A combination of a brisk cold wind rushing on her back and a throbbing pain in her head was what woke Avery Frost from her bout of unconsciousness. She winced as she tried to push herself off the cold ground, struggling to find the energy to do so. The blow she had taken from Courtney was enough to seriously wind and fatigue her, surprising enough considering she wasn't technically alive at the moment. She finally managed to get onto her rear end and rub her eyes as the darkness of the island engulfed her surroundings. She blinked several times to ensure she wasn't dreaming and looked around at where she had been knocked out. No one else was there, save for the limp body of the Pokemon that had been almost obliterated in an attempt to save her and her friends.

"DARKRAI?!" she cried out, scrambling to the Dark Pokemon's side. Darkrai was completely knocked out from the Focus Blast the Magmortar had fired at it. He needed to be revived, somehow. But she knew she did not have the means with which to do so. Her dear Pokemon friend and the other part of who she was now that she was a spectral being needed a Revive of some kind to heal him. But Mirage Island had no Poke Marts and she had no money with which to buy any. And she highly doubted any reserve items would be just given to her if she even managed to infiltrate Mewtwo's base. She couldn't even begin to contemplate what would happen next without Darkrai. She needed to bring him back and restore his strength.

"Wait a minute" she gasped. "Revival Herbs!" The bitter roots that were often foul tasting but potent medications could be used to revive Darkrai almost instantaneously. And she had a general idea of where to find one. "Elezar had a camp somewhere on the island. I have to find it and hope that he was growing some Bitter Roots of some kind. Maybe even one of those." She gently kissed Darkrai on the head. "Don't worry. I'll get that Herb for you. And then we'll be with Ryan and Amanda again faster than you can say-"

She paused. Ryan and Amanda were gone. As were Courtney and her gang of thugs that might have accompanied her there. She could only come up with one conclusion. "Oh no. She took them to Mewtwo!" She now had two major crises on her hand at once. She needed to somehow make it into the Syndicate Base and rescue Ryan and Amanda while also trying to find a Revival Herb to restore her friend to health once more. Either path presented an unconquerable danger before her. If she chose to pursue Ryan and Amanda, she may get captured herself and banished to a place even more hellish than Mirage Island if Mewtwo or Courtney had any say in the matter. But if she focused on going to find the Revival Herbs, assuming Elezar even had any, she would be leaving the two at the mercy of those two villains. And knowing them as well as she did, she knew they would not be feeling quite merciful to their mortal enemies. She needed to make her stance, and soon.

She took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut. "Ryan. Amanda. I need you to give me a bit of time." She pet Darkrai's limp body. "Don't worry. I'll find that Revival Herb for you." She then rose to her feet and began to hurry deep into the ever darkening forests of Mirage Island.

But she did not get a few steps away from the site where she had been struck by Courtney when she thought she could feel a stinging pain in her heart. "Uh. Oh. This-ugh. This pain! What is it?" She looked in front of her and thought she could see the forests of Mirage Island ablaze. Pokemon running around in horror as Syndicate Guards rounded them up one by one. And at the head of this group, stood a figure clad in black armor. Peculiarly familiar black armor. She drew back from the sight of this monstrous being, who then turned their attention towards her. Though there was no way of telling the look on his face, as it was shrouded by a mask, she felt the pain in her heart coming from this being. Who was it? What were they after? And was this going to be Mewtwo's newest weapon to destroy the world? The being said nothing and then returned to purging all in front of him.

Avery blinked and the vision in front of her subsided. When she was certain this was just a remnant nightmare from her time being passed out, she hurried into the darkness to save Darkrai and hopefully her friends. The only few she had left.

{}

Helen Wong nervously stood in front of the pods containing the embryos of Mew as the mighty Mewtwo approached her. The Pokemon seemed to have sensed her woe and worry and came to her almost immediately. She couldn't be too sure if she would be lying to him, but she knew all too well of what the consequences would be if it was indeed discovered that she were lying to him. But she needed the pain to stop. Or to at the very least subside. The mirror was no longer showing her the image of her sleeping son. But instead the tortured and pained forms of Amanda Fouritz and the boy Ryan Kingston. Her heart could not take the pain they were in any longer. Their screams were those of people begging for it all to end. And she could not take part in something so heinous and evil.

Mewtwo appeared in her chambers and glanced at her curiously. You summoned me? Is something wrong?

Wong gulped. "Yes sir. I've noticed something peculiar about the embryos."

