October 26th (Galin Kingdom, Kanto)

(Drew's POV)

I was coming back from town when I saw a flash of teal hair. When I squinted to get a better look, I gasped when I saw that it was Clair. Suddenly, I was in her office with Lance present as well as the gang.

"Who's that?" Gary asked.

I growled, "What the hell, why did you pull me out like that?" I demanded.

Clair frowned, "We've given you more than enough time to search for May. Right now, we have a situation in where you're needed.

"Wait.....Drew?!" Dawn gasped.

I sighed and was suddenly attacked with a hug, "Glad you're back enough though you're not," she said cheerfully.

I gave a small smile as the rest of the gang hugged me/did fist bumps.

"Did you find her?" Leaf asked.

I sighed and shook my head, "She really immersed herself into where she was. I guess she made it clear she didn't want to be found."

Everyone sighed and frowned slightly, but said nothing.

"Where were you Drew?" Ash asked.

"The Galin Kingdom Castle," I answered.

"Why were you there?" Misty asked.

"When May came to heal you girls a few weeks ago, I kissed her in trying to get her to come back. When I was kissing her, some images came into my head of the castle and of Princess Charlotte," I explained.

"Did you find anything while there?" Clair asked.

I shook my head, "Nothing out of the ordinary happened, it was weird," I said quietly.

"You think something was going on?" Clair asked further.

"The Princess was really sick for a few days and the governess had a few mishaps, but I don't know. I more or less focused on trying to find May," I said frustrated.

I then felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to see Dawn.

"She'll come back when's she's ready, no need to worry," she said gently with a small smile.

I sighed and nodded but said nothing.

"So you've gathered all of us here, what's this situation you mentioned?" Paul asked gruffly.

Clair frowned, "An hour ago, we got an anonymous call that said that security was needed for a ball at the Galin Castle tomorrow night."

"Are you serious? That was the situation, security for a ball," Leaf said in disbelief.

"I normally would just send a few other agents, but what got me about this call was that they used the words 'dirty tricks'" she explained.

"Which means....?" Dawn asked.

Clair sighed, "It means sabotage ranging from pranks to assassinations."

"Could they just have been using the words without knowing what they meant?" Leaf asked.

Clair shook her head, "I don't think so," she said as she pressed a button and the message began to play.

"PHPA, what is the emergency?"

"I think security is needed at the Galin Palace Ball, you never know if people are there for the royal party or for the dirty tricks."

"Excuse me, can you please repeat that?"

A dial tone was heard and Clair stopped the recording.

"Well, whoever the anonymous person was didn't want to be found. They used a voice scrambler," Gary commented.

"We've tried to decode it, but we've had no luck," Lance said annoyed.

"Could May have called?" Dawn asked.

Clair sighed, "I don't know, code words haven't really been used in twenty-five years."

"So since you don't know, you want us to be security for this ball," Paul clarified.

Clair nodded, "I don't know if this call is legit or not, but I don't like how they used a voice scrambler to give the message as well as using old code words. It's better to be safe than sorry. While there, you are to observe and figure out if anything funny is going done. I've informed their majesties saying that you are Lance's guests and needed a place to stay for the festival. They await your arrival."

"Wait a minute, what about our clothes for tomorrow?" Dawn asked suspiciously.

Clair smiled, "Not to worry Dawn, Paris is helping us with that and you'll receive your evening wear tomorrow afternoon."

Dawn nodded in approval, "If that's all, you will be leaving for the castle in a little while. Drew, you might want to change your hair color back to normal before you go," Clair added.

I nodded as we were suddenly teleported back to the house. Without a word, I went upstairs to take a shower and change my hair back to normal. Hopefully with this mission, May would make herself present.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

(Dawn's POV)

I watched Drew go upstairs and heard Leaf sigh, "Too bad he couldn't find May."

"Maybe we'll find her while we're at the castle," I said optimistically.

"What makes you think we can find her? Drew's the one that can read people's auras. If anything, he's the best shot at finding her," Paul pointed out.

"You are not going to shoot me down yet," I said as I stuck my tongue out at him. "You never know, May might slip up."

"Dawn, really. You are the one that said we should let her be," Misty added.

