Chirrup. Chirrup. Chirrup.

A Fletchling ruffled its feathers on a tree branch and continued to sing. Dew dripped from the leaves and grass, dropping toward the soaked earth. The rising sun shone over the weary wild Pokemon emerging from their homes. Sawsbuck strode beneath ripening apples and between laden berry bushes, watching over their young Deerling, while Pachirisu hopped through the vast trees and chittered, ever watchful of the Arbok and Ekans that had yet to wake. And more Fletchling and Fletchinder sang as they flew between the branches.

Few stirred in Quantus Village at this early hour. A pair of Gurdurr hammered nails into a house frame, chatting as the metallic clatter rung. An aged Golduck breathed peacefully at the edge of a small pond as he sat with his legs folded and arms extended. Wild Combee buzzed past berry bushes to flowers, hastily slurping the nectar within and darting to the next. The other Pokemon within Quantus slept in their homes, all silently grateful that last night's storm had ended.

In a cabin with a blue Lucario head painted on its door, all was quiet. The living room floors were clear of mud and rain, and the stove in the kitchen lay cold and empty. The counters and table gleamed in the sunlight shining from the open window, along with the simple cookware hanging from a rack hooked to the ceiling. Yet the corner with the stove remained dark, allowing the Pokemon sleeping in front of it more rest.

A Zorua stirred in the towel underneath him. The Lucario slouched forward, sleeping in a sitting position. His free paw curled around the small, weathered journal.

Chirrup.

Auren's ears twitched.

Chirrup. Chirrup.

Auren's eyes languidly opened, then he looked about his surroundings.

A table with a long bench and a set of three chairs stood behind him to his left, situated near a wide window with its curtains pulled away; a square basket of Pecha berries sat in the center. To his right, a large counter cropped up on the floor and had cookware hanging above it. Another room stretched out from the hallway between the counter and table. An array of cupboards and drawers appeared in the wall, all the way to a small hallway in the corner leading to a door to the outside. Two washbasins stood on stools to the right of the stove. Not speck of dirt or grime could be seen.

Auren looked down at Arthus. The Zorua slept peacefully, only stirring and moaning occasionally.

Auren looked down at Sion's journal, then back at Arthus. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. 'What am I going to tell him?' he thought.

Chirrup. Chirrup.

The Lucario's ears twitched once more as he tried to locate the sound. He faced the window and saw a ruffled Fletchling sitting on the sill, nestling its legs under its chest.

It pecked the glass once, seemingly toward the basket of Pecha berries. Chirrup.

Auren smiled. "Good morning. Wasn't a pleasant night, was it?" He stood up and groaned, stretching his back. 'I really shouldn't be sleeping like that…' He looked back at Arthus and added, 'But I had to make sure he was well.'

Chirrup.

He turned back to see the Fletchling fluff up its feathers and tap the glass again. Auren nodded his head and walked to the table. "Alright, you're hungry, I get it." He plucked a berry from the basked and flicked the latch on the window frame. He pulled it open, and the Fletchling stood up and skittered toward the berry. It chirped and snatched the berry from the Lucario's paw, then flew off into the trees to enjoy its meal.

The Lucario closed the window and stared at the journal. He frowned. 'Sion discovered something evil…something that should have remained uncovered."

Arthus stirred in the towel. Auren set the book on the seat of a chair, under the shadow of the table. 'Thank Arceus he kept it out of Damon's claws.'

The Zorua opened his eyes and yawned. He went to stretch but winced and returned to sitting. He looked about curiously, then his eyes met Auren's. His eyes widened in alarm, then he shrank low to the ground.

Auren approached him carefully, holding his paws out. "Don't be afraid, Arthus. You're safe now."

Arthus stood up shakily and backed away from him. "Who are you? How do you know my name?"

The Lucario's smile disappeared. "My name is Auren Lucario, and I was a friend of your parents, Sion and Vaira Zoroark. I learned your name from the message your father sent me."

Arthus stood still but studied the room in a cross of fear and wonder. "Dad told me to find you." His eyes grew wide once more, then he exclaimed. "Is this Quantus?"

Auren nodded and crossed his arms. "Yes. I found you last night at the gate nearly frozen to death, so I brought you to my home to take care of you."

Arthus looked behind him and noticed the back door. He bounded toward it and shouted, "I have to go get Dad! He's waiting for me!"

Auren grimaced and ran between Arthus and the door. Arthus stopped and cocked his head. "What's wrong?"

Auren looked up and sighed, then knelt on the floor. "Arthus…he's dead."

Arthus' face turned blank. He remembered his father's final plea.

The arrow through his chest.

The Decidueye who fired it.

Arthus closed his eyes and tried to push around the Lucario and toward the door. "He's…he's still there, on the path, waiting for me! I have to go back!"

Auren held tight to Arthus legs. The Zorua kicked and struggled to come free, but the Lucario kept his grip. "Arthus, I had someone go out to find him last night, and when they did—"

"No! No! He can't die! He can't!" Arthus screamed. He repeated this over and over as he clawed and bit Auren's arms to come free, but to no avail.

Auren grit his teeth and pinned Arthus' front legs together. Arthus scrambled to become free from his grip, but after over a minute of fighting his escape, Auren shouted, "Arthus!" He fell silent and looked Auren in the eye, breathing heavily.

Auren sighed, then closed his eyes. "Arthus…the last thing you father wrote to me was for me to raise you like my own son. Would he have said that if he thought he would live?"

Arthus stared into space, silent. He thought of Sion's last words: "Your mother always loved you…and I did too." He fell limp in Auren's paws and simply stared, dwelling on that final scene.

