Craw paled just from watching. "Uhm... Ariela? Please remember me to never make you mad at me..."
Ariela grinned while she spun her finger. "I will remind you."
"PLEA-EA-EA-EA-SE LE-E-E-T ME-E-E GO-O-O!" Brighton was near to puke. "I A-A-AM SO-O-O SO-O-ORREY-EY-EY!"
Kathrin seemed to take it much better but even she was pale already.
Since about a minute Ariela already used her Psychic to spin them around. "Really? You think I would let you get away with it? Following and eavesdropping Craw and me while we are on a date discussing very private things! I thought you were more mature than that!" She just continued.
Craw looked to her nervous. "I-I think they learned their lesson."
Ariela sighed and let them down again.
Brighton fell to the ground. "Thanks..." As he tried to stand up he tottered a bit before he fell over right again. "I promise I will never do this again..."
Kathrin kept lying on the ground for a moment. "I am sorry... I just was a bit worried and wanted to see if you are alright..."
Ariela sighed. "Maybe you really need a boyfriend so you can take care for your own problems."
Kathrin just sighed and didn't reply to it.
Craw looked at Ariela nervously. He could understand why she was angry but at the same time he felt a bit sorry for the two.
Ariela looked at them. "At least you didn't pull Damion into this. That would be a really bad influence on him!"
Brighton nodded trying to stand up again but fell over again. "Everything is spinning..."
Kathrin tried to focus onto Ariela but her eyes always wandered off into other directions. "Yeah... I am sorry..."
Craw looked to them. "You better go now. We want some time alone."
Kathrin slowly came back to her still wobbly feet. "I just want to say that it was Brighton's idea..."
Ariela glared to him. "Don't put the fault onto Brighton. I know you were fir sure all ears for his idea."
Kathrin looked down nervously.
Brighton was finally able to stand up again. "I am sorry."
Ariela sighed. "You said that already. Now go and let us some space."
Brighton and Kathrin nodded and left them alone.
Craw sighed and watched them going. As they were out of sight he looked to Ariela and chuckled. "Well it was kinda funny how they fell from the tree."
Ariela giggled. "Yeah and their faces when I spun them."
They both laughed a bit.
Ariela sighed happily and looked to the tombstone. "Mom... I think you know Craw already... Sadly he doesn't remember you... You have to know he lost his memory..."
Craw looked to Ariela nervously and then to the tombstone. "Hey Grace... I wish I could remember you... I am sorry for what I did to you... I only did that to protect you... Not with much success it seems..."
Ariela smiled to him weakly. "That is not your fault... She was very ill..."
Craw nodded and softly stroked the tombstone. "Tell me about her..."
Ariela looked to him. "Well... She was kind and always helped others in need. I didn't know she was an explorer before. I only know that she was a doctor."
Craw nodded and sat onto the ground.
Ariela smiled and sat next to him. "Even after a hard day she took her time for me and together we made this garden... She loved flowers. She said that an old friend of hers that died showed her the beauty of flowers. I think she meant you." She sighed.
Craw looked around. He saw many flowers he knew that also grew in the human world but also some that looked like if they would never bloom in the human world.
Ariela took his paws. "She never hesitated with something and always smiled. When someone was crying or hurt she was always there to help. But she could be strict if it was necessary. When I did something wrong she scolded me but never too much. She knew exactly what to say. She was wonderful."
While Craw listened he looked from Ariela to the tombstone and back. "She sounds like a good Pokémon..."
Ariela smiled weakly and nodded. "She was."
Craw smiled a bit. "I think if I would remember her I would see some similarities between you two because it sounds a lot like you... But even when I try to imagine her I only feel sadness. It is different somehow when I look at you. I don't really know how to explain it..."
Ariela smiled and kissed his cheek. "You don't need to. I can sense what you are feeling."
Craw blushed a bit and nodded. Of course she was. She was a Kirlia after all. "I think maybe my subconsciousness told me that you are similar to her and maybe that started everything... But I know for sure that I don't love you only because of her. I am sure now that I love you and not your mom that I see in you." He kissed her softly.
