella and the others into town. They appeared right outside the Grand Colosseum. Other than using it for the Pokémon League, the Colosseum hosted all kinds of events, like sports, plays, and music. Cinderella and her friends walked to the front of the Colosseum. Two guards and two Persian were standing at the door.
Cinderella smiled kindly.
"Good day to you, good sirs." she said in a polite voice, "I'm here to compete in the finals of the Pokémon League Championship."
"Do you have your pass, Miss?" asked the Guard.
"Yes, sir," said Cinderella.
Reaching into her purse, Cinderella pulled out a piece of paper that was her pass. She politely gave to one of the guards. He read it carefully, then gave it back to her.
The guard gestured them inside. "Okay, go right in, Miss."
"Thank you," said Cinderella.
She walked through the doors and into the lobby. It was quite crowded today due to the finals. Many people and their Pokémon were already coming in and out. Some were sitting down and relaxing while others chatted away. Some spotted Cinderella and either smiled or said hello.
In the weeks that she competed in the Pokémon League, Cinderella had become very popular as the Masked Maiden. She had a large fan club who showed their support for her by wearing gold-colored masks. They gave her gifts of money, jewels, food, flowers, and even letters. Cinderella had hidden all her gifts from them under the floorboard of her attic room. She had been more than happy to share the treats she got with her Pokémon friends.
Cinderella had one thing she needed to do before her stepfamily arrived. She walked up to the clerk at the front counter. It was an elderly man with a Machoke as his partner and assistant.
"Hello, sir." said Cinderella, "I'm here to compete in the Pokémon League finals."
The man's face light up when he recognized the Masked Maiden. He also became a big fan of hers.
"Oh, it's you, my fair lady!" he said, "But of course! I see you've brought the same Pokémon as before. This time, the matches will be full battles. Six on six elimination battles. The Prince is a very tough opponent, but he's a good trainer."
"I'm sure he is." said Cinderella, "Oh, and one more thing. You remember that box I reserved after last week's tournament?"
"Yes, my Lady. I still have that box reserved for you." the clerk replied, "Who do you wish to assign it to?"
"Duchess Victoria Livingston, her two daughters, Sabrina and Patricia, and their Pokémon, please." said Cinderella, "Oh, and could you have these delivered to them as well? It's for them and their Pokémon to enjoy, so keep them cool."
Cinderella handed two wrapped boxes to the clerk. There was a large purple and yellow striped rectangular one wrapped in a pink ribbon. The other was a smaller candy box with flowers on it.
"Of course, my Lady." said the clerk, "I will let them know as soon as they arrived. Go right in and good luck."
"Thank you," said Cinderella.
She then walked with her Pokémon to the trainer's lounge to wait for the match to begin.
At the palace, Philip was being escorted to the throne room, had been summoned to the throne room by his parents, King Charles and Queen Elizabeth. Alex was also with him.
Personally, Philip would rather be getting ready for the Pokémon League finals than talking to his father about his duties as a prince. For four years, he had held the championship title and he planned on defending his title.
But over the last three days, his mind was preoccupied by the Masked Maiden. He thought about her every day and couldn't get her out of his head. He had never seen a girl so lovely. Or met one just as kind and honest. Though they only knew each other for a few hours, he felt like he had seen her somewhere before. He asked around, but no one knew anything about her or where she came from.
The mysteriousness of her seemed to make him more drawn toward her.
When Philip and Alex reached the throne room, the King and Queen were already sitting on their thrones, waiting for him. The Archduke was with them along with Duke Grovyle. Alex stood by Philip's side as they approached the throne. They stopped a few feet away and bowed in respect.
"I am here, Mother and Father," said Philip.
"So, Philip, what did you think of the winner of the Perfect Princess Contest the other day?" asked the Queen, "Wasn't she lovely?"
"She was nice." said Philip, "She was kind, polite, and fun. I had a great time with her."
"What? You didn't ask her to marry you?" said the Queen.
Philip sighed and shook his head. He had a feeling that was what his parents wanted to talk about. And marriage was the last thing on his list.
"Mother, we're just friends." said Philip, "I don't want to get married yet. Let's drop the subject."
