Finally finished this. Apologies, but I was working through some... writer's block? I guess that'd be what it was called. Besides that, a few things IRL have kept me busy, but I'm glad to finally finish this. I'll have to get into rhythm with writing and uploading and all that jazz.

At least some of time spent was on something productive. I.E. a one-shot I'm working on on the side. Helps to change pace between the two to help get rid of the wall I hit. :)

Think that should be it. Enjoy!

The morning was a somber one.

Both Max and Elizabeth had awoken well rested but not quite happy. The evenings events were still fresh, and it bothered both of them. Even as both bathed and readied themselves they couldn't make peace with what had happened.

Max was concerned for Kael. In the short time Max had known him, Kael had grown quickly on the blue pup. Max thought of him as a older brother figure, not that he'd ever tell anyone that. Having his newest friend be the target of such hate as lasts night made Max worry for his well being.

Elizabeth was concerned as well, albeit for slightly different reasons. While she wouldn't go so far as to say they were quite friends, she could tolerate him in her company. With the revelations of the feast, she found herself very curious about the Zoroark. Perhaps it was simply her lack of knowledge and context about him, but Kael suddenly seemed much more interesting. She had spent some time coming up with questions to ask the Zoroark. Well, not so much ask as wonder about, since she doubted asking such blunt questions to his face would yield beneficial results.

The two met just outside the sitting room to take breakfast. Neither knew what to expect with Kael. After last night, it was anyone's guess as to how he would react. They were nervous, both about seeing Kael and making sure they didn't say something that made things worse.

Opening the door, they were surprised to see only their parents. Kael was nowhere to be found. Confused looks were glued to their faces as they walked to their seats. Max constantly looked around the room, as if expecting to find Kael hiding somewhere. Alexander, looking up from the papers he had on his lap, smiled somewhat stressed. "Morning kids."

Returning the greeting, the siblings took their seats. Maria, with book in hand, nodded to her children before returning to her reading. The silence that followed was awkward, at least to Elizabeth, as she felt everyone was thinking on the argument but no one knew how to bring it up. She tried, unsuccessfully, to sit still and relax until breakfast was brought in, twisting and fidgeting as more and more questions plagued her mind. She tried repeatedly to figure out how to voice her questions without seeming too nosey into Kael's private affairs, but no solution presented itself. Thankfully for her, Max was the one who eventually spoke up.

"Soooo... Where's Kael?'

Alexander couldn't help but sigh. "Not even five minutes," he murmured under his breath before looking up to face the pair. "Kael won't be joining us for breakfast. After last night's... incident... he hasn't come out of his room. I'm sure he just needs time to cool off after what happened."

Max couldn't help but frown and look down at the news. "Oh," he murmured. He was rather disappointed. He was looking forward to more training with Kael, as he rarely ever got to interact with anyone else in training. Without the Zoroark to work with, he was stuck back with training dummies.

"Don't worry Max," his father said as he noticed the Riolu's crestfallen expression. "Kael will help you train when he's ready. He really enjoyed working with you."

Max's ears perked up, "Really?"

Alexander nodded, "that's right. He spoke quite highly of you, said you were a natural fighter. Good listener, followed advice, and overall felt like a younger brother more than a training pupil."

Max said nothing, but instead shifted slightly as he look down and giggled in embarrassment. The idea that Kael had spoken so highly of him after one session made him feel proud and warm inside. Now he definitely wanted to see Kael again!

The door creaked open again, this time to reveal Cecilia pushing in a familiar trolley. The Slufpuff looked exhausted, which was understandable. Having overseen the preparations for the feast all day yesterday, the fairy-type must have been pushed hard to make ends meet, both in quantity and quality. Knowing this, nobody said much to her as she laid out the morning meal. She tried to be her usual cheery self, but was noticeably subdued. Besides a greetings and a few small jokes, she didn't say much as she did her work and left.

Even eating felt different today. Rather than the cheery demeanor usual for the family's meals, it was silent today, save for the sounds of chewing and forks on plates. The change of routine just added to Elizabeth's discomfort. She ate, the urge to strike up conversation continued bubbled up inside her, but she could never find how to turn these urges into words. So in silence she sat, trying to simply get through the meal so she could busy herself and block out the various questions swirling in her head.