"I did say that, but that doesn't mean we can't identify her. All we want to know is where she is. If what she's doing is reasonable enough for her up and leaving, then we give her space. If not, we'll drag her ass back when this is over," I said determined with a nod.

"She's been pulling this stunt for almost a month. What makes you think she'll slip up Pinky?" Gary asked.

"I don't, but she'll be on her guard knowing we'll be there," I pointed out.

"But what if she was the one that made the call? She'll know we're coming and act in a way that's not suspicious," Ash added.

I pulled a Paul glare, "Quick shooting my idea down you morons!"

"You need to work on your insults," Paul commented.

"But I think she's got your scowl down pat. It's creepy," Ash shuddered.

"You might want to stop talking," Paul scowled.

Ash then hid behind Misty, "Double creepy."

Leaf sighed, "Enough, we should be packing and getting gadgets."

Everyone nodded and split up to grab stuff. While upstairs, I changed into a dark pink, short sleeve, knee length dress with a square neck and a layered skirt. I added black lace flats and put my hair up in a half up half down style by fashioning a bow in the back made out of my hair.

I strapped on a garter and stashed a few throwing knives before grabbing my pokeballs along with my bag and went downstairs to command central.

I went to my cubby and grabbed a few gadgets of the contact lenses, earbud communicator, laser lipstick, and a clunky bracelet.

"What's this?" I asked as I picked it up.

"The multifunctional charm bracelet. It has many functions that can help you get out of any situation," a computer voice explained.

"Cool," I murmured as I clipped it on.

I then heard everyone else come in, "You guys cannot be serious?" I said as I looked at what they were wearing.

"Troublesome, it's fine," Paul muttered.

"No it's not, we are going to be in the presence of a king and denim and shorts are not acceptable," I snapped as I walked to the computer and imputed a command to have everyone's clothes be altered by their compowders/wallets.

"Dawn, this is way too dressed up," Misty snapped.

I glared, "Zip it, I let you get away with pants instead of a dress or skirt so chill."

She glared back, but didn't say anything. After we gathered our gadgets, the jet arrived from PHPA and we flew to the outskirts of the town. When we arrived, cars were there waiting for us to drive us to the castle.

"Wow, this place really is festive," I commented as we drove through the town.

"It the kingdom's 500th anniversary tomorrow, that's why it's really busy," Drew explained through the earbud communicator.

I nodded as the girls and I continued to watch out the window. We then arrived at the castle to find an old women waiting outside.

"Welcome to Galin Castle," she said stiffly with politeness. "I'm Mrs. Wemble, the housekeeper. The maids and footmen can take your bags to your rooms. Please follow me."

We looked at each other, but followed the women into the castle. We went past the foyer to the end of the hall and stopped.

"Please wait here," she said as she entered the room.

"Wow, this place is huge," Ash said in awe.

"Hey Drew, what did you do for the past two weeks?" Leaf asked.

"I worked here as a gardener and then a footman," he explained.

"Wow, that must have been an interesting experience for you since you're used to being served not serving," Gary commented as he looked around.

Drew nodded and frowned slightly, "Beware of the housekeeper, she's pretty harsh."

We gave him a weird look as Mrs. Wemble came back, "Their majesties will see you now."

We nodded and entered the room to find an older man, I'm assuming the king, sitting on his throne with a man and woman standing next to him holding a baby.

"Welcome to Galin Castle," the lady with the baby said as I did a small curtesy.

"Thanks for the welcome," I said politely.

The king motioned for me to rise, "Are you by chance Princess Salvia?"

I blushed slightly as I rose and shook my head, "No your majesty. You could say that I'm a doppelganger of Princess Salvia."

"Ah, from your looks and mannerisms, you could easy pass for her," the king complimented.

I gave a small smile and nodded, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Prince Stephen, my wife Adeline," he gestured. "And our son Nicholas."

"I'm Dawn Berlitz from Twinleaf Town," I introduced with a small curtesy.

"I'm Leaf Green from Pallet Town," Leaf said as she mimicked my small curtesy.

"I'm Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City," Misty said as she did a slight bow.

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town," Ash said politely with a small bow.

"Gary Oak from Pallet Town," Gary said briefly with a slight bow.

