Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters
Yellow looked around the frame of the door to look inside Platina's study and saw her going through some maps. She wondered what Platina actually did outside of her tomes and maps since every time she went to visit her sister, she had been doing just that. She knocked as she did every day but Platina kept her back to her and only waved her welcome.
Platina sighed heavily and marked the map before turning to her sister. She had thought that Yellow would give up on that silly quest of hers when she knew that she would be receiving Pearl's letter with an invitation to his country home so she would be gone shortly. She wished that they could have a relationship like any other siblings but they were just too far apart.
"Is there something you need help with?" Platina asked.
"I realized that I've been asking you to do things with me that you might not enjoy so I am suggesting that you chose today's activity," Yellow said cheerfully. "So what shall it be?"
"You do not need to feel responsible," Platina reminded her again. "But if you wish to help you, you can study the maps dated previous to this one and mark down any changes you find or anything the artist emphasized. I am waiting for Dia to return with the rest of the maps."
"These are maps of our estate," Yellow asked shocked. Platina raised a brow at her. Why would she state the obvious? Yellow blushed and answered her questioning gaze. "I have not been beyond the gardens and I am shock that our land is so vast. There are so many places I have yet to seen. Are you looking for a location for a picnic for us to part take? That would be lovely, we had not had a family picnic for years."
"No," Platina could see the disappointment in her face. "I am actually studying a tower that Dia and I found… on an outing. I would like to know what mystery that building of stone holds and I believe that I can find it in these maps. But if you wish to have a picnic, I am sure that you only need to ask Blue."
"You know as well as I that Blue will not allow me further than the gardens and even then she would wish that I be escorted." Yellow sighed and rolled out one of the maps on the floor. She looked at the extensive notes Platina already took and saw that it centered on the area around the tower she spoke of. "Maybe you should look at Poppa's ledger for this date to see what was purchased for the tower."
Platina rubbed her chin with her quill before she smiled and noted something in her notes. "I shall remember to do so. Thank you for the suggestion Yellow, it would help me find what was purchased for the tower and if anything is missing from it. We have rarely deterred from our usual expenses so it should not be so hard to spot."
Platina moved from her desk to sit next to her sister to look over the map with her. Maybe looking at the maps with fresh eyes would be best and Yellow always had an eye for details with art where hers were more with facts. "I have another favour to ask you Yellow. If I were to describe a man to you, would you be able to draw me a likeness of him?"
"I would be willing is you are willing to do something for me." Yellow asked eagerly. "It would not be too much."
Platina nodded. "You have helped me so I must replicate that act. What is you wish?"
"I wish to paint our family," Yellow asked. "I have been able to paint you all individually but there are so much of us and now that we are… separated for the time, it would be hard to paint a family picture. May you speak with Blue and convince her to take us on a picnic where I can paint every together."
Platina hesitated at that though she thought the little trip might be help to her sister, both emotionally and physically. She knew that it would be difficult to convince Blue to let Yellow leave further than Yellow wanted. There was also the worry of Ruby returning home though Blue had tried to reassure them that he would be home shortly, they all worried.
Platina saw Yellow's pleading eyes and agreed on a sigh. Maybe this way Yellow would feel that her debt would be paid and she could return to her silence. She smiled though at the crash that sounded at the end of the hall, knowing that it most likely Dia and went to help him.
Yellow hummed to herself, feeling successful in her actions. A picnic was little but it was the beginning and she wanted this. She loved the stolen moments with freedom when Blue was at the theater and she could ride Ratty without fear of her worry, though she could still feel Wally's eyes watching her to make sure that she did not fall.
"When do you think that Red shall return, Ratty?" Yellow asked the creature. Most would find it strange but she thought that she could understand the creature at times. "It is strange that I expect him to come at times though he would only come if he need help to steal whatever he thought was stolen from him. I wish I could help him find that murderer for only to stop him from chasing such revenge."
She looked back over her shoulder to Wally speaking with Tansy. She waved to the woman before going a little further than she would usually. Tansy would know the direction she went but Yellow wanted to explore this estate. Looking at the maps had inspired her to see beyond that view from her window.
She made sure to keep her breathing even though as she found a path beaten from the earth for her to follow sure that she could just as easily use it to return. Maybe she would meet another friendly rider as well. She let Ratty guide her mostly, confident that the horse would know the path better using instincts.
"I have not been able to paint many diverse landscapes," She told her horse. "Maybe you can bring me somewhere beautiful where I can fly or maybe somewhere to inspire a backdrop for my painting of Red and Pika? What do you think would be best for them?"