After some time, every had finished breakfast. Stacking the plates on the table to be taken and cleaned, Elizabeth and Max began to get up before Maria stopped them. "Max, Elizabeth, would one of you grab one of the staff before you go? While Kael hasn't left his room, that's no reason for him to starve." Following her mother's nod to the side, the Braixen found a plate with a cover on top, keeping the contents warm. Max nodded and began to walk towards the door, headed for the kitchen, when an idea stuck Liz.

"I'll do it."

Her family looked at her with mild surprise. They hadn't expected her to volunteer herself for such a mundane task, much less one for their current guest considering their... current relationship. Alexander opened his mouth to say something, probably to question her, although that was her only idea of what he could possibly say. Before he could utter even a single syllable, Maria reached over to place her hand atop his. He looked over at his mate in confusion, and Maria only maintained her look. No doubt using her telepathy, Alexander nodded after a moment and look back at his daughter.

"Alright. Bring him his breakfast and then return to your business. Don't pester or bother him if he's not up to it." He reached over to hand her the tray, "he's staying in the large guest room on the third floor."

Liz knitted her brow in confusion. Not at the floor, as the third floor was where her family and other important nobles stayed, but at the particular room. It was unofficially called the deluxe room among the castle staff, as it had a workroom attached to a regular bedroom. No one had used it to her knowledge, and her parents usually gave staying guests a normal guest room, which were in no short supply. So, she reasoned, the only reason he got the workroom was because he had specifically requested it.

Interesting.

Keeping her thoughts to herself, she excused herself and made for Kael's room. Greeting the occasional staff member in the halls, she was equal parts excited and apprehensive. The idea of seeing Kael, face to face again, was slightly unnerving considering what had happened last time she was alone with him. Yet the possibility of learning more about him, perhaps something about his personal life or the reason for Ricardo's attitude was more than enough to push her onward.

Reaching her destination, she reached out and knocked on the door a few times. Silence greeted her. Frowning, she knocked thrice again, this time deciding to speak. "Kael? It's Liz. I brought your breakfast." Once again, no response came from behind the door. Frowning, she placed her ear up to the door to see if she could hear him working or sleeping. Much to her surprise, the door gave way slightly as she leaned on it.

It had been left unlocked and slightly ajar.

Normally, she would have left the food there or come back later. But this was so odd that she pushed the door open slightly and slid inside. She rationalized her action by saying that perhaps she could leave his meal inside, or that Kael was in trouble and that was the reason for the unlocked door.

Deep down she knew those were simple lies she told herself to justify what she was doing. In reality, she saw this as a great opportunity to snoop. The idea of going through Kael's personal belongings, of finding something secretly tucked away that would tell her more about him sent shivers of excitement down her spine. And of course, there was no malicious intent, just harmless curiosity. She'd be in, look around, and be out before anyone could notice.

That's what she told herself at least.

Slipping inside and shutting the door behind her, she looked around as she leaned on the door. Her hearing had been accurate: not a soul was inside the room with her. The bed, similar to her own except for the plain white color, was neatly made, and looked as if it hadn't even been used. The rest of the room was perfectly in place, no sign of any tampering or use by anyone. It looked uninhabited.

Elizabeth found that strange. Even the simplest of actions in living left some kind of trail or sign. Leaving the curtains left down, a snack plate left on the night stand, even some kind of clothing tossed somewhere. She couldn't even smell anyone's scent in the room either. It was just the stale smell of a unused room.

Her curiosity even more worked up, she placed the plate down on the nightstand by the bed, and moved to the door across from the foot of the bed. While it still had a bathroom and closet, this room had a third door leading to the connected workroom. Placing her ear against the door once again, she listened for any hint of movement. After a few moments of listening and hearing nothing, she pushed open the door, flinching as it gave a low creak.

