Chapter 12
With the Pokémon league finished, Philip and Cinderella retired to the trainer's lobby with their Pokémon. Cinderella was sitting down on a coach with Valiant. Rose was relaxing in her lap, admiring the golden rose. Ariel and Bella were busy wrapping the roses they recovered into two bouquets with paper and ribbons. They were going to wait in the lobby for Cinderella's stepsisters to arrive. She hoped she could have some time to talk to Patricia in disguise.
Philip took a moment to gather himself together then walked over to Cinderella. He sat down in an easy chair across from her. Alex laid down on the ottoman.
"You are amazing, my Lady," said Philip, "You and your Pokémon fight like no trainer I ever fought before."
"Thank you, Your Highness," said Cinderella, "You're a great trainer yourself."
"Well, I would be lying if I said I wasn't upset about losing to you," said Philip.
"I understand." said Cinderella, "I would have felt the same way if I lost, too."
"You really had me there with that delayed Trump Card attack." said Philip, "And your Absol's Future Sight and Perish Song combination."
"The way you countered his Future Sight attack was also clever." said Cinderella, "And the way your Rapidash used Poison Jab on herself to resist my Gardevior's Hypnosis move."
"Your Lucario appears to be more experienced than your other Pokémon." said Philip, "Did you train him?"
"Oh no, Your Highness. Duke Lucario was given to me as a guardian by my father. He's his real trainer. Before I was born, my father and Lucario fought many Pokémon battles and traveled everywhere to perfect their training. They even served in His Royal Highness's army during the Great War."
"Do they still travel?" asked Philip.
Cinderella shook her head. "No, my father and Lucario haven't traveled in years. After the war ended, they were asked to return home to become dukes in His Royal Highness's court. My father met my mother at a royal ball, and they fell in love and got married. I was born a year later."
"I see," said Philip. He thought for a moment, "You said your mother died. What was she like?"
"She was kind, fun, and loving to everyone. We used to play games and dance together all the time. She was always there to cheer me up when I was sad. And she loved to tell me stories. Legends and fairytales were my favorite. My favorite story is the Pokémon legend of Jirachi."
All the Pokémon in the room looked up and stared at Cinderella in surprised. For a moment, the lobby was silent.
Then Philip spoke up. "Jirachi? That sleeping Pokémon that is said to grant wishes?"
"Yes, that one," said Cinderella.
Valiant explained, "It's one the legendary Pokémon, Your Highness, so not much is known about it. Just stories and legends told through the ages. Known by most as the Wish Maker, Jirachi only awakens seven days every one thousand years to grant three wishes. Though some stories say it can also be awakened by a person with a pure heart. It can make any wish come true, can transform anything into whatever it wants, and is believed to have the ability to talk and even fight in it's sleep."
Alex suddenly interrupted with a laugh. "Umbreon! Umbreon!"
"What is it, Alex?" asked Philip.
Valiant understood, "It seems that Duke Umbreon doesn't believe in Jirachi. He said that Jirachi is nothing but a fairytale."
"Well, it does sound too good to be true." said Philip, "But if Jirachi is real, it sounds like a pretty amazing Pokémon."
"My mother said that she met Jirachi and it granted her three wishes," said Cinderella.
"Really?" said Philip, surprised, "What were her wishes?"
"Her first wish was to have a beautiful dress and slippers to wear at the ball where she met my father. And her second wish was to have a daughter who was beautiful, both inside and out."
"That's all?" said Philip, "She didn't wish for anything else?"
"Well…" said Cinderella, "She did say she made a third wish, but she died before she could tell me."
Cinderella didn't know why she was telling him this. She never told Philip all of this as herself. But she knew Philip was someone she could trust.
"So, you believe in legends and fairytales?" asked Philip.
"I do." said Cinderella, "My mother told me that anything is possible."
Philip then got up from the chair and went over to next to Cinderella. She was surprised that he did that, but was okay with it. He seemed to take some time to choose his next words.
"…Do you think it's possible to meet someone you scarcely met and know that she's the one?"
Cinderella blushed. She wasn't expecting that question.
"…I think so…" she replied after a moment, "Why?"
"I know it sounds a bit silly," said Philip, "But I feel as if I've seen you somewhere before… Are you sure we haven't met before? I mean, before the contest?"
