"...and then she punched at the pot and it exploded! She didn't even touch it! It was awesome!"

Max, in the middle of his tale, threw out a punch as if to mime the scene as he spoke, adding a "Hiya!" For emphasis. He was in the family sitting room, waiting for dinner to be served. In attendance were his sister, his mother, and the four Unovan knights. Kael and Alexander were absent, but on their way there. Max was in the middle of regaling his audience with his experience with Selina earlier that afternoon.

Selina, who was sitting next to Max in one of the extra chairs brought in to accommodate everyone, smiled bashfully and waved off the Riolu's praise. "Oh come now Max. It wasn't all that impressive."

"Are you kidding!? It totally was! You can probably take on Arceus your so strong!"

The rest of the group laughed at the praising Riolu and the now blushing Meinshao. As Selina tried to hid her embarrassed blush behind a hand and sleeve, Maria smiled at her son. "Well I'm glad that you had such a riveting day Max. Selina sounds like quite the warrior and young woman." She paused to look slyly at her son and his Mienshao companion. "Glad to know I can leave you two alone and you won't get into trouble. A bit earlier than I though to let you run around with a girl, but I approve of Selina."

Everyone but Max and Selina giggled or laughed at the teasing. Selina looked more like a tamato berry at this point, not knowing how to handle the situation. Max, on the other hand, tilted his head in confusion. "I don't get it. What do you mean a bit earlier? What kind of trouble would we get into?"

Luìs and Juno burst out laughing, the former falling out of his chair, while Letholdus and Maria chuckled heartily at Max's genuine confusion. Liz giggled behind her hand, as Sam and Audrey simply smiled widely at the scene. Selina was trying to hid herself with her sleeves of fur, whining quietly as everyone laughed, especially considering that it was the Queen who made such a remark.

The warm scene went on for a bit, everyone genuinely enjoying the atmosphere and company, even Selina despite her predicament. After everyone calmed down, and Luìs managed to climb back into his chair, they all exchanged idle chatter for a while. Luìs, laying casually with one leg over the arm of his chair, talked with Sam and Max some more about the mechanics of a floating sea-city. Letholdus had the attention of Liz, Audrey, Selina and Maria as he talked at length about his various travels and what he'd seen. Both were excellent auditors, with Letholdus having a bit more presence while Luìs had a flair for the dramatic.

Maria, who was watching Letholdus intently, suddenly had a blank expression on her face, eyes staring ahead and unfocused. Letholdus, in the middle of retelling how he had stopped a company of mercenaries from raiding a village, noticed and stopped to address her. "You Majesty? Are you well?"

Everyone in the room stopped and stared at the zoned-out Delphox. After some time, she blinked, shook her head, and looked around at her surroundings. After recalling where she was, suddenly looked very serious, quite the contrast from her earlier jovial expression. "Audrey, would you be so kind as to fetch some wine? One of the Fortified ones, the strongest we have if you please."

Audrey, as well as everyone else, gave Maria an odd look at the sudden request. But nonetheless, the Buneary nodded and hopped out of her seat and over to a small cupboard In the corner of the room. A bit of rustling and clinking filled the room before she returned with a bottle, which she presented to her monarch. Nodding in appreciation, Maria uncorked the bottle and began filling up a wine glass she had psychic-ed over from the same cupboard.

Elizabeth, who knew her mother was not one for heavy drinking, gave the older fox a look. "Err... Mom? What's that for?"

"You'll see in about five seconds."

Everyone went silent, curious as to what she was talking about. Elizabeth and Audrey both twitched their ears as foot steps made their way to the door. A second later, the handle rattled a bit before the door swinging open and Alexander stepped in. Elizabeth was about to ask what was going on, as Alexander was not a heavy drinker either. Her voice was cut off as she saw Kaeal arrive behind her father.

He was hurt.