The workroom was not what she had expected. It normally was a simple large room with a few tables and counters. The normally empty counters were now lined with instruments. They were mostly glass vials and containers, ranging in size from a small vial to large beakers. A assortment of plants, herbs, and berries sat next to a small bowl and thick wooden stick. Most of the glasses had some colored liquid inside them, and the largest had a small fire smoldering under it, held aloft by a small stand.

Elizabeth was puzzled at the odd scene. The purpose of such a set up was lost on her, as she had never seen anything even remotely similar. She walked closer, observing the odd set up and hoping to figure out it's purpose.

Coming up to the counter, she noticed a tomb left open. It was very old, if the tattered covering and frayed pages were any indication. Flipping it open and turning to a random page, she read over it's contents. A lot of it was faded, and what little she could read was obviously in a different language that she didn't know. After flipping through a few more pages only to be met with more arcane writing, she eventually gave up on the book and closed it.

Looking around again, something new caught her eye. A small rack of vials stood towards the back of the counter, holding five small vials. What had caught her eye was the one on the end, which was glowing a greenish-blue. Mystified, she reached out to pluck it from it's hold. It was small, no more than two or three inches tall, and thin. It couldn't have held more than a mouthful of liquid if filled to the top. The softly glowing liquid inside came up two-thirds the way to the top, which was capped with a cork.

Elizabeth swirled the vial lightly, watching the contents swish around. She had absolutely no idea as to why the liquid would be glowing, nor what it was meant to do. But it was certainly pretty to look out. A temptation sprung into her head, and she eventually gave in, removing the cork from the vial. The smell that followed was incredibly sweet, slightly reminiscent of berries. Her curiosity and the pleasant scent pushed her to try the concoction. Just a little sip to see...

"Enjoying your snooping?"

The Braixen's heart stopped for a moment at the familiar voice, and she quickly whirled around to face it. Standing in the doorway was Kael, a satchel around one shoulder and very unamused look on his face. Liz's mind was a blur as she ran through different excuses for her being in the Zoroark's room uninvited. Unfortunately for her, she had dropped the vial in her surprise, and the resounding sound of breaking glass beat her to any word she might produce.

She looked behind her, noticing the broken glass and dulling blue liquid seep into the floor. Biting her lip, she looked back at Kael, who stared blankley at the broken vial and it's spilled contents. "Uhh... Opps?" Was all she could offer.

Kael didn't make any change in expression, only standing as still as a statue and continuing his stare. Elizabeth could only look at the floor, ashamed at getting caught, as she tried to form coherent words, "Umm... W-was... Was that important?"

The dark-type shifted his gaze to look her in the eye. She noticed that his left eye, the emerald green one, was actually darker than she remembered it, looking much sinister and intense than last she saw it. "It took me six months to make that. Six months of hard work that you just wasted."

The Braixen felt her stomach twist up uncomfortably. The idea that she ruined something he had spent six months working sent a huge pang of guilt through her. Her ears drooped as she looked at her feet, unable to maintain the accusatory glare he was focusing on her. She tried to say something along the lines of 'I'm sorry', but it came out a little more than unintelligible muttering.

Kael walk closer to her, causing her to flinch instinctually. Setting his satchel on the counter next to her other herbs and plants, before turning to look at her. She could feel his piercing gaze on her as she continued to look at her feet, only looking up when she heard him sigh heavily. Looking up, she saw him rub the left side of his face before running his hand through the rest of his head and mane. Her turned to look at her, the heavy and accusing air of the room gone.

His eye had returned to it's original emerald green, and it was much easier for her to meet his eyes. Standing much closer, she noticed that he looked tired. No, scratch that, he looked exhausted. His eyes were half lidded, and slightly bloodshot. He leaned on the counter, supporting himself with his arms rather than simply stand. "I apologize Princess," he began, "It has been a... very long night." He paused a moment, seemingly observing her for a reaction before continuing. "What can I help you with Princess?"

Liz's mouth opened and closed repeatedly without sound, taken aback by his sudden mood shift. She had expected a scolding, for him to yell and scream and to alert her parents to what she had done. Instead, here he was, offering her his apologies and offering his help with whatever she needed. Staring at him as he awaited her answer, she shook her head before responding. "I... I came to... to... umm..." She mentally cursed herself at her inability to get her thoughts together.