Peculiar? How so?

She gestured towards the two pods. "Whenever those screams are heard, the embryos twitch in the pod. It's almost as if they are empathizing with them, sir."

Mewtwo floated past her and studied his newest creations. Strange. Strange indeed. He raised his hand and twisted his wrist in a jerking fashion, prompting another of Ryan Kingston's screams to echo throughout the base. Helen was horrified that the embryo would not react, but to her relief, it twitched inside the pod. It had recognized the pain of another being. Mewtwo was deeply intrigued by such a development. Well, well. This is truly unexpected. They do feel the pain of another being as if somehow empathizing with them. These beings will be doubly powerful, Miss Wong. I am impressed by your work. You truly are our father's daughter.

Wong sheepishly smiled. "Thank you. But do you think this will negatively impact them?"

I cannot say for sure. But I will not have their growth be hindered by the screams of my prisoner.

The Professor sighed in relief. "So you're going to stop torturing Ryan?"

Mewtwo laughed at this. Your caring for all life is welcomed, Professor. But I will not be altering my plans for Ryan Kingston. Instead, I will have to delegate his torment directly to Courtney. I will be needed here, clearly. You have done wonders for these two, Helen. And you will continue to breathe life into these two as if they were your children. But it would seem they need my mind to sharpen their intellect. To teach them that these humans are not our allies, but our enemies. To implore them to see humanity and the Pokemon that serve them as a disease that needs to be eradicated.

Helen gulped. "As you wish, Sir."

You needn't worry, Helen. You and your family are not aligned with the humans bent on seeing my destruction. You shall be spared, as will that wretch Michael Kingston, as Courtney has claimed him for herself. All other humans will burn in the fires of my rage. And the Pokemon that willingly fight them shall be wiped from the face of my earth. The Age of The Master is coming and I will not have these diseased beasts plaguing my realm!

Wong could do little but bob her head back and forth as her mind projected a future where all of man was destroyed and the only beings left to walk the earth were those Mewtwo had deemed worthy enough to serve with him. What kind of world could her son grow up in? Would he be considered family by Mewtwo? Would he understand why her mother aided Mewtwo in the purging of his fellow schoolmates and friends? Could she ever live with herself? She could only assume she would have to learn to. She looked on in horror as Mewtwo began to whisper things into the minds of these embryos. Words of malice, lust, hatred and destruction. She recalled a teaching that one of her old mentors, Professor Rowan, had imparted on her long ago:

I fear for a world where Humans will meddle in the affairs of Pokemon and Nature so profusely. We may answer all of life's many questions, but at what cost? Our salvation? Our humanity? The freedom of life? It is not the place of Humans to alter the work of those of greater power than ourselves. So long as we hold true to the idea that science answers questions and does not create more, we shall have a world where we can all exist. If we do not and we allow our desire for power and lust over life to dominate us, were are not but the greatest villains of life.

Helen could not see Professor Rowan being proud of her choice to work for Mewtwo. She hadn't had much of one to begin with, but she still felt as if part of what had befallen those on Mirage Island was her fault. Especially with regard to the clones she was producing and likely would be ordered to continue making. She needed counsel. Someone she could relate with. Someone who could help her see straight. Perhaps...

"Master, would it be alright if I visited Miss Fouritz?" Helen inquired.

Mewtwo glanced back at her. What good would visiting her do for you?

"A mind to bounce ideas off of" she suggested. "On top of that, Master, it would allow you to focus entirely on building the bonds with the embryos while I work on their growth in due course."

The mighty Pokemon nodded and returned to his own work. So be it. Do what you will, but be sure to be back here before long. I have my own work to do with Arcana's hero. Miss Fouritz is in a cell on the lowest level of the base, close to the Dream Harvesting Machine.

Helen bowed and departed from the lab. When she realized no one was following or pursuing her, she did as Mewtwo instructed and made for the elevator to the lowest levels of the base. She knew she could likely make an attempt to run for it and find that Avery girl that had offered to help her once before, but she knew that it was likely not possible at this point. Courtney had said Avery was dealt with. And Helen knew when to take that psychotic woman at her word. Amanda Fouritz was her only hope.

The elevator arrived on the lowest levels of the base and found several prison cells. She went from door to door, desperately searching for Amanda, but finding no trace of her. She finally came to the final door, where two guards stood in front of it. From behind them, Helen could hear the shrieks of a woman in intense pain. Gathering what little strength she had inside of her, Wong strode in front of the guards, who remained firmly in front of her.

