Chapter 6
A few days later and the girl Katarina met at the princes party finally came to visit her, she rushed past Anne who had come to inform her and rushed all the way to the sitting room, when she opened it she saw the girl she had met at the party she saw sat on the sofa with her Litwik but she also had a Misdreavus floating near her and was clutching an Espurr, but their was someone else with her, a boy who was carrying another Espurr in his arms.
'Who is this boy of unparalleled beauty' Katarina thought to herself.
''Pleasure to meet you and thank you for inviting my sister over, I'm accompanying her today I'm her brother Nicol Ascart'' the boy said.
''Nice to meet you and thank you so much for coming today, my name is Katarina Claes'' said Katarina 'wait, his name is Nicol Ascart… oh this is it, the fourth doom flag is in my house! He's the son of the Prime Minister as well as Gerald and Alan's childhood friend and he's another conquerable route in the game!' This alarmed Katarina for a minute especially since she had never played Nicol's route before but then she remembered what her otaku friend Acchan told her, Katarina wasn't involved in Nicols route so their was no need to panic, until Katarina realised she had been quite for a few minutes in front of them ''oh I'm so sorry, where are my manners thank you so much for coming''
A few minutes later Katarina had gotten out a big selection of Romance novels for her and Sophia to read and Anne had brought them some tea and sweets, after deciding what book they would read Katarina pulled out Pinky and Pumpkaboo's balls ''I hope you don't mind but I like to read with my Pokemon around and they like listening to me read''
''Oh I don't mind at all'' said Sophia petting her Litwik ''I actually do the same thing and my Pokemon also enjoy me reading to them, I was actually going to ask you the same thing I've got one more Pokemon if you don't mind''
''Not at all'' said Katarina as she released Pinky and Pumpkaboo from their balls and Sophia let her last Pokemon out which was a Phantump.
Afterwards the two started to read, they had a fun time reading book after book and their Pokemon enjoyed them reading and were getting along really well, especially Phantump and Pumpkaboo, though Katarina did feel guilty that she left Gible out she'd have to make it up to her later.
The two had a wonderful time reading books and there Pokemon had a wonderful time listening to them, but unfortunately it couldn't last forever and Anne eventually came in to let them know that it was time for Sophia to go home, which cause the girls to let out a disappointed moan.
''I guess time fly's when your having fun'' said Katarina, when Sophia stood up Katarina couldn't help but look awed by how beautiful she was ''I just can't get over how pretty your hair is, can I touch it for a moment?'' Which caused Sophia to look at her in surprise and so did Nicol along with Sophia's Pokemon 'oh great now I've done it, she probably thinks I'm a hair freak now' ''sorry I was just-''
''Y-you mean, you don't find my appearance creepy Lady Katarina?'' Sophia asked.
''Of course not why would I?'' Katarina asked.
''Because my hair is white like an old persons and my eyes are red as blood, I'm creepy looking, a cursed child'' explained Sophia.
''Cursed child?'' Katarina asked.
''It's slander'' Nicol growled ''people who are jealous of our family and our fathers achievements resort to baselessly insult us''
''No, that's wrong'' said Katarina softly.
''Maybe so, but it doesn't change the fact I'm creepy looking'' said Sophia, her Pokemon all quickly moved to her to hug and comfort her and try to cheer her up ''it's why I became a ghost type trainer, at least I don't look out of place with them''
''I honestly think you look pretty'' said Katarina causing Sophia to look up surprised and making her Pokemon nod in agreement ''your white hair is unique it looks like silk and your eyes are like a pair of twinkling rubies, their both lovely'' she took Sophia's hands comfortingly and continued on ''I would love you to visit me again and I'd love you to be my friend''
Sophia was quiet for a few minutes before smiling a beautiful tearful smile ''of course, I'd love to'' with that Katarina followed them out and waved them off hoping Sophia and her brother would visit her soon.
After that day Katarina and Sophia continued to see each other for reading parties and eventually Mary joined in with their reading time, today was one such day, they were sat in one of the Claes sitting rooms with there Pokemon all around them, Sophia's Meowstic was curled up in her lap, Katarina's Pinky was curled up against Katarina's side, while there Phantump and Pumpkaboo were sat next to each other along with Mary's Petilil and Roselia chatting with each other, Misdreavus floated next to Sophia, Litwick was sat on the table and Purugly was sat at Mary's feet.
Speaking of ever since their battle with Princes Gerald and Alan and the confrontation with her sisters owning a Purugly had been very in fashion for Nobility because of their strength and their perceived loyalty and just like that Mary had been hailed as a trend setter for Nobility and one of the youngest at that.
