DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM
Despite it being a whole crowd, the Asahina family and King Stephon were all silent as mice as they returned to the palace.
"Gentleme," King Stephon finally spoke up, "I thank you all for attending the memorial service for Lady Lilac, even if some of you never officially met her."
"Anything for you Grandfather!" Wataru insisted as he ran and hugged the king tightly.
"Thank you my boy," King Stephon said, patting his head, "why don't you go get out of your good clothes and go ride Wind Storm for a little bit."
"Yeah!" Wataru agreed as he took off.
"The rest of you too, go get changed, and then go enjoy yourself. Be happy, it's what Lady Lilac would have wanted," King Stephon insisted to the other Asahina brothers in attendance.
The men all bowed and walked off, smiling.
"I am going to miss that crazy lady," Rintaro mentioned as he wondered over to Ema, "I do find it amazing she thought you were Queen Katherine. I can see the resembles actually."
"Thanks Papa," Ema said.
"Oh Ema dear," King Stephon suddenly said, "could go and change into your own riding clothes. I want to see how well you've gotten with your riding."
"Oh, of course," Ema said quickly.
When she came to the royal stables, she happened hear some horses neighing and so she decided to walk around to the other side where she saw Wataru riding around Wind Storm happily. The two seemed to be getting along great.
Also in a separate nearby pasture, Ema could see little Hinode running around playing while staying close to her mother.
"Good to see some happiness on a day like this," Ema said to herself as she headed to the entrance. As she walked in, she past by the office and heard some chatter.
"...I'm not saying I don't like staying in with you. It's just now that your foot's better, would it be so wrong to go out?" Azusa said.
"It's just, I'm trying to avoid scandals from now until I leave for Japan," Natasha tried to explain. Even Ema could tell it wasn't that greatest of excuses.
"What kind of scandals?" she asked as she entered the office.
"Oh, Hi Princess Ema," Natasha said timidly.
"Hi," Ema said kindly, "so what are you worried about going out with Azusa? Especially since you'll be leaving Elence soon?"
"Yeah," Azusa said.
"Look, a lot of people still know I was on Robert's side for a long time. And if they see me out with your brother, they may either see as a traitor that sold them out. Or that I'm up to something that'll hurt him," Natasha explained, "that's why I'm trying to keep a low profile before I go to Japan."
"Like no one will see us and suspect in Japan," Azusa said.
"Natasha, what if we helped throw you a going away party? We can find a place you like and reserve it and you can invite friends and family you trust so you can have a night out with Azusa in company of people you trust?" Ema suggested.
"You'd do that for me?" Natasha asked.
"Sure, I think you deserve a nice evening in Elence before you leave and be happy with it," Ema insisted.
"I agree," Azusa said. He leaned in closer to Natasha, "What do you say?"
"Well, I kind of always wanted to see inside the Wallflower," Natasha admitted.
Azusa and Ema looked at each other with a smile.
"I'm sure Richard wouldn't object if we use the club for a private party," Azusa said, "and Futo can finally visit it."
"I bet he'd even perform at it," Ema also said.
"Do you really think you can reserve the Wallflower?" Natasha asked.
"Grandfather's usually very gracious," Azusa said with a smirk.
"Ema? Are you here?" they all heard King Stephon calling out.
"Why don't we ask now?" Ema said as she and Azusa hurried out of the office.
Natasha lingered back. Azusa quickly came back in.
"You coming?" he asked, offering his hand.
"Yeah," Natasha agreed as she took it and walked out with him.
"I'm right here Grandfather," Ema said as she came up to him.
"Why aren't you out riding dear?" King Stephon asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I got caught up in a conversation with Azusa and Natasha," Ema said as she looked back at the couple coming towards them.
"Oh, I see," King Stephon said.
"And actually Grandfather, we have something we'd like to ask you," Azusa said.
"Yes of course," King Stephon said, "but first Ema, please get going on your riding."
"Yes Grandfather," Ema said, heading to Lady Shadow's stall. As she approached, she saw Rose leading the horse out, all sadel up and ready to go.
"Oh thank you Rose," Ema said.
"Of course," Rose said kindly, handing Ema the reigns. She walked with Ema out past the king and Azusa talking to the pastures.
"Wow," Rose spoke up as they came to an empty fenced pasture. "You'd never know your brother was still just a beginner the way he rides."
Ema looked back at Wataru and Wind Storm.