"Miss, this prisoner is-" one of the Guards began.

"The Master has granted me permission to speak with her" Wong replied sternly. "If you wish to object, take them up with him or with Courtney."

Seeming to get the message, the guards stepped to the side and allowed Helen to enter. The first guard pressed in a quick access code before the prison cell opened. The doors were sealed tightly with the power of electricity and opened as if they were ripping through time and space to open. Evidently, Mewtwo had learned his lessons from those he had said escaped from his clutches. No one would be escaping from here so easily this time. Helen entered and found Amanda in a state of disarray. Her hair was disheveled and she had long scars and signs of being burned and prodded by Courtney and her henchmen. She was also manacled to the bed she was laying on, with her limbs restrained to prevent any attempts to escape. She opened her eyes weakly and sighed at the newcomer. "Helen Wong. Professor at the Cinnabar Island Research Institute and working for Professor Oak. Now, working for a monster bent on destroying life as we know it."

"I did not choose to be here anymore than you did" Wong replied. "I was stolen from my home in the night by a poacher named Hunter. Brought here and forced to help Mewtwo with his goals."

Amanda shuddered on the bed, Wong spying goosebumps on her body. "I haven't seen my family or my home in over six months. I was forcibly put to sleep, dragged from Arcana to here and then brought back here by Courtney." She showed Helen the deepest gash on the side of her arm. "She told me that was penance for running off with Elezar and Chris."

"I haven't been harmed physically" Wong admitted. "But seeing what Mewtwo is willing to do to get what he wants is utterly horrifying."

"Then why help him?" Amanda asked, her voice almost a whisper from the intense pain she was in every time she moved. "Can't you see what he wants to do?"

"I have a family" Wong reasoned. "A son who would be put at danger if I did not aid him."

"And those millions of other children out there matter less?"

Wong frowned. "I came to seek your help with something, Miss Fouritz. Not to debate where we sit in the world."

"How can I help?" Amanda asked, turning over on her side and crying in pain. "All I am is just a tool to them."

"I know you studied under Maria Pines and her granddaughter" Wong recalled. "You are an intellectual mind, Amanda. But you also act with your heart. And I need that balance you have to help me. Mewtwo is pouring all of his malice and hatred into the clones he forced me to create for him. But they felt Ryan's pain as they were torturing him. How can I compel those Pokemon to resist Mewtwo's power?"

Amanda scoffed at this as she struggled to get comfortable on her bed. "You really think that one of us can stop him? I thought so once. But if they have Ryan, we have no chance of winning. Knocking out Avery and keeping me locked up here until Courtney sees fit to torment me to death is just icing on the cake." She winced in pain as she finally rested, staring directly at Helen as she reached her conclusion. "No one can stop him, now."

"If we can keep these clones from feeling the same way he does" Wong theorized, "we could get them to stop him from annihilating the world. It may be our only chance."

"And how do you propose to stop the mental prowess of the most powerful Pokemon in existence? Human intellect can't stand up to him."

"Maybe not, but human heart can. Please, Amanda."

"Mom and Dad" Amanda said, her body shaking in agony and woe. "Adrian. All my cousins. Professor Julia. Piper. Michael. My love, Billy. I am never going to see any of them ever again. And if I don't get that chance, what's the point of only making the pain going up against me worse?" She closed her eyes and laid down. "I can't help you, Helen."

Helen sighed. "I am so sorry, Amanda. Sorry for everything they've put you through. But I feel even worse for the millions of people who will die if we can't stop Mewtwo." With Amanda's refusal still standing, Helen departed from the room, dejected and defeated.

{}

Addison Tenton sat patiently in the seat she had spent the last several days in within the chambers of Countess Rosemary. This time, she was accompanied by Galatea, who took a moment away from her grief to be there with her. When Addison asked what the reason was for her change of heart, she simply stated that she believed she was meant to be here. The duo then agreed to wait for Countess Rosemary to return from a meeting with the King and Queen. Though she was initially worried that the Countess had forgotten what she had said the previous evening, Addison knew deep down that she would not forget something so important.

The doors opened and Rosemary slowly made her way inside, The ancient woman nodded to her politely before sitting down in her own chair in front of the cauldron she often used to help conjure visions and help her clear her mind. Once she was settled, the elderly Countess coughed a bit before eyeing her pupil. "Well, well. You seem more eager than in previous lessons to begin."