Auren looked down at the Zorua, then left and right. He carefully stood up and lowered Arthus onto the towel he woke in; he curled up inside it, hiding his face.

The Lucario closed his eyes and rubbed his chin, sighing sorrowfully. He looked over to the berry basket, then back to Arthus. "You traveled a long way to get here. Are you hungry?" Arthus remained still.

Auren breathed out slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. He took the basket of berries from the table and set it in front of Arthus, then walked toward the back door. "I'll be finding someone to take my shift at the border for a few days, so I can help you…adjust." He held the door open and stopped. He slowly turned back toward Arthus. "My wife, Eliza, is asleep, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask her. She's expecting a baby soon, but you're our priority right now." He turned back around and lowered his head. "…I'm sorry for what happened. Your parents were good Pokemon. They never deserved such a fate." He closed the door behind him and soon disappeared from the window's view.

Arthus didn't even glance at the berries. His mind was blank, flooded by the sudden emptiness in his heart. Despite the lilting Fletchling and morning light, his world never felt darker.

He remained on the towel for over an hour, undisturbed, in shock. The berries sat in their basket, waiting to be eaten. But that moment never came.

Arthus' ear twitched. He slowly turned his head and stared at the doorway. A Riolu stood just outside it, his foot barely past the threshold.

He looked around a moment, then weakly smiled, waving his paw. "Hi." Arthus turned back around.

The Riolu's smile disappeared as his paw lowered to his side. He shuffled over to Arthus, holding his arms behind his back. "Your name's Arthus…right?" No response.

The Riolu stopped only several feet away. He looked up for a moment and blew his breath out slowly. "Alright…well, my name's Matheus." He looked around Arthus in an attempt to see his face. The Zorua buried his face in the towel.

Matheus stood straight and rubbed the back of his neck as he looked around. "I…I heard what happened last night. I'm sorry you had to go through that storm…and about your mom and dad." Arthus let out a shuddering sigh at the mention of his parents.

Matheus rubbed the side of his face and cautiously stepped forward. "If there's anything you want to talk about, you can always say stuff to me."

"Matheus."

The Riolu turned around to see Eliza standing at the doorway with her arms crossed over her pregnant belly. She stepped inside and said, "Now's not the time." She flicked her head to her left. "Go help your father outside. He'll need help getting the addition made."

Matheus opened his mouth to object, then silently closed it and nodded his head. He brushed past her and looked back to Arthus, then exited into the hallway. The door opened and shut.

Eliza looked over at the door, then back to Arthus. She steadily walked up behind him and held her paws in front of her. "I see you met my son, Matheus. He's a good Riolu, but sometimes he isn't fully aware of what's happening." Arthus looked back at her, his eye barely open.

Eliza took a deep breath and sat down on a chair, then she gently rubbed around her unborn child. "Given how I am at the moment, I can't help you with everything, and I often sleep throughout the day. Auren should be around for at least the next week, so make sure to ask him for help if you need it." She noticed the basket of berries in front of Arthus and said, "And please, eat. You must be starving after what you had to go through." She carefully came to her feet, then walked back toward the hallway. "I'll be going back to my bed now; I just wanted to see if you were alright." She paused, then slowly turned around. "Arthus." He lifted his head expectantly.

Eliza smiled sympathetically. "I was good friends with your parents…your mother especially. I know I can't replace her, but just know that I want you to be part of our family. Just…take your time." She exited, leaving the door open.

Arthus stared at the doorway, then at the basket of berries. He plucked a bright pink one off and hesitantly chewed it. His hunger grew stronger, and he continued to eat berries one by one from the basket. All the while, he struggled to envision his life without his parents.

[~~~]

Pokemon all throughout Quantus began their day, each wishing for the best. Voices rang out in casual chatter throughout the settlement, whether it be in the square or the pond. Children ran amongst the adults to garner some fun before the dreaded school day began. Pokemon of various types and species worked together, whether they are aligned with the trees, the water, the night, the light, or anything else.

Behind the Lucario home stood a wooden frame in the rough shape of a box. Three walls lay flat on the ground next to the frame, while the frame itself was pushed against the house. Farther back, tools of all types poured out from a disheveled, dusty shed.

Dust plumed out of the open door of the shed and settled on the tools around it. Coughs hacked out from it, and a Lucario stumbled out, holding a small bucket of nails and a hammer in a paw. He wheezed and fanned the remaining dust away with his paw. "It hasn't been that long since I've worked on this." He shook his head and looked down at his pail, then at the planks of wood next to the shed. "Lovely…and I have no one to help."

The door closed, causing to turn back toward the other side of the house. A young Riolu shuffled out from the front of the house, frowning with his arms crossed.

Auren smiled, exclaiming, "Matheus! Coming out to help your old 'mon, huh?" He held up the pail and flicked his head toward the house frame. "Got to get the walls up so we can have room for—" He trailed off as Matheus sat down on a stack of planks and sighed.

Auren sat down next to him and set the pail and hammer on the ground. "What's wrong? You're usually happy to be out here with me."

Matheus looked up at him and replied, "I was just trying to be friends with Arthus, but he didn't say anything, and I don't know why." He lowered his head and whimpered, "Did I do something wrong?"

Auren wrapped an arm around Matheus and said, "No, no, not at all. He's just…just gone through some pretty terrible things recently. He just lost his parents last night, and if I'm right about the bruises I found on him, he got pretty hurt too."

"Because of that Damon guy, right?" Matheus replied.

"Yes, and—" Auren stopped, then looked down at Matheus suspiciously. "How do you know that? And how'd you learn Arthus' name if he's been so quiet?"

Matheus shrunk down and cast his eyes away. "I…heard you come in last night and maybe heard you say that." He gave another sorry look. "Was that wrong?"