Cinderella hesitated. "…We might have, Your Highness. I'm sure I would remember."
Philip laughed to himself. "I know it makes no sense…but since our luncheon at the palace, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I know nothing about you, and you know nothing about me. But I feel as if I knew you my whole life. Don't you feel like that?"
"I…I don't know…" said Cinderella, "Maybe…?"
A faint, tingly feeling warmed her heart. Cinderella could feel her cheeks start to burn for some reason. She felt this way before when Philip kissed her hand earlier, but she couldn't figure out what it was.
"My Lady?"
Philip's voice brought Cinderella back to reality.
"Yes, Your Highness?" she asked.
He hesitated for a moment, and then said, "No one knows yet, but in a few months, my parents are planning to throw a Pokémon Ball in my honor. Will you be able to come?"
Cinderella was surprised. She hadn't been invited to a ball in months. Rose, on the other hand, had never been to a ball in her life. However, she knew her stepmother would never allow it. So she hesitated.
"Well, I…I don't know." she said, "Stepmother will never allow it."
"We'll find a way." said Valiant, "She hasn't stopped my mistress from attending the Perfect Princess contest or the Pokémon League. I certainly won't let anyone stop her from attending a royal ball."
Cinderella looked down and unconsciously let out a sigh. Suddenly, she felt something warm touch her hands. Startled, she looked up. Philip had gently wrapped his hands around hers. His warmth seeped into her hands and into her arms. He was looking at her straight in the eye. Without warning, her heart started hammering in her chest.
W-What's going on? she thought, I know we're just holding hands, but-!
"What if my father made a royal command that every maiden is to attend?" asked Philip.
Cinderella let out a surprised gasp. She knew it might not make much of a difference, but something like that would certainly discourage her stepmother. She looked into Philip's eyes. Those gentle blue eyes stared genuinely into hers as she did the same. She couldn't move. As they stared at each other, she noticed his perfect features.
Now that I think about it… He looks really handsome.
Cinderella smiled. "I'd like that…"
Philip hesitated for a moment. He then leaned his face towards hers. Cinderella had completely forgotten that there were others in the room. She barely noticed the excited and astonished reactions of the Pokémon in the lobby. She closed her eyes as she felt him inches from her…
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Philip leapt away and scrambled back to his chair in a panic.
"Hello?" called a voice, "I'm Sabrina Livingston. I'm with my sister, Patricia, and our Pokémon. May we come in?"
"O-Oh, t-they're here!" said Cinderella, "Duke Lucario, could you let them in, please?"
"Yes, Mistress," said Valiant, "Pardon me, Your Highness, I'll be right back."
Valiant got up from the couch walked over to the door. Cinderella sat where she was, placing her hand over her heart as she tried to claim herself.
Was he going to…kiss me?
By this time, Valiant had already answered the door.
"Welcome, my Ladies." Valiant politely addressed, "Please, come right in. My mistress has been expecting you."
He courteously opened the door and bowed them into the lobby. Patricia and Sabrina walked into the lobby, their Pokémon right behind them.
Cinderella stood up holding Rose in her arms and greeted both her stepsisters with her genuine smile.
"I'm happy that you both got my letter." she said, "Did you enjoy the Pokémon League?"
"It was amazing!" said Patricia, "My Pokémon really enjoyed it."
"I loved it." said Sabrina, "Oh, and thank you for the treats and our seats. Our mother was happy to be in the front."
"You're most welcome." said Cinderella, "We met at the Perfect Princess Contest, but we hadn't had the chance to talk. These are my Pokémon; Lady Eevee, Duke Lucario, Duchess Gardevoir, Duke Absol, Duke Charizard, and Duchess Ampharos. They have a gift for you."
Ariel and Bella came over and each gave one of the rose bouquets to each stepsister. Patricia was completely speechless as she gazed at her bouquet.
"They're beautiful." said Sabrina, "Thank you."
Ariel and Bella smiled and spoke politely in their Pokémon voices.
"Your most welcome, my Lady." Valiant translated for them.
Cinderella then turned to Philip. "Patricia and Sabrina? I'd like you to meet my new friend, Prince Philip. I met him at the Perfect Princess Contest that day."