''Ah, I loved this one too, it's part of the Devilish Count Series'' said Katarina.
''Oh really, what is it about?'' Mary asked.
''It's a series of romance novels about a beautiful count and a commoner girl, with black hair and beautiful black eyes the count has a devilish charm which attracts women from everywhere to him, even men find themselves charmed by him'' Katarina explained.
''Oh wow'' said Mary excitedly.
''Actually and I might be biased but the Count has always reminded me of my brother'' said Sophia.
''Yeah I can see that like how he's so quiet and mysterious'' said Katarina.
''I will admit, your brother does have a strange sort of charm, Sophia may I borrow that book too?'' Mary asked.
''And can you lend me another from the series?'' Katarina asked.
''In that case why don't you come to my house'' Sophia suggested.
The next day Katarina came to visit Sophia, her mother had sent Keith with her of course, she was so exited she could barely contain herself her feet impatiently tapped on the floor ''sister you need to calm down'' said Keith.
''I'm sorry, I'm just so exited Sophia said she has a ton of great romance novels'' said Katarina, before looking over as two people entered the room a beautiful man and woman, the man had an Alakazam and the woman had a Gengar with her.
''Its nice to meet you, I'm your friends father my name is Dan Ascart and this is my Alakazam'' said the man.
''And I'm their mother, my name is Radea Ascart and this is Gengar'' said the woman patting her Gengar on the head.
'It figures their parents would be gorgeous too' Katarina thought to herself, before Keith knocked her with his elbow to snap her out of her daze ''nice to meet you my name is Katarina Claes''
''And I'm her brother Keith Claes'' said Keith.
''Our daughter has been so much happier since making your acquaintance, thank you so much'' said Radea.
''We're truely grateful that Sophia's made such a lovely friend like you, we really appreciate it'' said Dan.
''Oh its nothing sir, I'm happy to be her friend'' said Katarina, that was when Sophia excitedly entered and their reading session began.
The two then began to have a good time reading together with there Pokemon, but eventually Katarina had to excuse herself and on her way back she saw something she wasn't expecting it was a blue Flabebe, Katarina out of curiously followed it and eventually it lead her to a door which it couldn't open, Katarina opened the door for it and the Flebebe gave a grateful bow flew in to the room and was met by Nicol and what seemed to be the rest of his Pokemon an Espurr, a Murkrow and a Mawile.
Nicol held his hand out for Flabebe to fly into but looked visibly shocked when he saw Katarina was in the room too, Katarina also looked shocked but she was more worried that she had done something to upset him, she didn't want to do anything to hurt Sophia or any of her family, physically or emotionally.
''H-hello, Master Nicol, I'm sorry I interrupted whatever your doing, are these your Pokemon?'' Katarina asked shakily.
''Yes they are'' said Nicol looking down.
''They all look really well kept, you must be a great trainer'' said Katarina, this caused Nicol to look at her shocked, which made Katarina think she had offended him ''o-oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to-''
''Do you mean that?'' Nicol asked.
''Of course why wouldn't I?'' Katarina asked.
''Because Fairy is a type mostly used by women, most men who use Fairy Type Pokemon are shamed by others for using what is considered a woman's type'' explained Nicol, looking down at the Flebebe in his hand sadly.
''Master Nicol, do you like fairy types?'' Katarina asked.
''Yes I do, I like these Pokemon'' said Nicol gently stroking Flebebe's head.
''Then you shouldn't be ashamed, if you like them then use them and be proud of them, besides nobody wanted a Purugly until Mary showed them how great Purugly was she made a trend where people want to evolve their Glameows, so why don't you do that, make a trend with Fairy types and show them they're not just women Pokemon'' said Katarina.
Nicol looked up at her and his eyes flashed before he gave her a smile which she returned ''thank you Lady Katarina, I will, now I think you should return to Sophia''
''Oh your right, I'm sorry for disturbing you''said Katarina leaving the sitting room, but the effect she had didn't leave as Nicol and all his Pokemon were smiling brightly.
Eventually though the day came to an end and it came time for Katarina and Keith to go home, Sophia and Nicol were seeing them off with their Pokemon at their side, Keith had called out his Golett to carry a stack of romance Novels that Katarina was borrowing from Sophia ''thank you again for such a lovely time and for lending me so many great books'' said Katarina.
''Thank you too'' said Sophia before gasping ''oh no, that book I recommended for you I forgot it, its still in my room''
''It's alright there always next time'' said Katarina.
