AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 24 Onward to the Final Gym
Hogwarts, a week after Helena's disappearance
Hermione, Ginny, and now Cedric were coming out of the library gaining the information they needed. However, it was just giving basic information about the ruins and nothing about the location or anything about the Guardians.
The three Hogwarts students walk down the halls. "Well…that's a bust." Cedric sighs at the lack of information they found.
"At least we got something out of it." Hermione held tightly the book about the ruin to her chest.
"Yeah, but is it really enough to even get started to look for Helena?" Ginny asked, seeing that they only got a piece of a large puzzle. "All that book told us is some kind of creation story of the World and some Guardians. It's like a puzzle,"
Hermione nodded, "Of course, that's the point." She turns to the two, having experience with these types of research. "This is like a puzzle, right? Then we need to find the other pieces."
Cedric looks down at the smartest Gryffindor, "So you're saying that we have to search for any reference of what we found in that book in other libraries?" He asked. "But where to look? The only places that might have information are the Ministry of Magic, Hogwart's Library, and-"
The bushy-haired girl nodded, seeing that the Hufflepuff manage to catch on to what she was getting at. "Exactly, private libraries from Pureblood families," Hermione answered Cedric's statement.
"Of course, it's too bad my Family's Library is just a few Family trees and basic Ministry rule books," Ginny commented, a bit embarrassed that she can't help them.
"I'm sure I can look into some things at my Family's Library. Dad has collected many books in his collection." Cedric offered, now very interested in the mystery they find themselves in.
Hermione nodded, already having a person in mind that'll defiantly help them out. "I also know who's willing to help us search for Helena." She stated,
Ginny knew which person Hermione was referencing. "Oh, him. He would defiantly help us ." She smiles at another welcomed help in the search for their missing friend.
"Mmmm? Is your friend a Pureblood?" Cedric asked, curious about who this person is.
"Um…well there's another secret you have to keep, Cedric." Hermione cleared her throat, feeling like he was already too deep with them to turn back. "But be opened minded, he's someone…not on good terms with the Ministry."
"Alright, I'm listening." The young Hufflepuff listens to what the girls have to say about this person they know.
12 Grimmauld Place
Dumbledore sat at the end of the table, sitting before him were the members of the Order of the Phoenix. Molly and Arthur Weasley, Alastor Moody and his apprentice Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black.
Sirius slams his hands on the table, enrage at Dumbledore for the events leading to this. "Dumbledore, whatever happened to 'She'll be safe at Hogwarts.'." The Animagus quoted what the old Wizard said. "To make it worst, you have signed her off to get married to someone who doesn't care but himself-"
"Er…no offense Molly, Arthur." Sirius looks over to the red-haired parents, harboring no blame towards them.
Arthur nodded, understanding what the convict was saying. "It's fine, Sirius, we two are surprised by the Headmaster's…(Ahem) secret project." The red-haired man gave a disapproval glare at Dumbledore.
"You have no right in taking away Helena's freedom like that." Molly stood up, outraged by his actions thus far. "Especially when it comes to our Son. Merlin, Dumbledore you were very aware that he's…troubled." She stated, unsure how to describe her Son's personality.
Dumbledore looked around the table, seeing that everyone disapproved of his actions. "I-I understand that most of you disapprove of my actions,"
"Disapprove is not the word I would use for what you did, Dumbledore," Remus growls, siding with Sirius and the others. "If we're honest here then I believe Helena leaving to get away from Ron is the best thing she could do."
Kingsley looks at his friend, questioning if he wants to be involved with someone who has done something so unethical. However, he can't help but ask him. "Albus, what were you thinking? This goes everything against we're fighting against."
Dumbledore nodded, hearing the complaints of the members of the Order. Not wanting to lose his comrades due to the situation he found himself in, "I-I understand, but please consider this." He folded his hands together, looking at them with solemn eyes. "It's the only way to protect Helena from the Pureblood Families that allied with You-Know-Who, to have their heirs marry into the Potter line."
"Albus does have a point there," Moody stated, causing everyone to stare at him with the same look they were giving Dumbledore.
"How could you be all right with this, Alastor? We're talking about Helena's wellbeing and freedom to choose!" Sirius said, outraged by the retired Auror siding with Dumbledore's plan.
Moody glares at Sirius, hearing his disapproval. "Sirius, you came from a Pureblood Family." He said gruffly, raising his head at him. "You know what happens to Witches in those Families-"
Sirius gritted his teeth, knowing full well what happened to Witches in Pureblood Families "They get married off to other Purebloods, I know." He growls, thinking of how his Sisters when they got engaged.
He doesn't care if they get married to the Purebloods, but the way how they forced him to meet with other bachelorettes. That was one of the many reasons he left the Black Family and go out on his own.
When Helena was born, he and James swore that he won't let Helena be involved in their society's arrange marriages.