The white bandages wrapped his torso were an eye sore, much too white against the Zoroark's naturally dark fur. A large blot of scarlet colored one of his sides, telling her that this was fairly serious, and not just some scratch. He quite clearly favored that same side, one arm held against the large, red area of the wound and moving rather sluggishly and winching with each step.

"Kael!"

Everyone was instantly concerned. Max, Audrey and Sam all just stared in shock at their wounded friend. Luìs sat up straighter, Letholdus stared grimly, and Selina was instantly on her feet and at his side. Despite his obvious pain and discomfort, the Zoroark tried his best to smile at everyone. "Evening everyone. I apologize for the interruption."

Selina lead him to the chair that had been left for him, and gently helped him to sit. She tried to reach for his bandages, but he stopped her. "It's fine Sel." The Mienshao looked at him with a glare, more scolding than angry.

Max's voice was the one that replied. "Fine!? It's NOT fine! What happened to you?"

Kael sighed. "Well, it's a bit of a story. It's a bit involved, and I'm sure none of you want to be bored by me." He stopped when a wine glass, filled to the brim, was held in front of him. He looked to Maria, who was leaning over the side of the seat next to him to offer the drink.

"Drink," she told him softly, "it'll help take the ease the pain and take the edge off."

He stared a little before nodding and accepting the glass. Elizabeth thought he would sip at it throughout his little tale, drinking slowly as wine should be. Imagine her surprise when he lifted it to his lips and tilted his head back, quaffing the whole glass in a single go. After several mouthfuls of the strong wine, he lowered the glass, only to hold it out, have Maria refill it, and down that glass as well. Grunting in satisfaction, or perhaps appreciation, he wiped his mouth with the back of a clawed hand. "Thank you."

Maria nodded, then looked to her mate. "What happened Alexander?"

The Lucario sighed heavily as he sat in his own chair, leaning to support his head with one hand. "It seems that some citizens dislike dark-types even stronger than we thought. Turns out a select group of them has decided to voice their displeasure in a more...," he paused, eyes closed as he searched for the right word, "...physical... manner."

Audrey was the next to pipe up. "But they can't just do that!" She looked to Alexander with confused eyes. "...can they?"

The fighting-steel type sighed again as he rubbed the side of his face with a hand. "It's... very complicated."

"How so your Majesty?" Sam asked.

"Well," the King began, "the ones who attacked him claimed they did so on divine right. They used their beliefs in order to justify their actions. Now while we are holding them, we have to be careful of how we do this. We can't let them get away with this, be sure of that. At the same time, too heavy, and that sends the signal that we might oppress anyone who opposes our views or wishes to express their views They have a lot of supporters, and angering them would certainly lead to more problems down the road."

"Who was it!?" Everyone turned to look at Juno, who had been relatively silent and still since the pair had walked in. She grit her teeth, claws digging into the chair arms and tail flame burning larger than usual. "Just say who it was and I'll break their knee caps!"

Kael, who along with the knights were the only ones not put off by the Charmeleon's aggression, only looked at her sternly. "Juno. Clam down. I'm fine."

"Screw that noise! You're not OK! Someone is going to pay for this, now tell me who!"

"Juno! Calm. Down."

The words, heavy with the weight of authority, along with a stern look were enough to calm down the fire-type, at least for the time being. Nodding in satisfaction, Kael leaned back, flinching as he did so. "Let's not start a civil war. Especially since we are guests here. Leave the punishments to Alexander and Maria. They know how to run their kingdom."

Huffing, but without any real rebuttal, Juno crossed her arms and looked to the side, puffing out some fire as she did so. Elizabeth, happy that the fire lizard would not go on a rampage in the near future, looked at Kael. "Please, tell us what happened. And why."

The two Kings shared a look before Kael nodded. Alexander nodded back before turning to speak. "The assailants were led by Father Geoffry. Apparently it was his idea to sneak in and try to... remove... Kael."

The name of Father Geoffry conjured images of a Nidoking in flowing robes and friendly, charismatic demeanor. He was a regular fixture at the large temple in the town. He often preached and held sermons weekly, and was relatively well-liked all round. It was rather shocking that such a friendly, familiar face would be responsible for an attempted assassination, or assault at the very least.

