Princess of Lilycove City, Chapter 64

"Lilycove City," I said to myself, as well as Vulpix at my side. It was the Vermillion City of the Hoenn region, a massive seaside port with buildings that seemed to reach into the clouds. That was Lilycove's key differing feature, as Vermillion City was a much more quaint port town. What's more, despite being in the middle of autumn, the streets were surprisingly warm.

"What do you think, girl? Want to visit the Pokemon Center before we take a break?" My attention was stolen by a pair of young ladies walking down the street. They were dressed in elaborate outfits, the kinds you wear to a dinner party if you lived a hundred years ago, parasol and all! In my eyes, they were like princesses walking down the street, so I ran up to them for a quick meet-and-greet.

"Hello! Those are so pretty dresses!" Despite my cheery demeanor, the two girls took a step back when I approached.

"Excuse me?" One of them said.

"Oh, didn't I introduce myself? I'm Star." I offered my hand to the girl, but she backed away even further.

"Please, keep those filthy hands to yourself!" The other girl exclaimed, braving what they believed to be a street urchin.

"What? My hand isn't-"

"You'd do well to learn your place, MISS Star. Filth like you isn't welcome in Lilycove City." Sticking her nose up, she strutted away from me. The other girl whom I had offered my hand to followed close. Honestly, I was more confused than offended at that point, especially considering I met up with Nancy right after that scene.

"Why, if it isn't Star! So glad you made it!"

"Hi, Nancy. Sorry I'm late," I said, this time not offering a handshake or any other form of greeting. "Um, do you know those two girls?"

"Oh, them?" She pointed at the two as the vanished behind a building. I nodded.

"Yeah, I went to say hello, and they just started saying all sorts of mean things about me."

"Oh, don't mind them," Nancy said, taking my hand. "They're just a bit stuck up, is all. They don't have the true regal splendor a proper lady requires. Pretenders, the both of them!"

"Um, sure. If you say so...?" Still confused, I chose to drop the subject altogether.

"Of course I do! Now, you simply must come with me! I promised you something of a makeover, did I not?" Nancy dragged me along down the street, with Vulpix running after us.

"Vulpix, don't fall behind!" I called out. She barked, making sure to keep up with Nancy's brisk pace.

"First off, we'll stop by my place. We simply MUST get you washed up!"

Suddenly, I knew what Vulpix felt like when I informed her it was bath time. And it wasn't pleasant.

~o~

Just where did Nancy live? Why, in a penthouse suite atop one of the many buildings in Lilycove City, of course! I never thought I'd live to see the day I was allowed into one of these houses, yet here I was. Lavishly decorated rooms, hallways, and furniture to match. Butlers and waiters around every corner, just like a royal palace! And there I was, Vulpix trailing behind, leaving muddy pawprints in her wake. I myself was leaving similar mud prints on the carpet, which made me far more embarrassed when the butlers swooped in to clean it all up.

"I'm really sorry about the mess, Nancy," I apologized. She honestly didn't seem to care.

"Don't you worry, it'll be cleaned up before your bath is even filled. Now, I'll be letting you borrow some of my attire while we go shopping this afternoon, so that you can blend in!"

"Um, listen," I started softly, "I don't want to seem rude, but just what kind of clothing are you going to get me?"

"Anything you'd like, Star! I'll recommend some pieces, to be sure, but in the end, it is entirely up to you!" That eased my mind a little, until another question replaced it.

"Nancy, why are you doing this for me?"

"Why? Because you're my friend, of course."

"But we haven't known each other for more than a few hours. How can we be friends?" That statement was the last straw. Instantly, Nancy's glowing expression was extinguished. I was afraid that I'd have said something to upset her. Before I could begin stacking on the apologies, however, she just turned around slowly and walked off. My heart began to race, fearing the worst.

"Excuse me, miss," came a voice from behind me. Startled, I spun around, seeing one of the butlers standing there. Instantly I feared I'd be booted off the roof of the building.

"Y-Yes, sir?"

"I don't mean to pry, but might I ask where it is you met Lady Nancy?" I found it hard to swallow after the question.

"Um, well, I-uh..." I stuttered, not able to find the words. Vulpix saw my distress, and jumped between me and the butler. Despite her growls, he was not intimidated.

