Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters

Okay, with the downturn of the Season I've decided to start my next novel now. It's going to be an historical romance and take place in an AU set in the 18th century where art was on the rise yet women didn't have that much power. The Muses are from Greek mythology, nine goddesses that symbolizes the arts such as dance, astronomy, etc. This was originally supposed to be six books but… six books so combined them into one. That's better because most of the shipping story laced into each other. Also I have most of the PokeSpe girl as sisters so it's easier for my narrative.

Platina flipped through the tome, translating the Roman text in her mind. She pushed away from her desk toward a book case and pulled out several texts, placing them on her lap. She moved back to her desk and cross checked the information between the two texts, trying to find any inconsistency. She sighed and leaned back, rubbing her eyes with frustration.

Books and tomes could only help her so much in her mission to find the remains of the Roman-Persian War. She thought of all of the answer such a sight would give her and frowned deeper. She turned back to her desk, cluttered with notes and large texts. She pulled out a letter about several roman wars that she intended to send to the university under her brother's name.

It was far from finished but she didn't have enough information on the war to continue. By habit, she reached up to a box placed carefully on the shelf above her desk. She ran her hand over the golden design before she took out the latest letter from her knight and fiancé. It never failed to bring a smile to her lips and took out a paper to pen a reply.

No sooner did she put her quill to paper did she hear a door slamming. She sighed and thought that it might've been one of her four sisters. The sound in fact came from Ruby as he stormed into the room, red from frustration of trying to track down all of his sisters. It wasn't surprising that she was the only one he could find since she was never far from her study. But what scared him was that he couldn't find Yellow.

"How was your journey to Italy?" She asked evenly, ignoring the annoyance in his eyes. She didn't think much of it. He was the one that left them all to fend for themselves while he travelled the world, leaving only a letter. It was his own fault that he was disconnected from the coming and going of his family.

"Where's everyone else? There's something I need to tell you and I would rather have everyone there before I say it," He frowned that Platina didn't even turned to address him as she spoke.

"Yellow is in her art room," she answered since she knew that he would be most worried about her. "No one knows where Blue goes but she should return by eight. Crystal went to get paint and paper in the town. Lyra went to find inspiration so lord only knows where she is."

She turned back and wasn't surprised to find that Ruby had already turned to leave. She looked back at her letter and barely noticed her tears as she went back to her knight's letter. "I'll be here, if you're wondering."

Not for the first time, she stared out the window of her study that had become more of a prison to her over the years. Her thoughts drifted away to the time when her knight would come for her and take her to the ruins in Scotland like he promised in his letters to uncover its mysteries. Until then, she would content herself with her tomes while she waited for her fiancé, Pearl.

Crystal maneuvered her way through the crowd, turning gracefully such that they barely touched her as she passed. She came to a graceful stop when she far enough from the crowd to rearrange her old maid dress. She checked her basket again, making sure that the paint or ink hadn't spilled onto the paper. Once she was satisfy, she turned back to the path toward her country home not far from this small town.

She ignored her legs that throbbed from tiredness, telling herself that she must return home before night reached, not just for her own safety but she didn't trust her siblings to be able to take care of themselves while she was gone. Ever since their parents had died several years ago and with the absence of their brother, her sisters started to run wild, forcing her to take responsibility for their family estate.

She wasn't at all bitter that she wasn't able to pursue her passion like Yellow or Lyra, she was perfectly happy taking care of them. And if that meant they were happy while she faded deeper into the background, then she was all the more happy. She didn't want to be the attention her passion gave her.

Even lost in thought, her feet was familiar with the path well enough that she walked off the path to her own private one that she took. She stopped when she reached the small bridge in the form of a fallen tree across a river at the edge of the Berlitz estate. With graceful movement, she stepped onto the tree with pointed feet. She took three dainty steps and performed a fouette de jambe en tourant.

She didn't know what processed her to, but her heart felt lighter. She rose onto her toes and wondered if she would be able to perform any other moves despite the restriction of her maid dress.

"You need to be less stiff." She turned sharply and saw that a man on horseback was watching her. The new voice startled her since she thought she was alone and promptly losing her balance, falling into the river. She swallowed water and came up chocking. "Are you okay?"

He jumped off his horse and ran to her, ignoring the cold bite of the river. He patted her rather gently on her back. He saw that her face was red but he didn't know if it was from chocking or embarrassment. He had been riding toward the Berlitz estate when he saw the woman dancing on the fallen tree. She waved his hands away and stood straighter so that she reached his shoulder.