Elizabeth voiced her question. "Why would Geoffry do that? He's such a nice person usually."

Kael shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking down at the floor with a uncomfortably look no his face. "Well... Part of it is my being a dark-type."

"But that's not grounds to start attacking pokemon in the streets."

"Not usually, no. But I'm a... special case, I suppose you could say."

Liz, Max, Audrey and Sam all looked at each other in confusion. Apparently they were the only ones left out of the loop and clueless as to what Kael meant. "We're kinda lost Kael..."

"I suppose I should clear things up..." Kael shifted again, seemingly working up the nerve to say whatever he needed to say. He looked to each of his knights with a questioning, almost fearful look. Each gave him a confident nod in turn, and he breathed a heavy sigh as he met Elizabeth's stare. "Alright... what do you know about the Legendaries?"

The four looked at each other again, very confused at the question. What did the Legendary pokemon have to do with his attack?

Max spoke up. "Well...um... they are supposed to be super powerful and important and stuff. Some are supposed to help the world exist I think."

Kael nodded. "That's a fairly basic summary Max. But do any of you know the story of how the world was created by the Legendaries? "

Sam was the one who answered next. "Well, the popular belief is that Arceus was the first pokemon, and created and shaped the world, the other Legendaries of the Hall of Origins, and eventually humans as well. Then, somewhere along the line, some infighting began between the Legendaries, and the Hall was disbanded, the Legendaries spread, and that's how it's been since."

"Yes, that's the most popular belief. It is the creation story of the Church of the Golden Wheel, the most prominent belief system in the world."

"I remember that," Audrey chimed in. "Geoffry was a member of the church."

"That's right. The Golden Wheel worships Arceus as the God of the world, and believe that following his will allows them access to the Hall of Origins when they die." He paused for a moment, "and that is wherein lies the problem."

"What do you mean?" Max asked.

"Well, you all know the story of Arceus and Girtina yes? At least the version that the church tells?"

Audrey nodded. "Well, the story is that Giratina was the oldest son of Arceus, and considered to be his right hand 'mon. After working for so long under Arceus, Giratina began to get jealous of his rule and power and privilege. So, he started a revolt. He tried to overthrow Arceus, with the help of some heretics, but he failed. As punishment, Arceus banished Giratina to the Distortion Realm, while branding his followers as traitors. The result was the birth of the dark-type pokemon, followers of Giratina and opposes of Arcues' divine rule."

"That's correct. At least, as far as the Church's version goes. You'll find that different regions and sects and groups have their own variation on the story. But they mostly follow the same script."

"Alright," Elizabeth piped in again, "so that's the origin story. But what does that have to do with your being attacked?"

Kael chuckled, although without humor. "Heh, well it explains his motives. After all, how could a right and proper church-goer stand by when there is a follower of Giratina in his city?"

Everyone was silent, each taking in his words and pieceing together what he meant. Once again, Elizabeth was the one who spoke up. "A follower of Giratina? What does that..." Her eyes widened, as did everybody else's as the pieces fell into place. "So you..." She pointed at Kael hesitantly.

The Zoroark nodded. "That's right. I believe you call us Distortionists if I'm not mistaken?"

The Braixen couldn't decide which was worse: The fact that Kael was a Distortionist, or the off handed manner in which he admitted to something that would most certainly endanger his life if the general population knew. It seemed all the younger pokemon in the room were in shock at his admission of something so... well, shocking.

Max was the one who eventually spoke up next, head tilted. "So... Do you like, kick Lillipup and steal candy from Pichu?"

Kael smiled at the Riolu. "Well, that's a bit presumptuous, don't you think Max? Thinking that your view of my beliefs define me?"

Max frowned, not meaning to offend. "But that's what they say you guys are like."

"Because they hate us. Do you think they'd tell the truth if the truth was more pleasant than they would like?"

