Sorry it took a while, just caught up in a lot of stuff to do….. Don't worry, this story isn't forgotten.


"Marciel, wake up!"

Marciel immediately went from deep sleep to his head shooting up from the nest he was laying in. He has always woken quickly.

"Hey, nice reaction time…. Oh, uh, we have Nightlights approaching the village soon! You gonna hide or fight?" Guin asked.

"I will step up first to see their intentions. If needed, I will send them away myself."

"Yourself? That's risky pal. I'll have your back." She gave a thumbs-up.

"I take it they are by the entrance?" Marciel groggily asked.

"Yeah. They're different from who we saw yesterday, but I'm always cautious with Nightlights. Plus, they're all platinum or master ranks." She sighed.

"Well, it would definitely be the fiercest hello to be witnessed. We should wave high back with an army behind us all preparing hyper beams for greeting cards."

"I'd put trap doors over a pool of spikes over the welcome mats to the house parties….." Guin smirked.

"I can only imagine what you'd do to the food at such a 'party'….."

"I'll tell ya later. Pipe down or they'll hear us…." Guin slowly began to whisper as the pair came across the large group of pokemon simply waiting at the entrance.

"Are you acting as this village's representatives?" an aegislash waited just ahead of the group and spoke.

"Yes." Guin replied sternly.

Marciel flinched at Guin's dry tone. She stood taller with both her hands behind her back, speaking with command. Her entire personality reversed itself.

"What is it you've come here for?" Guin asked with blank eyes.

"A formal takeover of this mountain region. You will live as usual, but we simply must have this mountain as a vantage point and small base of supplies. Failure to comply will result in force."

Guin's eyes turned to Marciel and back after he gave the slightest nod.

"We cannot allow such."

"Apologies then. As we do battle, know this is not my will. What say you before we begin?" aegislash asked sadly.

"Yes."

The opposing group shivered as Guinevere's normal personality returned. She cracked her neck before ripping two rocks from below herself and making them burning hot in her hands.

"You Nightlights dung goofed when you decided to keep messing with my village. I don't care who the heck decided to do it, but you're gonna have to decide to kill me if my home's next on your list. Now get wrecked out get lost!" Guin one by one threw the rocks at the group. A blastoise used hydro pump on each for a marowak and kommo-o hit the rocks aside with great effort.

"This is becoming a sad story….. I've heard that this village only has one defending warrior, though very powerful. If you simply wouldn't resist this situation would be trivial."

"I believe one warrior can best any number of thieves." Guin used flame burst while a solrock and sigilyph used light screen to block the attack while being behind the group.

"If true, there would be no thieves. You are far more powerful than I, along with most of the ones behind me. But this is not a fair battle. This is me doing my job for whatever good my leader sees that will come out of this. Lurantis!"

A Lurantis brought down a solar blade as the pair split apart to avoid the attack that left a scorch mark on the ground.

"MOVE TO THE SIDE!" The eegislash shouted following his own order as a blade of wind slashed through the group. It shot off the mountain far before dissipating.

"The Nightlight Association is bound under the orders of the crown." Marciel began.

The eegislash grunted still recovering from the shock of being next to his attack.

"Valor is bound by the pact between it and Verity to not claim any more land for its own. Your actions represent the crowns', and I cannot imagine what the crown would do if they discovered this treason." Marciel gestured towards the now marked battlefield. "And if Verity also learned about this, about one-fourth of civilization would form against the Association at least. But more particularly, one-fourth of civilization would form against you."

Aegislash thought for a very short moment.

"Pull back to base Nightlights. I will explain for this later….."

The group parted and let the aegislash depart downwards first before following. Some attempted to fire aggressive looks at Marciel before having their eyes quickly intimidated away his wings slightly moved.

"We'll be watching you, dragon wings." The lurantis swore before following at the back of the group.

Marciel didn't reply to the deep voiced lurantis.

"Hey, how do you know about Valorian law?" Guin interrogated as soon as the lurantis was out of sight.

"When I'm not exploring, sleeping, or training, I study. Quite simply, everything I just listed gives me an edge, but knowledge is the easiest power to share."

