Triangle – Reshiram, A Maiden And Lugia

Chapter Eight

What I Believe

Yawning, he rubbed his eyes with his right forefinger and thumb.

The dragon in disguise hadn't planned to spend his breakfast semi-somnolent, but well...

Sleep-deprivation was always bad for him – especially today, as lots of work awaited him.

Secenos wouldn't mind to take again a duvet day, yet he had promised his protégé to be reliable – yesterday already for the second time, so that he couldn't allow himself to break his word twice. After all, it was unimaginable, how she would react, if he should conduct the opposite once more... Probably Melody wouldn't forgive him again – at all events, he couldn't think of something else. Even she was not the never-ending patience in person, which was why he had to brace himself.

Snorting, he took a huge bite of his second sandwich.

It happened just in this moment, that his protégé entered the kitchen.

When she began to speak, he coughed with shock, as he hadn't expected her: "Oh? You're alone? Where are Jyarohda and the others? I thought, they would eat breakfast with you today – and here. Did they change their minds and stay now instead of that without you in the canteen?" After he had regained his self-control, he responded: "Actually, I told them to eat there, yes. I would only ruin their good mood otherwise... I'm currently not very useful when it comes to talking, you know..." "That's funny, because in fact you DO talk a lot with me in this instant. You speak even willingly, wherefore you don't seem to have any trouble with that." she joked smiling. With a slight grin on his lips, Secenos answered: "Only, because you're different. It's easier for me to say something, while you are in my direct near. Especially, when I talk to you." "Thanks for the compliment." ,Melody stated with a bright facial expression, "Would you mind then, if I join your breakfast? After all, obviously I don't disturb your calmness. And since you have lots of single-work today, we'll see each other not until evening." Sighing because of that reminder, the dragon in disguise answered down-to-earth: "Don't mention that icky fact... I'm still trying to push this memory aside. So, you definitely ruin your chance with me, should you refer again to the rest of the day." "Alright, then I simply perceive your words as a grumpy 'Yes.' and ignore the rest of your remark. In the end, I want to have a nice time with you – and not a new argument."

Following, she made without further ado her meal and sat down next to him.

After they had eaten a few bites without another exchange of words, suddenly Melody resumed their conversation: "I'm just wondering, how I have to interpret your 'the rest of the day'. You want, that we don't talk about the whole day? Or do you have just trouble with that specific time today...?" He gave her a frustrated look, before he replied: "It's the second fact. … But you know that already. So, why do you force me to say it...?" The young woman shrugged innocent with closed eyes and took after that a sip of her fruit-juice. Secenos growled muted – warning her, that she should better not toy around with his patience. His protégé registered his admonition, but she wasn't intimidated by his doing, since she grinned with a shifty expression at him.

He narrowed his eyes in a twitchy motion, as it displeased his ego to be fooled like that.

But his frustration couldn't become real anger, because she hindered him just in time: "Calm down. I didn't want to tantalize you. Perhaps I wanted to keep you in suspense, but I had no evil intent while asking these questions and reacting cheeky to your statement – honestly. Don't get angry now because of such a bagatelle. Please, Ses...?" Unable to refuse her request, he gave reluctant in: "Fine... In fact, I should be mad at you, but if you're truly serious..." "Of course I am. We're friends, after all. And that's also the reason, why I wanted to know your opinion."

Confused, he eyeballed her: "Opinion...? You mean whether I want to talk about today...?" "Aye, sir. That's exactly what I want to insinuate. … Because I want to ask you something about your leisure. Which I can't, if you forbid me to mention the whole day." she explained earnestly. "Oh... I get it... Well, you can ask me, whatever you want..." he said meekly while he looked down at the table. Melody smiled and stated: "Promise me at first to give my offer a chance. Even, if you don't like it." He sighed, before he gazed again at her. "Yes, I promise. Now tell me, what you want."

Somehow, he felt helpless, since he already expected to upset her with his answer. And eventual, Secenos recognized above all the uncertainty in her behavior, which was why he became – considering her possible request – additional nervous. Whenever she hesitated to beg for something, then aforesaid thing had to be a big deal... Especially in his case.

The dragon in disguise knitted his brows, when she used a casual pitch in the voice: "You know... Later – in the evening... When you have already leisure... and when it's almost time for our supper... Well, it would be really nice, if you could retard them. In exchange for accompanying me, instead. It would please me a lot, if you could do me that small favor."

Tss, that was all...? She had alarmed him for nothing...?!

Unperturbed, the embodiment of truth took a tiny bite and snorted. "You create such an 'insurgence' for just begging me to join one of your missions...?" he asked barely interested, while he repressed in truth the wish to rebuke her. "No, that's not correct. I'm sorry." she negated with a bold grin. Confused – and meanwhile curious, too – he wondered: "Then, what do you truly want from me...? And where do you want to go, if your destination isn't another job...?"

She smiled gentle and patted his shoulder: "Yesterday, I got from a grateful employer an invitation for a little dance-event. For me and one dancing-partner. There will be different styles and music plus a large buffet of several cultures, so that I definitely have to share this occasion with someone. But Natit has neither the time for accompanying me thanks to several jobs – nor the self-confidence for such an official celebration which attracts many strangers. As you know, he's very shy adverse foreign persons, so that he wouldn't enjoy it to visit an event that forces him to be in the spotlight. Especially, when they can tell because of me, what he is. That's why I would like to spend the event with you by my side, since you don't care for the opinion of others. If haters should realize, that you aren't a human but a Guardian who accompanies me, you will nevertheless not feel concerned."

Secenos narrowed his eyelids. It was true... Natit became easily afraid, when strangers recognized his origin as a Pokémon and started to question his good intents. There existed as many strict haters, as there were open-hearted supporters, so that the extreme polite Lugia had great trouble to endure these exemplars who refused him vehement. In fact, he could do nothing else but enduring them, because he was too naive and kind in order to dare to 'hurt their feelings'.

Pfft, he was indeed Secenos' ideal opposite...

Closing his eyes, the embodiment of truth murmured: "I don't mind to join you. As such things really don't bother me. But... I'm not convinced, that I would be the right choice..." His ears noticed a gentle laughter before she answered: "You are the BEST choice. After Natit, you – as a 'human' – are the one who comes first, since you love music as much as me and have a sixth sense for it. Surely, I know many humans who could accompany me... For example, Key is also a good dancer, but he has usually not much motivation for shaking a leg. Natalis loves music, but he's too young for being an honest dancing-partner for me. While N is similar shy as Natit, Seonar wouldn't visit such an event without him. And Colress would not pay the majority of his attention to the dancing, as he would study his environment instead. Do I have to specify more examples...?"

No, she didn't have to. Keys mention was more than enough to displease him. The bare imagination, that the control-freak could be the one who accompanied her, gave Secenos stomach-ache, wherefore he wrinkled his nose in disgust. As if he could ever allow this apocalypse...

He gazed at her, when he nodded determined: "Okay, I agree. I will join your little activity. But: Don't expect from me to wear something fashionable. My garderobe is very limited – and I'm not changing this just because of a tiny dance. Is that clear?" (She smiled endearing, while she listened to his words. He could even watch tiny sparkles in her eyes, when he was finished.) "Yes, it is. Thank you!" ,the young woman began, "And don't worry about the clothing-part. You own already a perfect outfit for this occasion, so there's really no need to get a new one. The sleeveless vest in white color and with silver buttons in combination with a black shirt; as well as your beige trousers plus the white shoes are the best choice for this dance-event. You will look amazing with them."

Secenos rolled his eyes and focused again on the table. As if he would care for his appearance... Being snobbish resided on his personal to-do-list in the unwritten area – especially, because Melody couldn't be impressed by ordinary things like a nice outfit. If it would help him to persuade her, maybe then he would show some interest into such dull superficialities. But in the current way, nothing could provoke him to care honestly for his look alias for such a waste of time...

"What...? Don't you like my suggestion?" she asked him curious. He eyeballed her for a moment, before he replied: "It's okay. I just don't understand, why you want me to wear these clothes." "Because they suit you very well." ,she giggled relieved, "They emphasize this aristocratic presence amongst your humane body, as they highlight the dragon inside of you. Your hair and your eyes become a lot prettier when you don't look like a rebel, freak or goth, because you resemble then your true self much more than normally. Which doesn't mean, that I wouldn't like your style... Additional, it's nice to see now and then your bare arms. Since the sleeves of your black jacket mostly don't allow me to watch commonly these discreet-muscular, very handsome exemplars."

He gulped muted. The compliment should please him, but instead it made him nervous...

After all, he didn't want to mime a model for her, while she was just like this...

While she was just completely inapprehensible for his grasp...

How... did she think about him...? Truly...?

~ C ~

A frustrated sigh escaped his mouth, when earnest eyes checked his clothing.

"Now, what...? You suggested this here, so... Aren't you happy about the result...?"

Usually, he cared not for the opinion of others. And his protégé was actually no exception. But... Currently, he couldn't deny, that he became nervous while he didn't know, how she thought about his appearance. He didn't want to accompany her, when she wasn't satisfied with her partner-choice. Therefore, he had to hear her opinion. No matter, that he hated it immense to stand in the corridor and to endure the silence for hearing her final decision.

She grinned at him: "Wow, aren't we talkative now. Are you so afraid to look awful tonight? Hehe, suddenly we're a little bit pavonine, hm?" Then, she turned abruptly around and went to her room. "Hey, wait...!" he called hasty before she could vanish behind her door. She studied him easygoing over her right shoulder with gentle eyes and wrinkled brows: "Yes? Is there something important, which can't wait until I wear my outfit for this evening, too? And don't tell me, that you want to be present at my room while I change my clothes. That's no option, you know, partner."

Short-taken, Secenos stared at Melody. "You mean...?" "Well, I take you with me, if you're asking about my plans for hereafter. … You understand me right – I still want you to be my dance-partner. After all, you look marvelous in these clothes – I just have to take you beauty out for the event. Yet, that's of course no permission for you to play a Peeping Tom." she stated and closed her door.

Overwhelmed, Reshiram gazed motionless at the woodwork.

He had no idea, how to handle her direct compliment about his appearance...

It was after all not even sure, if she had been earnest while saying this strange stuff...

As he was entirely petrified thanks to his confusion, he stayed like that until she left her room again. And his condition didn't changed, when his eyes could finally focus on her whole new look. Gulping, his gazes wandered up and down her tempting body, which was covered with only a short, beautiful dress in purple color, black high-heels and her open strands of hair alias sky-blue waves. Nothing could appeal more to him – in consideration of clothes – than seeing Melody like that: Dressed like a tastefully lady with her most natural hair-style. A siren without unnecessary objects. An angel of the dance-floor. This was in fact his reward for the annoying workday.

"Don't tell me, that you're disappointed because of my look." she joked grinning with arms akimbo. Shaking his head, Secenos answered: "It's... not like that..." "Then, why else do you stare at me? Because of the nice clothing? Honestly, I want to know the reason." the girl bothered him willingly. "Tss, as if you can't tell already..." his respond rolled like a growl in his throat. Melody laughed with a keen expression about his silent threat, before she passed him slowly. "Let's go, Ses. Otherwise, we'll be just too late for the opening. And I don't think, that it's worth to be tardy amongst such an enjoyable activity. We could miss something entertaining."

