Act 2

Changing Tides

Chapter 31:

The Game Begins

~~Azaelia - Streets - Prism City~~

The air was cold. Not quite cold enough to cause much discomfort for an Ice-type like her, but enough to tell that the seasons were changing. Just a few weeks ago the most one could feel on a night like this was a cooling breeze. Now, chills along the body are a common occurrence.

It wasn't the air that bothered Azaelia, rather it was the situation she has now found herself in. She believed she had been left with only one choice to move forward, and that was what she was going to do, even if her friends didn't agree with her.

She peeked around the corner, spotting her destination. It was unchanged from earlier today, with Garland the Lombre guard the only one left in charge of the dungeon. Seeing the building flared the anxiety in her system. Her paws stuck in place.

"Come on…" she said quietly to herself. "You can do this."

She tried to reassure herself as best she could, but part of her mind fought back against her plan. Was this really the best way? The only way? Was it worth it?

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to quell the doubts. In her mind's eye, she saw why she was making such a stupid decision. A shiny Ninetales stood across from her, a quiet confidence exuding from everything she did. Her resolute smile did wonders for Azaelia's self-esteem.

She wanted to talk to her again, more than anything. Right now, there was nothing she wouldn't do to make that happen. If she didn't go through with her plan tonight, the possibility of that happening would become remarkably small. Especially after what Veraloe had told her:

"They're planning on keeping you here locked down. By tomorrow, I don't think you'll even have the freedom to leave the castle, much less the city."

Azaelia initially couldn't believe what she was hearing, but she knew in her heart it was true. It took all she had to convince her parents to let her leave the city the first time. Seeing how that turned out, and recent events, it made sense that they would not allow that kind of freedom again.

She would go back to how she was before she left for Glass City. Someone who couldn't even walk the city streets without her parents and guards breathing down her neck. She wouldn't be allowed to do anything on her own anymore. If she was leaving, she had to go now.

"I have to do this. For Blaze."

She calmed her mind but her heart still raced. Seeing as this was the most composed she'd probably be, she moved her legs. She kept her head held high and chest puffed out as she approached the guard.

Garland stifled a yawn and rubbed his tired eyes. He glanced over to Azaelia lazily once he heard footsteps approaching. If this was any other night, Azaelia would have found it comical at just how fast he tried to fix himself up and stand to attention.

"My Lady Azaelia!" He saluted. "I received no word that you would be coming back."

"I-" her voice came out meek and lacking strength. She quickly cleared her throat. "I decided that I would like to see the prisoner one last time before his execution. I need to ask him a few more questions."

"Was that permitted with the King?"

"It's more of a personal matter," Azaelia responded.

Garland scratched his head. "I'm sorry, Princess, but I'm under orders to not let anyone in without the King's permission."

Azaelia shifted on her paws. "Not even for me?"

He shrugged. "Sorry."

Azaelia tried not to show her disgruntledness. She was half expecting this outcome, but she hoped it wouldn't happen. She would need to find another way in, but this guard was clearly meant to be here all night. She was going to turn and leave-

"Princess!" came a shout from down the street. Benit jogged over to the two, a piece of paper rolled up in his hand. "Apologies for the delay, I hope you weren't waiting long." he presented the paper to Garland, who unfurled it. "Here you go, sir. Permission for visitation from the King himself."

Garland reviewed the document, noting the Arkos family seal used. He nodded and rolled it back up. "Well, it seems you're clear to enter. Follow me."

Azaelia was bewildered, to say the least. She looked at her guard in surprise, and he responded just by nodding. She had no idea how he got his hands on that document, but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. The two carried on behind Garland as he led them back down into the depths for the second time that day.

Benit hung back behind Garland a few paces. Azaelia walked by his side.

"Thank you for indulging me, Benit. It really means a lot." She whispered quietly to not let Garland overhear.

The Kecleon nodded. "No worries, my Lady. My duty is to help and protect you in any way I can. Even if the King is the one that assigned me."

Azaelia frowned. "I had hoped Joltier would come around as well."

"Hmph. Her actions show her true loyalties." He said plainly. "She cares more for her position than her duty."

"I don't really blame her…" she muttered. "This is a lot to ask, especially for her."

"Absolutely not!" Joltier stamped a foot down. "Do you have any idea how stupid this plan is? Do you want me to tell you how many different ways it could go horribly wrong?"

