# 26 #
The gates to Aeragiaes opened up revealing its wonders that were inside.
There were houses everywhere playgrounds were layed out, cobblestone sidewalks were set out around restarunts, farms, etc. There were no roads, everything looked like...real, but with ALOT less technology. Persian's sat on carpets selling jewelry, Vespiquen's sold honey glazed chestnuts, Chimecho's were curing Pokemons illnesses. Medicham's taught yoga, while Alakazams helped Pokemon clear their minds and relax.
"Everythings so...human here? Joseph said. A Drifblim floated above him, letting the wind guide it. A Tyranitar was by a forge, hammering a armor plate down as sparks flew out.
*He's preparing for battle* Yaotl told Joseph.
They walked down the cobblestone with Pokemon giving him blank stares, they were neither happy to see a human nor were they disgusted. They didn't know how to act.
Joseph bowed at every Pokemon that he made eye contact with, until Yaotlt told him. *You don't want to over do it* Yaotl winked at him and walked ahead.
As they approached the castle Yaotl and Joseph got nervous. It was the biggest castle he had ever seen, he thought he was in a fantasy land. Joseph pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
He wasn't.
An army of Pokemon and bystanders followed the two and the Charizard.
"Are your people happy to see us? Joseph asked the Charizard.
*They don't know how to act, you are the second human to come here aside from Chato* The Fire Type told him.
They stopped infront of the castle gates. Three Pokemon stood tall and proud. A Regice, Registeel, and Regirock blocked the way.
*STATE-YOUR-BUSINESS* The three said with a robotic voice.
*We are here to introduce a guest to princess Gardinia* The Charizard said, then pounded a claw to his heart.
*PROCEED* The three moved out of the way and slightly knocked on the gate. It opened up smoothly and the group walked through saying there thanks.
*Yaotl I'm getting nervous what if I say the wrong things* Joseph legs felt like jelly as the walked to the giant doors of the castle.
*Just keep it cool, I'll do the talking if needed* Yaotl told him, and smiled. The castle doors were opened up from a giant fat jelly belly Snorlax. He scratched his belly and smiled at the group.
*Greetings little ones, such a fine day it is* The Snorlax told them.
They walked in saying hello to him. Snorlax over the Charizards shoulders and immediatley started jumping up and down juggling his belly.
*Lucas, come here* The Snorlax grabbed Yaotl with a thick hand and hugged him as his face buried in the beasts belly.
*Yes its good to see you again too, Chubs* Yaotl was sufficating and Chubs released him. He tried catching his breathe again.
*Lucas* Joseph stared at Yaotl.
*Yup, thats what they used to call me* Yaotl grinned.
*Who is this, a friend of Lucas is a friend of mine, now come here* Chubs grabbed Joseph, hugging him. Joseph too was sufficating now.
*One thing you gotta know, I'm a hugger* Chubs laughed and he let go of Joseph.
*Well, my name is Joseph Chubs*
*Nice to meet you Joseph-*
A green scarecrow looking Pokemon was walking down a flight of stairs. The scarecrow looked at Lucas and smiled. The Cacturne ran at Lucas, who braced himself.
*Your back Lucas, great to see you again* It said, he raised his hand high and Lucas high fived him ignoring the thorns and spikes.
*Good to see you to Crowler*
*Seems like you are famous here aren't you* Joseph said. He looked at him and nodded.
*Who's this* Crowler asked looking at Joseph with a evil grin. He reached a arm towards him and Joseph shook it avoiding the spikes.
*This is Joseph, he is both my trainer and...Chatos host*
Crowler had wide eyes, he got onto his knees bowing at Joseph. Joseph bowed back showing respect.
*This is great news Lucas, just wait till Gardinia hears about this she'll be so pleased to hear-*
Crowler stopped talking once they heard footsteps by the giant staircases, 2 Shiftry's, 2 Armaldo's, 1 Electivire, 2 Xatu's, and 1 Slowking surrounded someone or something in a rectangler barrier.
*Here comes the Queen, King, and Princess* Yaotl told Joseph.
Joseph put some posture into his back trying to look his best.
The guards reached the center on the room where a star was imprinted on the marble floor.
The Slowking coughed and actually started talking. "Behind us stand two Pokemon of royalty, Queen Kyrie and King Syrus! The guards opened up, a Gardevoir and Alakazam came out. The guards quickly closed up, awaiting the Slowking to introduce the last person.
