October 27th (Galin Kingdom, Kanto)
(Dawn's POV)
We watched as May ran off and ordered Delcatty to use Blizzard to cover her escape.
"Well…that could've gone better," Ash said as Blizzard faded away.
Misty groaned and rubbed her temples, "That girl, all we wanted was information and instead she just gives us riddles. I hate when she does that."
"But it's still information," I pointed out.
Gary sighed, "Let's see, she admitted that something was going on."
"And she said that she's protecting someone," Leaf added.
"She then said that if she told us, everything would blow up in her face," Ash said.
"And blood would be on her hands," I said quietly.
There was silence, "Guess this means that someone is trying to kill someone, what else could it be?" Ash said breaking the silence.
I sighed and hugged myself, "It can't be anything else otherwise May wouldn't be this serious of not saying anything. She's being very paranoid about being overheard or seen."
"But who is she protecting?" Gary wondered.
"Charlotte," I said as I remembered the memory May sent me telepathically of her when she was younger that matched a memory of Charlotte. Both crying and pleading for help.
Everyone looked at me, "How do you know that?" Misty asked.
I sighed, "When May was talking to me telepathically earlier, she sent me a comparison memory of her and Charlotte."
Everyone looked at me confused, "What do you mean a comparison memory?" Paul asked.
"Two memories of little girls begging for help. One was Charlotte," I said before looking at Drew. "The other was May."
Ash looked confused, "How does this help?"
"I don't know, but I do know that Charlotte is the person that someone is trying to kill and I think May has made it her number one priority to make sure she protects her," I explained. "Right now, we need to trust May's judgement. She knows what's going on. If she wants to help her when the moment is right, we will wait."
Misty sighed, "Alright, but once this is over. She owes us answers."
"I have a feeling she'll tell us everything when this is over Mist," Ash said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
Misty nodded but said nothing. I then turned to see Drew looking angry yet sad.
I walked toward him and placed a hand on his arm, "Are you okay?"
He gently shook off my arm, "I just need some space. I'll see you later," he said as he walked off.
I sighed as I felt Paul walk up next to me and pull me into a side hug, "He'll be fine, he just needs time to himself," Paul said.
I nodded as we walked back to the castle, "We better get ready, people will be arriving soon," Leaf said while looking at her poketch.
I nodded as we arrived back at our rooms. When the girls and I entered, we found dress bags on our beds.
"Gotta love Paris for designing these dresses," I said pleased as I unzipped my bag and inspected my dress.
Pink, strapless with some rhinestones outlining the top, and a floor length, mermaid trumpet layered skirt. Yup, I approve.
"I agree and that's saying something," Misty admitted.
I looked over to see her dress. Aqua blue, sleeveless v-neck with some beading on top, and a floor length mermaid trumpet skirt.
"Wow, when you wear this it'll look like you're wearing water," I said in awe as I picked up a little of the skirt.
"What's your dress look like?" Misty asked Leaf.
"Dark purple, halter top with some rhinestones and the same skirt style as you," she said as she showed us the dress.
An hour and a half later, we were dressed and I was arguing with Misty on how to do her hair.
"Seriously Misty, we should do something different with it. You always wear it down," I complained as I brushed her hair.
"Well, I always have it up in a side ponytail for everything else which is why I wear it down when having to dress up," Misty argued. "Besides, my hair is wavy when it's down so that counts."
"No it does not," I snapped. "Leaf, what's your opinion?"
"No comment," she said without looking up from putting on her strapped heels.
"Come on, don't you think Misty's hair would look pretty pinned back with curls," I pleaded.
Leaf looked up, "Hmm….actually, that's a good idea."
I beamed, "Traitor," Misty hissed as I started to curl Misty's hair.
Leaf rolled her eyes, "Relax Misty, looking girly is not going to kill you. Besides, you even admitted that you like dolling up every once in a while."
"I do admit that, but not over the top like Dawn here," she huffed annoyed.
"Hold still, I have to pin your curls back," I said annoyed while putting Misty's curls in place with rhinestone studded hair pins.
"There, all done," I chirped as I let Misty get up and check her hair.