Snorting, he followed her, although he would like to hear how she thought about his opinion. Obviously she knew, why he had stared at her with widened eyes, so it would be interesting to see some kind of emotion within her behavior in answer to his fascination – and to be not ignored like an unknowing child which was yet too young for realizing its cravings. He was frustrated thanks to her clear decision to conceal her reaction from him, since he couldn't grasp because of her doing, how she felt now with him as her dance-partner. Was she in truth unsettled, that he hungered for her even when they wanted to spend some quality-time as friends? Did she feel very uncomfortable, when his eyes must tell her apparently, how much he wanted her? Could she even enjoy the evening as such a problem lurked explicit for another time between them...?

With all these questions in his head, he remained silent, while they traveled through the dimensions in order to reach their destination. He cared not much for that world – the general atmosphere there was too snobbish after his fancy – wherefore he wasn't excited like Melody when they arrived it after five minutes. He could hardly believe, that the dance-event shouldn't be centered around waltz and other formal alias stiff styles, which was why he questioned again her partner-choice. Elegant, strictly speaking aristocratic things were indeed Natits strength – he matched those events perfectly, so that nobody else could suit Melody more or better than him. Especially, when the human Lugia wore his swallow-tailed coat in white color, he fitted in the atmosphere of bright, noble activities.(Unbelievable, that Natit was the one who felt not well to wear human clothing...) Unlike Secenos, the young man was despite his shyness a formidable gentleman, who emphasized everything good and remarkable about Melody, so that he should be here now...

Reshiram considered to ask his protégé, if she wouldn't prefer her lover by her side, when they went to the huge building where the dance should occur. The edifice was similar to a Greek palace and attracted thanks to its pretty design unwillingly his attention, so that he forgot to utter his question, before they arrived the reception outside of the property. He ground his fangs vociferous in anger, when she registered herself and him as her dance-partner, because now it was too late to suggest, that there was still a chance for persuading Natit to ignore his mission in exchange for this evening. Other visitors, who just passed him in this moment, looked at him with obvious irritation and wrinkled their noses because of his noise, but Secenos ignored that as he didn't care about strangers. After all, they could get lost, if it would be his decision...

His frustration became interrupted, when Melody took suddenly his hand – pulling him forward. She gave him a gentle smile over her shoulder, so that he calmed down and narrowed his eyelids in the delight to be her companion for this evening. Squeezing her fingers tenderly, he let her lead him through the crowd until they arrived a large, impressive hall. Reshiram recognized only marginal, that the majority of guests gathered here already in order to not miss the opening, because Melody distracted him with the way how she brought him unperturbed to the room's center. Holding now both of his hands, she smiled fondly at him with sparkling eyes as she walked backwards in order to look at him. Though Secenos was an incontestable sourpuss, he couldn't bear down a brief, tiny grin under her sweet gesture and her soft irises of sky-blue color.

Answering her gentle grip, he stopped with her in the middle of the crowd.

There lay no smile in his neutral facial expression, but he knew, that she could feel his gratification. Probably, Melody was aware of the rest of his emotional world, too, since he recognized it clearly... Somehow, the young woman claimed – no, consumed his mind now entirely... He couldn't focus on anything else in this hall but her. In fact, he also didn't want to think about something else here, because nothing fascinated him as much as the girl in front of him. Not even his ears registered another stimulus than her breathing as well as heartbeat while she watched him smiling. His protégé meant in this moment the whole world to him – he would never notice the destruction of this place, as long as she would just hold his hands.

After a few seconds, the dragon in disguise let his attention only begrudgingly drift away from her, because suddenly the speech of their host began. This man used many formal, very boring words, wherefore Secenos was close to regret his acceptance of Melodys request. He was no gentleman, which was why he couldn't deal with stiff personalities like the guy with a microphone in his hand. If that person in a tuxedo wouldn't introduce now a band that really seemed to be multifunctional, then he wouldn't mind to abscond faster than a flash, because the atmosphere here pissed him off. He might be an age-old dragon, but since he came from a time where politeness wasn't merged with exaggerated manners, Reshiram was tired of the useless formalities nowadays – as well as the way, how 'better' humans from so-called 'good families' behaved. He hated snobs and noblemen deeply, since they had neither the grace nor the dignity of the humane rulers and leaders from his own time, so that everything annoyed him which had rudimental to do with these idiots. Even music like waltz counted to this accumulation while it was played in their near, although Secenos wasn't an opposer of classical symphonies per se.

Impatient, he endured soundless the endless cascade of words.

When the speech was after one quarter of an hour finally over, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Melody gave him subsequent a sad smile, which irritated him, wherefore he furrowed his brow and gazed at her with a confused expression. After all, he did not know, that she would hate orations... "Uhm, I'm sorry... You had to tolerate such a giant monologue, only because I wanted to be on time. If I had foreseen, that he would speak so long-winded, I wouldn't have rushed you." she apologized. Secenos rolled his eyes and reached out for her hands, as they hadn't hold each other since the start of the frustrating peroration. When he touched her fingers, he realized too late, that he acted not like a benefactor but a boyfriend with grabbing her hands through his own impulse... Yet, he didn't feel like correcting his mistake. Just the simple touch was more than enough to succumb the attraction, which his protégé had on him. She exerted a pull that he couldn't ignore any longer. He had to talk. "You wanted me to be here... And I'm glad that I joined you..." ,he murmured quietly and squeezed her hands with a gentle grip, "I would regret it, if I had refused your request... Honestly..."

He made himself vulnerable with these words.

But he knew, that she wouldn't use them against him.

A large smile spread over her face, before she answered his grip. Her expression was endearing, when she stated: "Then, you will really not mind it to dance with me, don't you? After all, the band seems to get ready now. And I would definitely like to show my pretty dance-partner a little bit off." He chuckled partly nervous, partly helpless because of her compliment, though the grin on his lips vanished slowly while he replied: "Listen... You don't need to praise me. I don't care, how I look or how good alias bad my so-called dancing-skills are. I just want to be here with you. That's all." Giggling, she patted his head with her right hand: "Well, I'm at any rate glad for this. Thank you. Probably you have no idea, how much enjoyment your decision means to me."

A tiny smile flitted over his mien. 'Likewise.' he thought contentedly.

~ C ~

Fortunately, she had been right: The band played indeed different music.

And beyond that, there was also nobody who forced a specific dancing-style upon the guests.

These facts lightened his mood when he satisfied unhasty the wish of his protégé. Joining her doing, the dragon in disguise relished it to move freely, as no rule forced the 'right moments' on him when he 'had' to touch his dancing-partner or when he 'had' to retire from her. He just stirred as his senses told him to and let the music decide how the pace of his movement should be. There was no need to reflect on his actions, because his body was in line with his whole environment – the sound and Melody especially, so that he could operate on instinct.

It was the same with her. His protégé was consistent with the music – she matched her name, truly. The way how she moved enchanted him and made it hard for him to look at anything else but her. He didn't smile while he watched her, but that was only because of the deep fascination adverse her. And whenever they touched each other – back to back; palm to palm; forehead to forehead – Secenos could feel strongly, that she had the power to cause his black heart to gleam with joy.

While they danced to the third song, Secenos began to cogitate about something...

He wondered silently, why the needless-soft Natit had stage-fright when it came to official events. And how it could be possible, that he was still deeply afraid to reveal his true existence as a beast; his nature as a Lugia to strangers who didn't know about his animalistic origin. It was a shame... Being the Guardian of the Sea should make Natit proud. Especially, when someone like Melody felt pure love for him. (The embodiment of truth might have generally no liking for all kinds of titles, but at the latest when a being earned his regard through its actions, he acknowledged such things.) After all, someone as strong and smart as her didn't decide per accident for a cohabitee, so that Natit should be filled with self-confidence in her near.

At least, in Secenos' opinion it was very easy to ignore the pestering crowd, while she was around. He didn't even need to talk with her – only her mere presence, skillful movements and bold smile were enough in order to delight him deeply. In Melodys near, broadly, the dragon in disguise felt clearly lighter and was mentally satisfied. Not even Key perturbed him as much as he usually did, while the young Adept was by his side. So, he enjoyed her presence with every single cell and wondered amongst that doing, if Natit might feel despite awkward situations the same sentiments, since Secenos had never merged the two of them to Silvang in a similar troublesome moment.

The minutes just flashed by.

After the fifths or sixth song, sometimes his protégé talked a little bit with him.

Secenos was not directly in the mood for speaking, yet he liked it to listen to her beautiful voice, wherefore he braced himself and responded to her words in order to prevent her from being silent. Above all, she wasn't a pure thinker like him, but someone who needed occasional a dialogue. Someone, who was visible social and truthfully interested into other persons, so that he was willing to make sure that she as his protégé would feel comfortable by his side.

When they got somehow the topic 'technology', suddenly he became of his own accord more active, because he remembered something which he had never asked before. "I wonder..." ,he began casual, "...why you don't spend now and then as much time with computers plus machines, as Key does. Since you seem to be also a genius with them, I mean. You can hack programs and identify chinks almost as good as him; already better than Natalis. It's odd, that you make no real use of this talent." Her back touched his own, when he heard her slight laughter. When they turned around and contacted each other again through their hands, she replied smiling: "I may like it indeed to work with different kinds of software and other technical stuff, but... That's a small, unimportant hobby. It's no passion, like it is for Key as well as Natalis. Key loves programs more than anything else – and Natalis feels the greatest imaginable joy to tinker machines. They are indeed our geniuses and capable of everything you can think of, while I'm just a musician with a tiny tech-tendency."

"A tendency like... genetical predispositions?" he uttered his idea hesitant. "Yes. It's really the same as my inborn talents as an Adept. As you know, my direct ancestors – like my great-grandfathers – originate from the future Weyard, where technology is an important part of the whole world. Probably it's even too important, because the majority of people can't live without it anymore. Adepts of that age swear by supporting gadgets and ignore the nature more and more, which is why Sol as the fifth elemental star doesn't consider to choose a bearer for himself of this specific period. I'm lucky to be different, because otherwise I wouldn't be a Sol-Adept, although I profit by the fact, that my direct ancestors plus their generation possessed several elements. I would be in any case some kind of master of the four elements – and still I would be able to use technology, of course. But it wouldn't be the person who you know nowadays. I would come from the future Weyard and – probably – I wouldn't try to guard all worlds and dimensions from those, who are greedy of power as well as control, so that they are even willing to destroy others. I would be more... selfish. Uppish. And ignorant. Furthermore, I would be guaranteed no fancier of music. Because this kind of skill, which the use of complicated machines means, can ruin every benign Adept. It's poison."

He watched her confused, whereupon Melody giggled.

She patted his head grinning, before she added: "Hence, I prefer nevertheless natural things – including all living beings. I prefer them more than ice-cold machines without a heart." Snorting, Secenos shook his head in disgust: "No... You could never be like that... Even, if you would have more interest for all kinds of machines. You would be still the one, who you are now. Even without this existence who you consider as the spirit of a childish-looking angel. You would be yourself. Still care for music – and for every living thing around you." After he had pronounced his opinion, Secenos grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close to himself, so that their foreheads leaned against each other. In this moment, they stopped every single movement apart from breathing, because their gazes locked irrepealable, so that dancing was no longer on their minds.

He sank into her wonderful irises of sky-blue, as if they were the deepest part of the greatest ocean. Still holding Melodys shoulders, her skin under his palms was as soft as silk – and seduced him successful to wish for more contact than just this as well as the touch of their foreheads. Her scent, continuative, made his craving only worse. The dragon in disguise felt clearly the strong allurement which his protégé meant to him, so that he couldn't make sure to regard his ego. It made him weak, but nevertheless he enunciated whispery his admiration: "You are the most beautiful being I know... Especially because of your personality... Don't doubt yourself... If you wouldn't be a humane angel, then I would definitely not fancy you... So believe me... You will always be a benign person."

