17. Coronation
"Yellow!"
Yellow turns around and spots a maid walking towards her.
"Hey Daisy. Everything ok?"
"Yes. Green is looking for you," Daisy says as she grabs the bandages from Yellow.
"Go ahead. I'll clean up for you."
"Ok. Thank you," Yellow says as she leaves the maids' quarters.
She arrives to the Princess's room, and knocks on the door.
"Come in."
Yellow walks in and finds Green staring in the mirror. Her lip is quivering as she unties the ribbon in her hair.
"He's gone."
Yellow rushes to Green and wraps her in a hug.
"So much death. Why would someone do that?" Green mutters as she holds Yellow.
"I don't know sweetie," Yellow whispers as she gently rubs her back.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cry on you," Green says as she wipes her face.
"Don't worry Princess. I'm here to support you."
Green smiles.
"Thank you. Anyways, I need your help picking a dress for Red's coronation."
"Do not worry about it m'lady. What do you have in mind?" Yellow asks as she makes her way to the closet.
"Well, I want to wear a color that isn't bright, but isn't black. I want a nice in between so I don't disrespect our fallen ones while also showing pride and happiness for Red. It's supposed to be a happy moment for him," Green explains.
Yellow continues to search in the closet, nearly falling in.
"What about these," she grunts as she pulls out two dresses. One was a dark blue, and the other grey.
"This blue one is a classic ballroom dress, with puff and all. These grey one is a simple straight dress, which would show off your body really well," Yellow explains as she holds out the dresses.
A smile slowly appears on Green's face.
"The blue one is perfect!"
"Great! Now let's start getting ready, shall we?" Yellow asks as Green moves towards a chair. Yellow stands behind her and begins to brush her hair.
"I know I don't say this often, but I really do appreciate everything that you do for me Yellow," Green says as she closes her eyes.
"It's my pleasure Green."
"Really though. I do consider you my closest friend," Green says.
Yellow smiles.
"And you are mine."
Green says still for a moment, then opens her eyes.
"Can I confess something to you?"
"Sure."
Green holds her hands together, and takes a deep breath.
"I followed you this morning."
"What do you mean?" Yellow asks as she puts the brush down.
"During the funeral. I saw you walk away with the fallen Pokémon."
"You what?" Yellow yells, stepping away from the chair.
"I'm sorry. But I was curious! I followed you into the forest and saw you crying, surrounded by all those Pokémon. I wanted to give you a hug, but I was just so in awe. I wasn't going to tell you, but I can't keep anything from you. Yellow?"
Yellow didn't hear a word. She's frantically breathing and is leaning against the wall, hugging herself.
"Yellow! What's wrong? Talk to me!" Green says as she rushes to Yellow's side and hugs her.
"Should I call for help?"
Yellow doesn't answer.
"I'll be right back! I'll go get Red!"
Green stands up, but Yellow pulls her down and shakes her head. Green nods, and hugs her again until Yellow calmed down.
"You saw everything?" Yellow croaks out.
Green nods.
"Why were you burying all those Pokémon?"
"They were wild Pokémon. No one else was gonna bury them."
"I didn't realize that many wild Pokémon got caught in the crossfire."
Yellow stays silent.
"What else are you not telling me?" Green asks.
Yellow sighs.
"Why are you so scared?"
"Because the last people I told were killed," Yellow whispers.
Green stares at Yellow, then gently places her hand on Yellow's leg.
"It'll be ok. I promise Yellow."
Yellow sighs.
"The Pokémon got involved because I asked them to."
"And they obeyed? Why?"
Yellow looks at the ground.
"I don't know how, or why, but I'm connected to Pokémon on a deeper level. I can feel their emotions, allowing me to understand them better than most."
"You're kidding."
Yellow stares at Green in response.
"Oh."
"Because of this bond I have with them, they felt the need to help."
Yellow hugs her knees.
