The Three Musketeers of Kalos

by amourshipping

A Pokemon amourshipping AU based on Disney's Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers.

8. Giovanni's Master Plan

The next day, Ash and Serena awoke in a spooning position at 7.30am sharp. They stretched and yawned and just stared at each other for a few seconds, before giggling cutely. The two lovebirds couldn't believe they were waking up in the same bed together and just had to laugh at the sudden turn of events last night. It was completely unplanned, but definitely not something they would ever forget or regret.
'Morning, Princess,' croaked Ash, with a cheeky smirk.

'Morning, My Sweet Prince. Did you sleep well?'
Serena reached her hand over to Ash and stroked his arm lovingly.

'Oh, that was the best night's sleep I think I've ever had!'

Ash winked and Serena giggled.
'Well, that probably has something to do with my royal sheets… and what we got up to on them last night,' she joked.
Ash put his hands behind his head and grinned cockily.

'Oh, yes. That explains it. Last night was just perfect! And I'm so glad we finally got to make that connection together. It was definitely worth the wait… And you know what?'

'What?'

'This means I'm 100% all yours now. And no one else is ever going to get in the way of that.'

'Oh, I know. And I'm all yours too.'

Serena laid her head on Ash's chest and sighed happily. They remained like that in peaceful bliss, as Serena calmly listened to Ash's heartbeat and Ash stroked Serena's hair. They were almost breathing in sync with each other, just enjoying a rare relaxing intimate moment together, while they still could. But then some time later, Serena suddenly lifted her head up off Ash, as reality crashed down on her hard.

'Oh, God! What time is it?!' she panicked.

Ash sighed. He had hoped that having sex would have chilled Serena out and she'd just embrace their relationship openly now. But it seemed not much had changed. It was wishful thinking. Especially as it was only overnight. Serena looked at her bedside clock and gasped and turned to Ash with an apologetic face.

'Oh, I am so sorry, Ash. But you need to go! As soon as possible!'

'Aw, really? I was hoping I could get some breakfast in bed from the kitchen!'

Ash was of course joking. He knew full well that he couldn't do that and he knew he had to go. But he wanted to salvage the maximum amount of time possible with Serena. He had no idea if he'd even get to see again today. It could be an hour, a day, or worse. So he was very reluctant to leave.

'Aww, I would like nothing more than that. But that's the problem! Shauna always delivers my breakfast at 8am on the dot! And it is ten 10 to 8 now!'

Ash frowned and looked the saddest Serena had ever seen him.

'Alright. I get it. Back to normal then…' he murmured.

Ash got up slowly and sat at the edge of the bed, looking down at his clothes hesitantly. Serena got up and took some pyjamas out of her closet and got dressed quickly. Then she put her dress from last night in a laundry basket. They had slept naked together last night, so they couldn't remain that way when Shauna was on her way. Once Serena was dressed, she sat down next to Ash and massaged his shoulders soothingly.

'I really am sorry, Ash. I really am. I want you to know that last night was everything I wanted and more. But I am just not ready for everyone to know yet. I don't know if I ever will be, to be honest. Believe me. I really want to be… But, please. Don't be sad. I will come and find you as soon as I am able to. Okay?'

She kissed his cheek and played with his hair a little to comfort him. Ash mumbled something in response, but still wasn't happy. Serena frowned. She knew this would upset him. But she really wasn't ready yet and she couldn't force herself to be so suddenly.
'Oh, please don't be mad at me, Ash. You know how I feel about you! I just need you to respect my wishes for now. But I promise things will get better soon!'
Ash remained quiet for a bit, but then looked over at Serena and nodded in respect. Yet, Serena could still see it was hurting him and that was absolutely killing her.
'Oh, alright. How about this… What if I save you some leftover macaroons from lunch and give them to you later? Does that sound good?'
Serena knew food could always be a great way to cheer him up and hoped that would make Ash feel a little better at least. And she was right, as Ash perked up in no time at all in excitement.

'Alright... But I want a chocolate one! That's my favourite!'

Serena giggled as Ash cracked a smile at last.

'Oh, of course! Anything for you, Mon Amour.'

Ash returned the kiss on Serena's cheek - better late than never. Then he started to get dressed.
Shauna was just around the corner with Serena's breakfast, when she heard a door being opened to her right. She looked over with an inquisitive look, wondering who that could be at this time. Her face was a picture, as she found out just who it was. Or rather, who they were. Dawn and Gary stepped out together, as Gary pulled his pants up and Dawn fixed her maid dress into place. It was clear to see they had spent the night together in some way shape or form. Shauna gaped at them in shock. Dawn kissed Gary's cheek and whispered something in his ear, before rushing off to get ready for her maid duties for the day. Gary hadn't noticed Shauna at first, but suddenly saw her in the corner of his eye.
'Oh. Good morning, Milady. Apologies, I didn't see you there.'
He gave her his trademark wink, but Shauna just turned her head snobbishly and ignored him. She was clearly jealous, but she wasn't going to admit it - let alone admit to him how she truly felt about him.

'O-kay…'

Gary scratched his head, puzzled as to why Shauna was giving him the cold shoulder and seemed angry with him all of a sudden. She was nice enough to him at the ball last night - Well at least until Dawn came along.

'Well, I'll see you later then, Milady. Have a good day.'

Gary nodded respectfully and then walked off. He was about to turn the corner, but he just had to take a quick look back. If he was being honest with himself, he'd have much rather spent the night with Shauna instead. But he assumed she didn't like him, with how rude she always was to him. He shrugged and turned back around, just as Shauna decided to take a quick look back too. They had just missed each other's gaze in a split second. Shauna sighed and cursed herself for not being able to express her true feelings properly around Gary. She didn't mean to be rude, but she had never liked a man this much before and didn't have the first idea how to act around someone she liked - especially with him being a commoner. She was still having an internal battle with herself, telling herself that it would never work anyway. Shauna shook the thought out of her head and then reached for the doorknob of Serena's quarters.

Ash had just put on his mask, when he and Serena heard the doorknob turning. Shauna had forgotten to knock, amongst the distraction.

'Wait!' shouted Serena. 'I am not decent yet!' she lied.

Shauna stopped immediately and apologised.

'Oh, I am so sorry, Your Majesty! Please let me know when you are dressed. I will wait outside in the meantime.'

