Con Man and Princess [ IkariShipping/Paul x Dawn ]

prologue

The sun set on a windy, unsuspecting night on the beautiful stretch of beach along SunyShore City. The skies melting to beautiful purples, oranges, reds and pinks, scattering to shimmer against the dark and marine blues of the ocean.

A young princess, with midnight blue hair watched in childish awe from her window as crowds rolled into the palace. Her sapphire eyes wide as she admired all of the gowns the women wore.

The princess herself danced as her silk nightgown lay against her body. She hummed and twirled her gorgeous blue hair, dreaming of the days when she could finally join her parents and siblings amongst the guests and servants in the ballroom.

"Why Platinum, isn't it time that you settle in for bed?" A voice asked playfully, echoing throughout the girl's bedroom.

The girl looked in surprise towards the woman who had called out to her, gasping at the appearance of her grandmother, formally known the Dowager Empress of Sinnoh, Cynthia Berlitz. But to the young princess with sapphire eyes shining bright, she was only known as, "Nana!" The princess danced to the position her grandmother had sat herself, tackling her in a giant hug.

The woman was ordained with blue jewels and a soft smile. Her blonde-platinum hair framed her face, still laying long and healthy for a woman of her age. She laughed, her chocolate eyes brightening. "I've come to say goodbye for now, Platinum."

The princess made an exasperated cry in sheer disappointment. "Why must you go, Nana?"

"It's time for me to return home. I've stayed too long, dear." The Empress was melancholy about the fact. She had to return, but knew she'd be back soon to share even more memories with her family.

"Take me to Lumiose with you!"

Cynthia lightly kissed Platinum's cheek. The princess was the only grandchild she'd had a connection with and she wished so deeply that she could take her to Lumiose alongside her, but she had a duty in Sinnoh. She was bound to be a loving sister, and one day a wise leader. "Wherever I go, you'll always be with me." She hummed, caressing the princess's cheek, as the girl pouted, unappreciative and quite impatient.

The Empress felt her granddaughter's disappointment with the answer, and added, "Why?"

The princess's eyes lit with amusement and attempted to answer her grandmother, bouncing onto her bed, "Because..."

The Empress finished her answer for Platinum. "Because, you're my favorite!" She wiggled her eyebrows playfully, resulting in a giggle from the young girl. After a pause from the two, the Empress reached into her pocket, revealing a scarlet red, circular music box with a beautiful silver floral detailing along the rim. It was also initialed with a P. She cranked the bottom of the box and pulled on the top, opening the box up to reveal a ballerina with stunning blue hair and eyes just like the charming young girl before her. As well as the figure came a beautifully haunting melody that the grandmother had sung to the girl many times.

Platinum gasped at the gift, her oceanic eyes shimmering with glee. "Thank you!" She hugged her Nana, and the woman daintily returned the gesture.

Then heard was another knock on the princess's door. This time was her father with dark blue hair mirroring her own and a strapping white suit. He bowed to the girl and gave her his hand, "Platinum Berlitz, could I have the honor of you being my first dance of the evening?"

Platinum giggling, graciously accepted her father's offer and he spun her around the room, filling the giant space with a joyous aura. The Empress caught one last sight of her beloved family, and took her leave.

+++

Only hours later, Platinum was tucked into bed listening to the boisterous crowds below her, humming along to the music of the ball. The sun had set finally, and through the large glass window it was easy to see the moon, a crescent  shining against the ocean. The waves rolling in and out as Platinum tried her best to appease her yearning eyelids, but an odd feeling was keeping the young girl awake.

Platinum couldn't understand why, but below all sound had suddenly stopped. Her heart jumped as she heard a gunshot and sudden panic.

A servant quickly slammed the doors of her bedroom open, revealing an incredibly harsh light. The man shoved her through a passage even the princess herself wasn't aware of, and the girl found herself crawling through there, in a dark and quite extensive stretch until she was outside of the palace, followed by the same servant. They ran and ran, until suddenly there was a CRASH!

Then, all was eerily quiet.