"I bet he rides better than I do," she said as she mounted Lady Shadow.
"You've made some progress," Rose insisted. "Now, let's get her start off in a trot."
Ema nodded and kicked the horse's side. The horse began walking calmly and casually around the pasture.
"Looking good Big Sister!" she heard Wataru call out.
"Thank you Wataru," Ema called back, managing to wave at him.
"He's right, you look great," Rose insisted, "even that wave just now. You're so ready for a parade."
"Well, as long as it's not right away," Ema said. She noticed Rose looked a little discouraged by her comment.
"Is something wrong, Rose?"
"Un, well, to be honest, you may not have a choice coming up," Rose admitted.
"What do you mean?" Ema asked.
"Now it could be just rumors, servants are good at starting those. But, I heard your grandfather's going to hold an offcial ceremony where he's going to crown you princess for real and if that happens you may be required to have to ride in a procession either to or from the coronation ceremony," Rose explained.
"What?" Ema said a little surprised, "Excuse me, I need to talk to Grandfather about this!"
So what's on your minds?" King Stephon asked Azusa and Natasha.
"Well, Grandfather, we were wondering if it's possible to maybe ask to reserve the Wallflower club to hold a sort of going away party for Natasha," Azusa explained.
King Stephon looked at Natasha who was keeping her eyes down low, not looking at him.
"I see," he said as he turned to look at Richard standing behind him.
"How many people were you thinking of inviting?" Richard asked.
"I'm not sure, we just sort of decided on it just now," Azusa explained.
"Do you have a rough guess?" Richard asked.
"Well, seeing as it's her party, I'm sure Natasha can think of a few people she'd like to come," Azusa said looking her way.
"My dear?" King Stephon said as he walked over to her and used his finger to tilt her head up, to look his way. Natasha gulped looking right at the king.
"Do you have family you wish to invite? Friends?"
"Well, I guess I could see to inviting my parents and and my sisters," Natasha sputtered.
"How many sisters do you have?" King Stephon asked.
"Just 2," Natasha quickly said.
"And any friends?" King Stephon kept asking.
"Um, I can think of a few," Natasha said.
"And would it be too much to ask if Futo my attend, even if he doesn't perform?" Azusa asked.
"I guess, I mean it wouldn't hurt since he's leaving soon too," said Natasha, "him and Ami."
"Hmm, you're right," King Stephon suddenly seemed to recall, "she is leaving. And not just her, Lady Bea is also going and didn't I hear that Natsume's new friend Emily Smith was going to Japan for a while?"
"Yeah, I think she is," Azusa confirmed.
"How would you feel if we had one big party for all you ladies that are going away?" King Stephon asked.
"It might be easier to get the club reserved," Richard mentioned, "plus with club being so big, we can have different sections for each individual."
"Uh, that'd be fine," Natasha said as calmly as she could, "especially if that makes it easier."
"If you want, they also have a few private rooms that we can have your own party in," Richard also mentioned.
"I might not mind that," Natasha admitted.
"I'll inquire with the other ladies if they'd like that, and set about reserving the club regardless. At least this way, your granddaughter can finally see it as well,' Richard said.
"Oh yeah, she can definitely come as my guest!" Natasha insisted.
King Stephon chuckled, "thank you, Miss Natasha. I should go see how her riding is going." He walked off.
Richard meanwhile pulled out his phone and started to talking on it, giving orders.
"I need someone to look into getting the club the Wallflower reserved, and someone to find Lady Bea, the maid Ami and see how to contact Miss Smith from the university for me to ask how'd they feel about receiving a going away party at the club."
"Well, that'll be exciting," Natasha admitted as she turned to walk away.
However Azusa grabbed her hand.
"Hold on, that still doesn't give us a chance to have a night away together," he pointed out.
"But, you know how I feel about that Azusa!" Natasha started to protest.
"Feel about what?" Richard asked.
"She's nervous about going out, just the two of us due to her involvement with Robert," Azusa explained.
Natasha gave him a small smack.
"You didn't have to say it so abruptly!" she scolded.
"Just go to one of the royal private lounges," Richard said like it was nothing.
"The what?" Azusa asked.
"There's a few private lounges the royal family uses for when they want to dine out but don't want attention," Richard explained, "some are more fancy restaurant theme, some have a bar or a club feel and one or two is kind of like a private theater of sorts.
"Really?" Azusa said looking at Natasha.