She widened her eyes, while she listened to him.

It took a few seconds, but then Melody reacted to his statement: "Ses... Since when... do you admit, that you think very positive about me? Since when do you guess, that it's indeed alright to show me per will this hidden, soft side underneath your ego?" Thoughtful, he studied her expression before he finally answered: "I don't know. Really not. I realized that change abruptly – and only because of the foreign sentiment which you mentioned just right now. To be honest: In the last time, I don't feel like myself when it comes to you. But I can't remember when exactly this weakness started."

"That's... interesting." she stated slowly.

He knitted his brows and gazed confused at her: "What do you mean?"

"Unimportant. But what really counts: Don't think, you would be weak because of that. Being soft has nothing to do with weakness – especially not, when you are fond of other beings. Maybe you're convinced of the opposite, but believe me, that it's good when you feel so much within your heart. Perhaps it even helps you to realize, what you truthfully want and need from me."

Secenos was close to protesting since he was sure, that he just wanted an unique moment with her. But before he could say anything, again this odd silence caught him. In fact, he wasn't really sure – he just wanted to believe that, because the two strange situations before had taught him how mazy his head currently was. So, he wanted to have some kind of self-confidence for controlling himself – no matter, that is was in the strict sense just an adulteration.

Before he could decide how to react preferably to her weird words, she took suddenly his hands and moved them in the rhythm of the music. "Let's dance again." ,she suggested riant, "We're not here because you become suddenly a little bit more talkative. We are here to have some fun, Ses."

For a short moment, she over-strained him with that topic-change, but not for a long time.

"Your wish is my command." he mumbled grinning – glad, that she helped him out.

Together, they continued their leisure-activity.

~ C ~

"Come along." "W-What...?"

She giggled, before she responded: "Just come with me."

It must be annoying for her, that he was rooted to the spot plus stared irritated at her, because after several seconds she shook her head smiling and grabbed his hands in order to pull him with her. Secenos followed Melody quasi of necessity, but while his feet moved, his brain was turned off thanks to his confusion. Why wanted his protégé, that he came into her room...? This illogical fact paralyzed him, since there was no reason for that action. After all, they had spent an aureate instant around the dance-evening, so that she had to be in fact tired of him. At least, that would be normal, when he considered the current time of day...

"Why do you pull a long face?" ,she asked him when she let go of his hands, "I thought, it would be a good thing to spend a little bit more quality-time with you. But if you don't like it, you can still go and recline in your bed. Because I don't want to steal your precious dormancy, after all." Surprised, how she assessed his facial expression, Secenos shook his head vehement – stating: "You're wrong. That's not the point." "So, you are interested into staying a little longer with me?" she asked nosy. "Of course..." he replied helpless, as he had no clue what she had in mind.

As if she would have read his thoughts (and he hoped, that she hadn't), Melody suggested smiling: "Then, would you be so nice to comb my hair properly? It's a little tousled after the dancing, so that the strands start to tear at my skin. And since you are really fond of it, you're the perfect candidate for this job, because you will be for sure very careful and gentle with my hair."

Perplexed, the dragon in disguise stared at her, since she truly didn't need any help with her strands. Via her mental powers, Melody could tame her hair as easy as a snap of the fingers, which was why her question didn't make any sense. The only reason, why she wanted him to do this, was therefore an explicit wish for his support – but the trigger for it was unknown to Reshiram.

His gaze wandered aimless over the floor, while he chewed his answer over. In fact, he was not- "Will you do that for me?" his protégé wanted to know with an innocent pitch in the voice, which finally brought him to look at her pretty face. When he saw her hopeful smile, he couldn't refuse, like he had originally planned to. "Sure, why not..." he said inwardly and nodded diffident – unsure, if he wouldn't regret this favor. Thereupon, his protégé smiled even brighter and grabbed her brush. "Wonderful! Then, let's sit down on my bed." the young woman recommended.

'Great...' he thought sarcastically and followed her. But while he walked, somehow the childish joy to be allowed to touch her silky hair took him slowly over, until no skepticism remained in his head. In fact, he wasn't simple-minded, yet this ordinary possibility made him somehow happy. Just as if it would be his single purpose in life to feel every thinkable part of the young Adept...

When they sat down on the heading section her bed, he started at once to order her long strands. Engrossed in his task, he was especial slowly and cautious, as he didn't want to pull out a single hair of this beautiful sight in sky-blue color. It took two or three minutes, until Secenos realized despite his busy doing, that something within his emotional state changed. Probably because of his near to his protégé – or perhaps because of the whole evening by her direct side – in his chest he could feel once more this foreign, confusing sentiment. It pressed unpleasant against his ribcage, as if it was very close to breaking out. And with every second, in which he was clearly aware of this feeling, the pressure of aforesaid thing became stronger and stronger.

Reshiram was able to ignore a specific impulse of the sentiment for two minutes. But then, he was quasi forced by himself – in order to have again some peace and quiet – to ask Melody something, which meant privily a lot to him. Low, he said: "Tell me... What... am I for you...?"

He stopped the combing, because she chuckled muted. As he didn't dare to look now at her mien, Secenos only noticed her smile through her voice when she spoke: "This should be obvious, actually. You are a friend of mine, Ses. One of my best friends. As close, as my starters. And very, very dear to me. I really don't care for this benefactor-protégé-stuff, as you mean much more to me than simple business. Above all, you are clearly special – in spite of... or rather JUST because of your troublesome personality. Plus, it's good to see you. I'm glad, when you're around. And I think, that I couldn't abdicate you anymore."

He felt a pang in his chest.

The abrupt ache curbed his heartbeat and let him feel queasy.

Yet, he felt also a strange, warm flood-wave which emerged from his deepest core...

Secenos looked hesitant up, which allowed him to gaze now at the smile that he had already heard. The expression on her lips was gentle and possessed not the tiniest sign of malicious joy... Assuring, that the girl next to him made no fun of his skepticism. And that she had been indeed honest to him, when she explained his significance for her...

Suddenly, Melody turned her head around, so that she was now face-to-face with him instead of letting him only see her profile while he did dutifully work. Short-taken by her action, he quivered and eyeballed her with widened eyes. His protégé, however, watched him intent while she declared: "Now is your turn. Describe, how you think about me. And please, be truthful."

The dragon in disguise tensed, because he didn't know how to answer.

She ceded several seconds to him – almost a half minute – while she waited patient for his respond. Yet, the young woman realized soon, that he wouldn't react to her wish, because after these seconds, she sighed in disenchantment. "I understand... You can obviously enjoy funny activities with me, but you are nevertheless not able to picture the way how you see me... That's very 'friendly' of you, comrade. I thought, you would make now an exception for me when it comes to emotional things, but in fact I was wrong. Because you don't want to show anybody, how you truly think and feel about other beings, hm? As a thinker, you prefer concealing the activities in your head. You believe, that there's no need to speak at least with me as your protégé about your thoughts."

He growled slightly in response and ground his fangs subsequent because she hurt his ego per will. Melody had no reason to reproach him for his way of living (since she accepted that); yet she did it. Complaining about his personality and making him livid as if she would never defend his traits. This frustrated him – especially, after he had perilously opened up to her a short while before.

The dragon in disguise reached as quick as a flash out.

Purposeful, he placed his outstretched arms next to his protégé on wall – left and right, so that he hunkered threatening over her as he had moved closer to the little malicious-tongue. Glaring at her, Secenos became additional angry thanks to her tiny reaction, which annoyed him almost more than her sore words... Melody just watched him expressionless with widened eyes, as if she waited still for some statements full of emotion; coming directly from his mouth.

"Talking wouldn't be efficient." he murmured with an animalistic snarl in his voice as an answer to her dense expectation, that he would describe his opinion about her. In his impatience, he uncovered his fangs while he spoke to her, albeit he payed normally much attention to hold his fire around her. Other than the majority of her Pokémon alias Guardians, she was after all on his side – even then, when she decided to provoke him in an offensive way. She deserved no animosity.

Melody, however, didn't become scared easily.

Although he threatened her, she relaxed and leaned against the wall.

"Then, why do you waste your time? Why don't you try to take what you really want...? You know, how I think about you. What you mean to me. And now, you should have your important proof. So, it should be more than enough reason for your self-confidence to ignore henceforward all morale. After all, you say about yourself, that you feel no guilt. That you respect nobody in a way, which is at least a little bit stronger than your self-respect." she stated with a resolute undertone.

He stopped the threatening glare at her and sighed unsettled.

She knew him indeed better, than anybody else did... Better, than his 'brothers'.

And in fact, she was right. He had no reason to stop himself. To spare her willingly. But...

The quiet words of truth left his mouth hesitant, yet unstoppable: "If I could... I would try it. Honestly... And there would be nothing with the power to hold me back. But I... I can't. No matter, how much I want you... Somehow, I can't treat you like an object. It's not accomplishable for me. Because there exists more, than only my physical craving for you... I don't know, how to explain it... I just... want you to want me..."

Secenos closed his eyes and leaned his heavy head against her left shoulder.

There, the dragon in disguise could clearly listen to her lively heartbeat. It was faster than usual, albeit her breath hadn't changed it's calm pitch. Additional, he sensed her emotional situation acute – the sadness and pity she felt for him; as well as the disability to do something in order to support or to inhibit his sentiments. She was helpless – just as he was. But she was caught in her natural, inborn humanity, while he was just a strange dragon who didn't make any sense now.

The embodiment of truth hesitated to follow a specific impulse, but as he remembered the point, that her bed was build to endure greater weights, he didn't fight for a long time against his need. Above all, he didn't even had in mind to persuade her in this moment – and didn't want to test Melodys weakness for his true appearance. He only wanted to be visible the beast that he truly was, since he couldn't handle it anymore to be 'humane' – even, if it was just his shape.

Reshiram didn't frighten her, when he switched abruptly into his original body.

She seemed to have waited for this happening, in fact, because she sighed quietly.

Irritated by her reaction, he refrained minimal from her – just enough, that he could look at her face. Her mien was sad, while she answered his gaze. Simultaneous, Melody touched his furred cheeks with her gentle hands, which let him quiver for a second. The white dragon realized, that she was going to say something – something unpleasant. When she breathed in, he interrupted her instantly with a whisper, because he couldn't take it now to be directly refused: "No... Don't speak... I know, what you want to utter, so... Don't say it... Please..."

It was very seldom – effective a miracle – when he begged someone to do him a favor.

Melody was aware of this and realized the consequences for his balky ego – he could see this fact in her worried eyes. She pitied him for hurting his pride via the difficult word 'please'. Furthermore, his sacrifice seemed to convince her of his request – she nodded and caressed his cheeks slightly after seven or eight seconds. Just as if... she would try to apologize for the obstacles which he had thanks to her plus the relationship they shared with each other.

Her touch, however, was barely tolerable...

She strengthened his physical as well as emotional desire...

This had to stop... Immediately... Otherwise, he wouldn't control himself any longer...

A little reluctant, he pulled nevertheless slowly away from her. Yet, he stayed in her direct near – enough, that her scent filled still his entire nostrils, as he hunkered over her lower part of the body. Her beautiful irises watched him thoughtful, while they expressed her deep pity and guilt. Unfortunately for her, the honest concern she revealed through her mien encouraged his longing. Petrified because of her alluring scent, angelic body and sweet-natured feelings, Secenos couldn't refrain completely from his protégé as he had originally planned. Instead, he stayed simply there – unable, to prevent himself from falling into his covetous yearning.

