Disclaimer: I do not own Pokespe or anything else.

Crystal's feet had barely touched the dining hall floor when Lorelei found her.

"There you are. You've been shut up in your quarters and absolutely useless all day," hissed the future queen in her ear.

Oh yes, the princess thought, she'll make a wonderful monarch. The people will love her. Despite her sarcastic thoughts, a small part was afraid that if Lorelei kept her fake mask of adoration towards the citizens, that the people really would love a witch like her. Someone composed and considerate—in spite of that she only pretended to be so—over someone who constantly made blunders such as Crystal.

Lorelei briskly walked away, adorning herself with a sickly sweet smile, as if she had only been complimenting Crystal or making small talk.

There were no guests that night. Without any, Crystal always found herself becoming uncomfortable because it was just her family. She longed for her lady-in-waiting and best friend, Blue, to be with her in such cases. Most of the time she wished that it would feel like an ordinary family's dinner—full of talking and laughter and warmth—but it was stiff and subdued. Nobody asked, "How was your day?" or said, "I'm glad you're home."

The only talking was, surprisingly enough, from the king.

The king of Johto was Crystal's grandfather, Samuel Oak. He was a cheerful fellow who either didn't notice or ignored the awkwardness of the dining hall, babbling on about this and that while Green, Lorelei, and Crystal sat in silence.

Green and Crystal's parents were in their family's estate Cianwood City, a city not part of contiguous Johto. Relatives of the royal family were spread about Johto to handle diplomatic duties, act as figureheads towards the people, and help govern the different areas. King Oak was not always happy about that. He might have liked to keep his family close since he was a decent man, however families never did seem to be close when involved in monarchy. At least not that Crystal had observed.

She wished she could fill the silence with something. She wished she could talk about her newfound friends, her adventures in the city. How the commoners were sweet and endearing and overall better company than nobles.

King Oak suddenly looked up. "Crystal," he said suddenly, snapping her from her thoughts. "You're planning on departing after the autumnal festival, correct?"

Crystal blinked. So he was discussing her impending doom. "Yes," she answered. She tried to say something else, but couldn't find a word to fill the quiet. Her grandfather nodded, not saying anything more.

I don't have much time, she thought to herself. "After the festival" had seemed so far away before, but she realized that she wouldn't be staying in Johto for that much longer. Lorelei would be rid of her, which must have pleased the queen-to-be, but for Crystal she would miss many things.

There wasn't a lot that she thought she particularly liked, but she assumed that moving would cause anyone to be sentimental. Plus, she would no longer get to be "Kris" and sneak out of the palace into the city, to meet Marble, Sage, and Tanzanite. She wouldn't get to see her brother as often, not that the two of them were really close in the first place.

King Oak cleared his throat. "I'm sure the future will be very bright for you, Crystal."

Of course it would be. She was going to become a queen. It was what she had been training her whole life for. She was sure she could do it. She could put on a placid face and accept her arranged marriage and live in Kanto. But what she was really concerned about was freedom. Could she really find freedom in Kanto?

Lorelei smiled that sickly sweet smile again. "Yes. I'm sure you'll be a wonderful queen, my sister." Her voice held no affection, but Crystal smiled weakly anyways.

How she hated dinner.

Red was seated at a long mahogany table in his castle's library, a wide spread of books and references and ink-filled parchment laid out in front of him. As a prince, he was inclined to have a vast collection of knowledge off the top of his head, but, unfortunately for him, Red was not naturally wise. Due to that unlucky factor, he spent a fair deal of time in the library, focusing on studies. Red himself knew that it wasn't like his regular demeanor—carefree, he guessed, and maybe a bit goofy—for him to be locked up in a dusty old room chock full of ancient books which made him sneeze because of the amount of dust that would emerge from them each time he opened one, however as a prince he had to take on a more serious atmosphere.

However, studying in the library had its perks. Not many royals willingly spent all their time there, so he didn't have to put on a façade. There were even few servants to be around, but Red usually didn't use the term "servants" because they were paid and not treated unfairly. At least, he didn't treat them wrongly. But he never liked to read made-up stories about palaces, because they never were accurate in terms of his castle. The maids never wore frilly things, just modest black dresses—the majority were elderly, aside—and the butlers rarely complained. Certainly none outright opposed the royals, at least not that Red had observed.

At one point, after finding that he had read the same sentence ten times and still not processed it, Red groaned and shoved his fingers into his messy, raven-coloured hair. Well, he thought, I don't exactly see the point in studying when I cannot retain any of the information.