"Hmph, well….. Thanks. You really just gave us a sword to fend off the Association here in my home….. I suppose it's only right that we help you find what you need to. Now that my home is safe, and if you'll have me, I'd like to help you look."

"You mean to join me?" Marciel inquired.

Guinevere put her hands behind her head as the sunrise came onto the pair. She stared at it for a brief moment before nodding.

"Yeah, I'll join you. By that I mean joining your search for what you're lookin for. No offense, but I do like working alone occasionally….." she waved her hands apologetically.

"I can understand such."

Guin smiled seeing Marciel gaze at the sunrise.

"C'mon, let's go see my old man."

Marciel nodded still gazing before following her back to the village. The building they stayed in was the same size as all of the others and made from the same wood. Its distinguishing factor was that it was in the center of the mess of buildings.

Inside Marciel saw the beds they had slept in, along with a newly opened door. A lone pyroar was groggily walking about.

"Good morning, Guinevere. Good morning, traveler." he greeted with his eyes barely opened.

"Hey pa! We were wondering-"

"Give me a moment to wake up first, dear….."

Guin tapped her foot on the floor three times quickly.

"Ok, I'm ready. Now then, traveler. What do you seek?"

"An ancient weapon dubbed Hikari." Marciel responded.

He flinched as both Guin's and the pyrorar's eyes shot wide open.

"Guin, be a dear and grab me a bucket of cold water from outside. I need to wake up for this."

"Gotcha pa." Guin staggered outside with the same look in her eyes.

"I thought you had said you had woken up enough." Marciel questioned.

"Son, allow me to teach you one of my most famous lessons. There is waking up…" the pyroar approached him with his eyes barely opened, "And then there's what you do before a test." he opened his eyes wide as they dilated.

"I do not follow….."

"Guin, grab two!"

"Already did that, pa!" Guin came in with two small buckets of water and poured them on the pyroar.

Marciel shivered on how it felt for a fire type. For him, it was the equivalent of Marciel pouring hot coals himself in terms of pain.

"Alright then! I'm guessing you're the sort of explorer that actually explores?"

"Hm?" Marciel tried to understand the question.

"Most 'explorers' are just sightseers. They don't go into dangerous places or discover ruins, but looked at what's already been found." Guin interjected.

"But you're not a joke, are you? I take it you probably have a fair amount of knowledge about Acuity…." The Pyroar inquired.

"Yes, though not as much as I prefer….."

"Here, have a seat." The Pyroar sat on what was uses as Guin's bed while Marciel sat on his. It definitely helped him feel more comfortable.

"Tell me one thing, why are you researching Acuity?" The Pyroar asked.

"A vast kingdom suddenly disappeared with nearly no traces or tales to tell. I do not wish for some disaster to happen again, and I simply cannot leave alone what befell Acuity."

"Good, good….. Out of concern for the world. Well Marciel, you've certainly hit a peak of your research."

"Is 'peak of my research' an intended pun?"

"One hundred percent."

"Ooh, nice pa! How'd you guess he was a math kind of guy?" Guin clapped.

"Moving on…." he partially ignored, "Marciel, what's your knowledge of Acuity?"

"I already stated that…." Marciel sweat dropped.

"Oh, right. Sorry. Now then, I have a story to tell you that reveals the creation of our world. Are you ready?"

"I wish I had my friend and his photographic memory currently, but I am prepared."

"Don't worry, it's not a long one." he assured, "All I really know about the story is that it's true and deals with the origins of the weapon you seek."

"Alright, I love when pa tells stories." Guin lied down, "It's just the best!"

"Arceus was appointed as a general of light and creation, and along with other powerful beings named legendary pokemon created the physical world. It was their combined duty to protect the world and intervene to keep history stable and secure. Before Valor, Verity, and Acuity, the sheer youth of creation caused imbalances in reality once known as mystery dungeons."

Marciel internally shivered at the name, but quickly fought off extra thoughts that would distract him.

"As time went on, creation became more stable and mystery dungeons all but disappeared. However, they still can be created for specific purposes."

"How, and what purpose?" Marciel asked as the pyroar paused.

