155Mina's POV
It took a while, but I eventually healed.
Everyday, I had visitors. May loved to visit me like she used to. Somehow she'd managed to get Torchic out of the castle too. I was glad she still had her Pokémon though. May had made friends with Dawn very quickly. The two got on very well based on a common 'dislike' for the boys that annoyed them. I knew they didn't though.
I'd made friends with Dawn as well. I kind of liked her. She was nice. She had a bit of an obsession with clothes though and one too many times I'd found myself dressed up like her personal doll. I liked her, I really did, but I wished she didn't want to use me for dress-ups.
I walked into the sparring hall. It was about time I worked on my skills again. May had told me not to yet, but I thought it was about time. My fight with Drake had only taught me that I wasn't as strong as I could be and it bothered me.
"Hey boys," I called.
Drew and Harley both looked up from their intense staring match and at me. I giggled slightly. Drew and Harley didn't really seem to get along that well. I think it was something to do with the fact that they were both extremely jealous and overprotective guys.
Solidad had become like a sister to Drew and myself. Harley didn't seem to like that another guy was getting close to his girl, so he found other ways to take it out. He tended to poke fun at May which Drew hated him for.
So the rivalry between them became apparent.
"Stop being jealous boys for a while and teach me how to fight," I said, coming between them.
I looked over and glared at the two other boys in the room once Harley went to get the gear and Drew went to practise.
"You could've stopped them," I said.
"They just need to grow up," Paul muttered.
Jaiden shrugged and walked towards me.
"It's not like anything I say will make them stop," he said.
"They listened to me," I pointed out.
"Everyone listens to you," Jaiden replied.
It was funny. Jaiden had slowly become one of my best friends. Kitala was still my best friend, he was not replacing her, but we'd become pretty close. I'd decided we just needed to start again and put everything that had previously happened between us behind us.
He wasn't a bad guy. I really liked talking to him. He was a bit of a tease, but I just liked to tease him back. It was always fun to see in what ways I could beat him.
"They do not," I protested, "When do you see Paul ever listening to me?"
"Paul only listens to Dawn and we both know it," he replied.
That was true. Paul had a thing going on for Dawn and everyone knew about it except Dawn herself. The poor dense girl was just as oblivious to his feelings as May was for Drew.
Paul still hadn't told her though. He said he was waiting for the commotion I caused to die down. It wasn't exactly my fault I'd caused a huge commotion.
"They need to get together," I said.
I took the sword, helmet and gauntlets that Harley handed me. I put the helmet and the gauntlets on before I held my sword up. We always wore a helmet and gauntlets whenever we fought. It was a rule. It made things a lot safer.
"En garde!" I exclaimed, pointing my sword at Jaiden as he adjusted his helmet.
A couple of months later I was skipping down the halls to see my father. It had been awkward at first. It was hard to believe he was my father. Things were strained because he still wanted to treat me like the little girl stolen from him while I really couldn't see him as my father still. It was hard, but we were working on it slowly.
Harley and Solidad had gotten married last week. They were supposed to be coming back from their honeymoon soon.
It was actually a very romantic wedding.
Drew had been close to throwing up once the vows were exchanged and the kiss happened.
Jaiden had been the best man and ring bearer. Solidad had insisted. I had felt extremely honoured when she'd asked me to be her maid of honour. I didn't understand why she'd wanted me, but I'd happily accepted. Later that night Solidad had told me it was because she'd made a promise to me when I was younger that I would be part of her wedding.
I cried onto her shoulder then. I was so sorry that I hadn't remembered. My real memories hadn't returned and I felt so bad that I couldn't remember.
After the wedding Jaiden and I had been paired up to dance. I didn't know how to dance though and we ended up sneaking out to look at the stars.
Paul and Dawn finally got together. Dawn caught the bouquet and so Paul had decided he'd better step up his game and asked her to at least be his girlfriend. It was very cute and something I wouldn't expect from Paul.
I was about to knock on my father's door when I heard talking. Normally I would've turned away to let him have privacy, but he said my name and it made me curious.
I pressed my ear against the keyhole, trying to hear better.
"Mina and I are not like that," I heard Jaiden say.
What was my father talking to Jaiden for? Why was I in this conversation as well?
My father laughed.
"Jaiden, you know I can see you are fond of Mina," dad said, "You don't have to hide it from me."
