Chapter 7: New responsibilities and painful reminders

A/N: I finally finished this chapter and I apologize for it being late but I had to put it on hold for the entire month of June because I had a major test I needed to study for my job and I couldn't afford any distractions. I originally planned to release this on the fourth but couldn't stop writing so I appreciate your patience so please enjoy.

"God just kill me now." Milo thought to himself.

He had a bored expression on his face as he listened to the conversations going on between the Lylat United Council and military discussing political matters. Being the Earth's ambassador and diplomate till the world leaders from his own world council and until interstellar communications could be set up on Earth meant that he had to attend these meetings. They didn't expect him to do anything but he wrote down side notes a he listened in on the conversations but he couldn't help but think back to the conversation he had with Drazire four weeks ago.

Flashback four weeks ago….

"Yes, it has but we need to talk." The dragon grew serious as his crossed his arms.

The human just shook his head and he reached down and picked up the knife and tossed it in the sink.

"Fine, follow me." Milo waved his hand as he leads Drazire upstairs to the office.

"You're looking a lot better since the last time I saw you. How's the scar? I can see that it's a light blue. I'm afraid to ask but is it because of residual plasma?" the black dragon asked leaning against a bookshelf.

"Yeah, we found several traces of plasma in the wound and that's why it's that color and unfortunately its caused some nerve damage. I just take some mild pain meds and I'm good to go. How's Lieutenant Simmons?" Milo answered sitting behind the desk in the dark red leather chair.

"He's doing better, he wouldn't be here to see his family if your father didn't save his life." Earning a smile from the human child but that faded quickly.

"And what about those two? Please tell me you didn't let them get away for what they did to us." Milo asked trying keep his rage in check. Drazire reached into his coat and pulled out a folder and tossed it to Milo who began reading it and saw that it was the after-action report.

"Our original mission was to weed out Venom spies that had infiltrated our ranks. We believed that my partner Commander Alvah and his subordinate; Lieutenant Willard were a part of that group. Unfortunately, Alvah was put in charge of our mission on Earth to gather intel, but the real mission was to catch them. When Simmons got separated from us in an explosion we searched for days till we found him with you. I was willing to let both of you go for what you did for him however Alvah saw this as an opportunity to gather intel and I deeply regret leaving him and Willard interrogate you for those hours. We were on our way back to your location when I heard the blast and when we barraged in I was appalled at the state I saw you in and when I saw your father that was the last straw. However, Alvah tried to turn this on me if you remember saying that if we didn't put you out then this would cause us problems. That's why I let him think that I ordered Simmons to take you somewhere enclosed and kill you but when Alvah left I told him to let you go. Unfortunately, he had to knock you out to prevent you from following us. After that and we got back to our transport we restrained them and charged them for illegally torturing and executing unarmed prisoners." The dragon explained feeling guilty and ashamed at his failure. Milo saw that he was telling the truth word for word as he read the report and saw that this mission was given to them by General Pepper himself and closed the folder.

"Where are they now?" Milo asked folding his hands.

"Alvah is currently being held in max security on Fichina, unfortunately Willard managed to escape custody. We believe he's the who arranged the attempt on your life a few hours ago." He answered as he began to pace. This didn't surprise Milo but he was more concerned for Krystal.

"That's why as of this moment our team will be your bodyguards till further noticed and we will be staying in the house across the street till a foster home can be found for you." The dragon announced to the human halting his pacing.

"Whoa now! Foster home? I did not agree to being placed in a foster home. I can take care of myself." The human began to argue.

"That may be true but you are still a child and whether you like it or not you need parental figures in your life. Rest assure that we're looking at a few families that you might like but you will be staying here till the winter break. Now moving on to other businesses, there's a political meeting in a few weeks that you must attend and General Pepper thought you could use something just in case you were separated from your guards. He thought that you were responsible enough to have it." Drazire said reaching behind him pulling out a Sig Sauer P320 and slide it across the desk to Milo who removed the mag and checked the gun over.

"Why are you giving me an Earth based weapon?" As he placed the weapon back in its holster. "Why give me a weapon at all?"

