AN: So, I decided to change a bit in the story when Helena's Friends are coming. So before the Wedding chapter in the future, who do you think should go into the Pokemon World first, Hermione or Sirius?
Ch 80 The Masquerade Ball
"Are you sure you want to go to this Masquerade Ball?" N asked, standing in front of Helena's room. "Those types of parties are filled with People who are plotting something against anyone." He said, concern for his Sister.
Helena adjusted her hair, walking out in her simpler manner of clothing. A white shirt with a pink skirt. "Don't worry, N. That Ball is hosted by the Stone Family, they're nice People and Steven is there so it's nothing to be concerned about." She explained, not noticing the displeased expression on his face.
N crosses his arms, still having problems with Steven. "It's a certain Stone that I have issues with." He mutters as Helena pops her head out.
"Did you say something N?" Helena asked, looking at her Brother.
"Nothing, Helena. I was wondering if Steven was going to be with you?" N asked, quickly changing his sentence. "He's going to be your date for this thing, right?" He asked.
Helena shook her head as Roxanne entered the hallway in a simple sleeveless blue blouse and a grey skirt. "Nope, it's all Girls' shopping trip. No Boys, don't worry N, it'll be just me, Ellie, and Flannery going shopping."
"Flannery?" N asked, curious why the Lavaridge Gym Leader's Granddaughter coming. "I thought she had responsibilities as the next Gym Leader." The former King of Team Plasma added,
Roxanne looks at N and explains to him. "N, do you receive an invitation from the Devon Corporation, right?" The brunette trainer asked her Roommate.
N merely nodded, confirming what the young Adult asked. "Yes, it came along with yours and Helena. I find it strange that it was addressed to me." The Daycare Attendant said, curious as to why the Stone Family sent an invitation.
"Ah, since you're my Brother and a part of the Potter Family, Steven must've sent it as a gesture of Friendship." The black-haired Professor explains to her Brother. "It means you can come with us during the Ball, N." Helena smiles, happy to have him join them.
N's eyes widen, realizing that his Sister used 'us' in her sentence. "Do you mean Brawly and Flannery will come as well?" The green-haired trainer asked,
Helena nodded, confirming what N asked. "Yes, Flannery and Brawly are invited as well." She said walking past him. "It's going to be fun to have everyone around again." She said, sensing that N was a bit uneasy about it.
She knew that N had this protectiveness over her, since he's older than a year it's understandable. "Don't worry so much, N. If it makes you feel better, we can have everyone sit together during dinner." Helena said, smiling at him.
"Alright, if you say so, Helena. I don't mind us sitting together at the Ball." N smiles, excited when the time comes. "Truth be told, I never fully enjoy a Ball to its extent."
"I'll help you get ready before the Masquerade Ball, N. For now, come up with any ideas on what you want to dress up as." Helena said to her Brother, "Anything will do,"
N nodded, having some ideas in mind but wanting to see what his Sister and Roommate have for their own costume. "Sure, that is something I could do." He said, thinking he should just ask his Pokemon for help.
Helena nodded, heading outside with Roxanne to look for dresses for the upcoming Ball. After leaving the Apartment, both Girls waited at the new Rustboro Station, a Subway station recently added due to Steven's planning.
"I still can't believe Steven was able to make Subway stations available for every City and Town in Hoenn," Helena commented, looking up at the underground station.
Roxanne smiles, looking at her long-time Friend. "The Subway Stations aren't the only this Steven made during his time as Champion." The brunette said, going into details about what he's done. "He also made it possible there are Pokemon Centers in every Route even in remote ones." She explains to Helena what happened during her time away.
Helena was impressed by Steven's quick work, "Wow, did he really do all that?" She asked, never expecting Steven would go so far.
The brunette nodded, "Yes when he started his reign as Champion, he revealed that he wanted to improve Hoenn for the People and Pokemon alike." Roxanne said as the Subway entered Rustboro Station.
-ZZZ- Attention, the train from Lavaridge Town has arrived at Rustboro Station. Please all passengers step behind the yellow line. -ZZZ- The PA announces the arrival of the train from Lavaridge Town.
"Flannery's train arrived," Roxanne said, both Girls stood up from the bench. They head over to the train as the doors open,
Flannery exited the door, wearing baggy blue jeans, a red bra with the logo of the Fire-type, and a black short-sleeved shirt tied up by the hem to her breasts. She wore black running shoes with the soles red.