"I'm fine," She looked him over and saw that he was grinning down at her. She looked down and realized why he was grinning, her clothes were soaked through and he could clearly see through to her chemise which was also wet, barely concealing her. She blushed harder and brought up her knee in reaction.

"Bloody men!" She cursed and waded out of the water. She was about to climb out of the river but turned back at him and ordered, "Turn around. As a gentleman I expect that you will respect me and give me the privacy a lady deserves despite what you have recently shown about your lack of manners!"

The man held up his hands and turned. She didn't leave right away, staring at his wet clothes clinging to his muscles. His dark hair was also wet and seemed to as easily maintain as that easy smile he gave her. The same light reached his tawny eyes while he smiled and she wondered what kind of freedom he had to be able to smile so easily. He was obviously a working class man from his strength.

"I would like to apologize," His voice was like honey and she raised a brow at his sudden apology. "I wouldn't have bothered you if I knew that such a graceful water nymph had such claws. I would like to dance with you one day, if you would give me such a privilege."

"We shall not meet again," She said with certainty and turned to escape this quickly escalating encounter.

"A lovely challenge, my lady." She could hear the smirk in his words and quickened her step. Her hand closed around a rock and chucked it at him when he added. "For another look at your derrière, I shall search the world for you, my lovely water nymph."

"How dare you look? You are the most infuriating delinquent I'd have the displeasure of meeting!" She called back but he only laughed at the sight of her scurrying away. He leaned back and just floated in the water, enjoying the feeling of freedom rush over him. He knew that it would be a long time before he could feel this way again.

Silver walked through the forest that stood as a barrier between the city and the Berlitz estate. He had often explored this forest as a child but hadn't returned to it in years. He was only returning now because a close friend of his, Blue, had told him to gather some flowers for the play taking place that night. She had given him direction to the patch of flowers he had in mind. He just hoped that she wasn't tricking him into stealing flowers from the Berlitz family.

He came to attention when something fell on his head. He looked down at the object and was shocked to see that it was a tiny pink slipper. Curious, he looked up to see where or what the slipper came from. Two large brown eyes stared down at him with fear, and something else. She tilted her head to the side and studied him, as if she was putting together his life story.

Lyra pulled at her skirt so that it covered her feet and blushed at being in such a compromising position. How had this man found her hiding spot, perched on a tree? Only her sisters knew of it and not many people explored this part of the forest. She gathered her ink and paper so that they wouldn't fall on the man as well.

He raised his brow at her, as if he expected her to say something. The man didn't seem shock to find her at all! She wondered if anything shocked him and what kind of life he had to cause such a lack of reaction. Her imaginative mind created a background from this man.

His auburn hair was longer than was custom, brushing his shoulders in fact. His steel eyes were battle weary and the scar on his cheek made her think that he might've been a privateer, or even a Viking! She had so many questions she wanted to ask him about his life. He would be the perfect Colin for her book!

Silver sighed and began to walk away, obviously she wasn't going to help him find the flower patch. He paused though when she called out to him to stop.

"Please wait, sir! I must ask you about the life of being a Viking!" He looked back to where she climbed down awkwardly, trying to keep her dress intact and not reveal herself at the same time. He saw her reached for a thin branch and tried to call out to her but it was too late. It snapped beneath her weight and she went tumbling to the ground.

"Damn it," He swore and moved quickly to catch her.

Lyra closed her eyes and waited for the impact, sorry that she would not have her dream come true, having her novel published. She fell against something hard and warm that grunted at the impact. Her arms instinctively clung to whatever caught her, believing that she was still in free fall and on the edge of falling again.

"You may open your eyes now," a rather irritated voice said and she looked up at steel eyes. She closed her eyes and leaned up toward him, knowing that this was the part where he would kiss her.

Silver considered that the woman might've been tainted in the head, which was a shame since he had to admit that she was beautiful. Her large brown had a special expression to them and her body was soft and warm against him. Her soft brown hair brushed against his lips when she raised her face closer to his. At that moment he realized that she was going to kiss her and promptly let her go.

She let out a breath of surprise when she hit the ground rather ungracefully. "I am sorry if I was too f-f-forward. I-I thought-"

Lyra covered her mouth when she began to stutter, something she did when she was nervous. It was quite common for her when she was younger but she had trained herself not to stutter anymore. And whenever she fell back into the old habit, she would lapse into silence. She bit her tongue in frustration and turned away from him, hoping he didn't catch her stutter that made her feel invalid.

Silver frowned at the eerie sense of surrender her silence caused. She had been so animated and now there was a lack of emotion in her as she stood rigid in front of her. She opened her mouth to say something but stepped back. He noticed the bounded paper in her hand and the ink coating her hand. He took the papers, for nothing more than a reaction.