The King let out an exasperated groan. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? You'll rule this kingdom someday and every king needs a queen!"
"I'm being stubborn?" retorted Philip, "You're the ones pushing these girls on me! The last one you set me up with was a snob and wouldn't stop talking about how rich she was."
"I want grandchildren to love and spoil!" whined the Queen.
Philip crossed his arms and declared, "I'm not marrying someone I don't love."
The King sighed, frustrated. "Such a hopeless romantic…"
"I have more important things to do." said Philip, "I need to go to the Colosseum and compete for the finals of the Pokémon League championship."
The Archduke spoke up. "Your Highnesses, I believe I can offer some assistance. Why don't we throw a Pokémon Ball and invite every eligible maiden? There must be a least one that will interest His Highness."
"Look, I don't have time for- What?"
Philip jumped as if someone had poked a skewer in his bottom.
A Pokémon ball was a very special kind of ball. Unlike the usual masquerade and seasonal balls, this type of ball was made especially for Pokémon. Guests were allowed to bring up to six Pokémon, and groom and dress them any way they wanted. Not only was there the usual food, music, and dancing, they also hosted Pokémon performances and Pokémon battles, too.
However, Philip groaned and said, "No, not a ball. You know I don't like dancing."
"You'll never know unless you try, Your Highness." said the Archduke.
"No thanks," said Philip, "I'd rather jump off the balcony. Come, Alex."
Philip walked out of the room with Alex following close. The King and Queen looked at each other, troubled by what their son and only child just said. The Archduke stood up.
"I'll talk with him."
With that, the Archduke stood up, called for Grovyle, and left the throne room. They knew exactly where Philip was going. He went there every time he needed some time alone.
The Archduke and Duke Grovyle walked through the palace until they got to the palace gardens. They walked past the hedges and the flowers which made the air smell like perfume. They saw a few Butterfree, Beautifly, Mothum, and Vivillon flying around feasting on the hedges' roses and a pair of Fletchlings playing in a birdbath.
They found who they were looking for at the balcony that overlooked the town and countryside. Prince Philip was leaning on the railing, gazing off into the distance with Alex.
Alex sensed the Archduke and tapped Philip's leg.
"Go away." said Philip, "Whatever my parents want, I'm not interested."
"I'm not here to tell you what your parents think, Philip," said the Archduke, "I know you seek true love."
Philip looked over his shoulder, surprised. "How do you know?"
"A mentor knows his student." said the Archduke, "I was very much in love with my first wife before she died."
Philip sighed. "I know I'll get married someday, but I'm not ready yet."
"Your parents mean good, Your Highness. You know they do. Life as a prince is hard." said the Archduke.
"I know," said Philip, "But I haven't met a girl who is interested in who I am and not just my title or my father's money."
"What about Ella Livingston?" asked Duke Grovyle, "She's kind and gentle to everyone she meets."
"I don't know." said Philip, "I like her, but I think she only sees me as a friend. Besides, what good will that do to marry a girl who's forced to live the life of a servant? My parents won't accept it without proof of her title."
"I know of Ella's title and that's good enough." said the Archduke, "If she comes to the ball, ask her. If her stepfamily tries to stop her, then I will deal with them."
Philip smiled at the Archduke, "Thank you, my Lord. Have my parents arrange the ball but wait until after the Pokémon League is done before you announce it. I don't want anyone swarming all over me."
"As you wish." said the Archduke.
"Your Highness."
The two men looked to see a valet walking towards them before bowing to the two of them.
"Your carriage is getting ready for departure to the Pokémon League Champion." said the valet, "Are you ready?"
Philip reached into his side pocket and pulled out a whistle. Each blew into it with a special tune. Seconds later, a Sceptile, an Excavalier, a Gallade, a shiny Dragonite, and Lacy the Rapidash came running out of the gardens and to Philip's side along with Alex.
He then reached into a bag and pulled out five gilded Pokéballs. One by one, Philip opened each Pokéball with a press of a button on the top. Then he called each of his Pokémon by nickname.
"Drake, Keven, Henry, Clair, Lacy, return."