"Mystery dungeons can be made by the ancients that helped forged the world because they carry the ability to bend reality. They are either used for challenges or the trials of a scion, which is a pokemon who summons the ability of their respective legendary pokemon. The duty of scions is the same as their partners sort of speak, to protect history and keep it stable. Scions are reincarnated when necessary."

"There are also more ways the legendary pokemon balance history," Guin added, "Such as blessing pokemon with temporary power. This is known as mega evolution, and it is said to have a purpose in a certain pokemon near the apocalypse."

"I'll explain that certain one in a moment. After the era of mystery dungeons the three kingdoms were formed. An unfortunate fate befell an Acuitan king who was Arceus' scion, a keldeo named Hikari. You see, in the forging of the world there was a traitor who planted a hint of darkness in all living things. Three traitorous legendary pokemon also joined his cause, and they sealed themselves inside creation waiting to corrupt history. They killed Acuity."

"If I may interrupt, how long ago?" Marciel politely asked.

"About five or six millennia. They raised an army of demons and tore Acuity apart, along with all memory of them. Hikari was a surprise Arceus used against him, but at a cost. You see, Hikari was summoned from a world referred to as the human world, where pokemon and beings called humans live in harmony. Many great champions have been summoned from their in the age of mystery dungeons, and Arceus decided to choose his scion from there."

"I presume he was very powerful if no trace of the traitor pokemon have been found?"

"Yes. Hikari sealed every last traitor pokemon and killed all of the demons, though they can be remade. It cost Hikari not only his life, but his ability to be reincarnated. His spirit remains in his horn, the only piece of him left. That is the weapon Hikari you are searching for. It has the power to slay the demons and seal the traitors, which has become select scions duty. The duty is represented by a white garment held mysteriously from birth."

"Why a white garment?" Marciel grew curious, "White and gold is said to be Arceus' color."

"Ah, yes. Hikari's younger brother was also brought from the human world, and he will take over Acuity as king when it rises again. The white, which is the color of the younger brother, represents Hikari's motive to create a safe world for his brother to be born into."

"Whatever became of him?"

"The boy, Light I believe was the name he was given, at least for a time. He sleeps deep under the Neon Plains, which separates Verity and Valor, in a castle to rise one day. He is the second most powerful scion next to Hikari, but his situation is complicated and unknown to me. I also sense it's irrelevant. A traitor pokemon has broken its seal, hasn't it?"

Marciel grew silent.

"What happened, Marciel? It's too important not to say!" Guin urged.

"I was tricked into discovering the place where some great evil dwelled."

"I see. It seems the demons sought to use your unknowing of these things to have you release the traitor a bit early. You most likely know of Hikari's wielder and whereabouts. Who and where is he or she?"

"His name is Kite, and he is currently in Valor. His explorer renown is under the name Silverlight." Marciel answered.

"Is he awakened as a scion yet? Surely something can help you tell. Any clue whatsoever, perhaps having been under a strenuous or stressful test?"

"We were exploring underground a little while ago, and when we left he seemed strangely weary."

"Oh dear…." the pyroar started pacing urgently, "He's in danger. The leading traitor pokemon created three demons similar to the first kings. They are all called Reaper, and they are scion assassins. Even the traitor legendary pokemon don't match their power. You must go to Valor and defend him, and right now."

"What of the search for Hikari?" Marciel asked quickly.

"Hikari's current denizen was built over in an unknowing tribute to an old scion named Pokepark."

"And I'll be taking that place over. We're a team on this!" Guin accepted.

"Before I go, what about that certain pokemon you mentioned earlier?" Marciel grabbed his green scarf.

"Hikari's twin sibling, who will be born at a period in history so far away we don't have to even think of it now. Go defend Kite! Guinevere, stay here while I get the map directions for Pokepark!"

Marciel was outside shooting off into the sky before he could hear what Guin's reply was. If anything was powerful enough to threaten Kite, it was always a serious issue. Also according to his math, the palace that he and Kite explored was Light's.