"I bare no ill intent, miss. I merely wish to know why Lady Nancy selected you as her latest 'friend'."

"'Latest friend'? What does that mean?" The butler bowed his head lower, keeping his voice low.

"The Lady Nancy has recently taken to exploring the Hoenn region on her own. It is well within her privileges. However, she has returned home several times with companions she deemed 'friends'. Each of these companions have taken more than their fair share of the family wealth, all willingly given by Lady Nancy, before departing. It is no business of mine whom the Lady socializes with, but it is my business to step in on account of the Lady if I should find her in distress."

"Yeah? So...?" I honestly got lost half way through his explanation. Something about Nancy making too many friends?

"Put simply: I am here to make sure you are not here to make off with a small fortune at her expense."

"Oh! Well, when you put it that way, I'm not."

"Then please tell me: where did you meet Lady Nancy?" His eyes began to drill holes in me.

"Well, I was on Route, uh, something, and it was raining! Yeah, so I didn't have anything to cover myself with, so it started raining, and I got all wet! Because it was so cold, I started feeling sick, and that's when Nancy showed up to help me! She made a cave, made me soup, took care of me when I had a fever. She saved my life, then just left without asking for anything!"

"Then how did you end up here?"

"Well, I ran into her again outside Oldale Town. She offered to buy me some new clothes, so I wouldn't get sick again when it got colder. But I had things to do in Petalburg City, so I agreed to meet up with her here." That pretty much summed it all up, and truthfully. Still, that butler was staring me down like an angry Fearow.

"So, if this is all true, why did Lady Nancy look so distraught a moment ago?"

"Well, I asked why she was doing me this huge favor and gift. She said we were friends, and I only said we didn't know each other that well, so we couldn't be good friends yet." After that had escaped my lips, I felt like I had said something I probably shouldn't have.

"I see," the butler said, backing away at last. He remained silent and still for a moment, before opening the door behind me. "This way to the bath."

"What? You mean you're letting me stay?"

"Of all the companions Lady Nancy has brought into this house, only you have demonstrated true friendship. Your question, which wounded the Lady, was a necessary evil to be confronted. Worry not, I will tend to her distress promptly. In the meantime, feel free to freshen up within, miss...?"

"Oh! I'm Star, sir." I made sure to display my mother's good manners with a curtsey.

"Miss Star. By your leave." He gave a bow, and walked down the hallway after Nancy. Once he was gone, I walked into the bathroom, which blew my mind away. Even Vulpix looked as though she'd gladly take a bath in this luxury. However, my mind was elsewhere.

"Rich people are so spiffy, huh girl?" I giggled.

~o~

Later that day, after the longest bath I had ever taken in my life, I joined up with Nancy again for lunch. Her joyous demeanor seemed to have been rekindled by the butler, and she was eagerly awaiting me. As she promised prior to that whole mess, she let me borrow some of her own clothes, which made me look just like one of those snobby rich girls from earlier. And yet, I didn't feel like myself at all in that attire.

"Star! You look absolutely adorable in that dress!" Nancy pointed to the seat across from hers. When I went to take a seat, the butler from earlier showed up just in time to pull the chair out for me, and push it in after. Vulpix leapt onto to the table, which I was about to scold her for when Nancy signaled it was fine.

"We'll be going to the store after lunch, so be sure to eat up! You'll need your strength, after all; wouldn't want you falling ill again." As if on cue, several maids raided the table, dropping all sorts of dishes, from the simple to the lavish. I was starved, of course, but I didn't dig in just yet. No doubt there were manners and etiquette to observe. I looked down at my empty plate, surrounded by half a dozen forks and knives.

"Nancy, which fork is the right one?" I felt my cheeks start to warm up.

"Any will do, Star. Mother and father aren't here, so feel free to eat at your leisure and pleasure! Vulpix, you can eat as much as you'd like, as well." That was all she needed before she attacked something sweet on the table. I had a feeling Vulpix would come to regret that come dinner time.

"Star, what business did you have in Petalburg City? The trip back here on my own was rather dull without you."

"Oh, well, I had to meet up with a friend, before she left Hoenn. That, and I paid a visit to the gym, to earn a badge from the leader." I started with a sandwich of some sort, stuffed with a number of different meats and cheeses. It was like a feast for the taste buds!