Azaelia pleaded with her as best she could but to no avail.

"I am not going to do this. And I'm not letting you do it either. I'm supposed to protect you, and you're safest here."

Joltier had stormed off after that, and Azaelia could tell just how angry her guard had gotten in that short amount of time. She understood why, but she still refused to back down. This was the way. At least, that's what she managed to convince herself.

The trip to the cell felt just as cold and foreboding as before, but this time Azaelia felt a little more confident. No, that wasn't the word… maybe driven? Either way, it at least distracted her from the dark presence that grew stronger the longer they walked.

The journey didn't feel nearly as long this time around as the trio reached Synphony's holding cell. Garland stuck his key into the door and unlocked it. He stood to the side as he swung the door open.

"Be quick, if you don't mind?" he asked. "This guy really creeps me out."

"Of course," Benit responded. "Actually, can I have a small word with you for a second?"

Garland scratched his head. "Uh, sure I guess."

Benit motioned for Azaelia to go in before leading Garland away from the cell. She took the opening to enter the room, closing the door behind her. It was the same room they had interrogated Synphony in, as they had not moved him from earlier that day.

"What a nice surprise." Synphony greeted in a completely unsurprised voice. "What do I owe the visit, princess?"

The Zoroark was casually leaning against the back wall, the suppressor cuffs thankfully still attached to his hands. Azaelia gulped before turning to meet him. The bars still separated them, and she would have to wait for Benit to come back with the keys before they could keep going.

"You know why I am here." She tried to keep her voice as steady as possible, even when her scar ached. "Where is my sister?"

The smile that appeared on his face oozed smugness. "Dear ex-princess Blazeira, you mean?"

Azaelia inhaled sharply. That information was only shared with the ones in the council today, and no else. No one should know about that until the coming days. "How do you know…?"

The Zoroark waved his bound arms in front of him. The suppressor cuffs rattled. Azaelia got the message.

"Do you truly know where my sister is?"

His smile turned toothy, yet still no words were uttered. Azaelia's mouth turned dry. He wasn't going to answer any of her questions, no matter how much she asked. Any other chances have vanished. If she wanted to meet Blaze again, this was her only shot.

"I…" she breathed. "I'll play your game, Synphony. But the cuffs will stay on."

Synphony giggled amusedly before standing to his full height. "Good enough for me."

The door opened behind her, and Benit came walking through casually with keys in hand. "Are we ready, my Lady?"

She nodded unsurely. "Yes. Let him out, but keep the cuffs on. What happened to the guard?"

"He shouldn't be a problem," Benit answered as he started unlocking the metal gate. "I managed to take care of him."

Azaelia flinched at the wording. "You didn't hurt him did you?"

"Of course not." He reassured her. "But he'll be out for a while." He roughly grabbed Syn's arm and pushed him towards the open gate.

"Ooh, tough guy here." Syn whistled. "I like him better than that Pikachu."

The two ignored his remarks as they silently led him out of the cell and through the halls of the dungeon. Somehow the walk back felt worse than the other way. Maybe it was because there was no more turning back, or maybe she still wasn't sure if she was making the right choice. Either way, it was done, and she had to keep going.

They exited the dungeon and were met with the dark late-autumn night. The streets were empty, thankfully. It should be past midnight by now, so no one should be awake. The street lights were still on, though.

"Ah, the sweet fresh air. What a nice feeling." Syn stretched his limbs and took deep breaths, obviously relishing in his newfound, semi-freedom.

The sound of trotting hooves approaching gained the group's attention. They ducked back behind the dungeon door with Benit needing to shove Syn inside. A carriage came into view from down the street with a lone driver. As the driver came into view, Azaelia relaxed a little.

Vera pulled the reins back, stopping the cart in place right in front of the dungeon. She had a frown on her face and her posture was cautious. Her expression was grim, even more so after they came out of hiding.

"Hurry. We're heading out of the North Gate."

The three clambered onto the cart quickly after Benit locked the door behind them. Once they settled, Vera whipped the reins to get the Mudsdale to start pulling the cart.

"A feral?" Azaelia asked after observing the Mudsdale.

Vera nodded. "I figured it would be one less Pokémon implicated in this. It should be quicker."

Azaelia agreed. A sentient Pokémon would make things more complicated, as it would be one more they would have to convince to go along with the plan.

"Thanks for this, Vera. I really appreciate it."