Ariela smiled and looked into his eyes. "I know why my mom fell in love with you..."
He looked to her confused. "Why that?"
She grinned. "It's your eyes. She always said the eyes are the windows to your soul. Yours are like as pure and clear as sapphires. They look so deep and they are kindheartedly and somehow a bit sad. They are eyes of someone who has gone through a lot but never gave up."
Craw blushed a bit and smiled. "Yours are like rubies. They are warm and open like a warm fire but also look a bit like if they could burn someone if they are angered."
Ariela giggled. "You are not so good at making compliments could that be?"
Craw rubbed his head nervously. "Yeah maybe you are right."
Ariela smiled. "That's fine. I love you anyway." She kissed him softly.
He smiled and kissed her back. He blushed and stopped looking to the tombstone. "I am sorry Grace... Maybe we should go somewhere else..."
Ariela smiled and stroked her mother's tombstone before she stood up. "Yeah... Let's go somewhere else..."
Craw nodded and stood up taking her hand.

"This way my lord." The Luxray went ahead always keeping an eye out for someone who would maybe attack.
The Ampharos that was following him glared at some kids that came close to him. They quickly scurried away.
Behind the Ampharos were a female Raichu carrying a Pichu girl and she was followed by a whole parade of servants.
The Luxray growled at some citizen that stood in his way gawking at the parade of Pokémon and they stepped aside. "The guild is ahead of us."
The Ampharos nodded and looked at the tower. "I have to let someone expand the castle. I can't believe this guild tower is taller... That is unacceptable."
The Luxray nodded. "Yes, my lord. I understand."
The crowd of Pokémon slowly made their way towards the guild.

Brighton sighed. "We really shouldn't have done that..."
Kathrin looked to him. "Why you telling me that? You dragged me into that."
Brighton rolled his eyes. "As if you didn't want that. You were as excited to follow them as I was."
Kathrin shrugged. "Yeah maybe..."
"Not maybe you were all ears." Then he suddenly stopped. "Oh shit... What is he doing here..." He quickly hid in a side street.
Kathrin looked at him confused. "What's now?"
He just grabbed Kathrin and pulled her into the side street. It was a small side street and he had to press her onto himself to be able to hide and watch at the same time.
"Hey! What the-" Kathring tried to protest.
Brighton put a hand onto her muzzle. "Shut up!" He whispered to her.
She blushed nervously. What the hell he thought he was doing?
Brighton looked around the corner carefully trying not to be seen. "Look but be quiet..."
Kathrin looked to him confused but then she looked around the corner.
Not far ahead of them was a crowd of Pokémon led by a Luxray, an Ampharos and a Raichu who was holding a Pichu in her arms. "Who are they?"
Brighton grimaced. "My parents..." He looked to Kathrin insistent. "Kathrin I have to ask you for a favor..."

Craw and Ariela walked through the city while Ariela told him things about her mom.
She was mostly talking about things her mother did and what she taught her.
Craw was listening closely. Some times he laughed and some times he asked or commented something but most of the time he was quiet and let her talk.
In the end they ended up on a meadow in a little park in the city. The meadow seemed to be something like a meeting place for couples since a lot Pokémon were sitting there holding hands, cuddling or kissing.
Craw blushed as Ariela sat down on the grass looking to him. He sat down next to her looking to her.
She smiled and took his paw looking to him.
Craw smiled weakly not knowing what to do. "Your mom seemed to be a great Pokémon."
Ariela smiled and nodded. "Yeah she was."
He felt slightly uncomfortable since he felt watched. He already kissed her in the guild but there the most knew already that they were a pair and they mostly kept the more intimate moments for themselves when they were alone. Now they were on an open meadow with lots of other couples and probably Ariela wanted to spend some intimate time with him.
Ariela giggled and kissed his cheek. "You don't need to be so shy. I don't know how it was where you came from but here it is not such a big thing to show affection to each other openly." She looked to him. "But if you feel uncomfortable we also just can sit here and hold hands.