'Okay! I will!'

Serena quickly pointed towards the window and whispered to Ash that he would have to go out that way. Ash shook his head, feeling like all of this was quite ridiculous. But he did as he was told and opened the window. He managed to just about fit through and slid down onto a thin ledge. It was the opposite of Rapunzel, as the would-be prince, descended from the princess's tower. Serena gave him one last kiss on the forehead, before he continued on and then Ash climbed safely down. Serena poked her head out of the window to make sure he was okay, watching until Ash eventually reached the ground. He waved goodbye and then went in search of Gary and Brock, so they could let him back in the palace and so he could get changed into his uniform. Then Serena got back in bed, as usual, acting like it was just a normal, average morning in the palace.

'Okay! You can come in now, Shauna!' she called out.

'Okay, Your Majesty!'

Shauna came in and placed Serena's breakfast down on her lap. It consisted mainly of fruit, with a few croissants and a small baguette. Shauna also had her own breakfast too, which was similar to Serena's spread. Serena and Shauna always ate every meal together.

'I trust your breakfast is to your liking, Your Majesty?'

'Yes, it is. Thank you, Shauna. Now come on. No more formalities. Come and eat with me.'

Shauna smiled and bowed and then sat down next to her. They sat and ate in silence for a while, until Shauna suddenly started sniffing inquisitively. Serena gave her a curious look and wondered what she was smelling.

'What? What is it, Shauna?'

'I- I don't know. It just smells… a little different than usual here.'

Serena raised an eyebrow and looked a little offended, assuming Shauna was insinuating that she smelt. But she just laughed it off.

'What? Really? I only just bathed yesterday, so it can't be me.'

'No, of course not, Serena. I would never insult you like that.'

Serena chuckled.
'Well, I should hope not!'

Shauna kept sniffing, until she found a way to describe the smell.

'It just smells a little… musty. Like someone else was here or something… Perhaps a man even?'

Serena looked surprised and immediately dismissed the notion.

'Well, that's ridiculous. You and I are the only people that have been in here in the last few days.'

'Hmm, but you did sneak away from the ball early last night, didn't you?' probed Shauna.

'Well- um. Yes. But that was only because I was exhausted from all the dancing last night.'

'Oh, of course.'

Shauna took a bite of her food, but she wasn't going to drop it that easily.

'But… if you did sneak off with someone last night, you know you could tell me, right?'

'Oh, absolutely! But you know I had no interest courting anyone last night.'

'Yes, I know. I was only curious. Please excuse me.'
Serena waved it away.

'No matter. It is only natural.'

Serena smiled warmly at her. She really valued having a friend like Shauna, but she didn't know if she'd ever feel comfortable telling her the big secret she had been harbouring for so long now. They continued to eat, until something caught Shauna's eye. She looked down on the floor and noticed a single white glove. She reached over to pick it up and held it in front of Serena, with a quizzical look on her face.

'Wh-What is this? It does not look like a glove a woman would wear. Are you sure you were alone last night?'

Serena recognised it was Ash's almost immediately, but she remarkably remained very cool, calm and collected and just shrugged it off. Ash must have accidentally forgot it as he was getting dressed, much like Cinderella leaving her glass slipper behind.

'Oh, that is strange. I have no idea how that got there.'

Shauna tried to see if Serena was lying and just stared at her intently. She knew her best after all, so if anyone could tell if she was telling the truth or not, it would be Shauna, surely. But she couldn't be sure in this particular instance, so she dropped it.
'Hmm. Well, perhaps your Musketeers need to carry out more thorough security checks in future…'

'Oh, well, we did invite a lot of guests yesterday. It must be one of their gloves. It must have just been misplaced! Anyway, I am curious how your night was. I am sorry I did not get to spend any time with you. But did you have a good time?'

Shauna sighed.

'No apologies necessary. I did have a good night, thank you. For the most part anyway…'

Serena raised an eyebrow.

'Oh. What happened? Is everything okay?'

'Y-Yes. I'm fine.'

'Hmm. Well it seems there is something on your mind. You know you can tell me anything if you need to.'

Shauna sighed again.

'Yes, I know. Thank you. It's just… just. Oh, never mind.'

Shauna shook her head and didn't think it was appropriate to talk about her silly little heartache over a commoner with Serena. But little did she know that Serena already knew exactly how she felt about him.

'No, come on. Tell me everything now. And that's an order.'

Shauna chuckled.

'Alright then. When you put it that way, I really don't have a choice, do I?'
'No. No you don't.'

Serena smiled at her, inviting her to let her vent about what was troubling her.

'Okay. Well, I don't know if you have noticed, but… and I feel a bit embarrassed even admitting it…'

Shauna shut her eyes tightly and prepared herself to confess it.

'I sort of… maybe… like Gary! Just a little, though! Nothing major!' lied Shauna.

Serena immediately burst into laughter.

'What? What is so funny? Do you think it is a bit pathetic that I like someone so… so… common?'

'Oh, no! Not at all! I am laughing, because of course I have noticed! You have been acting like you dislike him since the day you met him. But I know you, Shauna. And you have never been so enamoured by another other man before! I see the way you look at him.'

Serena winked and Shauna blushed. She didn't realise that it was actually that clear to see.

'Oh, is it really that obvious?'

Serena nodded.

'Yes, it is. But for someone you like so much, you do not treat him very well! Don't you agree?'

Shauna grimaced.
'Yes… I know. I don't mean to. I just find him a little annoying at times and I am not sure how to talk to him. I have never known how to talk to a commoner in general for that matter… I was brought up to look down on them… But I realise that is wrong now.'

'Well, I am glad you realise that now at least. Perhaps you can be a little nicer to him from now on then?'

Shauna nodded.
'Right, good. So what appears to be the problem then?'

'Well, you see… I want to tell him how I feel. I really do. But there are complications…'

'Oh, like what?'

'Well, firstly, there is the big obvious thing we all know!'

Serena looked confused and questioned it. Shauna looked at Serena like she was stupid.
'Well, obviously, he is a commoner and I am a noble! It would never work! Right?'

Serena almost choked on her food, as she realised just how absent-minded she was being, especially as she was going through the exact same problem with Ash. But for some reason, it completely went over her head. Maybe that was her way of telling herself that she shouldn't care so much anymore.