"But that still makes it wrong," Arthur stated, turning to the Headmaster. "I'm calling off, I don't want Helena to go through this anymore."
Molly nodded, agreeing with her Husband on that. "Helena has been through enough,"
Dumbledore cleared his throat, already prepared for this outcome. "Unfortunately, the signed documents were already made it to the Minister and Gringotts." The conniving Headmaster explains to the Order. "I'm afraid breaking off the marriage is impossible."
"No…" Sirius's face paled, realizing Helena can't escape. He turns to Remus, the smartest person he knows for help.
Remus nodded, understanding what Sirius was asking of him. He turns to the Headmaster, hearing him clearing his throat.
"If we could, we still have pressing matters that need attention." Dumbledore changed the topic,
"What's that?" Remus asked,
"Helena's whereabouts."
Later that night, Sirius lay on his bed, trying to help his Goddaughter out of this marriage contract. He turns to his side, grumbling to himself. "Damnit Dumbledore, you're way too-"
The convict stops mid-sentence, hearing a tap outside his window. "An owl?" Sirius got up and opened it to let the owl in.
"What you've got there?" The shaggy-haired Wizard took the letter in the owl's mouth and read it.
Hoenn Region, Sootoplis City Outskirts
It's been a few months since they were at Lavaridge Town for the Summer Festival and won the Heat Badge from Flannery's Grandfather.
During those months, they traveled to Petalburg City where Steven, Flannery, and Brawly won the Balance Badge then to Dewford Town where they won the Knuckle Badge.
Many things happened on their journey, such as Steven catching a Baltoy when they were leaving Lavaridge Town, while Brawly caught a Machop at the same time Baltoy was caught.
There was also the leveling up Aron who evolves into Lairon, and Lileep evolves into Cradily. But those two weren't the only ones that evolved into their next stage. Wallace's Mudkip also evolved into a Marshtomp during an exhibition match at school.
With one Badge away from entering the Hoenn League and challenging the Elite Four and the current Champion. They were on their way to the final Gym, the Sootoplis City Gym, and Wallace's hometown.
-ZZZ- So, you're in Slateport City now?"-ZZZ- A certain blonde and blue-haired spoke to Helena through facetime on her Rotom Phone.
Helena nodded, sitting on the bench of the ferry. "That's right, Professor. We're waiting for the ferry to Sootoplis City for Steven and the others' Gym Badge and Wallace's entrance for the Hoenn Grand Festival." She informed the Professor at the Trainer School.
"Hat!" Hatenna jumps on Helena's shoulders, greeting the Professor on the other side of the screen.
Adam chuckles, seeing that Hatenna was doing well with her new trainer. -ZZZ- Hello to you Hatenna, I see you're doing well.- ZZZ- The young Professor smiles. -ZZZ- I'm sure if the Headmaster was here, he would be thrilled to see you.-ZZZ-
"Hat, Hat!" The Calm Pokemon cheered, happy to be finally traveling with the former Witch.
Helena giggles, gently petting her new Pokemon. Just before they depart for Slateport City a few days ago, Hatenna snuck into Helena's bag and his there until she was discovered shortly after they entered the City. She immediately contacted the Professor which lead them to this conversation.
"Easy there, Hatenna. If you continue being excited like that, you might fall from my shoulders." Helena giggles, turning her attention back to Adam Ceder. "Professor Ceder, when do you think Hatenna's Pokeball would arrive here in Slateport City?"
-ZZZ- Helena, I'm afraid that I can't send Hatenna's Pokeball to Slateport City's Pokemon Center. -ZZZ- Adam apologizes to Helena, unable to fulfill Helena's request.
Helena and Hatenna blink at the blue-haired Professor, a bit confused with his sentence. "How come, Professor?" She asked.
-ZZZ- Well, considering you're at the ferry station at Slateport and be leaving at any given moment. -ZZZ- Adam stated, having a feeling that the ferry was leaving soon.
"W-Well-"
"Helena! We're boarding the ferry now!" Roxanne called out to her black-haired friend.
Helena turns to her mentor, giving an apologetic expression. "S-Sorry Professor, but I gotta go."
Adam waved his hand, not minding at all. -ZZZ- Go before you miss the ferry, I heard it'll be a day or two before the next one. -ZZZ- The blue-haired Professor jokes, lighting up the mood. -ZZZ- Also, I suggest you check out the Sootoplis Museum, its history will surprise you, -ZZZ-
"Then I'll check out the museum, Professor Ceder," Helena promised her mentor that she'll visit the Sootoplis City Museum. "Oh, are you going to-"
-ZZZ- Someone that the Headmaster knows is heading to Sootoplis, I believe they're going to a special guest at the Grand Festival -ZZZ- Adam explains to the former Witch.