"I, guess that might be nice," Natasha said sheepishly.
"Hey," Richard said as he walked over to her, "I get it. It's not always easy to work at the palace, especially when you feel like you're treated as a piece of scenery. And that when someone comes along that promises to treat you better, it's easy to believe him. But, in the end, you've proved yourself shown that you're not a bad person. You just got tired of being stepped on.'
"Thank you," Natasha said kindly smiling a little bigger.
"So, should I get someone to set up a lounge for you two?" Richard asked.
Natasha looked at Azusa who nodded.
"I wouldn't mind a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant-ish," She said.
"I think just the right one for you, Blue Moon is a personal favorite of the king," Richard said.
"Sounds nice," Azusa said, "but I guess that means tonight we're staying in? I know a good anamie movie staring a familiar voice actor."
Natasha finally managed to laugh, "my place? say 7?"
"I'll be there," Azusa promised.
"Grandfather!" Ema called out as she saw him coming out of the stables. She quickly road Miss Shadow towards the fence.
"Oh, you're looking very good there, my dear," King Stephon complimented.
"Grandfather, were you going to hold an offcial ceremony to crown me princess?" Ema asked.
"I'm sorry?" King Stephon asked.
"Are you going to do an offcial crowing ceremony for me?" Ema asked.
"Well not right away, but at some point we should," King Stephon explained.
"I told you it was probably just a rumor," Rose said as she joined the pair by the gate.
"Rumors?" King Stephon muttered annoyed, "are words being spread among the staff again?"
"When is it not?" Rose pointed out, "but yes, rumors are spreading that you'll be crowning Princess Ema officially. Which would also mean Princess Ema riding Miss Shadow in a procession."
"I see," King Stephon said, "well don't worry dear, I'd never arrange something like that without your knowledge."
"I understand," Ema said, "I apologize."
"No need to apologize," King Stephon said.
Ema started to get Miss Shadow to ride again.
"With that said though," King Stephon continued, "are you feeling ready?"
Ema immediately stopped her horse and looked back at him
"What?"
"Are you feeling ready for such a ceremony?" King Stephon asked.
Ema looked around, pondering her Grandfather's question."
"I, I don't know," she finally admitted.
King Stephon nodded. "Well we can talk about that later. Let's see more of your riding. You look like you have improved."
"She has," Rose insisted.
"I suppose that helps with her having a good teacher," King Stephon said, looking towards her. Rose blushed.
"although, I do suppose you won't be here much longer, what with your Olympic training starting soon and all. Are you excited?"
"Oh, yes, I've been looking forward to this for a long time!" Rose said.
"I have no doubt you'll be bring home a gold medal," King Stephon encouraged.
They were both distracted by the sound of Wind Storm neighing and saw the boy riding happily.
"Think we could be looking at another Olympic rider in the future?" King Stephon asked.
"I think if he keeps at it, he very well could," Rose agreed.
"And here is your mama at her graduation," Louis' grandmother Clemence said showing him a few different pictures of Louis' birth mother as they drove to the chateau that had belonged to her. The same one he had been going to when she and his father had been killed.
"She was top in her class in business management and minor in beauty treatment! Oh, and here she is on vacation in Italy! We have a private villa in Tuscany."
"Oh Mama, must you kerp shoving these pictures in his face?" Louis' Aunt Nina asked.
"Well pardon, but I merely assumed Louis would like to get caught up with his real mother," Clemence said, eyeing Miwa as she spoke.
Miwa merely smirked at her.
"Yes, I suppose It's important that my son know about his birth mother," she said smugly. "Although I think it's also important that my son also learn more of his father?"
"Yes, Mama, where are the pictures of Georgette and Walter? I want to see the pictures of their wedding!"
"Oh, very well," Clemence said as she flipped through a couple different pictures until she finally held up a picture.
"Here we are, here's one of your real mother's wedding to your father."
"Oh she was lovely," Louis said as he looked at some of his parents' wedding pictures. To him, his mother almost looked like a fairy or some other kind of important creature of myth. While his father looked like a regular prince charming in his tuxedo. He had no doubt that day was one of the happiest in his parents' lives.
As he fliped through some more, he came across a photo of his parents with an older but sweet looking woman in a fancy purple gown. There was also a picture of his father hugging the same woman in an affectionate matter. Then he saw a picture of the woman with King Stephon.
"Who's this woman?" Louis asked.
