The following morning, with the confirmation that Alison was safe but still intended on helping the displaced people of Titanio City, Matthew Kingston departed for Parlor Town with his father and younger sister to oversee the final stages of construction for their house. Though the relationship between them all was being repaired, Matthew knew it would be a long time before his father or anyone else in the family would truly trust him again. He was fine with that, though. His mother was safe. All that mattered to him now was protecting Kayleigh and finding a way to save the last remnants of his true family in Jocelyn.

His Father's Charizard landed gracefully in the still charred lands of what had once been their hometown, while he and Kayleigh landed a bit more wildly on the back of his Noivern. Though Robert was afraid Matthew didn't have control of his Pokémon, Kayleigh's laughs at the adventurous flights all but confirmed that Matthew had complete control of his Dragon.

"Again! Again!"

Matthew shook his head. "Maybe later, Kayleigh. Right now, we've got work to do." He took his sister into his arms and slid off the back of his Noivern. The Dragon Pokémon looked at him and nodded contently before deciding to exercise herself over the skies of Parlor Town. Kayleigh clung to him as he had his mother the previous night.

Robert took notice. "You two seem to have grown quite fond of one another since you came back, Matt."

"I gotta be honest" Matthew told his father. "Coming home to find a sister had been born was the last thing I expected. But I won't say I'm not upset at the idea." Kayleigh happily hugged him as they made it up to their father. "What motivated this?"

Robert laughed. "A bit of the credit has to go to you and the rest to your brother."

"I remember Ryan said something about 'empty nests' or something like that."

"In essence, with you gone and your brother constantly off doing the duties of League Champion, your mother felt as if she didn't have a purpose. She tried being a community leader and even tried to have me train her so she could perhaps open up a Gym of her own for Parlor Town. But we both agreed that she needed the one thing she truly wanted to be. A mother. If Ryan didn't need her and you weren't there, she needed another baby." Robert pinched his daughter's cheek and she giggled. "We tried as hard as we could. I don't want to get into details, but it's harder for a woman of your mother's age to have children and we feared it might be too late. But, as if a miracle from above, we got ourselves a little angel."

Matthew hoisted his sister up onto his shoulders. She playfully patted him on the head. "Broboo! Broboo!"

"Brother" Robert corrected. "Say it with me, sweetie. Brah-ther."

"Broboo!"

"Not exactly Arya, is she?" Matthew joked.

"Your cousin said that Arya was born talking" Robert recalled, kissing his daughter on the cheek. "But I remember your sister was born smiling." Robert gestured back towards their house. "What do you think, Matt? A bit bigger than the last one, eh?"

Matthew looked at their home carefully. It was indeed larger than their previous dwelling. The home that their father had gotten from Jeice Kingston following the defeat of Giselle Odelia, which had once housed Christopher, Cameron, Katrina, Renee and even Michael for a time was no longer recognizable. It was about the same size, if not larger than the house that would shelter their neighbors the Queensbury Family once the construction was completed and the house furnished. It was a cruel yet necessary reminder to the boy that no matter how much he got back from his friends and family, nothing would be the same again after this. Nevertheless, he shrugged it off. "As long as I have my own room, I'm fine with however big you make it."

"Oh, you'll have your own room" Robert answered. "And since your brother isn't here and won't be for a bit, you can choose which room you want besides the largest bedroom. That's mine and your mothers.

"Broboo ged room next to Kayleigh!" his sister cried out excitedly.

"You want me to have the room next to you?"

Kayleigh nodded. "Pwease Broboo."

Matthew shrugged. "Because you asked so nicely."

"Talking about herself in the third person" Robert laughed. "Maybe she has taken a bit after Arya." Robert entered the dwelling to look over what else was needed to be done and would be done over the next few weeks. Before he got to work, however, he looked back at his son. "Matt. Why don't you take Kayleigh down to the water? I don't want her running around unsupervised, if you know what I mean."

Matthew took his sister down the road from their home and to the empty yet spacious sand dunes of Parlor Beach. Kayleigh tried to squirm out of his grip as soon as her eyes spotted the sea water, but Matthew kept a firm grip on her. "No you don't. Not until I check how warm the water is. Won't have you catching a cold on my watch, Little Missy."

"Sim! Sim! Splash! Splash!"

Though he tried to be firm with his sister, Matthew couldn't help but smile at her outgoing and ambitious nature. She reminds me of myself. Always wanting to do whatever is on her mind at that exact moment. He relented and carried Kayleigh towards the water. He plopped her on a sand dune before he quickly pulled his sneakers off. Just as the rambunctious toddler was about to break free and run towards the water, Matthew scooped her up into his arms and walked towards the water, allowing it to touch his feet. Once it did, sending a shiver down his spine, did he finally have an answer for her.