Vera did not turn back to acknowledge the thanks. "Say that once we find your sister."

"Heh, look at that." Syn leaned back against the wall of the cart. "Good to see you again, Miracle Healer. I would have thought you left with that criminal team leader of yours."

"Please do not speak to me."

"Ha!" he laughed at the simple yet brutal response. "This is a fun group of 'mons we got here. This trip'll be a blast."

It went quiet again as they traveled through the city towards their exit point, the North Gate. Once they approached, the cart rolled to an eventual stop. Two guards stood atop the wall, eyeing the carriage with more annoyance than curiosity or suspicion. One of them disappeared into the wall as the other stood vigilant.

"Only two guards should be at this gate at this time of night," Benit informed the others. "We must take care of them if we are to pass."

"Is that necessary?" Azaelia asked the Kecleon. "I'd rather not escalate this to violence if we can help it."

"I agree with Benit." Veraloe voiced her opinion. "Trying to convince them will prove remarkably difficult. Might I remind you we must somehow explain to them both yourself and our prisoner?"

Benit spoke next. "And of course, it would be foolish to reveal yourself so soon. This mission will be over before it has even begun."

Azaelia mulled it over. She really did not want to 'take care of' any more guards as they had done with Garland. She didn't want to hurt those just doing their jobs. "Fine. But please try not to hurt them."

Benit nodded. "Of course." He hopped out of the wagon. "I will climb up the wall undetected and get rid of the lookout. I can then open the gate from the inside."

The three still on the cart watched as the guard changed the colors of his scales, effortlessly disappearing into thin air. It seems he had left them to figure out what to do with the guard coming down.

Veraloe tightened her grip on the reins. "Okay…" she looked back at her passengers. "First, Azaelia, please look in that crate." she pointed towards a sizable crate resting at the head of the cart.

The Alolan Ninetales obliged, shuffling forward and opening the crate. Inside were some berries- food rations for the journey- but something else caught her eye. Something familiar.

"This is…" she picked it up gingerly. "But how?"

"I hope you don't mind, but I managed to swipe it before I left the castle. I thought it may come in handy for this trip."

Azaelia looked sourly at her old bracelet. She didn't want to be wearing such a thing again. A tool to hide her true self. But she couldn't deny how useful it may be.

"I had hoped I would never need to wear this again." She promptly strapped the bracelet onto her free wrist on the opposite limb from Rainbow's gift. "Perhaps that was a foolish assumption."

Veraloe frowned apologetically. "I am sorry. I wish there was an easier way, Azaelia."

"It is fine." The princess tapped the glowing gem. A sudden, yet brief light enveloped her. Once it died down, a normal Ninetales sat in her place. "From now on, it's just Lia."

Veraloe gave her one last sympathetic look. "Alright. Now for you…" She tried to address the other one in the back of the cart but found the space he once occupied curiously empty. Her stomach could not drop faster.

"Where did he go?" Veraloe asked in a quiet panic.

Azaelia looked just as frazzled. "I don't know! I just took my eyes off of him for a second."

"This is not good," Vera stated obviously. "Quick, we need to find him before-"

Their time had run out as the door at the bottom of the wall opened. A Makuhita guard sauntered out. He was clearly irritable that he had to deal with something like this at this time of night. He advanced towards the cart.

"And just what are you people doing?" he asked them. "Do you even know what time it is?"

The two gathered themselves quickly to not seem any more suspicious to the guard. Azaelia tried to appear casual

"I am very sorry, Mister." Veraloe mocked an apology. "I promise we wanted to leave sooner, but there was such a hold-up around Blue Plaza and we couldn't get through in time."

"Listen, miss, I frankly don't care what you've been through." The guard responded coldly. "No one is to leave the city premises past 9. So I suggest you turn around and try again in the morning."

Azaelia peeked over the edge of the cart subtly, trying to look out for their runaway prisoner. She broke out into a sweat when she couldn't see him. She couldn't see much of anything in this dark, anyway.

"Please, sir." Vera put on her best begging tone. "We had just received word that our grandfather has come down with a sickness. We must see him as soon as possible."

"You share the same grandfather." The guard deadpanned. "The Gardevoir and the Ninetales."

"Adopted."

"Uh-huh." He walked back to the door. "You folks have a good night, now. Make sure to try again in the morning."

Vera reached out. "Wait-!"