She looks forward, seeing her two Friends waiting for her. "Roxanne! Ellie, it's great to see you two!" Flannery waves at the two, walking over to them. "Man, I really need a rest from Grandpa's training, this is the perfect time to get the stress out of my system." The red-haired trainer said,
"I get what you mean, Flannery. Speaking about your Grandpa, how is he?" Helena asked, curious about Mr. Moore after all these months away. "Is he doing good?"
Flannery grins, "He's healthy as a Mudsdale and stubborn as a Camerupt!" The red-haired trainer smiles, informing the black-haired Professor of how her Grandfather is doing these days.
Helena smiles, happy to hear that Mr. Moore is doing alright. "That's good to hear." She said before Roxanne interjected,
"Alright Girls, we have plenty of time to catch up!" Roxanne said, stepping in between her Friends, "We got shopping to do,"
"Yeah!"
The Girls walk down the streets of Rustboro City, looking at the many Stores. While walking, Flannery turns to her Friends. "So, any idea who you're going to bring to Steven's Masquerade Ball? I plan for my Slugma, Meg to be my Partner for the night." The red-haired trainer said, curious about what the other two's Pokemon are.
Roxanne smiles, answering her fellow trainer's question. "My Nosepass is going to be my Partner of course," She turns to Helena, having an idea who she'll bring. "Helena, are you bringing Kirlia to the Ball?" She asked.
"Yes, since Kirlia is my main Partner it's obvious that she'll be my Partner." Helena smiles, looking at the shops, thinking about what to wear.
Flannery smiles, coming up to the store they're heading to. "Alright Girls, we're here!" The red-haired exclaims, excitedly entering the Dress Boutique. "Let's get to shopping!"
The Girls brought out their Pokemon and the Shopping Assistant helped them pick matching clothes for them.
Helena looks at the many assortments of gowns and dresses for her to choose from. "There's so many to choose from," She said, looking at the many choices.
"Kirlia…" The Emotion Pokemon agreed, looking at the clothing for Pokemon.
The Shopping Assistant steps forward, seeing that both Helena and Kirlia are having trouble picking a dress. "Is there something you two need help with?" She asked the young Professor and her Partner.
Helena turns around, hearing the Assistant speaking to her. "Oh, I'm just having trouble picking which dress should I wear…" She told the Lady,
"I see, then allow me to assist you." The Shopping Assistant walks over to the rack, looking at Helena. "Do you have any colors you might have in mind?" She asked the young Professor.
Helena thought bringing her hand to her chin, "Well, it's going to be a Masquerade Ball and I want something that describes me and Kirlia," She said, not really good at these types of things,
Kirlia looks up at her Partner, smiling that they want to match. "Kirlia,"
The Shopping Assistant nodded, understanding what Helena wanted in the dress she envisioned for herself. "A young Lady who knows what she wants, let me see what we got for you…" She turns around, scrounging through the dresses.
Helena and Kirlia watched as Flannery came from the other side of the aisle. "Hey, Ellie, what do think about this?" Helena turns around, seeing the Fire-type trainer,
She saw her Friend wearing a red mask with two flames on each eye, resembling a Slugma. "I found a Slugma mask just lying over at the counter, they have tons," Flannery commented, pointing to the other side of the Shop. "I'm thinking of having Meg wear a silver cape since Slugmas are really hard to dress up." She told her Friend,
Helena smiled, seeing that was a good idea. "Whatever you want, Flans. I'm sure Meg would love whatever you decide on her," She said to the red-haired trainer.
"Kirlia, Kirlia!" Kirlia nodded, liking the idea Flannery had for Meg's outfit.
"Ma'am," Helena turns around, seeing the Shopping Assistant calling her attention. She saw her holding a pink sleeveless dress that was simple and yet beautiful. The pink was soft and faded into white at the bottom. "I do believe this gown would fit you perfectly, as for your Kirlia."
The Shopping Assistant turns to the rack, showing a smaller version of the dress for Helena.
Kirlia smiles, approaching the dress. Her eyes sparkled from the sequence shining in the light. "Kirlia," She said, staring at the dress just for her.
"Seems like Kirlia likes the dress," Flannery saw the awe expression on the Duel-type's face. "And based on what I'm seeing you also like that dress, Ellie." The red-haired trainer looks over to her Friend, taking note of her amazement at the dress.