Craw sighed a bit nervous nuzzling her a bit. "Well... It is different where I come from... Normally intimate situations are kept private but some show them openly... Some moments on the other hand are commonly made so everyone sees it like an engagement. They are mostly held in public."
Ariela blushed. "Well here it is different... An engagement is a very intimate moment and are only made alone or in the presence of family and best friends..."
Craw smiled. "That is good to know..." He kissed her softly onto the cheek.
She blushed and looked to him with curiosity. "Did you think about it already?"
Craw looked to her blushed. "You mean about engagement? Well to be honest a bit it is on my mind..."
She widely blushed and softly leaned her head onto his shoulder. "Me too..."
They didn't need to say more to know what the other was thinking. They just sat there and stared into the distance only nuzzling or kissing sometimes enjoying the presence of each other.

Kathrin looked to him in disbelieve. "You want me to do what?!"
Brighton looked to her nervous. "Shh! Not so loud." He whispered. "Please... I really need your help with this... I know I aks for a lot but I have no other choice... I know the guild leaders will do their best but my father is very stubborn and will try everything to get me back home..."
Kathrin looked to him a bit angry. "And you want to drag me into your mess..."
He fell onto his knees folding his hands. "Pretty pretty please... I beg you..."
Kathrin looked to him. "Why it has to be me?"
Brighton sighed. "Because I know you good enough to know that I can trust you with that... Please..."
Kathrin growled. "If I do that for you you owe me a big one. A really big one. Some presents or a fancy meal won't be enough."
Brighton nodded. "Yes, yes. I will give you whatever you want."
Kathrin looked to him for about another minute. "OK I will do it but even if it doesn't work you gonna owe me a big one."
Brighton nodded. "OK, thank you so much." He wanted to hug her but remembered that she didn't like that.

Craw and Ariela were happy again. Spending some quality time together really helped them getting over their problems.
Ariela sighed happily. "Is now seems so ridiculous that we had a fight about it doesn't it?"
Craw grinned. "Yeah. Promise me something please... Whenever I act all strange and irrational like that again please remember me on today..."
Ariela giggled. "OK, but only if you do the same for me."
Craw smiled. "Deal."
Then he heard someone talk. "Did you hear? The king of the Volt kingdom is here."
Craw twitched his ears and looked to the source. "Ariela did you hear that?"
Ariela looked to him. "What do you mean?"
Craw looked around. "I thought I just heard-"
"Really? What do you think the king is doing here?"
"Well his son is here since some time now so maybe the rumors are true?"
Craw stood up and Ariela who leaned against him nearly fell over. "Ariela!" He looked to her and helped her up. "I am sorry... It's just."
Ariela nodded. "Yeah I heard it. Brighton's father is here... What do you think is he doing?"
Craw took her hand. "I don't know but whatever it is... After what Brighton told me about him it can't be anything good..."
Ariela looked to him nervously. "We have to go to the guild."
Craw nodded and together they ran to the guild.

The Ampharos nearly roasted Anubis with his Thunder aiming just centimeters beside him but Anubis didn't bat an eyelash. "I will take my son with me!"
Anubis looked at him unfazed. "First I would be thankful if you don't use any moves here without permission."
The Ampharos growled. "PERMISSION?! I AM KING MARKUS ALEXANDROS VON VOLT! I DON'T NEED ANYONE'S PERMISSION!"
Anubis glared at him. "May I remember you that you are not in your kingdom? You have not more rights than anyone else in this city. And that is also the reason why I won't hand out Brighton like some sort of present. He is protected by our laws and he is 19 years old. Here everyone who is 18 years or older as mature and can decide for themselves. You can't force him to come with you."
The Ampharos nearly exploded with anger.
The Luxray stepped in front of Anubis. "We know about the laws of this city but prince Brighton is citizen of our kingdom and that means he has to follow the laws of our kingdom and king Markus is the law."
Anubis looked to the Luxray. "Lux... Long not seen." He sighed. "I am sorry to inform you that with entering the guild prince Brighton became official citizen of Crystal City. That means to us that he is only bound to our laws.
Lux looked to him. "You know that the relationship between Crystal City and the Volt kingdom is very tense at the moment. Do you really want to risk that over one Pokémon?"