Auren looked up for a moment, then held the Riolu closer. "Matheus...do you remember on Moon's Day, when I asked Vivian to take care of Cael until your mother had her baby, and how I asked if you wanted to join him?" Matheus nodded.

Auren continued, "She said she had a bunch of fun games planned for the both of you, especially in the lake. You would've had the time of your life, and you'd only be a few hours away from home."

Matheus smiled. "She is a pretty fun Floatzel."

"Yet when I asked, you said you wanted to stay here." Auren massaged Matheus' shoulder. "I wondered why you said that; you always wanted to go to her house for a trip. And when I asked, you said…" He stopped, looking down at Matheus.

The Riolu looked up and caught his inquisitive glance. He looked away and said, "I…felt like I had to stay here. I don't know why, but I did." He shook his head, asking, "But, what does that have to do with Arthus?"

Auren smiled. "If there's one thing I know about how you work, Matheus, it's that you are driven by instinct. You don't stop to think through what you do, but you know what you're doing is right." He pointed at Matheus' chest. "You have a good heart; you've always been close to what Arceus wants you to be. I think he was trying to tell you to stay here so you could help Arthus. He's close to your age, and I think what he needs more than anything right now is not just a family, but a friend."

Matheus looked down at his father's paw, then up at his face. "So…I should keep trying to talk to him?"

Auren retracted his paw and smiled weakly. "Just…give him time. I'm hoping he'll open up at dinner, but until then, just leave him be. Okay?" Matheus nodded.

Auren nodded back, then stood and picked up the pail of nails and the hammer from the ground. "Well…these walls won't raise themselves up. Best get to work."

Matheus pushed off the planks and hurried to Auren's side. "Wait, Dad!"

Auren turned toward him with a questioning look. Matheus hugged his leg and said, "Thank you." Auren smiled and hugged him back, careful with the metal in his paws.

[~~~]

The sun hung low in the sky, near the horizon. Fletchling returned to their nests, Rattata to their burrows, and Sawsbuck to their glade for the coming night. The bustle of Quantus died down as many returned to their homes to enjoy the remaining hours of light with their families.

Auren held a plank up on the frame, with many others beneath it. Matheus sat on his shoulders with the hammer in hand as he drove a nail through the end, then grabbed another from the bucket hanging on his father's raised tail.

Matheus strained to hit the nail as he pushed himself up to get better leverage. Auren grunted and adjusted his position. "Nearly done there?" he asked.

Matheus grabbed two more nails and said, "Go on over!" Auren did so, and the Riolu drove the nails into the other side.

Auren lifted Matheus from his shoulders and set him down, then slid the bucket of nails off from his tail. He patted Matheus on the back and exclaimed, "Nice work! We'll have the outside done by tomorrow at this rate!"

Matheus set the hammer in the bucket and grinned. "All ready for my baby brother, right?"

Auren smiled and scratched his son's head. "Or sister."

Matheus looked away and frowned. "Or sister."

Auren laughed and patted his head. "That's my boy." He began walking around the frame to the other side of the house. "Actually, I've been thinking we could have Arthus move into it. He'll need somewhere else than the kitchen after all." They reached the door, and as Auren opened it he added, "And your brother or sister can stay in my room until I can make another."

They stopped at the door, and before Auren opened it, Matheus said, "Can Arthus sleep in my room tonight?"

Auren looked down at him curiously. "I don't know, Matheus; Arthus still has to get used to us, and it might be better for him to sleep in the front room until I can get the addition finished."

Matheus tugged on his father's arm. "Dad, he can sleep in Cael's bed, and its comfier than the floor!" He stopped, then held his head low. "Besides, what if he needs something? I'd rather be right there with him instead of waiting for him to come."

Auren rubbed his chin in thought. "Well…it would be rather strange for me to sleep with him again." He nodded his head back and forth. "You two are pretty close in age. He might be more willing to open up to you than me or Mom." He smiled and tousled his son's headfur. "What a good idea! We'll just check to see if Arthus is alright with it, okay?"

Matheus flattened his fur and exclaimed joyfully, "Yeah! This'll be fun!"

Auren grabbed the handle and added, "Just remember, he's gone through a lot in the past day, and there's likely more that happened that we don't know about. Let him talk to you on his own terms." He held out his little digit. "Promise?"

Matheus accepted it with his own. "Promise."

Auren smiled. "That's my boy." He retracted his paw and entered the house. Matheus followed, closing the door.

[~~~]

Over a dinner of delicious Oran berry fry, the Lucario family discussed events occurring throughout Quantus, such as the repairs having to be made to the schoolhouse due to the storm, or about the letter they received from Vivian about her time with Cael at the pond. All the while, Arthus remained silent, eating his meal at the end of the table.

Finally, after exhausting their discussion, Eliza and Matheus began clearing the dishes while Auren sat across from Arthus and asked, "I've been thinking about how we might be able to help you after what's happened." Arthus listened, keeping his eyes focused on his feet.

Auren looked over to Eliza, who motioned for him to continue. He turned back rested his paws on the table. "Is there anything you'd like to know about us or the village? We don't want you to feel alone here."

Arthus remained silent, studying his paws. After a moment, he quietly asked, "Are there any…bad Pokemon?"

Auren looked up for a moment, considering his question. "No, no there isn't. My job as gatekeeper is to make sure no one that would be a threat gets inside. I promise that you can trust anyone within the walls."

Arthus shrunk down in his seat. "What about Damon?"

Auren tapped his paw against the table in thought. 'I'm not sure. He has little incentive to come unless he thinks that Sion managed to make it here. But considering he died by one of his own arrows, I doubt it. I can always tell him if he decides to come, but I doubt that would stop him from investigating himself.'