"Weapons, your president practically sent you a small arsenal. They're in a drop crate in the garage. But a word of caution," the dragon stated as he placed his clawed hands on the desk and looked the human in the eyes. "The only people who know about this are your guards and General Pepper. So only use them as a last resort. Also, there's a transport coming in a few weeks with some cargo from Earth. After it goes through the planetary customs the items will be delivered here."

Back to the present.

Milo just looked around and saw several ambassadors for the different planets in Lylat as well as military leaders. He even saw the king and queen of Cerinian but looked away when he thought of Krystal.

"I've already been here for almost a month and a half. I wonder how things are back home." The human couldn't help but think.

"Now onto today's agenda." A dark male puma announced stirring the human from his thoughts.

The puma cleared his throat as began to read. "The agenda for today is the reconstruction and integration of the planet Earth of the Sol System."

General Pepper looked towards Milo noticing that it peaked his interest before he spoke. "What is the percentage of the reconstruction of the cities?"

The puma scrolled through his tablet before answering. "So far, about sixty percent of the major cities have been repaired and upgraded to meet that of Lylat's. We' still trying to work out a solution with advancing their ways of transportation and military but they are beginning to come arou-"

"You're trying to give these savages advance weaponry? Have you lost your mind!?" Major Grant the bulldog cornerian interrupted.

General Pepper didn't like the what he was implying about the humans. "Yes, Grant it is the least we could after we wiped out most of their military and I ask that you mind your tone as you are in the presence of their ambassador."

The Major growled and decided to push back "This child doesn't understand a thing of what is going on! He is nothing more than tourist! He doesn't know what's at stake! Giving a star ship let alone weapons to a planet that is divided is a disaster waiting to happen. I mean look at their history! They have raged war at each other over some petty reason! If anything, we should withdraw all our forces and leave them to continue fighting amongst themselves!"

Milo slammed his hands down as he stood up causing everyone to jump. General Pepper looked towards the human and saw that the human had a neutral expression.

"Savages? Let's get one thing straight here. Those petty reasons we rage over? Is because some countries believe that by killing themselves and thousands of innocent civilians who don't believe their religion will please their god and get them into heaven. And yes, we fight over territory and resources but so did your people! Long ago you too did the exact same thing! Our people are still young, we haven't reached the state where we come together as a whole race but trust me this attack? It did and let me tell you, if you had left right after attacking us? I guarantee you that when our people reached the ability to travel through space in the future they would seek revenge. We have a saying on Earth an eye for an eye." Milo paused to let it sink in before continuing. "But General Pepper saw that you made a mistake and by offering to help repair the damage done showed my president and other world leaders that you are just like us, capable of making mistakes. Now it will be some time before the Earth and its people can forgive Lylat but this is the first step to amendment. I may be a child to some of you but I've seen more war time than some of you have in most of your careers, if anything that makes me more than qualified."

General Pepper couldn't help but smile and applaud the human which grew louder as other officers and counsel men joined in except Major Grant who decided to leave.

After several more hours the meeting finally adjourned. Milo began walking down the hallway with his guards on either side.

"You certainly know how to cause a commotion Pax." Captain Marshal Owen, a German Shepherd Cornerian addressed.

"Don't patronize me, I'm not in the mood right now. All I want to do is go home and sleep." Milo retorted as he removed his tie and slung it over his shoulder.

"You know he doesn't mean it like that. We're just surprised at how well you handled that situation with Major Grant that's all." Lieutenant Jack Simmons, a silver fox addressed.

"Sigh, I know you do. I apologize for snapping at you Captain Owen. I haven't been sleeping well and I'm just a little tired."

The grey fox felt sorry for the teen. He's seen the boy's schedule, between attending his classes and his training with Captain Adams at odd hours in the middle of the night he was surprised the boy found the time to rest.

As they drew closer to the exit, Milo noticed the King and Queen of Cerinia with Randorn accompanying them were standing near the exit almost like they were waiting for him.

"Mr. Pax, nice to see you again." King Rathorn addressed the human.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor be in your presence again." The human replied with a bow.