"Alright, I admit that it looks good," Misty said as she started to put on make-up.
"Okay Leaf, you're turn," I said with a smile.
"Don't go over the top," Leaf warned.
"Do I ever go over the top?" I asked.
"Yes," Misty and Leaf said flatly.
"You guys are mean," I pouted as I brushed Leaf's hair. "You have to admit though; I haven't been over the top to you guys in a long time."
"I guess so," Leaf sighed.
I then heard a knock on the door, "Come in," I said as I started to curl Leaf's hair.
The door opened and I took a quick look to see that it was the guys.
"You guys are here early, got bored?" Leaf asked.
"Something like that and we still don't have a plan for tonight," Gary said he and Ash sat on the nearby bed while Drew took a chair and Paul stood against a wall.
"Well, we can't do much of a plan since we don't know what's going on," Misty said as she came out of the bathroom.
I looked at her and frowned, "Really Misty, you could have done better than that," I groaned. "You didn't even put on eye shadow for Mew's sake."
Misty glared at me, "It's just make-up Dawn, it's not the end of the world."
"Yes it is," I said as I started to pin Leaf's hair with rhinestone pins in a half up-half down style with a small messy bun. "It accents one of a girl's best features that guys fall for and it is our job to make them stand out."
I looked up from doing Leaf's hair, "You know what? Wash off the makeup, I'm going to do it for you."
Misty crossed her arms while leaning against the bathroom door frame with an eyebrow raised, "Seriously?"
I glared at her, "I could just show Ash the pictures…"
"Alright, just shut up already!" Misty shouted as she went back into the bathroom to wash off the mascara.
"What was that about?" Ash asked.
"Nothing!" Misty shouted from the bathroom.
"Is it always like this when you girls get ready for these things?" Gary asked.
"Babe, you have no idea," Leaf sighed as I finished her hair.
"Alright Leaf, you are done," I said pleased with my work. "Misty, you done?"
"Yea," Misty huffed as she came out and sat down.
"Leaf, you better put your makeup on right," I threatened as she went into the bathroom.
"Yes mom," she said sarcastically as I rolled my eyes and got out my makeup from my bag.
"Alright Misty, since you are being stubborn about this. I'm doing a gradient eye shadow," I warned as I started to apply the base.
"You can't be serious," Misty groaned.
"Don't move!" I snapped.
Misty sighed by stayed still, "Besides, you'll thank me later when Ash can't stop looking at your eyes when you're dancing," I said in concentration.
A minute later Leaf came out, "Does this meet your approval?" Leaf asked sarcastically.
I inspected her makeup and nodded, "I approve."
Leaf rolled her eyes with a small smile as she was about to take a seat next to Gary when there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Leaf said as she made her way to the door.
"Hi Leaf, have you seen Miss Amy? She disappeared and she hasn't done my hair yet," Lottie explained as she fingered the small tiara in her hands.
"No, I haven't seen her," Leaf said.
"Whoa, you look so pretty," Lottie gasped in awe.
"Why thank you," Leaf said with a small grin.
"Come on in Lottie," I said as I finished up doing Misty's makeup.
Lottie came in and Leaf shut the door before sitting next to Gary.
"You look as ready as I am," Lottie commented as I let Misty get up and check her makeup.
"Well, I've been helping Misty and Leaf get ready," I said as I turned to Misty and smirked. "I bet I did such a terrible job."
Misty came out and rolled her eyes, "I'm just glad you didn't go over the top," she grumbled as she sat next to Ash.
"You look pretty too," Lottie complimented as she inspected her face.
Misty blushed slightly, "Thank you Lottie."
"Hey Miss Dawn, could you do my hair?" Lottie asked.
"I don't see why not," I said as I stopped brushing my hair and gestured to the chair next to me. "Take a seat."
"Yea!" Lottie said excited as she sat down. "Wait….what about your hair?"
"I can do it while Dawn does yours," Leaf said.
I glared at her, "You better not do anything you'll regret."
"As if I want a death wish from ruining your hair," Leaf said while chuckling.
I frowned, but said nothing as I started to brush Lottie's hair.
"What have you been doing all day?" I asked Lottie.