Kael only arched an eyebrow as she stuttered in place before turning to his satchel and unloading the contents. "Let me guess," he bean as he add various plants into piles on the counter, "come here to do some personal investigating? Learn some juicy gossip about the stranger in your home? Or did you wish to do some more practice for your right hook?"

Perhaps it was what he said, or perhaps it was the off-handed way he said it, but whatever the reason Elizabeth felt her face flush. Partly because he was right on the investigation bit, and partly at the mention of her socking him in the face a few days prior. She realized she never had apologized for it, and that, despite his tone, it was entirely possible that he expected her to do it again. She eventually found her words as Kael continued his work. "I... Actually I came to bring you breakfast."

Kael stopped in place for a moment before muttering under his breath, "another sleepless night then." He turned to look at her again, "And your parents made you deliver the meal?"

"Actually I... volunteered for it."

Kael tilted his head at the statement. "Why would you volunteer to bring me breakfast? You could have just had a staff member do it."

Because I want to learn more about you the Braixen thought to herself. Because I wanted to know about you as a pokemon and because you're so different from anyone I've ever met. Unfortunately, due to her lack of grace with words, what came out was, "Because I wanted to study you."

She mentally kicked herself for how bad that sounded. She bite her lip again at the slip, almost drawing blood. Kael, to his credit, maintained his composure as always. However, that didn't stop a slight droop to his shoulders and a flicker of emotion in his eyes. She couldn't read his mind or emotions, him being a dark-type, and she wasn't experienced enough to tell what the flicker had been. Had it been anger? Offense? Discomfort?

Disappointment?

She had no more time to dwell on it as Kael uttered a dry "Ah." He turned back to his work, now adjusting, checking, and writing down things as he went over his herbs and vials and beakers. Elizabeth stood there, not knowing how to regain the conversation she had ruined. She could have simply excused herself, but that would leave so many questions about what she was seeing, and that would drive her crazy for the rest of the week.

"Soooo..." She started smoothly, "What's all this?"

"This," Kael responded, not stopping in his tasks, "is my lab."

"What kind of lab is it? Like, what's it do?"

"This is my Apothecary and Alchemy lab."

"I'm... not too familiar with those terms."

"Not surprising. They are not very common practices anymore."

Elizabeth put her arms behind her back and kicked at the ground. "Could you... maybe... tell me more about them?"

Kael paused once again, this time looking over at her. She gave him the best smile she could, although she was sure it wasn't as nice as she had hoped. But Kael softly smiled back, and nodded. "Alright. Come here." Walking close to his side, she watched over his shoulder as he worked.

"An Apothecary," Kael began his lecture, "is simply someone who studies and uses plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. I know I know, not quite as popular or efficient as getting a Audino or Chansey to heal you, but you don't need to be a specific type or have a specific move to mix plants and herbs. Plus, it can create useful concoctions that do more than just heal."

"And Alchemy?"

Kael grimaced slightly. "Alchemy is a bit more... complicated than simple herbal medicine. But, to grossly simplify and cut out the philosophical bits, its using rare materials and complex processes to create unique and powerful items and elixirs. There are some things in alchemy that are only theories, but most of it is just really complicated and tedious."

Elizabeth thought for a moment before looking off to the side. "Was that vial I ruined hard to make?"

Kael nodded softly. "If I'm being honest, yes. The reason it took me six months to make it is that the ingredients are rare, and require a lot of processing." Kael tried to laugh, though it came out tired and forced. "I'll just have to start again huh?"

"Yeah... What was it supposed to do? The vial I mean."

"It was a vitality elixir. It was a mix of rare healing herbs and roots along with concentrated Iron, Calcium, Carbos and other vitamins. It was meant to improve vital functions, energy, mental ability and overall health. Not incredibly amazing, but certainly useful."

"Can you make other stuff too? Like healing potions or things like that?" Elizabeth asked eagerly.