"Aiming for fame? I heard the Elite Four of Hoenn were quite difficult to overcome, even for skilled trainers."

"Not really," I said between bites, "I'm just collecting the badges for the sake of it. I'm actually on my way to the Battle Frontier, I was invited by some of the gym leaders."

"Across the sea? Well, do be careful when you go. I've heard that Team Aqua is operating somewhere out there, trying to capture some sort of rare Pokemon. It's all over the television these days."

Team Aqua, a name I had almost forgotten. After my encounter with Maxie in New Mauville, I had the good fortune of not running into anymore of their members. Of course, figures Aqua would be on the eastern side of Hoenn, where there was more water. If Team Magma was looking for Groudon on land, they'd be looking for the water equivalent, whose name escaped me at the moment.

"Well, it's a big ocean. I doubt I'd run into them out there."

"I suppose you're right, Star," Nancy replied with a smile. Naturally, I had a feeling deep down I'd somehow get involved in the end. It was always that way.

~o~

After we finished eating, it was a long way down to the bottom floor of the building, where a car was waiting for us. It drove us across the city, where another huge building towered into the sky. This one was marked with a large sign: 'Lilycove City Department Store'. My memories of visiting Celadon City instantly sprang to mind. Funny how there were so many similarities between the regions.

"Well, should we work our way up? Or would you prefer to start on the top floor, work our way down?" Nancy asked, helping me to get involved in the activity.

"Why don't you decide," I told her. "You know the place better than me."

"Very well, we'll work our way down. The clothing boutique is on the top floor, anyway." Taking my hand, she dragged me into the building, and as usual, Vulpix ran in after us. I left everything else, including my other Pokemon, at her place. No sense carrying them around on a shopping trip.

We took the elevator to the top floor. There, the doors opened to reveal an entire floor filled with clothes of all styles and prices, shapes and designs. I could see why any girl would get lost in this paradise, though at the same time it was a mixed reaction on my part. I was never big on clothing shopping, as you'd probably judge from my rather repetitive selection of yellow dress. Still, that didn't mean I wouldn't indulge myself in trying several outfits, if only for the fun involved. Nancy made it clear on the elevator that she'd be willing to pay for any selection of clothes I liked, so I didn't have to hold back.

At the same time, I didn't want to take advantage of her charity, so once the initial craze died down, I started looking through the racks of clothing for something I truly liked. The winter months were upon us, so warmer clothing was abundant. Rather than bore you with all the little details, let's just say I was searching through the store for a good pair of hours for a small wardrobe to replace my current one. I ended with a pair of new outfits, and traded in those worn-out old sandals for leather knee-high boots. Of course, the dress was still my favorite kind of clothing, so the new outfits were complete with stockings and long sleeves.

"Is that all you're getting? Surely there's something else you'd like!" Nancy was almost offended at my small selection.

"It's not that, it's just I don't want to get so much stuff," I said.

"Star, I told you! No holding back!"

"It's not because of that," I replied, though in part that was a reason. "I don't want to carry around so much clothing in my bag. It's heavy enough as it is!"

"Is that all? Well why didn't you say so? Listen: pick out anything else you want. When we return, I'll arrange for anything you won't be needing anymore to be delivered directly to your house! Problem solved, right?"

"Oh no, that's asking for too much," I said. To be honest, her level of charity was bordering on scary for me at this point.

"You know I won't take no for an answer, Star. Now please, pick out some more clothes!"

Well, practically with a gun at my head, I picked out a few other outfits. I sort of looked at Nancy with each new article I purchased, hoping that piece would be the last one to satisfy her need to purchase. Eventually, she told me it was enough, finally allowing me to rest easy. We took the clothes to the counter, where my gaze was fixated on the total cost. These clothes were far more expensive than I ever imagined, with the number climbing well past the ten thousand mark after only a few pieces. And each little beep of the machine made my heart beat that much faster.

"Your total will be ¥89,980, Lady Nancy. Shall I charge this as usual?" My jaw was agape at the total, while both the cashier lady and Nancy had no visible reaction.

"Please. It came out to be far less than I anticipated, actually." Nancy looked in my direction, giggling at the sight of my expression. "What's the matter, Star?"

