As Brionne began walking through the forest, she proceeded along the path, knowing what questions lay in Berron Hills was about to be answered. Moreover, she wanted to find something for her father and apologise for what she had said to him.

Honestly, the whole thing was a mess, and so much had happened during that dinner that she wished she could forget. Her family had no idea where she was but needed to be back before nightfall. So, she enjoyed it while she could.

Brionne: *sigh* Well. At least it's nice and sunny? I wonder if I can find a rose or something to give to Father? Seems like the most mature thing to do.

As she scattered her eyes about some ferns, all she saw was green and the sun rays shining through the trees. There were no signs of flowers, though.

Brionne: Maybe I just need to continue further?

Looking back at the wall she crossed, realising she hadn't gone far, she debated whether journeying further away from home was necessarily a good idea.

Brionne: What am I saying? My family would start worrying if I stayed out here long enough? But I'll never get this opportunity again! So, yeah! I'm going!

And with that, she trusted her instincts and followed the path to a rather unfamiliar setting. Trying to cross some bushes and other fig trees, she continued along the path and was led to other pathways. Some leading in other directions.

Brionne: Great. Now what?

Using her head, she thought before choosing a path and decided to take the one in the middle.

Brionne: Huh? This isn't so bad? I don't know why everyone was so worried. There's nothing dangerous about these hills? I'll find that rose and be back in no time!

Oblivious as she was, she trusted her gut to guide her through the forest. However, it didn't take her long to feel a strong breeze. The further along the path she walked, the colder it got, but she couldn't understand why.

Eventually, when she brushed aside some branches and climbed over what looked to be a tree trunk that was blocking the pathway, she looked up at the sky and watched as the clear cerulean blue disappeared, now with grey clouds enveloping over it like a blanket.

Brionne: Rain shower?

She thought wrong. Instead of rain, she wasn't expecting the unexpected. Tiny white snowflakes fell from the sky and melted onto the tips of Brionne's hands.

Brionne: Okay, this is strange? I only took this path thinking I would find at least something floral? Such a transition! Whatever happened to summer?

Despite the snow falling, she still continued along the path, but she hadn't looked back at her town to realise just how far she walked. Still pressing forward, the cold now reached her feet, and grqdually, the trees became bare with no leaves at all and definitely no sign of flowers.

Something wasn't right.

Brionne: How can this be? How can I transition from one season to the next? It doesn't make any sense? It's getting dark. I'm cold, I'm tired and I have no idea where I am now! Maybe there's a house nearby that I could stay there for a while until the snow clears up? Or... perhaps I took a wrong turn?

Before she could think about going back, she gasped at what she saw in front of her. It was a tall gate guarding an everso large castle.

Brionne: Maybe there's luck after all!

Trespassing onto the premises, she pushed open the gate as it creaked before she made her way towards the large door. Completely astonished by the castle and forgetting to close the gate behind her, she reached for the knocker and slammed it three times.

Brionne: Hello? Sorry for intruding like this, but it's very cold out here, and this was the only place I could find! Is there anybody in?

No answer.

Brionne reached for the handle and was surprised to see that it was open. The foyer was dark and dreary, and she could barely see anything, so she lit a candle to get a clear picture. With it illuminating the entryway, she could just see everything. From the chandelier down to the grand staircase.

Her eyes were filled with curiosity and wonder as she took her first step inside and out of the winter weather, forgetting to close the door again.

Brionne: Woah. Whoever lives here must be rich indeed.

Proceeding toward the staircase, she had a look around and couldn't get enough of what she was seeing. A castle. An actual castle!

Brionne: Um, hello? Is there anybody home? My name is Brionne, and I'm a stranger here, but I hope you won't mind if I take shelter for a short while? And I got lost, so if you could give me directions?

Suddenly, she heard a door slam which echoed throughout the foyer, but it wasn't the front door behind her, which made her sigh in relief.

Brionne: *gasp* Someone's here! Uh, hello?

Looking to the side of her, she saw a red rose sitting in a clear vase that immediately caught her attention. The very thing she was looking for was right in front of her.

Brionne: Well, what do you know? Just what I need!

As she walked over to the table, a dark figure was lurking in the shadows, watching her every move. Brionne only came for a rose, so she reached for it and took it out of the vase.

Brionne: Why, aren't you just lovely? Father will be so happy when I bring you to him!

'Talking to a mere plant. How pathetic.'