Auren set aside his thoughts and held Arthus' paw under the table. The Zorua looked up, confused. Auren gave him an assuring look and said, "Damon won't find you here. I can promise you that." Arthus' paw shook in Auren's, but it soon fell still despite his wary glances.

Matheus finished rinsing the last of the dishes in the sink, then ran over to the table and sat next to his father. Auren retracted his paw and gestured to him, facing Arthus. "Matheus' brother, Cael, is staying with a friend for the next week or so, and Matheus was wondering if you'd like to sleep in his bed until I get the addition finished." Matheus smiled hopefully.

Arthus sat straighter but kept his eyes toward the floor. Auren paused for a moment, then said, "I understand if you're unsure about us, but Matheus only wants to be close by in case you need something in the night." He made a small smile. "Plus, Cael's bed is stuffed with discarded down from a Swanna friend of ours. It doesn't get better than that." Eliza looked over to them from the sink as she hung her wash-rag to dry.

Arthus looked up and took glances first at Auren, then at Matheus. The Riolu leaned on the table, saying, "I promise I'll leave you alone if you want me to!" Auren crossed his arms and gave Matheus a knowing look. The Riolu sheepishly sat back down.

Arthus studied them for a moment longer, then took a deep breath. He nodded slowly. "Okay."

[~~~]

Darkness fell over Quantus. Fletchling and Fletchinder returned to their parents' nests, and the great Arbok slithered back into their dens. No wind blew, no moon shone; only stars lit the sky by the thousands. Few dared to be out in the total blackness for fear of Darkrai, the Nightmare Monger, who once a year traveled the region on such a moonless night in search of a vile Pokemon to curse with endless nightmares. Despite his intended target, many children feared they would incur his wrath for disobeying their parents.

Arthus stared out the window from Matheus' room, curled up on the bottom bed of the bunk within. A lantern sat on the desk opposite to him, next to rough drawings of Lucario and Riolu with other Pokemon. Books and toys sprawled on the floor in front of the window, along with small cloaks and hats for the brothers that slept here. A portrait showing Auren, Eliza, Matheus, and another, smaller Riolu hung above the desk, all smiling in a basic white background. Next to it was a simple arc engraved on a plaque, with the words 'Remember Arceus' below it.

The Zorua focused on the arc. "Arceus…"

The door opened, and Arthus quickly shrunk close to the bed. Matheus ran into the room and hopped into the bunk above, while his parents stood outside the door.

Auren came close to Arthus and stooped to his level. "Will you be alright sleeping here tonight? You can sleep out on the couch if you feel more comfortable."

Arthus considered his words for a moment, then quietly replied, "I think I'll be fine."

Auren nodded, then stood up and rested an arm on the rail of Matheus' bunk. "I want you to go straight to sleep, alright? No stories, no chats, no nothing; with the schoolhouse being repaired, you'll be helping me finish up the addition tomorrow, and I want you well rested, alright?"

Matheus saluted with his paw to his brow and smiled. "Yes, sir!" Auren saluted back, blew out the candle in the lantern, then rejoined his wife at the door.

She waved her paw toward them and exited. "Sweet dreams!"

Auren slowly closed the door, saying, "Good night, you two." His pawsteps grew quieter as the lights in the hallway dimmed, leaving Matheus and Arthus in total darkness.

Arthus shifted in his covers, while Matheus' head hung upside-down from his bunk. The fur on the back of his head hung loosely as he whispered, "Hey, Arthus!" The Zorua turned toward him, seeing nothing but his outline.

Matheus retreated slightly and continued, "I know you're still getting used to things, but would you want me to show you around the village tomorrow? There's lots of nice Pokemon, and there's all sorts of fun stuff to do." Before Arthus could reply, Matheus threw out his paws to stop him. "Just…think about it, okay?" He started to slip, then hurriedly pulled himself back up. "Let me know in the morning what you'd like to do. I don't mind either way."

Arthus looked up toward the Riolu curiously, then shook his head. He turned back around and took a deep breath. He let it out slowly, then closed his eyes, with the only thing on his mind being his lost parents.

[~~~]

One Month Prior…

Black-furred Rattata skittered through the grimy streets of Saunte in the dark alleyways, avoiding the bright evening light. Murkrow huddled on the rooftops, watching all the wretched Pokemon beneath them searching for shelter in the coming night. Merchants closed down what shops were left, and thugs began their nightly patrol for thieves and other undesirables. Down one alleyway, punches and screeches rang out as a patrol found a target, and down another, coarse laughter echoed. Murkrow cawed, Rattata chittered, Meowth yowled—all complemented with foul sewage and rotting food. None chose to stay in Saunte save for those who enforced what law remained: the rule of Damon Decidueye.

The amber sky darkened to violet, then to black; the cries of Pokemon quieted. All seemed settled for the moonless night—until a grizzled, scrawny Hypno crashed through a stack of crates in a desperate sprint. Hoarse shouts followed, with two Pangoro charging behind him, led by a battered Bisharp with a nick on his headblade. He slashed his gauntlet through the air, creating a glowing blade that shot toward the Hypno. "There's nowhere to run, fool!" The projectile cut into a stone wall mere inches from the Hypno, who turned the corner just after. He came face-to-face with a dead end, filled with nothing but old boards against the wall.

The Hypno cringed and faced the Bisharp and Pangoro. He held his hands up defensively and stuttered, "N-N-Now, gentlemen, I've done nothing wrong! Please, let me go!" The boards shimmered, unnoticed by any of them.