''Yes but I want you to read it as soon as possible just wait here for a minute I'll go get it'' said Sophia running off to her room, for some reason it felt very similar to Katarina.
''I'd like to thank you, not just for the kindness you've shown Sophia but also to me'' said Nicol.
''Of course, you your sister and your parents have been so kind and welcoming, its the least I can do and remember what we talked about'' said Katarina.
''I will'' said Nicol.
''Your truely blessed Master Nicol'' said Katarina ''you have such lovely parents and an adorable little sister''
''Do you really mean that, you really consider me blessed?'' Nicol asked.
''Yes of course, you have such a lovely family after all, am I wrong?'' Katarina asked.
''No your not'' smiled Nicol ''I've truely been blessed I have parents who love me dearly as well as an adorable little sister, what more can I ask for''
'He's even more handsome when he's smiling its just not fair, this must be how the Devilish count's smile looks' Katarina thought, that was when Sophia arrived with the book she wanted Katarina to read and Katarina noticed Keith steering at Nicol, worried her brother might be falling for Nicol's charm Katarina quickly got them out of the house and into the carriage and as they rode off both sibling were having different thoughts.
'Nicol's devilish charm is not to be underestimated, how am I going to protect Keith from it!'
'I can't believe I have another rival, just how many people is she going to win over!'
A few weeks after Katarina's visit to Sophia and Nicols house the whole group of friends had come to the Claes mansion they were sitting around one of the many sitting rooms, having tea and sweets while the pokemon were off to the side enjoying pokepuffs except for three, Gible for obvious reasons, a new shiny Magikarp which Alan had showed them and Seviper who Katarina still had made no progress with.
Thinking about it caused Katarina to frown at first she had been hopeful that they could become good friends but now she had lost that sense of hope, the big problem was that she really just didn't know what to do with Seviper, she had been trying to come up with the solution for days now but nothing had come to her, until she heard something that caught her attention.
''I've heard House Flores is planning to host a trading party''
That caused Katarina to perk up ''a trading party?'' she asked.
''Yes have you ever been to one Katarina?'' Gerald asked, Katarina shook her head ''it's a sort of open party that anyone can attend where you exchange pokemon with the hopes of exchanging a pokemon you don't want to someone who does want it while they give you the pokemon you do want, given that it's being hosted by the Flores family so my only guess is that the daughter of the family threw a fit because she caught a pokemon she didn't want''
''Then why not just release it?'' Keith asked ''a trading party isn't something you can host often and we're so close to that capture expedition''
''Knowing the Flores family this is a test to see if she can make the best out of a bad situation, they're going to host one now for their daughter to try and deal with it and if she wants to trade the pokemon she catches on the expedition in the future she'll just have to wait for another trading party'' stated Nicol.
'' Yes I've heard of other nobles doing that for their children'' said Mary.
''House Flores'' Alan said thoughtfully as though trying to remember something ''hey wasn't their daughter a candidate to be your fiancée?''
Gerald shivered as though recalling a bad memory ''yes but as you know I didn't pick her''
The conversation was then steered into another topic but the topic of the trading party lingered in Katarina's mind, it wasn't until later when the Claes family were sat around the table having dinner that Katarina spoke about it saying ''I was thinking of attending House Flores trading party''
This caused the table to go quiet ''o-oh really you want to go to a party hosted by the Flores family'' said Duke Claes in a shaky voice.
''Yes, it's a trading party'' stated Katarina, she had expected this sort of reaction relations between the Claes and Flores families were icy at best, she gave her mother and Keith a quick glance to see what their reactions were, she was surprised to see that her mother didn't really seem angry, she was completely straight faced, Keith on the other hand was looking at her with a surprised expression.
''I- I heard you my dear'' her father said his voice still shaking ''but why would you want to go to any party hosted by them?''
''I'd like to trying and use it as an opportunity to trade my Seviper'' Katarina replied.
''You still haven't got rid of that thing!'' Duke Claes cried alarmed he was sure Katarina got rid of Seviper by now, it was no secret that like Gerald he also despised Seviper for how it constantly attacked Katarina despite how kind she was to it, he had half a mind to have his Rhyperior teach that snake obedience, the only thing that stopped him from doing that was his saint like daughter insisting not to hurt it.
''I can't just release it father, when I found Seviper it was bullying every pokemon in the forest so if I release it Seviper will go back to doing that'' Katarina explained ''and I can't just release it somewhere else, because it would cause the same problem there and I don't think Seviper is untrainable I just don't think my training style works for it''
''You know Katarina we could just host you a trading party, that way you wouldn't have to go to their party'' said Duke Claes.