"Oh that's your other grandmother, Nicollet," Aunt Nina told him, "your father's mother and the king's cousin."
"Oh," Louis said. He smiled seeing his other grandmother for the first time.
"She's beautiful," Miwa mentioned.
"She was, inside and out," Grandfather Elias said, "it was so sad how she suffered after losing her only son and assumed she lost her only grandson."
"That poor woman," Miwa said.
"But I'm sure she's just as grateful as Georgette and Walter were that you took such good care of her grandson, Mrs. Asahina," Hugo quickly spoke up.
"Thank you, Good sir," Miwa said even though she could still see the angry glares coming from Clemence.
"Uh, driver, could you please stop for a moment?" Elise suddenly asked.
"Is something the matter, Grandfather?" Louis asked as the limo stopped.
"Come with me Lad," Elise instructed as he got out of the car.
Louis obayed along with the rest of the occupants. Out side the car was a grand memorial covered in flowers and other trinkets. In the center was a plaque which read,"IN HONOR OF Walter, Georgette and Young Louis, cut down in their prime'
"This memorial was set up after the accident," Elise said, "I thought you would like to see it."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Louis said as he knelt down in front of the plaque. He put his hands together and closed his eyes.
Miwa did the same as she stood behind him.
"Mother, Father, I have returned at last and will forver do my best to keep your memory alive. I love you both and am happy with the life I had lived," he said softly.
"How sweet," Sophie said softly, hearing some of Louis' prayer.
"Yes, see, he's much better off re-connecting to his real family," Clemence said.
Suddenly a huge gust of wind blew and flung the old woman's hat off her head.
"My hat! My precious hat! Someone get that hat, it's expensive!" Clemence shouted.
"On it ma'am," the chauffeur said as he ran after it
Meanwhile the wind also seemed to blow a flower from the memorial up and it floated all the way to Miwa's hair.
"Oh, wow, did you see that?" Nina said excited.
"It's almost like this is Walter and Georgette's way of saying 'shut up Clemence' and that they approve of you, Miwa," Sophie's father Luke said.
"You think so?" Miwa said. Just then the chauffeur returned with Clemence's hat.
"Ugh, my hair's a mess now!" the woman complained as she snatched her hat back and tried putting it back on.
"Maybe when we get to the chateau, I can re-do it, Grandmother," Louis offered as she led her back to the limo.
"Well, maybe," Clemence agreed happily.
The limo quickly took off again and soon a huge house in front of a hill. It actually looked more like a palace than a house.
Louis looked in awe as they drove on further, through a set of golden gates and up a hill towards the grand estate.
"We'd actually used to visit this place often with your parents," Wendy mentioned, "sometimes they'd even let us stay here on our own."
"Did Sophie and I used to play here?" Louis asked.
"A little yes," said Luke.
"Do you remember it at all?" Louis asked her.
"Few parts," Sophie said, "but not much. After your parents' death, it didn't feel right coming back." Her parents and his aunt and uncle nodded in agreement.
"So it might be really dirty and dusty in there huh?" Miwa said, "that's disappointing. Would have been nice to see the place Louis' birth parents made such happy memories with him at."
"I agree," Louis said as the car stopped. Louis climbed out and stared at the big house with its two shut doors.
The chauffeur hurried and unlocked them and pushed them open.
"Master Louis?" he encouraged, gesturing in.
"Hold it," Chrissy said as she walked in herself and looked around, "it's clear."
Louis and company slowly walked in, to see a huge long hallway. The interior almost reminded Louis if his grandparents' home.
He walked down a little further down until he came to a living room, where everything was either covered or had dust on them. Louis however seemed to be able to see it as it eas meant to be. A lovely lit room with beautiful white furniture and everything else polished to perfection.
He could see his father sitting at a desk working while his mother sat at the sofa reading.
'I wonder if that really happened' Louis thought as he walked further into the big room. Then he noticed a huge stair case and felt the need to walk up them
Louis, where are you going? Be careful," Miwa advised.
"Should we leave him alone to maybe explore on his own?" Hugo asked.
"Is that safe?" Wendy asked.
"I'll go with him," Sophie offered as she hurried after him.
"Well, don't be too long, don't forget my hair Louis!" Clemence called.
"I won't grandma," Louis called back, even though he still seemed more focused on his surroundings.
He walked on until he came to a door and for some reason, he felt the need to open it.