"Greeting everyone that's come for the festival. There were so many people, I even got to greet Princess Salvia. I still don't believe that you aren't related. She's your twin right?" Lottie asked.
I chuckled, "No, she's not my twin. We aren't even related."
"I still don't believe it," Lottie commented.
"Who else did you see today?" Leaf asked.
"Let's see…..," Lottie said in thought. "Mostly it was nobles from the kingdom and a few visiting royalty members from kingdoms around the world."
Lottie then fell forward slightly as if saddened, "Can you sit up?" I asked.
"Oh, sorry," Lottie said quietly as she sat up straighter.
"What's wrong?" Misty asked.
Lottie sighed, "I was hoping to see a certain person today, but I didn't see them."
"Who's that?" Ash asked.
"May Maple," she said much to our surprise.
"How do you know her?" I asked.
"She saved me and my family a while ago when I was sure that I would have lost everyone," she said. "I reminded momma to invite her, but she hasn't appeared yet."
"Charlotte. Chaaarrlotte! Where are you? We have to greet our guests in a few minutes," Adeline called faintly from the hallway.
"Oh no, I forgot!" Lottie said panicky.
"Hang on Lottie, turn and face me so I can put your tiara on," I said as I finished pinning her hair.
She then turned around and gave me her tiara. I then positioned in on her head so that it didn't disturb my handiwork.
"There you go," I said with a smile as I grabbed a hand mirror from nearby so Lottie could see her hair.
"Wow! You made it look like Princess Lana's hair from Frigid!" she said excitedly before attacking me with a hug. "Thank you!"
I laughed, "You are welcome. Now you better go find your mother."
She nodded and ran out of the room to find Adeline, "I curled your hair, but I haven't done anything else to it," Leaf reported. "I decided it would be best for you to mess with your hair than me."
"Very wise," I agreed as I looked at Leaf's curls in the mirror. "Not bad on the curling though."
"I aim to please," Leaf said as she gave a mock curtesy before she and Misty began putting on the gadgets we packed earlier.
I rolled my eyes in amusement as I decided on a curled bun to the bottom left side. After patting my hair in place, I quickly put on my makeup before going to my bag and pulled out a small box.
"What's that?" Misty asked.
"It's a bag of tricks, "I said as I pulled out a small metallic looking box with four holes on the long side and one hole on each side perpendicular to it.
"Are you going to explain?" Misty asked.
"Let's say I have a gadget that needs a field test," I said as I placed the fingers of my right hand inside the corresponding holes.
After a couple of seconds, I pulled my fingers out to see that they were painted silver with a small snowflake gem on each before putting the fingers of my other hand in the holes.
"Wait a minute, is that the nail gadget we discussed last week?" Leaf asked.
"You bet, Lizzy and Max finished it yesterday. Thought now would be a good test run," I said as I tossed the device to Leaf who started doing her nails.
I then started to hide a few throwing needles in my hair as Leaf handed the device to Misty.
"Care to explain what this gadget is, all I see is that it does your nails," Gary observed.
Leaf laughed, "It's a whole lot more than that, trust me."
The guys just gave us weird looks, but said nothing as we made our way to the ballroom. We got there just in time as the fanfare announcing Charlotte and her family began.
"Announcing their royal highnesses," the harker announced. "His royal majesty, King Richard and their highnesses Prince Stephen, Princess Adeline, her ladyship Charlotte, and his lordship Nicolas."
The family then entered causing all of us in the ballroom to clap.
The king then raised his hand to silence everyone, "Welcomed guests, thank you for coming tonight. My family and I hope that you enjoy yourselves tonight as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of this kingdom. May she stand for years to come," he said causing everyone in the ballroom to applaud before going back to what they were doing.
"We better split up and keep an eye on things since we have no idea what's going on," I said.
"When you say splitting up, I hope you mean in pairs," Leaf said as she looked to see a blond guy coming toward her.
"May I have this dance?" he asked with charm as he bowed in front of Leaf.
"I'm sorry, but I must decline," she said coolly yet politely as Gary stood next to her protectively while wrapping an arm around her.
The guy cringed in slight fear from Gary's glare and bolted elsewhere.