"Paul Shinji, Veilstone City," Paul said gruffly though politely.

"Drew Hayden from LaRousse City," Drew said politely with a slight bow.

"It's a pleasure to welcome you to our home. We hope you enjoy your time here for the festivities," the king said.

Suddenly the door opened behind us to see a little girl with light brown hair and blue eyes followed by a girl our age with dark brown hair and hazel eyes.

"Is now a bad time your majesties?" the girl asked.

"Not at all, please come in," the king said with a small smile as the little girl ran up to him and hugged him. "Sweetheart, will you please introduce yourself to our guests."

"Oh, my apologies," the little girl said as she curtsied. "I'm Princess Charlotte."

The little girl then looked behind us, "Angel, please come up and introduce yourself."

I raised an eyebrow, "Angel?" Leaf asked confused.

The girl walked up, "I apologize, her ladyship likes to call me that. I'm her governess Amelia Plenble. Welcome to Galin Castle," she said politely with a small bow.

"Can you tell me your names?" Charlotte asked cheerfully as she walked up to me.

"My name is Dawn, it's a pleasure to meet you," I said as I smiled.

"It's nice to meet you," Charlotte beamed. "Are you a trainer or coordinator?"

"I'm a Top Coordinator," I said causing Charlotte to look at me with wide eyes.

"Really?! Which region did you win?" she asked excitedly.

"Sinnoh and Johto," I answered.

"That's really cool," she said in awe as she walked to Leaf.

"I'm Leaf, it's nice to meet you," Leaf said with a small smile.

"It's nice to meet you too, your name's really cool," Charlotte smiled. "Are you a trainer or coordinator?"

"I'm a trainer though I might be a researcher later on," Leaf answered.

"Cool, which leagues did you compete in?" Charlotte asked.

"Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn."

"Whoa, did you win all of them?" Charlotte asked in awe.

Leaf nodded, "Wow, you're a really strong trainer," Charlotte complimented as she walked up to Misty.

"I'm Misty, it's nice to meet you Lottie," Misty said politely.

Charlotte's eyes widened again, "Whoa, how did you know that I liked to be called that?"

Misty winked, "It was a lucky guess."

Charlotte grinned, "Are you a trainer or a coordinator?"

"Actually, I'm one of the Cerulean Gym leaders," Misty answered.

"Cool! Do you perform in their water shows?"

Misty shuttered slightly, "Sometimes, but not often. I'm not really a fan of doing them."

Charlotte nodded in understanding, "I can understand that. Sounds like me and dancing, I don't like it either," she said as she scrunched up her nose.

She then walked over to Ash, "I'm Ash and this is Pikachu," Ash introduced with a goofy grin.

"Cool," Charlotte grinned as Ash knelt down so Charlotte could pet Pikachu.

"Cha," Pikachu cooed as his head got scratched.

"So are you a trainer or coordinator?" she asked.

"I'm a trainer and I hope to be a Pokemon Master," Ash said enthusiastically.

"Wow, that's a pretty tall tree to climb," Charlotte said metaphorically causing us to slightly giggly or snicker.

"Even so, best of luck becoming one," she said cheerfully.

She then walked over to Gary, "I'm Gary, pleasure to meet you," he said as he kissed her hand.

"Are you a trainer or a coordinator?" she asked.

"I'm actually a pokemon researcher," he answered.

"Cool, what's your field of study?"

I was surprised by her question, she certainly is a smart cookie.

"Legendary and Fossil pokemon."

"That's cool, good luck with your research," she chirped as she walked to Paul and frowned slightly.

"Something tells me you're not much of a people person are you?" she asked.

We looked at her in surprise and amusement, "What makes you think that?" Paul asked.

"That's easy, you have the stance and aura of an Ursaring," she said with a grin.

Gary and Ash tried to hardest not to burst out laughing while the rest of us chuckled.

Adeline looked embarrassed, "Charlotte, it isn't nice to judge people you don't know."

Charlotte sighed and curtsied, "My apologies. Anyway, what's your name?"

"Paul."

"Are you a trainer?"

Paul nodded.

"Have you won any leagues?"

"No, but I've always placed in the Top 4 or Top 2."

"That's cool, you're pretty strong," she said as she walked up to Drew.