As Louis turned the knob and slowly walked in, he saw it was a nursery filled with little children toys.
"This must of been my room," he said to himself. He ventured into the old room and examined some of the objects around. Most of course were dirty and fragile. They look like they would have been fun to play with years ago.
"Oh, this must of been your room huh?" Sophie said as she too came in.
Yes," Louis confirmed. He noticed a particular dusty picture frame hanging on the wall. He hurried over and blew the dust off, to reveal pictures of him as a baby as he grew throughout his first year of life.
"Louis, look at this," Sophie suddenly said, holding up a photo album. Louis hurrird over and looked inside.
There was more pictures of him as a baby, all divided up into the months of his first year. It showed him with his parents at all sorts of places, both France and Elence.
Louis smiled at the pictures. Before if he had seen those, it might have upset him. But now, it brought comfort, as though he was done being haunted by the past and could be happy going into the future.
"You feeling ok Louis?" Sophie asked.
"I am," Louis assured her. He walked over and played with her hair for a moment.
"I better get back downstairs and help fix up Grandma's hair as well."
"It is a shame to see such a beautiful house be in such terrible shape like this," Sophie mentioned as they left Louis his old room.
"Yes, you're right," Louis agreed, "I suppose, that as the rightful owner of this grand place, I should look into maybe seeing it get fix up and put back into its orginal glory."
"What do you think you'd like to do with it?" Sophie asked.
"Something practical, but at the same time, worthy of such a setting," Louis said.
As they came down they could hear the older people talking.
"...and she picked out the color scheme herself," they both noticed Nina explaining to Miwa.
"Lovely choice," Miwa complemented, "The woman was a genius! Oh how I would love to fix this house up the way she had it."
"Maybe we can look into that mother," Louis said with a smirk.
"Would you want to dear?" Miwa asked eagerly.
"I was just talking with Sophie that maybe I should, being this places' rightful owner," Louis explained.
Miwa looked ecstatic at the idea.
"I'd do my best to get it to look what your mother wanted!"
"I know you would," Louis said kindly. He went and pulled out a chair and cleaned it off, "in the meantime, Grandmother?"
"Oh, you remembered, merci!" Clemence said with delight as she took a seat.
"This won't take too long," Louis assured her as he pulled out a few tools.
"What's this you have dear?" Miwa asked Sophie noticing the photo album in her hand.
"Oh we found this in Louis' old room," Sophie said handing it to her.
Miwa opened it and flipped through it. A smile and tear both appeared on her face.
"These are so beautiful! I love seeing my son as a baby, especially with his real parents like this!" she said softly, while fighting tears, "I always hated not having baby pictures of this of Louis! I wish there was a way to keep this!"
Elias and his two children looked at each and talked in a close silent circle for a bit.
Then they turned and looked at Miwa.
"Then, if Louis says it's alright, you may keep it," Elise allowed kindly.
"You mean it?" Miwa asked as she hugged the book.
"Please do, you deserve some baby memories of your son," Nina insisted.
"But aren't there things in here you wish to keep for yourself?" Miwa asked. She extended the book outward to them. Hugo took it and flipped through the pages.
"Nah, nothing we don't already have or have something similar too," he said.
"Besides, with Louis alive now, we can create new memories to remember him by," Elise insisted.
"Oh my goodness, thank you so kindly!" Miwa said as she hugged the book again.
"And done," they suddenly heard Louis say.
Everyone turned and saw him finishing up Clemence's hair, complete with her hat back on.
"Looking lovely Mama," Nina praised.
"Yes, my grandson, your nephew is a natural!" Clemence bragged.
That just earned some looks and sounds of annoyance from the others.
Miwa suddenly felt a tug of her new book and realized Wendy was trying to take it from her and hide in her big parcel bag. She gave Miwa a reassuring wink as she closed it up, well hidden. Miwa nodded in thanks.
"Well, what would you like to do now Louis?" Clemence asked.
"Well, I've seen what I wanted to see for now, I think I should consider going back to Elence for a while. I know the king wanted me present when he did the upcoming knighting ceremony," Louis said.
"So soon?" Clemence asked.
"There's still a little I want to learn about Elence itself and see about taking up my father's mantel," Louis explained, "and as much as I hate to possibly be cruel and leave, I had only consider staying here for a day at least for my first visit."
"We understand," Elise said, "we can even take you back to the airport from here."
"But!" Clemence started to object.