"I would like to think that I would train in the mountains," She turned to see Red leisurely sitting on his horse. Yellow blushed and felt faint of heart at the sight of his sleepy smile but she didn't know if it was her heart condition or something else. He urged his mount forward, "I was wondering if my waiting was going to end with us together eventually."
"You've been waiting for me?" She asked and felt her heart quickened. She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on keeping her breath even to keep herself from having another attack.
Red nodded. "I needed to find a way to contact you without your sister watching us. So every day at noon I came and it seems today is the day that it pays off."
"You are a strange man," Yellow said to herself. She jumped a little when she felt his breath against her cheek and realized how close he was to her. She blushed and subtly maneuvered Ratty away from the man. "So is there a reason you came to see me."
"I wanted to take you into town," He told her. "I want to thank you for continuing to help me, even though you are thinking of your brother which I find nobler of you. I thought to take you to town but Blue refused when I made that suggestion to her. I just wanted to thank you and tell you that in the morrow I will need your assistance to help recover another painting."
"Are you still willing?" She asked as he was about to ride away. "To take me to London, I mean. I would love dearly to see the city again. I only saw so little of it when I went to you for my painting. Please take me, if only for just an hour. Blue shall not return for three and Platina is busy with her tomes. I can even tell Tansy where I am going so they won't worry."
"If you are sure that this won't come between you and your sister. She cares for you," Red said but she already turned her mount to race back to speak with Tansy who she knew would side with her. Red watched her leave with a wide smile and wondered at the afternoon to come.
"What should I pen to the author?" Lyra asked Silver after she finished reading the short story sent to them. Usually she would discuss the story with him but she couldn't see how he could not publish such a perfect story. "I'm sure that she would like an answer right away."
"I need to think on this," Silver lightly ran his handover the desk until he found the cup of coffee to drink. He leaned back in the chair he sat in and rubbed his chin. "It's a little short. I usually only publish novels but I agree we should write her a letter in return. After she makes the changes I suggest than I can try to publish it."
"I think your choice of the words 'make my changes' and 'suggestion' contradict themselves," Lyra stated, feeling oddly defendant of the author. "A 'suggestion' implies a choice and I don't think the author meant for this to be a novel. You can't force a story to be something it's not. It's like a fairy dancing into a murder mystery. If you are worried about having a full book, we can fill it with other short stories!"
Silver sighed and could only imagine the determination in her face. He had to admit that the story did have some potential but he didn't know if it was Lyra's soothing voice. "I just think that it needs more work. I have to admit that short gothic romances are not my expertise and I mainly publish historical novels."
After reading it again she could see some flaws but it only needed some work, nothing so drastic at changing it to a full novel when the pacing wasn't the problem but some plot holes that could be corrected easily. "Then let me help! I enjoy reading and writing gothic romance and I think there's a certain charm to them. My suggestion of making a collection of short stories still stands as well."
Silver thought on her suggestion for a moment and rubbed his chin. He enjoyed speaking with her about the novels she read to him but he didn't know if he should give control of his company to someone. "Ten gothic pieces. It shall be a collection of gothics and you may write to her as you wish. You must read the ten pieces to me before I show you how to work the printing press."
"Oh thank you!" Lyra hugged him tightly which took him back since he wasn't familiar with the female embrace. She quickly kissed his cheek before she realized what she had done and jumped back. For once she was glad that he couldn't see the blush that crept up to her own cheeks. His eyes seemingly stared into hers but they didn't quite spark with recognition. "I'm sorry, I've made you uncomfortable."
"You are a strange woman," Silver mused and turned back to where he knew the window was to feel the wind against his face. He knew that Blue said her sisters were outspoken like her but… "Colour, gem, mineral, metal…"
"Pardon?" She raised her brow at the words he spoke under his breath.
"Blue's sister." He said more loudly but didn't take his eyes from the window. "I used to remember them with symbols since she had so many sisters. There is one more I'm forgetting. I know there is Yellow, Ruby, Crystal… You were a maid so do you know-"
"Please don't force yourself," Lyra said with a shaky voice. "You just spoke with Blue and forgave her for not telling you. I want you to know but I don't want you to be angry either. I promise to tell you who she is but-"
He raised his hand to her in reaction and she realized that her words had caught on a silent sob. He touched her soft cheek and followed the tear trail to her lashes. "I realized that I never asked you or Blue how you looked. I guess it doesn't matter anyways."
"I'm n-nothing s-special." She stumbled into silence and he sighed. He knew that it was a habit of hers when she was nervous and Blue never gave a reason why she did so. He never thought to ask but now he found himself curious despite not knowing if she would answer him. "My sisters are the beautiful ones."
"I can neither confirm nor dispute that," Silver said in a deadpanned tone. "Well, I'll leave you to choose the gothics you want for your collection. I want to sleep a little on this issue I have. And remind me to listen to another chapter of that Viking novel sent to us, I am intrigued by the story."