"Nope. It's too cold. Let's play at the playground instead."

"Kayleigh Splash!" his sister cried out.

"We can play pretend at the playground" Matthew assured her. "Then we can go on the swings."

The toddler thought for a moment before giggling in approval. "Kayleigh swing and Broboo push?"

Matthew shrugged. "Sure, if that's what you want." Matthew quickly slipped his sneakers on, took his sister back up into his arms and carried her back towards the Parlor Town Park, which had just recently finished it's own reconstruction. Unlike when they were kids and the play equipment was a combination of finely crafted wood and plastic, the new playground was predominantly plastic and metal, allowing for it to not be as combustible and more fun to play on without fear of splinters. The main jungle gym where he, Ryan and Addison used to play was replaced with one that looked more like a castle, no doubt a way of placating the Kingstons who had financed it's reconstruction. Though his sister had seemed eager to swing on the swings, she instead raced away from Matthew and up to the play castle. Matthew parked himself on a nearby bench and watched as his sister raced around the playground, laughing wildly. She would go down the slide, then race back up and spin around the Tic Tac Toe board. Once she got into this cycle, Matthew was free to let his mind wander for a moment.

He had been home for six months, since his failed attempt to avenge his defeat at Ryan's hands ended up enveloping him and Jocelyn in a plot of their old allies in the Syndicate. Since then, his mood towards his family and friends was changing. He still thought the Kingstons were a bit too pompous for their own good, with exception given to Michael and Julia. But he had softened a great deal since his time in exile, no doubt Kayleigh being the biggest influence on this change, plus being around his old friends had helped as well. He was no longer solely focused on getting even with Ryan for besting him and stealing the girl he loved.

But was that feeling still deep down inside of him? After all, he had achieved much of what he wanted to since arriving on Mirage Island six months earlier. He had defeated Claude and his forces, helped Addison and the others escape from Mewtwo and had even rescued his mother from the clutches of their mutual enemies. All that was left for him now was to somehow rescue Jocelyn from the clutches of Mewtwo on Mirage Island. But what would happen after that? Would he have to stand trial like Ryan was being expected to? Would the truce between him and his old friends expire quickly? Would he have to fight for his feelings towards Addison? What would happen between now and then? There was too much riding on his future at the moment to allow himself to relax for any amount of time.

And yet, no matter how much stress was on his plate, whenever he saw his tiny little sister looking at him and giggling, the ice around his heart would melt. His stress would fade away into the distance. And all that would matter to him was protecting Kayleigh Kingston from anything that would endanger her. So, when she popped her head around a corner and giggled at him, Matthew could do little more than wave and laugh as he watched to make sure she would be safe and sound. From anyone who would harm her. The rest would come to him however it would.

{}

Addison's eyes fluttered open when she heard the familiar chirping of Ryan's Mythical Pokémon friend Shaymin. She looked down on her body and saw Shaymin, in his Sky Forme, prancing up and down the bed hoping that it would help her wake up. Addison pet the Pokémon on his head as she began to wake up from a long and groggy sleep. Shaymin happily bounded about the infirmary until the doors opened and then he rushed back to pretend he was still laying down. To the girl's surprise, her first visitor was none other than her own mother.

"Mom?"

Deidre nodded contently. "It's me, sweetheart." She sat in the chair beside her bed and put her hand on her daughter's head. "Michael told me what happened. Are you okay? Have you been drinking enough water?"

"What's going on, Mom?"

Her mother laughed. "To be honest, Addy, I'm not sure. This is the first morning I've had in Arceus only knows when where I don't have any alcohol in my system first thing. Michael told me he would fully clue me in on what's been going on, but he's currently in a meeting with someone and won't be available for some time. But I'm here, angel. And nothing is going to change that."

Addison yawned until she squeaked. "Oh. That's fine. Michael brought me here after my head started to really hurt in Titanio City. We think it was because I've been linking minds with Galatea a bit too much." She looked to her other side and saw Galatea was lost in thought, as if meditating on her own. "I hope you realize that I didn't mean it insultingly, Galatea."

Her Gardevoir did not seem to notice her and continued to meditate. Shaymin leaped up onto her lap and began to yip at her, only for Galatea to use her telekinetic powers to have Shaymin float off of her and back onto the bed. Shaymin shook off his confusion and hopped into Addison's arms.

"The only thing I can tell you is that the war is over" Deidre told her daughter. "Beyond that, I know nothing else."