Suddenly the North Gate groaned and started to slowly ascend, revealing the path forward that led out of the city. The Makuhita guard stepped back in surprise.

"What the hell! Who opened that?!"

Before anyone had a chance to do anything, a shadow shot out from under the cart with deadly precision. It towered over the guard's rear before striking down with power onto the Makuhita's head. The poor guard immediately crumbled from the blow, unconscious.

"Whew, that got a bit close there." Syn whistled. He seemed to not care about the small pool of blood gathering under his feet nor the red stain that splashed onto his cuffs.

"Oh my goodness!" Vera rushed to the fallen guard's side. She examined the damage to his head before gracefully placing her hands atop the wound. Her green aura flared and started working its magic on his head.

"You could have killed him!" Azaelia exclaimed with some anger.

"Relax, princess. I held back." Syn shrugged before taking his past spot in the cart.

"I said not to hurt anyone."

"You two obviously weren't going to handle it." He brushed off her complaint. "Some people need to actually get the job done around here. Like that Kecleon guard of yours. Did you see him have any trouble on his end?"

Right on cue, Benit revealed himself back beside the cart. He bowed. "Mission accomplished, princess. We should get moving. Once we pass through, I will close the gate back up." It was then he noticed the situation. "What has happened here?"

"Our responsibility was held, that's it." Syn crossed his legs casually.

Benit glared. "Might I suggest listening to my Lady's requests from now on. Remember, you are still a prisoner. If you do not comply, I will be forced to bind your legs as well."

"Ugh, I get it." Syn moaned. "I promise I won't hurt another soul while on this trip. Can we get this thing going, now?"

Vera finished healing Makuhita's head and leaned him up against the wall. She returned to the cart with a sour expression. "He should be fine by the time he wakes up." She took up the reins again, now preparing to drive for a few hours to get some distance between them and the city. "North, correct?"

"Yep," Syn answered. "If I know Blaze like I like to think I do-" he ignored Azaelia's glower. "Then she'll probably go to the Ashen Mountain first."

"Near Amber town?" Azaelia muttered. "But why would she go there?"

"Well, how you say, a certain mentor figure lies in wait."

Of course, both Azaelia and Vera got the message. It was in code so Benit would not understand, but they both deciphered its meaning. Blaze's patron legendary lives there, and she was going for a visit.

Vera pulled out a small map from her adventurer's pouch. She traced the road leading from the north side of Prism City to Ashen Mountain. "It should be a week or two before we arrive in Amber Town. We can stop at Copper Town and resupply on the way there."

"Copper Town?" Azaelia furrowed her brow in thought. "I guess that will be fine. As long as we don't swing too far north, we should be safe."

"Get going, then." Benit started climbing the wall once more, though this time he didn't need to stay camouflaged.

The two in the back waited for Vera to start the cart back up. Curiously, it didn't.

"Vera?" Azaelia asked. "Is there a problem?"

"You could call it that."

Wondering what kind of obstacle they had to face now, she squinted ahead of them. A lone figure stood by themself under the open gate, blocking their way. The Pokémon stood upright with their arms crossed. Azaelia sulked once she recognized who it was.

"Let me talk to her," she assured Vera.

"Are you sure? She was very… temperamental earlier."

Azaelia nodded. "I'm sure. I have to do this myself."

She departed from the halted cart and paced up to the Pokémon lying in wait. She wouldn't deny how nervous she was at this sudden encounter, but did she really expect to leave the city without a hitch?

"You're not going, my Lady." Joltier sternly said, completely serious.

"I will. You cannot stop me." Azaelia tried her best to replicate the sternness but fell just short.

Joltier held back a snarky remark. She was talking to the princess, after all. "This is unsafe, uncertain, and just plain stupid. Do you really think that murderer is going to follow your bidding after everything that's happened?"

"I have to try. This is the only way I can think of." Azaelia tightened a fist in earnest.

"What are you trying to do, exactly? You say you want to talk to Princess Blazaeira again, but then what? Do you think she'll just magically listen to you and come back just to be executed?" Joltier retorted.

"I don't know," Azaelia admitted. "But I'm sure if I can just talk to her, we can make an agreement. I'll bring her back and my family can have a civil conversation. But I still won't know unless I try."

"You're being naive!" Joltier slammed a foot down in frustration. "This is not a fairy tale from one of those books you like. This is real. Things just don't 'work out' because you want them to. You need to think realistically."