Louis walked over and hugged her.
"Don't fret grandmother," he said in his kind soft tone, "I'll return and quite frequently. I have much I wish to learn about my family's life here as much as I do back in Elence."
"Well, well alright!" Clemence seemed to agree, "but you better make sure you do actually come back! And soon"
"I will," Louis promised, "How could I abandoned my own grandparents like that again?"
"Good bye Louis! We shall miss you, but look forward to seeing you here!" Hugo said as the Dubois family watched The Arku family, Miwa and Louis board the plane again.
"I will come back, I promise and not to just restore my chatue. I look forward to seeing you again someday soon," Louis said back.
"As do we, you've come so far! It's a relief in and of itself!" Nina said, "next time, we'll let you meet the rest of our families, like your cousins for example."
"I'd like that," said Louis, "next time I'll make sure to make it a more extended trip."
"Take good care of yourself," Elise said, "and take good care of your mother and sister and brothers!"
"I will, maybe next time you can have the joy of meeting them," Louis suggested.
"Well, it has been a while since we've seen Elence," Clemence said reluctantly, "I suppose if it's important to you, we can meet them."
"Thank you grandmother," Louis said as he gave her one last hug before boarding the plane with the others. He took the seat that let him see his other family a little while longer before the plane started up and took off.
"So Louis, what did you think overall?" Luke asked as they flew home.
Louis smiled, "they seem like nice people. I'm happy to be a part of that family as well as my Asahina family and my royal family."
"You have quite the extended family now, all fine people," Miwa said.
She suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder and saw Wendy was giving her back her book.
"Sorry, I only hid it because I figured Clemence would probably have objected to you taking it and I didn't think we should make a scene," she explained.
"Oh no, you're right, thank you for that," Miwa said as she flipped through it again. "so many new things to look at and admire!cI feel like everything in my life is complete!"
"Good for you dear," Wendy said looking ovet at Louis and Sophie talking, "So, tell me, do you think she's good enough for your boy?"
"Oh yes, she seems perfect for him!" Miwa insisted also looking at their children.
"Did they ever tell you how Georgette and I wished one day they would get together?" Wendy whispered.
"I think Louis or Markus mentioned that, yes," Miwa whispered back, "a cute idea if I do say so myself."
"I'm glad you agree too. You're so much like my old friend, it's refreshing,' Wendy said.
Miwa smiled at her, "tell me, when was the last time you visit Japan?"
"Are you inviting me or something madam?" Wendy asked.
"Maybe, be nice to have a couples friend to socialize with, with my own husband," Miwa explained.
"I'd like that too," Wendy said.
"Hey Louis," Luke spoke up.
Louis turned away from Sophie, "yes sir?"
"When we get back to Elence, if there's still time, I'd like to show you one last thing."
"Thank you sir, I'd like that," Louis thank him politely.
"I'll even have it set up at the palace," Luke offered as he got on his phone and dialed.
"Thank you," Louis said. He was rather curious about what the man had in store for him upon his return.
When the family finally did return to Elence and to the palace, it was starting to turn to dusk.
"For some reason, it seems a little quite," Miwa said.
"Well, they did have Lady Lilac's funeral today. I would suspect the palace is in mourning," Wendy pointed out.
"Oh yes," Miwa remembered as they all walked in.
There they were greeted by Lord Markus.
"Welcome back," he said kindly, "how did it go Louis?"
"My mother's family in very kind and welcoming," Louis said, "and a tad possessive."
"Ah yes, Clemence was one of those, 'family in blood only' kind of people," Lord Markus said shaking his head.
"How did you know he was talking about her?" Miwa asked.
"Well, she'd often be a little critical of us raising Wendy, even though the poor girl was an orphan. What were we supposed to do?" Markus explained a little grumpy.
"Wonder what she would have expected if they had found Louis when he was a baby then," Miwa pondered.
"Oh it'd be different with her for sure," Markus scoffed.
"Oh, one of those things," Miwa muttered.
"Did you get what we asked for Uncle?" Wendy asked.
"I did, yes, come with me," Markus said as he led the group down a hallway.
As they walked they happened to come across Wataru Masaomi and the kind walking together.
"Sophie, Sophie, you're home!" Wataru said excited as he ran towards her.
"Yes, thank you for the kind welcome," Sophie said giving him a hug.
"Flirt," Miwa muttered.
"Louis, how are you lad?" King Stephon asked.