Well, of course he was fond of me. We were practically best friends now.
Jaiden mumbled something that I couldn't quite hear.
"Why haven't you made a move yet? I'm sure she's also fond of you," dad said.
What move? Of course I was fond of him. Jaiden was my friend. I really liked him. I think I was starting to like him more than a friend now to be honest, but I always ignored it. I didn't know anything to do with that so I wouldn't know if I really felt that way or not.
"I'm only a common boy," Jaiden said, "Things don't work that way."
My father let out a rather ungracefully loud snort and started laughing.
"I say, go for it," he said, "It can never hurt to try."
I had no idea what they were talking about.
I hadn't even realised I'd been leaning on the door handle until it clicked open and I found myself falling in. I let out a squeak as I hit the ground and groaned slightly.
"Nice of you to drop in," my dad said, "Jaiden and I were just talking about something involving you."
I looked up.
Didn't he suspect a thing? Was it usual for people to fall over into his study?
Jaiden's face looked awfully red and he wasn't looking directly at me. He was fiddling with his hands.
What had gotten into him? Was he shy? Jaiden was never shy. I had never seen him act like that before.
Jaiden looked up and my dad winked rather obviously at him.
I got up quickly as Jaiden approached me.
"Hey, I was just…Um…Coming in to see my dad," I said quickly.
What was I so flustered about? My face felt hot too, like my blood was rushing to my cheeks.
"Um…Mina…Can I talk to you for a moment?" Jaiden asked.
"Sure," I said cheerfully, even though I didn't understand why he needed to ask if he could talk to me.
"Alone," Jaiden added.
Maybe that was why.
"Ok, I'll be back in a moment father," I said.
He nodded and then winked.
I just followed Jaiden out, very confused at what that wink was for.
"He did what?!"
The scream from May was so loud, I had to cover my ears.
"Let me see it," Dawn demanded.
I held out my hand and Dawn grabbed it, inspecting it like it was a piece of meat.
Kitala looked at me curiously before sniffing my hand.
Sitting on my ring finger was a new ring. This one was different to the ring Drew had given me years ago. This one meant something different.
It was the 4 year anniversary between Jaiden and I. He had been a little fidgety today and I had been a little concerned that something had come up in the royal guard. I'd thought a nice picnic would be a way to calm him down a little so we'd gone off by ourselves to an isolated hill where I could see everything. I could see the village and the sea and the whole castle.
It was there that Jaiden had gotten down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
I had almost choked. I hadn't expected it. It was kind of reminiscent of the time when Jaiden first ask me out after I'd been eavesdropping. He'd asked me to be his girlfriend then and I'd started coughing because I'd gasped so sharply that I'd breathed in my own saliva.
I could safely say that I had happily accepted both times and now Jaiden was my fiancé. The little ring on my finger was a plain silver band. On it was a little diamond surrounded by my favourite gem; blue topaz.
"It looks lovely," May cooed.
"It's adorable," Dawn added.
Kitala licked my hand, as if she also knew what we were talking about; as if she was also congratulating me.
They sounded like they were cooing over a baby. In fact, I was sure Dawn had said almost the exactly same thing when Solidad had showed off her newly born baby.
Solidad and Harley's baby was cute though. It was a boy named Hamish. He had his dad's hair and his mum's eyes. His face was cute and round. He was so small though! I didn't realise how small babies were until I saw him. His hands were so cute and tiny.
"When's the wedding?" Dawn asked.
I hadn't thought about that yet.
"Sometime in Autumn," I said, "When the leaves go orange."
Even though Spring was my favourite season, there was something incredibly beautiful about when the leaves changed colour. I'd love to get married then.
Breathe, I told myself. I had nothing to be worried about. I was only just about to be married for real.
I forced myself not to squeal. I was so excited! I couldn't wait! Drew and May had finally gotten together after I'd paired them together for my wedding. It had been years and it was about time they got together.
Jaiden and I had only been engaged for a year. Everyone else had been pushing us for a wedding and I'd really wanted to do it in autumn. So I'd done it as quick as I could so I could get it done it time for the next autumn.
I was ready for this though. In fact, I knew exactly where even my bouquet toss was going. I was going to aim it for May. It was about time those two got married. Even Paul and Dawn were engaged at this point.
The doors opened and I heard the wedding march play.