Brionne was suddenly shaken with the sound of a roar. A roar of a... Tiger? No, it sounded more like a domestic house cat. She feared turning around to see who it was but could feel as though somebody was watching her from the top of the staircase.

Brionne: Who said that?!

'You shouldn't have come here!'

Brionne: Oh, I'm sorry! You must be the one who lives here. I'm sorry for intruding like this, but

'What are you doing here?!'

Brionne: Uh, I-I was trying to keep warm because it was cold, you see, and I saw the castle, so I opened the gate. The door was unlocked, and I couldn't help myself! So, I...

'Looks like you're here for more than just wanting to keep warm!'

Brionne: Huh? What do you...

As she glanced down at the rose she was holding, she then looked towards the table she was sitting at earlier and panicked.

Brionne: Oh! Uh, i-it's not what it looks like!

'It's exactly what it looks like. You were trying to steal from my table!'

Brionne: No, that's not true! It explains my reasoning for coming out here and journeying so far from home! I was looking for a rose!

'A rose, huh? And what exactly are your purposes for seeking such a flower?'

Brionne: I was going to give it to my father as an apology gift.

'Your father?'

Brionne: Yes, see, I upset him, and I wanted to give him something to make up for it!

'Touching, but you still stole from my castle! For this heresy, you will be punished!'

Brionne: W-What?! I just got here! I-I tell you what. I'll simply put this rose back and just leave. Thanks for having me. Toodles!

About to leave, the doors slammed shut, which startled her, and she grew even more frightened.

Brionne: Uh...!

'You look like you mean trouble. You know, there's a rule I like to follow. Goes well with pesky thieves like you.

As the dark shadow went down the stairs, he approached Brionne as she began to slowly back away in fear but could finally see him as she shone the candlelight at his face.

Torracat: Those who think to steal should be given a much bigger room for their reflection.

Brionne stood there, paralysed in shock upon seeing who the shadow really was. She didn't quite understand why he spoke with harsh words. There was no need to, but the face seemed somewhat familiar to her.

Torracat: And I have just the room for you.

As she stood there, mixed with confusion and terror, she quickly transitioned from her paralysis and tried to run away by aiming for the door, but it would not open.

Brionne: AH!

Hearing the sound of an intimidating growl, she grew even more frightened as she could not escape in time. About to run in a different direction, she felt his grasp grab onto her hand as she struggled to break free.

Brionne: Let me go! Please!

Torracat: Too late!

Brionne: I'm sorry! I didn't know this castle was yours!

Ignoring her plea, he dragged her all the way to the castle dungeons.

Brionne: Where are you taking me? Let go! Please!

Behind a solid wall, two servants, Dartrix and Dewott, were hiding and watched her being carried away.

Dewott: Drama!

Dartrix: Will you be quiet?

As dark as it was, Brionne feared as though she would trip at the speed he was going. Eventually, arriving at a cell, she was thrown in, and Torracat closed it, locking it tight.

Brionne: Let me out! I didn't know it was your castle!

Torracat: You should've thought of that before!

Brionne: Well, how was I supposed to know this castle wasn't abandoned?! Maybe if you put signs around the outside, I wouldn't have intruded!

Torracat: Even if there were, you look the type of girl who would still intrude anyway!

Brionne: I- okay. Fair point, but you still could've let me go! Please! My family is probably worried sick!

Torracat: Then why did you come out here?!

Brionne: I told you before! I wanted to get something for my father to apologise for getting angry at him when there was no need to! Please, you've got to believe me! Please!

Torracat: And you stole from my table!

Brionne: Oh, for goodness sake! I know! I took something without realising that it belonged to somebody else, but it's not like any roses were blooming outside practically waiting for me? Do you know how long I've been walking?!

Torracat: I don't care! You're staying here until I figure out what it is I'm going to do with you!

Brionne: What?! B-But-

Torracat: I said no, buts! You're staying put!

As he was walking toward the archway, Brionne watched him with a frightening look in her eye.

Torracat: Oh, and by the way? I wouldn't waste your breath trying to escape. You're never leaving here.

Brionne: W-WAIT!

When he left the dungeons, Brionne tried kicking her door down, but try as she may, she didn't have the strength to pry them open. Backing away from her cell door feeling completely hopeless, she crouched against the wall.

Brionne: Great.

Meanwhile, Dewott and Dartrix were peeking behind a wall, waiting on Torracat to return.

Dartrix: Where in the world is he?

Dewott: Wherever he is, I hope he didn't throw her in the dungeon.

Soon, they saw a light illuminating the staircase, and Torracat uttered nothing but a little grunt.