Addison rubbed her head. There was so much she knew she had to do in this time. If the war was truly over, she needed to talk to Ryan, as well as the others. Perhaps they would know more about what unfolded in the Battle of Titanio. But with Ryan, the idea was more serious. She had promised him they would discuss things when the fighting ceased. Now, that time had come. She tried to get herself out of bed, but a rush of pain came into her head, forcing her to lay back down. "Ugh. My head is killing me."

"I would take it slow for a bit, Addy" her mother gently informed her. "Rest up as best as you can."

"But I need to talk to Ryan. I haven't seen him since the battle began."

Deidre shook her head. "Right now, you need to rest. Besides, Ryan isn't here. I'm not sure where he is at the moment. Like I said, we're both kinda in the dark at the moment." The doors opened behind them and Deidre turned back behind her to greet the new visitors. "Ah. Your friends are here." Deidre took a step back as Dawn and Lucas scampered their way up to Addison's bed.

"Are you okay?" Dawn asked.

"That was quite a headache you got" Lucas reminded her. "Cynthia said Lord Kingston was worried sick about you."

"I don't think all of that worry was necessary" Addison insisted. "I feel fine. Just a little tired and worn out."

Dawn stretched her limber body. "Yeah. Me too. But I am looking forward to enjoying some quiet time over the next few days. With Claude's entire kingdom collapsing around him, I doubt we're going to have much problems from him or his flunkies for a while."

"What happened?" Addison asked.

Lucas frowned. "I'm sorry, Addy. But we know only as much as the High Command will reveal at this time."

"You mean Cynthia didn't tell you?"

The blue-haired maiden lowered her head. "Cynthia isn't saying much of anything. Something is going on and they're worried about it, but we can't say what. There are rumors that Claude is in custody. But others that Claude's helicopter exploded with him in it." She stomped her foot impatiently. "I wouldn't have an issue with it if we heard anything from Ryan, but he's gone."

Addison's worry began to show. "Gone? Gone where?"

"Wish we knew" Lucas answered sadly. "Matthew was tight-lipped on it, as was Cynthia. Even Tommy didn't say anything."

"What about Holly?"

"She's gone wherever he has" Dawn responded. "So that's a no go too."

Now Addison was beyond confused. She looked to Galatea. "Do you feel anything?"

Her Gardevoir's eyes fluttered open and she looked towards her friend and trainer. Your Mate and Achilles are healthy and well. I'm trying to locate their positions, but Achilles is blocking me. I cannot sense where they have gone. It's strange. Achilles has never done that to me before. Perhaps something has transpired in Titanio City. Something more than we know. I believe Lord Kingston will be able to answer our questions.

Shaymin began to nibble at Addison's blankets. Addison gently stroked the Mythical Pokémon until he calmed down again. "When he's available, can you guys send Michael here? I'm sure he'll tell me what's been going on."

Dawn nodded. "Sure thing, Addy. We're off to Pocus Town. It seems that Cynthia's favorite Ice Cream Parlor is open and she wants to treat us. We'll go with you guys when things are calmer around here." She winked at Addison. "Feel better." She then gestured for Lucas to follow her. The two made their way out of the Infirmary, allowing Deidre to come closer to her daughter.

"I want you to get some sleep, Addison" her mother said again "I'm going to have my dinner brought up here so I can keep an eye on you."

Addison was about to argue, but could not help but be content that her mother was back in her life. "Thanks, Mom. It's been a little weird without you being around."

Deidre seemed to be surprised by the bluntness, but remained smiling. "I'm sorry for that. I put my desires above your needs, something a mother should never do. But, thanks to a dear friend, I don't think I'll have to worry about that anytime soon. From now until we get your father back, it's going to be our family." She bent down and kissed her daughter's cheek. "Sleep sweet, my flower. I'll be here in the evening to check on you."

Addison watched as her mother followed Dawn and Lucas out the door, before turning back to Galatea. "You're telling me we can't tell what happened when we blacked out?"

I cannot tell you what transpired, because I do not know what happened either. Remember my friend, our minds and hearts are linked. We feel and sense each other's pain. If you can't figure out what happened, I cannot. And vice versa. I work best with Achilles by my side, as do you with your own mate. We also work well together, as Achilles and your mate do. But right now, all of our minds are not in sync with the others. In essence, we're blocked out by one another. She sighed and put her hands on her dress-like body before turning to face her trainer. And until we restore those links with one another, the void in our hearts and minds will only grow and fester.

Realizing Galatea was completely correct, Addison slumped back on her bed. "I guess you're right. It's just not fair that all of this happens now, as the war is ending." She felt more exhausted now than she did when her head started to hurt. Michael was the only one who could answer the questions she had, but so long as he was unavailable, she had no choice but to follow her mother's advice and get some sleep. She turned her body around and faded back into sleep, giving out one last smile as Shaymin hopped out of her arms and moved over to her feet and sitting beside them before drifting into her dreams.