The sky outside was filled with the light of the bright sun, though a bitter chill snuck in through a nearby, open window. The library was on the first floor of the palace, so Red could see the grounds and the gardens through the window.

For a while, he fruitlessly attempted to use that cold to help him focus on the rather boring book he was reading—a historical tale of a soldier in a war from long ago—but that proved to be pointless. He would rather go out into battle than sit around and learn about it.

That was when he heard a quiet noise and looked to his right, nearly jumping out of his skin when he saw two curious eyes gazing right back at him. He sighed in relief when he found that it was only a little grey kitten that must have climbed into the library from the ajar window.

"You nearly gave me a fright, little buggar," he said to the little thing, stroking its head between its two ears. "That's fine, though. You can scamper on in here if you like. I get rather bored with these dull books. You can probably tell, because…well, I'm talking to a cat."

The kitten mewed back at him, as if to say, Yeah, you're pretty pitiful.

Red sighed and stretched his arms. "Say, do you have a home or a name?"

The kitten just continued watching him with those inquisitive dull blue eyes. They looked like the colour of abrasion-soft stones at the bottom of a cerulean creek.

"Well," Red started, "why don't we go on a walk? I'm fairly bored, and it looks nice out." He rose to leave, and the kitten followed after.

He decided to name the kitten Muffin.

The autumnal festival was upon them in a flash. Crystal found that time flew incredibly before it, and wished that it had slowed down. She had spent that time making preparations to leave for Kanto, and soon enough she was going to leave.

As she walked down a corridor on the morning of the festival, returning from the palace's conservatory with Blue, Lorelei grabbed her arm sharply. "As royals it is proper for us to attend the festival," she said through gritted teeth.

So that was how Crystal ended up in a heavy orange gown, standing beside her sister-in-law, both about to attend the parade that would flounce through the streets of Goldenrod City. Lorelei looked beautiful. Her violet hair was swept back in an elegant ponytail and wore a deep red dress the rich colour of garnets.

Blue was observing her cautiously, with peaked interest. She was probably noticing the way Lorelei truly looked like a queen.

Crystal, on the other hand, just felt clumsy, awkward, and reluctant. Clutching her agate amulet for reassurance, she grabbed Blue's arm and whispered, "How am I supposed to go out there when the people I've met will recognize me?"

"Relax," Blue chided. "Before you really go out, just slip away. I'll come find you. I've got a peasant's gown with your name on it."

Crystal stared. Her lady-in-waiting always thought of something, but she didn't think she could go through with Blue's plan. "What about Lorelei? Surely I have to attend the festival by her side at least part of the time or she'll—"

"Forget about Lorelei," Blue advised her. "You haven't got much time left in Johto. Shouldn't you spend it with the people you've gotten close to?"

It was hard to argue, so Crystal just nodded. As she returned to Lorelei outside where a carriage was waiting, she excused herself.

"I must…uh, use the privy chamber," she conjured lamely. Lorelei scoffed. "Pardon me," Crystal continued haughtily, "but I cannot control this."

Her sister-in-law shrugged. "Catch the next carriage. We won't wait around for you." And she followed behind Green without a second glance.

Of course, this was just what Crystal had wanted. She felt a sort of rebellion within her, and was frightened that she enjoyed it. She slipped on her peasant's dress, and left through the side gate that Copper guarded loyally, and entered the town.

The streets were crowded by excited citizens. Wagons and carriages of all sorts paraded around. Market stands sold profitably, banners and decorations hung in the air…

It was beautiful. All around were the tumbling autumn leaves and decorations reflecting them. Everywhere she looked around the charming buildings there were patches of red, orange, yellow, and gold.

She scanned the crowd for her comrades, wondering where they would be. She checked before the carpenter's shop, however Marble was no where near. That left her with one option.

Truly, she did enjoy visiting the bakery. It smelled wonderful all the time, and the couple who owned it, Diamond and Platinum, were always smiling and gracious. They had said once that running a bakery had been an aspiration for them when they were younger. Their sons both helped out, which was useful because Cheren was very wise for someone so young.

However, that did not mean that Crystal particularly liked Gold. He was outright loud and bold, not something she found very intellectual or amusing in a person. He was, though, ruggedly handsome, and she had seen many village girls fall prey to his charm. Why they did, she could not fathom. She would have much rather preferred to be around Beryl, a quiet young man who worked at the bookstore, however the bakery was where she did find her companions. Sage rather had a sweet tooth.

"Kris!" they greeted, almost in unison, but Tanzanite was a bit late. The three rushed forward and surrounded her.