Anubis glared at him. "You should know the answer Lux. You know exactly what happened back then. Do you really want me to decide? Because this time I will for sure decide different."
Lux grimaced. "If I am right your law doesn't say anything about dual citizenship. So how about Brighton decides himself? Is that acceptable my lord?"
King Markus nodded still glaring at the Lucario. "Yes."
Anubis nodded. "Then prince Brighton can decide."
"I already decided."
Everyone turned around just to see Brighton and Kathrin standing behind them.
King Markus growled. "Son it is time for you-" He stopped as he saw Brighton's arm. around it was a golden bracelet. His eyes wandered to the Eevee and as he saw the very same bracelet his head got all red. "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!"
Brighton looked to him. "You know exactly what that means. Kathrin and I are engaged."
Markus grabbed his arm. "You are not gonna marry anyone without my permission son. I already have settled an engagement for you. A good princess from the Aqua Empire."
Brighton looked at him unfazed. "Well that should be impossible now. I am engaged with Kathrin already."
Anubis looked at the two. He saw that something wasn't right there. First of all Brighton would have told him about it and for the second Kathrin seemed to be very uncomfortable. It wasn't just that she was nervous about the king but there was something else.
Lux seemed to see the same but he kept quiet.
Markus glared at the Eevee. "She is so ordinary. You are not allowed to marry her."
Kathrin growled at him. "Who do you call ordinary?"
Markus looked to her unfazed. "You better show some respect girl or you gonna soon regret that you met my son." He looked to Brighton. "Do you know what happens if you don't marry the princess? You gonna be fault if that causes a war!"
Brighton looked to him. "What do you mean? I thought the Aqua Empire is allied with us?"
Markus glared at him. "No, they aren't. We had a truce but that wasn't enough. They demanded a stronger bound or they would declare war. A marriage would be such a bound and it would cause peace for a long time."
Brighton looked to him angry. "And again you want to decide that over my head without asking me first."
"Because it is your duty! Or do you want to be responsible for the death of hundreds and thousands of lives?"
Brighton gritted his teeth. "No of course not..."
Markus grinned. "But if you really want to stay here... Well we can still engage Elizabeth with one of their princes. They maybe only have older ones but that should be fine."He glanced to the Pichu that was on the Raichu's arms. "The Aqua Empire should be fine with that too."
Brighton glared at him. "NO!" He looked to the Pichu. "Let Eliza out of it..." He gritted his teeth again.
The Pichu was hiding in the Raichu's fur.
The Raichu softly stroked her head. "Markus. Elizabeth is too young."
Markus growled. "Marianne you have no word in this. You may be her mother but I am her father and I am the king."
Brighton glared at him. He sighed and turned to Kathrin. "I am sorry I dragged you into this. Seems like my plan didn't work..."
Kathrin looked at Markus angrily. "Yeah. I understand. I have to admit I am pretty impressed that you are so nice even tho your father is such an asshole..." She looked to Brighton. "I kinda wish it would have been different."
Brighton nodded. "Me too." He turned to Markus. "You won. I will come with you. Just let me some hours to prepare."
Markus glared at him. "You have three hours."
Brighton nodded.
Anubis looked at him. "Are you sure about this? Nobody can force you."
Brighton sighed. "I have no choice."
"No. You have one Brighton." Craw came around a corner. "And Kathrin is right. Your father is an asshole."
Lux growled stepping in front of Craw. His maw was crackling with lightnings. "You dare to speak like this with the king?!"
Craw looked to him with a blank face. He remembered something that Brighton mentioned once. It was time to take that onto a test. "STEP ASIDE!" He put as much authority into his words as possible.
The Luxray stared at the Riolu blankly. For a moment Craw thought he was toast but then Lux really stepped aside.
Craw grinned but quickly got back his blank face. He went to the Ampharos.
"Do you have any idea who you are messing with?" He glared at the Riolu.
Craw looked at the Ampharos. "So you are Brighton's father... Do you really think you can do anything just because you want to?"
Markus grinned. "I am king. What I say will happen."