"Ah... Well..." Max began to look ashamed the more he thought on it. It did seem like he had just changed his opinion on Kael based soley on his personal beliefs.

"It's fine Max. You haven't been exposed to these things. You had no way of knowing, so don't fret over it." Kael paused, taking another swig of wine, before continuing. "If you'd all like, I can share with you our beliefs. That way, you have the stories of both sides."

The four looked at each other, coming to a silent agreement, before looking back at the Unovan monarch and nodding. The knights, having likely already known all this, simply sat and watched the young ones with interested eyes. Alexander and Maria also didn't seem at all bothered by Kael's admission. Whether they already knew or were just good at controlling their expressions was anyone's guess.

Downing the last of his third glass, Kael sat back, folding his hands over his stomach as he got comfortable. "Well, let's see..." Everyone else made themselves comfortable, eager to listen to the story the dark-type was about to tell.

"The story starts out the same as any other. There was nothing. And then, in the first breath of creation that formed our reality, there was an egg. And from this egg, Arceus was born. I think most everybody is in agreement on that little detail of the origins of our world. However, just because he was the first, doesn't mean he was the only."

"So... He had siblings?" Max piped up, eyes focused on the fox.

"That's right. From the egg sprang three pokemon, the ones who would shape our world. Arceus was the first to break free. The second, his brother, was Giratina. And lastly, the youngest, was their sister Mew."

"So wait. Your saying that Arceus, Giratina, and Mew are all siblings. That they all were born at the same time?" Max asked again.

"Mhmm. Well, not at the same time per say, but that is what we Distortionists believe. Anyway, Arceus, Giratina, and Mew went about creating our world. Believe it or not, all three could create. The world, our physical plane of existence, was molded by the three of them working together. But of course, once they finished with the earth, they realized that they would need inhabitants."

"So they created pokemon?" Sam asked, leaning forward and supporting his head with both hands.

Kael flinched. "Well, not exactly. Arceus tried to create life, tried to create pokemon, but only ended up making humans. Or at least, the precursor to humans. Try as he might, he just couldn't replicate the same... 'spark' that he and his siblings had. With the assistance of Giratina, the brothers were able to create what would become modern humans. But even the pair of them couldn't create a creature in their own image. Now this is where Mew comes in. Mew was a female, the first female, and had something that her brothers didn't. She could replicate the 'spark' all of them had. So with assistance from each brother, she was able to bear their first descendants. That's where her name of 'Mother of all pokemon' comes from, despite Arceus being the first one created."

Elizabeth made a uncomfortable face at that part of the story. "So, Mew, the first female pokemon, was bred by her brothers? Doesn't that sound... kinda weird and wrong?"

"Technically speaking, yes, that would be the equivalent. But remember who we are talking about. I don't think they actually went through the physical process of breeding. These are Legendaries who have much more power and aura control than we mortals. I think it's much more likely that they simply combined essences into life, and gave that life a physical form. It's also where the distinction of 'Male' and 'Female' came to be formed. One of each would be needed to form a new life, with the males providing the essence and the female providing the spark." The fire-type, satisfied with the explanation and worries put to rest, nodded for him to continue.

"Arceus was the first to have sons, as he considered it his right as the eldest to do so. He had two sons the first go-around. You know them as Palkia and Dialga. Giratina was next, and he was also given two sons: Yveltal and Xerneas." Elizabeth shuddered at the name Yveltal, the image of a large, glowing red bird with piercing eyes sprung into her mind for a moment. She shook her head a little, and the image and thought disappeared, leaving her slightly spooked but focused back on Kael.

"Now, again contrary to popular belief, the two pairs of sons worked quite well together. At a certain time, at a certain place, a life would start. And then, at another time and place, that life would end. The four worked in tandem to uphold the charges their fathers placed on them. And even in their work, they formed bonds of kinship between the four of them."