"I'm good, Grandfather, thank you," Louis assured him.
"How was meeting your family?" Masaomi asked.
"They were very kind people for the most part," Louis said, "I'd like for them to meet you all some day."
"We'd be honored," Masaomi said, patting his brother's head.
"We were on our way to show Louis one last thing from his past, if you wush to join," Luke offered.
"Maybe later, I think this is a more private moment for Louis," King Stephon said respectfully.
"Thank you Grandfather," Louis said as he bowed and walked on.
"Oh Mommy, guess what? Grandfather's going to let us have a big party for all the cute girls that are going home with the brothers that are going back to Japan!" Wataru suddenly told his mom.
"Oh?" Miwa said.
"It might be a bit old for you," King Stephon started to say.
"Oh but Grandfather!" Wataru whined.
"Listen to your grandfather young man!" Miwa scolded.
"That's what I've been saying to him nearly all night," Masaomi mentioned.
"Right in here," Markus said as he opened a door to a theater room, "it's all set up Luke, you know how to work it."
"Thanks," Luke said as he picked up a remote. Wendy, Sophie and Louis all took a seat.
"Should be on the one you asked for," Markus said as he shut the door.
"What is it?" Louis asked as watched Luke start to work the remote.
"You'll see," Luke said as an image appeared on the screen.
There it started to play an old home movie of Louis' parents and Sophie's parents much younger and with Louis and Sophie as toddlers.
"I use to make a lot of old home movies with the six of us," Luke explained as the movie rolled.
Louis saw himself helping Sophie up on a slide like she had described.
"Oh look at you, are you being a gentleman helping Sophie" his mother said as she stood next to the slide, a mother's stance, ready to help both if need be. She sounded so much like her family.
Louis could see the tip on Wendy's hair in the corner of the screen.
"Future king of Elence right here?" he hear Luke say from behind the camera before it panned over to show Louis' father sitting at a table smiling as he watched the kids.
"So Walter, how do you feel being number 2 underneath Yolanda?" Luke asked.
"Eh, not bad," Walter replied looking right at the camera, "though I doubt it's going to happen. Even in general Yolanda's too much of a pretty woman to not catch the eye and heart of a good man. And I know Yoland wants to get married and have a family. So, I'll just have to sit back and watch myself go from 2 to 3 and so forth. All good though."
"Think you can handle being a king if it does happen?" Luke asked.
Walter smirked.
"Are you trying out your journalist skills for that new job?"
"King of," Luke admitted, "but seriously man, don't you think you can do it?"
"Oh sure, I think I could do it. I have my great-grandmother's blood in me and we all know how hard core she was!"
"Think Louis could be a good king too?"
Walter turned with a proud smile back at their wives and children playing.
"Yeah, I'd feel most secured leaving Elence in his hands if I became king," he said assuredly, "Louis, come here, come here son."
"Louis, go see Dada, go see Dada," Georgette encouraged ushering her son to his father.
Louis half walked over to his son, with Walter leading him the rest of the way. He put Louis on his lap and bounced him.
"Do you want to be a king some day son?" Walter asked.
"Dada," was all Louis would reply.
"Yeah, I'll always be daddy son, first and foremost. Even if I do get to be king, I'll be daddy first."
He kept Louis on his lap a little longer, bouncing him some more before putting him back down. Louis immediately ran to his mommy.
Georgette giggled as she swung him up in the air.
"You'll always be mummy's little prince!" she said hugging him.
"You'd make a pretty sexy queen yourself Georgie," Luke said as he filmed.
"Luke, really?" Wendy said.
"What? She would," Luke joked, "you'd make a sexy queen."
"Stop that! You're getting it caught on camera!"
"Oh I doubt it'll scar anyone watching this in the future!" Walter was heard saying off to the side, laughing as well.
Louis watched the home movie with a big smile on his face.
"This is amazing sir!" he said, "thank you so much for showing me these."
"No problem, there's plenty more where this came from too," Luke told him.
"I can't wait to see them," Louis said right as he yawned.
"Some other time no doubt," Wendy said.
"That's fine, they're all here, ready to view"' Luke said as he turned off the projector.
"Thank you still," Louis said, "I can see why my parents were good friends with you." He looked back up at the screen at a paused image of his parents.
Never had he felt like he had a complete family, with all three branches perfectly fitting together.
'I think I'm finally complete,' he thought satisfied.