"Finally, the daughter of Kyrie and Syrus...Gardinia! The Slowpoke smiled and swayed his hand at the guards, they stepped aside to let her pass. She had a silver tiara on her head as she floated towards her parents.
Yaotl smiled at her and she smiled back.
The three walked to Joseph and Yaotl with welcoming faces. Joseph was shaking.
*I'm infront of royalty what do I do-* Lucas poked Joseph looked at the floor then back at him.
Joseph understood and he knelt down putting his fist over his heart. Yaotl did the same and so did Crowler and Chubs, even though the Snorlax had a tough time.
*Greetings Joseph and Lucas, you's two may rise* Syrus said hands behind his back clutching a spoon.
Joseph and the Lucario stood up, he was still holding onto the tablet.
*Yes greetings Joseph and Lucas, our daughter has been speaking highly of you's, she believes you's will save us from the corrupted* Kyrie smiled. Gardinia nodded as she twirled her green hair with her fingers.
Joseph didn't no if he should speak or not so Yaotl spoke. *Yes Gardinia has and she's been a big help to us, we have the 4th tablet right here* Lucas gave it to Syrus and he took it admiring the work.
*Why didn't you just-*
*Let's talk about this at dinner, right now they should relax, could you please show them to their rooms* Kyrie told Gardinia. *Yes mother* She replied then waved her hand at them. Yaotl and Joseph followed Gardinia up the stairs. Pictures of her family were on the walls as they went.
*I've seen that you evolved Lucas* Gardinia said looking at him.
*Yes, Joseph helped me out* Yaotl patted him on the back and he made a faint smile.
*Ah yes Joseph, you battled Vytalas, she's a toughy isn't she, but anyways you and your Pokemon have done us a great service, we are in your debt* She bowed and continued floating upstairs. The staircase ended at a hallway.
*Don't thank us yet, we still haven't saved your people, we encountered the real Vytalas earlier today, and Chato was with us-*
*Vytalas is back, we don't have that much time now...yet again Chato is back as well, where is she, I must meet her* Gardinia stopped infront of a door and opened it anxiously.
*She said that she maybe late* Lucas told her. They walked into the room to see 3 beds, 2 bathrooms, a few bookshelves, a desk, lamp, etc. There wasn't window since the castle was to big.
"Thank you Gardinia, Chato will be here. Joseph told her and bowed. Lucas did the same and hugged her.
*Its good to see you again* He whispered in her head.
*You too* She said smiling.
*I will send one of our maids for you's when dinner is ready, Lucas I expect that you to take all the time you need, until you start working again* She let go of Lucas and slowly closed the door.
"I thought you said she would want to see the rest of the gang. Joseph took out a Pokeball and threw it on the ground. Tricksy came out.
She looked around and got onto a bed curling up into a ball, it was so comfy that she felt like sleeping right away.
"Tricksy no we're gonna go to dinner, so you-
She lifted her head and gave him a menacing look, Tricksy growled at him.
"...fine you can take a little nap, for now Tricksy, but-
Satisfied she fell asleep ignoring him.
"I'm gonna take a shower, but...I don't have any clothes... Joseph remembered that Catherine still had his backpack with her.
*Well if they knew we were coming, they should have some clothes for you in the drawers* Yaotl thought.
Joseph opened one up to see a fresh pair of clothes. He took them out and went to the bathroom to take his shower.
*I better look my best, but how exactly* Lucas thought. He looked into a mirror and saw a jackel looking Pokemon on the other side.
*Theres nothing that I can do really* He went to the other bathroom to take his own shower. Tricksy still laid on the bed sleeping like the little fox she was.
As Joseph was taking a shower he saw a shampoo bottle with a logo of a Slowpoke winking.
*Why are they always on every cover, everywhere, they are just so damn popular* Joseph threw some of it on him, it was a pink liquid, he hoped it wasn't an actual Slowpoke.
After a while around 30 minutes, there was a knock on the door. Lucas got out of the shower wipping himself off with a towel.
He opened it up to see a Lopunny standing infront of the doorway. She had a red ribbon on her left ear looking shy.
*H-hello Lucas right* She said twirling her paws around.
*Yes*
*Gardinia said that dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes, she also said that I'm gonna be your maid so...is there anything you two need* She bowed and stood tall ready to receive orders.