"That vision that King Michael had was scary to say the least" Addison admitted. "If this is going to be a way to combat this being in black, I'm more than willing to give it a try."

"The King is not the only one who has also seen your warrior of the dark" Rosemary said ominously. "I too, have seen him. In a vision I saw a short hour or two ago. A being of tremendous power at the beck and call of Mewtwo. A terrifying thought for sure." She let her scepter rest on the side of her chair. "I cannot see if this being will truly make that great of an impact on things for you, my dear. But if the three of us have seen him, it cannot be a coincidence. Which is precisely why I am going to attempt to teach you something a bit, irregular."

"Irregular? As if the rest of what you've taught me is normal."

"For your training, it is" the Countess explained. "I needed to give you as much of a crash course in what I am and what I do as much as it was to prepare you for the clash to come. But now, I see that we are going to have to attempt to bring you to a point beyond what I thought you'd be ready for." She waved her hand over the cauldron and it began to simmer almost immediately. "Now tell me, Addison. What do you know of the idea of a Bond Phenomenon?"

Addison cocked her head in complete confusion. "Bond what?"

"A Bond Phenomenon is a kind of connection between Trainer and Pokemon. It is also believed to be the greatest form of Evolution, far exceeding the power of both Mega Evolution and Dynamax. For you see, it is a connection built on the bonds between a trainer and their Pokemon."

"It's sort of like the Crimson Fury, then?" the fair maiden inquired.

"They are both similar, but one does not require forcing one into a state of anger or hatred, nor does it require the moon for it to come to pass. In essence, Addison, the Pokemon and it's trainer become one being in battle. You would have access to the powers of your Pokemon and they would have access to your intellect, your mind and your heart. In turn, you would become one ultimate being that could only be rivaled or bested by a being of equal power. This bond is only in theory, however, because it has never been completely proven to exist."

Addison frowned. "So it's all a pipe dream?"

"I said it has not been completely proven, my child" Rosemary corrected. "There is only one known instance where a trainer has completely bonded with their Pokemon. And even then, the Pokemon and Trainer in question have vanished since this was discovered. A boy was said to have bonded so strongly with his Greninja, that no one in all of the world was able to match them in power. But for whatever reason, after appearing in the Kalos Pokemon League, they disappeared without a trace. The key to developing such a relationship must be the strength of a bond between a Pokemon and their trainer. Which is where you and Galatea come in, Addison."

Addison looked to Galatea and then back at her mentor. "You think we can achieve this bond?"

"You already have used a bit of her power before" the Countess reminded her. "You've influenced the minds of those around you. You can teleport alongside your Pokemon. And you can already communicate on a deep level with them. And your forced connection through the Crimson Fury can only help this along. You've already taken the first steps through discovering what the Bond Phenomenon is capable of. It's only a matter now of you two joining completely in spirit, which I am hoping today's lesson will help you to do."

"Through meditation?"

"I have many plans for you to attempt to make this breakthrough. As it will also help clear your mind and put it in perpetual ease, this is where we shall begin first." She cleared her throat and moved her hand, which caused the light in the room to withdraw and only the candles surrounding them to ignite and glow weakly. "Now then, this first form of meditation needs to be done with you two together. As you did when you first saw the memory between Tyrus Wong and Mewtwo's origins. I want you two to clear your minds and join hands."

Closing her eyes and trying to empty her mind, Addison took a deep breath and held out her hands to Galatea. After a moment of wondering if Galatea would take part, her Gardevoir did join hands with her. As it had many times before, their minds became one and the two could very easily see into the other's mind. When she opened her eyes, they had again disappeared from the Countess's chambers and appeared in a different realm, one of great mystery and wonder. Energy swirled around them in all forms and flashed in bright colors.

Galatea gestured towards a pocket of darkness in their mind's eye. That power is of dark origins. What is it doing in our minds?

"Are we harboring dark thoughts?" Addison asked.

Galatea seemed puzzled at this assertion, but shook her head. I do not think that is the reason. I sense something else. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the area. Yes. I see it now. This is the link with which we have our ability to communicate. Achilles and I. Or, at least we did. Not since we lost them have I been able to restore that link.

"I know we're supposed to be looking for a way to get this Bond Phenomenon to work, but why don't we see if we can reestablish the link together?" Addison offered.

"An interesting theory, if at all possible" a distorted voice called out from the shadows. "But I highly doubt you have the capability to do so."