The two stepsisters curtsied to Philip.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," said Patricia.
"The pleasure is all mine," said Philip, bowing back.
After that, Cinderella, Philip, and the stepsisters started some small talk. Mainly trivial things like the weather, politics, and trainer tips to name a few. And so did their Pokémon. Patricia and Sabrina then saw that the Masked Maiden shared a lot in common with them and was very kind. She couldn't believe that this girl she lost to, was so kind and considerate to want to be her friend.
Cinderella saw a new side to Patricia. To her as Cinderella, she was stuck-up and rude like her mother. But around others and as the Masked Maiden, Patricia was much like her sister. Not as kind, but much more open and friendly. It didn't take long for them to become fast friends.
At one point, the talk soon moved to the Perfect Princess Contest. That was when Cinderella decided to ask Patricia a question.
"Your Highness, could you please leave us for a moment?" Cinderella asked, "And make sure no one enters the lobby until I call for you."
"Of course, my Lady," said Philip, "I give you my word that nobody will step through near the door."
He called for his Pokémon, and he left the room with them. Cinderella then looked at Patricia.
"My Lady, why did you make His Royal Highness leave the room?" asked Patricia.
"So that no one can overhear us." said Cinderella, "I need to talk to you about a private matter."
"And what is that?"
"Because I'm concerned about what's going on between you and your mother," said Cinderella.
Patricia stared in surprise. "What about it?"
"Lady Patricia," said Valiant, "Lady Eevee overheard the argument you had with your mother. In your dressing room after the contest? Sound familiar?"
Patricia's jaw dropped. She and her Pokémon grew a little embarrassed. Valiant stepped forward.
"Let me ask you a question." said Valiant, "Why did you choose to perform in the contest?"
"I performed in the contest because…because…"
Patricia hesitated. It seemed as if she didn't want to tell them. Cinderella took Patricia's hand in hers.
"It's alright, Patricia." said Cinderella, "Nothing you say will live this room. You can trust me."
Patricia stared in wonder at Cinderella. She was mystified by how kind and warm this mystery girl was. After a little more hesitation, Patricia let out a heavy sigh.
"Because my mother made me." Patricia finally admitted, "The dresses and costumes weren't even my choices. My mother was the one who decided on everything."
"Everything?" said Cinderella.
"Everything." said Patricia, "I've been trying to impress her for the last several months. I've done everything she told me to, but then I realized that I can't do anything. I tried to change and do whatever it took to impress her. But I can't, no matter what I do."
"My Lady," said Valiant, "There's no need to lie or change who you are in order to impress others."
"Why do you always feel as if you need to impress your mother?" asked Cinderella, "You're a great person as you are."
"Because she says the only way for me to be happy is to marry a man of high status." said Patricia, "If she can't be happy, then I can't be happy."
"But will that truly make you happy?" asked Cinderella, "Don't you have someone you truly love?"
Patricia gave a sad frown.
"Yes, but he left me for my stepsister." said Patricia, "I wanted to marry him, but soon after my stepfather went on a journey, my love wrote me a letter saying that he wanted to marry my stepsister. He even sent Mother money to marry her."
"How do you know that, my Lady?" asked Valiant, "Did he give it to you, or did your stepsister?"
Patricia shook her head. "No, my mother gave it to me."
"Do you truly believe he would do such a thing?" asked Valiant.
Patricia swallowed, "I don't really want to, but what else can I do? I tried to go over to talk with him, but Mother wouldn't let me. It's all my stepsister's fault! She's done nothing but haggle me ever since! Everything is all her fault!"
"Is that so?" said Valiant, "Let me ask you some more questions. I want you to be perfectly honest. Has your stepsister ever said anything mean to you?"
Patricia frowned. "Uh…no."
"Where your choices made by your mother or stepsister?"
"My mother."
"Alright then, it sounds to me like you blame your stepsister for your misfortunes because of that letter. But is she really to blame? If your stepsister hasn't lied to you and never has, you probably have to admit she's telling the truth."
"But what else I can I do?" said Patricia.
"Really?" said Valiant, "Did you know your mother tried to threaten my mistress into giving you her spot at the Perfect Princess Contest finals?"
"What?!" gasped Patricia, "B-But I didn't tell her to-!"