*Oh no, we don't need anything thank you though, uh whats your name* He asked.
*My name is Lizzy, and I'll just wait right here if you changed your mind*
*Why don't you come inside, it would be weird to be standing in the hallway for 15 minutes* Yaotl laughed a little, and she just made faint smile.
The Lopunny walked in and stood up not knowing whether she should sit down or stand up.
*...you can sit down while you wait, your not a stranger*
She sat down on a chair and blushed. *Sorry its just that...its my first day here and I really want to be a good maid* Lizzy twirled her paws around on a desk.
*I remember my first time coming here, I was a butler and all I did was work, work, work either by being told to or not I would work, you'll get used to it* He told her smiling.
Joseph got out of the other bathroom with his old clothes. He saw the Lopunny and bowed.
"Nice to meet you Lopunny. He walked up to Tricksy and sat next to her on the bed petting her.
*Nice to meet you too Joseph, I will be your maid and dinner will be ready in...13 minutes* She got up and bowed.
*Awe she so cute* Lizzy told Joseph. She walked up to her and petted her. Tricksy hummed, her fur was soft and warm. Lizzy took Josephs old clothes and walked to the door.
*I'll be back later, Lucas you know this place better than me, will you-*
*I will show him where dinner will be held* Yaotl told her.
*Thanks* She said then left.
They got themselves ready for dinner as the last remaining minutes went by. There really wasn't that much Lucas could do to change his appearance besides retracting his spikes.
Joseph woke Tricksy up and she yawned showing her fangs. Tricksy didn't know that she could speak since they were in Aeragiaes.
The three came out of the room and walked through the halls going downstairs, to where dinner was being held at. Lucas made a turn leding them to two huge doors through the great hall. A two Roselias stood by the doors their flowers colorful as ever. They opened up the doors letting them inside and bowing.
The dining room was at least big enough to fit a Wailord inside. Chubs sat on a big thick chair, he rubbed his belly with a hungry face. Crowler sat on a chair leaning back with a toothpick in his mouth. No one else was in the dining room.
*Take a seat Joseph, I'm gonna go help out in the kitchen* Yaotl ran at one end of a table dashing between two doors.
Joseph looked around for a seat. There was at least 70 seats to choose from. Chubs waved a giant fat paw in the air, telling Joseph to sit by him. Crowler looked at him patting a seat next to him.
*Hmmm, either I should sit next to chubby chubs or the spikey green scarecrow*
*How about next to me* A feminine voice said in his head. He turned around to see Chato floating still in her white mist body.
*You came, alright I'll sit next to you Chato* Joseph sat down at least 5 chairs away from Chubs, Chato phased through her chair and floated over it instead.
They waited for at least another minute before the King, Queen, and Princess finally came. Gardinia sat in the middle of the table facing the other end. More Pokemon came, Wigglytuffs, , one of each Eevee evolutions came (including Sylveon), other different kinds of Pokemon came until only 20 seats remained.
A balcony was in the dining room and a Absol kept watch of everyone preparing to strike any intruders.
*Joseph why don't you sit over here* Gardinia asked. She pointed at 4 empty seats near her.
*Uh...sure* Joseph withdrew from his seat and sat near her, with Chato between the two.
*Nice to meet you Chato, its great to see you again* Gardinia and her parents said at the same time.
*Its good to see you's again as well, Kryie, Syrus, and Gardinia* Chato smiled at them.
*Joseph why don't you release your Pokemon out, I bet they'll be much happier to be out here* Gardinia told him. Joseph nodded and started pressing buttons.
Tank came out glancing around the room, he spotted Gardinia with her silver tiara and he flinched. The Aggron knelt down showing her respect. Her Parents were shocked to see the Aggron.
*Hello mighty Aggron you may know me as Gardinia, please take a seat and enjoy our up coming meals* The Gardevoir bowed and Tank got up, he sat next to Chubs.
*Hello Aggron, I'am Chubs, you may speak while we are in Aeragiaes, and just to let you know I loooooove to eat* Chubs pounded his belly and it jiggled. Tank looked at his plate and imagined all his iron ore being scuffed down Chub's.
Alpha came out and Gardinia introduced herself, the Mightyena looked around at the table spotting Tricksy on a chair. He ran up to her and sat next to her.