Calm, I told myself. I just needed to stay calm. Walk slowly like I'd rehearsed, even though I just felt like running and tackling Jaiden.
He was grinning at me and I grinned back.
I hoped I looked gorgeous. I hoped I looked beautiful like my mother had.
Kitala was sitting at the front of the hall near the priest and Jaiden. I'd wanted Kitala to be part of it. She was fully evolved now, but I couldn't leave her out. She'd been with me through the entire journey between Jaiden and I. She'd been there while I snuck out late at night just to look at the stars with Jaiden. She'd come with me to almost every picnic or outing. Kitala was just so much a part of my life that she had to be included in my wedding. The only part Kitala wasn't there for was training. I never felt comfortable sparring with Kitala around. She might get hurt if I wasn't careful.
I linked my arm with Jaiden's as I reached him, stepping away from my father.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Jaiden and Carmina…"
2 years later and I panted, sword in hand as I faced Drew.
"Your strong hand is your left," he said, "But you need to be able to swap. If you can swap, you'll surprise your enemy."
I nodded.
"Don't make it obvious," he said, "Or they'll dodge."
I'd been sparring Drew for a while now. I had completely lost track of time.
"Why don't we take a break?" Drew asked.
I shook my head.
"I want to get this new move perfect," I said.
I was practising fighting with both my hands. Drew had been trying to teach me about how I could use my fists in a sword battle as well. If I timed it right, I could switch hands and left uppercut my enemy. It was supposed to surprise them I could use that opening to get in another hit.
I knew I wasn't as strong, so Drew had been teaching me to use every little trick I could. I couldn't rely on my strength like a lot of soldiers were.
"I think we should take a break," Drew said.
I shook my head and swung my sword at him.
"Keep your guard up," I said, "I'm not stopping until I get it right."
I squeaked in surprise as arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me back. I figured it was someone I knew because Drew wasn't in guard position yet.
"Take a break," a familiar voice said, "You don't want to hurt yourself."
I turned and pouted at him.
"Jaiden, I can take care of myself," I said.
"It's not you I'm worried about," Jaiden murmured.
His hands spread across my belly.
It was the most exciting thing when I had first found out that I was pregnant. Yet, it was already becoming slightly irritating. I was super excited to have a baby of my own, but the bump on my tummy was already a problem. I found it strange to balance with the extra weight in front of me and I wasn't even that far along! I didn't know how I was going to go for the next 7 months.
"Relax," I said, "I'm looking after baby."
I put my hands over his. He laced his fingers with mine.
"You worry me," he said, "I hope you're not planning on continuing these lessons for the next 7 months."
I waved my hand. Jaiden worried too much.
"Drew's looking after baby too," I said, "You know he wouldn't intensionally harm me."
"Your father wanted to see you," Jaiden said, leaning his head down to rest on my shoulder.
I nodded.
Even though I was technically supposed to take over the throne once I'd gotten married, dad had decided to delay it for a while since I needed to go through a little training first. It was taking years though and it was very boring. I'd rather come out and fight Pip.
"I'll go see him now," I said, "Take a break Drew, when I come back I will perfect this move."
Drew and Jaiden both chuckled.
I turned around as Jaiden let me go. I quickly went on tip-toes, very aware that Drew was watching. I quickly pecked his lips and darted out to go see my father.
It was kind of funny. When Jaiden first broke into my room, I'd never have thought I'd marry my kidnapper.
Me: I DID IT GUYS! WOOO! I DID IT! I actually finished it! Just look at this thing! It is the largest story I have written. And I'm so proud of it! It comes to a total of 57 207 words (this is not including author notes and stuff) and 133 pages. HUGE project and I'm finally done.
Jaiden: Wow...I can't believe you've finished.
Me: Neither can I! I hope you guys don't mind, but I am SUPER proud of this right now and super excited because I've managed to do it all in 29 days. I hope you guys are as proud as I am.
Even more, I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I have. I know I've had a TON of fun doing this. I hope you guys have enjoyed reading it. Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, it's been really encouraging and it's been because of all of you that I was able to keep going and push myself to write like this. Thank you again! I would hug all of you if I could.
Now, I will not be starting a new project. I'll probably be trying to finish off my other ones first. I'll need to get back to my 365 challenge too...I have a lot to catch up on. Oh well. I'm done and I'm so happy and excited and I think I need to sleep for a month. Humans can hibernate right?