Dartrix: Let me do the talking. Uh, master!

Torracat: What?

Dartrix: Sorry for prying, but don't you think you could've been a little harsh on her?

Dewott: A little?

Dartrix: I said I was doing the talking!

Dewott: Sorry.

Dartrix: I mean, she is a girl.

Torracat: Do you think I'm stupid? Of course I know that!

Dartrix: So then... why scold her and lock her up for picking a rose from the table? It's not like she was given any hints?

Torracat: Because it's what every thief deserves! If she wants to throw a tantrum, then let her!

Dewott: *mumbles* I don't think she's the one who's throwing the tantrum here.

Dartrix: UH, Anyway! Haha! What if we told you that it wasn't her, it was someone else?

Torracat: If you're trying to get me to release her, then it's not going to work.

Dartrix: But she was tricked! Deceived!

Torracat: By who?

Dartrix: Uh... by... uhh...

Dewott: Pikachu!

Dartrix: Yes, by Pikachu - wait, why him?

Pikachu, who was polishing the frames with a duster, looked over at them after hearing his name being called.

Pikachu: Yeah! Why me?!

Dewott: You were the first to pop into my head.

Torracat: Okay, I've had enough of this! That girl is staying down there and I don't care what you say! Nothing is going to change my mind!

Torracat walked toward the staircase and climbed up the first few steps. Feeling fed up, Dewott and Dartrix wanted Brionne to be freed, but they were running out of options. However, Dewott had an idea brewing.

Dewott: Not even if we told you that she could be the one to... I don't know. Break the curse?

All went silent. Pikachu stopped dusting for a split moment, and the master stopped halfway up the staircase just to listen to what Dewott had to say.

Dewott: I mean, it's only a matter of time before it gets too late. Besides, once our fate has been decided, then we can all say for a surety that this mess was all your fault.

Dartrix: *mumbles* Dewott! What are you doing?

Dewott: *mumbles* Using my trump card! What does it look like I'm doing?

Pikachu: I don't know, but I'm dying to find out.

Dewott: It is your fault, master! You're the reason why we're stuck here. I know you want to be freed just as much as we do, but there is no excuse for letting the girl suffer the consequences alongside you! But I suppose that's expected of you. You just love to drag everyone into your mess.

With that, the master turned around in anger and just glared at them. Storming down the stairs, the three of them didn't know what he was going to do. His temper was unpredictable.

Torracat: Are you pulling the guilt trip on me again, hoping I'd reach commonsense?

Dewott: Of course I am.

Torracat: Great! Then the answer is still no! Besides, this curse is here to stay, and there's no point in trying! The girl isn't moving, so stay out of it!

Torracat stormed past them and made his way back to the dungeons holding his keys.

Dartrix: Well. That worked out better than I expected? Thanks for the butting in when I told you not to, Dewott.

Dewott: Hey, when you got something to say, then say it! It could very well be a good idea.

Dartrix: Except it wasn't. You made him angry!

Dewott: No! You see, it's all part of my plan.

Pikachu: What plan?

Dewott: The plan to break the curse! When the master realises what he's doing is wrong, he'll change his mind about giving up, they'll come together and become good friends and vuala! We're saved!

Dartrix: Woah, woah, woah! You're talking as though it'll be easy?

Dewott: Psh! Come on. Anybody can do it?

Pikachu: And by what consequence does that put you at the end of the day if that plan of yours ceases to function?

Dewott: Uh, somewhere?

Dartrix: *sigh* Underneath all that, though. I must admit, I got to give you credit for that tactic. It's not like we can change course now.

Dewott: Thank you, Dartrix! At least someone has faith in me.

Pikachu: Tch.

Dartrix: But we've got to be mindful now. Whilst the master isn't exactly one hundred percent on this whole breaking the curse nonsense, we must do it in a way that he won't realise it's happening.

Pikachu: Wait, we're not gonna tell her?

Dartrix: No, we're not!

Dewott: You've just crashed my plan into a never-ending river, Dartrix.

Dartrix: So I did, but seriously, if we do that, she'd never believe it. She doesn't trust him. Not yet anyway. Dewott, you make it sound as if this will be easy. It won't! We've got to gradually bring them together, just nice and slowly.

Dewott: Can't we just do this faster?

Pikachu: I can't believe I'm saying this, but he's right. Why wait? We can just force it!

Dartrix: These things take time! We can't force them to get along?

Pikachu: Well, if you're not gonna play captain's first mate, then I will!