"We've been looking for you everywhere," Sage said.

Crystal raised her eyebrows, touched. "Really?"

Tanzanite smiled. "It's difficult to get lost in the crowd, though." She sounded breathless, as though it had been a struggle to keep up with the other girls.

The kitchen door swung open. Cheren came out with a tray of cookies, and as he strode past Crystal, he blurted, "Gold's not here. He went out. Thought you might be wondering," he added slyly.

"I wasn't," Crystal snapped immediately. Her friends giggled like schoolgirls, probably going along with the assumption that she actually fancied that brute. She had only answered so quickly, though, because she didn't even want to be associated with him. How she could be fond of him was beyond her comprehension. It may have seemed like it, since he got on her nerves so easily, but they had gotten it all wrong.

Suddenly she realized that in a few days' time she wouldn't have to worry about it. She wouldn't have to worry about what her friends or Cheren assumed. Or about that idiot. Or about what new books were shipped into Beryl's store, or if Sage's mother needed help sewing dresses, or if she would be late returning to the castle. Because she wouldn't be in her city with the people she knew.

Her expression must have portrayed her thoughts, because Tanzanite looked concerned. "Kris, is something wrong?"

"Don't worry, we'll go find Gold," chuckled Marble. She hooked her arm in Kris's and marched out of the bakery, thinking Crystal was just some lovesick young girl who had fallen pitifully to the village charmer.

In a way, Crystal wished that was the case. She didn't want to be a princess. It sounded like any cliché story she had heard, but she didn't want to marry someone she didn't even know. She knew she was just being fussy, but it didn't matter to her.

Tanzanite still sent her concerned glances, as if she suspected that the problem was deeper.

Outside, the crowd seemed thicker than before. "How come there are so many more people in the area?" Crystal questioned, trying to show Tanzanite that she was fine.

Sage, the tallest, stood on tiptoe. "Oh! It's the royal carriage!"

Crystal's heart stopped. Of course. That was why there were so many people gathered.

Sage's eyes narrowed. "There's a bunch of royal guards poking about." As if on cue, a few appeared near them, scanning the crowd.

Looking for Crystal.

She had to do something. She had to get away from the guards before they found her. She could escape through the crowd, but her friends would be confused and might try to follow her or start a commotion. She hesitated for too long, though, because one of the guards spotted her and his eyes widened incredibly.

It was over. Even if he didn't catch her, he would report that she was dressing as a commoner to Lorelei.

But she could at least get away before he did.

She pretended to stumble and knock over a series of barrels. Villagers turned, wondering what the source of the noise was, and while they were distracted she took off through the crowd. Her friends called out her name after her, but she rushed as fast as she could away from the royal carriage.

Why are the guards looking in the streets? Crystal questioned as she bolted. Lorelei wouldn't have suspected her to be in town. Blue or Copper had no motive to tattle on her, and they wouldn't have done that anyways. Nobody saw her exit the gate. Only one answer came to mind, and she didn't like it. Green must have noticed her absence—again—and ordered to have her found.

A few times she tripped and stumbled in the streets, and though the people were less clustered, there were still many around. And with the sudden emptiness, the guards could find her better. She heard footsteps and started with a desperate burst of speed.

"Kris!" a voice called out. She didn't know who it was. A guard maybe, shortening her name for simplicity. Or one of her friends had followed her—Marble, since Sage was slow and Tanzanite was anemic. Or Lorelei. Or Green. Someone was trying to catch her, and all she knew was she couldn't let that happen.

"Kris!"

She stumbled again, which was an awful, clumsy thing to do. It had slowed her down. She kept on, uncaring of curious glances from citizens. The footsteps were closer, heavier. There were more of them. A hand reached out and brushed her wrist. Screaming, she swatted it away, but then an arm caught her around the waist and someone pulled her into an alleyway.

The other footsteps passed. They were villagers milling about. Guards on patrol. Nobody out to get her unless she gave them a sudden reason to. She breathed out. She had been caught, but at least that awful chase was over.

She turned round and found a pair of bright amber eyes watching her, and she realized that the tall person who had chased her was none other than that stupid baker boy.

"Gold?"

"Kris, what in the world were you running from?" he asked immediately, wasting no time.

"Nothing," she answered reflexively.

"Really," he continued, doubtful. "You ran at full speeds through the streets, screamed when I tried to get a hold of you, and that was all for the heck of it?"

"It…" Crystal was out of words, out of explanations. Footsteps outside the alleyway quickened, and another dreadful crowd like the one before was conjured, following the clatter of carriage wheels. It could only be the royal carriage again, sweeping the streets and sickening her stomach.