Addison and Galatea looked for the source of this voice, but found no source for it. "Who's there? Show yourself?!"

"But you have seen me, haven't you, Miss Tenton?"

"Mewtwo?" Addison demanded.

No. This presence is...ugh. Galatea fell to her rear end, rubbing her head meticulously. This feeling of power. Of hate. It's...it's him!

Addison spun around and found herself face to face with the same figure that had haunted her dreams the last few nights. The being in black. Now that she got a firm look at him, she could tell that something was familiar about him. He wore a helmet as knights of old did, with a head crest that shot out from the helm and served as a ruthlessly sharp goring instrument. His arms wore sharp blades where his forearms should have been, which safeguarded fists and served as both weapon and defensive tool on his behalf. At his bottom loomed a thick cape that also seemed to move as if the being telepathically ordered it to. Any hopes of identifying the being was dashed, as a thick iron mask shielded his face from view and was likely the reason for such a distorted voice.

"You" Addison replied casually. "Who are you and how did you get in here?"

The warrior simply stood in place. "I have probed your mind, Miss Tenton. Though I will say that I am not technically here. I have entered your mind from a different time altogether."

Addison scoffed at this. "You can move through time?"

"I do not need to. Your mind is a bastion of limitless potential now that you have opened it. I am studying you as we meet on the battlefield. Analyzing you for every weakness I can. Ensuring that you will fall by my hand and that my Master's reign will be absolute!"

Addison looked to Galatea. "And you really think we're going to let you keep meddling in my mind?"

"Not meddling, only observing. You put up a facade of strength in person, but your mind is not strong enough to withstand a basic probing? You are quite an intriguing specimen, Miss Tenton. Far more than I thought before."

"Well, this is where you make your exit" Addison spat out. Galatea conjured a Moonblast to dispel their foe, but the being moved with such speed and force that simply moving directly in front of the Gardevoir shocked her to the point of backing down. Before Addison could figure out what had happened, her Pokemon was knocked aside by the arm of the warrior. Addison made a move to help Galatea, but found the blade at her enemy's arms now at her throat. Addison glared angrily at her foe. "You're going to pay for that, you know."

"Not so dearly as you will" the warrior warned. "If you do not change your ways and muster the courage to fight me, you will be raked across the coals!"

"And you think I don't have it in me to fight you?"

"Not if you understood the truth" the warrior replied.

"What truth is that?!"

"You cannot possibly defeat my master if you cannot even defeat me" the warrior growled. "You could not even tame your own shadows and doubts."

Galatea reappeared on her feet and sent a telekinetic attack at her foe, who simply warped out of the way of the blow. The Gardevoir remained on guard as Addison looked around anxiously for their foe. "He could come again at any time! Be ready, Galatea!"

I will be. He will not shock me like that a second time!

"It was meant to serve as a warning, Galatea" the warrior's voice echoed.

"You can understand her?" Addison inquired.

"I have seen into your mind, Miss Tenton. I know your weaknesses. Your anxieties. Your doubt. Your fear. There is nothing you can hide from me!" He began to chuckle evilly. "Yes. I see into your heart. It was that boy. The one you pledged your heart to. The one who has won your heart. He is at the forefront of every thought. How would you like to see him die before your very eyes?"

Addison spun around, but the figure wasn't there. Was he truly speaking? Could he have been the one who killed Ryan? Did that make him Hunter? No. Not even Hunter had this feeling of complete evil. "If you think this has swayed me from fighting you, you're wrong! I am going to break you! And I am going to enjoy every minute of it!"

"There will be no breaking, Miss Tenton. Least of all by you. At least, now."

"What does that mean?"

"We will meet at the start of the new moon cycle, Miss Tenton" the warrior snarled. "And when we do, I shall prove to you how to truly break someone. I suggest for your own sake that you stop wasting time trying to mend what you've already broken and prepare yourself for the inevitability of our coming clash. If not, you will not be prepared for what I plan to make you endure!" With that, the being of pure unrelenting darkness vanished from her view.

Addison looked to Galatea, who shook her head. I no longer sense his presence, Addison. He is not here.

"He was just trying to psych us out, wasn't he?"

I...correct me if I am wrong. But I did sense something about him. It was almost as if he no longer had a heart. Whatever was inside of him was blacker than the darkest abyss we've ever seen. Whoever our enemy truly is, he is devoid of anything we can reach as we are now. She looked to her trainer earnestly. We will truly not be able to negotiate our way out of this fight. We must destroy him.