Helena nodded, understanding that the Professor is sending Hatenna's Pokeball with someone he trust. "Can you tell me the name so I can-"
"Helena!" This time, Steven was calling her. She turns to where she heard his voice coming from.
Her eyes looked at her friends, waiting for her at the ferry line. -ZZZ- Helena, don't worry about it. She was instructed to meet up with you all when you get to Sootoplis City. -ZZZ- Adam informed his student.
Helena nodded, about to end the call. "Okay, I got to go Professor. The ferry is here." She informed her Professor at the school.
-ZZZ- Of course, take care.-ZZZ- Helena ended the call, retrieving her Rotom Phone and placing it back in her pocket.
"Hatenna, I'll hold you." Helena took the Calm Pokemon from her shoulders and hold her in her arms. "I don't want you to get lost,"
Hatenna smiles, obliging to the trainer's request. "Hatenna!"
The former Witch quickly joined her friends at the line, going under the rope. "Sorry guys, I have to call Professor Ceder about Hatenna."
Brawly chuckles, seeing the Galar Pokemon in the black-haired trainer's arms. "It's still surprising that Hatenna snuck her way into your bag like that." He leans over to the Duel-type, booping her nose.
"So, what did the Professor say?" Flannery asked, curious what their teacher said to her. "Did you get Hatenna's Pokeball?" She added,
"He said he had someone deliver it when we arrived at Sootoplis City," Helena informed her friends.
Steven looks at Helena, curious who this person that the Professor was talking about is. "Did you get a name for this person, Helena?" The young trainer asked.
Helena shook her head, "All the Professor said that she's someone important." She answers Steven's question.
"So they're a female?" Steven ponders, wondering which of Professor Ceder's friends is what Helena describes.
Soon the ferry's whistle blew loudly, the Captain approached the line and opened the gates. "Attention, the ferry to Sootoplis City is departing soon." He announced, "Please make your way to platform three."
"Guys, it's time to go," Roxanne informed her friends, walking over to the plank with everyone. "Next stop, Sootoplis City!" She punches her hand in the air.
Helena looks at Steven, confused about how Roxanne was acting. "(Hey Steven, do you know why Roxanne is excited all of a sudden?)" She whispered to him, not noticing the line was moving.
Steven smiles, knowing why she was like this. "(That's because Roxanne always dreams of visiting Sootoplis City.)" The Steel-blue-haired boy explains, remembering when they talked before.
The former Witch nodded, understanding now why their friend was excited.
"If you two are done talking, then I suggest you all get on the ferry before you have to take the next one." The two looked up at the ferry where Wallace and the others were leaning on the railings, calling out to them.
"W-Wait-HOW THE HECK YOU ALL GOT ON THE FERRY!?" Steven exclaims, not noticing that their friends were already onboard the ferry.
Helena grabs Steven's hand while holding Hatenna in the other. "Come on, Steven before the ferry leaves!" She exclaims.
"Hat, Hatenna!" Hatenna commented, enjoying the rush.
Steven blushed, allowing the black-haired trainer to drag him to the gate.
Roxanne places her hands on her side, staring at the teal-haired Champion. "Do you really have to play that trick on them?" The brunette asked her friend.
Wallace shrugs, smirking at his friends. "What's a trip without a little fun?" He asked.
Roxanne sighs at Wallace's never-ending antics. "Wallace…" Her eyes shift to Helena and Steven, arriving just in time.
Wallace smiles walking over to Helena and Wallace. "Well, glad you two can make it,"
"S-Shut…up…" Steven huffs, a bit peeved at him for leaving them behind.
Wallace just laughs as the ferry started to set sail into the ocean.
Above the big blue ocean, a white helicopter approaches the crater City in the middle of the ocean. "We're almost to Sootoplis City, ma'am." A black-haired Butler with red eyes informed his charge.
The passenger was a woman in her late thirties, she wore a white business dress with a black belt around her waist. The woman also has black heels and black leggings, she pushes aside her snow-white hair and gazes into the window.
"That's good, Sebastian." The woman smiles before looking at her Butler. "That reminds me, my son is heading to Sootoplis City, right?" She asked her pilot.
"That's right, ma'am," Sebastian informed his boss of her Son's current location. "By now, he should be on the ferry from Slateport City." He turns to the Pilot behind him.
"Pilot, how long until we get to the City?" The black-haired Butler asked,
The pilot turned his head to eye his passengers, "About a few minutes, sir."
Sebastian nodded, seeing they were on schedule. "Very good. Am I right, My Lady?" He asked his charge.
"Yes, Sebastian." The white-haired woman smiles, looking back at the window excited when they land.
The white-haired woman nodded, smiling that she gets to see her Son again. She looks out the window, seeing the crater where the grand opening for the Hoenn Grand Festival is hosted.