{}

As the moments passed for her, Julia could do little but sit on the bench outside of the Lord's Study while her husband was busy in a meeting with several executives from the National Bank of Arcana. With both James and Arya put to bed for their early afternoon naps, all that she could think about was what she and Annie had found the day prior: the legal agreement betrothing him to Deidre Setenn when they were younger. Now, the evidence was in her hands while she awaited a moment her husband would be free to answer her worries. She was trying to reassure herself while she waited. That Michael would never do this. But a small voice in the back of her head always made her doubt.

But why? she asked herself. What has he ever done to earn my doubt? Michael and her relationship has been anything but perfect since they reunited in Orre. There were plenty of bumps along the way, from her stressful years of studying to get her doctorate all the way to Michael's final year as Champion and the resurgence of the Syndicate. But Michael had never even contemplated cheating on her, as far as she knew. But there was always a sliver of a voice in the back of her head making her fear he would cast her aside. That Michael, even with all his promises and proclamations of love for her, would lose his interest in her and go for someone more of his stature. Someone of his caliber. Someone like Deidre, Rebecca Eighern, or Courtney.

Her fears stemmed from the dark memories of her past. The numerous times she had to be reminded by those in her beloved's caste that she wasn't worthy of him or his time. To be called things like "trash", "common", "filth" and the such by the girls who pined after him. She heard from Piper that the thoughts were even permeating into the ranks of the Kingston Family. Of course, any talks of these beliefs were quashed when Michael returned, but the fear that these people might just thumb their noses at not only her, but James and Arya too, was something she needed to get away from. If Michael heard any of this, she was sure he would stomp it out ruthlessly, but if he was to perhaps lose interest in her, what would happen then?

STOP IT! Julia was adamant with herself that this couldn't happen. Michael loves me with all his heart. No stupid piece of paper will change that. After all, when they were married in these very halls, the two had professed just how much they meant to each other. Surely there was no force on earth that could drive them apart. It's not like when they were younger. Back when things were harder and she didn't have Michael. Back in University...when she met...

"And I trust that you understand the ramifications of such an expenditure, Lord Kingston?" a nasally sounding man asked her husband in the other room. "After all, the debts are quite large and after the war, perhaps-"

"I know exactly how finances work" her husband answered bluntly. "And I also know you people will continue to go after her until you've gotten every red penny you think she owes."

"You must understand it from our-"

"I don't need to understand anything. Just transfer the debts into my name so that we can all move on from this."

"Very well."

Julia was confused. Debts? What is he talking about? What is Michael doing? He hadn't mentioned anything to her about debts. Then again, this would be the first genuine conversation they had been in over a period of weeks. The war had taken much of their time and now they would have to essentially rebuild to the point they were at before Michael left for Mirage Island with the others. When all he worried about was her and their children. But a part of her knew that those days were likely dead and buried, especially when he was apparently taking on debts.

"We will be back tomorrow to secure the signatures of Ms. Tenton" the nasally man spoke up again, no doubt after consulting with his fellow representatives.

Ms. Tenton? Dee?

"And we can finally go about rebuilding Arcana" Michael spat out. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Of course, sir. We at the National Bank of Arcana live to-"

"Good day."

After a moment, the nasally man and two other men in suits exited the Lord's Study. The lead banker paused when he saw Julia sitting just outside. "Ah, Lady Kingston. It is an honor. Rafael Nidler of the National Bank of Arcana."

"Charmed" Julia responded, collecting her paperwork and rising to greet them. "I trust my husband took care of things?"

"Of course" Nidler answered cordially. "It is truly odd, though. After all, I've never heard of someone willingly taking on the debts of another person, one they weren't even married to."

One of the other bankers, a husky man who looked as if he barely fit in his suit, shrugged it off. "Perhaps some friendships are stronger than financial obligations."

"That's how and why Arcana will not advance into a new age" Nidler barked before cordially bowing to Julia. "Forgive us, My Lady. We're needed at the Bank in Titanio City. We'll be taken to town with all of the loans for rebuilding that will be drawn. Can't have the Kingstons paying for everything. It's not like Michael is a King or anything." The bankers shuffled down the halls and left Julia to enter into the Lord's Study. She took a deep breath and collected herself before pushing the doors open.

Michael was sitting at the desk that his grandfather had once done, going through papers while Mufasa the Arcanine rested by his feet. The fire crackled in the room, giving it an air of warmth and tenderness despite the fears brimming inside of Julia. He did not acknowledge her presence in the room, but this was due to how much paperwork he was getting from all around Arcana. Julia made herself comfortable in one of the chairs in front of the desk, nervously patting the papers on her thighs while her husband worked. Occasionally, she would hear him mutter something, but it was never in malice. On the contrary, it was him trying to keep his focus on the work and less on his pleasures. Something that Julia was all too used to with Michael from his time as Champion of the Pokémon League.