The white dragon squinted his eyes hard and groaned – partly animalistic, partly with his voice – because the temptation hurt him. He lost himself more and more thanks to the overtaking craving... Fearing, that he would do something which he would definitely regret, he tried to focus and to warn the young Adept against the danger beneath his most carnal traits, but it didn't work. No word was meaningful and serious enough in order to assure her of the hazard in his direct near, since she had this unbelievable trust when it came to him, so he couldn't speak. There was no chance to force her, to push him out of her room – instead of leaving it by himself, which he simply was unable to do – wherefore there was only the possibility left to utter indirect his greatest anxiety...

"Don't hate me for this..." he whispered breathless in the last moment in which he could think clear and control himself. In which the arousal was yet weaker than his mind. And in which his ego lost against his unspeakable fear to be completely denied and rejected as a friend by her.

Then, his self-control was finally gone.

~ C ~

He didn't open his eyes again, when his craving took him over.

Reshiram moved fast as lightning down – knowing exactly, where his face would land.

The embodiment of truth hesitated no single second, which was why he was this time successful, albeit tries in the past had been always interrupted by his protégé. Being determined to enforce now his demand allowed him finally to touch her womb underneath her dress with his muzzle – let him feel for the first time such an intimate near to this tempting body, even though her slip was between his lips and her skin. The simple touch was amazing as well as mind-blowing...

Melody jerked in shock, but he couldn't do now anything for her. He couldn't help her...

Consumed by his need, he opened his mouth and contacted her body through the piece of clothing with his moist tongue. She petrified instead of punishing him forthwith – somewhere in his brain, he knew because of this reaction; freezing, that he hurt her trust into him in an inexpressible way. She was paralyzed, because she couldn't believe, how much he truthfully betrayed her. He knew it – he knew it so awfully violent, but he could no longer stop himself.

When he began to glide slowly up and down, she breathed hardly out. Turned on by this sound, Reshiram strengthened the pressure, so that he came a little bit deeper. His tongue was now quasi between her flesh – wetting it through the flimsy slip, while he moved nonstop in his strong desire. She trembled under the touch and he could bet, that she spread her legs following not by accident. His betrayal must hurt her deeply, yet his true appearance was this time too tempting for her, as if she could defend herself once more against his adamant offer. Secenos wished with his whole heart, that she might want him at least in this moment with her whole existence...

He pressed a little with the tip of his tongue against her core.

And finally, he was through that action able to worm a pleasing tone out of her.

Melody moaned muted – a sound just as heavenly as he had always imagined and longed for.

Yet, her unexpected reaction scared him a lot, because he recognized foreign emotions in her voice, that he couldn't handle in any case. Furthermore, the sound caused his worried mind to regain immediately the control over his untenable body, so that he forced himself to let go of her womb.

Confused and daunted, Secenos returned to her face – staring at her with a helpless expression. Melody gazed at him, too, but her eyes weren't filled with desperation, like his own were. The irises showed instead unending plus undescribable sadness and sorrow, while her face blushed ironically in a soft rosy color. She... pitied him. Again. And she was... aroused – just like he was.

He couldn't say anything in order to apologize, although the guilt consumed him.

But maybe he was just unable to do that, because he couldn't believe it...

Couldn't believe, that his doing had truthfully pleased her...

Thanks to his congealment, it was his protégé, who broke finally the aching silence.

"You shouldn't suffer because of me... I'm not worth to be desired like that – with so much longing. After all, I agonize my second best friend without even trying to make it a little easier for him... Neither do I stop you nor do I help you – I simply do nothing... And above all, I just watch here, how you break apart... I let you do what you want and enjoy it, although I know that it isn't right. Not in this way, because it destroys you..." she whispered serious, albeit her eyes told him how deep her explanation cut into her emotional condition.

It frightened him, how much she saw through his mind and soul.

Perhaps, she was even able to see the tiniest cracks in his darkened heart...

"Do you... hate me now...?" Secenos asked soundless – the only thing, which he could say.

She reached out for him, which unsettled the white dragon. Her hands caressed him again gentle, while she smiled sadly: "No. And I could never hate you, silly. Especially not, because you are still not determined to ignore my will and dignity, although you could overpower me easily if you would just have the interest into doing so."

Disgusted, he shook his head: "I can't do such a thing! I'm selfish, yes, but no idiot! As if I would win anything, when I would overpower and control you entirely... You belong to me – because of the way how you are. I wouldn't want you as my protégé, if I wouldn't... fancy your personality... And I doubt, that I could really outplay the strongest Adept of this century."

She grinned a little. Stated following: "I'm not almighty, mister. But thank you, that you have such a positive opinion about me. … That's the reason, why you can't take me without my permission, right? You respect me honestly. You care for me. And you need me to answer your feelings. Otherwise, it would tear you sooner or later apart to have your way with me."

" I... This is..." he mumbled helpless. Melody sighed, while a doleful smile flitted over her soft lips. "So... I really think, that you can feel it already... Isn't it, Secenos...? You are developing a versatile, humane emotional world... You aren't a pure animalistic, egoistical being anymore. And it seems, like you realize human feelings much more, than you even want to admit..."

Distressed or rather appalled, he just stared at her.

The realization hit him slowly, yet with so much vehemence, that he couldn't breath.

Usually, he would fight against his emotional weakness, as it was his highest priority to save face. But unfortunately, this situation here was NOT usual. And he felt not even rudimentary like himself. He caved quickly to the ache – perhaps even faster, than an ordinary human being would do.

Squinting his eyes, the white dragon pressed his forehead against hers.

Coevally, he clenched his jaw painful tight, so that his fangs seemed to crush each other.

Secenos' voice was rough and his throat very raspy, when he murmured: "Yes... It is true... I really... do feel much more... than ever before... But it hurts so much... I... can't take it..." Then, he shivered and ground his fangs loudly. Being in serious emotional pain, a few seconds later he yowled muted with his animalistic voice.

After his sound became silent, Melody simply caressed his face and neck full of affectionateness – as an answer to his unspeakable suffering. She soothed him truthfully, but the emotion that arose along the way frightened simultaneously Secenos' lonely, vulnerable core, which he would never come to terms with willingly. He feared to let go of his unrelenting self-control, as he was afraid of risking another betrayal through the hand of any human. No matter, how much his consciousness respected and even trusted his protégé. His subconsciousness rejected the possible danger. Furthermore... He felt something similar to remorse, when she just allowed him once more to have so much control over her good-natured, way too caring heart.

It was unusual noble, when Reshiram whispered almost too low: "I... have to go... NOW... Otherwise, it's too risky for you to allow me such a near to you..." Her hands glided slowly away from his fur – clarifying Melodys reluctance which seemed to be not much weaker than his own. These beautiful sky-blue eyes told him additional, that she was also caught in her fascination and desire for their forbidden wish, yet he couldn't stay any longer by her tempting side.

He was aware of the fugacity of her longing.

When he walked out of her room, his ears vellicated when they noticed her voice: "It is so unfair... We have so much in common... But when it comes to the things which are so much more important than anything else, then we do not match each other in any regard..."

The white dragon knew, that Melody was right. They would never share the same opinion about relationships and the right kind of dealing with physical affection for another creature. This was, why he even had finally developed the strength to end this awkward moment...

Secenos retired instantly from the public, before anybody could see him stand next to her door. Unimportant, if his friends or some of the other Guardians could find him here. Quickly, he walked to his own room and decided at once, that it was the perfect time for taking to his bed. Partly sleepy, there was a chance for dozing off without succumbing his agitated mind, so he wasted no second and switched instantly into his human camouflage.

When he was completely undressed, he lay down and vanished under the blanket. But the darkness was his undoing, as it encouraged his thoughts to soar from his deepest subconsciousness. Nevertheless, this turned out to be just the lesser of two evils, since also his carnal instincts tried to take the lead of his whole mind. The dragon in disguise was powerless against the bare sentiments which rested in his animalistic nature, although he honestly tried to fall asleep. Yet, he was definitely much more emotional in the last time than usual, because the carnal desire was not completely armed with raw lust...

These strange feelings, that he couldn't describe, flowed through his desire. They consumed him, still, so that he didn't know anymore if he was exactly the existence who he had expected to be. Desperation took him over, while Secenos squinted his eyes and bit in his bottom-lip until it bled. He was too 'filled' with emotions – physical and mentally – as if he could handle the overwhelming, destructive wave of chaos inside of his body... He... needed her so urgently... Immediately...

Secenos groaned, when he couldn't stand the craving for his beautiful protégé anymore.

How would Melody just think about him, if she knew his desperate deed...?

Anyway, he had to be the greatest sinner of this planet because of it...

~ C ~

In the following days, he wasn't 'emptier', although he tried to ease his mind and body.

It was dolorous to be aware of his changed emotional world – to recognize now every tiny detail, which didn't match anymore his proud and independent ego. He could do what he wanted – fighting; sleeping; relaxing; creating music; spending time with his friends... Nothing helped. Secenos' body was as fraught as if every single nerve of him had turned into pure, unflexible stone. And his thoughts were without exception centered around his clear frustration about himself plus his craving for the young blue-haired woman.

In fact, Reshiram felt physically and mentally much pain to become more and more a feeling, practically humane personality in his deepest, most private core.

Not, that he would be even half as humanely or sentimental as Natit was. This was impossible. But... Still, it was much more, than he could endure with his black heart. His darkened self since several millenniums couldn't change back to his former self – he had accepted this already entirely. He had accepted, that he was – metaphorically speaking – frozen. So, it hurt him very much to 'melt' – he couldn't take this abrupt change. Reshiram was after all a being who was nonstop cynical, partly narcissistic, definitely egocentric and fully ruthless. And all these old characteristics didn't fit this new, sensitive side within his consciousness. But fortunately, this odd quirk was not as strong as his former softness, because that would have meant his purest doom.

Yet... He had no possibility to escape the giant chaos which his changed characteristic-trait caused. Even, when he tried to forget the humane emotional world amongst the core of his sentiments... Tried to push it away with Alcohol or the kind how he satisfied sometimes his physical demands... It was not possible to erase this feeling entirely. Nor to stop his memories from attacking his mind. Though, that becoming sinful could usually reset his train of thoughts for a short while, this 'drug' hadn't the power to negate the great confusion and burden within him. It might be even stronger and more reliable than wine when it came to his craving, but it was powerless against his weakness, too. So, he owned at the moment no 'medicine' for easing permanently his most urgent pain.

This pain, which he – an age-old being – could still not grasp...

Not even after all the time he had spent with Melody...

It was the next Sunday, when his knowledge about his suffering reached finally a new level.

While he walked after a hard workday to his room, he could accidentally watch one of these scenes which he tried to avoid in the last days: Melody giving Natit a hug and kissing him passionate. Seeing this frustrated him – not in his regular cold way, but with that illogical broken-heart-feeling. Additional, those memories of the soft Lugia which he meanwhile also (but unwillingly) possessed thanks to their numerous mergences to Silvang flooded or rather crushed his thoughts, wherefore the bitterness about the connection between these two was similar to a deadly ache in his chest. Ordinary jealously would be now truthfully welcome for Secenos, because the destructive pain underneath his ego confused him and turned him into a weakling.