On command, Drake the Sceptile, Keven the Excavalier, Henry the Gallade, Clair the Dragonite, and Lacy the Rapidash were sent into their Pokéballs in a flash of red light. He then carefully put them away in his bag.
Philip then nodded at the valet. "I'm ready."
Patricia and Sabrina just arrived at the Great Colosseum with their mother and Pokémon. The stepmother was already shouting at other people to get out of her way. As they walked to the front doors, they saw an usher and a Flygon standing near the entrance. The Mystic Pokémon was holding up a sign with "The Livingstons" written on it.
The stepmother was very surprised. She didn't recall buying seats ahead of time. However, she proudly walked up to the man and his Flygon.
"Excuse me, are you Duchess Victoria Livingston and her daughters Sabrina and Patricia?" asked the usher.
"Why, yes we are." said the stepmother.
"There are ten seats reserved for you and your Pokémon in the front for today," said the usher, "Specially requested by one of our finalists."
"Really?" said the stepmother, surprised, "And who would that be?"
"They will greet you personally after the finals." said the usher, "They also asked me to give these to you."
The usher gave the stepmother two beautifully wrapped boxes. Then he and the Flygon quietly led them out into the building, to bleachers. The usher led them to one of ten private boxes near the front in the center of the battlefield. It was a perfect view of the arena and right across from the Royal box.
"If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to let me know." said the usher.
The family sat down in their seats with their Pokémon sitting at the side. The Pokémon smiled and wiggled restlessly in their seats. Patricia took the biggest box from her mother and neatly undid the ribbon. She then removed the lid and looked inside with her mother and sister.
"Mother, there's Poképuffs!" gasped Patricia, "They're beautiful!"
Everyone gathered around. Sure enough, there were Poképuffs of various flavors and colors. They were beautiful like works of art and smelled delicious. The Pokémon could make out Poképuff flavors of vanilla, chocolate, apple, peach, berry, mint, orange, lemon, pumpkin, almond, walnut, mocha, spice, and even red velvet.
Berry, Blair, Buttons, Emerald, Gloria, Jewel, and Princess were already helping themselves to a Poképuff. They ate them slowly, enjoying the taste of their favorite flavors. Whoever had these made knew what flavors they liked.
Sabrina then took up the smaller box with a letter on it. The letter was for her and Patricia.
She opened it and read out loud,
Dear Sabrina and Patricia,
You don't know who I am. But I've been watching you and I wish to be your friend. My Pokémon and I will meet you after the finals. Please enjoy the rest of the Pokémon League, and I hope you and your Pokémon enjoy the surprises I made for you.
You'll find me in the trainer's lobby after the finals. You'll know me when I call your names.
Hope to see you soon!
There was no name or signature. Sabrina then opened the box. Inside, was a collection of her's and Patricia's favorite candies. There were chocolates, peppermint sticks, lemon drops, sugarplums, strawberry bonbons, and licorice humbugs.
"Who could've given this to you?" asked the stepmother, a bit puzzled.
"I don't know, Mother," said Patricia.
Sabrina had a pretty good idea who sent the goodies. She kept her ideas to herself as she and Patricia started helping themselves a peppermint stick. The stepmother was left alone to wonder who it was. She hoped it was the prince, seeking one of her daughters' hands in marriage.
After a few minutes, everyone stood up as the King and Queen walked into the Royal box. The announcer then came out with a Loudred and a megaphone. The trainer then placed the megaphone over Loudred's head between its ears. The announcer then spoke into the megaphone, Loudred's ears amplifying his voice to a booming roar that could be heard throughout the Colosseum.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! WELCOME TO THE FINALS OF THIS YEAR'S POKÉMON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP! WE'VE SEEN AND FOUGHT MANY A BATTLE FOR THIS MOMENT! WE STARTED OUT WITH OVER A THOUSAND TRAINERS WHO HAVE BATTLED IT OUT OVER THE COURSE OF TWO MONTHS. WE NOW COME DOWN TO TWO AMAZING TRAINERS LEFT TO BATTLE IT OUT FOR THE TITLE OF CHAMPION!"