She must have gotten frightfully pale, because Gold's gaze flickered from confused and irate to concerned. "Are you alright, little bird?"

Staring at her feet, she answered, "I'm fine."

He stared out of the alleyway. Apparently seeing nothing to run from, he chuckled harshly. "I knew you didn't like me, but you had to run away from me?"

"I was running before you started chasing me."

"I could tell." His eyes were pleading for answers, and she wondered why he was only concerned now, when she was huffing and puffing and red in the face. The rest of the time he was a rude commoner, but now he cared?

Suddenly, he reached towards her neck and pulled at the chain around it, revealing her fire agate amulet. The amulet. She had forgotten to take it off when she changed dresses. It could have been taken as just a sign of patriotism if it was not real agate and if not for the fine gold woven around it.

"I always knew you were strange," Gold said. "You're…"

She closed her eyes. How had she overlooked that being discovered could still happen? She was so careless.

"I'm…Crystal Oak." Her voice was shockingly steady. "The princess."

Gold's smile was wry. "So it's Crys with a 'y'. Good to know. I should have recognized you."

"It's not as if the people see much of me. I don't get to leave the castle much."

"Which is why you sneak out," he concluded. Crystal found herself amused at him putting the pieces together. "But aren't you leaving for Kanto?"

Crystal's face turned ashen and she watched her feet again. She'd lost a shoe somewhere stumbling through the streets. "I am."

"When?"

Crystal paused. "I leave shortly after the festival."

Gold nodded grimly. "But your friends ought to know."

"But they cannot." Crystal suddenly felt very much like telling him was a mistake. She should have begun running again as soon as he found the agate. But then he would have started chasing her, and she could hardly fathom outrunning him. "You cannot tell anyone of this."

"Fine."

Outside the alleyway, the carriage had gone by. It was quiet, at least in comparison to when the royals were around. Crystal longed for that quiet to stay, but she had to return at some point. So she left and made her way back to the palace, almost making it unnoticed before a guard spotted her and dragged her back.

She didn't care if she was found impersonating a commoner anymore. Sneaking out of the castle. She could take punishment from Lorelei, or her brother, or her grandfather.

Because the gravity that she was really going away just made her feel numb.

Lorelei grabbed Crystal's shoulders sharply when the younger girl had returned to the castle. "What in the world do you think you're playing at?" the future queen screeched.

"Lorelei," Green barked from a distance. "Will you leave my sister alone." It was not a question. It was a cloaked command.

"You speak as if I will let this wretch scrape by once again," Lorelei growled in response, not turning round. She stared straight into Crystal's sapphire eyes with a glower full of menace. "How dare you make a mockery of this family. How dare you tarnish the royal name! Had the guards not found you, had someone discovered your identity…"

Green marched forward and grabbed his wife's wrist. "Lorelei. Enough." His sharp emerald eyes warned that he was not to be argued with. "We must take our leave."

Lorelei turned her glare to him, but obliged. "Of course, my dear husband." She spat the words like they were acrid, and followed Green away.

Responses to reviews:

Vi ChaN91312
Well, sort-of friends. She somewhat despises how infuriating he is. But I thought it would be more rational if they had already met, instead of just that random chance meeting from the original story. In this chapter, we find out about Green's wife ;) she's not the nicest lady, but most marriages were arranged for nobles, including poor Green's. Green probably has suspected his sister for a while, but now he knows it. Thank you for reviewing :D

Patsu18
Yes, this was! I've been plotting this the whole time. And yes, King Ruby and Queen Sapphire will most definitely make their appearance. Sapphire will make hers by shouting owo

Pokeluv101
There won't be that many OCs…well, there probably will be, but not these ones. Crystal's friends are just her friends, and only one of them is really important…and you know which one… XD Wait, what did I do there with Cheren? I just made him appear and reference Belle; I feel so sad that I don't get to include him a lot in this story. Yellow will come in the fourth or fifth chapter I believe…that's at least what I planned. And politics O.O I know nothing about them…and I'm writing a story about kingdoms at war…*facepalm* this should be interesting.

Dia Newman
Hm? Who asked that? Well, not poor Red quite just yet…but yes, later :)

NoProb101
My comrade! Crystal's also being forced against her will, though neither of them have a genuine reason to oppose it aside from being forced…yet :P
And you have a reason to be obsessed. AFTER ALL, IT'S SPECIALSHIPPING!
Thanks so much for reviewing :D