Unseen by the unbearable-blissful couple, the dragon in disguise fled instantly into his room and closed the door soundless behind himself. There, Secenos just stared at the ground while he leaned motionless against the timber – unable to move because of the paralyzing sentiments which he had to endure once more. Yet, the emotional tidal-wave filled with chaos within Secenos was now different from all the other awkward moments from ever before... Possibly, because his heart pounded with so much strength, as if he reacted for the first time truly to THEIR connection... Maybe, because he longed so much for the same treatment which his protégé gave her loved man... Or perhaps, because he had remembered aware some experiences which he had received through his bond with the Guardian of the Sea... But whatever it had to be now: The REAL difference was, that he suddenly understood with every single fiber the meaning of his reactions...

It took his breath away, when he realized something similar to a miracle...

He... loved... her.

He honestly loved Melody.

Reshiram loved his protégé in the same way like Natit did.

That realization let him sink to the floor, where he still leaned helpless against the door.

"This... can't be..." he whispered throaty, as the awareness of his own, freshly-created vulnerability took over his normally unsentimental mind. To realize, that he felt like that for the young Adept – felt exactly the emotion that the Guardian of the Sea possessed – was too much for Secenos, because he had never wanted Melody in an emotional way. Although he had once tried to become again the Reshiram who he was in the past, he was now grateful to be independent and unassailable for another hurting betrayal through humans or in general all living creatures. He was really glad, that his heart wasn't able to create again such risky bonds. So, WHY did it change its 'mind'...?! Wasn't the pain of the past enough lesson for realizing, that he couldn't allow himself to FEEL...?! Not to mention, that THIS emotion meant nothing but horror for his existence...?

The dragon in disguise moaned desperate with closed eyes.

He wanted her touch so badly... But suddenly, this physical desire had turned out to be a difficult, hard-to-endure thing, as it simply wasn't just a physical wish of his animalistic nature. He craved the young woman because of his emotional need... His heart screamed for her love.

It hurt, when he clenched his jaw uncontrolled.

How could he do this...? How could he even dare to develop this emotion...?

Why... WHY wished he so much, that she might decide at least one time for him as her first choice alias partner...? Not even in a sexual aspect as long as it was a decision of her whole serious heart...? He knew... He knew painfully, that this would never happen. Natit was her partner – by destiny, while Reshiram himself was only here because he had refused his own time millenniums before and had chosen Melody almost randomly as a new protégé. He wasn't equal to the gentle Lugia...

Secenos hid his face behind his right hand, as the guilt and shame were even for his ego too intense. With that sinful feeling inside his chest, he would never be able to seduce his protégé... He couldn't. Just to imagine, that she would never answer his feelings – not even once – broke that dense heart which pounded in his body. The certainty, that she would never show him heaven for a short while, cut into his ribcage like a sword and let him emotionally bleed.

Whimpering, he repressed his pain.

He had to be strong...

~ C ~

The bad emotional condition of Reshiram was worse than ever before.

Actual, the difference was very tiny and the majority of people around him didn't even notice it, wherefore Secenos felt at first safe. But when Natit asked him for the first time about his condition, the embodiment of truth couldn't help but being even more frustrated about the situation in which he had gotten. Apart from the unnecessary-sensitive Lugia, also Jyarohda, Ribbon and Cygne recognized his 'unusual' grumpily as well as even depressed mood. His friends would have been acceptable for his pride about his strong reservation of private sentiments... if just his 'shepherds' were ONLY these four Guardians, who cared anyway in every case for him. But, well... Somehow, Lady Luck wasn't on his side now, as even outsiders seemed to see his discontent.

Kai and Pochama, who both had obviously started to confirm Secenos' acceptance around the other to-date-antipathetic Guardians, suddenly tried to spend more time with him. No matter, if it was private or on several missions. Somehow, they were as much around Reshiram as his Unova-friends and Natit were, so he could tell that these two birds had somehow realized his bad condition. Definitely, that wasn't Natits fault, since the Lugia respected his will... So, he could be sure about the Blazikens and Empoleons increased attention related to himself.

These five Guardians, who couldn't look into his head just like Natit was able to, didn't know rudimentary the reason for his emotional state. Yet, they were similar to plants of the species 'arctium' in his fur and feathers – he couldn't get rid of them. Albeit they generously gave their best in order to distract him from his trouble, they couldn't help him to feel better. Which was in the end, why their excessive care frustrated him. If they would just be as restrained as the soft Lugia was... Maybe, they would turn out to be not such a pain to endure... Jyarohda, Ribbon and Cygne were naturally his friends, even while they bothered him, so of course he didn't mind really their doing. The two leaders, on the other hand, triggered that wish inside of his mind, because somehow Secenos looked at them no longer with adversely eyes after they had stopped their open rejection. Kai and Pochama had not only changed their mind, but also changed their attitude when they spoke with as well as about him, so he was slowly glad about their primary care, though he hated the way how these two were quasi like glue attached to him while they wanted to cheer him up.

If just the number of intent Guardians wouldn't grow anymore...

But finally, even his two counterparts noticed his mood maugre his reservation.

The three of them enjoyed together a one-day vacation, which they had planned plus applied for already in the last month. Seonar was of course in N's company – the black dragon practically NEVER left his current home without his protégé – and Sephurne had talked Colress into joining their little trip. The two humans were unfortunately not as much interested into the beautiful setting of the chosen Unova-beach, as the three ancient dragons were, because they had quickly discovered the local tourist-feature. A stalactite-cave existed next to their little paradise, so that the two guys couldn't help but visit it instantly, as curiosity and research-work were for N and Colress essential. Reshiram, Zekrom and Kyurem decided to stay outside, since the cave was too low-ceilinged for the grey dragon. Sephurne couldn't take a human shape just like his 'brothers', which was why Secenos and the old man didn't want to bar him from their quality-time. After all, they relished every single moment that they could spend together, since they had been once the same being. Ordinary brotherly love could not be compared to their specific bond.

That connection, stupidly, allowed his counterparts to figure out his misery.

Through their private conversations, Seonar and Sephurne realized, that their 'brother' had trouble with his sentiments; stronger than ever before. While the three dragons were not disturbed thanks to silly interjections or unwanted questions from other people, they still worked like a ticking clock – every gear matched the surrounding mechanisms. So, his counterparts grasped his suffering at once. And he knew instantly, that they were aware of his bad condition. It was therefore unnecessary, when the two dark dragons asked him nevertheless about his well-being. Because he didn't answer, his 'brethren' wondered with lifted eyebrows, if his protégé couldn't help him anymore dependable with lightening his negative personality, since they hadn't seen him in the last time in her near, whenever they met Melody at work or home. This annoyed him deeply, because they knew actually how important the young Adept was for his general mood. A harsh rebuff followed from him – "Think twice, before you even dare to say such an imbecility!" – that revealed more than intended. But it was too late. He couldn't take the words back.

His 'siblings' understood, that she was in fact the reason for his mental debasement or impairment, since there couldn't be another reason than this for his angry reaction to their wonderment. Luckily, they couldn't decode the exact cause for his fretfulness, as they were despite their special bond unable to realize or imagine, that an unsocial being like he was could develop THIS kind of feeling. Of course, the two tried anyway to get more useful information from him, but because he was still completely over-strained with his brand-new realization, he didn't gave them unwillingly or not ANY clue in the direction of his odd emotion. And it wasn't like the chance was indisputable high, that they could discover his suddenly more humane emotional core. Seonar and Sephurne were since his abrupt change in the past the ones with the most distinct feelings, wherefore they searched for a logical reason of his frustration instead of a sentimental cause.

Unknowingly, N and Colress rescued him, when they returned finally from the stalactite-cave. Because his 'brethren' respected his privacy, they stopped immediately asking him about Melody, when the two humans showed up. He knew, that the old man and Sephurne would try to help him even without more knowledge about the whole situation, albeit they respected usually his will... So, Reshiram would have to come up soon with an excuse for his bad mood, since they would definitely spend again some quality-time with each other... But for now, he was safe again, so that he enjoyed the rest of the trip when they strolled alongside the wide beach.

~ C ~

"You have really more luck, than you deserve!" the annoyed doctor grouched.

Rolling his eyes, the white dragon grumbled muted: "I just don't want to get EVER poisoned again. What's the problem with this?!" "I can answer your question! The fact, that you are extreme injured thanks to your defense-tactic! Your body doesn't care, that you're a fire-dragon, when you overheat simply EVRTHING in such an extent like melting stones! Be glad that you're conscious despite your severe lesions! Normally, I should tie you up for the next four weeks!" Space stated angry. Reshiram snorted as a respond and let the chief-physician do his job, since he wasn't interested into another conversation with the Deoxys about a possible stay in the clinic.

So, the two of them remained for several minutes silent.

While the doc took care of the last grave wound, suddenly Space became again talkative. Casually, he stated just as if he was thinking aloud: "It's funny. You remind me of the way how Natit was before he revealed his feelings to Melody. He was quasi constantly injured and often for many days in the clinic because he did nothing else but working if nobody stopped him from doing that. Furthermore, earning toxications seemed to be his new hobby. He was number one of our listing. Apart from the poison-fact, you act very similar to Natit in the last time. You are rarely at home. Maybe you don't allow anything to steal your precious sleep when this is not absolutely necessary, but while you're awake, you seem to welcome every possibility to be somewhere else."

Reshiram growled sarcastic: "Sure, I love working..." "Never said, that you would always work whenever you stay in another place. I just noticed, how much you currently like activities outside. You resemble Natits old trait even without the noble part of doing everything for others."

The white dragon ground his fangs loudly as a warning. Not, that this would impress Space a bit. Shaking his head, the Deoxys uttered his huff: "Someone like you should better not make me angry. You can still stay here for a few days, if you don't behave well. I'm not so soft like a specific Lugia. If I sense the tiniest sign of irrationality, I don't hesitate and cut it off."

The white dragon didn't argue any longer with the chief-physician, although he would like doing so. Holding his fire, Secenos mimed a well-behaved patient until the very end, since he had something in mind which required his full unrestricted leeway. This good behavior spared him also the stupid plus unnecessary hospitalization, wherefore he could spend the rest of the evening at home.

Since he possessed no perfect sense of time – not even a sufficient exemplar – Secenos was unfortunately forced to wait for the regular finishing-time of Melodys Pokémon, when he walked into the villa and realized his early completion of today's tasks. Luckily he knew, that Natit wasn't divided in the extra-shift for this day, so he didn't mind the single unhelpful hour until the majority of Guardians would come home in order to enjoy their dinner. Using his additional 60 minutes wise, the white dragon switched into his human shape outside of the neat building and dossed down under a large tree next to the villa's large flower-garden.

The orange light of the sunset had already turned into a fading rosy, when he opened his eyes again. Relishing the beautiful view a few seconds before standing up, Secenos recognized through his flair immediately the presence of the sentimental Lugia on the island. The only thing which stopped him from going to the silver-white dragonbird was the annoying fact, that Natit sat currently in the very crowded canteen – probably busy with conversing with his friends. Urgh, it was sometimes nerve-racking how popular the gentle softy was around the other Guardians... If he was so damned shy around unknown faces plus haters of Pokémon as well as human-and-beast-connections, then HOW was he nevertheless able to be so... charismatic in the near of his friends and beings who he liked? Being slightly attached to another creature wasn't worth the tiring effort of endless communications – at least in Secenos' opinion...