'Oh, right! Yes, of course! Silly me! But… Does it really need to be a problem? If you truly do have feelings for him, would it still not at least be worth a try?'

Shauna shook her head.

'That is just the thing. I have considered it several times. But even if I wanted to ignore that big problem, I fear I am too late now anyway.'

'Oh? Too late? What do you mean?'

Shauna frowned.

'H-He… um. He slept with Dawn last night.'

Serena looked a little shocked by that and immediately stopped eating. If she wasn't a princess, she probably would have spat her food out. She was initially quite happy, though, because that would mean that she would be more likely to keep her hands off Ash now. But of course, she had to have empathy for Shauna here, first and foremost.

'Oh, how- How do you know?'

'Because I saw them coming out of a room together earlier, before I delivered your breakfast. And both you and I know the old custom between Musketeer and maid…'

'Ah, yes. When you put it that way… It does seem as if your assumption is correct… But, as far as I am concerned, there is no reason why you can not still tell him how you feel! His heart has not been taken yet, has it?'

'Yes. I suppose you are right there. I just have no idea how to tell him… Let alone with the whole commoner and noble thing.'

'Oh, I understand. Believe me. I understand more than you know, Shauna. But I am here for you if you need me.'
Serena patted Shauna's leg supportively.

'Thank you, Serena. I am forever thankful to you.'

'Aww. Well, all formalities aside, you will always be my best friend. Now, come here.'

Serena reached over to hug her and rubbed Shauna's back comfortingly.

'Don't worry. You still have a chance. And I am fairly certain Gary likes you too. So, don't despair, my friend.'

Shauna really appreciated the support and was glad she was able to talk about it all with Serena, with no judgement. It was just very difficult for her to accept that she had fallen in love with a commoner in the first place. But now she had to actually admit it to him, which she had never done before to any man before. Commoner or noble. Shauna thanked Serena again and then finished the last of her food. Then she got up and bowed, picked up the plates and began to walk out of the room to carry out her other duties for the rest of the day. But Serena stopped her to say one last thing.

'You know where I am, if you wish to talk again, Shauna. And you know I will never judge you.'

'I know. You have always been most kind, Your Majesty.'

She bowed again and dismissed herself, turning away and opening the door.

'Oh! I almost forgot!'
Shauna quickly turned back around on the balls of her feet.

'Yes, Your Majesty?'

'Please let the head chef know, I would like five extra macaroons for lunch today. Chocolate flavour, to be precise.'

Shauna was a little confused by the request, but she didn't question it and only obeyed with a nod.

'Thank you, Lady Shauna. I will see you later.'

Serena smiled and got up to close the door. Then she sat back down on her bed and shook her head in disbelief. She knew Shauna liked Gary, but she didn't think it was enough for her to be going through exactly the same thing she had been going through for months. She, of course, felt for her and could relate, but she actually, weirdly felt quite giddy about it, knowing that she wasn't the only one now. Serena even thought that maybe she could actually tell Shauna everything now, because she would be sure to understand and even relate too, now that she was experiencing the exact same thing herself. It was almost a relieving feeling in an odd way. And it just proved that you really couldn't control who you fell in love with. Rich or poor. Classism really just needed to be abolished altogether. It was irrelevant and had no place in the world anymore, she thought.

A few miles across from the palace, the mystery guest from last night walked down into a secret cellar and into a hidden dungeon, where Captain Giovanni was waiting, with the door open. His back was turned with crossed arms, patiently awaiting his agent to return from her mission. He heard footsteps behind him and spoke without turning around.

'Agent O… I trust you were successful last night?'

'Of course, My Lord. I have acquired the keys you requested.'

Giovanni turned around and Agent O handed him the keys. He smirked and then he tilted his head over to the pit, where Team Rocket were still residing.

'You see that, you three? Turns out you CAN be competent after all and do as I say.'

Team Rocket remained quiet and didn't dare respond to that. Giovanni chuckled and congratulated Agent O.

'Well done. This will prove most useful to my plans.'

'Thank you, My Lord. When do we strike?'

'Not yet. We need to bide our time a little longer…'

'But, My Lord. I could infiltrate the palace tonight and handle those pesky Musketeers myself if you just give me a chance!'

Giovanni tutted condescendingly.

'Admirable. But, no. As much as you will hate to hear this, you will still need to take the court jesters with you,' he said, motioning towards Team Rocket. 'You can not do this next mission alone.'

'I understand, My Lord. But why wait?'

'Because it needs to be timed perfectly. I trust you remember what is happening a week from today, Agent O?'

Agent O thought about it for a second and then remembered.

'That would be the Royal Pantomime Show, if I am not mistaken, My Lord.'

'Exactly. Exactly! And as I have declared before, that shall be the venue in which I announce myself as the new King of Kalos. Everyone will be there. And by that point, there will be no sign of the princess. So, they will have no choice but to bow down and accept me as their new ruling monarch. Understand now?'

Agent O nodded obediently.

'Excellent. You have done well so far. And you shall be rewarded handsomely if you continue to impress. Now you are dismissed. Standby for further orders.'

'Yes, My Lord.'

Agent O bowed and then left the dungeon. Giovanni took one last look at Team Rocket, with a look of disdain and then laughed evilly all the way back up to his office, jangling the keys with a spring in his step.

Exactly one week later, Brock and Gary were patrolling the palace corridors in the early evening. They were separated on opposite sides, at the front and back of the palace and marched up and down. Ash, however, had snuck off from his post to have a little "quality time" with the princess, before the big night at the theatre. Ash had told Brock he wouldn't be long and that he would be back within half an hour. Brock was happy to give him as much time with Serena as was possible. He understood just how hard it must have been for them to have any time together. Brock just had to make sure he was doubly vigilant in Ash's absence. But he didn't expect what happened next. He was passing the main study, when he suddenly thought he heard someone. Brock thought he was going mad at first and stopped to listen for a while. But all he heard was an eerie silence. He shrugged it off and continued marching onwards, but then he heard scurrying behind him. That had to be an intruder. Brock wasn't just being paranoid now. He turned around and ran out of the study to try and catch them, but they were just too quick. Brock scratched his head, confused how someone could move so quickly. Then he heard giggles of amusement.

'Who-Who's there?' he questioned.