She bit her lips but there was a spark in her eyes as she reached to take it back. He turned easily and found himself scanning the piece. He paused at a passage and didn't realize he was reading out loud. "Love is not a moment as you would think sir, love is every moment we spend together may it be together or in spirit. It is the painful moments and the warm moments. I don't want you to love me or else I must share my pain."

Lyra froze, hearing the bittersweet words from his husky voice. He turned to her and asked, "Why? Tell me why this man is afraid, then I shall return your manuscript."

"He is afraid of himself," She said when she felt confident enough that she wouldn't stutter. She noticed that his hands were also stained with ink and asked, "Are you a writer too?"

"I shall answer any question you have for me if you show where I may find some flowers." She beamed and took his hand, leading him not too far toward iron gates that kept wildlife away from the Berlitz garden. It didn't take long to realize the she was one of the Berlitz daughters, he should've guessed from that fact that she knew her letters and by her satin dress.

"You may pick any flower you wish as long as you are careful not to break the roots for them to grow again," She told him and went to a bench with her quill and notes so she could write his answers for future references. "Tell me about your occupation."

"I'm a publisher," He answered trying to decide what flower would be best for the play. He also took a basket left forgotten so he could carry them away. "But I also write plays for the local theater when I need more money."

His back was too her so her couldn't see the smile that burst from her. He didn't give her time for more question as he quickly picked the roses and stood. "I must leave now."

"Please tell me your name at least," She went to stop him at the gate. She knew it was quite forward to address someone by their first name but she wanted a way to find him again and discuss publishing her book. He sighed and answered, "Silver MacAlister."

Sapphire clutched the knife to her chest as she watched the man come closer. She took a deep breath and ducked deeper into the shadows of the alley, waiting for him to come close enough for her to rob him. Her hand moved down to her empty stomach, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in days. She looked around the corner again and saw him come closer.

She reminded herself that she had to do it now or go hungry for another week. She breathed in a deep breath and told herself that she wasn't going to kill the man, only steal that package he clutched so preciously under his arm. It was sure to sell for some coin, enough for some food.

She wouldn't steal if she had any other choice. Ever since her Poppa died, she tried to gain employment as a governess but no one would take her in. And the king had taken everything her family owned and gave it to some distant cousin that she had no wish to live under. Now she was desperate enough to steal from a total stranger, something she thought she would never have to do.

She saw the man pass by and forced her body to move. She purposely bumped into him and she felt his grip on the package loosen. Without the finesse of practise, she wasn't at all subtle in taking it and fleeing.

It took Ruby a moment for him to realize that he had been robbed. He cursed since the package that held a history book he intended to be an apology to his sister Platina for leaving her without a word. But he couldn't afford to just let her go since the text cost a pretty coin that he was reluctant to waste. He then gave chase and caught her quickly enough and pulled her into an alley.

He covered her mouth when she would've scream and ripped the package from her hand. He stared down at her with contempt and saw the fear in her eyes, no doubt thinking that he was about to turn her into the constable. He was going to let her go when he noticed the hidden pearl under the dirt that smeared her face. She was malnourished as well and he felt pity for her.

"I will give you a choice. I can either escort you to the constable or you can return to my home and work as my model. You won't be paid but be provided with food and shelter." He told her and stepped back. "My sisters need a maid."

Sapphire didn't trust him for a minute but she wasn't given much choice in the matter. She knew the consequences of robbing from a titled man. And the man said that he had sisters and they might take pity on her. Sapphire sighed and found herself nodding but glaring up at him. "I accept."

"Ruby!" Blue, his eldest sister ran forward when he walked into the old country home and hugged him. "You're home! Platina told us that it was so but you've been gone so long without letters that we thought something might've happened to you but I knew that you were strong!"

His other sisters: Yellow, Crystal and Lyra came around him as well, all obviously happy that he was home. He noticed that Platina stayed back as she usually would but knew that she wasn't as with them as his other sisters because she was the only one to be sent away from school.

That was due to the fact that she was the only one naturally born from their parents and was favoured, therefore given an education. The others were saved from the streets from the good lady Berlitz. Ruby was raised to take the title of Viscount, a title he didn't want. Nevertheless, he was taught and had taught his sisters to write and read as well for the day he would leave.

"We must speak in private," He said suddenly, stepping aside to reveal Sapphire and instructed her to the kitchen where she could eat. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Blue giddy with excitement.

"Yes, you must tell us about your travels," Blue took Ruby's arm and led him to the drawing room. She set him on the couch and excitedly took a seat across from him, allowing her other sister to sit next to him. Ruby saw that they were all so happy and he felt guilty for having to tell them such bad news.