Addison gulped. "If this is what has to happen, I guess I can't object." She blinked her eyes and the two had returned from the innermost corners of their minds and back to Countess Rosemary's chambers. She looked to the Countess, who was breathing heavily on the scepter. Addison was about to hurry to help her, but she held out her hand to stop her. Addison sat back down and could only watch as Rosemary feebly pushed herself back up to sitting upright. "What happened, Countess? What did you see?"

The elderly woman was struggling to regain her composure. "Unfortunately Addison, I am just an old woman. This is expected to happen from time to time, I'm afraid."

"You mean, just losing it like that?"

Rosemary nodded. "My time on this earth is drawing to a close. Which is why I want you to be prepared for what is to come. As it is becoming more clear that I will not be there for this coming clash with that monstrosity." She looked to the girl desperately. "Did your meditation work?"

Addison shook her head. "No. We had a vision, but it was just about the warrior in black again."

Rosemary sighed. "The Black Knight."

"He has a name now?"

"I saw it in a dream" Rosemary recalled. "It would seem that Rupert the White was blind to this development. For nothing was ever written about a counterpart to you in the Prophecies. Unless there is something I've overlooked." She winced in pain as she tried to concentrate. "I shall need to delve into the Three Prophecies once more. In the meantime, in some independent study, I want you to keep meditating and ensure your mind is empty to all and at all times. This Black Knight has the power to enter your mind. So it would seem he has power beyond what even I thought was possible. There will be no session tomorrow. Use your time wisely, my dear. When we meet again, I hope we've both made progress in what we seek."

Addison nodded and took Galatea with her, leaving the Countess in her solace. The two had barely made it out the door when Addison noticed that she had friends outside waiting for her. Holly and Matthew were seated on the benches outside of Rosemary's room, patiently waiting for her session to end. When they noticed she had returned, they rose to their feet and happily greeted her.

"Well it's about time" Holly joked. "We've been waiting for you."

"How long was this session?" Addison asked. "It only felt like a few minutes."

"You were in there for four hours" Matthew replied. "We were beginning to worry my Great Aunt was going to work you barren."

Addison shrugged. "Guess I'm getting good at this whole meditation thing."

"Well, come on Addy" Holly insisted. "The Royal Couple has announced the Queen's pregnancy formally and they're having a party to celebrate. They want us all there." The trio were about to run off down the path, but Addison hesitated to join them. Matthew noticed this and held back to speak with her.

"Everything okay, Addy?"

Addison sighed. "I don't know. The Countess wants me to focus on getting this whole Bond Phenomenon thing working, but I keep having visions about this Black Knight and I-"

"You're worrying too much" her friend assured her. "Remember, you aren't in this fight alone."

"I feel like I am, though."

"Why? You know we're all here for you, right?"

She finally cracked a smile. "Alright. You win. Let's get to that party."

{}

While a host of his friends, family and loved ones had gathered in the newly dubbed "Throne Room" for a party to celebrate the conception of Michael and Julia's third child, the King was himself trying his hardest to not act like he was a monarch. Michael would speak casually and playfully with everyone, would strike up the DJ to play more modern music than the classical orchestral numbers they were blasting and tried to forget his royal responsibilities for once in his life. With all that would be coming down his pipeline the next few days, he needed something to take his mind off of the stressful duties he had. Julia seemed to sense this, which is why the party was quite informal. Hardly anyone got dressed up or wore elegant clothing, though this was primarily because Julia gave up on trying to get their daughter into a gown.

Julia herself was seated at a nearby table entertaining Piper, Tori, Greta and Jenna with ideas and dreams of what their third child would bring, all while keeping an eye on Arya and Kayleigh as they bounced around the ballroom playing with each other. A table next to theirs sat his uncles, chiefly those who could make it, as Byron was attending an award ceremony for Madeline after her triumphant rounding up of the Cult of Mewtwo in Charizark Town. His Uncles Junior, Jeice and Doug were all seated drinking brandy and discussing the Taghwan Mayoral Elections, which they were counting on Elmont Queensbury to win. A third table played host to his mother, Lady Erin, his stepfather, his brother in-law Greg, his Aunt Alison and Olivia. He had, at Julia's request, offered an invitation to his father, but he had declined as was to be expected. The last table was filled with his Aunts, with Shannon openly boasting about how Katrina and Carson's first child will become the best friend to this new baby the same way Chris and Michael were, while his Aunts Joy, Janine, Lauren as well as a deeply embarrassed Katrina listened on. Michael gave her a courtesy wink as she wished desperately for her mother to stop.