''I know father, but that capture expedition is coming up and what if I catch a pokemon that's worse than Seviper?'' Katarina asked worried.
''Katarina'' her mother spoke up, causing Katarina to jump she turned to her mother who looked to have her angry face on ''I'' Katarina closed her eyes ready for the scolding ''think you have the right idea''
''But Millidiana the Flores family-'' Duke Claes started.
''Will not do anything to her so publicly'' Duchess Claes finished ''as Katarina said it isn't proper to host multiple trading parties that close together, especially with the capture expedition in a month if she ends up unhappy with that then we will have no way to remove it for a while so we might as well use the Flores party to our advantage and Keith will be with her to make sure nothing happens to her, isn't that right Keith''
''Of course'' said Keith with a firm nod.
Duke Claes looked at his daughter then his wife then his daughter again before letting out a long sigh and saying ''alright, if you really want to go Katarina then you can go, but I want Prince Gerald and any of her other friends to accompany her as well just to be safe''
Two days later Katarina was sat in a carriage with all her friends headed for the Flores families trading party looking down at Seviper's ball nervously, everyone else was looking out of the windows of the carriage except for Prince Gerald who had a big smile on his face.
''Your in a good mood Gerald, something happen?'' Alan asked.
''Oh I just caught a Pokemon I've wanted to catch for a while now, I'm quite exited to show you it once we're done with the trading party Katarina'' said Gerald.
''Looking forwards to it'' said Katarina with a weak smile.
''What's wrong Lady Katarina?'' Sophia asked.
''Oh its nothing don't worry Sophia, I'm just feeling a little nervous I guess'' replied Katarina with a shrug ''the party is being held by the Flores family what if they don't let me in and then theres the actual trading I'm worried I won't even be able to trade Seviper''
''Don't worry Katarina if they refuse to let you in I'll use my status as a Prince to get you in'' stated Gerald ''as for Seviper I don't know how much I or any of us will be able to help with that we defiantly will need to bring up its ill temper to anyone we attempt to trade with but I'm sure we'll find someone who will humour the possibility of trading''
''Oh, thank you Prince Gerald'' said Katarina but then something caught her attention ''wait what do you mean we? I though I was the only one looking to trade a Pokemon''
''We're going to help you sister'' answered Keith.
''Yeah we talked it over when you invited us and thought of a plan to help you find someone to trade with'' said Alan ''we were thinking of spreading out across the party and trying to find any potential trade partners for you''
Katarina smiled at hearing this ''thank you, all of you'' she said.
''It's not a problem at all I'm always happy to help you out Lady Katarina'' said Mary.
''So am I Lady Katarina'' said Sophia quickly.
When they got to the trading party they were invited in and taken to a table, all around them people we're showing off Pokemon and offering to trade them, which made Katarina a little hopeful.
''So what kind of Pokemon do you want Katarina?'' Gerald asked.
''I don't really mind what Pokemon it is, if you can find someone willing to trade I'll trade with them'' said Katarina.
''You just stay here then sister, we'll go around and ask for you'' said Keith ''and if we get any offers we'll tell you''
''Thank you'' said Katarina, with that her friends all got up from the table and went out across the party, a few minutes later they came back ''anything''
''No I couldn't find anything'' said Gerald.
''Me neither'' said Alan.
''I tired my best but most people just wanted to trade me for Purugly so I stopped'' said Mary.
''I couldn't find anything either'' said Sophia.
''I had… different results, not good results but different'' said Nicol, scratching the back of his head.
''I'm sorry sister'' said Keith.
''It's alright'' said Katrina ''I'm gonna go to the refreshment table, want anything?'' When everyone said they were ok Katarina walked off, she didn't go to the refreshment table she just walked around the Flores grounds looking down at Seviper's poke ball when she head something.
''ARRRG! your good for nothing you useless fish!''
Katarina ran over to see where it was and saw a girl stood in front of the fountain stomping on a Feebas which was thrashing around in pain, Katarina had never seen this girl before she had well groomed long black hair and acidic green eyes she wore a purple dress, but that wasn't important Katarina quickly rushed over.
''Hey what are you doing!'' Katarina cried making it over there.
The girl short her a nasty smile that seemed more mocking than anything else ''well, well, well if it isn't Lady Katarina Claes I should say its a pleasure to meet you but I'd be lying'' she spat ''I am Lady Noelia Flores, what are you doing on my family estate''
''I came here to attend your trading party'' stated Katarina.