Much to her disappointment, the Zoroark shook his head. "You've been reading too many stories Elizabeth. As great and practical as that would be, an instant-healing potion is impossible. I can make some impressive and amazing things, but they are still based on the world's physical limits. The best I could do is a make a potion that would drastically increase your metabolism. You'd heal faster, but you'd need to eat and sleep a lot more to provide the necessary nutrients and rest." He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, that's not entirely true. The theory for a true instant-healing potion exists, but a strong enough main ingredient hasn't been found yet to create it."

"Ah." Was all Elizabeth could find to say. As the dark-type next to her continued his work, Liz was silent as she digested the statement. It certainly sounded like a bold claim, and she was sure some pokemon would dismiss it as ridiculous and unfounded. A week ago, she would have thought the same. But, looking at the Zoroark out of the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but believe him. After all, she had seen some very odd things ever since Kael had arrived. Why couldn't something like this be just as believable?

She observed him the next fifteen minutes as he worked. Grinding various ingredients together in the small bowl with the stick, which he told her was called a mortar and pestle, until they became powder. Then adding more ingredients into it and repeating until they formed more powders or pastes. Putting the results into wrappings or tubes, he created a number of mixtures and concoctions before he put down the tools and turned to his fire-type audience.

"Well I think that's enough for now. Shall I walk you out?"

Elizabeth was actually surprised to find herself a little disappointed that her little demonstration was over, but nodded none the less. Kael lifted his arm slightly to invite her to lead, and the pair made their way to the door. As Elizabeth stepped out, a final thought occurred to him. "Oh, Max was asking after you. He was pretty upset that you wouldn't be training with him."

Kael chuckled quietly. "Your brothers a sweet kid. Tell him not to worry. I'll be there. In fact, you'll find I've asked you four to meet me in the courtyard after lunch."

Elizabeth tilted her head in confusion. "Four of us?"

A nod. "That's right. You, Max, Sam, and Audrey. I'll meet you all in the courtyard after lunch. Your parents will run it by you." Nodding her understanding, the Braixen turned and began to walk off, back to her own room to busy herself until lunch. She stopped at the sound of Kael's voice.

"Elizabeth!"

Turning to look, she saw him give a warm smile at her. "Thank you."

She wasn't entirely sure why he was thanking her. Yes, she brought his morning meal, but it was probably cold by now, and lunch wasn't long off anyway. And the way he said it, so genuine and warm. It didn't feel like a normal thanks. But she enjoyed it all the same, and smiled back offering her own words. "Your welcome."

True to his word, Alexander and Maria had, at lunch, informed them that Kael had requested their presence, as well as that of Sam and Audrey, in the training yard. Although, they wouldn't say as to why. So the siblings wolfed down their meals, went in search of their friends, and grouped back together before making their way outside.

Kael stood in the middle of the small sparring arena, quite easy to see thanks to his dark coat of fur. But he wasn't alone. Four figures were nearby, all seemingly listening to what the dark-type had to say. The Mienshao stood next to him with hands interlocked, and Letholdus a few paces away with arms behind his back. The Dewott was sitting with his back against a wooden crate, legs crossed, arms behind his head and smiling as his companions talked. The Charmeleon sat on top of the same crate, arms crossed and a dull expression on her face. As Elizabeth's group walked closer, the Charmeleon saw them approach and said something. Everyone turned to see them come close enough to talk.

"Ah. I'm glad you all could make it." Kael said, folding his hands in front of him as he addressed the Kalosians when they came close enough. "I'm sure you're all curious as to why I've asked you here." They nodded. "Well, after talking it over with the King and Queen, we've agreed that it would be in everyone's best interest if me and mine helped out around here. To that end, we've decided to assign each of my knights to one of you to help both with your responsibilities and personal growth."

Elizabeth's group looked at him with surprise. That was not what they were thinking at all. Maybe asking for their help or an announcement, but not this.

"So," Kael clapped his hands together, "I'll get to the introductions and assignments and everyone can go about their day. Max!" Max looked up at his name, "you'll have Selina assigned to you." At that statement, the Mienshao stepped forward to identify herself, eyeing Max carefully. "She's one of my personal guards and advisors, as well as one of the best fighters in all of Unova. She'll be much better at helping you find a style more to your liking in training."

