So sorry for the delay people! Got a little busy in life, and I had hit a roadblock with chapter 8. Well, I've passed it now, so I'll be back to my normal updating schedule. Hopefully, things will go a lot smoother.
Chapter 7 – Summer Vacation
Aeden
"Ugh. I'm so glad we finally get a break. It's not fair we only get one day on the weekends." I said, as the three of us walked home. It had been just over a month since Acura returned from his injuries, and we had carried everything for him. His schoolwork home, and back. And combined with our own work, let's just say it wasn't easy. None the less, here he was, quiet, distracted, and not complaining. It took some time to get use to his changed personality, as he no longer complained, and no longer tried to push me around.
In fact, I actually missed his bossy side. To an extent. Now he just stayed silent, only answering when we asked him something.
"Don't worry, school's over, we can all relax and do what we want again." Crystal replied.
I smiled at her. I had become a good friend, a brother, of sorts, in the eyes of the little ones. And indeed, it was nice to once again have… "A family…"
"What was that?" Crystal asked, suddenly looking at me.
"What was what?" I replied.
"No, what did you say? I wasn't paying attention." Crystal said.
"Nothing, I was just thinking to myself." I smiled, teeth slightly showing.
Crystal grunted, then looked back at Acura. He glanced at me and brought his eyes back down to the road.
When we finally reached home, Flare was sitting outside, waiting for us.
We reached him and stopped, putting our bags down on the grass.
"Hello father." Crystal said cheerily.
"Greetings. Might as well put your bags inside." Flare responded. "Aeden, I would like to speak to you."
"Yes, sir." I replied, as we grabbed our bags and put them inside.
I came back outside and he began walking. I matched his pace as we walked towards the road. The same path I had just left.
We walked for a few minutes in silence, then he spoke up. "Aeden, your presence has been requested."
"What? By who?" I asked. He gave me a soft smile.
"The Royal Family. We're going on a trip." He said, stopping in the middle of the road.
"What?" I couldn't believe it. The Royal Family, whoever they were, wanted to see little old me. 'Why would they want to see me?'
"Yes, I mentioned you during my last summon, and they've taken an interest in you."
"Why me?" I asked.
"I don't know. But that's why I'm bringing you this time."
"Wait, what? We're going there now?" I shouted in surprise. Flare raised a paw to quiet me down.
"Yes. It's at least a day away. We won't be gone long." He said calmly.
"Then I need to tell Crystal and Acura-"
"That won't be necessary. Ember already knows. She'll tell them." He said, cutting me off.
"Well, okay then." I sighed and began walking. It was weird being alone with him for a long time. He told me the rules, how to behave, how to reply, among many other things. All I could do was reply with a "yes" and repeat the most important things.
Before I knew it, we stood at the top of a hill at the edge of the forest. Before us was a small road leading down the steep slope, and beyond that was a massive structure. It was far away, in the middle of a large lake.
I held my breath and uttered my only question. "What IS that?"
"Twilight Fortress. The most secure area in the entire region." Flare replied, staring gently upon the large stone castle.
He then stepped forwards and began walking down the slope. "Watch your step."
It took us another hour to get to the fortress gates, and I realized that the lake served as a moat. A large wooden board lay across the lake. One edge touched the castle side, while the other end touched our side. Our side was lined with large grey bricks. Four steel chains held the bridge in place, and we were soon crossing it. Water lapped at the edges, notifying me of how close I was to my most feared element. Too bad I hadn't learned to swim yet.
As we entered the stone entryway, two guards blocked our path.
"Passes, please." One said. I didn't recognize their species.
Flare stopped and produced a blue scarf from under his fur.
"Ah, Senator Flare. Greetings. And who might this be?"
"Aeden, he's with me."
"Very well. You may enter." The guard said as they stepped aside. We continued forwards.
Soon enough, we had entered the castle interior. It was much cooler than it was outside, despite the fact that there were open windows. As we walked through the hallways, we passed many different types of Pokemon, whose species I had never seen before.
We turned a corner and entered through a small doorway. The doors were made of straight wooden boards, with metal dots on each board.
We entered through the crack, and came across a wall, which ran to the right. The castle was strange, in that its hallways lead every which way. It was impossible to tell where you were, as every hallway looked the same. But this time, we stopped at two wooden doors, halfway through the hallway.
"We're here. Now, remember everything I told you. Be polite, don't speak unless spoken too, don't fidget, look at them when you talk to them, and remember to bow when you greet them, and when you leave. If they are busy, we will wait here."
"Yes, sir. I understand, sir." I automatically said.
"Good. I will make sure they are ready." Flare said as he pushed the door open and closed it behind him. The door blocked out all sounds of any conversation they could be having.
I didn't have to wait long, as two knocks against the door signaled my entry. I pushed the door open and entered, closing it behind me. Before me lay a vast room. A long, red carpet lay spread out from the door to the bottom of a few steps of stairs. From the ceiling hung large, white canvases, each with pictures of different Pokémon. On that platform sat two chairs, with both of them being occupied.
We walked to the base of the steps and bowed politely. Flare spoke up, while I stood there, quietly keeping myself in check.
"My Lady, you look beautiful today, as always. I have brought the Vulpix of whom I spoke of."
"Hmm, this is the child you spoke of?" The female said, seemingly ignoring Flare's opening.
"Yes, My Lady." Flare replied.
"He's smaller than I expected. Tell me, where are your parents?"
Flare looked at me, and I glanced at him.
"Oh, umm, they died protecting me."
"And what were they protecting you from?"
"Hunters. Two of them."
"Hunters, hm? Well, I'm very sorry to hear that."
"What's your name, boy?" The other figure asked suddenly. It had a much harsher voice.
"Aeden, sir."
"Aeden, an old name. Tell me, was your father named Astraea?"
My heart nearly stopped. It was as if time itself had frozen. My eyes were wide, filled with emotions. I fought to keep myself in check. Memories suddenly flashed through my mind. Images of my father, and my mother, smiling down on me. Us playing, father telling me stories in front of the fireplace. It all started coming back to me. But it was cut short, suddenly and dramatically.
"Yes!" I shouted. "Yes, he was."
I got a cold stare from Flare. Cold, but sympathetic. They had continued without me, and I had just interrupted the King, whoever he was. I bit my tongue in realization, but the king continued.
"This comes as quite a shock. I didn't know he had a son."
The conversation continued, with few questions asked. He told me about my father, and how well he served him. But at last, we had to depart. We were given quarters in the western tower, and as Flare closed the door to our room, he spoke up.
"You interrupted him." He said coldly.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to, it's just…" I trailed off. My eyes shut hard, as I tried to fight my tears.
"It's okay. He was in a good mood today, and you are young. Since this is your first time meeting such important people, I can understand your… lack of self-control."
I laid down what I assumed to be the bed. Instead of straw or grass, it was a large, rectangular platform. I sunk into it slightly as I stepped on, and laid down, head against the wall. "I'm sorry." I said again, and closed my eyes.
Again, so sorry for the delay. I'm sure you guys (however many there are) have been waiting patiently, and i do appreciate it. Getting past roadblocks is a great feeling. Well, for those of you who celebrate it, happy Thanksgiving!