"I know you didn't tell your mother to do anything." said Valiant, "But let me explain this from my personal experience. It's clear that your mother resents your stepsister. Just like she resents my mistress for winning the contest. You cannot deny the fact that your mother is using you. As for the letter from your lover. While it's only a probable guess, I believe your mother lied to you and wrote that letter herself to cut off your engagement and turn you on your stepsister."
Patricia swallowed. It was so much for her to take in. It was all painful, but she knew most of it was true.
"But…what am I supposed to do?" asked Patricia, "How can I know for sure that Mother is wrong?"
"Let me give you some advice, my Lady," said Valiant, "Watch closely and listen carefully when a person speaks. A true liar always hesitates for a second then avoids eye contact as they respond in a strained voice."
Cinderella held Patricia's hand. "If you ever need help, I'm always here for you, Patricia. You can also talk with your stepsister instead of yelling at her. You don't have to deal with this all on your own. If your lover truly loves you, then his actions will speak for themselves. I'm sure you can find something. Be kind, be brave, keep a smile on your face, and in the end, happiness will come to you."
"You really think so?" asked Patricia.
"My mother always told me that." said Cinderella, "Always remember, Patricia, I'm your friend. And friends are always there for each other. Will you accept my friendship?"
Patricia looked at her sister, who smiled encouragingly. After a moment of hesitation, Patricia looked back at Cinderella and smiled.
"Alright, I will!" she said happily.
The two of them shook hands. Cinderella's words were reaching her. It was, of course, because she was the Masked Maiden, but still, she had made some connection with her.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Cinderella called.
"My lady, are you done talking?" Philip called out.
"Yes, we are." said Cinderella, "You can come in again, Your Highness."
The door opened and Philip came back into the room with his Pokémon. Behind them came the King, the Queen, the Archduke and Duke Grovyle, and the stepmother. The king and Queen bowed to Cinderella.
"We congratulate on your win, my Lady." said the King, "That was quite a battle today."
"Your beauty and grace are only surpassed by your kindness, courage, and intelligence." said the Queen, "Both at the contest and on the battlefield."
"Thank you, Your Highness," said Cinderella, bowing.
The Archduke walked up to Cinderella and kissed her hand.
"Impressive, my Lady," he said, "Most impressive. You match the same strength as my student, are calm under pressure, and understand the strengths and limits of your Pokémon. I can see how you've managed to win today's final."
"Thank you, My Lord," said Cinderella, "But it wasn't just me. It was all of us. Me and my Pokémon. We all worked together and enjoyed it."
"Oh, Your Highnesses? My Lord? I'd like you to meet my new friends, Patricia and Sabrina Livingston."
The girls bowed and greeted the king and queen. As they did some small talk, the stepmother secretly glared at the Masked Maiden, jealous of all the praise and attention she was getting. Her Lucario, however, kept her at bay with a warning look. He then nodded at the Archduke, reminding her of who was in here with them.
Ariel could read her thoughts and she kept her feelings inside.
That's right, I keep forgetting! This girl is the Archduke's daughter! Now what?! And I still haven't hidden that letter Erik Watson tried to give to Patricia today! I need to hide it in that tin box in that secret compartment in the grand stairway!
Ariel could barely keep a straight face. Who was Erik Watson? Was he the love Patricia spoke about? And what was it about a letter and a tin box? And that thing about the grand stairs? Ariel telepathically related what she heard to Valiant. He gave her a look to act natural and wait. She did as she was told.
After half an hour of small talk, the stepmother spoke up.
"Patricia. Sabrina. We're leaving."
The stepmother took her daughters by the shoulders and started to lead them away.
"Sorry, but we must go," said Sabrina.
"No, I also have to be going, too." said Cinderella, "I hope I get to see you again. Thank you again for coming to watch me."
She bowed to the royal family, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Your Highnesses. I hope to see you again. And Prince Philip, thank you for your invitation. Goodbye."
And before anyone could stop them, the Masked Maiden and her Pokémon made their grand exit from the room. Philip ran into the hall to catch her, but she was gone. Vanished without a trace. It was then, that he realized that he forgot to ask her for her name again. He could only hope that she would turn up for the Pokémon ball.