Two days after Steelio's rampage, Shedo and Susan both decided to try for at least one of them to be invited to a party to be held the same night. Though smaller than most, the reason was that only a group of popular kids and who they wanted to bring were invited.

"Lots of them won't even have known you. I think I would have better odds for this." Susan stated last minute as they entered the restaurant. Shedo had meant to show Kite the place, but they were interrupted.

"Thanks to that concoction I was able to cook up while Kite kept it occupied, I was actually able to damage him severely. In fact, I was on the second page of most newspapers yesterday. The challenge now is simply blending in long enough. I'm sure one of us will at least make it, unless you plan on doing something like hitting on that Togedemaru you're staring at and failing." Shedo smirked.

"My job comes first."

Shedo sensed a slight sad tone in her reply, but chose to leave it as they approached the counter where they ordered. A Maractus gave t hem the simple cups of water they ordered at a frightening pace before sending them off to the sitting area.

"You lead and do introductions. I'll be fine after." Shedo whispered.

The table Susan led him to was small with a Combusken and the Togedemaru.

"Hey, is this seat open?" Susan asked nonchalantly.

"Nah. It's just been taken by a lovely Pachirisu. The name's Tom."

Tom quickly pulled out Susan seat before shaking her hand and sitting back down.

"Oh, and this is Shedo." Susan gestured as Shedo took a seat next to her. "So, come here often?"

"Well, I do like to go home often! My parents own this place, see. My older brother is more into cooking here than me though. I plan to try to be a cook in the Nightlight Association someday. If you are what you eat, I'm gonna make a good place! I don't recognize you…. First time?"

Shedo couldn't help be just a bit disappointed. As nice as the togedemaru is, they were searching for more of an underbelly to the popular group. Someone clean like him wouldn't know about such scandals.

"Yeah, I get what you mean."

Shedo tuned back into the conversation.

"First times going places can be really confusing. My aunt and uncle both have another house together, and the first time I was there it looked like I was in a business meeting. At the time, I didn't realize they would even let me host parties if I wanted, like the one tonight! You wanna come?"

Shedo sweat dropped.

"Well, Shedo's like on older brother to me. I don't want to leave him worrying….."

"I can get being an older bro. You wanna come too?" Tom turned to Shedo.

"Thanks. Appreciate it." Shedo smiled.

"Well that's good news to hear then. I've gotta run now, but we'll meet again tonight." Tom took a small bow before leaving with the Combusken.

"You picked to approach him one purpose, didn't you? You've been watching him." Shedo studied.

"Well, he's one of the few kind popular ones. I like to be familiar with my environment."

"No, you came here betting on the fact that he would say yes. From what I see, you used asking him on a date to get into this party." Shedo smirked, "And I'm willing to bet you've been performing well in front of him on purpose in class too."

Susan's face grew an irritated red as she rolled her eyes facing away from him.

"Well, I have an idea."

"Sorry, but no."

"Hey, hear this out." Shedo reasoned. "And let me set a scene….."

"Oh brother." Susan hid her face slightly.

"A Pachirisu majestically enters carried by a Garchomp, whose draco meteor she could totally live."

"Shedo, I'm not in the mood for-"

"And then…." Shedo cut her odd. "And then gains the heart of the ball host, who makes many of romantic moments all through the night…."

"Shedo-"

"Their romance draws the happiness and admiration of all pokemon around as the maiden's passion for the host turns him into the most known throughout the ball…."

Susan turned to Shedo with an eyebrow raised.

"While seemingly alone, a foe appears! The foe seeks to attack the host for the attention he has gained! But little does the foe know, not only the maiden is a powerful opponent, but her guardian as well also appears! The two defeat the foe with the host as witness, and the host kindly comforts the maiden after such…" Shedo winked, "a horrifying experience."

"Wait, so if all of this works, you would have me take advantage of him not knowing my past so that he would feel bad for me, which I would also take advantage of?"

"Oh please, Susan. Don't pretend like you are against doing that." Shedo gave a dry face.

"Didn't say that…." Susan rolled her eyes nervously.

"Good. Now you probably know what Tom finds pretty, so I'll just be following you while you do that. Oh, and here." Shedo grabbed Susan's paw and poured gold coins into it.