Dartrix: No, you won't!

Dewott: But we're running out of time! The master needs to get this fixed ASAP!

Pikachu: Either they get along, or we do the pushing!

Dewott: Yeah!

Dartrix: NO! You both are crazy! We're not doing that!

Pikachu and Dewott just stood there blankly.

Dartrix: Don't you guys know anything about relationships?!

Pikachu: If you let me handle things, we'll make great progress.

Dewott: Please, Dartrix?

Dartrix: I said no! We can't force them to love each other! It isn't done overnight!

Pikachu: We get work done before nightfall? What's the difference?!

Dartrix: There's a huge difference! That's work, this is about - oh, forget it. *sigh* Just please. Let them take their time. We'll do our part, and if we succeed, then you're gonna have to kiss up to me and listen to what I tell you from now on! Remember, the master has put me on that watchtower!

Pikachu: *mumbles* Teacher's pet.

Dewott: Fine, we'll do it slowly.

Pikachu: However! If this takes too long, we're doing things my way!

Dartrix: Oh, please. We don't have a lot of room for more captivity.

Pikachu: *angry* What?!

Dewott burst out laughing, which would've been loud enough to swing the chandelier, but Pikachu didn't find it hilarious as he covered Dewott's mouth.

Pikachu: Zip it!

Dartrix: But first, we need to free the girl before the master finds out.

As gloomy as it was beneath the moon, the castle was still being battered with a snowstorm. Brionne, however, felt like her fate had already been decided. She couldn't do anything but remain in the prison that held her captive. It was cold. Damp. Badly enough, in fact, that even the air outside couldn't compete.

As she crouched against the wall, sitting on the hard floor with her cloak covering her body, she heard footsteps coming up the spiralled staircase with a light eliminating each shadow.

Once the footsteps had stopped and eventually reached the top floor, and with a slight grumble in his voice, she awoke to the sound of her own cell door opening.

Brionne: *waking up* H-Huh? Who's there?

Dartrix: Don't worry. It's only us.

Dewott: Yeah! We're here to bail you out!

Pikachu: Would you be quiet?! You're gonna blow it!

Brionne: Huh?

Dartrix: Before I was rudely interrupted, I know you're probably confused, terrified, and even more terrified right now, but I assure you. We're not intending for you to stay locked up like this.

Pikachu: Not like it's in us to do so.

Dartrix glared at Pikachu as though he had said something wrong. Brionne stepped out of her cell, still shocked by what had happened to her thus far, but felt relieved that she was being rescued.

Brionne: Wait, you mean you're... letting me go? I can leave the castle?

Dartrix: No! Uh, well...

Dewott: You'd be happy to know that you won't be once we escort you to your room!

Pikachu: That's putting it nicely.

Brionne: So, I'm still stuck here? Great.

Dartrix: D-Don't set on leaving just yet, miss! You'll be pleased to know that I, Dartrix, have this place all figured out. I do extend my welcomes to you. Right?

Pikachu: Uh, yeah! Great hospitality!

Dewott: And grand open spaces I know you'll just adore!

Brionne: Well, this place sure is interesting?

Dewott: Exactly! Why would you set on leaving when you can be in a castle?

Brionne: And you three did do a brave job at bailing me out, so... I guess I can stay. Only for a little while, though.

Dewott: YES! WOOHOO!

His loud voice echoed throughout the dungeons and all the way up the stairwell. Afraid that the master would hear them, both Dartrix and Pikachu covered his mouth to shut him up.

'Who's that shouting down there?! Dartrix?!'

Dartrix: Thanks a lot, Dewott! I told you we needed to keep quiet! Now I'm gonna get it in the neck!

Dewott muffled an apology in their hands, and Pikachu panicked.

Pikachu: We need to get out of here before the master finds us! Ah, quickly miss. See that passage over there? Open it and crawl through! We'll follow along behind.

Brionne nodded and ran towards the secret passage door in which she pulled the string to open it. Luckily, the four of them crawled through before the master could find them, and Dartrix closed the door.

Soon, that same light illuminating the stairwell found its way down to the dungeons, and Torracat began talking to himself.

Torracat: *groans* Idiots! When I get my claws on them, they'll think twice before interrupting my nap! They better not have-

Completely cut off mid sentence, he stumbled upon an open cell door where he placed Brionne, but she was no longer there. He quickly slammed his candlelight onto the cold ground in temper, knowing his servants were behind all this. The candleholder shattered into tiny fragments.

Torracat: *angry* THEY DID!