The Pangoro chuckled darkly as they cracked their knuckles. The Bisharp crossed his arms and said, "Damon sees you as a threat to his leadership." He narrowed his eyes. "And we can't have that." The Hypno's eyes went wide as he untwirled the ring around his wrist and shakily swung it.

The Bisharp swung another glowing blade and cut the string, making the ring drop. "No teleportation to save you now." The Hypno stood frozen with fear.

The wind shifted. The Pangoro's grins faded as they studied the area, their dark eyes shifting back and forth. A low moan emanated around them.

The Bisharp scowled and shouted, "Who's there?" The moan returned, louder. A single blue eye glowed behind the Hypno. The Dark Pokemon's nerve wavered.

The eye hovered higher; the Hypno dared not look back. Ethereal, wraith-like hands stretched from the eye. A cloud of white erupted from the top, and from below, a ring of crimson.

The Pangoro shook and stepped back. "I-It can't be! He's just a myth!" one cried.

As if in response, the wraith threw down his hands and roared, sending out a wave of black energy. The Pangoro screamed, "Darkrai!", and ran back into the alley, praying to not be forced into an endless nightmare. The Bisharp reluctantly followed, knowing the Legend to be great a foe.

The Hypno huddled and clamped his hands on his head. "P-P-Please, don't hurt me…" he whimpered. Just as suddenly as he came, Darkrai faded away, leaving nothing.

The Hypno blinked and looked around him. Finding no one, he quickly grabbed his ring from the ground and tied it back to his string, then shook it three times. He sighed and glowed with bright, white light, then shot into the sky in a teleport.

Moments later, the wall shimmered, and a young Zorua appeared, smiling, but winded. "That'll show them."

A gauntlet slapped the wall and caused him to freeze. The Bisharp pushed himself forward and leered at the Zorua. "It was you." He rushed forward in a flurry of metal, and before the Zorua could react, the Bisharp grabbed his neck and held him to the ground.

The Zorua looked up at the Bisharp in terror. The Sword Blade Pokemon looked up, then back at him. "That was a clever trick with Darkrai; you made it so the Pokemon I've been tracking for months was able to escape. Damon won't be pleased."

Breaking through his fear, the Zorua hoarsely replied, "I'm…not…afraid of him…"

The Bisharp brought his eyes closer to the Zorua's. "You will be." He punched the Zorua on his side, causing him to wheeze. The Bisharp growled and punched him in the face, then on his side again, proceeding all around him.

The Zorua whimpered and cried, struggling to make himself free. "Mama! Papa!" The Bisharp's beating continued until the Zorua could barely breathe, let alone cry for help. His eyes closed in defeat.

Rushed footsteps ran across the wall, and two Zoroark appeared in the alley, with the male bearing a grizzled mane and stained bandages. The female gasped and shrieked, "Arthus!"

The Bisharp turned, only to be clouted across the head by Sion. He fell to the ground with a grunt as Vaira snatched her broken son from the ground and held him close.

Sion growled and bared his teeth. "How dare you attack our son, Orion!"

The Bisharp stood up and jabbed a finger toward Arthus. "He prevented me from killing Gaelen! He deserved to be punished!"

Sion struck down his hand and gathered a shadow ball in his claws. "You had no right! He's just a child!" Vaira held Arthus with a dark scowl as the Zorua weakly breathed.

Orion clenched his fist. "Need I remind you of my position in Damon's ranks?"

Sion narrowed his eyes as the shadow ball reached full size. "And what do you think he'd do if he found out you nearly killed the son of his top spy?" Orion paused. They stared at each other for moments longer, all while Arthus' struggled breathing continued.

Orion finally turned away and relaxed his grip. He turned and strode back through the alley, into the night.

Sion breathed heavily, the shadow ball shaking in his claws. He took a deep breath, and the shadows dissipated. He came close to Vaira and ran his finger through his son's fur. "Arthus…" He stopped and stared at Vaira. "Did you pick up more supplies yesterday?"

She nodded and ran for the boards against the wall. "Yes, and there's no time! Come help me!" She ran through them in a shimmer of light, and Sion followed. Before he entered, he looked up at the sky and say the vaguest shadow of a bird soaring overhead.

He clenched his teeth. "You'll get what you deserve soon enough." He entered through the illusion to his home to help heal his son.

As Arthus was laid down on his bed, his eyes fluttered open momentarily. His parents' voices became muffled, and their actions blurred, as he fell unconscious.

[~~~]

After sleeping for what only felt like moments, Arthus opened his eyes, groaning. His vision focused, and he saw himself on his bed, with even his parents' blankets around him. The room was lit only by the lantern hanging in the center of the room. His mother sat at the table cutting bread with a knife, while his father worked at his desk, striking lines from a book with lines of ink. Next to Arthus' bed was a tray laden with bandages, bottles and berries, all nearly gone.

He looked down at himself and saw that his chest was wrapped with bandages, along with a foreleg and back leg, even his tail. He strained to move them, but the shot of pain forced him to stop. He seethed, alerting his parents. Vaira looked up from the bread and ran to him, saying, "Thank Arceus you're awake!" Sion looked up and turned around in his seat, keeping his claws interlocked as he studied Arthus.

As Vaira gently hugged him, Arthus quietly asked, "How long was I asleep?"

"Three days," she replied, "and we were afraid you'd never wake up. Orion nearly killed you!" Arthus' eyes closed as that realization sank in.

Sion tapped his chin for a moment, then asked, "Orion said you helped Gaelen escape. How exactly?"

Struggling to remember what happened that night, Arthus explained the events leading to them arriving to save him from Orion. As he finished the tale, Sion smiled slightly and said, "Darkrai was a good choice to drive them off. He is said to only appear on moonless nights like it was that night." He grew more serious. "But that was very dangerous to do. As much as it was a good thing to save Gaelen, they might have seen through the illusion and killed him along with you, and with two Pangoro there…" He shuddered and turned back to his work. "I'm afraid that there would have been nothing we could've done."

