Dewgong never grew tired when fighting and defeating Aaron's last two Pokemon; Kingdra and Ambipom. Crystal rolled her eyes at the boring battle and hopped back towards everyone waiting for her while Aaron sat there, shocked and pouting

"That battle was amazing!" April cheered, hugging Crystal "That's the first battle I've ever seen in action!" She looked at her dad's calm expression, carrying the egg, before calming down "Forgive my excitement. That battle was truly incredible. I never thought they could be so graceful from the way you made it. Where did you train such a powerful Pokemon?" Crystal faced Dewgong clapping happily, getting returned soon after waving

"Special training is all... even though that special training wasn't necessary to win this battle" she looked over at Aaron yelling at Haunter while it only laughed at his face "he used anything else but his brain. I hate having to waste my time on trainers who don't know how to use their brains or even take anything else more seriously" She peaked at Rhea looking down "What a joke" Rhea was about to say something, but knew where she was getting at and decided not to say a thing

"Awe, how disappointing. You must be someone very important then if you think that way" April bowed "I'm sure you and the young man are tired from your battle. My older sister should be finished cleaning the house. Please come in!"

West grabbed Aaron's head as he came over and started messing up his hair "hey man, don't be so down! It's only a small battle!" Aaron slapped his hand away and faced Crystal, with an angry expression

"I might not have been able to win Eevee back... and I get it. It's me that's messed up. It has the right to neglect me..." he looked at Eevee hiding behind West's leg "I can't help but be addicted to battles... I think about them more than my own Pokémon. Don't think I just now realize that. I just didn't want to admit it" He kneeled down to Eevee

"-from now on I'm going to try and be the best I can be. I don't know if I can change, but when I saw you leave me... It hurt. You stay with Westly... I'm going on another journey to improve myself" he stood up and headed to the exit "you, princess, still not going to give your name?"

"No" he snorted

"Whatever... from now on, we are rivals. I expect another battle from you" he turned around to point at her nose "I'm going to win! And I'll show you who's the joke here!" He shouted and ran away. Crystal smirked a little and crossed her arms

"So he heard that..." Rhea frowned at her, wanting to say something "what is it?"

"Nothing..." West stared at them. He took Crystal's lower back and helped her walk into the house they were invited to by the people who would forbid anyone from entering. It wasn't just the attack of the Victorian Grunt that made them thankful; it was something about Crystal and perhaps her appearance that made it possible for them to not get kicked out or agreed to let them battle at such a sacred place.

West noticed a red feather attached to her long hair. April said something about the feather being hot to the human touch. Reaching out to take it, it turned out to be an ordinary feather with a bright red color to it. It wasn't even hot at all. He showed it to Crystal as soon as they reached the front door.

"Here we are-" April gasped, cupping her mouth when seeing West holding the feather and offering it to Crystal. Crystal stared at the feather in slight awe before accepting it and smiled a little "P-Papa..." Father Thomas noticed and nodded, gesturing his guest into his home

"Welcome to my home behind the sacred shrine. We don't normally have guest come to this shrine for various reasons since this is a place held to represent the loyalty we give to the legendary Pokémon" he said "the legendary Pokemon doesn't need others to come and see its red feathers in the lake unless they're worthy. That's why if you want to give your respects, we set up a shrine in the front gates for visitors. We have made an exception for you all. Mainly..." he looked at Crystal and West "Please come in for some tea. My other daughter and her husband should have the place clean by now."

"Other daughter?" Crystal asked

"She came into the shrine when you were going over to the lake" West explained. Walking into the home, it seemed like any other ordinary home an ordinary family would have. Despite being a family of a shrine, the three trainers had to be respectful with anything they do since they're the first outsiders to even come past the front gates in a long time

"This is a lovely home" Rhea said

"Thank you! We try to take care of it when we're not paying our respects to our protector."

"What's so special about this legendary Pokemon anyway?" Crystal asked. Everyone looked at her funny "What? Did I say something wrong?"

"Have you been living under a rock?" West asked

"Yes" she admits. The castle was pretty much like a rock. It was hard getting internet from time to time due to the storm Articuno makes.

Speaking of the castle, she wondered what Wyatt was doing... Is he going crazy and still searching the castle? Or did he leave to find her? The thought of him searching the region for her is terrifying. She didn't even get to meet a family member yet

"In that case, we will gladly explain the story of the legendary Pokemon and the legend of the Princess of ice and the warrior who protects the pits of hell" the... pits of hell? "does that sound scary?"

"It's not that... well, kinda" Rhea started shaking. April giggled and walked everyone to the living room, where Marshall was still cleaning up

"You made it on time. We're getting the tea ready right now" He smiled "how was the battle?"

"Awesome!" West grinned, petting Crystal's head "One of the most epic battles I've ever seen! And that says a lot coming from the son of the Champions of the Battle Tower" Rhea looked away, knowing exactly why the battle was so epic, but he didn't.

