Pokemon - Capture Quest

Prologue - A Royal Escape

In the Alola region, a castle stood tall and proud in a royal estate that glittered with elegance and brilliance. Perhaps unlike other modern monarchies, the royal family of Alola lived out their days as if they were the royalty of legend, choosing to hold as much dominion over the area as they could. Though the monarchy was not necessarily well-known, or even well-followed, its power was large enough that it commanded its own small military force, and waves of cooks and maids.

Currently, the royal family consisted of only two members – King Frederick and his daughter, Princess Alicia. Still only seventeen, Alicia's marriage to a foreign prince had already been negotiated, despite the fact that the two had never met before. The marriage was due to take place in a matter of days, and the Princess was uneasy.

Sitting in her own throne room whilst her father was away on business, she was watched over by Prime Minister Bord, a beady-eyed, long-haired rat of a man who desired nothing more than power for himself and the King.

"Princess, do not look so glum. It is not befitting of your stature." He said, standing beside her thrown with his arms behind his back. It was a wonder he could even breathe with all the frills around his neck.

Princess Alicia lifted her head slowly. She had hair that was both brown and purple at the same time, resulting in a deep purple that was unique to her family. Her eyes were light brown, and full of questions.

"Bord... I am really not sure of this arranged marriage..." She swallowed.

"Silence, Highness." He shook his head. "Your marriage to the prince will bring prosperity and power to this kingdom. You know this. And you also know that His Majesty greatly looks forward to your union."

"And you, Bord?"

"It will be a marvellous occasion." Bord twiddled his thin moustache. "Truly a monumental moment for us all."

"Mrrr..." On the arm of Alicia's throne, an Alolan Meowth was curled up. She looked up now, growling faintly in Bord's direction.

"Hush, Minerva." Alicia petted her pet's grey fur and the creature purred.

"Bord, I wish to go for a walk." The Princess said suddenly.

"Highness, you know that is forbidden. You must remain here for your own safety." The Prime Minister shook his head.

"I know... But I have not stepped outside these walls in so long..."

"I'm afraid it shall stay that way for the meantime."

"I understand..." Alicia lowered her head. She had been sheltered for her entire life, and knew little of what the outside world was like. She was due to be married in a matter of days, yet she had no perception of what love even was. The need for more time was more apparent than ever, as her wedding day loomed large, without her own input ever once being considered.

"Bord..."

"Yes, Highness?" He seemed frustrated.

"Will I ever be able to leave the castle unaccompanied?" She asked hopefully.

"We are all well aware of what happened the last time a young royal was allowed out on her own." Bord crossed his arms. "The young Highness Acerola defected from the monarchy, and we were unable to locate her and bring her back."

"Because Father gave up looking for her!"

"His Majesty did not 'give up' – perish the thought!" Bord frowned. "He – rightly – concluded that the young Highness was unfit for a life of royal duty, and recalculated the efforts of the kingdom into securing your future instead. Do not fill your head with wild dreams of roaming free, for your sister's is not an example any monarch should follow."