Max looked up at the Martial Arts pokemon, quickly noting how he only came up to her mid-rift. She looked down on him, although he got the feeling it was more out of necessity to meet his eyes rather than to be condescending. She didn't smile nor frown, but simply took Max in with a measured look, as if studying and evaluating him. Max couldn't tell what she was feeling, whether good or bad. After a few moments studying each other, the Mienshao more so that the Riolu, she bowed to him, palms pressed together and held in front of her chest.

"The honor is mine Prince Maxwell." Her actions certainly surprised Max, as bowing was strictly a male action to his knowledge. He looked over to Kael in slight confusion, hoping for some explanation on how to react. Kael simply raised his eyebrows and nodded sideways towards her. After a moments confusion, the Riolu caught on and returned the bow, minus the hands, and spoke back.

"It's nice to meet you Selina. I hope we can get along." Rising back to her full height, Selina nodded at him in response before looking to Kael.

Kael nodded in satisfaction before continuing. "Sam." The Kirlia stepped forward with head tilted slightly in curiosity. "To help with your own training, as well as your confidence, you'll be working with Luìs." At the word, the Dewott rose to his feet and strode over to stand in front of Sam."

The Dewott, while lacking the fancy clothing from the night before, still emitted an aura of confidence and charm. Around his neck he wore a simple blue and green striped scarf. He stood with hands on hips, cocky smirk on his face without seeming arrogant or judgmental. In fact, he seemed quite likeable and friendly just looking at him. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Sam." He performed a fanciful bow as he spoke, "Me Llamo Luìs Caminante mar." The words rolled off his tongue very smoothly and with a slight accent, and everyone couldn't help but want to hear him speak more in whatever language he had just used.

Sam bowed back much quicker than Max did, although he seemed just as nervous. "I'm Samwell. I look forward to working together Mr. Cam..Camee-na..."

"Please," the Dewott interrupted with a friendly smile, "just Luìs." Sam just nodded hesitantly before looking back to Kael.

"Audrey."

"Yeppers?"

"You'll be with Letholdus."

The Tyranitar smiled at the Buneary and bowed. "It'll be a pleasure to work with you Milady."

"Awww." She waved her paw at him. "Stop it you flatterer. It'll be my pleasure." She giggled happily before allowing Kael to continue.

"And that leaves you Elizabeth." The Zoroark met the Braixen's stare as he spoke. "Which means you'll have the company of Juno for the next few days."

The last member of Kael's knights looked up at the taller fire-type. She didn't smile, nor attempt any kind of friendly greeting. She had a attitude that was a mix of distant coldness and disinterest. She didn't bother to move from atop her box, remaining sitting and with arms crossed. The very un-approachable demeanor of the lizard put off Elizabeth, unused to such an attitude. Putting her hand up, she gave a short wave and tired to be friendly. "Umm... Hi..."

Juno only nodded with a short grunt and bored look in her eyes. Elizabeth suddenly found herself unsure of her newly acquired companion. Before she could say anything about it, Kael beat her to speaking. "Alright. That's everyone. They will be shadowing you all for a few days, training or working with you throughout the day. In a week or so, they'll rotate so everyone gets to know everyone."

"But Kael," came Max's objection, "what are you going to be doing?"

The dark fox smiled awkwardly. "Oh I'll be around Max. Don't you worry." He sighed heavily, "Unfortunately most of my time will be spent working with your parents. Much as I wish it were otherwise, I won't be around as much as I'd like. Which is partly why you've been partnered. Your parents and I agree that it's in your best interest." Max nodded, less in agreement and more because he didn't know what else to do. "Alright. I must be off. I trust you all to behave," he shot a look at Luìs and Juno, "and I'll see you all at dinner. "

Making his way back to the castle, the eight pokemon were left to their own devices. They glanced between themselves, the air thick with feelings of awkwardness. It was Audrey who broke the silence between them. "Welp, I've gotta get back to the kitchens. Cecilia needs my help." She turned to look at the towering Tyranitar, "shall we Letholdus?"