"Now it was next decided that more Legendaries would be needed, as neither Arceus nor Giratina would be able to micromanage the world once things got going. So Arceus had three more sons: Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza. Groudon and Kyogre would be charged with the maintenance between the land and the sea, just as Rayquaza would be charged with making sure neither overpowered the other. Giratina, this time, only had a single son. His name, well... no one actually knows what his name was. What we do know is that this son would, with the interference of humans, eventually be split into Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem."

"Wow." Audrey let out involuntarily. "I never thought that there was such a different version of this story."

"It gets better. Around this time, there was some tension between the three original siblings. You see, while Mew was an integral part of creating the Legendary pokemon, more of her brother's essence was used instead of her own, so they called them fathers, but not her mother. And while she was able to create mortal pokemon, with her brothers' help, they were mortals and weren't in constant contact like the Legendaries were. As more Legendaries were created, such as the Swords of Justice, Hetran, and Genesect, more and more sided with either brother, but none with her. She began to grow frustrated. She had this drive, this desire to create offspring that would see her as important in their lives, to be an actual mother. Meanwhile, Arceus and Giratina were starting to square off. See, Arceus did not particularly like that Giratina had just as many sons and descendants who were just as powerful as his. Maybe he felt that his status as eldest earned him some special treatment. Or perhaps he saw this as his brother being just as powerful and important as himself and felt threatened."

"But why would that be a problem? They were brothers, weren't they? Why does it matter if they were equals?" Sam asked. He was an only child, so he didn't see why something like equal treatment among siblings would cause such a problem.

"Heh, that is hard to explain unless you've experienced it yourself. It's very easy for an older sibling to feel upstaged if one of the younger match or even beat them. Regardless, tensions began to mount. In an attempt to help Mew, Giratina offered to help her produce her own offspring, which she accepted. These new offspring would call her their mother, and came to be known as the 'sprites.'"

"Sprites?" Audrey asked with head cocked.

"A type of classification. They are called Sprites because they took on many of Mew's characteristics, namely their small size, as well as a lack of any great responsibility in worldly workings." Kael brought a hand off to count on his claws, "the Sprites include Celebi, Victini, Jirachi, the lake trio, and Meloetta. They are certainly powerful, but they don't have any responsibility like Palkia or Dialga. They kind of just do their own thing."

Kael shook his head. "Anyway, Arceus was beyond angry when he found out that Giratina had let Mew have her own offspring, without his approval, not that he would have approved in the first place. He confronted his brother, claiming that Mew was his by right, and that only he would be allowed to reproduce anymore. Giratina stood up to Arceus, claiming that he had no such right even if he was the eldest. That Mew was and individual with feelings and rights, and she could choose for herself what she did. Infuriated, Arceus called on all of their offspring, known collectively as the Council of Origins. He thought that, with their help, he could overpower his brother and sister and assert his dominance."

"So, imagine his surprise when the Legendaries were torn between the two. Some, like Dialga, Hetran and Palkia, supported Arceus. Others, like Groudon, Yveltal and Kyogre, sided with Giratina instead. Of course, Mew and hers sided with Giratina. With such a split opinion, Giratina knew that open fighting would result in unnecessary injury to many pokemon, both mortal and legendary. So, to avoid this, he challenged Arceus to single combat. A duel."

Kael paused again, taking yet another swig of wine to wet his throat before he continued. "As the stories go, the pair fought for ten days, neither giving the other an inch. Arceus was naturally stronger, being the oldest. But he has spent a long time basking in the admiration of humans and pokemon. Giratina, by contrast, had been working and improving himself constantly while working under his brother. In the end, training beat natural talent, and Giratina won the duel."

"Wait wait wait." Sam waved his hands, finding the story more and more difficult to believe. "You mean to tell me that Giratina, lord of the Distortion realm, won against Arceus?"

"That's how the story goes. Remember Sam, this was near the dawn of creation. The Legendaries were still new, in the grand scheme of things. They were young... or about as young as higher beings could be. Even the Legendaries have flaws, Samwell, remember that." Sam, still doubtful but intrigued at the same time, waved his hand as a signal to continue.