Crystal was a gym leader and the daughter of the Champions of the Pokémon league. Rumors had it that she was a princess who nobody knew about. Her face was never seen, and her name was never identified. When there would be family gatherings for the public to see, she was never there. They knew she was a powerful gym leader who took the role of two spots for a gym leader since there was no one to take the 8th spot

Because of this, she was impossible to defeat if she didn't just give away her badge. She was someone who knew how to get into people's heads and say things that would change their point of views. For the ones who have seen her, they say she was incredibly beautiful, but if pissed off, you'll be cursed.

Not knowing if the last part was true, Rhea kept an eye on her when spending time with her little brother. West cared for his friends and often would become depressed or heartbroken when he can't see them anymore.

There was a time when a so-called friend of his backstabbed him for reasons he would never explain. Being the only Kimana with a gentle personality, it was that moment that made him just like the rest of his family. Rhea would hate to see him snap if he finds out who Crystal is. That's why it'll be better if she left as soon as possible, even if Rhea could tell West really liked Crystal despite her being quite distant and cold

"Have a seat! The tea should be ready any minute!" April said, taking the egg from Father Thomas and placed it on a side table, on a blanket. Crystal stared at the egg the whole time it was being passed around.

Keeping this to herself, she was actually in love with Pokémon eggs since she was a young girl. She couldn't help but want to get a hold of one again

Everyone sat down while Marshall was getting the table ready. Froslass looked around and pulled on Crystal's sleeve "what is it?" It pointed towards the exit "oh right... I've been here long enough, and I'm already feeling better" Crystal stood up "forgive me, but I have to leave."

"What?" West frowned

"I've been in this village long enough. Even if I never saw the view you promised to show me, I still have to go and leave as fast as possible" she stepped to the side

"H-hold on! You're not well enough yet!" He took her hand, stopping her "can't you stay a little longer?" She kneeled to his seat

"Listen, I appreciate everything you did for me, but I told you this journey isn't meant to be long. I have one goal, and after that goal, I have to head home. My..." she sighed "Wyatt is going to have a Miltank... probably already had one. I can't have him finding me" she held his cheek, making him blush "I didn't think I'd make a friend, but you are certainly my first" She smiled softly

"I-I..." he was about to take her cheek before they jumped when hearing a crash on the other side of the room. Crystal stood up, seeing Brenda's wide eyes staring at her. Broken tea cups and tea scattered on the floor in front of her

"B-Brenda.." Crystal took a step back, nervously

"M-Milady!" She hurried over "What are you doing here!?" Crystal looked away, biting her lips "Wyatt is going crazy back home! Do you know what could have happened to you?! You're in that place for your safety and health! Why would you leave? Everyone is so worried!"

"How did you know it was for my health-" she shook her head, knowing that was the least of her worries "Brenda... Let me explain"

"Oh my! You're here in Hana Village! It's my fault you left! Oh, I should not have told you anything about this place! I'm so sorry! This is my fault!" She started crying "Wyatt wouldn't be snapping at everyone if I never said a thing to you!"

"He's that mad, huh..?"

"You have no idea!" Brenda looked at the sight of Crystal's hurt eyes "Milady... I'm sorry for snapping" she bowed "We were just so worried... We've never seen Wyatt behave the way he's been acting. His Weavile couldn't even find you, so he recently left" Crystal flinched, taking another step back "It'll be okay, milady. We can go home right now and save the trouble of getting in trouble. You can just tell him you were hiding and come out like you never left! Oh, your cheeks are pink... You're sick, aren't you?"

"N-No...Brenda"

"Everything will be okay. No one has to get in trouble!"

"Brenda"

"Wyatt can calm down-"

"For the love of... Be quiet!" Crystal snapped softly, silencing her "You have nothing to do with me leaving! I left on my own... You so happened to help me"

"What..?" Crystal calmed herself

"Wyatt won't let me see my family... He's so scared that if we separated I could get in trouble with my health. But I gathered the medicine I need daily, so I'm fine... I've been fine on my own since I left those days ago. He really doesn't want to see my family, so that's why I've been stuck in that building for a few years of my life."

"Milady... I had no idea."

"I want freedom, Brenda. I want to see what's exactly out there and see my family along the way. Don't tell Wyatt where I'm going or what I'm planning on doing. This journey won't be long... so I intend on going back sooner than later. Please, I'm begging you" Crystal frowned "Don't take my freedom away from me... You always get to see your family, but what about me?"

"I had thought the things I told you about Kannena was a bad thing considering that you left the only place that can keep you from growing sick, but you had your good reason. Family is important... I respect your decision, milady" Brenda bowed again "I will support you in every way I can"

"Thank you..." Crystal walked away. West hurried to stand and follow

"Where are you going?"