He nodded, "let's." Turning to the rest, be bowed before fixing the Dewott and Charmeleon with a stern gaze. "You two stay out of trouble, understand?"

"Of course my friend!" Luìs said as if it were obvious. "How could we do anything else? C'mon, you know us."

"I do know you. And that's why I'm reminding you to not get into trouble." He looked at Elizabeth and Sam. "Watch them. Make sure they don't burn down the castle." With one last look, he turned and lumbered after the much shorter Buneary as the two made for the kitchens, leaving six pokemon behind.

"I must be off as well," Sam spoke up. "There are some chores that I have to attend to before the evening." He looked to his new Dewott companion, "You're welcome to join me if it suits you Louìs."

The water-type nodded vehmently, never losing his charming smile. "I'd be glad to accompany you Sam. The more the merrier! Let's get to it!" He began to walk towards the castle.

"Um... Do you know where you're going!?" Louìs just waved back without turning around as he continued his walk. Sam groaned and looked at Elizabeth and Max. He bowed saying, "pardon us. I'll see you both at dinner." He then sprinted off to catch up to his new otter friend, who had not stopped or slowed for the Kirlia he was supposed to be with.

Max looked up at Selina once Sam had disappeared into the kitchens. "Well I've got nothing to do, so I was gonna train. Would you like to help me?" He smiled up at the Mienshao, trying to add to his charm, although he was excited enough to smile naturally. He did want to make a good first impression on her, even more so with Kael's praise about her fighting ability.

Selina nodded, saying, "I will aid you Maxwell."

Turning to his sister the small blue pup smiled. "Welp, I'll be out here training. You wanna join in?"

Elizabeth frowned at him. "No thanks. You know physical training really isn't my thing Max."

"Awww. But it's fun and good for you and you need it! Just look at you! You're so skinny! Your arms are like twigs! It'd help you to put on some muscle."

"Hmph! My figure is fine thank you very much! I'll be going back to my room to relax." She took a few steps before turning to look over her shoulder. "...Juno, right? Are you coming?"

The Charmeleon in question stared at her for a second before nodding. "Alright," she spoke for the first time, "let's go." As the two fire-types walked away, Juno looked over her shoulder at Selina and Max. "Have fun Sel! And try not to whip him to hard or fast his time! He's yours for a week, so make him last!" Elizabeth gave her a odd look, confused at what she had said. "Don't worry," she soothed the Braixen, "he's not in any real danger. Selina can just get really into training."

"Uh-huh."

The two walked through hallway after hallway without saying a word. The silence between them was annoying to Elizabeth. Mostly because this Charmeleon was a complete stranger to her, yet was going to be following her around for the next few days at least. That didn't sit right with her, so she attempted to start a conversation and learn a little bit about Juno. Make her at least an acquaintance, and not just some random pokemon.

"Soo... What's Unova like?" 'Ugh, what a stupid way to break the ice' she thought to herself.

Luckily for her, Juno didn't mind the point blank question. "It's ok I guess. Way to cold in the autumn and winter for my tastes. Too much ice and snow and cold. Specially up north. It's much nicer here in Kalos so far."

"Where in Unova were you born?"

"Wasn't born in Unova. I Was born in Johto, in a little town called New Bark. Nice enough place for the few years I was there."

Elizabeth looked at her companion in surprise. "Johto?" She asked, receiving a nod in return. "How'd you end up working for Kael'themar then if you were born in Johto?

Juno snorted in amusement. "your nationality doesn't determine your allegiance Princess. And I apologize, but I can't say how I ran into Kael."

Liz tilted her head in confusion. "Why not?"

Juno's expression became serious. "It's not my place to tell. Telling you how and when and where and why I met him involves both me and him." She sighed before continuing. "Look Princess, Kael is really protective of his personal life. He doesn't like people digging into his past, and for good reason. If he wanted you to know something, you'd know it. We all swore ourselves to him, and are not about to betray his trust even to royalty. So just keep that in mind when around us, yeah?"

Put off a little by the explanation, Elizabeth only nodded. "A-alright."

