Trying my hardest on this chapter. Been working a lot lately, so don't be too disappointed. Because now, someone's parenting and sanity is put to the test.

Chapter 4: The Ransom/Drastic Measures

"I hereby declare full custody to the father. Case dismissed!" At the pounding of the gavel, Norman began to do backflips in his head.

A firm, larger hand was placed on his shoulder, massaging it soothingly. "I'm sure he has faced rather worse things in the real world, love." Drayden reassured him. "Granted, what went on was still gruesome. But the worst of it's over."

Norman gazed into those loving, hazel eyes, leaning into the embrace. The worst of it all had finally been put behind them. The divorce was actually pretty simple….or at least it would've been. It was one thing when Norman honestly admitted to sleeping with Drayden, as that was still nothing compared to Caroline cheating on him long before (he never did get a name, but always figured it was what it was when she came home with evidence on her neck). Custody over Brendan, however, became the major key point in all of this. Though he was more or less of age, she wouldn't give up without a fight, that much had been proven over the years. And yet she still tried to deny her actions, or at least Norman look like the bad guy. Granted, there had even been moments people really didn't believe much of the stories being told of the abuse, unaware of Caroline's true strength. But honesty (and pictures from a PokeNav from the 15-year-old son), was enough proof. The father had been rather thankful of the evidence, but again, was a bit heartbroken that Brendan still had to witness those acts.

As Brendan began to embrace the two men, Norman couldn't help but finally feel that this was happiness. This was his life.

But that began to dwindle a bit as Caroline passed by them, with an infinite amount of hate in her eyes. She glared at Drayden first, who was still unphased by her appearance. Then she glanced at her son. "Don't worry sweetheart, you'll be safe with me again soon," she said in a too-kind tone.

Immediately, the Normal-type leader placed an arm between them, giving her a demeaning glare for once. "Do NOT give me a reason to separate you from our own son….completely…" he almost growled. He made sure she would still have her rights for now. After all, Brendan would still be travelling.

She could only sneer in response. "You may have won the battle, Norman, but not the war." She replied coldly. "You're all talk, but still not enough action."

Drayden chose to intervene. "That's because he bears more pride and confidence now. The only thing I can possibly thank you for is for making him a better man and parent than YOU will ever be!"

She chose to end it with a final huff and walked off before making herself look worse. With that, the mayor sighed as he wrapped an arm around Norman. He then turned to Brendan with a faint smirk. "We still wish you didn't have to become involved in this whatsoever." He replied. "Are you sure you're going to be okay with this….arrangement?"

The teen chose to smile slightly. "Yeah, I'm fine with it…" but as he chose to turn towards where his mother left, he couldn't help but wonder. "But should I still be concerned about Mom? What if she tries to go after you….through me? There was something….off about her today."

Norman had to agree with his son. In fact, since this had been brought to court in general, it was as if the thought of her life falling apart (or at least her son leaving her grasp) was breaking her sanity as well when it became more in the father's favor.

For now, though, he chose to dismiss some of the idea. "I'm sure it's nothing drastic." He answered smoothly, bringing Brendan into a hug. "But even with that out of the way, we'd still like it if you chose to rest for a day or two before continuing your journey, this case probably has you tired." With a silent nod from the son, the men grinned as they embraced into one.

Looking into his past, Drayden didn't, or at least never had the time to, picture himself with a family. Like his former student-turned-lover, he harbored a love that was believed impossible. But standing here now as he leaned into a kiss with Norman, all those fantasies were blown away as they were now his reality.

Brendan found himself venturing Pinwheel Forest of the Unova region. It had been great to venture this region thus far. And since him and Norman had chosen to move in with Drayden by the mayor's request, it had given him more sites and opportunities. Granted, Norman would have to compromise as far as maintaining his own gym, but that's what Fly and Teleport were for after all.