In the haimish kitchen, he ate meanwhile three self-made sandwiches and brewed some sweet tea while he waited for Natit to finish his dinner. Actually he would prefer some wine, but as he drank this stuff in Melodys opinion a little too often, Secenos tried to give juices and tea more chances. She knew just as he did, that he couldn't get drunk, but she was in general no friend of alcohol, which was why the embodiment of truth accepted her concern. Albeit his protégé was today part of the night-shift and couldn't check his actions, he also wanted to consider her plea for now.

Because he didn't talk with anybody, the dragon in disguise had dinner of course earlier quitted than the soft Lugia did. Thanks to that, he realized in his resignation, that he had nothing better to do except for walking to Natits room and simply holding out for him. It was bugging, yet it was a fact, wherefore he went ill-humored to aforesaid place.

Secenos was forced to wait another mortal hour until he could sense Natits approach.

As he had waited the whole time in a comfortable position – resting on the bed with folded arms behind his head – he didn't think about taking another pose just in order to appear halfway polite. After the soft Lugia had stole him so much sleep, the dragonbird would simply have to accept Secenos' uninvited visit as well as his capture of the large bed.

When the door opened, the dragon in disguise lifted his brows, because Natit – who was just as him in his human shape – had an embarrassed expression in his mien while he gazed directly at the bed. "Please forgive my tardiness... I had recognized your presence in my chamber, but I could not leave my friends any sooner since they still wanted to converse with me... I am sorry for disappointing your severe patience." the sensitive guy said sorrowful. Secenos snorted and responded: "You'll pay for that retarding early enough. Now close the door finally. I have a business to discuss with you." "Of course... Otherwise, you would not have waited until now for me. It is already time for sleeping or at least for dozing, if it comes to your understanding." ,Natit murmured and closed the door, "However, I do wonder why this business could not wait until tomorrow. After you got hurt today, you should better rest for a while. Everything can wait, when you do not feel well."

"NOT everything." Secenos snapped impatient, while Natits care frustrated him to the bones. Sighing, the humane Lugia walked to the bed and sat down with a focused look at his unkind face. Disheartenment lay in the caramel-colored irises, when the Water's Great Guardian said: "Tell me... What is the reason for your bad mood? Or, at least, inform me about the meaning of your visit. Maybe you do not trust me enough for sharing the cause of your fretfulness in the last time, but see, I really want to help you, if you just let me support you a little bit."

Secenos hated this gentle and caring behavior of the Lugia. It made him sick...

"There's just one thing I want to talk about." he snarled muted. "If you say so... Then let us speak about this 'business' which you mentioned before. When this is the only possibility to help you..." Natits sadness was infectious, but Secenos didn't allow himself to let him see that. Hard-headed, Reshiram said forthright: "I want to know, how the time-period before your relationship with HER felt like. I don't have real knowledge about it. Not from your own, personal memorization. You don't access that memory while we are merged to Silvang... So, I'm missing that single information." Surprised, Natit furrowed his brows and studied him for a few seconds. "But you must know it. Every single detail of my past just has to be in your reach whenever we are almost one existence. We are often enough together and share our thoughts, feelings and memories. There are so many, different things on my mind... I think about the past in the same frequent amount as I think about the present and the future, so you should have meanwhile a perfect knowledge about my threads. Furthermore, believe me: I conceal nothing from you. Never. I trust you entirely."

Secenos shook his head: "Perhaps, but that changes nothing. I don't know everything. So tell me, what I only heard until now in an impersonal way from the other Guardians as well as yourself." "Alright, since you insist so intense... Back then, I felt miserable. I could not endure Melodys near, because I had this powerful wish to be closer to her than it is allowed for us animalistic creatures. On the other hand, I could not stay away from her, as my heart seemed to crack under her absence. The only way to endure the pain deep down in my heart was to distract myself as much as possible. And nothing served that purpose better than working. This is, why I was for a while number one of Space' most-frequent-hospitalization-candidates-list and also the person with the most toxications amongst a short time-period. Of course I knew, that my friends including Melody were worried and did not appreciate my self-destructive doing, but... It was the only thing I could do. I felt so lonely and helpless when it came to my love for her, that I did not know whereabouts with myself. I was... in consideration of my sentiment a sinner. And I suffered under the forbidden longing through my bad conscience. Just as... I suffered to be so far away from her." Natit explained his old emotions with a low voice as well as closed eyes. Just as if he was in a state of trance in order to remember these things which he had never shared until now with the embodiment of truth...

Without warning, his eyes swung abruptly open and he stared at Secenos.

"I could have demonstrated you some of my memories directly... But you asked for a conversation. An old-fashioned way of communicating, after we could merge to one being or at least make use of my skills as a psychic-type. This is not usual for you... What happened, that you want to talk...?" Secenos stared only back and grappled simultaneous with himself. He didn't even know, how to put that strange impulse... How should he tell someone else, why he acted like that, when he didn't have an answer to this question for himself...? His helplessness seemed to reach the human Lugia, because the sensitive guy admitted suddenly: "You have to know, that I worry a lot about you... Probably, you as my friend do still not even realize, how afraid I truthfully am of your well-being. Secenos... I am afraid, that your repressed feelings could tear you apart. That they destroy you. Similar to the way... how my own restrained emotions did almost kill me."

This honesty was too much for the dragon in disguise.

Secenos said harshly: "You know WHAT...?! You care WAY TOO MUCH FOR ME, pantywaist! Your unnecessary care PISSES ME OFF! I am NOT YOUR BUSINESS!" His voice became louder, when he let the last sentence out. And while he spoke, he could see in Natits caramel-eyes the pain that he created through his words. He hurt him, but somehow he seemed to provoke the headstrong, adamant side of the humane dragonbird. While the animalistic irises showed still some distress, Natits mien became hard. An earnest respond followed: "Yes, you are not. You are not my business. But you are my DEAR FRIEND, gosh darn it! So don't behave like a dumb-ass!"

Truth be told: Secenos was shocked to hear the unnecessary-polite Natit rail with such an insistence. Impulsive, the dragon in disguise sat up and stared with a flickering gaze at the suddenly ruggedly, authoritarian young man. "What... do you want from me...?" Reshiram asked in great confusion. Sighing – almost groaning – the silver-white-haired guy came drastic closer, which frightened him for several seconds, until he saw the agony in Natits eyes. The humane Lugia suffered...

Natits middle-deep, melodic voice was quiet – and a combination of softness and desperation while he spoke slowly: "We are so close since you connected our bodies and souls for the very first time... I can not watch, how you suffer under your feelings... It is, as if I would share your entire ache, whenever I just take one single look at you... Your pain; your torment... The feelings consume me... They are just... the same intense sentiments, which I have in consideration of Melodys emotions. You are indispensable for me... You are... as close to me, as she is..."

~ C ~

He felt uncomfortable. More than that. He felt... disrupted.

Gulping hardly, the dragon in disguise pronounced nervously his difficult, scatterbrained thought: "Is this here... This speech... Is THIS some kind of a... declaration of-?" Secenos couldn't speak any further, but Natit understood him nevertheless. A slight smile flitted over his gentle face while something like a halfhearted chuckle rolled in his throat. He patted Reshirams left hand exhilaratory – just as if HE was the ancient, almost-eternal being and not the only-one-hundred-years-old birdy. Not, that this could annoy Secenos even in such a moment... After all, Natit was emotional wiser than even the oldest Pokémon of this world. Not even Arceus possessed the great knowledge of deep emotions like this single Lugia – the Guardian of the Sea – owned.

Natits right hand rested gently on Secenos' hand, when he answered low: "Who knows... Perhaps...? At least I do not have such a strong emotion towards my other friends. My closest; dearest friends, in the strict sense. And when it comes to other Legendaries, then not even Spirit as my good friend and valuable comrade means so much to me, like you do. 'Reshiram' over 'Arceus'."

Secenos voice trembled at first, when he reacted to Natits opinion: "That's... sick... SICK, damned! How can you feel such an emotion for me, when I only pester your beloved as well as aggravate your place by her side...?! You have to reject me, you stupid softie!" Shaking his head, Natit smiled in a pitying way with closed eyes: "No. Because life is not easy. It is as difficult, as our hearts are. And I do not feel ashamed, that I developed apparently for you a serious, indisputable affection. You can disapprove my feelings, but you can not erase them."

His head buzzed under the humane Lugias words. He could hardly think straightforward.

"I... I don't understand your emotions... I can't grasp the meaning behind your sentiments..." "Yes, because you do not even realize your own feelings. You wonder, how I can care for you so much, since you are barely able to care deeply for anyone around yourself. But... You DO feel a lot for her. I am sure, that you care for Melody much more, than for any other being in this world. You would protect, comfort and delight her just as I do. Meanwhile... I think I do know, what you feel for her. And you seem to be aware of it with your whole mind, too."

Secenos stared with panic in his eyes at Natit.

This couldn't be... This must not be real...! If the Lugia knew it, then he would...!

"Don't be afraid." ,the sentimental guy answered to his anxiety without his typical-stiff politeness, "You don't menace my wish to stay by Melodys side. In my opinion, such a triangle wouldn't be really a problem. As long as she wants me... I will try to do that, what you suggested a while before. You know, what I mean... Being proud and confirming my place in her life. Additional, sticking by my decisions and not shying at the opinion of others." "Since when... are you so... self-confident? Regarding your own obstacles...?" the embodiment of truth asked, since he wasn't used to watch some boldness in Natits eyes while he spoke about himself. The young man smiled gently: "Since... Well, since you make me brave. You are effective my matching-part. Surely I could never develop an ego like yours, but... With your help and the way how we are whenever we exist as Silvang... You make me feel stronger in consideration of myself and let me believe into the right to love her. So, I want to return this favor. I want to help you with your changed emotional world. Whether you appreciate my support or not."

Reshiram groaned and hid his face behind his right hand.

"Stop caring for me... I wouldn't call someone like ME a friend, if I would just be in your stead... Can't you accept the way how I really am...? Damned, I would simply take Melody for one time – even without her permission, if there wouldn't be so much chaos inside of my head... I do not care for your feelings or hers – which is, why you waste your time when you try to comfort me..."

His eyes where painfully squinted while he mumbled his opinion. Additional, he clenched his jaw, when he felt Natits hand on his left shoulder. "You are not like that. Maybe you are a bit ruthless, yet this does not change the fact how your deepest core looks like. You are a good friend, Secenos. This has nothing to do with the disorder in your head." Natit explained kindly.

"Why are you so sure... that you aren't mistaken about me...?" the embodiment of truth whispered. Gently, Natit rubbed his back while he responded: "You show me so much more from your heart, than even Jyarohda, Ribbon and Cygne are allowed to see. This should be enough explanation." Yes, it did indeed suffice... Natit was quasi the mirror which showed Secenos reliable those things, that he couldn't see through his regular look at the world. Or rather, his look at himself...

"And what... now...?" he asked helpless and poked his closed eyelids.

The human Lugia did still caress Secenos' back when he answered: "That depends on your decision. I can not ask Melody for accepting you, if you do not wish for this to occur. You must know, if you want to have a chance by her side or not. Of course... at first you have to know, if you permit this, what you do not want to speak out at the moment." "As if this would even be necessary... Melody is a loyal person who would never be together with someone who she doesn't love. Not even as a... second partner. She has this weakness for my open-mindedness and self-assuredness, but that's all. She would never succumb passion for another being than you – especially not for me. We two are... too different. I could never match her. Above all I do not even know... how I should handle THIS..." he murmured and tapped on his chest as a symbol for his strange feelings.