He drew his sword, but no one replied. Whoever this was, they were having too much fun fooling him. Brock ran around the corridor aimlessly, until he finally caught a glimpse of the intruder. They seemed to be escaping and running towards the main palace doors now.

'Wait! You are intruding in the Royal Palace! You are under arrest! Come back here!'

Brock chased after them and out of the palace doors, into the cold, foggy night. The mystery figure kept laughing the whole way and led Brock through Lumiose City and around a street corner. But when Brock turned into the corner, he discovered that it was a dead end and no one was there. He breathed heavily and tried to catch his breath, wondering how they got away so fast and so cleverly. But it soon became clear he wasn't the one chasing anymore… Brock was the one being hunted now. He had been cornered into a trap by the intruder, as a shadowy figure encapsulated the dead end. Brock turned around slowly, but was swiftly knocked out, before he even had a chance to meet their eyes.

Back at the palace, Gary was jollily humming the Musketeer anthem to himself, when he heard a loud rustling behind him. He got a fright and jumped as he turned around, to see three more intruders had entered the palace. Three intruders in theatre masks. Gary drew his sword.

'Who are you?! How did you get in?!'

The three intruders giggled excitedly and immediately flung their masks off.

'Prepare for trouble!'

'And make it double!'

'To protect the world from devastation!'
'To unite all peoples within our nation!'

'To denounce the evils of truth and love!'

'To extend our reach to the stars above!'

'Jessie!'
'James!'

'Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!'

'Surrender now, or prepare to fight!'

'Meowth! That's right!' finished Meowth.

Gary gawped at them.

'Oh, no. Not you idiots again!'

'Idiots?! You're going to regret calling us that!' quipped Jessie.

'Oh, you think? I could take you three on all on my own! You'll be blasting off in no time, just like before.'

James wagged his finger.

'No. Not this time. You're outmatched, Musketeer.'

Team Rocket drew their weapons and engaged Gary in a sword fight. Gary was doing quite well on his own for a while, but Team Rocket's numerical advantage eventually took its toll. They knocked Gary's sword out of his hand and backed him into a wall. They pointed their swords at his throat with glee.

'Surrender, Musketeer. You are beaten,' said Meowth.

'No! Never!'

Gary quickly slid underneath them, crawling between James's legs and then got up and ran. Team Rocket chased after him, through the corridors and down to the cellar, where someone was waiting for him. Gary saw the outline of a man who he thought he could trust and took a hefty sigh of relief. But he had walked straight into a trap, just like Brock.

'Oh, thank God it's you, Captain Giovanni!' called out Gary. 'Help me! These intruders need to be arrested! Now!'

Giovanni stared at him blankly for a second and looked between him and Team Rocket a few times, before bursting into hysterical laughter.

'Oh, you young fool! You have no idea how wrong you are there…'

Gary furrowed his eyebrows and looked bemused.

'Sorry? What are you talking about, Sir?'

'I think you'll find YOU are the intruder, in my MY palace!'

'What? What do you mean? This is Princess Serena's palace! She is the rightful ruler!'

Giovanni laughed again.

'Hmm. For now. But not after tonight. After tonight, it will all be mine and I shall be king.'

'You? King? What are you talking about?'

'Oh, dear. You really don't understand, do you?'

Gary shook his head and Giovanni sighed.

'You boys never were the brightest sparks… You see, you have all just been pawns in my little game, Son. Did you really think you three were fit to be Musketeers? Pfft! Mere cleaners? Musketeers? Don't make me laugh!'

Team Rocket guffawed behind Gary and teased him childishly.

'But-but! You said we were good enough! You said you had faith in us!'

Giovanni shook his head at him slowly.

'You three are no Musketeers and never will be. I only enlisted you as part of my master plan. And while you did cause some complications… It's over now. I am taking you out one by one tonight. Starting with you. And your friend… I forget his name - The taller one! Is to be fitted for a coffin as I speak!'

'What? No! I won't allow it!'

'Oh, you have no choice in the matter, Boy…'

Giovanni walked over to the other side of the cellar and lit a candle. Gary gasped. In the corner of the room was a guillotine and tombstones for Ash, Brock and Gary, with their names engraved on them.

'You see, you have no place in my new empire… So you will all die tonight.'

Giovanni looked over at Team Rocket.

'You three, restrain him!'

Team Rocket tried to grab him, but Gary dodged out of the way. He only had one option left now and decided to call his Eevee out for help. Team Rocket relished in the battle and called Arbok and Weezing out. Eevee fought valiantly, as Gary prayed it could at least hang in there for a while. Gary knew he was outnumbered, so he just needed time to think of something clever. And then he got an idea. He instructed Eevee to use a sand attack, but to aim it at the candles in the cellar, instead of Arbok and Weezing. Everything immediately went black. Thankfully, Gary had been in the cellar a few times before, so he knew his way around it. Plus, he could see faint moonlight creeping through the cellar doors ahead of him. He returned Eevee to its Pokeball and then cautiously headed towards it. Team Rocket scrambled around, trying to see where Gary was.

'Don't let him escape!' hissed Giovanni.

James panicked and did something stupid. He bellowed out a smokescreen attack command to Weezing, thinking that could stop Gary in his tracks.

'What are you doing, you imbecile!' yelled Giovanni.

The room was quickly intoxicated in the smokescreen and if it was dark before, no one could really see anything at all now. Gary was still able to feel around for the exit, though, having already got so far forwards. He climbed some stairs and opened the cellar doors above (which were always usually locked) and then by the time the smoke cleared, Gary was gone. He figured that was how they got in, as he ran away as fast as he could.

Moonlight was filling the cellar now, as Team Rocket stared upwards at the open doors, completely dumbfounded at how Gary managed to escape. Giovanni growled and fumed at James, blaming him in particular for it.

'I'm sorry, Sir! I didn't think!'

'Grr. You never do!'

Giovanni pushed him out of the way and lit another candle.

'No matter. He is a coward and was always the most unwilling of the three. He will run and hide now. You just better hope and pray Agent O has eliminated the other one…'

Team Rocket grovelled for mercy, but Giovanni just sneered at them and then stepped outside. He reached into his pocket and took out a cigar and smoked it, despite the smokescreen still being quite strong behind him. Jessie coughed and made her way outside. She hesitantly approached Giovanni.

'Wh-What about the lead Musketeer?'

Giovanni puffed smoke into the air and looked back at her with a dastardly grin.