"Burying those Pokémon was the least I could do for them. They died because I took advantage of the bond we had. I caused their deaths," Yellow whispers.
"No. Don't say that!"
"It's true. They would still be alive if I didn't ask them to get involved!"
"If you didn't ask them, then many more of our people would have died!" Green yells.
Yellow goes silent.
"Look. I'm not saying human's lives are more important then Pokémons'. What I'm trying to say is that their deaths were not in vain. Some good came from their sacrifices, and for that I'm grateful. I'm grateful for you. Thank you," Green says as she offers Yellow a hand.
"I guess you're right," Yellow mumble as she hesitantly takes Green's hand.
"We will avenge those Pokémon's deaths. That I promise you," Green says with a smile.
"And don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
...
Red stands shirtless in front of his broken mirror. He stares at the big purple bruise running along the left side of his ribs.
He sighs.
"Your majesty, what on Earth were you thinking?" Lance scolds as he barges into the room.
"There is such thing as knocking," Red says as he begins to put on his shirt.
"Why were you out there touching the bodies? You could have fallen ill!"
"But I didn't. So you're just wasting your breath."
Lance goes silent, and watches the young man walk over to his drawer.
"I am not against you Red, you need to understand that. I am here to make sure everything goes smoothly. I have already ordered the gates to be opened at-"
"You can have them open, just don't expect many, if anyone to arrive."
"What do you mean? Why wouldn't anyone come to-"
"Hundreds were killed, Lance. Family members, friends, all people I'm supposed to protect died. They have a right to mourn in peace and not sit through this ridiculous ceremony!" Red snaps, slamming his fist on his drawer.
"Now, if that's all, leave. I'm expecting my siblings."
Lance stands there, stunned. He was not expecting any of that to occur. However, he shakes his head and walks out the door.
Red sighs.
"Red, may we come in?" Green asks through the door.
"You may."
Both Green and Blue enter the room, all dressed and ready for the ceremony.
"You wanted to see us?" Green asks.
Red nods as he faces his siblings.
"Lots has happened within the last twenty-four hours. We haven't had a chance to talk, so I just wanted to make sure you two are ok," Red explains.
"I'm as ok as I can be," Green says, taking a seat on the bed.
Blue doesn't say anything as he sits next to Green, keeping his hands in his pockets and staring at the ground.
"That's good," Red says as he turns and faces the balcony.
The siblings stand there without saying a word, until sobs break the silence.
Blue and Green look at each other, then both face Red.
"Red?" Green ask, as she gets up and slowly approaches him.
"Stay back," Red mumbles.
Green ignores him and stands in front of him.
Tears stream down his cheeks as he covers his mouth.
Green instinctively hugs her older brother. Red flinches, causing Green to loosen her grip just a bit.
"I can't do it."
Green ignores Red and continues to hug him, tears being to build up in her eyes.
"How am I supposed to lead this kingdom without guidance? I don't have the wisdom, strength, or courage our father did. I can't do this on my own."
"You don't have to do it on your own."
Red and Green turn to face Blue, now standing.
"You have my full support."
Blue then walks up to them and hugs his siblings.
"We'll figure it out together," Blue says.
"He's right!" Green exclaims.
"Thank you," Red says as he wipes his face with his sleeve.
"Now stop crying. You have a crown to put on," Blue says with a smirk as he lets go and heads towards the door.
"We'll see you out there," Green says with a smile and follows Blue out.
~~~~
Red sighs as he steps into the grand hall. A long rug guides him straight to the throne, where Agatha, Lorelei, Bruno and Lance wait for him.
Musicians blast into their horns the second Red begins to makes his way to the throne. He glances around the room. The only other people in the room are his siblings, the council members, and the guards by the door. He is disappointed Crystal isn't here, but he understands. Family comes first.
Once he arrives at the steps, he gets on his knee. The Elite Four step down to Red, standing a few feet away. The first to approach him is Lorelei. In her hand she has a silver necklace with a pink stone attached to it.