''Oh I assume you had a good trade unlike me!'' Noelia spat
''No I didn't but that's not important right now, what are you doing to that poor Pokemon!'' Katarina demanded.
''Why shouldn't I do this to it, Feebas are completely useless everyone knows that, its an ugly fish Pokemon that isn't strong and they don't even evolve into something powerful like Magikarp so they're is no reward in raising one, a Dunsparce is more useful than this stupid thing!''
'Wait doesn't evolve? Does- does she not know about Milotic?' Katarina thought to herself 'wait this might be a good opportunity' she then held out Seviper's pokeball ''I'll trade with you''
This caused Noelia to quirk a brow suspiciously, she was quite seemingly thinking it over before answering ''which Pokemon would you give me in exchange?''
''A Seviper, thought I will say it does have a bit of a temper'' Katarina answered ''I haven't made any progress with it, but maybe it would work better with a different trainer so I'll trade you my Seviper for your Feebas''
Noelia was quiet again before returning Feebas to its pokeball ''alright, you have a deal'' she said holding out Katarina took the ball from Noelia before handing over Seviper's pokeball, the two then walked away happy with their trade.
Later on back at the Claes manor Katarina was stood in a sitting room in front of her parents as her friends were stood off to the side, she had told them that she made a trade and they were all curious about which Pokemon Katarina had got from the trade.
''So you managed to make a trade?'' Duchess Claes asked.
''Yes mother'' Katarina nodded.
''And your happy with the trade?'' Duke Claes asked.
''Yes father, I am'' said Katarina.
''Well as long as your happy dear'' said Duke Claes.
''I want to see this new Pokemon Katarina'' said Duchess Claes, causing Katarina to freeze in place, she knew what would happen if her mother saw Feebas ''well what are you waiting for?''
Katarina looked at her mother then her friends who all looked exited to see the new Pokemon and she knew she wasn't going to win this, she sighed and threw the pokeball and in a burst of light her new Feebas appeared in an instant the excitement died and Katrina knew what would happen next.
''KATARINA!''
''Oooooh'' Katarina weakly groaned.
''You really should have expected that sister'' said Keith.
''I know'' Katarina groaned.
''At least it turned out a little better from you when you told them you traded with Noelia Flores'' said Alan.
''Yeah that's a plus I suppose'' said Katarina ''oh I know you said you had that new Pokemon you wanted to show me Prince Gerald, can I see it now?''
''Of course Katarina'' smiled Gerald taking out a ball and throwing it it burst open an revealed what appeared to be a little red crocodile dinosaur, all of the others were amazed by it and quickly went to take a look at it, Katarina was also amazed by it but was also shocked by it.
'T-that's a Fuecoco' Katarina thought 'd-d-does that mean the Generation 9 Pokemon exist in this world!'
So that's the chapter I hope you liked it, first of all I'd like to do a quick correction in the last chapter I said Nicol and Sophia were given Meowstic's I meant to say that they were given Espurr, sorry my fault, I hope you didn't mind what you did with Nicol and fairy types I wanted to give them a really nice moment in this chapter so I went with this.
Now I didn't think Sophia and Nicol's introduction would be enough content so I added the trading party, that way I wouldn't need another chapter for it and introducing Noelia and yes I know she's not a Dukes Daughter like Katarina is, when planning the story I wanted to give Katarina's family a reason for their rank, so I decided to make them responsible for the Pokeball and I wanted someone to be responsible for distributing evolution stones and I knew Noelia was the antagonist of a spin off manga so I made it her family thinking she's also the daughter of a Duke, but then I learned she's a Marquis daughter so I decided to just promote the family so yeah, she will also appear in the other story.
Oh I guessed Noelia's hair, eye and dress colour because I didn't know what they were, a manga panel is in black and white so that doesn't help and the wiki didn't have answers. I'm sure someone will tell me what her actual colours are though.
I hope I made the right choice giving Gerald Fuecoco I say that because I usually pick starters based on whether or not I like the final form and I haven't seen the Gen 9 final forms yet, but so far for the past few Pokemon games not counting LA, I've enjoyed the fire and grass starter lines, not so much the water ones except Popplio's, I hope Quaxly can change that though.
I'm one of the up coming chapters Katarina and friends are going on I don't know if it's going to be one or more chapters, there Katarina is going to catch her second to last pokemon the last will be a reference to Pochi so I've been looking over suggestions and narrowed it down to some options tell me what you think it should be, please note she will be catching the earliest stage of the pokemon listed, Snorelax, Absol, Lopunny, Vanilluxe, Volcarona, Slurpuff, Morpeko.