'Oh, you just leave him to me…'

Giovanni could see nothing but victory and power ahead of him. This was just the beginning. He flicked some cigar ash into the dead of the night and took another puff, in early triumph. He was convinced he had already won.

Brock awoke in a Golem's arms. He tried to struggle free, but then he realised he was chained up. The Golem stopped suddenly and threw him to the ground. Brock looked around and noticed he was on a bridge, above very deep water. Agent O stood above him, with a tilted head and a wicked grin.

'Wakey wakey, Sleeping Beauty,' she teased.

Brock squinted his eyes at her, feeling like he recognised her from somewhere. It took him some time to come round after being knocked out, but he was sure he knew her from somewhere. And then he remembered.

'O-Olivia?! Is that you?' he asked.

Agent O's grin quickly disappeared.

'What?! How do you know my name?'

'We-we've met before! I'm sure of it! Back in Kanto!'

Olivia blinked at him a few times, trying to see if she recognised him too, but she just shook her head in defiance.

'I don't think so. You're mistaken.'

'No! We have! We went to school together! I'm Brock, remember?'

Olivia dismissed it again, but she did remember having a friend with the same name.

'No,' she lied.

'Oh, come on! It's been a while, but you must remember me still. We were pretty close, until you disappeared suddenly one day. What's happened to you? And why have you chained me up?'

'Hmm, maybe I do remember you. Maybe I don't. But I have a job to do here…'

'What job? Why don't you just let me go and we can talk properly?'

Olivia shook her head.

'Sorry. Can't do that.'

Brock looked confused, as he tried to work something out.

'Wait… Were you the intruder back at the palace?'

Olivia sighed.

'Well, as you're going to die soon, I guess I can answer your questions...'

'DIE?! But we've only just reunited, my sweet,' flirted Brock.

Olivia chuckled, but not as evilly as before. She was starting to remember him more and almost felt sorry for him now. She remembered how great a friend he was. How special he used to be to her…
'Yes, I have orders to take you out. And yes, I was the intruder at the palace And don't call me, "My Sweet!" Any more questions, before I kill you?'

Brock shook his head and just stared at her and wondered how someone so lovely and beautiful could turn into such a ruthless, heartless and cold person.

'Great! Enough chat!'

Olivia ordered Golem to pick Brock back up and hold him over the bridge. Brock squirmed and tried to slip free. But it was no use.

'Now, throw hi-'

'Wait!' shouted Brock. 'Surely, you can't do this, Olivia? Don't you remember all the good times we had together when we were kids? I was the only one who stood up for you against all the bullies!'

Olivia was instantly stunned into silence. She couldn't dispute that. Not for a single second. She was now starting to feel reluctant about carrying her job out. But she did not want to go against her master and dreaded the consequences of not doing it.

'Th-That may be true. But I have no choice, Brock. I must do as my master says.'

'Oh! You said my name! So you DO remember me then?!'

Olivia nodded silently.

'Okay, that's good. But who is your master? If you're in trouble, I can help! I'm actually a Musketeer now!'

'I know, I know! That's the whole point of this!'

'Oh. What do you mean?'

Olivia groaned and couldn't believe she was being swayed so easily by him. But Brock was right. He meant something to her. And still did. She never thought she would ever see him again, even. So could she really kill the only person she was ever close to, so heartlessly?

'My master is… Captain Giovanni.'

'What? The Captain? Why on earth does he want me dead?! He was the one who made me and my friends Musketeers! That makes no sense!'

Olivia looked at him sympathetically, wondering how he got caught up in all this and how she found herself in this conflicting situation. Olivia explained it to him, just as Giovanni had to Gary earlier. Brock was lost for words at first and felt a little empty inside, wondering whether he even had what it took to be a Musketeer now. But he quickly banished the thought from his head and tried to appeal to Olivia's better nature. The old Olivia was still in there somewhere. Or at least he hoped so.

'Okay. I understand. But you still don't have to do this! You're better than this. You used to be so sweet and kind. I- er, really liked you, actually.'

'Hmm? What do you mean?'

'Well, let's put it this way… I never told you, but I always had a little crush on you and now I've been reunited with you after all these years, I can't help but notice how gorgeous you are,' remarked Brock, with a cheesy grin.

Olivia laughed.

'Oh, you're not seriously flirting with me right now, are you?'
Brock smirked.

'Well, that's me all over, sweetheart. If I'm going to die by the hand of someone so beautiful, I'm going to at least have a little fun first!'

Brock winked playfully.

'Oh, please.'

Olivia rolled her eyes and turned away, to hide a blush creeping over her cheeks, which would have been very noticeable under a full moon.

'Oh, come on, Olivia. Let me go. We can take the captain down together with my friends. Whatever he's offered you, is nothing compared to what our relationship meant and could still mean…'

Olivia considered his proposal, but she was still a little too frightened to go against Giovanni. She turned around ever so slightly, but then quickly folded her arms and turned her back on him again. Then she suddenly made up her mind.

'No! Golem! Throw him off the bridge!' she shouted, with a hesitant crack in her voice.

Golem picked Brock up and lowered him over the bridge.

'No! Wait! You can't!'

Olivia put her hand up to stop Golem, just as it was about to let go. Golem stopped, but kept Brock in the precarious position.

'Hmm. Why not?'

'Because! Because…'

Brock had to think fast. He had to say something quick. And his words had to have some power behind them. It was now or never.

'Because I've always loved you!'

Olivia turned around slowly, looking completely thrown off by it.

'What?! You what?'

'You heard me! You're the only girl I ever had real, genuine feelings for! And it's all coming flooding back to me again now I've finally found you…'

There was only silence and a strong gust of wintry wind, as Olivia stared into Brock's eyes, opened mouthed. Golem's arms were starting to get tired now, though, as its grip loosened on Brock. Olivia noticed it and instinctively ran over to stop Brock from falling, but it was too late. Golem dropped him, as the chains weighed Brock down deep into the water. Olivia immediately dived in after him. She thankfully knew how to swim and was able to grab him before he went too far down. Then she noticed a Dewgong swimming by and clutched onto it for support. The Dewgong was nice enough to rescue them and bring them back to the shore. After Olivia caught her breath, she unchained Brock.

'I knew it!' said Brock. 'I knew the old Olivia was in there somewhere and you couldn't be so cruel!'