Silence followed. They all remained quiet, with Vaira giving Arthus a meager dinner of bread and berries. After they had finished, Arthus asked in a strained manner, "Papa…Mama…" They both focused on him, the former pausing his work, and the latter halting putting away the remaining food.

Arthus swallowed, and continued, "Why are Pokemon like Orion bad? Why do they want to hurt Pokemon like Gaelen, or…me?"

Vaira and Sion stared at each other, each having an answer forming in their mind. Vaira sat next to Arthus and replied, "A lot of Pokemon are just…confused. They don't know who to follow and why, and they like to blame others for their problems, even if they did nothing wrong. They don't know any better."

Sion stood up and tersely said, "Bad Pokemon aren't always confused. Some just want to stomp on weaker Pokemon to raise themselves up." He sweeps his hand through the air. "Avoid them at all costs, and most of all, never resort to what they do." He sat back down and rested his hand against his free hand as he continued scratching out lines in the book. "Or you might just become them…"

Arthus stared at his father, surprised by his outburst. Vaira quickly turned his head away and hugged him close. "Your father is right; there are bad Pokemon like that. But they are always afraid of what's around them; they do bad things because they see no other choice. There always is."

Arthus pressed his face into her shoulder as memories of his beating became clearer. "Orion said I'd be afraid of Damon…but he didn't say why." He looked up at his mother. "Should I be?"

Vaira, wide-eyed, turned to Sion. He only stared back.

She slowly turned back to Arthus and forced a smile. "As long as we're here, no, you shouldn't."

He closed his eyes as she hugged him again. "What if you aren't here?"

"By then, we'll be far away from him and the rest of the bad Pokemon."

Her voice stopped, and Arthus felt her embrace release. He opened his eyes to a dark room; his parents were gone.

He looked about, worried. "Mama? Papa?" No response.

The door creaked open, revealing an ethereal, violet mist. A claw stepped into the room, then a feathered body. A jade, cowled head emerged, turned away. Arthus held his breath.

The head swung towards him and revealed glowing, orange eyes. Arthus cried out for his parents once more, to no avail. He backed away from the Decidueye, who crept forward with a blank face as he covered Arthus in orange light.

Damon drew a feather from under his wing and nocked it into the vine on his chest. He slowly drew it back, and the head glowed violet. A shriek echoed from Damon's beak.

He released the arrow.

Arthus screamed.

[~~~]

He snapped awake, breathing heavily. The room was still dark. Matheus still lay asleep. It was only a dream.

Arthus looked about, seeing nothing in the blackness. All he could think about was Damon Decidueye, the leader of the criminals of Saunte and the murderer of his parents—and the one that surely sought his life.

But soon, these thoughts changed. He thought of the final part of the nightmare: his parents' last words and their disappearance. He said under his breath, "As long…as long as they're here, I shouldn't be afraid."

'But they aren't here,' he thought. 'And I'm alone. They were the only ones who cared for me…who loved me…"

His throat grew tight. 'Auren says he'll love me…but how do I know he's not a bad Pokemon like Damon? Papa said he trusted him, but how do I know he's not one of them?'

The thoughts spiraled deeper and deeper into darkness as he cringed and buried his face in the pillow. 'I'm alone. Mama and Papa are gone…and he's looking for me, just so he can…kill me."

He whimpered, trying to fight back the fear. 'I…I shouldn't be afraid! Auren saved me…he can't be bad!'

To no avail, they returned. 'But they're gone! Gone! And now…now…'

He froze. 'Nobody loves me.' He broke into tears. 'Nobody will help me.' He heaved as all the sadness he had experienced over the past day-and-a-half collapsed. 'I'm all alone.' He wept terribly, all of his composure falling away as the sadness consumed him.

The Riolu sleeping above him opened his eyes. The fur on the back of his head rose, and at once, he felt the sadness Arthus suffered. He sat up and looked down toward Arthus and considered his options. After only moments of thought, he quietly descended the ladder of his bunk and stood in front of Arthus. The Zorua made no effort to hide his tears or his face. He sniffed and looked at him, saying nothing.

Matheus looked away, then took a deep breath and asked, "What's wrong?"

Arthus at first wanted to ignore him, as he had done before. But his emotions triumphed, and he exclaimed, "I w-w-want Mama and P-Papa back! They k-k-kept me safe, and now they're gone!" He clamped his front paws over his head and made a deep, shuddering sigh. "No one….no one loves me…not anymore. I'm…all alone." Tears streamed down his face as Matheus thought of what to say.

The Riolu's uncertainty dissolved as he said, "I will." Arthus quickly turned in puzzlement. Matheus sat next to him and continued, "I'll love you, like a brother! And Mom and Dad will love you like they love me and Cael!"

Arthus looked down and wiped one side of his face. "H-How do you know that? You don't know what I've been through…"

Matheus hesitated for a moment, then, closing his eyes, he said, "I…I was adopted. Just like you."

Arthus stared at him in shock. "What? But—"

"I know," Matheus replied, "You couldn't tell. I was found on the doorstep one night when I was a baby, and Mom and Dad promised to raise me like I was their own son." He crossed his arms and leaned against the bedpost. "I heard them talking about it with Levas Golduck." Unsure of what to say, Arthus remained silent.

Matheus looked down. "I never told them I figured it out. And, honestly, I don't need or want to."

"Why?" Arthus asked, his despair beginning to flee.