Helena flinches, clearing her throat. "I really do love that dress. Though, it's missing the mask," She pointed out to the Shopping Assistant, "Do you perhaps have a mask for it?" She asked,
The Shopping Assistant looks at Helena, "At the front, there's a display of masks over there." She informed the young Professor.
Helena nodded, appreciating her assistance. "Alright, thank you." She looks down at Kirlia, picking her up. "Kirlia, let's check out the masks."
"Can you bring the dress to the counter?" Helena asked the Shopping Assistant, she nodded, taking the two dresses to the counter, and preparing them for Helena.
Once the Shopping Assistant left, Helena asked Flannery, "Are you coming, Flannery?" She asked her Friend, looking at her.
Flannery shook her head, looking at the dresses on the racks. "I'm going to check some dresses here for a bit, I got my mask already." She motions to the Slugma mask in her hand. "Just need the right outfit."
The black-haired nodded, turning to the front. "Alright, let's go Kirlia. I think there's a mask that might match those dresses," Helena said to her Partner,
"Kirlia!" Kirlia agreed with her Partner, wanting to see the mask they have for them.
After checking out the mask, Helena and Kirlia picked out a white mask that was shaped like a Gardevoir's face. But the color doesn't match with the dresses she got. To solve this small issue, she placed an order for a mask matching the colors on the dress.
After a while, the Girls left the Boutique already got their dresses for the Stone Family's Masquerade Ball. "Ellie, since you got an invitation to the Ball, is N going to be there too?" Flannery asked her Friend.
Helena nodded, confirming what her Friend asked. "That's right, he's currently looking through some stuff for an idea on what to wear." She said, informing the Fire-type trainer.
"N is waiting for us before he decides on what to wear," Roxanne added, smiling at Flannery. "As an idea of what type of clothing to wear." She added,
"I see, then we should help him out in any way possible," Flannery said, motivated to assist Helena's Brother in picking the perfect outfit. "Say, Ellie, do you know which Pokemon N might bring as a Partner? That would be a good place to start," She asked the black-haired Ability User.
"Kirlia, Kirlia!" Kirlia quickly interjected, knowing who N might bring for the Ball. She points to herself, indicating that she's Helena's Partner.
Helena heard her Partner speak, understanding what she was trying to say, "Oh, right! Zoroark!"
"Zoroark?" Flannery asked, picturing the former King in a Zoroark-inspired outfit.
Roxanne smiles, picturing N as well in an outfit inspired by Zoroark. "Yeah, that might work in his favor." She added, agreeing with what N should wear.
"N might agree to it, he and Zoroark are pretty close. I have known him since he was a Zorua," Helena smiles, knowing that her Brother will like the idea of dressing up like his Partner. "He would definitely like it," She smiles.
Stone Manor, the day of the Masquerade Ball
The Day of the Masquerade Ball came quickly before they knew it. Many People were exiting from their cars with their Pokemon, they all came in dressed for the Masquerade Ball. Each Person and their Pokemon wore matching clothes to their masks.
One car opened its door and, walking out was Roxanne. The brunette wore a maroon sleeveless dress. The strap wrapped around her shoulders, and her gown ends with folds that allow easy walking. She also wore grey gloves that reached to her elbows. Her hair was combed straight down and wore a single red pendant around her neck. Her mask was in the shape of her Nosepass's eyes but a maroon color.
Next to her was her Nosepass with a bow tie and wearing a top hat. "Nosepass, Nosepass," The Compass Pokemon looks up at his Partner, reminding her of what Flannery said before.
"Right, thanks Nosepass." The brunette trainer turns to her Roommates as they exited the car sent by Steven. "Flannery and Brawly said they arrived much earlier than us," Roxanne informed both Helena and N.
N got out first, wearing a black tailcoat and pants. The buttons were golden and the area around it was red as the inside of his tailcoat. His hair was combed back, and the mullet was tied in a small ponytail. He wore a mask with the colors of Zoroark over his eyes with a little snout over his nose. "So, this is a Stone Family Ball…it's nothing to what I was used to back in Unova," N commented,
Zoroark wore a red vest and tailcoat and some white cuffs. He nodded, happy to have a different atmosphere for his Friend to relax in than the serious Balls when Team Plasma was still active.
"Right, you mentioned before you met Helena; that you were being raised by your Foster Father." Roxanne looks at her Roommate, remembering his story. "You must be rather experienced in Balls before."