Olivia smiled warmly.

'I never wanted to be this, you know. I had no choice really. I needed the money and the captain was just there… He offered me riches beyond my wildest dreams and I couldn't say no. But enough's enough now. Thank you for making me see that, Brock. I can't believe you're even here, after so long! I really did miss you!'

Brock smiled just as warmly back at Olivia and hugged her.

'Well, I'm here now. And I can forgive all that. Especially if you feel the same way about me…'

Brock put his hand on her cheek and slowly moved towards her lips and Olivia was about to let him kiss her, but then she pulled away.

'Oh, no! I just remembered!'

'What?' asked a disappointed Brock.

'You need to go! Now!'

'What? Why? We've only just reunited.'

'I know. But you need to get back to the palace as soon as possible! Your friends are in danger! Go before you're too late! It could already be too late actually…'

Brock reacted fast and put his friends first before a potential kiss with Olivia, without hesitation and stood up. His loyalty to them really knew no bounds. He was ready to do whatever it took to save them, but he needed to know more first.
'Wait. What do you mean it could already be too late?'

'The captain said that he was going to lock your friend up… Um, Ash, I think his name is?'

Brock nodded.

'Yes. But where exactly is he going to lock him up?'

'At the old Ghost Pokemon Tower up north! Now, hurry!'
Brock gasped. He'd never been to the tower, but he had heard all about it from another Musketeer one day and knew exactly how much trouble Ash was in. He was about to run, but then he stopped himself and extended his hand to Olivia.

'Come with me! We can do this together!'

Olivia shook her head sadly.

'No. I'm sorry, but I-I just can't. I don't want to go against the captain. The consequences could be dire.'

Brock understood and didn't want to waste any time arguing, so he just nodded. He was far too loyal to Ash, to let him down.

'Okay. But I'm coming back for you! I promise! Meet me back here tomorrow morning!'

Olivia agreed and wished him good luck. Then Brock was swiftly on his way.

'Oh and if you want to save the princess too, you need to get to the Royal Lumiose Theatre as soon as you can! She's in trouble too!' she shouted after him.

'Okay, thank you, Olivia! See you soon!' he shouted back to her.

Olivia waved him goodbye and then looked up at the moon. She couldn't quite believe what had just happened, but she was happy to finally be with Brock again after so long. After all, she too had always loved him, just as he had loved her. She hoped that Brock could save his friend in time and they could stop Giovanni, so they could be together after this was all over…
Back at the palace, Ash had kissed Serena goodbye momentarily and was making his way through the palace to check on Brock and Gary, when he heard someone in the library. He popped his head in and saw a sight he thought he'd never see. Gary was in the corner of the room, with his head in his arms and cowering in fear. Ash approached him slowly with a concerned look on his face. He knelt down in front of him.

'G-Gary? Is everything okay?'

Gary jumped and slowly peered up at Ash.

'Oh, it's you.'
Gary took a sigh of relief and patted his beating chest.

'Yes, it's only me. But why aren't you at your post?'

Gary just mumbled something. Ash sighed.

'Right. Okay, let's get you up.'

Ash stood up and extended his hand to help him up. Gary stood up shakily.

'Oh, boy. You look like you've seen a ghost! Come on. Let's get some fresh air.'

Gary just nodded sheepishly and followed Ash like a lost puppy. They walked out of the palace and down the steps. Pikachu came running out after them and hopped on Ash's shoulder. Ash petted him and stroked him behind his ear affectionately.

'So, what's got you so spooked then, hmm?'

Gary looked at him blankly and remained wordless.

'Oh, come on. Tell me. What's wrong?'

'C-c-captain Giovanni. He-he-he's a monster!'

'Sorry? What are you talking about? The captain made our dreams come true! He's far from that!' said Ash, naively.
Gary shook his head emphatically and chattered his teeth together in the freezing night air. It was so cold that the boys could see their breath.

'Oh, no, no, no! He only made us Musketeers so he could get to the princess and take the throne! He thought we'd be so bad at it, that he'd easily be able to kidnap her!'

Ash was shocked and thought Gary was being delirious, but he was saying it all so seriously. So matter-of-factly.

'What?! That's unbelievable! Did you hit your head or something?'

Ash wasn't convinced and always tried to see the good in people, so he was really struggling to believe Gary here.

'Oh, well, you can go ask him yourself then! He's in the cellar! He just tried to kill me down there with Team Rocket! And he's hired someone else to take Brock out! I just about escaped by the skin of my teeth! You'll be next, if you don't believe me!'

Gary barely took a breath as he explained it all and looked more and more distressed with each passing moment. Ash was still very confused, but was starting to take his friend more seriously now. He tried to calm him down with a comforting back rub.

'Okay. Okay. That is still hard to believe. BUT! IF! If that is true, then why don't we both head down there now? I need to see for myself.'

Gary laughed and vehemently refused.

'Oh, no! Are you mad?! I'm not going down there again! You're on your own there, Ash! I'm running away! Back to Kanto! I ain't cut out for this!'

Gary was shaking uncontrollably now and looked petrified at the very idea of returning to the cellar.

'What?! How could you! You have an oath as a Musketeer to fulfill! And if the princess really is in danger, then surely you can at least do it for her? We are more than just her Musketeers now. We are her friends!'

'I know. It's nothing personal. But I'm sorry. I just can't. I'm too frightened.'

Ash sighed.

'I understand. But that's fine. Being scared is good. You were scared the last time. And look at the way you mustered up the courage to save the princess with me from the prison tower! I know you have it in you to be brave!'

'Er… Well, to be honest, I only did it because Brock forced me too. I was too much of a coward that day.'

Gary hung his head in shame, while Ash looked genuinely surprised at his confession. But he tried to stay positive anyway.

'Oh, okay. I didn't know that. But I can forgive you for that! You have the chance to put that right now. While you still wear that Musketeer uniform, you can do anything! You hear me?!'

Ash pointed at the fleur-de-lis on Gary's chest and patted his own with pride. Gary stretched it out in front of him and stared at it with discontent.

'No. I don't deserve to wear this.'

He ripped his tunic off and threw it to the ground. Then he suddenly ran off into the foggy night.

'Wait! Come back! I can't save the princess alone!' shouted Ash, desperately.