King Rathorn may not like the relationship that his only daughter had with this human however he did appreciate that the human teen addressed him properly and gave him the proper respect.

"You certainly know how to give an inspiring speech. You'd certainly make a fine politician whenever you came of age." Queen Athena stated with a smile.

Milo blushed at the complement at looked away when he thanked her. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself when she saw this. She talked with her daughter over the past couple of weeks since they let her out with her friends mainly about her and Milo. And she was starting to see what her daughter saw, a kind hearted young man that cared for others and was well mannered and she too saw that he was handsome despite not being a Cerinian. No wonder her daughter started developing feelings for him and she could tell that her daughter had the same effect on him.

"So, Milo how has your studies been?" Randorn interrupted as he stepped forward.

"They're coming along smoothly, of course they're on the same level as some of my country's top-rated colleges but nothing I can't handle." He answered looking toward the older Cerinian.

"That's good to hear. By the way Rathorn didn't you say that Krystal was having some trouble with her school work? Maybe you should consider inviting young Pax here to the embassy to help tutor her some. Plus, I'd think that it would be nice and safer to have some of her friends visit instead of going out." Randorn addressed with a smile while earning a frown from Rathorn.

Rathorn didn't like the idea of Krystal spending more time with Milo but she did mention that she was having trouble with some of her school work. He looked towards his wife only to see that she was smiling and nodded in agreement. Knowing that it was pointless to even try to argue with her he just sighed before answering. "Well, that decision also has to be agreed with his guards."

Before Milo could even have a say, Captain Owen stepped in.

"We'll have to take it up with General Pepper but I don't see that being a problem. If anything, it should help strengthen our interplanetary relations." He stated as he patted Milo's shoulder. Milo looked up to the Shepherd only to earn a small smile and a wink from him.

"Excellent! We'll wait for your response. And maybe whenever you have time while you're at the embassy you might consider coming to a few of my lessons? I'd enjoy having another pupil to teach." Randorn said as he looked to Milo.

"I'll think about it thank you for the offer, Mr. Randorn." He thanked the older fox earning a nod.

"Well, we should be heading out. Till we hear from you we shall take our leave." Randorn stated. Milo bid the king and queen goodbye and went their separate ways. Though Milo was no longer within hearing range King Rathorn continued the conversation.

"I don't like the idea of our daughter spending any more time than she already does with him." Rathorn debated as he crossed his arms.

"Whether you like him or not we need to keep a closer eye on him. You saw the reaction the staff had in his presence at least this way I can see if he does have potential of wielding it. Plus, you did mention that Krystal was having some trouble with her school work, who better to help her than a fellow classmate? Not to mention this will help with interplanetary relations." Randorn quarreled.

"I understand all that, I just don't want her developing a deep relationship with him." He bickered with his close friend.

"That decision is not for us to decided love. Besides she is not next in line for the throne anyways so she has the right to choose whoever she wishes." Athena stated as she grabbed her husband's arm.

Deciding not to try arguing with her he decided to let the subject slide, for now.

The parking garage…

Milo was being led to his ride when a female leopard wearing a pair of white jeans with a red button up with a short male hedgehog in a simple pair of jeans and a white shirt with a logo on it following her started approaching them.

"Halt! Stop where you are and state your business!" Captain Owen demanded as he stepped in front of Milo and placing a paw near his right holster ready to draw his blaster.

The hedgehog quickly raised his paws up and quickly stepping behind the leopard who just rolled her eyes.

"Haven't you people ever heard of freedom of the press?" the female leopard answered in a Jamaican accent as she pulled a press pass out of her back pocket and handed it to Captain Owen.

"And what brings you here miss …. Powell?" Captain Owen said reading the ID.

"It's kinda obvious love." She gestured towards Milo.

"You're Angela Powell, right? From the Morning Den?" Milo asked.

"Yes I am. Didn't know you watched the show." She answered purring slightly.

"Well, it helps to pass the time in the morning before school." He replied with a smile.

"If you want to schedule an interview, you'll have to talk it over with General Pepper's receptionist." Captain Owen stated as he handed back her press pass.