Craw grinned. "Oh so you think you just yell some orders and everyone follows you around? You don't even care what's really up. You don't even care who you are talking with and still you demand that they do what you want. I think you are the one who doesn't know who you are messing with."
The Ampharos' paw started glowing yellow and lightnings crackled around it. He lifted it but before he could hit Craw with his Thunder Punch Craw acted.
"ONTO YOUR KNEES!"
For a second the Ampharos stopped in his motion. He glared at Craw with a mixture of hatred and disbelieve. Craw could see that the Ampharos tried to resist. He was trembling and for a moment it looked like if he would succeed but then he fell to his knees. He looked at Craw with anger and hatred.
Everyone else looked at the two in shock.
Craw just lifted his paw and punched the Ampharos as hard as possible into his face. Then he turned around and looked to Anubis. "I want to talk with him..." He helt his paw onto his head. He felt that he became dizzy all of a sudden. "T-Tell him the truth..." Then he blacked out and fell over. The last thing he heard was that someone was yelling his name. Probably it was Brighton, Ariela or Kathrin... Maybe Anubis... Maybe all of them.

Craw felt terrible. It was nearly as bad as the day as Serene sealed his mind. He sighed and slowly tried to stand up.
"You are awake!"
Craw knew it was Ariela before he saw her. "Please not so loud..."
Ariela hugged him and kissed his cheek.
He smiled and felt a bit better. "How long did I pass out?"
Ariela looked to him. "Two days..."
Craw sighed. "What is with Brighton and the so called king?"
Ariela smiled calmly. "Brighton is in your room. The king got an own room."
Craw sighed relieved. "I already feared that they were gone..."
"Anubis was extremely angry. The king wanted to see you dead but Anubis made pretty clear that if he would do anything against you he would do everything he could to do the same to him. To say that king Markus wasn't pleased is the understatement of the century. All the fuss finally made him curious enough to wait. He wants to listen what you have to say but probably he still want to see you dead."
Craw nodded and nuzzled her softly. "I am sorry if I made you worry..."
Ariela smiled calmly and then slapped him hard. "That is for worrying me so much." Then he slapped him again. "And that is for risking your life." She looked to him. "Please don't ever do this again. Or at least warn me before so I can stop you." She hugged him.
His head was spinning. "Ouch... I will remember it..."
Ariela looked to him. "Anubis wants to speak with you as soon as you are awake..."
Craw nodded and tried to stand up. He felt wobbly on his feet but Ariela helped him. "Thank you. Well then... If our guild leader wants to speak with me I shouldn't let him wait."
So the two went to Anubis' office. As they came to the elevator the Incineroar went into the elevator and drove up.
Craw chuckled. "Do you two ever take a break?"
The Hariyama looked to him annoyed. "Do you ever stop causing trouble?"
Craw chuckled. "Fair enough."
The Incineroar came back after about a minute. "Anubis said he would wait in the room he always waits."
Craw nodded and they drove up. Craw knew that Anubis meant the dome. As he and Ariela passed the offices and drove further up Craw could see Ariela's excitement. "You never were in the dome?"
Ariela shook her head. "Anubis told me the most and also that there were others in the dome that are part of the secret and that there is more about it. He also said that he would tell me later but till now there was no chance for that..."
Craw nodded. "Well then you maybe should prepare for being blinded for a moment."
She looked to him confused. "What do you mean?"
Craw chuckled. "Where do you think the beacon gets his light from?"
She nodded and took his paw.
Craw smiled and looked to her. "Thank you for everything."
She looked to him and smiled. "What do you mean?"
He smiled. "I think without you I would have given up already."
Ariela smiled and kissed his cheek. "The same counts for me."
He nuzzled her softly. "Let's save Brighton from his stupid father's ass."
Ariela nodded.

Anubis sighed. "Are you sure you want to tell him everything?"
Craw looked to him. "Not everything. Only the necessary things. We will hide the things about Zaviro, Diamond, Rubin and Platino. I don't want that he demands some condition concerning them. That would be too dangerous."
Anubis nodded. "But are you sure you want to tell him about your past life?"