Matheus smiled. "Because nothing would change. They'd treat me just the same, no matter what." He set his paw on Arthus' and looked him in the eye. "Arthus, you're not alone. I'm with you now, and I always will be."

Arthus, astonished, echoed, "Always?"

Matheus nodded. "Always." The fur on the back of his head rose again, and Arthus was overcome by gratitude, astonishment, despair, and joy, all rolled into one. He sat right against Matheus and cried uncontrollably, finally feeling the love that he so desperately needed. Matheus, although surprised, simply embraced him, and allowed Arthus to relieve his great emotional burden, until, finally, he slept once more. Matheus slept with him in the same bed, both at peace for the rest of the night.

[~~~]

Hours later, the black sky had barely turned blue when an urgent knock came at the door. None responded to it, all still deep in sleep.

The knock came again, and Auren woke. He got up from his bed—careful not to wake Eliza—and went to see who it was. He walked out of the hallway, past Matheus' room and the room in progress into the front room. The front had only a set of simple couches and a table between them, along with a small fireplace in the wall. Next to it, from the window, showed Fletchling began to chirp once more to herald the morning, and the smell of fresh dew hung in the air.

He opened the door and met with a Manectric wearing a white scarf around his neck. He breathed heavily and hung his head low, clearly exhausted.

Auren stepped back in surprise. "Rix, what are you doing here? Aren't you on duty?"

The Manectric took a moment to breathe, then said, "You have to come, now."

Auren gave him a curious look. "What's the matter?"

"Damon's at the gate, and he's 'requested' to see the 'mon on guard last night."

Auren scowled as he realized the reason. "You go on ahead; I'll be there shortly." Rix nodded and padded away as Auren closed the door. He ran to the back and grabbed his cloak from the fireplace and was about to run outside when a thought came to him. He quietly returned to the front and peeked inside Matheus' room. There he saw the Riolu sleeping with Arthus in the same bed…like he sometimes did with Cael when he had trouble sleeping.

Auren smiled and silently closed the door, then frowned as he exited the house and ran down the path, and by the time the sun began rising over the horizon, he reached the wall, and the Manectric stood at the top with a Gurdurr, each peering below.

Auren calmed his breathing as he ascended the steps, and when at the top, he appeared no worse for wear to the Decidueye standing below with his three Mightyena. Damon kept his neck craned upward, showing the scabbed gashes on the right side of his head.

He turned to Auren and exclaimed, "Are you the Pokemon who was here last night in the storm?"

Auren nodded. "Yes, I am. What do you want, Damon?" he asked with a scowl.

Damon held up a drawing of a grizzled Zoroark. "I am searching for a 'mon named Sion Zoroark. He took valuable information from me and was headed this way…and I lost him in the storm." He said the last part in a dark tone, and his Mightyena growled as if in agreement.

Auren whispered something to the Gurdurr, who nodded and briskly descended the stairs. Auren turned back to Damon and replied, "What makes you think he would come here? There are other villages to the south that aren't so close to Saunte."

Damon lowered Sion's picture and said, "My Mightyena tracked him here, and I know he has connections to Pokemon here—such as you, Auren Lucario." He narrowed his eyes. "I found letters from you amongst his belongings before I burned them."

Auren said nothing, but inwardly he cursed. "I never saw Sion come here last night; your Mightyena must have smelled something else."

"Impossible!" Damon exclaimed, flapping his wing. "They've never been wrong! You let him inside, and if you're keeping him, I will come in for him!" The Gurdurr returned and slipped something into Auren's paw.

Auren sighed and looked away. "He came inside…after my friends found his body along the path." Damon's eyes went wide. Auren added, "We buried him and his wife, Vaira, yesterday morning."

A low growl escaped the Mightyena as the crouched. Damon eyed them, then furiously turned back. "How did he die? I won't believe unless I see it!"

Auren raised his paw high and threw down Damon's own arrow in front of him, encrusted with Sion's blood. Damon's beak fell in shock. He directed the Mightyena to inspect it, and after vigorous sniffing, they whimpered and backed away, indicating a match.

Damon pried up the arrow with a claw and inspected it himself. He looked up at Auren, who crossed his arms and said, "He was shot near the heart, by you no less. Is that proof enough?"

The Decidueye studied the arrow, then growled and snapped it in half, throwing the remains away. "Very well," he seethed, "In my anger, I must have somehow killed him." He thought to himself, 'So he was near that tree on the path. I knew I heard something!'

Auren tapped his paw on his arm and said, "If that's all you're here for, then be on your leave. We don't welcome crime lords here in Quantus."

Damon closed his eyes and mulled over the facts, then asked, "I will forget your insult on my position in Saunte, considering that you seem to be an honorable Pokemon otherwise, Auren." He paced in place, stepping over the now-useless picture of Sion. "I've heard tales of your deeds keeping out undesirable Pokemon, and knowing the Lucario way of building trust to increase your Aura, I doubt you would lie." He stopped and gave him a harsh look. "Look me in the eye and tell me this: did Sion have any sort of map or journal on him when you found him? Anything to indicate the location of a treasure of some kind?"

Auren paused. His companions turned to him, having no knowledge of anything on Sion's person. After a moment of silence, Auren said, "No. Sion held nothing like that."

Damon flew up to the wall and perched in front of Auren, placing his face close to the Lucario's. Rix Manectric crouched and growled, electricity sparking his fur, while the Gurdurr held up his fists and scowled, ready to fight. Auren remained still, his heart beating rapidly.

Damon continued to stare as he slowly repeated, "You found nothing on Sion? Nothing at all?" One of his claws hovered under his wing, where Auren knew he kept his arrows.