"James and Arya are asleep?" he asked her after a long silence.

Julia nodded. "They always take in their afternoon nap right about now. I just hope they can keep sleeping."

"I was with James most of last night" Michael recalled, a sound of exhaustion in his voice. "Poor little tyke had a nightmare."

"When did you get in?" Julia asked, delicately trying to steer the conversation forward. "You missed dinner last night."

"I didn't get in until late. With all that's been going on with the war and Ryan's trial, I've had some things to take care of. Not to mention poor Addison getting sick during the battle." Michael cracked his fingers and went back to working on his paperwork. "I'll make it up to you, Jules. We'll do dinner together soon. Probably tonight if I can get a hold of my last character witness."

"Character witness?"

Michael's face turned grim. "Those savages in the courts are going to do the same thing to him that they did to me. Turn a traumatic event into a criminal case. Especially now that Claude isn't around to rein his little beasts in." He flung his pen onto the desk. "I can't do a thing to protect him on my own."

"The great protector of Arcana has limits after all" Julia teased, but her mind only sat on the paperwork in her hands. "I'm sure you'll do everything you can for him. You always have."

His eyes found her again and he couldn't help but smile. "In the meantime, we can focus on something other than the trial. So, what brings you here, mi amore?"

Julia gulped as the words caught up in her throat. "I-uh-well, Annie and I-"

"You guys have done a tremendous job keeping this place neat and tidy" he interjected. "Making her a part of our council was the best decision we've ever made. When all of this clears up, we really need to do something good for them. See if you can get Annie to slip and tell us something she's been wanting. My cousin is as hard to read as ever now." He eyed the papers in her hand. "What's that?"

Julia glanced from the paper to her husband. "We found this in your Grandmother's files. It's about betrothals."

Her husband's face didn't change. He wasn't angry or upset. He wasn't afraid or nervous as she had been. He kept a smile on him that she had fallen in love with as a girl. The same one he wore when they were reunited in Orre. The same he wore when they were married in the Chapel of this very castle. The same he had on when their children were born. "Betrothals? My Grandmother did have a penchant for getting involved when she shouldn't. You know she once tried to pair me and Piper up? Absurd."

"Lady Bonnie never approved of me until I stood up to her" Julia recalled. "For all the headaches she gave us, she did bless our wedding."

"Your Grandmother's was the only blessing I needed" Michael responded. "So, which poor unfortunate soul was my Grandmother trying to weave webs into this time? Tori? Jenna? Cameron? I'm sure Cam would spit venom if she was ever-"

"Actually" Julia stepped up, "honey, it was you."

"Me?"

Julia handed him the paperwork that had given her a sleepless night. "A notarized and authorized betrothal. You were supposed to marry Dee." She watched as Michael looked at the folder the file was in, but was perplexed when he didn't open it. To her shock, he casually tossed the paper into the open flames of the fireplace, allowing it to burn. Mufasa raised his head at the sight of the flames sparking, but he yawned and went back to sleep a second later. With that, Michael walked back over to his desk and went back to work. Julia was flabbergasted. "That was your-"

"Lady Bonnie is dead" Michael responded bitterly. "Anything she signed, approved of, had notarized or even begged to Arceus would come to pass does not matter anymore. In fact, it stopped mattering when Warren brought Deidre to the altar and they married while I was sleeping in the dirt somewhere in Johto. It mattered even less, if possible, when Addison was born. And it failed to matter ever again when you and I were married in these very halls. And because my Grandmother and Claude are dead, anything they put into effect without my consent no longer means anything but scribbles on paper." Michael calmed himself down and looked to Julia more gently. "Julia, I love you. More than anything else in this world. I would have lived my entire life in exile with you if I had never met Celebi." He laughed to himself. "Lady Bonnie used to try to line women up for miles to get a chance with me. But I would choose you again and again, even if I was blind and deaf. I would know it's you, because I love you without a shadow of a doubt."

"So, this whole debt accumulation has nothing to do with you and Deidre-"

Michael sighed. "Why would I ever take advantage of someone like that? Deidre's husband is a stone statue in Parlor Town. Her daughter is going through mental, physical and emotional hell and is currently on a cot in the infirmary. And thanks to both of their fragile emotional states, I would have been on the cusp of losing both Addison and Deidre if I didn't interfere, not to mention what Ryan or the rest of us would."

"And how am I supposed to know these things if you're not telling me?" Julia countered. "I thought we were past keeping secrets with each other."