Craw nodded. "If I don't he won't accept the deal. He fears another war but he won't understand why he should trust a human after everything that happened 20 years ago."
Anubis sighed. "OK. I see we have no other choice."
Craw nodded. "Yeah."
Zaviro looked at him. "Well you could use your Absolute Authority ability."
Craw looked at him. "Is that the name of what I did? I mean when I forced them to do what I wanted?"
Zaviro nodded. "It is an ability given by Arceus himself. Every Pokémon has to do what you want when you use it. Even Arceus himself. He must have an eye on you and trust you a lot if he gives you this power. You should be careful to use it. Not only because it could kill you when you overuse it but also because he could react if you use it in a way he doesn't like."
Craw looked to Zaviro. "That is something I always wondered. Since Arceus is a god why he doesn't come here himself and save you?"
Rubin sighed. "There was a time when the four gods wandered on this planet. They helped the Pokémon when they really needed them. But then there was a fight between them. Giratina hated it that the Pokémon didn't worshipped her as much as they did the others so she instigated Palkia against Dialga. The fight lasted long and nearly destroyed the world. Arceus had to interfere himself and as he finally was able to settle the fight down he banished Giratina into the Distortion World. After that Arceus, Palkia and Dialga disappeared into their own spheres. They swore to never interfere with this world again. As then the first catastrophe was near Arceus decided to send someone to save it. A guide searched everywhere and only found a worthy candidate in the human world. After further research Arceus found out that only some humans had a special thing to them... something that was unique and that even he himself couldn't explain that was able to bring Pokémon together and save the world this way. So he decided that whenever the Pokémon world is in danger he would send a human and give him a special power that would aid him in his mission."
Craw nodded. "And I have this Absolute Authority power?"
Diamond nodded. "You should be honored. It is an ability of Arceus himself."
Craw nodded. "Good to know."

As the Ampharos came into the dome he protected his eyes with his paw.
"Finally you are here." Craw was still angry for the king's behavior.
It needed some seconds till the king was able to see again. The Luxray on the other hand didn't seem to have the slightest problem with the light and looked around already.
Markus growled and looked at the crystal. "So that is the crystal of light..."
Anubis nodded. "Yes it is."
Markus looked at the Lucario angrily but with a bit of curiosity. "I thought nobody is allowed to come here. Why am I here?"
Craw stepped forward. "Because I decided to tell you the truth."
The Ampharos glared at the Riolu. "What are you doing here?"
Craw could feel that the king wanted to kill him.
Brighton sighed and stepped next to Craw. "Dad you will have to listen this time. This is more important than just me and you. This is even more important than the kingdom."
The Ampharos looked at the two. "You better start explaining yourselves or I will forget myself. Also why does this lousy pest act like if he owns everything here?"
Anubis growled. "You better watch your tongue. You are speaking with Craw the human."
The Ampharos glared at the Riolu.
Craw couldn't say what the king was thinking.

Anubis sighed. "I can understand that. The war was terrible and the other kingdoms look at it the same way otherwise the truce would have ended years ago already and we wouldn't talk here right now."
Craw glared at the king. He hated that guy. "What is the problem? We already promised that we will take care for a deal with the other kingdoms to strengthen the truce."
Markus glared at the Riolu. "What is in it for me?" He acted much more respectful toward Craw now but still seemed to be extremely angry about what happened earlier.
Craw hated him. Everything he wanted to do with Brighton and all this arrogance made Craw wanting to punch him again... and again and again and again... "I hate politicians. They are always trying to get a deal to their favor... Why can't they be happy with a deal where everyone gets the same?"
Markus grinned. "Why should I accept something that doesn't gives me something? I only have work from it and don't get anything."
Craw sighed. "And what is about finally having peace?"
Markus looked at him. "I would have peace anyway if I marry Brighton to the princess."
Brighton seemed to be nervous about that.
Craw sighed. "Then think about it this way: We all know why humans like I are sent here. To protect the world from a catastrophe. Imagine that your son the prince of the Volt kingdom is the partner of that human. Imagine how much fame you get from that? Everyone will praise the king who was so previsional to send his son to aid the human that saved the world."