Fungas came out looking around, he saw Gardinia's silver tiara and he tried his best to knel since he was short. Gardinia giggled and introduced herself. The Parasect looked around and saw Crowler, he crawled up a chair next to him sitting down.
Joseph held the last Pokeball in his hand, Gardinia waited to see his last Pokemon.
*What is it, is there something wrong* Gardinia asked.
*...sort of its that...ok don't feel offended by what he says...he can be...really...rude... Joseph quinced at what he said. Gardinia took the Pokeball from his hands and stared at it.
*Well than lets see how rude he is* Gardinia pressed the middle button just when the waiters, maids, chefs, and when Lucas came.
A dark beam of energy flowed out and into the air, the energy took the form of a Banette.
*No* Yaotl thought.
Gardinia's parents looked at Zipper as if he were a monster, Gardinia looked at him with a blank face.
*Woah, where am I...mmm sssomething sssmellsss good, meh I don't feel ssso hungry anywaysss, becaussse I don't have a ssstomach* Zipper said across the room, all eyes turned towards him. He laughed evily.
*Hello Banette I'am Gardinia, please take a seat and have dinner with-*
The Ghost Type looked at her and he had wide eyes. He grinned demonicly and floated towards her.
*I'am Zipper, Gardinia, no need to inroduce yourssself for sssomeone ssso beautiful* He grabbed her hand slightly and kissed it. She blushed but then quickly pulled away.
*Uh Zipper, why don't you take a seat over-* Joseph was about to finish his sentence.
*Right, right, I'll sssit next to...* He sat next to Gardinia hovering. Zipper smiled.
Food was being served on plates. Meatless lasagna, fruits were served in bowls. soups were served hot enough to warm your belly, even cheese pizza was served. (love sausage pizza, but hey no meat in the Pokemon world) Honey glazed cakes were stacked like pyramids, fresh loaves of bread hot from the oven gave you that crisp and slightly crunch butter cup cookies were on platters and Pokemon were getting their piece like no tomorrow. Apple crisps would satisfie your craving for sweets, while they melt in your mouth. Other meatless and delicious meals were served.
While Lucas was serving food, he looked at Zipper giving him the look. Zipper just smirked.
*He's rude isn't he* Joseph whispered in Gardinia's head.
*A little, but...I can handle it* She gave a faint smile.
While Lucas was serving, a Jynx accidently spilt a pitcher of water, Lizzy came over and slipped tossing her tray up. The Lucario threw his tray of food in the air and quickly caught the Lopunny, just before she humiliated herself. The trays fell down and Lucas caught them with one hand.
*Thanks* She told him. They both smiled and he stood her up giving her tray back, he went back to serving again. Lizzy was stunned at what happened so she gave the last of the food away and went to the kitchen for a mop.
Everyone was served now. They sat down waiting for Gardinia to give them permission to eat. Chubs was already drolling and Tank seemed nervous that he might eat his iron ore.
Lucas came out from the kitchen with Lizzy along with a few other servants. Yaotl saw that there were no more seats by Gardinia that weren't taken. The servants sat close with the other Pokemon, but Lizzy sat at the very end with no one else. Yaotl decided to sit with her, and she appeared shy.
Gardinia got up from her chair and tapped her glass with a spoon, all eyes turned to her.
*Before we start eating I would like you all to know that there is still hope for us, we have Chato amd Joseph here, they will stop the corrupted and free us. We will not give up until we free the rest of our land, our children, our friends and family, we will fight to the very end. For now we will celebrate Joseph and Chato for coming here. Now please let us pray for Arceus and we will begin eating* Gardinia sat down and took Zipper and Joseph hands.
Zipper smiled, but then took Kyrie's hands, she didn't seem pleased to hold his hand, but she had to. Lucas and Lizzy had to sit closer so that they could say their prayers. Hand after hand after paw after paw, they started thanking Arceus for their meal and they started digging in.
Lucas and Lizzy got their food, then went back to sitting at the end. Lizzy just stared at her food, to shy to eat infront of Lucas.
*Whats wrong...your to shy to eat infront of other people aren't you* He asked.
She nodded slowly.
*Your not a stranger here remember, your apart of our family now-*
Lizzy started crying, luckily they were at the very end of the table so almost no one could hear her.
*What, was it something I said* Lucas was confused all of a sudden he tries to here and she starts crying.