Natit sighed with a slight smile on his lips and touched gently the hand on Reshirams chest. "Secenos, you are not completely correct. You two have more in common than you expect. And I... can see something specific in her eyes, whenever she talks about you. You mean a lot to her." "Being her second best friend must be very meaningful, if you have the nerve mention it..."

The dragon in disguise sighed tired and rested his heavy head on his hands.

~ C ~

A fierce stroke hit Secenos' right wing.

"Fucking hell...!" the white dragon cussed wrathful.

"Don't lose your focus!" his protégé shouted and countered another stroke just in time.

He groaned soundless and thought under the pain: 'It's all very well to say that... I still have to get SOMEHOW used to this crazy confession of your beloved... Yesterday was definitely too chaotic for me, as if I could pull myself offhandedly together...' "Brace yourself!" Natits mental voice interrupted Secenos' thoughts just one second before the Lugia shielded him from an energy-beam. Secenos growled and told him telepathically: 'YOU have to know very well, how problematic it is for me to support the two of you in this fight. Especially thanks to your 'nice' statement. So shut up and don't tell me, what I have to do. It's your fault, that I can barely concentrate now.'

Natit gave him just an earnest look as an answer before he continued fighting.

Secenos followed suit, because he could see how much his protégé struggled while she antagonized their powerful enemies. In fact, it went against his will to take not only as well as a few henchmen of Cipher on, but also simultaneously the Shadow Triad while he was not really his usual self... Nevertheless, he couldn't let his protégé and the sentimental dragonbird down. If Melody and Natit were determined to protect another prehistorical Weyard-artifact from falling into the wrong hands, then it was his supreme duty to accompany them.

Furthermore... Secenos watched rarely, how Melody summoned some Adept-supporting creatures. But when she did that, he knew, how earnest the situation was. She didn't need like the other Adepts Djinns in order to use this kind of skill, since she came strictly speaking from the technical future. But the price for doing so was however a great amount of energy – especially, when she summoned her helping hands in other dimensions than the one where Weyard was located. It was not directly necessary to let her summoned friends guard the ground while the three of them fought in the air, though Reshiram understood that she didn't want to risk anything. After all, some Adepts were busy just in that moment to retrieve the dangerous artifact and to bring it to another, unknown place where it would be safe – probably sealed. These guys couldn't focus on avoiding some traps AND protecting themselves as well as the wanted object...

"AAAH!" her voice attracted his attention when he knocked one Cipher-member successful out. Appalled, he turned around and saw, how the Shadow Triad injured Melodys right leg through several large salvos of negative energy. He realized immediately, that the Shadow Triad had become so strong, that their attacks must be deadly for a body without black energy in its core. Natit wasn't less worried than Secenos was, but the Lugia had no possibility to reach her now – this was clear. Growling in frustration, the white dragon did the only truly expedient thing in this moment.

He knew, that Melody didn't appreciate it, when he woke his inner monster.

But if he didn't fight as 'Cecil' – at least occasionally – then their fight could be entirely hopeless. This piercing-cold energy in white color with the evil, black aura around it frightened him, too, while he was not consumed by his dark nature – not greedy for power – yes... Anyhow, he hadn't another choice in such a situation like that one, in which his protégé got menacing hurt.

His blood-red eyes glowed, when the freshly-black-colored being attacked the three men combative. He was at once a slave of his malicious, black-hearted temper, so he didn't care for Melodys anger at his abrupt metamorphosis. "Ses! What are you doing?! Stop it!" she called partly disgusted; partly solicitous while he fired an explosive blast at the Shadow Triad. He didn't took her advice, because he was too busy with shielding her – if she liked his method now or not. Luckily, Natit was just on the spot and picked her up on his silver-white-feathered back. "I know, that you are unhappy about his decision... I am, too, but I can understand his motivation for doing this. So, please, do not be resentful and accept his concern about your health. It is better, when you heal your wound and focus after that again on the battle instead of being angry with him. Please, Melody." the Lugia said with a suppliant tune in his voice. "Okay, fine... I have no choice, right..." she grumbled.

The two joined the fight again one minute later, although Secenos wouldn't have mind to fight still without their help, as he liked it to have the enemies completely for himself. The summoned allies were after all the passive defense on the ground, while he was the active protector who fought completely offensive – especially then, when nobody was in his way. He loved the bare force that flowed through his system similar to magma through the planets core, wherefore he didn't focus at single enemies but attacked the whole troop with his destructive red-colored fire and the malicious white-black light within his soul as long as he was alone. Now, however, he had to team up with Melody and Natit like a goody-goody, which ruined his crazily high spirits. In his selfish frustration, he lunged at the Shadow Triad and took with that sudden action advantage of their hatred for him, which resulted into their invariable concentration at the black dragon.

"Bah, I could really scream! What is he thinking?!" Melody complained indignantly and froze over two members of Cipher in the same second. Her dragonbird catapulted three foes with an Aeroblast at the ground and suggested: "I do not like to say that since it is unfair, but perhaps you should force Secenos into his Pokéball if you can honestly not watch this fight." "I can't. Even if I would like to. You know, that I don't like it to take your Pokéballs with me since I don't want to risk anything. Nobody of our enemies should get willingly the chance of holding a single Guardian in his hands – in the truest sense of the word. Furthermore... He would hate me for such a betrayal."

Although Secenos was busy with fighting, his sensitive ears noticed their words.

And in spite of his ructious, animalistic nature, Melodys last sentence surprised his entire awareness in such an extent, that he paused instead of creating the next fire-explosion. Reshiram had never believed into the simple idea of his subconscious, that she could fear his refusal while he gave her usually not even the tiniest reason for worrying, which was why he was more than surprised about the clearly recognizable feelings of his protégé.

Secenos' unplanned hesitation rescued him for a wonder instead of meaning his doom.

The Shadow Triad attacked him just in this moment with a brute blow – a black beam concentrating the majority of used power next to its creators in form of an offensive shield; ready to disrupt him while he dared to assail the three men. But luckily, this was the point: He hadn't continued his fight like he had originally wanted. Thanks to that, Reshiram was just partly touched by the blackness and not as heavy injured as his foes had intended. Yet, the burning ache on the right half of his body reminded him aggravating of his own vulnerability, which let him come back to his senses and abandon the blinding temptation of destructive power.

"Are you alright?" the concerned voice of his protégé filled pleasingly his ears while he recovered from the fierce trap. She kept the Triad through an energy-shield away, while she came to his side and eyeballed every inch of his appearance. This serious gaze of sky-blue irises could make him almost chuckle, if there just wouldn't be his hurting wing and leg...

"More or less... Uff, I must admit it: It's useless. Their strongest attacks can even ruin this body. Darkness doesn't help me here." Secenos mumbled and snorted frustrated. Melody smiled slightly and started to heal his injuries: "Well, it was obvious, that you can't fight darkness with darkness... Nor protect yourself for a long time with a coat of this power... But I'm glad, that you're okay. You're too valuable as if I could lose you in this combat." "So I'm a trophy?" he asked annoyed. "Ses, you're irreplaceable for me. So you are definitely no ordinary trophy." she answered laughing. Secenos stared surprised at her beautiful mien while he realized, that the light which she created within his heart was – together with his power of truth – a force that eased even his own blackness. He could sense, how the shine deep down became from second to second stronger, so he didn't fight against the gentle violence and let the light take over his body. This bright energy turned him back into his original state as a white dragon with sea-blue eyes.

"I think... I can honestly fight now." he whispered.

When he saw Melodys fondly smiling face as a respond to his explanation, Secenos couldn't help but lend her his powers through the weapon which he had once created for her. Her eyes became wide and sparkled like thousand stars, when she hold the shining blade alias rapier in her hands. "That's so gorgeous... But you know-" "YES, I do know. You don't like borrowing our powers. Nevertheless, this time it's really better when you accept it. At least in this shape – the power within the weapon and not yourself. No other Guardian can help you like that; not even Natit. So..." "Embrace Secenos' gift without complaints and let us fight together." the dragonbird finished Secenos' statement and flew to Melodys free side with a gentle smile on his lips.

His protégé had no time for complaining, because the Shadow Triad destroyed her energy-shield. Chuckling, Reshiram couldn't bear down a wide grin, when he heard her sigh and watched the way how she turned the rapier into a scythe in order to create a storm of fire.

~ C ~

Almost no grunt of Cipher was left, while the Triad seemed to be never-ending powerful.

Yet, the three fanatics of Ghetsis weren't directly his main-problem. In fact, his allies were it...

Secenos knew, that Natit possessed a specific immunity when it came to the negative energy from these dark crystals within the humans (which Reshiram hadn't as no Ex-Shadow-Pokémon), but... His friend made him truthfully worried. The Guardian of the Sea battled at the most Cipher while Secenos was busy with the obsessive trio. Which meant in plain language: The Lugia took all blows whenever these henchmen aimed because of their unfair tactic for the white dragon. And he wasn't always able to shield himself with a barrier, so that Natit had to endure often the direct contact with the toxic energy-form – a poisoning would sooner or later occur thanks to this...

Hating it to be in this one point unimmunized and not able to prevent successful an own toxication, Secenos' hands were painfully tied. He couldn't do anything in order to change Natits mind – discussing wouldn't help plus forcing a stubborn being like the dragonbird was up-front hopeless. So, he had to watch of necessity the effort of his friend on the one hand – while on the other one, also his protégé took the fall for him whenever the Shadow Triad threatened his life.

Although Melody used his weapon as well as the strength he had borrowed her, she was more than usual for her large energy-reserves exhausted. Keeping up her summoned creatures on the ground subtracted too much power from her, as she had called for a proper pack in order to risk nothing instead of focusing at three or four existences. She didn't show her effeteness, but he sensed it almost as dolorous as if it would be his own weakness.

Secenos was not exactly powerless, but he had already wasted his energy-reserves for too long with his ruthless alias self-destructive fighting-style as 'Cecil'. He couldn't protect his friends in return despite the several chances he got for paying back their favors. His power of truth was still effective and his clout hadn't lost its intensity, but there wasn't the necessary stamina for attacking extensive. Reshiram had to be careful with every single action – which frustrated him to the bones.

Many dangerous beams hit in the following minutes himself as well as his friends, which were above all partly filled with that fatal energy of both Cipher-members AND the Shadow Triad. Paradoxically, Secenos cared not even a tiny bit for his own health, though this should be normally his very first reaction. But instead, he just cared for his protégé and her partner. He was nervous while he considered impulsive the possible subsequent damages of them and became convinced of their entire feebleness if the battle should last for another quarter of an hour. Reshiram could sense, that Natit would even fall before Melody, since his selfless actions had cost him more power than her summoned allies. The dragonbird would sooner or later break apart, since he was – as a former Shadow-Pokémon – very vulnerable, when his immunity lost its resistibility.

His protégé confirmed his bad estimation of their battle, when she used her final trump-card.

She mobilized her active powers as a Sol-Adept – all four elements combined into the fifth one, while her normally optimistic mood changed completely into severe, humorless basic attitude. Melody didn't even limit herself to this pretty 'form' with white clothes and open hair. No, she used per will – although she didn't like it to be compared with angelic creatures – her optional wings, which he saw very rarely because of her regular opinion. These feathered extremities in white color were just as ever half-transparent, but as real as his own exemplars whenever they materialized. They allowed her to fly much faster, so he was sure, that their situation was indeed a serious danger, because he rated her as someone who calculated a lot before using trumps.