Markus seemed to like the idea but he wasn't convinced. "What should that bring me?"
Craw chuckled. "I know how Pokémon like you think. You want to create something that persists long after their death. Think about it more. Even today the Pokémon speak about the legends of the humans and their allies that saved this world. When I save the world and we know that it will probably be the extinction of the Aura-less, then they will speak about the king that sent his son to aid the human till the end of Pokémon kind."
He really seemed to enjoy the idea. "But what if it goes like the last time you saved the world? What if everyone will think of you as a human who will tried to destroy or conquer the Pokémon world?"
Craw grinned. "Then you were the one who was so wise to let his son watch over the human. You were so wise to not trust me because of the last human and you already expected something like that. You sent your son to stop me and in the end he was the one who ended the terror of the human." He glanced to him. "Either way you will be the wise king that everyone will speak about. I mean look at Anubis and the other leaders. They became legends while they were still alive. Imagine how they will think of you as king then."
He seemed to think about it for a bit. "You are really smart human and you know how to talk." He looked at him. "I will accept that under one condition."
Anubis looked at him. "What is it?"
Markus looked to Craw. "When this all is over and everything went according to your plans Brighton will come back and you will serve as his private guard."
Brighton looked at him angrily. "You can't demand that from him!"
Craw looked at the king. "I will have to talk with Brighton and Ariela for a moment about this."
The king nodded.
Craw stood up and went with Brighton and Ariela to the other end of the dome to talk with them alone. "I want to know your honest opinion about that. I could accept that if you can accept it too."
Ariela looked to him. "I would go everywhere with you."
Brighton looked to him. "Do you even know what you are saying there? He wants to get control over you! That is the only reason why he wants that."
Craw nodded. "I know that very well. I would accept to become your personal guard under two conditions that he has to accept if he wants to save his face."
Brighton looked at him confused. "What do you mean."
After about a minute they came back to the negotiating table.
Craw looked at the king. "We will accept that under two conditions."
Anubis looked to him surprised. "Do you even know what you are saying there?"
Craw looked to him. "Yes, I know."
Anubis looked to him confused and unsure.
Markus looked to Craw. "What conditions?"
Craw grinned. "Well... I don't trust you very much so I want to have these two things from you before I accept. You will promise that you won't interfere with Brighton's choices anymore. He can live freely and you won't try to control his life anymore till you retire and he claims the throne."
Markus nodded. "That is a bit much but OK."
Craw lifted his paw. "And the second condition is that when I saved the world that you will retire and give the throne to Brighton."
Markus glared at him angrily. "I WON'T ACCEPT THAT!"
Craw looked to him. "I already thought you would say that. So you only want that condition to get me as your servant. Yes I would be the guard of Brighton but at the same time I would become your servant as I will become citizen of your kingdom. Excuse me but I will never accept you as my king."
The Ampharos growled angrily. "You have no other choice."
Craw glanced to him. "Well either you accept my offer or you will be the only one who won't accept an alliance with the guild and that is surely not what you want right?"
Markus growled. "I won't give up my throne!"
Craw grinned. "Then accept the deal without the condition that Brighton have to come back and without me becoming his guard. Then you can save your face and get more than all the others. You will become a living legend and Brighton can finally live in peace and only have to deal with you and your lousy kingdom again when you decide to retire from your throne."
Markus gritted his teeth.
Brighton looked to him with a serious face. "That or you get no deal. Then you will be the only one who won't be part of the alliance and one day have to accept a much worse deal only to survive."
Markus growled and glared at his son. "Fine. I will accept that."
Craw nodded. "Oh and one thing. If you ever try to use one of your kids as object for your negotiation again, especially by trying to settle an engagement against their will, and if I find out about it I won't hold back and tell everyone the truth about you. You will become the most hated person alive. That counts for Brighton, Elizabeth and every other of your children. Do you understand me?"
He growled. "Fine."

Author's note: I hope you like this chapter. I need some break now to do some RL stuff. We will read again in some days.

Still searching for a beta reader.