What Could Go Wrong? (Pokémon Alternative)

Chapter 22

Ash's POV

"Miette?" 

It was a name I hadn't said for so long. I usually call her by her codename, so that when our meeting calls get accessed by unwanted third parties, there's less risk of exposing everyone's identity. Our voices are also tuned in different pitches for every single communication that is made, so this will be the first time in three years that I get to hear her natural voice again.

A lot happened after our time together in Kalos, and judging from her new look, she must have been through a lot. The things that happened before we split up, and how we acted, may also have been a part of her change.

Compared to her old hairstyle, which fits her mischievous character, her new style reflects how timid and meek she is. I can still feel her reserved personality, but her new side clearly outweighs it. Looking at her now, I can no longer see the upbeat and assertive princess years ago. 

Looks like she is living as her mother wants.  The way she dresses now shows that she is a princess, someone who is above people who do not share their blood. This is a family belief that she hates ever since she was a child. I can still remember her first performance, and what came after. After the celebration of her first win, she told me a story.

Without a warning, she started. In their family, she was the ugly duckling. She was ridiculed by kids of her age and got punished by her elders because of her "tainted" way of thinking. For as far as she remembers, she was treated like that ever since. Hearing that was like suddenly getting a gun pointed at your head. I didn't know what to say or do at the moment. It took a while to actually process what she said.

"It almost came to a point that I just wanted my life to end."  Those were the words of a person that at first glance, you would think was blessed and living a happy life. It's totally understandable to think that way because they are ignorant of her situation. When I first met her, I only know that she was a runaway princess. I was envious of her; thinking how someone like her just throw away a rich and stress-free life like hers. Now, I felt bad and mad at myself because I thought of that. 

When I called her name, it took her a few seconds before finally looked at me. The usual grin she always wear was nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was replaced by a gentle smile.

Suddenly, our conversation back then resurfaced in my head.

"But when I first watched Aria, I was captivated by her. Without a doubt, that's when my dream to be an amazing princess started."

"So is she the reason for your annoying personality?"

"Hey, I'm serious right now!"

I let out a brief laugh. "Sorry, sorry."

"Yes."

"Yes?" I looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"The answer to your question: Yes," she smiled. She then looked up at the colorful night sky. "I always admired her obedience and confidence. I tried copying Aria, but when I realized that I cannot be like her, I finally understood that I have to create my own character." 

She stood up and stretched her arms before looking back at me.

"If she was an obedient kid, loved by her family, then I have to be the troublemaker, who was always causing trouble. I also thought that if I started acting against them and cause a lot more trouble, I would finally be disowned. To me, that is freedom." 

She looked up at the sky and reached out her right hand. I followed her line of sight. Up at the night sky, there was a sudden white streak.

"Just like that shooting star, I saw last year," she put both of her hands together as if she praying. "I wished that one day, I could finally break free from this prison."