The other side of the ballroom, however, was decidedly less formal and more fun to be around. While Lucas was trying earnestly to explain what he was doing with the ArcNet Team to a deeply confused Tommy Queensbury, Holly and Addison were trying in vain to curtail the rabid movements of Arya and Kayleigh. Matthew was in a deep conversation with Mark and Justin Jacques about battling against Michael, while Lizzie and Cameron had surprisingly chosen to brood together, Rui sat at a table with Deidre and Cynthia, with his old friend cradling the future King in her arms and doing everything she could not to cry at the sight of James Kingston.

Rui looked up at him and smiled lovingly. "He is so handsome, Michael. Even when he sleeps."

"This one's a quiet one" Michael recalled happily. "Arya was almost impossible to corral for a nap. James can fall asleep anywhere." His son opened up his eyes and looked around at the sights in the Throne Room before eyeing his father and giggling, Michael gently wiped some drool off of his son's face before leaving Rui and Cynthia to their own devices.

The third table drew his curiosity, as despite Annie's pleas and Renee's woes, the trio of Billy, Chris and Jon were trying to drink the others underneath the table. Jon had the decided advantage of being a veteran, but Billy had the vitality of a young man eager to assert himself as the next leader of the Kingston grandchildren. Chris, however, was taking his time and doing everything in his power not to embarrass Piper as he had on the way to Mirage Island. Michael stood behind Billy as Chris continually poured the shots to both of his cousins, while both Renee and Annie worriedly looked on.

"This is not going to end well for either of them, is it?" Renee asked.

"Remember me on my 21st Birthday?" Chris laughed. "They'll basically be the same way."

"We couldn't get you out of bed for days" Michael recalled.

"Even the bullhorn didn't work" Billy chuckled as he sloppily held the drink in his hands.

"Don't act like you were any easier to get out of bed" Jon laughed.

"Hence why we're drinking rum and not tequila!"

Annie sighed. "And Rum is my husband's specialty."

"Which is why you ought to back down now" Jon boasted to Billy. "Let's face it, I've got wisdom and experience on you."

"The future is now, old man" Billy countered. "You won't be better than me forever!" He looked behind him at Michael as Annie and Jon began to whisper to one another. Billy spoke to him in a drunken whisper. "Mike, I got nothing left. How do I beat him when I feel like my insides have been replaced with like 60% rum?"

Michael leaned forward to whisper to Billy. "You've got to make him fall for your bluff. It's just like a card game. Looking like a disheveled Furfrou isn't going to help you. Sit up straight and keep your focus on his eyes as best as you can. Do not show him any signs of bluffing."

"How do you know all this?"

Michael eyed Chris and smiled. "Let's just say that I got a lot of practice at this with my best friend."

"I will beat you one of these days" Chris boasted. "And then-"

"Then it will be the proudest day of my life" the King interjected. "Like I said on the Island."

This silenced Chris, who seemed to turn introspective about the words as Jon and Billy both drank their 14th shot of Rum each. But while Billy downed his in seconds, Jon was becoming rattled, whether it was by what Annie told him or by the look in Billy's eyes, Michael could not tell. Jon prepared to finish his shot, before falling face first onto the table. Billy rose to his feet and declared himself the Champion, before he too fell over onto his back in the middle of the dance floor.

"Let's get you off to bed, Lord Kingston" Annie sternly told her husband as she hauled him to his feet and dragged him out into the antechamber.

Michael helped Jenna pick up her little brother and sit him down by his parents. Junior could not help but laugh. "Well, that makes my son better than Byron's at something at least."

"I'm as good a trainer" Billy grumbled before falling flat on his face on the table.

"But not as strong a drinker" Jeice acknowledged.

Doug chuckled at this. "Danny used to always talk about having these parties to join in with the big boys. But something tells me he wouldn't last long with you guys in this kind of challenge."

"Sorry to say I agree" Michael admitted. "No one could have topped Chris in his prime." Michael patted Billy on his back and went back to speaking with his every party goer, realizing he had missed two. While Dawn was strangely nervous to approach him about something, he decided instead to focus on Olivia's son, Little Michael. He sat by himself at his own table, playing with his stuffed Eevee. While he let the Eevee bounce around the set plates and in time with the music, the King came to speak to the boy that could one day end up being his son. "Hey there, son. How are you doing tonight?"