I chuckled, "Poor boy, he didn't stand a chance."
I then felt a tap on my shoulder and looked behind me to see Salvia.
"Salvia!" I exclaimed happily as I gave her a hug. "It's so good to see you."
"And you as well," she said politely with a grin.
"How have you been? Last I heard you were visiting Alamos Town," I said as we walked to some seats nearby.
"Yes, Unfortunately I had business with Baron Alberto that couldn't be avoided," she said with a sigh. "What about you? What are you doing here?"
"Lance wanted us to be here," I said not explaining much.
"Ahh, I take it that I shouldn't know what's going on," she said quietly.
I sighed, "To be honest, I don't really know what's going on either."
Two guys then walked up to us and bowed, "Would you please honor us with a dance?"
I quickly looked around for Paul, but saw no sign of him.
"I would be honored," Salvia said as she took the guy's hand.
I sighed and caught a guy giving me a look out of the corner of my eye giving me shivers.
"I would as well," I said seeing the guy still watching me while giving him my hand.
I was then walked onto the dance floor and we started moving to the music.
"May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" he asked with a slight smirk.
"Can't a lady remain anonymous?" I retorted with a smile.
"Not one as beautiful as you," he said playfully.
"Such a flirt," I said while keeping an eye on the one guy who was staring at me earlier.
I continued to battle the guy's advances til I noticed Paul tapping the guy on the shoulder when we paused in between steps.
"May I?" Paul asked politely.
I gave a grin while the guy frowned. He said nothing as my hand was passed to Paul's.
Once we started dancing, I kissed Paul's cheek, "Thank you for the rescue, I don't know how much longer I would have kept myself from punching him."
"If you want to thank me," Paul said as he dipped me before kissing me and bringing me back up to continue dancing. "You need to do it right."
He smirked as I felt my face heat up causing me to frown, "Screw you," I muttered in annoyance as I hated it when he got me flustered.
"Is that how you should treat your boyfriend after he saves you," Paul asked still smirking.
I glared, "You really need to stop hanging with Gary so much, you turning into one cocky jerk."
Paul chuckled as he kissed me again as the song ended.
We then walked to the edge of the room and I felt as if someone was staring at me. I turned to see it was the same guy as last time before he suddenly vanished.
"What's wrong?" Paul asked as I continued to try and find the guy.
"I'm not sure," I said as Leaf and Gary came up to us.
"Way to play it subtle you two," Leaf teased.
"If you want yourself to live another day in subtle beauty the next time we're under cover, I suggest you zip it," I snapped.
Leaf just smirked, "I'm so scared," she said in mock fear.
It was then my turn to smirk as I pulled out my compowder to email her a particular picture I designed to show Leaf looking great, but not in a way she would like.
She checked her poketch and her face when from smirking to glaring in three seconds flat, "Never Berlitz."
I laughed lightly, "Don't be too sure Green, I have many connections in the fashion world and I'm also a pretty good spy."
Gary and Paul looked at us in confusion before Gary took a quick peek behind Leaf to try and look but Leaf snapped her compact shut before he could get a good look.
"It can't be that bad Leafy," Gary said with a slight laugh.
"I'll be the judge of that," Leaf snapped.
"Aside from teasing, have you two spotted anything out of the ordinary?" I asked.
They shook their heads, "Not so far, but it's weird because I don't see May around," Leaf said with a slight frown.
"Maybe it's because of her position as governess that she's not able to attend," I guessed. "Even so, that wouldn't stop her from showing up."
"I guess we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled," Leaf sighed as the current song ended.
"I think it's time for another dance," Gary teased as he pulled Leaf onto the floor before she could protest.
I laughed at Leaf's face as she yelled quietly at Gary only to be shut up with a kiss, "And she's scolds us in not being subtle."
I then felt Paul stand in front of me, "Would me lady honor me with a dance?" he asked causing me to look at him with a smirk.
"And if me lady refuses?" I asked.
"She'll be dragged onto floor against her will," Paul answered with a smirk.
I sighed, "Since you leave me no choice, I shall accept," I replied as I accepted his hand.
"All antics aside, what's gotten into you? You hate attention," I asked as we began to dance.