"Of course Silver," She said happily.
"I assume that you shall take great care of my sister," Red stopped walking down the hall when there was a voice behind him and he turned to see a small woman with dark hair that he guessed was Yellow's sister. Before he greeted her, she stepped forward. "I saw Yellow speaking with Tansy about going to London for a short time. I expect you to escort her anyways and make sure that she is comfortable."
"Of course," He said looking at the door Yellow went into saying that she only needed a few things before going to the city. She turned to go back into her study but came out with a dark cloak over her arm and went to knock on Yellow's door. Yellow opened it slightly and smiled when Platina held out the cloak to her.
"Thank you!" She beamed, "I thought I had one but it seems I was wrong."
"No need to thank me," Platina stated. "I am going to speak with Blue about that picnic actually so if you need either of us you must come to the theater. Now stay safe on your journey and if you feel any trouble you must tell Red to take you to a doctor and do not look at me as if I am as over bearing as Blue. I tell you because I care. Now off with you. May I suggest you watch an opera on your trip?"
"Thank you," Yellow said again and made her way out with Red in tow. She turned her head slightly to see Dia watching her with a little smile. Platina didn't say a word as she returned to her study to fetch her satchel. She went to the window to watch Red help her onto a carriage tied to Pika and Ratty.
"Yellow looked happy," Dia said beside her and she tilted her head up towards him. She didn't answer him instead told him to mount his horse so he could escort her to the theater to speak with Blue. He did so and felt warmth spread through him at the little smile she wore. He walked by her side to the stable and helped her onto horse.
They spoke leisurely as they made their way to the town. He was glad to see that she was more relaxed than when he first came to the estate. She always sounded so lonely in her letters when they were younger and was glad that she was opening up to the happiness she missed as a child. They had to stop for direction to the theater since he hadn't traveled too far from the estate.
He was a little disappointed that they arrived at the theater and their conversation came to an end when she told him to watch the horses while she went to speak with Blue. Platina knew that it would be best for Dia to watch the horses but she wished that he would come with her if only for his support.
The theater was much more crowded than she thought it would be and had to step around several people until she reached a stage. She had to ask someone for direction and a woman with long brown hair tied back from her face told her that she was currently in a play and led her backstage. They stood offstage and Blue had her back to them as she faced the opposite wall.
She watched Blue carefully moving with the scene as she spoke in harsh whispers yet loud enough for audience to hear. She placed her hands over her heart as she crumpled to the ground and coughed something that looked like blood. White assured Platina that it was merely a tomato when she was about to run out to her sister.
"Please tell me why," Blue said past the tears dropping to join with the drops of blood on the ground. She raised her eyes and they met with a man just offstage across from them. She gave out one last sob before a man came behind her with his sword raised. Blue went on with her monologue though even though she must've known that he was behind her.
Platina couldn't believe that it was her sister before her. This wasn't the confident sister she knew but a different woman that seemed broken from whatever event that occurred earlier in the play. White had to constantly remind her that her sister was not hurt since Platina worried at the frequency of Blue's coughing.
"Why does this house no longer feel like home?" The curtains dropped at those last words and the man brought the sword down. The audience didn't see the man striking Blue because of the curtain, all they heard was the sound of impact Black created offstage. The other man stopped and stepped back, reaching out a hand to help her up.
She smiled at him as she wiped traces of the tomato from her hand. Her eyes noticed Platina and her face paled as she raced past him to her sister. Platina barely left the estate much less visited the theater. Platina barely raised her hand in greeting before Blue questioned her frantically. "Is there something wrong with Yellow? Wait, did you leave her home alone? Are Wally and Tansy watching her?"
"Yellow's fine and she is safe with Red on a little trip into the city," Platina told her. "I actually came to speak to you on her behalf. You see-"
"Red? We barely know the man and even if he is a good man from what I've seen, we still need to watch her. Are they still at the estate?" She turned to return home before Platina even answered her. She ran straight into Green who looked down at her questioningly. "I need to return home and speak with that friend of yours. The idiot took her to the city!"
"A picnic," Platina said so suddenly Blue turned her gaze back to her. "Yellow said she wanted to have a picnic but didn't know how to ask you so she asked me to do so for her. She is afraid because of the behaviour you had just demonstrated. She knows you will refuse her and for the life of me I don't know why she would think that I can convince you to say otherwise. But I will try to do so, sister."
"Platina?" Blue gawked at her sister who kept her back regally straight yet tears filled her voice as much as anger did. Platina walked into more secluded part of the theater away from prying eyes, not waiting to see if Blue followed her. When she was sure there was no one else watching them, she turned back to her.