"Do you expect me to just send Dee and Addison out to live on the streets?"

"Of course not. But in case you've forgotten, we're married. We're supposed to discuss these things. Especially accumulating debt for someone you've definitely cared about all your life." Julia slumped back onto the chair. "When did communicating become so hard for us?"

"It's not hard for us" Michael insisted. "I should have spoken to you about this. In fact, I would have, but you weren't in bed when I got home." He glanced over at the burning fireplace. "I take it your mind was in other places." He then returned his full attention to his wife. "But because I didn't tell you before signing off on it, I apologize. But I can assure you on my word that nothing is happening between me and Deidre. I love her the same way I love Piper or Cameron. She's been my family most of my life."

"And does that answer for Giselle?" Julia asked.

"What does Giselle have to do with anything?"

"I know for a fact she kissed you" she reminded him. In actuality, it was all hearsay. She had only heard word from Tommy Queensbury when he was exhaustedly repeating the events of the Pokémon World Tournament upon his and Rui's return from Mirage Island. She knew she was being remarkably petty by bringing this up now, but she had to at some point to clear her mind. Giselle had once been a sore spot for her and Michael's friendship growing up and she had been absolutely correct to mistrust the former Champion. She wasn't comfortable with bringing Giselle back into the fold, but she had consented when she had shown to have no interest in her husband.

Michael was expressionless when he looked at her, as if trying to gauge how the next few minutes of their first major argument as a married couple would go. He put down his pen and held out the back of his hand in front of her. On his ring finger was his matching wedding band, the same they had been presented with on the day of their marriage. "Do you recognize this?"

"It's your wedding ring."

"My wedding ring" her husband repeated. "And who have I been married to in my life?"

"Just me."

"Just you." He lowered his hand and his eyes became hooded. For the first time in their relationship, she could feel he was genuinely angry with her. "And it will remain just you. Because I value my word above all else. I spoke those words when I took you to the altar, because I love you. Not Deidre. Not Giselle. Not Piper. You." He then went back to doing his paperwork. "Honestly, what have I done to earn your mistrust?"

Julia flushed. "I-I-"

"I'll admit I'm not perfect" Michael interjected, "but I thought you'd know me better to realize I would never think of betraying your trust. Yes, Giselle kissed me. But she also knew the task she was undertaking was a suicide mission. Her own words were about how she knew she was a piece on the board worth sacrificing, but that you and our children needed me. And in case you haven't noticed, she hasn't returned from Mirage Island, but I did. Why Giselle deserves such scorn and doubt when she's the reason why we were able to reunite and get off the island in the first place is beyond me. She gave up herself so we could be together. As did Jocelyn. As did Chris." Michael, in his frustration, crumpled up the piece of paper he was writing on and tossed it into the fireplace, causing Mufasa to let out a quiet moan of delight as the embers scorched it.

"I'm sorry" Julia answered. It was all she could say at this point. "I just-"

A knock on the door interrupted her train of thought. "Lord Kingston?"

"Gerard?" Michael called back.

"I have some papers delivered from Leonard's Law Office" the family butler replied. "He asked for you to look them over before you discuss the upcoming trial."

"Come on in." Julia stepped back as Gerard entered and handed over a stack of papers to her husband. The butler then bowed and exited the study. Michael glanced over the paperwork and put it into a pile for him to look at later. When this was done, he returned his attention to her. "Julia, you know deep down in your heart I would never do anything like that to hurt you. You're the only reason I'm here, after all. If it weren't for you, I'd still be out in exile and this place would be a Syndicate wasteland. If it weren't for you, I'd have let the Crimson Fury consume me and force Ryan to destroy me. You are the only reason I'm still alive. My soulmate. The woman I love more than anything else in this wretched world."

Julia was frozen. She did little but twiddling her fingers for a long moment. "Michael-"

"Our relationship hasn't been always pristine, but I'd like to think you and I can overcome any obstacles that come our way. Be it Giselle, the Syndicate or anything else." He cracked a smile. "Or whatever that guy's name from Sinnoh was."

Julia raised an eyebrow. "Guy from Sinnoh?"

"You know, the one who showed up at the Ranch with a bouquet of flowers and a diamond ring. The one who saw me and hightailed it back home?"

Julia's heart stopped. Peter. Professor Rowan's nephew she had been in a study group with. The boy that Rowan was unintentionally trying to set her up with while she was abroad studying, not knowing she had already given her heart to someone else. The boy that she had perfected her theories on Pokémon Links with. The boy she had...