"I'm Drew, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said as he gave her a yellow rose.

Charlotte grinned and then looked sad as she fingered the rose.

"I apologize, one of the footman used to give her highness roses has left suddenly and Charlotte is sadden by his departure," Amelia explained.

"Are you sad that they left?" Drew asked as he knelt down.

Charlotte sniffed, "Yea, he was really funny and nice. He would give roses to me and Angel when he would see us in the nursery. I'm just saddened that he left without saying goodbye."

"I think he's sorry to, but I wouldn't worry. I think he's still here," Drew said with a smirk.

Charlotte looked at him suspicious, "What makes you say that?"

Drew took something out of his pocket, "I believe this is yours," he said as he gave it to her.

"My hanky, where did you......?" she said before her eyes lit up and she smiled. "Dan?"

Drew nodded causing him to almost fall backwards as he was hugged by Charlotte.

"So I'm confused," she said with a puzzled look as she took a few steps back. "Not trying to sound rude, but who are you?"

Drew gave a small smile and nodded, "It's alright, my real name is Drew. Dan was a cover I was using to try and find someone in the castle.

Charlotte looked intrigued, "Who were you looking for? Did you find them?" she asked.

"That's none of our business your highness," Amelia reprimanded gently. "If he wants to tell you, he can do it later."

"Besides Sweetie, I'm sure that our guests would like to rest," Adeline said as Nicholas started to whimper. "Oh dear."

"I can take him your majesty since Lindsey has the day off," Amelia volunteered.

"Oh could you? Thank you," Adeline said gratefully as Amelia took Nicholas from her.

The door from behind us then opened up and a maid came in, "Your ladyship, the planners need your help with some last minute details."

Adeline sighed, "Alright, tell them I'll be there shortly. Thank you Lucia."

Lucia bowed and left, "Amelia, if you don't mind, could you show our guests their rooms?"

"It's no problem your majesty," Amelia assured. "What rooms?"

"The ones on the east wing facing the garden," Adeline said as Stephan offered her his arm. "Again thank you."

Amelia gave a small bow as their majesties left, "Lottie, would you like to take the lead?" Amelia offered.

Charlotte smiled and nodded, "If you will follow me," she said politely.

We then followed her and Amelia for the staircase we passed on our way in.

"You seem to be really young for a governess," Ash commented.

"Ash!" the girls and I hissed as Drew and Gary had a "seriously Ash" look on their face.

Amelia smiled, "I am. I only became her ladyships' governess a few weeks ago."

"And she's the best governess ever!" Charlotte said happily before making a face. "She's not like mean 'ole Ms. Garrett."

"Charlotte, you shouldn't be talking bad of people," Amelia reprimanded.

"I don't care. She was mean to you when you were working as a maid and she was awful to me," Charlotte pouted.

"You were a maid before becoming a governess? Wow, you seem to rise up the ladder for positions pretty quickly," I commented.

Amelia shook her head, "I don't try to, it's just how things happen," she said as Charlotte stopped in front of a door.

"This room is for you ladies," she gestured before pointing to the door next to it. "You gentlemen are staying in that one."

"Thank you very much Lottie," I said with a smile.

"If you need anything, just ring the bells in your rooms," Amelia explained. "Come along Charlotte, it's time for bed."

Charlotte pouted, "It's too early," she protested.

Amelia gave a small smile, "It's almost 8:00," she said. "Besides, you are still recovering from being sick."

"I know, but I haven't thrown up or have had any seizures," Charlotte argued causing the gang and I to look at Drew who looked surprised as well.

Amelia frowned, "Young lady, you still need rest even if you haven't been sick as of late. You need to save your energy for tomorrow night," she said sternly.

Charlotte opened her mouth, "I don't want to hear another word," Amelia said gently though sternly before Charlotte could talk.

Charlotte frowned, but said nothing, "We'll leave you be," Amelia said politely as she and Charlotte left.

"We should come up with a game plan," Misty said once they were out of range.

"Let's talk in here," I said as I opened the door for the girl's room.

I stepped in and gasped, "Wow!"

Leaf whistled, "No kidding, they really know how to decorate," she commented as Drew shut the door.