"I'm getting married," He announced.

"Congratulations!" Blue hugged her brother, "I can't wait to meet her. She must be that girl you brought home. You must tell me where you met her and how you fell in love."

"I'm not marrying Sapphire," He corrected her. "I don't want to worry you but after father died, he left a lot of debt. After mom died, he did a lot of gambling. Since I'm the heir, I've inherited that debt and need to pay them or else go to debtor prison. Marrying an heiress will help me pay off that debt so we're going to participate in a season."

"No!" Blue said sharply. "You should be marrying for love, not money like what mother and father did. I forbid you to do so."

"I am a grown man and this is my decision. I won't let my family be run out of their own home while I can help. I will marry within the season and nothing you say will change my mind unless you've come up with a thousand pounds. How can you raise that much money?"

The room was quiet but the sisters in the room had a collective thought, I'll be the one to save this family. I'll use my talent to raise the money.

The family sat around the dining room in an odd silence later that night. Blue sat beside her sister Yellow smiling widely even as she fussed over Yellow. It was a common occurrence since Yellow had been plagued with a heart disease that didn't allow her extensive movement. Her family seem to take it to extremes, treating like a china doll.

"We're going to have a coming out ball for Platina tomorrow," Blue said to break the silence. "I already sent out the invitations and don't worry about the expenses. I called in favours from friends so it wouldn't cost us much. Yellow, you can dance just make sure to stay close to us. Just to be safe."

Yellow's fist tightened on her fork when Blue reached over and began cutting her steak for her. She could be angry with her sister since she knew that it was out of love but couldn't help but feel a slight resentment against her.

She was closest to Blue in age but was treated as a child. But she wasn't a child! And she thought that Blue wouldn't smother her which made it feel more like a betrayal. She had been enduring their love for so long, this seemed to be the thing that broke her.

"Eat Yellow," Blue coaxed, "you need your strength."

Yellow uncharacteristically slammed her hands down on the table. She saw the shocked look of her sister as she stood as well, "Are you okay Yellow? Is it your heart? If you feel pain, you know you need to tell me so we can give you your mendicant."

"I'm sorry," She said softly to her sister and turned away, her appetite lost. "I shall rest in my room."

"I'll walk you," Lyra offered but Yellow shook her head. She loved her sister but at this point she knew she would most likely say something she would regret. So she layered the resent under cold fire and stepped back from the table, whispering that she loved them.

She had thought to announce her plan to the family that night but it was obvious that they would try to talk her out of it. She had wanted to go into London to sell her paintings but knew they would think that the trip would be too much for her. It would not the first time.

She climbed up the stairs, going past her room and into the attic that she had turned into her own art studio. The room was crowded by canvases and she was careful not to knock anything over as she moved to the open window where she painted. She lit a lantern and sat at her latest work. It was of the open country and leaned down to sign the corner.

One of the canvases dropped, causing a breeze that blew out her candle. She breathed in sharply and placed a hand on her heart, feeling her lungs close for a short moment. She forced herself to relax and after a moment was able breathe again. She quickly ran to relight the lantern, wondering how the canvas had dropped and hoping that it was blank.

"Damn," she looked up sharply at the male voice to see that there was a man in the room, wearing a mask and holding one of her paintings under his arm.

"No!" She needed that to help Ruby and raced forward to take it back from him. She could read his eyes very clearly since he wore a mask and hide in the shadows. "Why have you come here sir?"

Red looked worriedly at the woman staring at him with wide amber eyes. The candle made her look like an angel, an angel that would damn him for stealing what was clearly his. She was small and he could easily over power her but didn't want to hurt her. He just needed to get to the window to escape.

"I'm here to steal a kiss," He moved so fast and in her shock, she didn't realize he was in front of her until he cupped her face an brought his lips down on hers. He moved her closer to his body so that her feet barely touched the ground and turned her in a circle. She relaxed beneath his lips and moved against him, raising her hands to his face.

He pulled back, feeling something move in his heart. Her eyes were glazed over and she seemed to be in a daze. He took advantage of her state and stepped back out to the window and left into the night. He stopped at the edge of the forest, and looked back, wondering if she would scream for her brother.

Yellow stood there long after she had seen him run into the forest. She looked down at the mask she held in her hands. He had red eyes… he also had her paintings.

That's the first chapter. Some things you might be confused about is that a season is a time frame where families would travel to London (staying in a town home since most lived in country side estate except for some elites who had larger homes in London) and go to meet people for marriage. When a person has too much debt that they can't pay back, they're sent to debtor prison.

Review if you liked.