Paul smirked, "It's worth it to see you get flustered Troublesome."
I sighed and glared at him, "I've said it once Shinji and I'll say it again. Screw. You." I said before smirking. "Teddiursa ."
I saw Paul's eyes light up with annoyance causing me to smirk even more.
He then pulled me close, "You know I won't let you get away from that," he whispered in my ear.
"Oh?" I asked. "How are you going to get back at me if we're in public?"
Paul smirked, "Who said anything about getting back at you now?" he retorted.
I rolled my eyes and let him guide me on the dancefloor.
During the next two hours, Lance and Clair as well as the other champions appeared, but nothing happened.
"All this waiting is getting really annoying," Misty said as I took a sip from a champagne glass that I grabbed off a servers tray.
"You do know we're not allowed to drink," Leaf pointed out.
I looked across the second floor balcony to the other side and gave her an "I-don't-care" look and drank the rest of it.
I tried to reach for another glass but Paul grabbed my hand, "No Troublesome, I don't want to you do anything stupid."
I pouted and crossed my arms, but said nothing.
"Are you guys enjoying yourselves?" Charlotte asked as she walked up to Paul and I.
I nodded and gave a small smile, "How about you?"
Charlotte then frowned a little, "I was hoping to see May, but she hasn't come yet."
Suddenly the main doors opened causing some to turn their heads and see May come in causing Charlotte to run out to get downstairs.
"Speak of the Giratina herself," Leaf muttered as Charlotte ran to see May.
She then attacked May with a hug and then began dragging her towards her parents.
"We better get closer to see what's happening," I said as we noticed a small crowd beginning to appear around May and the royal family near the throne.
"Rise my child, there is no need for formalities," the king said as he gestured with his hand for May to rise from curtsying.
"I disagree your majesty, there is a time and place for formality and this setting is one such time," May said politely. "Unless I want to be the gossip of upper circles for not showing his majesty respect."
"Hmm, you are very wise and poised for a girl your age," the king complimented.
"You praise me too highly your majesty," May said honestly.
"Nonsense, the king gives credit where credit is due and you my dear certainly deserve it," Adeline praised.
"Is it true that you saved my son and his family while they were outside the castle?" the king asked.
"She did more than that, we'd be dead if it wasn't for her," Charlotte said causing all nearby to go quiet.
"I think you are stretching the truth Princess Charlotte," May said politely.
Charlotte frowned but Adeline placed a hand on her shoulder before she could speak out.
"But did you save my son from an injured leg that might have killed him, helped her ladyship deliver my grandson when she was ready to tire out, and rescued the family from assassins?" the king asked causing murmurs to appear.
"Yes," May answered after a slight pause causing more murmurs to appear and for Paul and I to share a brief glance at each other before looking at May.
"That must have been the cry for help May heard," Leaf whispered.
"It also explains why she didn't come back to school til later," Ash added.
I looked around the room and noticed behind me the guy from before standing nearby and reaching inside his tuxedo jacket as well as some other guests on the other sides of the second floor balcony.
"My dear, you have my utmost gratitude for what have you done for my family," the king said gratefully. "My family was broken apart by those who wish the monarchy harm and had them imprisoned."
"Hardly," a voice said as something was thrown toward Charlotte from all directions, but May was quick as she turned around and threw her hand in front of her to send the projectiles to hit other areas of the room away from the guests.
With quick wit, I activated the track devices on my nails and shot them at all the different men who threw projectiles.
"I'm sorry your majesties, but this war on you family is far from over," May said quickly as panic arose and guests began screaming and trying to exit the room.
Suddenly a guest rushed forward in the direction of Charlotte, but May blocked him causing hand-to-hand combat to ensue.
"He's not the only one here, find them," May barked which I assumed was toward the gang and I as the man she was fighting landed on the second floor.
I quickly looked around and saw all the assailants running away with the rest of the guests who were running about.
"How the hell are we supposed to find them?" Gary asked incredulously as he looked around the room.
"Easy, you'll find them on your wallets/compowders," I said with a slight grin as I pulled mine out to see the assailants running away in different directions from the ballroom.
"Was that..?" Leaf asked.