She nodded.
Lucas decided to look inside her head a little, to see what was up. It wasn't that hard to find out why she was crying, he started hugging her, she was startled, but she let him.
*The corrupted took your family away, I'm so sorry Lizzy, I'll avenge your family for you, me, Joseph and his Pokemon will send these monsters back into the Distortion world* He let go of her, but Lizzy pulled him in again.
*Thank you Lucas, will you be my friend as long as I live* She asked.
*Lizzy, we've been friends since I first met you, so yes* Yaotl looked at her and smiled. She wipped her tears away with her ears and smiled back.
The two looked at their food and ate.
Joseph and Chato were talking to Gardinia's parents, while Zipper was complimenting Gardinia with his charms. She was blushing, but really she wanted to talk to someone else.
*So Joseph you've been through alot to get the tablets, you say you battled...Groudon, must have been a heated battle* Kyrie laughed.
*Well, I couldn't have done i, if it weren't for Autumn and...Vytalas* Joseph looked at Kyrie and she was speechless.
*You worked with Vytalas* Kyrie was choking on a loaf of bread, and Syrus helped her cough it out. *Are you mad* She yelled in his head.
*Look it wasn't the real Vytalas...yet, but still, her name was also Catherine, anyways she wasn't at all evil* Joseph swallowed some mac and cheese.
*Her Shuckle knocked it out, Groudon will be back up again soon* Joseph told them, they had a little sign of relief on their faces.
*Thats good, we don't want to make enemys with anyone other than Vytalas and the corrupted, we need everyone we can get* Syrus said.
*But do you really believe the corrupted are...evil, did they decide to be evil or did Giratina decide for THEM to be evil* Kyrie and Syrus thought about for a while. Chato was also thinking about it.
*Exactly*
Tank watched Chubs as he gobbled down truck loads of food down his throat.
*You Snorlaxes must really like eating...* Tank said to Chub's, with wide eyes.
*This fella ate our entire panchry of food one day, we had to live off of leaves and that was it* Crowler told Tank. Fungas looked at his plate, he had a giant mint leaf with a couple of apples. The Parasect nibbled on the leaf wondering why people didn't like the taste.
*Hey I'm a Snorlax, I just can't get enough ok, so don't make fun of me* Chub's slapped his belly with a big boing.
Tank slowly turned to his plate, eating away the rest of his iron ore.
Alpha and Tricksy were eating together. The Mightyena had meatless lasagne, while Tricksy had some oran berries. They ate and tolded to other Pokemon. Alpha's tail was wagging.
Gardinia was feeling agitated with Zipper, all he did was tell stupid jokes, and be goofy. He would always say try to wooo her over, but she would just ignore it.
*Joseph I was wrong could you-* Gardinia looked at Zipper than at him. Joseph got the message and zapped him back into his Pokeball.
*I was wrong about...him, you were right, I should have nevered released him* Gardinia rested her head her hand, she was having a headache.
*He's never on his best behavior* Joseph swirled his ice tea around with a straw. Just then Zipper's Pokeball started warming up, and shake on Josephs belt, until at a certain point it bursted open. Zipper came out mad.
*Jossseph, don't-you-dare interrupt my conversssation with Gardinia, ever or I will...* Zipper stabbed a claw at him, Joseph just made a bored face.
*Or you'll what* Joseph crossed his arms, raising a eye at him. Zipper tried thinking of the worst thing he could do to him.
Zipper growled at him and turned away towards Gardinia.
*Hey everyone me and Gardinia are getting married* Zipper yelled in everyones heads. All eyes turned to him, spoons fell down, food splattered onto the floor, Lucas stared at him. Zipper pulled his right eye down at him.
*Everyone Zipper is just lieing, he's likes to joke around alot* Joseph tried getting everyone to calm down.
*Yes, I would never marry a Pokemon all of a sudden, please he is just joking* Kyrie and Syrus had cold sweat coming down from them. *Banette I here by order you to get out of here, you are a disgrace to us, now BEGONE* Syrus yelled at him. Zipper laughed and waved a claw at them. The Ghost Pokemon slowly floated out of the room taking his time.
*He didn't offend you did he my sweet* Kyrie asked Gardinia.
*No, he was just rude, that was all* She replied back, Gardinia was glad it was all over.