"Okay Drew, you said that Charlotte was sick. Didn't you know that she was having seizures?" Gary asked.

Drew shook his head, "I didn't know. Amelia didn't say anything when I was here. Actually, I don't think a lot of people knew."

"I wonder why she kept it a secret?" Ash wondered.

"Probably to make sure it didn't affect the festivities," Misty guessed.

"Anyways, we should explore the castle and see what we can dig up on the anonymous phone call before we call it a day," Leaf said causing the rest of us to nod our heads in agreement.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

October 27th (Galin Kingdom, Kanto)

(May's POV)

After getting Charlotte up and ready for the day, I left her with her parents as she would be greeting people for the rest of the day and Adeline wanted to give me part of the day off.

I had finished getting everything I needed for tonight arranged and I was currently in the library looking at the book containing a map of the castle memorizing it for later.

I heard the door open and I saw the gang come in, "Morning Amelia!" Dawn said cheerfully.

I smiled, "Morning," I said as I closed my book.

"Whatcha readin'?" Ash asked curiously.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Nothing special," I said as I walked over to the bookshelf to put the book away. "Enjoying the castle?"

"Yea, this place has a lot of history," Leaf said as she looked around the library.

"Not to mention the décor," Dawn added.

I smiled as I climbed up the nearby ladder to put my book in its place, "The palace has been remodeled and decorated several times over to accommodate modern features while keeping its original style. The most recent décor was done by Pierre Russo."

I turned to see that everyone was looking at me, "No offense, but how do you know that? You haven't been working here long," Misty said as I came down the ladder.

"True," I agreed with a nod, "but I have had time to read and it pays off to know about where you are."

I then walked to the buzzer on a table nearby before talking a seat in the arm chair I sat in before, "Tell me, why brings you to the castle? You don't seem like the kind of people to come here for a festival."

Everyone took seats in the nearby couches and chairs, "We didn't know about it til the last minute and since most of the inns in the area are full. Lance was nice enough in asking their majesties to let us stay here," Misty lied.

I inwardly laughed at the comment about Lance and nodded, "I see. Well, I certainly hope you enjoy festival. If you have time, you must go to the village. Multiple events are going on before the ball this evening," I explained as the door opened up to Lucia carrying in a tea tray.

"Thank you Lucia," I said as she set the tray down next to me.

"Is there anything else you need milady?" she asked.

I shook my head, "You may go."

Lucia nodded and left, "It's so weird. At first she was my supervisor and now I'm in a position ranked higher than her," I admitted as I poured myself some tea. "Anyone else want some?"

The girls nodded while the boys shook their heads though Ash dove right in into the biscuits.

"You said you've only worked here a few weeks, where were you before?" Dawn asked curiously as I handed her a cup of tea.

I shrugged my shoulders, "I was wandering around and decided to settle someplace and work," I lied.

"But you could picked anywhere, why choose working at the castle?" she asked.

I inwardly frowned, "I've always been curious in what the castle looked like on the inside so I decided to work here since they needed extra help in getting ready for the festival."

Dawn nodded but I could tell she wasn't done so I decided to talk before she could.

"Why are you asking all these questions?" I asked.

Dawn gave a smirk, "I'm nosy and besides, you interest me. Tell me, what's the story with your pend...."

Crap, "If you say anything more, I will make sure you regret it," I threatened harshly causing Dawn to smile at me.

"Gotcha," she said proudly.

"My pen? I'm sorry, but I don't what you're talking about?" I asked confused.

"Now tell us what's going on," she demanded. "The one that you were using earlier this morning."

"No, if I say anything, it'll blow my cover," I snapped.

"It's one her highness's pens that she let me borrow," I said still confused.

"Too bad, tell me why you're here," she again demanded.

I sighed as I sent her a comparison memory of me and Charlotte causing her to flinch slightly, "Not here, the walls have eyes and ears. Meet me in the forest past the castle in thirty minutes."

"Okay, I was just curious," Dawn said as I looked at the time.

"If you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be," I said politely as I left.

I then went up to the nursery so I could meditate for a short period while also locating Charlotte's aura to make sure that she was safe.

Before I knew it, I had fifteen minutes til I had to meet Dawn and probably everyone else.