"Like I said, I've been here long enough. I have to see my sisters and my parents" Rhea sensed the sad tension of this room. Brenda felt worry, Crystal wanted freedom, West wanted her to stay, and Rhea felt guilt for ever thinking of Crystal in a bad way. She's just been misunderstood

Rhea watched West follow after her. April walked over to Brenda and held her shoulders "You know sister... It's going to be very dangerous out there in Kannena, especially with a girl like her." they looked down at Froslass staring at the exit "Not only because of this illness you talked about,  but we believe she may be the reincarnation of the Princess of Ice" Brenda gasped and stared back down at Froslass's eyes looking up at them and holding the blue orb from Everest town, in hand

"I thought that myself when I first started working for her... but look, April" she pointed at the orb "that orb..." Father Thomas stood

"Team Victoria aims to collect the spiritual orbs to awaken the legendary Pokémon. You have to be the one to decide her fate. She can either continue traveling with the risk of her getting hurt for who she is and that orb, or you can tell your boss where she is so she can go home safely" Brenda looked down with guilt written all over her face

"If you care about her, you have to make this decision for her" Marshall said, taking her hand. She nodded and hurried out the door. Rhea stood there, frowning at the situation before standing up from her seat and follow everyone, but noticed something shaking in the corner of her eye. The egg on the blanket was moving. Her eyes darted beside it, seeing a camera inside a case of flowers

"Oh no..."

~

"Hey! Hey! Wait!" West shouted, running after Crystal. She stopped, but didn't turn "please don't leave..."

"I'm sorry, West" she looked at him "I have to... don't you know how I feel? You said you don't get to see your family often, and you have a large house to yourself. Wouldn't you want to see them more often?"

"Of course I do, but I can't have you do this alone"

"It's the only way I can... I can take care of myself" she walked up to him "I probably wouldn't have made it if you never found me in that storm. If there's anything I can do to show you my gratitude, please tell me. I wouldn't do this for anyone, so make it good and appropriate" he looked down at the same time everyone came out the house

"I had a nice time here while it lasted. I'm sorry I have to leave so soon. I'll be off now" she bowed and turned away while Rhea hurried out the house towards them with the egg before West suddenly shouting

"If that's the case, I do have one thing to ask from you!" He said "Let me join you on your journey!" Rhea halted. Crystal blinked confusedly "before I found you, I was already heading out on a journey! I was actually on my way to the train when my Houndour found you. I decided to stay a little longer to make sure you were doing okay. I went this long without leaving, because I put you first... even if we never knew each other. When telling me your goal, I just knew I wanted to take you with me. I mean... You're fragile, and I would hate to see you getting hurt. There's something about you... I can't help it. I want to be with you all the time"

"You've caught feelings or something?" She raised a brow, hiding her blush. He blushed as well and looked away

"S-Something like that... I don't know" she sighed

"Well... taking that you don't mind taking care of me, I can make an exception to travel with you" he gasped "just until I finish with what I'm going to do. You are my first friend, so I have to warn you... Whatever you'll find out about me, you're going to have to accept it no matter what. This will be your final warning"

"West..." Rhea walked over "Y-You sure you want to do this? You can end up getting hurt again. You don't know her."

"I already made up my mind" she sighed

"In that case..." she let out a deep breath "I think you're in danger..." she looked at Crystal "I saw a hidden camera in the house. I'm sure that Victorian Grunt heard everything. Look at your Froslass" everyone looked at what Froslass was holding

"Is that the orb we saw with that old lady in the marketplace?" Crystal blinked confused, taking it in her hands

"Old lady?" April asked

"I met an old lady in the marketplace who was selling handmade products. She gave me this watch and apparently Froslass stole this orb. When I tried returning the watch, the woman disappeared" Father Thomas thought for a moment

"That must of been the ghost of the Witch of the Frost Forest... also known as the Princess of Ice"

"Excuse me?" Crystal said

"That matter aside, I'm sure West here knows of the legend. He can tell you what we don't have time for" West nodded "The princess had given you the ice orb to protect in her place. We haven't had it in our keep for years now, and this may only happen once in every generation. Nobody ever knew where she stored it, but now that she trusted you with it, you must leave immediately before Team Victoria looks for you and possibly use you"

"How do we know it's not just an ordinary orb or that I was just seeing things?" Crystal asked

"Well, we don't want to take chances. This may seem a bit odd and out of the blue to assume this, but I'd be careful if I were you" April said "I mean... it doesn't seem like it's far from the truth, but just keep an open mind" Crystal nodded and looked at Brenda holding her hands together

"If the Princess of ice noticed you, milady... That's a big sign that you might..." she looked down "Um... West, was it?" She faced West "if you're deciding to take the lady on your Pokémon journey, I suggest that you must... with your life, put her before yourself. She means everything to me... To everybody... You simply do not understand how special she is..." April stepped in

"and looking at you, West. If anybody finds out who you are, you might be in danger as well"

edited on grammarly 12/3/18