"As victor, Giritna was allowed to choose how things would be run now. He knew that his brother would never stop trying to assert his dominance, and that the fight had created a rift between all the Legendaries. So, he decided that the Council of Origins must be ended. He drained Arceus of a majority of his power, placing it in plates and in the jewel of life. This would keep Arceus from starting anymore wars between the Legendaries. Giratina himself decided it best to find a new home, and did so in the Distortion realm while leaving the Hall of Origins to Arceus. The rest of the council he let free, allowing them to live how and where they saw fit. So many of them roamed the world, finding their own homes or wandering place to place, living how they wished while also upholding any responsibilities they had. "

Kael, with the majority of his speech completed, leaned back into his chair. "Hmm. I think that about covers it. That's the jist of our version of the creation story."

Everyone was silent, musing over the tale just told to them. Even if they might not agree with it, it was undeniably interesting. Many different questions floated through everyone's head, some important and some insignificant. Thinking of one she wanted the answer to, a certain Braixen opened her mouth. "So, why do you follow Giratina?"

"Ahh, that's a good question. Understand that I don't necessarily follow Giratina, as in I don't worship him in the same way the church does Arceus. He is merely my Patron."

She raised a brow at the term. It sounded familiar, but she couldn't place it. "Patron?"

Kael nodded. "That's right. A Patron is simply one of the Legendaries who someone has chosen to... well, not quite worship, but to believe in. It's a difficult thing to explain..." Kael brought a hand to his chin, thinking of how to explain the concept to them. "Well... Think of Meloetta. She's the Patron of a lot of artists and musicians because she embodies the two ideals of music and dance. Uxie is the Patron of scholars since he embodies knowledge. A Patron doesn't necessarily have to be the only Legendary someone believes in. Rather, it's the Legendary who embodies the things they find most important."

Max raised his hand as he spoke. "So if Giratina is your Patron, then what's he embody?"

"Giratina is known as the Father of the Forlorn. He helps comfort and guide those who go through hardships and loss. He promotes acceptance of others, self-sacrifice for the greater good, and humility in his followers."

"How does your family feel about that?" Max asked.

Kael froze, looking uncharacteristically shocked. His eyes fogged over for a moment, staring ahead as something played in his mind. It was very unusual for the usually laid-back and mellow dark-type. But a second later, he was back to normal, flashing a friendly-if somewhat strained smile- and answered. "They support it. It's actually quite common in Unova to worship and follow any Legendary one chooses. Or all of them. Or none of them. It's very free and accepting of one's spiritual views."

"That sounds cool! I wanna meet your family some time. They sound neat!" Max stood in his chair, arms stretched out on either side of his head. "Can I pick a Patron? What do I gotta do to do that?"

"You can absolutely do that Max. I encourage it actually. I find having something to believe in helps us through our darker moments. As for what you have to do, well that's up to you and how much you want to do."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, ones spirituality is a personal matter. How open and expressive you are about it is your choice. Who you choose is also something only you can decided. As for practicing it, that will be based on your preference. For example, the Golden Wheel likes to put on complex rituals involving a lot of pomp and ceremony and material things. Which makes sense, as one of Arceus' attributes is pride in oneself. For contrast, Giratina followers usually don't have large ceremonies. A simple thanks or prayer in private is usually all that we do, reflecting humility. Whether you do one, the other, or somewhere in between will depend on you and you Patron."

"Ooooh. Who should I choose? Rayquaza? Or maybe Dialga? Oh oh, how about..."

Max began to jump up and down excitedly, listing off the various Legendaries he thought he might like. The others added their voices, and eventually everyone was offering advice on the subject to the excitable Riolu, much to his pleasure.

It was Elizabeth who, in the middle of the chatter of everyone else, noticed Kael was acting... off, as far as she knew. He cupped his glass with both hands, sitting it in his lap as he stared at his reflection in the deep red liquid. He had a blank look on his face, not uttering a peep nor moving. In fact, he seemed very somber in the middle of a lively, warm environment. Deciding to see what was on his mind, she reached out a hand to lay it on his. "Kael? Is something the matter?"