Auren took a deep breath and clenched his fist. "No. I found nothing on Sion that could lead to a treasure." Damon narrowed his eyes and slowly lowered his claw.

Finally, he turned away and screeched, alerting the Mightyena. Damon sprung off the wall and swiftly flew over the path. The Mightyena followed, all barking and snarling as they followed their master.

Auren sighed and leaned against the back of the wall. His companions relaxed, all while being careful of the Decidueye. Auren turned to them and said, "Well done. Now, if you excuse me, I'll be going back." He descended the stairs and began a slow walk back to Quantus. All the while, he thought to himself, 'Thank Arceus Sion had the good sense to give his journal and map to Arthus.'

As Auren returned to his home, Damon flew toward Saunte, and as he mulled over the scathing loss of the one Pokemon he couldn't lose, he thought, 'By the boughs of the Tree of Life, I will find the Lifeless Blade. Sion would never have destroyed all leads to the treasure, even after what he said about me.' He looked back toward the wall surrounding Saunte. 'Auren is hiding something. He spoke the truth, but behind it, I could sense another. I will find out what he knows, and when I do…' He turned back around and flapped faster, leaving his Mightyena in the dust.

'That blade will be mine.'

[~~~]

Morning fully rose over the village. The towns-Pokemon began completing their daily duties, just like the day before.

Chirrup.

Arthus' ears twitched.

Chirrup. Chirrup.

Arthus woke and saw the bright sunlight pouring from the bedroom window. He looked next to him and saw Matheus, asleep with his paws stretched over his head and snoring loudly.

For the first time in at least a month, Arthus smiled. He nudged Matheus, and he woke with a snort, then rubbed his eyes. He smiled back. "Morning." He sat up and stretched, then said, "You feeling better?"

Arthus looked down, unsure. "I'm still sad…" He looked up and smiled. "But I know everything will be alright."

Matheus held him close and laughed. "Me too, brother."

As the day went on, Arthus told Auren and Eliza about the time he was beaten in Saunte, alongside other things about his life there. They both took it in good faith and promised him a better life in their family. Arthus could sense that they meant it.

Later that day after checking with his parents, Matheus took Arthus around the village, showing him the marketplace, the schoolhouse, the pond, the workshop—all places that Arthus had never seen in the dark alleys of Saunte. He was amazed by it all, and further by the good nature of the Pokemon that surrounded them- which was far different from the reclusive, shadowy atmosphere that enveloped his former home.

And, finally, Arthus was introduced to the children of Quantus, ranging from a Machop and a pair of Timburr, to an Electrike and Eevee. Matheus introduced him as his adopted brother, and all were excited to meet him. And Arthus, in turn, was excited to have friends to play with—a first in his short life.

And at the end of the day, Arthus joined with the family for dinner. Not just with his presence, but with his voice. He was so excited to have seen Quantus that he couldn't stop talking about it, and all the while, Matheus reminded him of slight misadventures they had, such as Arthus being accidentally pushed into the pond by Matheus, who went on to be dragged in as well.

Once again, Arthus slept in Matheus' room, despite the additional room being repaired and outfitted with the furniture that Auren had previously ordered. It was decided that Cael would sleep there instead, while Arthus would permanently stay with Matheus, and the baby Riolu in waiting would sleep with its parents until an additional room could be made.

As Arthus fell asleep that night, he still felt a deep sense of loss for his parents, but at the same time, he realized that he was where they wanted him to be and that he was with the Pokemon they wanted him to. So as the sliver of a moon rose in the sky that night, he silently prayed to Arceus:

'Thank you for letting me be part of this family—and for being with Matheus.'

[~~~]

A week later, Arthus and the rest of his family stood in a plot next to a small wooden church. Auren stood behind Matheus and a smaller Riolu, Cael, who in turn stood behind Arthus. Eliza—now thin—held a baby Riolu swaddled in a blanket in her arms. Headstones rose all around them, but they focused only on two that day: Sion and Vaira Zoroark's.

Arthus knelt in front of them and bowed his head. "Thanks for everything you did for me. I wish you could be here now…but I know you couldn't be around forever."He sniffed and wiped away a tear. "But I'm glad that I'm with the Lucario now. Especially Matheus—he's been really helpful." Auren tousled Matheus' headfur, making him smile.

Arthus stood up and smiled. "I'll see you again soon." With that, he walked away, looking back at them as he went.

Matheus, Cael, and Eliza followed, with the baby Riolu beginning to cry from the sudden movement. Eliza soon hushed her and said, "We'll be home soon, Azure." The Riolu yawned and fell back to sleep, and Eliza smiled. "That's my girl."

After they were some distance away, Auren bowed his head and said, "Arthus is a good kid. I won't let you down again." He turned to join his family but stopped. His ear twitched.

He held his paws together momentarily, gathering a ball of blue light. He swiftly turned and fired the aura sphere toward the church's roof. A squawk followed, and a black lump fell from it. Auren approached the lump and found a Murkrow, knocked unconscious by the blow.

Auren stared at it in surprise, then looked up and scowled. "Damon." He picked up the Murkrow by the legs and carried it with him down the path.

As he returned to the village, he thought, 'I'll have Levas take care of you with an Amnesia.' He shook his head. 'I can't have Damon finding out about Arthus. Not while he's this young.' He looked farther down the path and saw his family. Arthus and Matheus chatted with one another, as they had constantly done ever since Arthus had opened up.

Auren smiled briefly but frowned shortly after. 'Someday soon, Sion's work will have to be completed. Someday, that blade will have to be destroyed to make sure Damon doesn't get his claws on it.' He smiled once more. 'But until then, I'll enjoy the peace while it lasts.' He ran to catch up with them as he thought of an explanation for his unconscious Murkrow.