"I have to do something!" Azaelia felt choked up. She broke eye contact and examined the stones embedded into the road instead. "If I don't go, I'll never get to see her again. I'll be locked back up in this city- in that castle- to wither away in study until I ascend the throne. But by then it will be too late!"

"So that's what this is about." Joltier adopted a softer tone.

"All my life I've been sheltered and stored away behind these walls." She sniffled. "I never got to play with the locals, I've never gone on any trips to see the world and its people that I am supposed to feel connected to. I don't know why… Why did they raise me like this, away from everything? Why did they cover me with only books to keep me company?

"And then I finally got the freedom I desired. It was only for a few weeks, and I had to keep myself hidden, but I was free." She wiped the small well of tears from her eyes. "But then everything changed, and now it's all a mess."

In her usual move to comfort herself, she rubbed the Twilight Jewelry. Such a small gift, but it had given her so much hope and confidence in the past few weeks when she had needed it most. Now, she needed its help to finally speak her mind.

"For the first time, I can finally choose for myself what I want to do. I can finally make my own decision without my parents calling every shot." She raised her head to meet her guard's. "This is the road I've chosen to take. Wherever it leads me, I will at least know that it is mine. So please, Joltier. I'm not going to order you, but ask you. As a friend. Please let me go find my sister."

Joltier studied her charge. The Ninetales' legs held a slight tremble yet they remained steady. The deep blue oceans that were her eyes were still and hopeful. Her voice, while emotional, was strong. This was a different person than the one Joltier had departed with to Glass City. The lonely, sheltered girl still remained in some ways but was overshadowed by the regal splendor of a future queen.

Joltier broke her posture and strode forward. She came close to the princess, sizing her up, trying to find any sort of faltering to her resolve. She growled and electricity blazed to life through her fur. One would assume she would even attack Azaelia.

But the princess did not move. Sweat raced down her forehead, but she did not break. And for the first time, Joltier felt some respect for the one in front of her. The growth she has undergone in only a few short weeks, and all it took was meeting a certain Eevee to kick it all off. The Twilight Jewelry was pleading along with its owner.

She retracted her electricity and assumed a more passive position. "I am a member of the Princess Guard Force. A proud founder, in fact. I must keep you as safe as possible, in any situation. I already failed once." She sent an evil glare at the Zoroark in the cart, who looked back with a satisfied eye.

"Joltier-" Azaelia tried to talk but was cut off by a wave from the guard.

"In the past month or two since I've been assigned to you, this is the first time I've seen you with conviction. You don't just want this- you need this." Joltier irritably stroked the fur on her head. She grumbled nothing to herself as she prepared what she was about to say.

"I think… that if you don't end up leaving the city tonight to go on this mission… well, I'm not sure what, but it sure as hell won't be good for you. Not mentally, at least." She issued a deep breath of resignation. "I guess if I don't let you go, that won't be protecting you at all."

Azaelia's hope was suddenly bolstered. "Then…"

"I'm coming along."

Joltier was suddenly enveloped by so much fur she could barely breathe. Or maybe that's just how hard Azaelia was hugging her.

"Thank you…thank you so much."

Feeling a little awkward, yet a smile still creeping up on her face, Joltier hugged her back. "We'll find her. I promise I'll do everything I can."

She thinks of me like a friend, huh? I think I'm cool with that.

The two broke the embrace and joined Synphony back onto the cart. They sat on the opposite side of the champion, putting as much distance as they could from him. Joltier scowled at the sight of him.

"One wrong move and I'm frying you. You get one chance."

"You don't gotta tell me twice." he chuckled. "I'll be on my best behavior."

The cart finally breached past the Prism City walls. They were now out in the wilds, and into uncertainty. As the gate started to shut behind them and Benit rejoined the group as they trotted along, Azaelia watched the only way back into her home close up like a maw.

Father, Mother, I am sorry for disobeying you. I'll bring Blaze back no matter what.

This time, well and truly, there was no turning back.

Hey all! So a few days ago, this story turned 3 years old! Weird! I also have some mixed feelings. I want to work on this story so much more than I do. I even made a whole resolution for the new year, but life really has a way of kicking you and your plans in the ass. I just want to say thank you for taking the time to read this story of mine. Whether you've somehow been here since the beginning or just found it yesterday, I am so grateful for each and every one of you. It really means the world to me.

See you next time!