On the ferry to Sootoplis City, Helena was looking at the vast ocean. She has seen Lakes at Hogwarts and in the Forbidden Forest, but never the ocean. She took a deep breath, taking in the salty fresh air, "Everyone should see this, right Hatenna?" She looks down at the Trainer School's Pokemon.
"The ocean is a beautiful sight to miss out on," Helena states to the Pokemon in her arms.
"Hat, Hatenna!" Hatenna agreed, enjoying the fresh breeze blowing in her face.
Helena gently places the Duel-type on the ferry's floor. She then took out two of her Pokeballs and released her Partners.
"Kirlia!" Kirlia twirls around, greeting her Partner.
Dratini sang happily, excited to be with everyone.
Everyone rushes over to the glass railings, seeing the ocean for the first time. Helena joins her friends, leaning on the metal part of the glass railings. "The ocean is beautiful, right everyone?" She looks down at her Pokemon,
They all cried in agreement, watching the ocean from behind the glass panels. Then two Wailmer and a Wailord breached the surface of the water.
Helena and her Pokemon were in awe at the magnificent Pokemon leaping from the water. "Woah, they look like Whales!" The former Witch exclaims, seeing Pokemon similar looking to Whales back in her World.
"The smaller ball shape Pokemon are called Wailmers and the larger one is a Wailord." Helena turns around to see Wallace standing behind her with Marshtomp.
"Wallace, I didn't notice you were standing there." Helena greeted the teal-haired Champion,
Wallace chuckles, placing his hand on his side. "Well, I do love looking at the oceans." He walks over to the railings with his Pokemon in tow. "It's vast and has a sense of freedom, that's why I train Water-type Pokemon. They have a sense of freedom about them," He places his hand on Marshtomp's head, smiling at him.
"Marshtomp!" The Mus Fish Pokemon smiles, appreciating his Partner's gentle gesture.
Wallace chuckles, hearing his Pokemon agreeing with him. "Yes, Marshtomp. You and I are alike in so many ways," He smiles.
"Wallace," Helena called his name,
The Champion looks at the black-haired trainer, curious why she called him. "What is it, Ellie? Is there something you need?" Wallace asked.
"I was just curious since I've read the website for the Hoenn Grand Festival." Helena looks at the Duel-type Pokemon next to her friend. "It mentions a Solo Performance then a Double Performance. I'm curious which one we're going to see,"
Wallace understands what she meant. "I see, well from the information from the Contest Committee sent to all the Coordinators; they said that the two Contest are Solo Performances while the last three are Doubles." The Champion explains,
Helena nodded before remembering something underneath the lines. "I also remember that there's going to be two rounds. What does the second one for?"
"From my understanding, the first round is for appealing to the crowd and the judges while the second one is for Contest Battles," The Champion added, further explaining how the Contest System works in his classes.
Helena seems to understand how the Contest work, "Okay, I think I got the gist…" She nodded, looking at Marshtomp. "Speaking of Contest, have you do you have any idea which Pokemon you want to use for the Contest?" She asked.
Wallace leans back on the railings, already who thought about who to be with him during the Performances. "I have decided to use Marshtomp on my first round and my Starmie on the second," He explains to his friend,
"Using two Water-types, that's so you Wallace." Helena smiles, a bit excited to see what Wallace's Performance is like. "It also fits your hometown theme well, good luck."
"Aw, thanks, Ellie!" Wallace smiles, appreciating her support in his goals. His green eyes saw the outer walls of Sootoplis growing as the ferry approached it.
-ZZZ- Attention passengers, we're approaching the outer walls of Sootoplis City. Please prepare your belongings before we arrive at the port. -ZZZ- The Captain announced, informing the passengers of their approach to the City.
Helena saw the outer walls of the City, She took out her Pokeballs and turn to her Partners. "Kirlia, Dratini, we're leaving soon."
The two nodded, allowing Helena to return them to their Pokeball.
"Alright Marshtomp, we're almost home. Return." The Champion called back his new Pokemon, turning to Helena who picked up Hatenna. "Shall we join the others? I'm sure they have their stuff ready."
Helena nodded, following her friend back inside the ferry. Once inside, the group already has their bags ready when they depart the ferry.
Steven took Helena's bag before looking at the entrance of their compartment. Helena and Wallace returned, looking like they were having a nice time outside. "Hey you two, you heard the announcement?"
"Yes, though both me and Helena were just having the time of our lives talking." Wallace shrugs, a bit disappointed that it was short. "Ah…such a short fun time."
Helenna rolled her eyes with a smile on her face. "Wallace,"
Steven smiles noticing that the light was getting dimmer. "Mmm?" He walks over to the window; the ferry was passing the natural overpass of the Sootoplis crater.
Everyone rushed to the window, noticing the dimming sunlight. Soon they enter a City built around the walls of the crater.
-ZZZ- Attention all passengers, welcome to Sootoplis City. -ZZZ-
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.