I changed my outfit to jeans and a tank top while also putting on a black wig. I couldn't have my cover blown by meeting with them.

I then put on a cloak and raised the hood to cover my head. I grabbed Delcatty's pokeball, a small cube, a few Oran berries, and took a deep breath before teleporting a short distance from where to meet with everyone. I grabbed a branch to steady myself as I felt weak from the teleporting. I then ate the Oran berries to help regain my energy and waited.

A minute later, I could sense their auras nearby and made my way toward them.

"Seriously Dawn, why did you drag us here?" Misty demanded.

"Because she wanted to talk to me," I said as I pulled from the shadows causing everyone to look at me suspiciously as I threw the cube up in the air to create a shield to prevent anyone from spying on us.

"Why are you being elusive? What is going on May?" Dawn demanded causing everyone to do a double take.

"Because one can never be too careful," I said as I put down the hood and took my contacts to show my blue eyes as proof before putting them back in.

Dawn then attacked me with a hug, "I'm glad you're okay, but I'm still mad at you," she said sternly.

I gave a small smile as I hugged her back, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

She then took a few steps back and I saw that everyone else looked angry causing me to sigh.

"Spill. Now." Misty said sternly.

I shook my head and smiled ,"Not yet, it's best that you stay in the dark right now."

"To hell with that! You left us for a month without saying a word!" Leaf said angrily.

"But I kept tabs, I did come back to save you guys didn't I?" I point out.

Leaf shook her head, "That doesn't count. May, we're your friends. You said that you wouldn't leave us in the dark anymore."

"This situation is different," I said evenly causing Misty's face to get red.

"You're still running around and doing all of this on your own. How that hell is that different?" she demanded.

"Because this isn't about me!" I shouted back angrily. "This has nothing to do with me, it has to do with someone else. And there is no way in hell I will jeopardize their safety. Not after everything they've gone through."

"Why not have PHPA handle it if it's that big of a problem," Ash asked.

I sighed angrily, "Because the people I'm helping requested for help multiple times from PHPA nine months ago and they never received it," I said evenly.

That stopped them from talking, "Listen, all you need to know is that there is something going on. And all I ask is that you act normal and wait to jump in when your help is needed," I explained.

"No May, that's not enough of an explanation," Drew said angrily.

"I'm sorry Drew, but that's all you're getting out of me," I said as I slipped my hood up and turned around.

Suddenly I felt a hand grab my upper arm and turned me around before kissing me angrily.

I then stepped away, "Drew, I know you're hurt and I'm sorry, but I can't say anything."

"Can't or won't?" he challenged.

I glared at him, "I'm not saying anything for the safety of the person I'm protecting because if you know, everything will blow up in my face and there will be blood on my hands."

"Explain," Drew said as he took a step closer.

I laughed, "Sorry babe, but you're not getting anything else out of me. Besides, I'm already a target as well. Do you really think I'm clumsy enough to fall down a flight of stairs or get slashed. The people behind this are on to me and I'm sure as hell not letting you guys becoming a target for them.

"Again with protecting us. May, we are capable of taking care of ourselves," Drew snapped.

I shook my head as tears began to gather, "That's not a risk I'm willing to take," I said quietly. "Especially what happened a few weeks ago."

The girls frowned and looked down as the guys placed an arm around them.

"I'm sorry that I left you the way I did. It tore my heart in two every time that I did. I asked you to trust me Drew and I understand why you tried to find me for the past few weeks. But it made my job all that much harder because I had to hide from the people behind what's going on and from you.

I gave a small laugh in remembering meeting Drew as Dan a few weeks ago, "A note of reference Drew, making your aura invisible isn't the same as disguising it."

I then took a step forward and kissed him before calling out Delcatty to use Blizzard as a cover for me to leave.

As I was running, I took my pendant to change it from being disguised to it being invisible. I then teleported myself and Delcatty back to my room in the castle and collapsed on the bed to regain my strength.

"Mreow," Delcatty said concerned as she leapt up onto the bed and sat next to me.

I pet her head, "I'm fine, just really drained of energy," I said tiredly as I wiped my eyes with my free hand.

I then sat up and looked at the time, "Guess I better get things ready for my performance."