Pokémon: Vampire Princess*

Chapter 60: Ceremony*

I stood in the dressing room of a hotel the ceremony was close by and looked outside my window. Crowds of people gathered in Lumiose city to celebrate the defenders of the Kalos region and to cheer for their new champion. It's weird how I'm now considered a champion, but it's more appropriately to others, since I'm my dads daughter.

"You look lovely, Princess" Valerie smiled after dressing me up. Mom asked me to turn around for her to check how I looked. Shauna and my other vampire friends were more than happy to see how pretty I looked.

It was unreal to know this was all for me... after being told what I was going to do after my success, plus our victory against Team Flare, I was unaware I was going to be given a ceremony and will be standing in front of so many people after so little time...

"Very fit for a soon to be queen" Mom smiled, delighted.

"You're so pretty, Serena!" Shauna cheered.

"Serena?" Mom questioned "You mean the name your father gave you?" She was surprised, but smiled "Two different names for two different nations, you are going to be queen to all. It might be confusing"

"I think she'll be alright!" Nova clapped her hands "Everyone knows of her success. Even if they find out what she is, they have no choice but to accept her" I pouted, not wanting to force anything on anyone.

"She's naturally attracting to others, so I don't think there will be a problem" Blossom said "Besides! She saved this world! What can go wrong?" I blushed and looked at mom talking to Xavier's mom who knocked on the door earlier. I didn't want to be nosy, so ignored them for now and looked out the window.

"I expected this to happen sooner or later, but I have to face that much people. I'm really nervous..." I admit. Shauna held my hand, smiling to calm me down. I smiled back and turned to Valerie and Olympia talking to each other.

"Why don't you two want to be part of the ceremony?" They turned to me.

"What? And move the fame from you? Don't be silly!" Valerie waved her hand "We are honored to just be part of the team and help you. We don't need to be appreciated"

"But I do appreciate you!" I frowned.

"Princess... It's better to just hold your glory for yourself. You came a long way. We don't care about the spotlight. You're going to be queen soon. Enjoy the moment. We're always going to be around" I sighed and looked at the crowd. I heard mom sniffling. I quickly turned back to her and saw her hugging Xavier's mom. Did something happen?

"I really appreciate it. Thank you... I'd like everyone to see it" Grace looked at me and waved before saying goodbye to me. I waved back, questioning what just happened. Mom shook her head and pushed me to the door.

"It's time to go! Everyone is waiting for their new champion and hero!" I whined a little that I don't get to know what happened, but I was actually just complaining that I had to go out there when I'm not even mentally ready!!

"This is so sudden! Come on! I literally just woke up yesterday!" She dragged me out the door and walked me over to another door opening, letting out Xavier in a handsome suit. I froze and felt my cheeks exploding "Whoa..." he chuckled.

"Like what you see?" I blushed and looked away. Mom giggled and clapped.

"Alright love birds! We can flirt later!" I blushed more, with Xavier this time "Time for the ceremony!" The rest of our friends came out the room and we walked through the red carpet with thousands and thousands cheering us on. I hugged Xavier's arm, feeling nervous.

"Don't be nervous. These are your people. They're excited to see you" I gulped and got myself to wave to everyone, especially a few I recognized. Many in front of the crowd were hunters keeping the crowd from getting too close. This is all they can do now... They worked so many years just to be guards now.