"But I know my Julia" Michael proclaimed. "Sure you may have been nice to this guy and even friendly, but you stuck to your guns and came back home to me. You made sure nothing or nobody was going to come between us." Julia went white and unfortunately, this did not go unnoticed by her husband. Michael's joy fell from his face like a glass frame fell from it's hinges. His face came to the realization at the same time as his heart did. And she saw it shatter like an icicle crashing on the cold winter ground. And the ice that came from it began to cloak her husband in a veil of shock, hurt and doubt. "Something did happen...didn't it?"

Julia couldn't bring herself to respond properly. She had made this mistake almost ten years ago, but here it was haunting her again. "Peter and I-"

"I get it" Michael said, though Julia barely heard it. Michael looked past her and towards the door. "Gerard? You still there?"

"I am, sir."

"Would you come in and escort Lady Kingston out of here?"

Julia fell onto her knees. "Michael wait-"

The door opened and Gerard walked back inside, doing his best not to eye Julia as he did. "Pardon me, sir?"

"Escort Lady Kingston out of my study" Michael ordered.

Julia folded her hands and put them beggingly on the table. "Michael, please!"

"Where do you want me to take her, sir?" his butler asked.

Michael slammed his hands on the desk and rose from the table, an anger brimming inside of him she had only seen when he was under the influence of the Crimson Fury. "ANYWHERE THAT ISN'T HERE!"

Gerard got the message. He gently took Julia's arm. "Come, my lady."

"Michael, please I-"

Gerard hushed her. "It's best you don't say anymore." The butler hoisted her back to her feet and brought her outside. Julia could not take her eyes off the distressed look on her husband's face and felt her heart breaking. But there was little she could do as Gerard finally brought her out of the Study and stood firmly by the door. Julia could feel herself spiraling and dizzy. One mistake she made as a lonely and fragile young woman had reared it's ugly head and now was haunting her, all because she had been jealous of Michael doing so much for a friend. She wandered away from the Study, almost in a trance, until she found herself in the foyer. She sat on the bottom steps to ponder what had just happened.

Michael would have done the same if it had been Warren who was here and Deidre wasn't, she admitted to herself. Or if it had been Greg or Billy or any of the other men in our lives. Why?! Why did I have to make it seem like he was cheating on me? But the answer was obvious now. Because I did it. Because I found comfort with Peter when I was thousands of miles from home. Because I chose him over Michael in a moment of desperation. With no other recourse, she put her face into her hands and wept. What have I done?

{}

Unable to get himself back to work, Michael stood staring blankly into the fireplace in the Study. Mufasa, sensing the distress in his trainer's movements, sat up and licked his fingers. Michael pet his Arcanine before moving to his Grandfather's chair and slumping into it. His Pokémon trotted up to him and sat beside him, resting his head on Michael's lap. But Michael could not bring himself to pet Mufasa again.

How could she do this to me? He had spent years walking on eggshells with Julia over the dumbest of things. Trying to keep the Crimson Fury in check. Trying to be there for her when she was stressed with her schoolwork or work in the Lab. Trying to be the husband he knew he could be to treat her as a Queen. Trying to balance being a Lord, a Military General, a father, a friend and a good husband at the same time. All while he had been making himself into a better person, Julia was hiding a dark truth from him. She had been with someone else while she was in University. A bookish student she had befriended in school who became smitten with her. And she, rather than politely turned him down, no doubt fanned the flames of it while they were together and the boy who truly loved her was in Arcana, fighting to keep the peace after overthrowing Giselle and driving Elezar and Cassius into hiding. All for her.

"Gerard?" Michael called out.

"Still here, sir" the butler dryly replied.

"Could you come here a second?"

The butler again entered the room and stood at attention. "You summoned me, sir?"

"Could you drop the 'sirs' for a moment?" Michael asked. "I-I really could use some help."

The butler nodded. "As you wish."

"You served my grandparents for how long?"

"I believe I served Lord James and Lady Bonnie for about thirty years before you and Lady Julia took over."

"Did Grandpa ever talk to you in confidence?"

"Lord James was a bit of an enigma" Gerard explained honestly. "He never confided much in anyone, apart from his two closest confidants."

"Grandma wasn't one of them?"

"Lady Bonnie could be...a little demanding. James would need moments of solitude every now and then, but he also knew he needed to have an outside thought every now and then. The two he chose were two of the most important people to him besides your grandmother."

"Who were they?"

"Balthazar Aced and Countess Rosemary."

Michael paused. "Countess Rosemary? The witch from Magenta Grove?"

Gerard chuckled. "She's not exactly a witch, Sir. For starters, she is actually Rosemary Kingston. Though her brother called her Rosie."

"She's Grandpa's sister?"