"I present to you the Mew Necklace. Legend has it that Mew gifted it to the first King of Kanto as a sign of approval. May it provide you with compassion to be a good ruler," she says as she puts the necklace.
She steps back, then Bruno approaches. He lifts a gold plated shield, the front end shaped like an Arcarnie's head.
"Stand up," he orders.
As Red does so, he begins to speak.
"Here is the Arcarnie shield. It is the weapon the ruler of Kanto wields to defend our kingdom from the many evils the world holds. May it provide you with the strength to defend our people," Bruno says as he hands him the gold plated shield.
He then steps back as Agatha steps forward.
"Here, I present to you the Scroll of Alazakam, which has the advice passed down from former rulers. May it provide you the wisdom to make the right decisions in difficult situations," she states as she places the scroll in his free hand.
She steps back, finally bringing Lance up to Red.
"Here is the crown. It is the symbol of your power. May it provide the respect you need to lead your kingdom," Lance says as he places the crown on Red's head. Red then turns around and faces towards the handful of people present.
"May I present to you, the King of Kanto!"
Applause fills the room.
Red ignores it, and makes his way towards the door.
As he's about to walk out, someone places a hand on his shoulder.
"Congratulations Red."
He turns, and a man wearing a black armor stands before him. He had a shaven head with a stern look on his face.
Red's eyes widen.
"Uncle Giovanni? What are you doing here?"
"Did you really think I would miss your coronation?"
"I, well, I haven't seen you in years! Where have-"
"Uncle Gio!"
Green runs up to her uncle and wraps her arms around him.
Red smiles, then turns around and walks out the door.
His smiles quickly fades away. He has a job to do.
~~~~
"Where is he?" Red asks as he makes his way into the dungeon.
"This way my lord," Lance answers as he leads him to a room. The guard opens the door for them, and in the room is Trevor, being hung from the ceiling by the arms with chains. A Machamp is standing next to him, rubbing one of his fists.
Red lets out a soft gasp, noticing some very heavy bruising along Trevor's torso.
"We've asked him how they arrive to Kanto. How they knew of the festival. Where the rest of his comrades are. Nothing. So we used a Machamp to soften him up," Lance explains.
"You do realize his ribs could be broken. If they are, he could die by simply breathing. Think a little before you act, will you?" Red says as he walks towards Trevor in disbelief. Lance stays put, shocked by Red's tone of voice.
Trevor spits out blood, landing on Red's boot.
Trevor's eyes widen once he realizes it's Red. He begins to hyperventilate, and begins to frail in his chains.
"Relax! I'm not gonna do anything!"
Trevor stops and stares at Red.
"You're in pain. I apologize for what they did to you," Red says.
Trevor continues to stare.
Red can hear him whimper silently and the strain every time he breaths.
"I'll make it up to you. I'll make the pain go away if you tell me what I need," Red says.
Trevor doesn't react.
"I'm the new King. Unlike my father, I won't react with force. But I do want to know why you attacked. I want to talk to your friends. And believe when I say I want to avoid violence at all cost."
Eventually, Trevor nods.
"Where are your friends?"
Trevor takes a couple deep breaths.
"Viridian Forest," Trevor mumbles out.
Suddenly, he stares to wheeze louder and begin panting as he struggles to breath.
"Lower him down now!"
The guard quickly obey, allowing Red to catch him and slowly lower him on the ground.
"Pokémon?" Trevor gasps as he continues to struggle to breath.
"We'll take care of them, don't worry," Red says as he holds Trevor.
Red then readjusts himself so he's able to hold Trevor's head in his arms.
"I'm a man of my word," he whispers, as he snaps his neck in one swift motion. He then carefully places Trevor's limp body on the ground.
"I'm sorry."
Red turns towards the door, where Lance stands, waiting.
"Make sure his Pokémon are well treated. I'll decide what do with them," Red says as he walks out the room.
"Also, assemble the council. I know our next move."
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