"Wait, Shedo!" Susan got close and whispered, "I can't take the crowns' money for something like this."

"This is an official mission, and for official purposes." Shedo winked, "Besides, time you had a raise anyway….. Don't tell my old man though….."

"Heh, no problem there. You ready to go?"

"Yeah. I just hope I don't end up in Valhalla while we're shopping." Shedo sighed a smile.

"It won't be that bad. I already know what I'm going for, so it won't be long. Let's go."

Shedo followed with a small groan. Susan only went to the shops near the restaurant, making the distance between spots sometimes only a few yards. However, she went to many different stores, though not for a long time. Shedo was grateful that at least his body was occupied by walking.

"I've been watching what you've been getting, and I'm not quite sure what look you're going for." Shedo said.

"Going for more damsel look. Would help the mission all around. Unfortunately, it's not exactly a popular look, hence all the different places we have to go. Only one more spot, I saved the best for last!"

Susan led him to a small shop on a side street.

"You want to come into this one?" Susan asked. "You didn't get anything for the party yet either."

"Still alive. Still want to be. I think I'll let you know if any of those things change since that's a bit important for ya." Shedo leaned against a wall near the door.

"Don't complain if you don't like what I pick out for you." She smiled nearly bouncing inside.

"Make it discrete." Shedo reminded.

Shedo started to tap his foot against the wall by the time Susan returned. Although it was only four minutes, it was double the length of her previous visits.

"So, what'd you decide on?" Shedo looked to her as soon as she exited.

"Just some black and gray for you. Standard and hard to see. For me, I bought entirely bright colors. Let's head back, report, and get ready."

"You do that. I have something to check up on."

"Hm?" Susan paused.

"I have some info to check up on. Shouldn't be too difficult of a thing to just simply ask about, I'll be there soon."

"I'm going with you. It's the least I can do to make up this trip for you. What are you trying to find out?"

"I've heard rumors of a super moon happening on my birthday…" Shedo looked upwards to hide the concern in his eyes.

"Oh, well no. It's actually a lunar eclipse. The reason it's such a big deal is because of the suddenness. From what I hear, it's like the moon just shifted in the sky. The Association is studying really deep into it. Is there a problem?"

"Nah, just wondering." Shedo looked back down and smiled.

"You can just say you don't want me to know." Susan turned her head defiantly.

"Hm? I just said I was just wondering." Shedo stammered.

"Ugh, I don't know why you bother trying to lie to me of all else. I've been trained to read your tone like letters, and something about it bothers you. And after we're done tonight, you're going to tell me. And I don't care how deep a secret it is." She insisted. "Now let's go."


"I'd really prefer to be out in the field…." Kite groaned.

He had been insistent on beginning to work on the mission shortly after he had woken up. They brought him to the tower's highest room to work the computers and find targets for the following day. He'd rather do both in the same day, but Anne denied him vehemently.

"Shut up, get this done, and go back to sleep." Anne simply put.

Anne was still embarrassed over an outburst when Kite asked to go out into the field. She stood against the wall with her arms folded while Kite was using their computers. Vanessa and Martha simply watched the screen with confusion.

"I don't understand your concern for me. I do not feel tired and have done more with worse wounds. If anything, this is unneeded delay." Kite protested bored.

"Deal with it."

At this point Kite was considering simply knocking Anne out of his way and going hunting for the ones who may know of mega evolution, but he decided against it quickly. He could most likely defeat Anne with his injury, but was sure with some of these outlaws it would be very difficult to only use one arm. This thought only showed him he was growing impatient with her.

"If it's as serious as he says, I think we ought to start if we can…." Vanessa nervously input.

"Yes. I've picked out a sufficient amount for today, and these are all the most likely candidates. We can finish and be back before nightfall. Ready?"

Anne slightly gaped being ignored as Vanessa nodded.

"Are you kidding me? I want you to-"

"Anne." Kite interrupted her, "I have to go with or without your permission."

"Since you're so eager, I could go by myself and handle them much faster anyways."

Kite's patience was almost at its limit as he started to hold back growling a response through his teeth.