"We've tried but we just keep getting blown off. Do you know how many people are demanding to see him? If you keep hiding him this is going to cause some concerns." Angela interjected.

"I understand that Miss Powell but it is our job to…." But Milo cut in. "If you have a business card, I'll ask General Pepper and ask if he can work something out."

Smiling, Angela reached into her pocket and handed a dark card to Milo but Owen grabbed instead.

"Well, we'll be waiting to hear back from soon hopefully. See you later love." Angela waved back to Milo as she started walking away with the hedgehog following her.

Milo couldn't help but shake his head as he walked over to the limo getting in the back with Owen following while Simmons drove.

They spent most of the ride in silence but before Owen could speak, Milo spoke first.

"I know what you're going to say but I have an obligation to my people and if going on to a talk show and answering some questions will calm the public then so be it. Plus, General Pepper did say I would have to so might as well do it with one of the most popular show on Corneria."

Owen decided to let it slide and they went back to silence. After about thirty minutes they dropped Milo off and parked at a house several houses away. Before heading in Milo noticed a large metal crate sitting in the drive way with the ATLAIS logo on the side. Sighing, Milo dragged it into the garage and pulled up a stool and opened it up Quickly, noticing a small section was sealed off and had a thin layer of ice on it. Deciding to save that for last. This time Milo got some items that he was looking forward to using. The first was a K2 Carveair snowboard that was black and had a red outline, the next was a Firewire, the Cornice surfboard that was white with a black outline and finally a blue and white MBS Atom 95X mountain board with a V-brake system. Each board had its own gear so he was for the waves, snow, and mountains. Remembering the small sealed off section of the crate he reached for it but saw to letters on top. Picking up both he decided to the read the one he recognized as his uncle's handwriting.

Dear Milo,

Wow hard to believe it's already almost been two months since you've left. Heh, I hope you're doing well, and I hope the items I sent made it in one piece. I know you don't like to sit in one place for too long just like your mother. Heck your father couldn't keep her from a major dig in Peru while she was seven months with pregnant with you! Ha ha!

Milo chuckled at his uncle's joke knowing it was true and continued reading.

I know how hard it's been since she's passed and how hard it was not being able to give her a proper burial since we never found out what happened to her. But I know that she would be proud of the man that you have become. Now, there's a reason why I sent you these things. By the time you get these it will be one week from that day and it saddens me to give you that letter knowing I won't be there to help you through what you will experience that week. I ask only this, please, please don't do anything reckless. There are a lot of people counting on you and I know your parents wouldn't want you doing anything stupid. Take care Milo.

Your Favorite Uncle.

Milo quickly did the math in his head and realized what month it would be back on Earth and what the date that Friday would be. Throwing his uncle's letter to the side he ripped open the older letter and began reading the parchment only to fall to his knees with tears streaming down his face, falling onto the parchment.

"Mom…" he barely whispered.

Krystal's POV

Krystal noticed that Milo had been acting strangely since they had gotten back from their weekend. He looked down but when she asked him, he would merely smile and just say that he was just tired. She could tell that he was lying but knew he probably had his reasons. However, she was concerned when the rest of the group hadn't noticed his behavior. Her concern grew throughout the week when she noticed he started looking pale and started falling asleep in class. Things gotten even stranger when she noticed Milo talking with Amber Thursday after school. When Friday rolled around she noticed that Milo wasn't there when their names were called. When he didn't show up before lunch the others noticed. That and the bad weather rolling in did not bode well.

"Hey Krystal, where's Milo? I haven't seen him today." Fox asked sitting down next to her with his food.

"I don't know, but haven't you noticed how he's been acting lately?" She replied not eating.

"Now that you mention he has been acting withdrawn lately, maybe it's some kinda holiday humans celebrate?" Miyu asked biting into an orange red fruit that resembled an apple.

Before Krystal could answer a steady tone sounded over the intercom.

"Attention students and cadets this is your Dean speaking. Due to Space Dynamics, recent shut down of the weather mod towers along the coast for maintenance we are cutting the day short due to a large tropical storm forming along the coast and will be hitting landfall in a few hours. So, you all are dismissed for the day but you are to head straight home. That is all." Lt. Colonel stated cutting out.