I smirked, "What do think?" I said as I ran out of the room to start chasing after the assailants.
A Few Moments Earlier
(May's POV)
I looked from my hiding spot in a concealed entrance of a secret passage to see everyone having a good time. When planning for tonight, I considered about disguising myself in something that no one would recognize, but I decided against it. I was still disguised as Amy and I did dress up in a dark red, off the shoulder floor length dress if I had to maneuver about the party if need be.
I looked at my watch to see that it was time to for my double to appear which she did causing some heads to turn. A minute or so later, Charlotte attacked me with a hug and began pulling my double to her family near the thrones in the room.
As my double was talking to the king, I focused on the auras of the knights that I recognized and unfortunately, I recognized even the ones who I took down weeks ago. As I studied their auras, I felt them shift as if in concentration.
"Hardly," a voice said as something was thrown toward Charlotte from all directions causing me to override her auto functions through my small piece of aura in her and had her turn and raise her hand to send the projectiles elsewhere.
I then let my control over my double vanish and let her go back to functioning to how I set her for that moment. As the guests were running around in chaos, I snuck out of my hiding spot and ran to Charlotte and her family a few feet away.
"Angel!" Charlotte cried.
"Quick your majesties, follow me," I directed as I walked back to my hiding spot and activated the entrance.
"Is this necessary? I'm sure the guards can handle things," the king said anxiously.
"Sorry your highness, but they won't do. Please, into the passage," I said again.
Charlotte went in first with her parents following. The king then went in with me bringing up the end as I closed the entrance and brought out a small flashlight.
"Let me lead first, I'll guide you out of here where you'll be safe," I said as I started to go around everyone to reach the front.
"How do you know about this?" Adeline asked in catching her breath.
"I've been planning this for a few days in knowing this would happen," I said as I started down the hall following the route I made earlier.
"May I ask how you know? Are you with them?" the king demanded.
"Hardly your majesty," I said slightly annoyed. "I wanted to make sure that Lottie would be kept safe. Especially after they tried to poison her a week ago."
"They tried to kill me?" Lottie cried as her voice rose an octave.
I turned around and knelt down to look at her, "Unfortunately, but I won't let them. There's no need to be afraid," I said gently.
She then hugged me hard causing me to hug her back.
"Come on," I said gently as I took her hand and continued to lead the family down the maze of secret passages.
Before long, we made it out to the gardens.
"May!" I heard a voice call out making me turn around in surprise.
"Cynthia?" I asked in disbelief. "What are you doing here and how did you know it was me?"
"I didn't, you just told me," she said as a mechanical hand appeared out of nowhere and snatched Charlotte and pulled her into the air.
"Charlotte!" Adeline yelled.
"Mommy! Help me!" Lottie cried.
I grit my teeth in frustration as I looked to see a Meowth shaped balloon.
"Jessie, you grabbed the wrong one," James complained.
"Either way, the twerp will bring in money for ransom," Jessie retorted.
"Cynthia, take their majesties to the forest a little ways from here. A friend has transportation waiting to take them to a safe place," I said quickly as I grabbed Delcatty's pokeball.
"But…..," Adeline protested.
"I'll rescue Charlotte, now go!" I ordered as I called Delcatty out.
"Use Assist!" I shouted as I took a quick look to see Cynthia guiding Lottie's family to the forest.
"Meow!" Delcatty shouted as she produced Blaziken's Ember attack.
The ember collided with the mechanical hand causing it to break and drop Charlotte.
I quickly used Psychic on Lottie in trying to lower her to the ground, "Now use Thunderbolt!" I grunted in concentration.
Delcatty leapt up and used Thunderbolt causing their balloon to explode.
"I told you we shouldn't have come to this party," Meowth complained.
"We're blasting off again," they shouted faintly as they disappeared.
I then focused my attention on Lottie who was twelve feet off the ground. Suddenly, I felt a slight shock to my aura and noticed something shine in the moonlight causing me to gasp.
"Lottie!" I screamed as I stopped using Psychic to run and jump in front of Charlotte as a quiet boom was heard in the distance.
I felt an impact causing me to fly backward and hit the ground.