Brendan had actually adored this past three days he chose to stay home with them. It had given him time to become familiar with Drayden. He had even grown to like him as another father figure rather quickly. Drayden had just as much in common with him, whether it was the love for Pokémon, a fascination for the legends, and a rather good knack for contests (the mayor was well endowed into tough contests with Druddigon, or smart contests with Haxorus).

Currently, he was searching for a Venipede, yet another Bug Pokémon to add to his collection in general. Thinking of it, he considered if he would need any more Antidotes for that matter.

With the idea of antidotes, Brendan really started to question his mother's actions as he rummaged through his sack. The idea of the Poison element was almost like his mother, so to speak. Hurt to touch, somewhat noticeable to the keen eye, and if made contact, the results would be deadly. He never wanted to think of his own mother in that way, but in the end, she caused all of this. His dad still showed at least some dedication to the marriage, and at least had the decency to cease the flow of it before it got out of hand.

All thoughts ceased as he spotted a Venipede two feet north of him. Almost immediately, he reached for his Poke Ball containing his Manectric. But before he could make a move, it scurried off in a huff.

"Damn…" he grumbled, slightly peeved. And yet he was confused. He hadn't seen anyone else within the past two hours since he arrived. Hearing a slight rustle to his right, he turned almost sharply.

Brendan didn't have the time to react further as his world went black.

Drayden always knew Pokémon were quite intelligent, but when Haxorus and Norman's Vigroth had been more than willing to help with dinner, he found his breath taken away mentally, as they never ceased to amaze him. The Dragon-type set about setting the table, while the hyperactive sloth poured drinks….rather messily.

Norman appeared through the door a moment later, nearly avoiding a spill. "..bad timing?" he quirked in amusement.

The mayor chuckled. "Not too much." He smiled as he leaned in for a kiss. After a few seconds, the pair broke apart enough to where Drayden could reach for the paper towels as to clean up the mess.

Norman gestured to Haxorus of taking over the dinner duties. "Has Brendan shown up yet? I wanted to inform him the weather might make it less likely to encounter the Pokémon he's been after."

"I believe that's why he went to Pinwheel Forest." Drayden answered, coming from behind to place a kiss on his neck. "As you said, they have been rather rare lately, as are most bug Pokémon in snowy weather."

With that answer, Norman turned, with worry in his eyes, it seemed. "But….but I searched there right before I came home…" he bit his lip softly, attempting to recall. "He didn't come home then….?"

Already seeing the panic, Drayden pulled him into a hug. "No worries love. A simple call will give us all the information we'll need." And with that, he pulled out his Pokenav, going to his contacts as he sought out Brendan's. At the push, however, it immediately went to a message tone.

Now this seemed to strike a chord within the mayor. He didn't want to cause panic, but this wasn't going to make it better, especially after a second look through. He took a breath for a moment before facing his lover again, who was now pulling at his hair. "We must not waste time," he replied. "He's lost at most, perhaps out of signal range. He still has yet to learn of the Unova region." It seemed to soothe Norman for a moment to regain composure.

"Okay….let's go find him…" Norman replied, still with a slight stutter. After grabbing their bags and Poke balls, they sought out to the front door. But as the Normal gym leader sought out his PokeNav, Drayden snatched it gently. "Love, let me take over. I'm a bit more familiar with the region, no offense. I'll need you to guide my Pokémon and I'll look over for signal." Norman understood, handing it over after a hug.

As Drayden gave Norman his Dragonite to call out, the mayor looked over the message on the father's navigator once more, more importantly the reason he didn't want Norman to hold it.

FWD (Caroline): I warned you I wasn't going down so easily. You know I don't want to hurt Brendan, but your accusations made me a bad mother in their eyes. So if you don't come, you've only got yourself to blame. I'll make YOU the horrible parent.

To be continued….

So this chapter may have not been good, and again, I apologize for as well as not posting this chapter sooner. Nonetheless, this pairing IS STILL ALIVE! And remember, feedback helps.