"Eevee needs to jump, Mr. King sir" Little Michael replied. The boy tried to get his Eevee to leap over the floral decorations on the table, but the plush only got stuck in between the flowers. Michael took the toy out of the plants and gave it back to the boy.

"You don't want to play with Princess Arya?" Michael asked the boy. "Or Kayleigh?"

"Princess Arry make me sleepy" the boy answered succinctly, before letting out a squeaky yawn. He rose from his chair and looked for his mother. "It's time for my bed time, Mr. King. Good night." Without warning or prompt to do so, Little Michael let his body slump to the floor until he was out and fast asleep.

Michael picked the boy up into his arms and sighed. "I guess Arya was too much for you."

He didn't get far as Olivia came up to check on her son. "Oh, my poor honey's all tuckered out." She then plucked her son from the King's grasp. "Come on, you. Say good night to the King so I can go tuck you in."

The boy let out a much louder yawn before waving at him in complete exhaustion. "Good night Mr. King sir." Without so much as a secondary glance his way, Olivia took her son with her and out of the ballroom. But Michael knew to think nothing of it. She had confessed how she felt for him and he had responded accordingly. This was going to be how their friendship remained positive.

"Your Grace?" a voice chimed up behind him.

Michael spun around to see that the blue-haired prodigy from Sinnoh had finally mustered the courage to speak to him. "Ah, Dawn. You're doing well? You've looked a little off tonight."

"I needed to ask you something" she nervously called to him as she approached him. "Alone, if we could."

Michael led Dawn away from the party and out into a corridor adjacent to the ballroom. When they were certain they were alone, Michael took the girl's questions to heart. "Okay, what's up?"

"Cynthia is training with Cameron, isn't she?"

Michael shrugged. "Possibly. I don't keep tabs on everyone. So it's fairly possible."

"I can't help you guys if I'm not in the best shape" Dawn explained to herself. "I've got some of my Pokemon back, but I'm just going to get in the way without being ready to fight Mewtwo and whatever he holds on his side."

"Dawn, it's not about being in shape" Michael reasoned. "It's about being there to help Addison as best as you can. She's going to need all of us before this ends."

"Your Grace is too kind" Dawn replied playfully, before reverting back to her serious self. "But I can't help her if I'm not in the best form. Which is what I want to ask you. I would like you to train me. I know you trained and taught Addison what she knows and how much Ryan and Matt look up to you. I am one of their friends, so I would like to see if I'm worthy of being trained by the best Arcana has to offer."

Michael smiled sadly. "I haven't been the best in a long time, Dawn."

"But you are a master Pokemon Trainer" she pleaded. "All I'm asking is a chance to prove myself to you."

"You do know that I'm the King now, right? I can't just run off and train constantly for this. I may be a bit rusty myself when Mewtwo comes for us." But when he saw the look in Dawn's eyes, Michael sighed and admitted defeat. "I get up early in the morning and set out for the King's Bay to train. If you can be there on time and be alert enough, I'll train you the same way I did Addy."

Dawn happily squealed. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! You won't regret it, sir!" She then rushed back into the ballroom.

Michael laughed to himself. "What are the consequences of what I've just done?" He shrugged it off and followed Dawn back inside. He was not in for a few seconds before those in the ballroom called upon him to make a toast. With his sister shoving a glass of champagne into his hands and Julia leading him back to the center of the Throne Room, Michael realized he'd need to propose a toast. "Well, then. Uh, thank you all for coming tonight and I just want to say that..." He paused. There was a lot he had to say. About the state of Arcana, the troublesome dream he had and how much they would have to prepare for Mewtwo. But he found himself thinking of all the fun he had had this evening. They may never have a time like that ever again. Rather than let the people be reminded of what lied ahead, he decided everyone needed this night to celebrate. He raised his glass and put his arm around his wife. "To the future of Arcana! One day, it will all be in the hands of our children. To Prince James and Princess Arya. To Lady Kayleigh, to Little Michael and to all the others still to come, I want to wish nothing but the best. To Arcana!"

"TO ARCANA!" the room echoed before drinking.

Julia wrapped her arm around him and kissed his cheek. "You see, honey? You are good at this whole King affair."

Michael's eyes fell on many in the room and his thoughts lingered on those not in it. So many smiles and even the brooding looks of Cameron and Lizzie. Why did he have the feeling that many of these faces might never be seen by him again?