While most of the students were cheering Krystal couldn't help but worry. Over the past several weeks she had gotten to know him. He and her would go to the library to do their homework, she often had to ask him for help which he didn't mind and when they weren't doing their work she would teach him Cerinian and he would teach her Latin. Or they would just share stories from their pasts. Before she knew it, she was heading out the entrance doors waiting for her ride. She said her goodbyes to Fox and the others. Fox did tell her before he left that Milo probably called in sick, though that didn't ease her concern. She quickly noticed Amber walking down the front steps and decided to confront her.

"Hey Amber do you have a minute." She asked the she wolf.

"Sure, Krystal what's up?" Amber answered as she brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Um, well I saw you and Milo talking yesterday and since he wasn't here today. I thought that maybe you might know why?" Krystal asked trying not to pry.

Amber frowned slightly as she adjusted her bag before answering.

"Yea, he wanted to speak to my mom about taking today off. At first my mom refused but he explained that it was important something about an anniversary. My mom asked me to step out so they could go into detail about it. When he came out he thanked me and we both headed back to class."

Falling silent for a minute Amber and sighed as she reached into her bag grabbing a pen and paper and wrote something down and handed to Krystal who gave her a questionable look.

"It's his home address, I got it off my mom's desk when she wasn't there, don't tell anyone where you got it, okay?" Amber said with a smile.

Krystal just looked for the folded paper then to Amber and couldn't help but hug Amber who returned it before running off to her ride giving Cerin new directions.

"Go get him girl." Amber said to herself with a smile before walking to get in to a car with her father.

Ten minutes later outside Milo's house…..

Krystal slowly made her way up the stone walkway to the front door while Cerin was talking with one of his bodyguards. When she tried the door, she found that it was unlocked and entered. This was the first time she entered a friend's home let alone a boy's home. If her father found out he would try and kill him. But she would overcome that when it came to it. She quickly noticed that the couch looked like it someone had been sleeping on it recently by the throw cover and pillow. She noticed an old wooden box on the glass coffee table and gently brushed over the lid's smooth surface.

"Milo? Are you here?" she called out only to get no reply.

She just sat down and looked at the box. She didn't want to go through his private belongings but her curiosity got the better of her and she opened it up and was surprised at what she found. She was surprised to start pulling out old family photos. She chuckled to herself when she saw some of his toddler photos especially one of him dressed as a blue and white fox for Halloween. She set them aside and started going throw more pictures of him a little older and he looked happy. She finally came across the some of them of his parents (if you want to know, picture a young Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt from Mr. and Mrs. Smith, don't judge.) She found one that stood out the most, it was a picture of all three on mountain ridge overlooking a lake all in climbing gear.

"He's not here." A voice stated startling her.

She looked up and saw a German shepherd in casual clothes. Before she could speak he beat her to it.

"He asked Simmons to take him to Draker's Point before the storm hits. I've already given your driver the directions there. I suggest you get going before the worst gets here." Owen stated pointing to the door.

Krystal nodded and started walking to the door putting the photo in her pocket but was stopped before heading out when Owen placed a paw on her shoulder.

"He's in bad shape miss Cerinia. I haven't seen him like this since I met him again to let him know that we were his protection detail. The only thing that comes to mind would be something do with his family. I urge you to proceed with caution, he's more than likely to lash out at any Cornerian that cross his path, even you. He's more likely to say somethings he doesn't mean." Owen stated with concern, Krystal just nodded and quickly headed out the door fighting against the frigid wind to the limo where Cerin was already waiting in the driver's seat. The instant she jumped in the back the hover vehicle shot off.

"Your father is going to kill me Krystal!" Cerin yelled back to her.

"I'll talk about it with him later but, please just hurry Cerin." Krystal begged, praying that Milo was alright.