Joseph wasn't suprised Zipper got kicked out. *He got what he deserved*
Everyone started finishing up their food. The waiters didn't come to pick up the plates, until Chub's finished the leftovers that weren't eaten. The waiters were glad to have Chub's so that they wouldn't have a hard time scrubbing the food off the plates.
Joseph waited to be the last one to leave the dining room, Chato went inside Joseph's body to rest, and once again Joseph felt like a open diary.
*How do you like it here Joseph* Gardinia asked.
*Its like living in a fantasy land actually, Gardinia, we are at your service anyday, anytime, me and Chato* Joseph placed a fist over his heart.
*Thank you Joseph* She hugged him and then went off with her parents.
Yaotl was walking up to him with Lizzy behind him. Tank, Fungas, Alpha, and Tricksy were being taken to seperate room.
*Hey Lizzy, how was your first day at work* Joseph asked with a smile. *It was good, Lucas helped me over come my shyness a little bit, thank you by the way* Lizzy hopped as they went.
*No problem Lizzy, remember we're here for you if you need us* Yaotl told her. She hugged them both and went her seperate way.
*Well we better get some sleep, I know we'll both need it since I'm gonna start working again* Yaotl stretched and they walked upstairs.
*Your gonna be working...tomorrow, so does that mean that you have to...* Joseph started to look gloomy.
*Aye, it won't be long, someone else will acompany you as I work* Lucas patted him on the shoulder. As much as he wanted to show Joseph around he had to work.
*Like who* Joseph made a blank face.
*I'll try finding someone, maybe...no Crowler will be working to...I'll think about it* Yaotl yawned. They reached their room. Joseph flopped down onto his bed, pulling up the covers.
*I bet Zipper was bad wasn't he, I heard that trick that he pulled off at the table, it wasn't funny, I would have-*
*Yaotl don't worry, Gardinia's parents kicked him out of the castle for the night, she didn't like him anyways* Joseph rested his head on the pillows, quickly falling into a deep sleep.
*...good* Lucas thought. He too went into bed, falling asleep.
Zipper stood outside the castle gates trying to find a way inside.
*Come on jussst let me in pleassse* Zipper was trying to reason with the Regi's. They just stood infront of the gate blocking it. A barrier protected the castle, so the only way in was through the gate.
*WE-HAVE-RECEIVED-ORDERS-NOT-TO-LET-YOU-IN* The Registeel told him.
*Oh come on, I jussst want to apologize to her thatsss all* Zipper tried his best making a sad face, he only made it scarier.
*NEVER-BUT-WE-WILL-SEND-HER-A-MESSAGE* The Regice told him.
*Itsss better than nothing I guesssss* Zipper floated away towards the town, he found a nice spot onto of a blacksmith shop. He layed down in the air, staring at the moon.
*I messed up didn't I* Zipper grinned.
…Next Day…
Yaotl woke up early in the morning, before Joseph ever did. He took a quick shower, and got a bowtie from a mirror.
*I should have wore this infront of Gardinia* He smirked, then walked out of the door. The first thing he did was spiffy things up a bit. So he ran around the castle making sure to get every dust bunny, every piece of lint, and make sure everything was in proper order. It took him about 4 hours make everything perfect again.
Joseph woke up at least 2 hours ago to see a tray of food on the table. He ate silently, Joseph hoped he would see his Pokemon around in the hallways and his tour guide.
As Lucas was fixing up slated picture frames by the staircases, he saw Lizzy swipping up dust. It looked like she was dancing with it.
*Good morning Lizzy* He said. Lizzy froze and stopped dancing around with the broom. She looked at Lucas blushing.
*G-Good morning Lucas uh...you didn't see me-*
*Its fine* He smiled and continued fixing the pictures.
The Lopunny looked at the broom and shook her head. *Must have been weird seeing me dance with a broom*
*Little, but not weird at all, you want to become a dancer* He looked at her by the corner of his eye.
*That and a maid* Lizzy continued sweeping.
*Well thats good, don't ever give up on becoming a dancer, just keep telling yourself that, determination is a good thing to have* Lucas had just finished fixing the pictures and walked downstairs.
*You really think I can become one* Lizzy cheeks turned red. Lucas put his hands on her shoulders and said. *Once you set your heart on something, you will never fail to become who you want to be* He smiled, then walked away. *Then I won't lose hope* She told herself.