"Sorry, it's decided and necessary. Before we leave, I want to find the Decidueye that assisted me during Steelio's rampage." Kite reminded himself.

"Don't be crying if something bad happens cause of your choice… And why do you want to find him?" Anne pried.

"Just meeting an old friend." he defended.

"Anne, please. There is no need to either judge or interrogate Kite's every action. He clearly has the experience to deal with things like our current situation." Vanessa approached her.

"And frankly, we all feel like slapping you by now….." Martha mumbled.

"There are better ways to express what you think Martha." Vanessa lectured.

"Ugh, I'm asking cause I don't want him going on any long side trips since he's forcing himself out there!"

"He knows how to look after himself, I know that for a fact." Martha defied nervously from behind Vanessa.

"If it's possible there's another mega evolved pokemon out there, it's stupid to search for them wounded." Anne again protested.

"Anne, shut up." Kite growled through his teeth with a tone even silencing himself for a moment, "No time to waste on matters trivial in comparison….. Sorry."

Excluding Kite, the group looked at each other in surprise before following him into the elevator. Kite stared down with blank eyes while the other three didn't whisper observing him. Somehow, his tone had the ability to be much sharper than Anne's.

"The Decidueye said he would be on the social floor." Anne nearly whispered as she picked the floor with Kite giving a small nod.

The group waited for an awkward minute until the elevator stopped.

"You all can wait around here, I only need a few minutes with him." Kite's eyes became focused again.

They watched from a side outside the elevator until Kite disappeared in the noisy crowds. He had his hood up, and it was doubtful he'd be recognized.

"Alright, Martha. Time for some high level practice." Vanessa suddenly spoke.

"Practice?" Anne quietly pried.

"For what I'm going to be, I need a high psychology skill level. Hmmm…." Martha closed her eyes and looked down recalling the events, "He's obviously irritated. He spoke not just with that though, he has experience being a leader. He sort of accidently revealed that with his tone. What do you think?" Martha asked Vanessa with her head raised.

"He's secretly very sure of himself in his mind. He knows exactly what his power level is and the power level of his enemies. However, it's still impossible to be sure of his past. Kite being some sort of leader is most likely though! Good job!" Vanessa patted her on the head.

To Kite's own surprise, he easily spotted the Decidueye as a center of attention. He was simply chuckling as others talked around him. Spotting Kite, he silently gestured with his head to come over. Kite waited on the outside of the crowd.

"Maybe if you let be borrow one of those shackles, it'd be quite a great workout!" A Machamp smiled.

"Well, for some….." he eyed Kite.

"Um, Spiral. I wanted to talk to you…." Kite looked to his sides.

"Of course, Kite."

Kite heard small murmurs as Spiral's eyes widened apologetically.

"Don't worry about it, Spiral." Kite lifted his hood, "I'm just wondering why you're here in Valor. I haven't seen you in a year or so."

"Well, I didn't join the Association if that's what you're asking. I'll tell you more soon though. Oh, and congratulations." Spiral handed Kite a small gleaming badge. "I was told to give you this for your service."

It took Kite a moment to recognize it as a master rank badge. Others around him clearly already realized what is was sooner.

"I may not be part of the Association, but I do have good relations with it. May I join you for the mission I've heard you're going on?" he offered.

"Well, I actually wouldn't mind you handling a few of these outlaws if that's alright."

"I may be getting old, but this is quite a usual task for you to ask help of me Kite. I-" Spiral ruffled his feathers quickly out of fear gazing up a moment, "Oh! Miss Anne!"

"If you're going with us, then there's no need for you to leave to, Kite." Anne hovered down in front of him with a slightly commanding tone. Kite noticed the other pokemon back away slowly, excluding Spiral who gave a short momentary bow.

"There is. I'm the only one familiar with them." Kite restated a previous point.

"Are you still disobeying what I decided on? I have more authority as to how missions are carried out her at the Nightlight Association."

"This is personal." Kite hissed.

"Kite, please calm down." Spiral suddenly pleaded.

Kite looked back at him surprised.