But it was useless. Gary just kept running and running. As all cowards did. Ash groaned in frustration. If Gary really was telling the truth, he really needed his friends more than ever, if he stood any chance of taking the captain down. He picked up Gary's tunic, folded it up and walked back into the palace. He placed it on the nearest table and was hopeful that he could return it to Gary later, when he finally came to his senses. Then he went back outside and paced about in front of the palace steps, thinking of a strategy for what to do next. As he did, an engulfing shadow appeared over Ash's left shoulder. He paused and turned around gingerly.

'Who-Who's there?'

All Ash heard was a deep devilish cackle and then the shadow was revealed. Captain Giovanni stepped forwards towards him, with his trusty Persian by his side. He stroked it behind its ear and curled his lips.

'Good evening, Ash. You know… You should really trust your friend more. Everything he just said? 100% right.'

'What?! So it is true! How could you?!'

Giovanni cackled again.

'Oh and there it is! You always had plenty of bravery, Son. But you're not the brightest spark and you're far too naive! Exactly why you'll never have what it takes to be a true Musketeer.'

Ash growled in anger and impulsively went to draw his sword, but Persian scratched it out of his hand, as soon he pulled it out. Giovanni tutted disappointedly.

'Did you really think you could take me on? All by your lonesome? Hmm?'

'Yes! I can! You're under arrest for treason!'

Ash pointed at him and confidently believed he could still take him on, despite the disadvantage. Giovanni was very amused now.

'I don't think so, little man.'
'We shall see, Traitor…'

Giovanni tried to test Ash's nerve, but he wasn't easily intimated. They both awaited each other's first move, before Ash impulsively tried to grab his sword on the floor, but Giovanni was too quick and got there first. He stepped on it and towered over Ash. Pikachu rushed to Ash's defence, but was suddenly ambushed by Team Rocket, who threw a cage over him and locked him up.
'Pikachu! No! Release him now!'

Team Rocket sniggered and wound Ash up, with silly faces and blew raspberries at him. Then while Ash was distracted, Giovanni struck his next move. He swung his arm back and knocked Ash out, with one swooping, right hook to his face. Ash had no time to react to it and had no chance of dodging it, as his eyelids gradually sank. The last thing he saw was Giovanni's harsh face staring down at him, before Ash became unconscious.

Ten minutes later, Serena and Shauna walked out with some guards and were ready to board the royal carriage. But Serena frowned and looked around frantically. Ash promised her that he would meet her here and escort her to the pantomime. So where was he? Serena started to panic a little and worried if something had happened to him.

'Shauna! Have you seen Ash? He said he would escort me tonight.'

'What? No. I haven't seen him all day. Why are you so worked up about him all of a sudden?'

'Because I am worried! He is usually very reliable. He never lets me down! So I think something terrible might have happened to him. I-I can feel it in my bones.'

Serena was starting to struggle to breath and kept looking around erratically for him.

'Okay, calm down, Your Majesty. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually.'

Shauna told her to take slow, deep breaths and then Serena eventually calmed down. But she was still quite visibly distressed. Shauna observed her every movement. Every facial expression she pulled. The panic in her eyes. She had had her suspicions before, but there wasn't enough concrete evidence to know for sure. But she had seen enough now, to see Serena clearly at least cared a great deal for Ash. Which was very rare for Serena. No man had ever got her in this state before. Shauna smiled a little and empathised with her. Then she asked something bold.

'Y-You really feel strongly about him, don't you, Your Majesty?' she asked, a little hesitantly.

Serena froze and gulped, feeling like she had let the cat out of the bag now. She considered denying it, but she was too tired of it now. And she wasn't in any fit state to dispute it anyway. It was just too much effort to keep hiding it. Especially from her best friend. So she finally gave in and decided to be brave. She didn't care anymore what Shauna thought.

'Y-yes. I do. I-I have feelings for him…'

Shauna was a little surprised Serena had admitted it so willingly, but she didn't react half as strongly as Serena thought she would. Part of Shauna had always thought something was going on between them, so the actual revelation of it didn't shock her much at all. She wasn't against it either. After all, Shauna would be the biggest hypocrite going, if she disapproved of it. She was going through exactly the same struggle with Gary. So she simply just nodded in acceptance.

'Okay. Well, don't worry. I'll get the guards to send out a search party for him. But, we really do have to be on our way now, Your Majesty. We'll be late otherwise.'

Serena sighed. She didn't feel like going anywhere, until she knew her prince was safe. But she simply couldn't shirk her responsibilities. Serena had no choice but to get in the carriage. Shauna informed the guards and then got into the carriage with Serena. The guards also alerted the Musketeers, who joined the search and a few even made their way to the theatre, for extra security for Serena. Something unsettling was brewing tonight…
A few miles across from the palace, Brock was running across a river bank and thought he noticed someone familiar in a boat. Brock stopped and looked closer and saw it was Gary. He looked bemused and wondered why he was sailing away from the palace. Especially at a time like this. He cupped his hands over his mouth.

'Gary!' he shouted after him.
Gary froze and turned around slowly. He looked like a rabbit caught in highlights, as he panicked and acted like he hadn't seen Brock. Gary kept rowing and rowed faster and faster away. Brock shook his head in disgust. This was no time to be acting like a coward.

'GARY! STOP! Come back! Ash is in trouble! We need to save him!'

Gary stopped and looked back around. Despite his cowardice, he did still care about Ash. But he still wasn't brave enough yet.

'Uh… Well, good luck with that, Brock. I'm going back to Kanto! Goodbye!'
Gary waved and then turned his back on him.

'What?! You'd really leave Ash behind? Just like that?! Have some shame, man! If it wasn't for him, we would never be where we are today!'

'I-I know. It's nothing personal… I-I'm… I'm just scared, okay!'

Brock slapped his forehead and sighed in frustration.

'Okay. I understand that, but our best friend is in trouble, man! He could even die! Besides, you handled yourself just fine last time against Team Rocket at the prison tower! You can do it again.'

'No. No this time. Do you know the captain's behind everything?! He's the reason the princess needed us to protect her. And he only made us Musketeers to use us in his plan!'

'I know, Gary. But as far as I'm concerned, all three of us are still honorary Musketeers, despite that. And if you just be brave one more time, you can prove it to everyone! If you come with me we can take the captain together!'