The rest of the walk was once again silent, but for a different reason. Elizabeth's head was full of thoughts, most of them about what Juno had said. She seemed very serious about saying anything about Kael. So it certainly seemed like they were keeping something under wraps. And she had said 'with good reason'. What would be a good enough reason to keep one's past buried? Perhaps he had done something he regretted, and wanted to forget. Maybe he wanted people to think of him based on the now, and not what he had done in the past.

'Or maybe', she thought to herself, 'it's because there's something he wants to forget.'

"So it's all been sorted out?" Alexander asked from his chair behind his desk.

"Yes. My knights are with them all. They'll start soon as they see a opportunity presents itself."

Kael was inside Alexander's personal study, sitting across from the Lucario at his desk, with Maria sitting in a chair next to her mate. The three had a bottle of wine and three glasses between them, drinking at a leisurely pace.

"And what of the elixirs and powders? Are they ready?" Alexander asked the younger fox across from him.

"For the most part. A majority of the common ones are ready to be sold. As are a few of the more expensive ones. I need some more time to complete one or two of the complex ones, but we should be able to proceed with the plan."

Maria spoke up. "How much do you think you'll be able to bring in?"

Kael looked up a moment in thought. "Hmm. If I can get the usual prices, them probably around two hundred thousand. Maybe more if I can haggle them up."

Alexander nodded. "Good, that'll be a huge help." He placed down his glass in exchange for a map of the Kalos region. "I've already spoken to the general, as well as some other higher ups in the military. They are stockpiling the supplies and equipment as they can without harming their own operations." He handed the map over to Kael, who began to look it over. "I've also spoken to a few old companions and knights. They are willing to volunteer to aid us, both in training and in bodies. Besides that, we've increased taxes slightly. Not enough to make a huge contribution, but enough to give us some work room."

"I've been speaking around as well," Maria added. "Several old contacts and friends still owe me favors. They are all are able to deliver, seeing as how most are guild leaders or business owners." She produced a slip of paper which she proceeded to unfold and look over. "A few were able to provide raw resources. Iron, copper, lumber, that sort of thing. A couple in the food industry have planted more than they usually do, so that they can provide extra rations come harvest time. And everyone threw in some gold." She paused to look over the numbers on her paper. "All in all, they have contributed over five hundred thousand gold crowns. It's a huge contribution."

Kael nodded, "it's quite impressive how fast you both work." He sipped his wine, letting the flavor linger on his tongue for a moment before continuing. "At this rate, between all our efforts, we should be able to take action come winter. Maybe a bit longer than anyone would like, but I'm grateful for whatever help I can get."

"And we are happy to give it," said Maria as she looked seriously at the Zoroark. "This needs to be nipped in the bud. We have always trusted you family Kael. They had our back when we needed it. It's only proper we return the favor. Families like ours have to stick together."

Kael nodded with an appreciative smile. "Thank you." The three chatted amongst themselves for a while longer before Kael drained his glass in a large swig. "If that's everything for the night, I think I'll turn in for the night." Nodding to the two sitting, and them nodding back, he turned and walked to the door.

"Kael."

He turned at his name to look at Maria, the one who had spoken up. "Yes?"

The Delphox looked into her glass as she swirled it around a bit before speaking. "I know all of this is hard. What you've been through and what's going on now. It's not fair for you to have to endure all that at you age." She looked up into his eyes, emotion thick in both her eyes and voice. "But you're a good pokemon Kael, and she'd be proud of you."

Kael visibly stiffened at the statement, turning to look at the ground awkwardly. He was silent for a moment, his expression hidden by the shadows cast by the candles in the study. Eventually, he spoke up. "I appreciate it, and I'm glad you think so."

Maria and Alexander nodded, with Maria speaking up again. "Things will turn out alright in the end. You'll see."

Kael nodded and bid them goodnight. Unbeknownst to them, he didn't say what he had thought when she had said that. He had almost, but in the end bit his tongue and kept his thoughts to himself.

No. Things won't be alright. I just hope they aren't as bad as I think they will be.

So I'm planning on going into a little more detail about each of the knights and developing them a bit.