15 minutes later at Draker's Point (Insert: Help by Papa Roach or Heavy by Linkin Park)

Krystal worked her way up the small trail folding the front of the front of the leather jacket she was wearing as the wind began to pick up and rain began to fall. Cerin followed her urging her to use the umbrella he brought but she refused. After a few minutes of hiking the rugged terrain they made it to the top to find only two others at the top. One, was silver fox in a rain coat with an umbrella sitting on a bench looking at the second person. When she turned her gaze to the second person she felt her heart skip a beat. Milo was simply standing at the fenced edge in a long sleeved white shirt with light blue stenciled wings on the back and a pair of blue jeans. She also noticed a bouquet of white and blue flowers and a yellow parchment in his right hand. Krystal sent a mental message to Cerin to stand back which he complied. As she walked past the older fox she looked at him and saw the sadden look on his face and when she read his thoughts she found that he felt guilty for everything that happened to Milo. She then turned back to Milo and when she was less than a foot away he spoke.

"Nymphaea Caerulea, better known as the Egyptian blue lotus, they were my mother's favorite. Heh, my dad would always find a way to sneak away off to Egypt to pick a fresh bouquet from the Nile to give to her on their wedding anniversary, even though we had some in the lake behind our house. We would always go to the Mendocino Cliff in California to the exact spot where he proposed and he would give her the bouquet and he would ask what would she like for her anniversary gift that year. She would just look towards me and would say that he had already given it to her."

Milo grew silent as he let that sink in and when Krystal figured out what he meant she felt her heart ache for him and was on the verge of tears.

"My mom was a fighter, she planned on having me today even when she told me that I tried coming out into the world a few hours early. She said it was because I just couldn't wait to see her even though we were already close. After, we found out about her death, my dad and I would still celebrate their anniversary to remember her. Now, that he's gone this day is just a painful reminder that I am alone." He turned around to face Krystal and she felt her heart break. The whites of his eyes were red and his face was pale and thin.

"Why didn't you tell me that today was your….." but before she could finish he snapped.

"Why!? I already had to be reminded about my mother's death every year on my birthday! Now, it reminds me that I am completely alone! I have no one on this planet full of the people that killed innocent lives including my father right in front of eyes!" He shouted taking a step towards her causing Cerin and Simmons to also take a forward step but she motioned behind her back to not move forward which they complied with.

"And what about me?" she asked stepping towards him now inches from him.

"What do you mean?" he answered with a question.

She grabbed his left hand and held it with both of hers feeling how cold it was before speaking.

"Do you think that I am the same as the men that killed him? What about Fox and the others or your neighbors? You know that not all Cornerians are like the terrible men that killed him, you know that it was all Andross's doing. You are not alone here, you have m- us. You have people who care for you here and this day doesn't have to be a painful reminder, all you have to do is remember the good times that you had with your parents on this day and keep moving forward." She said letting go placing her paw on his cheek. Despite the freezing rain his face felt feverish to her.

"I-I know I'm just…. tired." He said hanging his head swaying slightly. Seeing this, Krystal quickly moved forward catching him before he could fall. Cerin and Simmons ran over, Simmons grabbed him from her and put him on his back with Cerin's help.

"I'll get him home and in bed, thank you miss Cerinia. He speaks very highly of you." Simmons stated as he was about to walk off Krystal stepped in front of him.

"No. He's coming back to the embassy with us. He'll be safe there till the storm passes, I'm sure Mr. Owen and General Pepper will agree. You can call them on our way there." Krystal stated.

Both Cerin and Simmons looked at one another but Cerin knew not to argue with her when she was serious but he couldn't help but think of how badly this will turn out when they bring Milo back and her father finds out. Simmons just nodded and started making his way down the trail with Krystal and Cerin following next to him communicating via thoughts.

"Forget what I said earlier. Your father's not just going to kill me, he's going to kill me and resurrect me and kill me again." He thought.

"You let me handle that when we get back. Right now, I just want to get Milo some help and rest." She sent to him as she looked over to Milo watching the rain run down his face.

"I'll help you through this Milo, I promise I won't let go." She thought to herself.

A/N: And done jeez this one took me a while to write, but I hope it was to your satisfaction. Anyways I'm going to take a short break and figure out what the next chapter will be about. But if you have ideas I'd like to listen to some. Anyways till next time my friends, howls!

Kaymin