"Precisely, sir. The rumors of her being a sorceress are quite unfounded. She is the Matriarch of the White Guardians. Though what that is, I never truly discovered. And Lord James was very tight-lipped on the matter. She simply is more in tune with the mind and the heart than others, or so I've heard."

Michael's mind began to spin about. The Countess is family? This is unexpected. Maybe I can use this to help Ryan. "Gerard, do you think that Countess Rosemary could be persuaded to come to Kingston Castle for a meeting with her great-nephew?"

"I do not see why not. Shall I call Magenta Castle to speak with her on your behalf?"

"Make it so" Michael responded eagerly, but his mood dampened when he realized the first person he wanted to tell of the good news was Julia. "Gerard, I feel lost."

"How so, sir?"

"I feel like I'm losing the people I can depend on the most. Cameron is a shell of what she used to be after what happened on Mirage Island. Chris is gone. Mark may not admit it, but he's too distracted by his friend Greta to help. And Lizzie...well...she's Lizzie. No matter how much I may want to talk to her about what's happening between me and Julia, she may not fully understand." He put his head into his hands. "I don't know. Maybe this is something I should just tackle myself."

"Why, sir?"

"Because who can I turn to with something as big as this?"

"You have family to turn to, Sir."

"If you think I'm going to bring this to my mother or Tori-"

"Surely one of your cousins can help you see clearly, Sir?"

Michael's eyebrow raised. "Cousins?"

"You have more than just Lady Cameron and Lord Christopher, sir" Gerard coyly replied. "Perhaps one of them can help you?"

"I didn't think of that" Michael admitted.

"When our minds are muddled, we tend to miss out on the most obvious of answers."

Michael couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Thanks, Gerard. You're a good man."

"I try to be, Sir" the butler replied. "Now, I must be off to make the call to Magenta Castle. Countess Rosemary often goes into long trances where no one can reach her. Let's hope this is not one of those times." With that, the butler left to resume his duties.

Michael looked to Mufasa, who let out a loud yawn and looked up to him, his tail thwacking against the carpet. "What do you think, buddy? You think I should take this with a cousin of mine?" When his Pokémon barked in approval, Michael rose to pick up his Poké Gear. "The question is, Mufasa, who do I ask?" He could hardly go up to Matthew or Ryan with something like this. Those two were too young to understand. Daniel and Chris were unavailable and Cameron was unfocused and likely to want to attack Julia if she found out. Jon and Annie were focused on their own things and Madeline was leading the cleanup of Titanio City. Renee was in the same boat as Lizzie, unable to truly comprehend or empathize with what was happening. Katrina had already gone back to Unova to shoot her next movie. This left him with two options. Fortunately, the two were siblings. And he had just the right excuse to get them to come and talk to him.

"Let's see if Jenna can see right through me" Michael said to himself as he dialed out his younger cousin's number.

Jenna answered after one ring. "Michael? Is everything okay?"

"How are things at the city?" he asked, wanting to make it seem like he wasn't so desperate. The last thing he needed was for a Kingston to sense his weakness and pounce. It's almost as if my default reaction with this family is to mistrust. Thanks for that, Mom.

"The cleanup of the city is going well" his cousin answered. "Billy and Madeline are delegating tasks for rebuilding the city. The fires are out, but power is going to take a long time to come back. We need to bring in some of the Power Plant workers to supply electricity to the city. And would you be able to get in contact with your father's construction crews? The ones we have here aren't equipped to handle a job like this."

"Can do. but that's not what I called you for, Jenna. I have an invitation to the Grand Re-Opening of Teller's Ice Cream Parlor and Teller asked me to bring two guests. Julia and Piper are busy, so I was hoping maybe you and Billy could come on with me when you're done in the city for the day."

There were many Kingstons who would buy this approach as Michael being truly sincere about spending time with his cousins and eating ice cream. Unfortunately, Jenna was not one of them. "Alright, what's really going on here?"

"What, I can't invite you out for ice cream?"

"Michael, we haven't all gone out for ice cream since before Grandpa died" Jenna replied bluntly to him.

"I figure we should start a new tradition" Michael answered. "I don't think I've been fair to you guys. And, if we're being frank here, I could really use someone to share some memories with."

Jenna was silent on the other line for a moment, making Michael worry she was going to turn him down. "Very well. I'll float it by Billy, but he hasn't been in an Ice Cream mood since Amanda disappeared. But I want you to be honest to me next time, Michael. If you want family to help you, you've got to be able to trust us like we do you. See you in a few hours." Jenna then ended the call, allowing Michael to take a deep breath.

"I think I've underestimated Jenna" he laughed to himself and to Mufasa, who's tail thwacked wildly while he scratched his ear with his hind paw. "That's a mistake I won't make ever again."