"Yellow wished to have a picnic as a family… and so do I."
"That was wonderful," Yellow didn't cringed as she walked out of the opera house with Red at her side. Red had to smile at her childlike excitement to the opera. He couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed himself so much when watching an opera but he had to admit he was watching the play of emotion her face more than the actual actors.
"I'm sure that you would want to shop now," Red said and she nodded to him, taking a random street. He followed as she passed all the shops and he wondered if she actually knew where she was going. When he asked, she merely smiled and said that she was looking for a store to buy more paint for a painting she intended to make of her family.
"I am confident that Platina will be able to convince Blue to let us have one," Yellow told him as she found the shop that held what she was looking for. Red watched in fascination as she tested a brush with the tip of her finger. "I hope that this will also allow Platina and Blue to speak more as well."
"I don't have any siblings," Red admitted. "I don't know you must be feeling."
"You don't need to have siblings to know what love is," She told him with a smile. "If you want the person you love to be happy you know how I feel. I must remember to thank Platina when we return home. Blue would never have allowed me to leave. I love her though."
Red paid for their purchases and insisted on carrying the paints for her as they walked back to where they left the carriage. The crowd suddenly grew around them and Red reached back for Yellow's hand. "I don't want to lose you in this crowd."
She nodded and tried to quicken her step to match his. He noticed her sudden change in breathing and slowed so that she didn't have to walk so quickly. Yellow tilted her head up to him and smiled, he was so much more compassionate than she thought when they first met. The memory brought her fingers to her lips and she wondered why her heart was suddenly quickening.
Red noticed that the crowd was caused by some kind of spectacle on the street. His instinct told him to see what was causing the disturbance but a deeper part of him didn't want to involve Yellow if it was so dangerous. She noticed the subtle tightening of his hand and when he told her to stay back she tightened her hold on his hand.
He sighed and made sure to keep her behind him to protect her from whatever was causing interest in the other citizens. She moved to his side after he cleared a path to the center of the crowd. He raised a hand when it was nothing more than a masked man performing simple magic tricks. He was about to leave but stopped when Yellow didn't move and continue to study the box he carried his props in.
The man seemed to notice Yellow's attention and held out a hand to her and tried to gesture to her to come forward. She shook her head no, uncomfortable with the faceless mask seemingly staring at her. Red placed a hand around her waist and pulled her closer to his side and shook his head at the man. He merely shrugged and went back to his performance.
He was about to ask Yellow what was bothering her when the crowd suddenly burst into whispers, their attention diverted to the sky. He looked up to just catch the arrow flying towards them and pull Yellow away. The arrow landed where their feet just were and his eyes scanned the rooftops to see if the culprit was watching them. Who used an arrow at this age?
He looked down at the arrow and saw his father's signet ring tied to the arrow's shaft. He ripped the ring and placed it in his pocket. He was about to run in the direction the arrow came from but stopped at the weight against his arm. He realized that it was Yellow and his heart stopped.
She wasn't breathing.
White sighed as she folded the last costume later that night. She had already sent everyone home and was just cleaning up before she headed upstairs to sleep. She threw several more costumes over her arm to take them to storage in the basement. She moved to organize the papers on her desk and smiled at Black sleeping with his head rested on the desk.
She moved past him, not wanting to wake him and went back to store the costume in the basement. She would also have to bring up the other costumes for the new play they were going to perform tomorrow. She considered waking Black to help he bring them up but he had been stressed since the appearance of N. She wanted him to sleep so opened the door with her foot and went down the darkened stairs.
She placed the costumes on a table before going to light the candles. She ran her hand over the trunk labels until she found the one for the trunk for the play. She carefully placed them in the trunk for them not to wrinkle before placing the trunk back in its place. Then she went in search the trunk of the next play.
She cursed when she found the cursed trunk on the top shelf. Of course Black would put it where she wouldn't be able to easily reach it. She could call for Black but she didn't want to wake him. She moved a trunk under it and reached for it. Her fingers just brushed the handle to pull it from the shelf and cursed. She raised herself to her toes and pulled at it with all her strength.
"Shit," She swore when it slip more easily than she thought it would. She jumped away from its path and swore when the trunk burst open, costumes spilling onto the ground. She quickly righted it and went to gather the costumes. She stopped when she pulled back the costume and a part of the carpet to find a latch.
She raised a brow at that. In her few months of living at the theater she hadn't find anything in this basement, let alone pull back the carpet though. She pulled the carpet back further and her curiosity spiked at the hidden door she uncovered. She was just about to pull the door open when someone hit her over her head.
Sorry for being late, I was working on some things on my (You)tube thing since I've been falling back on my mep parts.