Brock reached his hand out. Gary peered back at him and considered it, but he shook his head again. Brock groaned, slowly losing his patience with Gary now.

'Oh, come on! You can't just leave like this! What about Shauna? You two definitely have something going on. I see the way you look at her.'
Gary gasped and was surprised Brock had noticed that. But Gary remained quiet.
'I'm right, aren't I?'

Gary turned around and simply just nodded.

'Okay! So surely you can't leave her too? She could be in danger as well, you know! If the captain succeeds, I don't think she will be a part of his plans…'

Gary closed his eyes and took quick, rattled breaths, contemplating everything. He had always wanted to be a Musketeer, but to be one, you really had to be prepared to put your life on the line. He never really had that in him, but now people he cared about were in danger and relying on him, he needed to dig deep and find that strength from deep within. But Brock had lost his patience now and snapped.

'Come on! Don't be a coward!'

The word "coward" ringed through his head over and over again, until Gary finally snapped himself. He grew a backbone in seconds and stood up for himself.

'DON'T CALL ME THAT! I AM NO COWARD!' Gary shouted back, full of anger and determination.

His eyes blazed with fire, as he quickly rowed towards Brock and ordered him to get in. Brock smirked and grabbed Gary's hand to help get himself on board.
'What changed your mind?'

'I'm tired of running away. It's time to step up. Plus… You're right. I do like Shauna. A lot…'

Brock nodded and patted Gary on the back.
'Good man.'

'Okay! Now let's go get our Ash back!' roared Gary.

'Yes! That's the spirit!'

'So, where is he?'

'Well, I was heading back to the palace… but I think we're too late now. We have to go straight to the old Ghost Pokemon Tower up north. That's where he'll be.'

Gary shivered a little, a little less confident now. He knew all about the tower too. But he'd already committed himself now and was full of adrenaline.

'H-How do you know?'

'Well, let's just say someone gave me a tip-off… Now, come on! We don't have any time to waste!'

Gary agreed and quickly set course for the old Ghost Pokemon Tower. He had to do this. Not just for Ash. Not just for Shauna. But for himself too. To fulfill his childhood dream and prove everyone wrong. This was it. The ultimate test. He held his nerve as they raced against the clock towards the tower.

A few miles across from the river, Giovanni whipped the Rhyhorn in front of his carriage to a halt. He had arrived at the tower. Team Rocket stepped out of the carriage first and carried Ash and Pikachu out. The tower was on an island, surrounded by a large, gloomy seabed. So they needed to take a boat over to reach it. This part of Lumiose was shrouded in swirling green and purple mist, created by the Ghost Pokemon occupants of the tower. It was a place hardly anyone would dare set foot in, as it was home to the Ghost Pokemon and them alone - Certainly the spookiest place in all of Kalos. But Giovanni and Team Rocket dared. They took the boat over to the tower and entered it. The walls were covered in slime and cobwebs. Giovanni led the way to an underground dungeon. He opened a hatch and climbed down a ladder. Team Rocket followed and dumped Ash on the cold dungeon floor. Pikachu was placed next to him shortly after and then Giovanni chained Ash up to a wall. As he finished securing him, Ash was beginning to come round. Giovanni tilted his head at him and grinned like a Cheshire cat. Ash rubbed his head and adjusted his eyes to the candlelight.

'Wh- Where am I?'

Giovanni chuckled.

'Nice of you to join us, Young Man. This…'

Giovanni looked around the room and cringed.

'This is the old Ghost Pokemon Tower.'

Ash hadn't heard of it before, but he could already tell this was not a pleasant place to be.

'Take a good look around! Because this will be the last place you ever see, Son…'

'What? No! Let me go, you traitor! I won't let you harm the princess!'

Ash struggled against the chains, but it was useless. He was just wasting his energy.

'Oh, don't worry. She will be fine. All I want is the throne and before the night is over, I WILL be king. And I shall announce myself at the Royal Lumiose Theatre tonight!' said Giovanni, proudly.

'Not if I can help it! Brock and Gary will come and rescue me and then you'll be sorry!'

Giovanni guffawed and held his sides.

'Oh, of course they will!' he said sarcastically. 'Brock is dead as I speak and if you remember correctly, Gary abandoned you!' he spat.

'That-That's not true!'

'Oh, it couldn't be truer! You kids never stood a chance against me! Now, enjoy your short stay here. The Ghost Pokemon will keep you company long enough, until your… shall we say, unfortunate demise…'

Giovanni clicked his fingers forward, for Team Rocket to leave and then he followed them up the ladder and out. He took one last look back at Ash and then left the dungeon and closed the hatch up tight. Ash shouted after him and demanded he release him at once. But it was futile. He hung his head down and actually felt like crying. His usual infectious positivity and determination was deteriorating fast. It was very rare for him indeed, but he was even starting to feel sorry for himself now. But then he quickly snapped out of it, feeling like he was being selfish and not thinking about the one person that truly mattered the most in all this. Serena. He didn't care much what happened to himself. Ash was worrying more about her now. He wouldn't know what to do with himself and he wouldn't know what he'd do if Serena got hurt in any way. But the fact he was so powerless in that right now, was tearing him apart from his very heart. He punched the cold wet concrete bricks behind him in anger and roared in frustration.

Ash put his head in his hands and curled up into a ball. But then he thought he heard something, so he lifted his head up slightly. It seemed his outburst had woken up some of the Ghost Pokemon, as a Haunter and Gengar appeared above him upside down and attempted to give him a fright. But Ash was far more afraid of what Giovanni would do if his plan succeeded, so he was relatively unfazed by them. The Haunter and Gengar looked at each other, scratched their heads, shrugged and disappeared. Yet, a chilling shiver still crept up Ash's spine. He nervously bounced a leg. His only chance of escape depended on Brock and Gary. He had no idea where they were or if they were even still alive. But Ash's last hope rested with them. Thankfully for him, they were on their way, but there was no telling if they could rescue him and get to the theatre in time. However, Ash had less time than he thought. Murky sea water was slowly flooding into the dungeon, as the tide was starting to come in. Ash wasn't just being locked up here... He heard it gushing in through the sewer ducts, the sound of it increasingly traumatising him, the more intense it became. It seemed as if Giovanni was trying to take him out for good and drown him! Ash's eyes widened in fear, as he tried to steady his breathing and began to pray for his life…