"Oh, uh, nothing." I looked away, trying to hide my face. If Mom ever saw that, she'd probably faint.

"Don't worry, it's nothing. Just a small gift from me to you."

"Is that so, Lady Nancy? How generous of you! A special occasion for your friend, is it?" The lady tending the shop handed Nancy the receipt.

"Not quite, just a gift for gift-giving's sake," Nancy told her. She handed me the receipt. "Keep it, in case you end up changing your mind?"

"Oh, I don't think that'll happen," I said. In truth, the thought of coming back and returning it all to grab the money crossed my mind, but that would be no different than spitting on Nancy's hospitality. I glanced at the receipt, taking note of today's date.

"Oh wow, it's October twenty-ninth!"

"A special date, Star?"

"My birthday's in two days! I probably would've forgotten if I hadn't seen this." Nancy's eyes began to sparkle.

"Star, I will not take anything but yes for an answer! You must remain in Lilycove until then!"

"Oh, but I couldn't-"

"Tut tut! I insist. You will remain here, and we shall celebrate your birthday together!" I sighed, knowing there was no way out of this one.

"Okay, I guess I can stay."

"Excellent! Consider all these clothes a gift from me to you for your birthday! Now, let us move on: there's still another seven floors to visit!"

~o~

Call me a spoiled little girl. Go on, you wouldn't be entirely wrong. Here I was, who knows how far from home, and I was being treated like a princess because it was to be my special day. My entire Pokemon adventure, I've had to suffer here and there, but for the most part I cannot complain. In my darkest hours, I've pulled through, thanks to my own determination, wit, and the help of friends I've made along the way. Now, I was in Lilycove City, on a shopping spree with a new friend that could buy me the world if I so wanted. Not that I did.

"Star, we've been through five floors, now, and still you haven't purchased anything! Is something wrong?"

"It's just that I don't need or want anything," I told Nancy for the tenth time. I knew she was eager to buy anything I wanted, but aside from the fact that I felt genuinely wrong taking these gifts from her, there really wasn't anything I wanted. I had enough Pokemon related supplies to last me a while, and after the clothes there really wasn't anything left for me to buy.

"Why not one of these digital Pokemon games? You could stay here a lot longer if you played this instead!" Nancy showed me one of the games, which I had tried for myself back in Olivine City with Yunie.

"Really, I'm fine, Nancy. Trust me, if there was something I wanted, I'd tell you." And that was about to happen, when I found a shelf carrying special rocks. I ran over to it, picking up the stones in my hands. They were evolution stones, used on some Pokemon to make them evolve.

"Oh! Would you like a Fire Stone for Vulpix? You could have her evolve into a Ninetails, if you'd like." Instantly, I dropped the stones and picked Vulpix up.

"Never! I'd never force Vulpix to evolve if she didn't want to! Right girl?" She barked softly to my face, and licked me.

"Okay, I did not mean ill by it. How about one of these other stones? Have any use for any of them?"

"Well, I do have a Clefairy. They evolve into Clefable through a Moon Stone, but I think those can only be found in Mt Moon, back in Kanto." I wasn't planning on forcing Clefairy to evolve, either. But since it was well known that they lived in close proximity to the Moon Stones, perhaps she'd be more willing to the opportunity. I did sort of steal her away from her home.

"I don't see any here. It's a shame, really." Nancy was being awfully calm about this 'shame', which felt a bit off. She was so eager to please me, I figured she'd try and order one from Kanto on the spot.

"It's okay, Nancy. When I go back to Kanto, I'll visit Mt Moon myself and pick one up."

"Yes, I suppose," she sighed. "Well, shall we move on?"

The rest of the shopping went quietly, as the day ended and the department store slowly emptied. We were among the last to leave, though the butler was still waiting outside the store; car ready to depart at a moment's notice. Once we were inside, I heard my stomach growl.

"Hungry, my lady?" Called out the butler from the front seat.

"Star is, as am I. Sebastian, please make arrangements for dinner soon as we get home. Also, prepare for a grand party the day after tomorrow." I felt myself blush upon hearing this.

"Oh? What's the occasion, my lady?"

"It's Star's birthday, of course!"

All I could do was hide my face from the butler. I didn't deserve any of this.