"You can say that, Roxanne." N can't help but chuckle at her comment, knowing that's far from the truth.
Stepping out of the car, Helena walked outside. She wore a pink sleeveless dress with golden trimming, she wore pinkish white gloves with the ends shape of flower petals. Over her shoulders was a translucent pink cape that was laced like Fairy Wind. She still wore her Mega Pendent around her neck, and some earrings to accompany it.
Her hair was tied in a bun, being held by a braided strand of hair tied in a pink bow. (Arturia Pendragon hairstyle) She wore a simple mask, similar to how Gardevoir's face is except for the green part, a pink hue.
Kirlia wore a pink translucent cape similar to Helena's while wearing a Gardevoir mask in the same colors as Helena's. "Kirlia…" She looks up, in awe at how grand the Ball was.
"I know Kirlia, I've never seen anything this grand before. Joseph and Lydia must really go out for this." Helena commented, seeing the many People attending tonight's Ball. 'Those People…they must come from big businesses.' She thought, realizing how the Stone Family is well known throughout the Region.
"Kirlia?" Kirlia looks at Helena, seeing her distracted a bit.
"Helena, are you okay?" Helena turns her head, hearing N calling for her.
Roxanne poked her head, seeing her Friend lost in thought. "You seem distracted, are you sure you can go into Steven's Home?" The brunette asked her Friend.
Both Nosepass and Zoroark looked at Helena, also sharing their Partner's concern.
The black-haired Professor shook her head, taking a deep breath. "Everything's fine, I'm just in awe at how Steven's Family is well known in Hoenn and other Regions," Helena explains to her two companions. "(Plus, I got to make sure not to embarrass Steven or his Family in front of their business colleagues.)" She said, now realizing that she has big shoes to fill as Steven's Girlfriend.
"Kirlia…" Kirlia could sense that Helena was feeling uneasy with the Masquerade Ball. Stepping forward, she gently placed her arm on Helena's grown and gave her some motivation. "Kirlia! Kirlia, la," She spoke to her Partner.
"Nosepass, Nose." Nosepass nodded, agreeing with the Emotion Pokemon.
Zoroark agreed with Kirlia, sharing the same motivational gesture with Helena.
N and Roxanne saw their Pokemon were comforting Helena. "They're right, Helena. There's nothing to worry about." He looks at his Sister, sharing his thoughts with her. "If you're worried about those People who deal with business with Steven's Family then don't be," N said,
"N's right, Steven invited us to this event," Roxanne commented, adding to N's statement. "Besides, do you realize how there's three of us who don't come from a prestigious Family background-"
"Er…you mean two, I'm pretty sure Flannery's Family is very prestigious." Helena corrected the brunette on her information,
Roxanne waved her hand, ignoring the tiny detail. "Flans doesn't count, Ellie. She may be from a long line of Fire-type Gym Leaders." The young Teacher said, reminding her who Flannery is. "But she doesn't act like she came from one. All that matters is you stay true to yourself." She finishes before receiving a message from Flannery.
"Oh, well, speaking about Flannery. She's wondering where we are." Roxanne checks her Rotom Phone, reading the message. "They're waiting inside, Steven is there with them."
N's face lowered, hearing that Steel-blue-haired Champion was with Brawly and Flannery. "Wonderful, here I thought I could spend a little more time with my Sister." He grumbles to himself, hearing Zoroark giggle next to him. He sighs, walking forward. "Well, we better not make them wait any longer."
Roxanne nodded, following the green-haired trainer with Nosepass next to her. "Coming, Ellie?" She turns to her Friend.
"Yes, I'm coming Roxanne," Helena said, finding it easy now to walk in the gown she was in. "Let's go, Kirlia." She said, ushering her Partner to follow.
"Kirlia," Kirlia followed her Partner, walking next to her.
Behind the three trainers and their Pokemon, Maya in a green sleeveless top, a gown that split open on her left side watches Helena. "How come she's here!?" She asked herself in disbelief at the appearance of Helena Potter. "I thought this was supposed to be a Devon Corporation Event just for employees and Business partners." She gritted her teeth before taking a deep breath.
"No matter, once Steven sees me in this dress, he'll fall for me and become my Boyfriend," Maya said to herself, walking to the doors of the Stone Manor. "I'll show who's the better Girl here, you insignificant Trubbish."
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.