Like always, she tried to fight and protect her friends simultaneous, but he knew, that this was meanwhile not the best tactic, although he wanted to shield his allies, too. After all the experiences which he had made in antiquity alias the wars he had seen, Reshiram understood the hard necessity of a risk and perhaps also of a sacrifice. Usually, Melody would be the first one who would do it, but while she fought with that pure beauty only she owned, the embodiment of truth couldn't stand the simple imagination of her playing the decoy. In the same moment, he could also not endure, how altruistic Natit was always willing to stay by his side and help him – the most ignoble dragon of the whole planet – so Secenos didn't even want to think about this possibility.

In exactly this moment, the enemies attacked his friends with fierce power.

And abruptly, he knew the one and only acceptable solution.

The thought just overflooded his mind: 'I... I have to protect them...! No matter, what it costs...! They are the two persons, who I don't want to see dying...! Not at any price...!' His huge ego realized not until several seconds had passed, what his sudden decision meant, but then it was already too late for his egocentric survival instinct to take just in time control.

Reshiram dashed between his friends and the giant, black energy-beam.

There, he emitted with his whole body a permanent salvo of light.

~ C ~

The embodiment of truth could hear their shocked calls of his name.

Although the colliding forces around him were noisy, he could recognize Melodys desperate order to leave his position and listen to Natits mental request to not hazard his life untimely for them. Gladly, Reshiram would have liked to tell the dragonbird, that his sense of time was a hopeless case, and would have loved to devalue the stupid expectation of his protégé, but he had no power left for sticking to his normal, querulent self. He had decided to protect these two – with all his remaining, yet not weak energy which flowed to his entire existence.

His body was nearly bent to a circle, while he squinted his eyes because of the exhaustion.

Being an almost-eternal being alias pseudo-deity didn't mean to be the perfect replacement for a sun thanks to the annoying fact, that every living creature was straitened to its specific personal leeway. Not even Arceus... alias Spirit had the power to create an endless light without heavy side-effects. Yet, Secenos didn't think now about shrinking back and changing his mind.

In all the time which he had wasted with endless sleeping, he had never considered suicide, although he had in fact lost his whole hope for the life on his planet. Sometimes, he had wondered why he wasn't able to imagine this easy solution, but today he knew, that he was in the end someone who wanted to throw his life away in exchange for the safety of someone else. Someone important. And now, he sacrificed it not only for a single being, but two honestly precious friends. It was... definitely better to vanish now in a meaningful way – for his companions, before he had to die later under the aching emotions within his over-strained heart. He would never know, how her passion felt like, but... in the end she would still be alive – the only thing which truthfully mattered for him, since she was the one he loved. And as his best friend was by her side, everything would be fine. There existed nothing which he had to regret when it came to these two humans.

Upcoming, Secenos would burn himself completely out. The last three Cipher-members had already given up to attack, but the stubborn Shadow Triad – who wanted his death more than anything else – continued the creation of their giant beam of darkness. The embodiment of truth was actually aware of the possibility to flee in the last second, but he didn't want to let Melody and Natit pay for such a cowardliness as well as preference of his own health. (Especially not her, as she was guilty – just as he was – in the eyes of the three fanatics who worshiped Ghetsis like a god, while her partner was just an unblamable 'henchman' who had made the wrong decision.) So, Reshiram simply stayed in the place where he was and came with every second closer to an end similar to the one of a star – a huge light-explosion which had to aim for Ghetsis' avenging angels.

Soon, his last reserves would turn into the aforesaid pure light, before the dark should reach him. But hopefully, the Shadow Triad wouldn't be able to stand his final power, even if their forces could probably destroy him root-and-branch... He would be so happy, if they would atone for their sins... They had tortured and hurt too many lives, as if he could allow them to outlast his attack...

He was close to burning out, but a last clear perception buzzed through his numb mind.

'That's it... This is my limit... But she'll be safe...'

~ C ~

"SECENOS!"

Her beautiful voice boomed almost painfully in his ears.

Negative surprised thanks to the alarming near of her, his eyes swung open widely.

From the corners of them, Secenos saw the irritating scene how Natit countered completely alone plus far away from him the Cipher-grunts, so he was through his sluggish brain initially confused about Melodys position. When his mind finally decoded the situation, she was already successful rushed to him – alias jumped at his back, where she embraced his neck at once. He was wrathful, since she had ignored his obvious will, but her action moved his heart simultaneously. He couldn't continue being mad at her. Not now. She was... after all here. By his side. With HIM. And not Natit. Melody... had decided to help HIM. And not her beloved. Although her partner had to fight, too. Above all, she had broke through his burning salvo of light just in order to reach him...

She had hurt herself just for being with him...

He realized suddenly, that she indeed knew his personal ache.

And her brave gesture now eased the emotional suffering in an unspeakable way.

Still holding on his enormous attack, Secenos closed his eyes because of a flood of sentiments and kept down the need to let the wetness behind his eyes out. Suddenly, his protégé held his neck with perceptible more pressure, but in the same second the grip was filled with clear affection. "Secenos..." ,her gentle voice fondled his ears, "Please, don't run away from your core... And don't sacrifice your life just because you're afraid of yourself... You can take it to have a human heart..." His body began to shiver. She really understood him... And the soft way her words were selected, they had a healing effect on him. He couldn't help but starting soundless to cry.

For a second, he considered discontinuing his light-salvo, but the Shadow Triad was still attacking, so Reshiram was forced to hold on. "Ses..." she whispered pitying, when he whimpered animalistic and stiffened under the exhaustion, as his trump became finally too much for him. His body had already started to break apart – he felt, how his muscles cracked entirely.

"Go..." he uttered breathless, since he couldn't protect her from the oncoming explosion.

"Forget it." Melody responded stubborn and held him even tighter. He couldn't protest against it, although panic took him over. She was so weakened; at the latest, after she had permeated his light. His protégé had used too much energy-reserves before. There was no chance for her to-

The embodiment of truth jerked, when suddenly a yellow-golden shine surrounded him and her like a solid barrier in form of a perfect sphere. It made him baffled, that her bare mind was the causer of this sudden phenomenon – in spite of her serious handicapped body. She even separated Secenos from his own attack, so that his light became an explosion without claiming its tribute from him, although the power was quite weaker than expected. For now, the Shadow Triad was busy with shielding themselves instead of continuing their beam, but the created barrage just temporized, however, as the missing part of Reshirams power was the reason why they endured the force.

It was only a matter of time, until the blast would end and their next attack could follow...

Melody interrupted abruptly his thoughts.

Without any warning, she turned the white dragon into his human shape.

But this wasn't the exact reason, why he was at all over-strained with the situation.

After he was so weakened, that he could hardly stay conscious... After even his soul was in a bad – nearly life-threatening condition... He hadn't the power left for creating automatically clothes. Therefore, his human disguise was totally exposed – he could feel her embrace directly on the skin of his aching back. This embarrassed him exceptionally, thought he wasn't a shy person like Natit. Secenos was simply not used to such an intimate contact to his protégé – triggered by HER.

Not, that he had time for getting used to this awkward moment...

Because she even surpassed it with another oddity.

His protégé surprised or rather shocked him to the bones, as she abruptly turned him around and pulled his body into her direction. Her hands gripped his shoulders coarsely while she moved him, but from one second to the other they let go of him just in order to land somewhere else. Her fingers touched his cheeks, yet it wasn't again a rough contact. It was now as gently... as if she would touch the most damageable porcelain. His brain couldn't decode quickly enough the meaning of her doing thanks to her fast motions, since the embodiment of truth wasn't even able to see her mien clearly, wherefore he was unguarded to the following happening...

The young woman – his protégé – kissed him.

Sensuously. Passionate. Fondly.

SHE kissed HIM.

~ C ~

In this moment, Secenos wished to die.

Under her wonderful lips of silk and the sweet taste of a rose which she offered him now by choice, it felt as if the purpose of his whole life had been fulfilled within a single second. Although, Reshiram was still not again the one who he was once and yet stuck in his inner darkness / madness, he was deeply assuaged, wherefore he wouldn't mind to leave this life under her beautiful gift. Nothing could bring him more peace than this unique sign of her affection.

Impulsive, his body vellicated when he sensed suddenly a rising energy within Melody.

At first he thought, that she would mobilize her active powers as a Sol-Adept once more, but then the embodiment of truth recognized the familiar yet different signature of the warm light. It was not vanilla-colored or rather sunflower-yellow as usual, but almost white with just a soupçon of gold. Her lips lay still on his mouth, when she activated her supporting powers as an 'elemental princess' or rather 'elemental angel'. He didn't need to open his eyes in order to see, that she had switched to her special form; the 'Celestial Mode' with a beautiful, silky dress of a princess – without shoes but with small bracelets and anklets made of pearls around both hands and feet – while respectively one purple-blue flower was arranged over her ears and her hair had turned silver with a golden shine. Only imagining now her unusual but still familiar appearance calmed him deeply.

Melody kissed him meanwhile stronger, which distracted him until he felt IT suddenly.

She... caused not only herself to reach a 'Celestial State'. Because she lent him her powers.

Whenever she decided to support someone with her purest energy, the result was always the same: An immeasurable increase of power within the one who she supported. Yet, she had only caused Natit until now to gain a 'Sol-form', since he was the only person who was able to do this resonance of their existences. Because of this fact, it was unbelievable, that Secenos could now feel a reaction within his body which he had only recognized before within his best friend. But it was no illusion: As she used on him her true powers as a Sol-Adept, their combined energies covered his body with a long bright Kimono and gave him his usual Reshiram-tail; making him a 'Gijinka'.

(He was still no fan of being appareled in clothes which revealed his true identity, but he couldn't change or erase the way how his newly 'Sol-form' looked like, since the golden energy determined his appearance – or rather, the celestial creature called Sol; sun in Latin.)

Above all, her identity as an angel of life lightened the embodiment of truth even from the inside. Secenos perceived abruptly a syntony between his own and her soul – they were now connected. And in this odd instant existed because of her pureness no sick, wrong darkness of his inner monster – also no madness of his cursed scar, though he ever felt these facts crawling in his emotional core. This unexpected positive response of their connection overwhelmed him. He was again... undiluted. It might only last for the period in which he was bonded to her holiest 'form', but... It was enough. His mental, black sickness was gone entirely – he didn't need more.

Deeply touched by her actions as well as gift, Secenos finally answered her kiss.

He forgot everything around them. The protective barrier; the dangerous foes; the malicious dark – simply everything which wasn't himself or his protégé, as he 'flourished' in this single unique touch. He didn't even sense Natits presence on the battlefield anymore, because he was caught in the light which his whole soul felt through Melodys gentle sign of passion for him.

Without any force or pressure, they created alias emitted in this minute a power that was far away from his regular grasp. Stronger – perhaps – as the power of death, and definitely brighter than even the combined lights of the elemental lighthouses of Weyard. Together, he and Melody were through this powerful state – and amongst their soulful kiss – like a white-golden, burning star in the sky, that erased everything evil in its near via a quasi cathartic energy-salvo. Casually he could sense, how their enemies – even the Shadow Triad – were forced to escape as they had no chance against the still strong-willed Natit AND the positive force that didn't allow anything malicious, but he was too busy with the foreign but wonderful happiness within his chest. Secenos cried again a little bit through the unbelievable sentiments, while the golden shine enclosed him and his protégé.

He didn't even notice instantly, when she teleported him and her away.

He could only feel their kiss.