"Anne is overall suggesting what you should do, not telling you what to do. You said you're going, and it's your final choice. Besides, a battle between two mythical pokemon would devastate the building…"

Both Kite and Anne glared at him with glazed eyes as new murmur of whispers broke out.

"I think I'll shut up now." he backed away and his head retreated into his makeshift hood.

"And I thought Marciel was awful at secrets." Kite whispered to himself, "Spiral, can you handle talking to Sumia?"

"Hmmmm, Sumia," he thought, "She's quite a hard talker, Kite. I have my own backup, but I'm not sure they'd be able handle the task along with me."

"Who's Sumia?" Anne sighed the question.

"The Nightlight Association knows her under the outlaw name of the Serenade, Miss Anne. She's a primarina with virtually an army at her disposal and unknown motives. She assigns many of her servants to do exploration jobs." Spiral explained, "And her knowledge on what criminal activities are happening are extensive. I used to work under her as a hunter of sorts…"

"Her knowledge is also sought after by the Association, hence her outlaw status." Kite sourly added.

"Wait, it's not because she has a virtual army?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Most of them are just her fans, actually. She is quite popular among explorers for some heroic things she had helped to have done, but she's dangerous because no one could possibly what happens behind the scenes." Spiral said.

"This makes her the most likely candidate for hiring Steelio, though we can't be sure why. She's here in Valor, making her the obvious choice for today." Kite followed.

"Hmph, acceptable." Anne relented.

"By stars…. I was going regardless of what you think!" Kite exclaimed in irritation. His slight accent shone noticeably more.

"Where are you from?" Anne asked suddenly. Kite instantly noted her short attention span.

"I was raised in Verde village, but grew up with a relative. Even then I don't really know where my family is from and my relative isn't sure either. Now then, can we please go already?" Kite pleaded childishly.

"Yes, as long as you promise to leave any combat to me and Spiral."

"I must formally object." Sprial took a small nervous bow, "Anne, though Kite's arm is one of the worst wounds suffered from the attack and he still has many more, you aren't in much better condition. It is best if both of you stay here and send me out for this task."

Both Anne and Kite glared at him.

"At least this way you'll argue against me instead of each other…."

"But what would we do to pass time until you get back?" Anne asked.

"Oh, how doe teens say…. Hang out?"

"What?" Kite and Anne tilted their heads in opposite directions.

"Oh goodness….. How about you two stay here and just take turns telling stories or the something such as that?"

"Like some sort of sick day? No missions or jobs?" Anne questioned angrily, "That's boring and ineffective!"

"What's a sick day?"

Both Anne and Spiral looked at him strangely.

"Fine, you win. You can take over my mission today." Spiral handed a slip a paper to a smiling victini, "Do read it carefully Anne, and don't do anything beyond the scope of the mission."

"Wait, you were planning on taking the band of outlaws in the Rock Cavern without me?" Anne realized with a frown.

"Anne, we have to save you for when important threats arise, such as what happened yesterday or the wild group that's still irritating Veritan villages. We can't afford to have you somewhere far for such things, especially with the chance of another."

"Yeah, and who's making me hang around here?" Anne asked threateningly.

"Anne, I'm repeating his orders. And I wouldn't disobey him if I were and you know why, so this isn't a command from your lesser."

"Fine, whatever." she backed off quickly, "Let's go Kite, you're taking me to the Rock Cavern."

"Why do you assume I know the way?" Kite questioned.

"Do you not know the way?"

"I know the way, but why did you assume that I did?"

"I looked at the map in your book while you were out."

"You looked in my book?" Kite fumed, "And just what else did you look at in it?"

"You were out for a decent clip, and I'm a fast reader. It also helped that about half of it was drawings, so all of it."

"Miss Anne, that is very rude. Kite's book is his most precious possession, and he wasn't even able to deny you access…"

"It'll be fine, Spiral. I'll be waiting by the elevator, Anne…."

"Anne," Spiral quickly whispered, "Don't test him. His rage is the only reason Marciel makes a better leader."

"No, duh."

Spiral was left wondering at Anne's type of mystery.

"Just what are you trying to do?" He wondered.