She felt him seize up, almost as if her touch had harmed him. He jerked his head up, staring at her in surprise. His eyes, she noticed, were... subdued. They lacked the lively, almost glowing energy they normally had. It took him only a second to shake his head, bringing a hand up to rub his face with it. "S-sorry," he mumbled, "I'm fine. Just a little tired is all."

The firefox wasn't convinced. "You know you can ask for help if you need it Kael. We can help you back to your room. You're our friend after all."

Some emotion flickered across his face, quick enough that she couldn't figure out what it was. He brought his glass to his lips and downed the rest of the glass before setting it to the side. "Thank you, but I should be fine on my own." He stood, gripping his side as he did so, and made his way to the door. Everyone stopped and watched, once again concerned with the wounded Zoroark. Selina made to stand, but Letholdus stopped her with a hand, shaking his head when she turned to look at him. Begrudgingly, she sat, although that did not stop her from watching the scene before them. Luìs, still laying with a leg over the chair arm, simply looked to the side, a frown on his face.

"O-oh." Elizabeth mumbled. She hadn't expected him to get up so suddenly. Was it something she said? Either way, she stood and held the hands in front of her. "I could help you if you like?"

Kael stopped at the door, hand on the handle, and did not turn to meet her eyes. He stayed still for a moment, perhaps thinking over a response, until he decided on what he wanted to say. "I appreciate it Princess, but I should be capable of getting to my chambers on my own. I wouldn't want to ruin anyone's night more than I already have." His grip tightened on the door handle. "I bid you all good night. I'll see you in the morning."

With that, he opened the door and slipped out, clicking it shut behind him. Everyone was silent, somewhat upset at the Zoroark's hasty exit. Something told Elizabeth that something was wrong. Perhaps it was her psychic powers, or perhaps it was simply her intuition. Whatever it was, she went and opened the door, fully intending to help him to his room at the very least. But much to her surprise, the hallway was empty when she opened the door. She leaned out, looking down either side to see if she could spot Kael, but with no such luck.

She was confused. He had visible trouble with simply walking when he had arrived. She couldn't fathom how he had managed to up and disappear from a long hallway in the ten or so seconds she had taken to open the door after him. The confusion didn't help at all with he already being worried about him. So, to check on him and ease her own fears, she excused herself from the room, and made her way to Kael's guest room. Surely she would spot him on the way, or catch him before he fell asleep.

Why?

Why did he have to go and say that?

It wasn't his fault. After all, how could he know?

Kael, arm clutched to his side, thought to himself as he reached his room. In the back of his mind, he was thankful for his illusion powers. He had heard a door open behind him on his way here, and whoever it was would have surely seen him without his powers.

He slipped inside his room and shut and locked it immediately. Here, in the safety and privacy of his room, he could deal with the pain.

His chest ached, a deep pain that was worse than any physical ailment he had ever known. He made his way to the chest against the wall, and began to dig through it. It was hard, considering the room was pitch black save for the slivers of moonlight, and harder still with the tears in his eyes.

It wasn't Max's fault. He had no malicious intent when he had brought up Kael's family. He was just a sweet, genuine kid who was just curious. Who just wanted to know Kael better.

Who reminded Kael so much of Inir.

The tears were getting worse now, and began to slide down his cheeks. The mention of his family, the similarities, the genuine warmth. It all brought back memories that he had tried so hard to keep buried. But it seemed that, despite his sincerest efforts, they could return to haunt him still.

The memories danced in his mind, an amalgamation of his earlier life. They strung together, one leading into the next with no sense of time or connection. They just came, bombarding and drowning and crushing him with their emotional weight.

Two Zorua, one larger than the other, and a Pichu running around outside, laughing as they tackled and tagged each other. A Zoroark and Raichu laughed as they watched from a distance...

A Zoroark, this time with the lines of age evident on her face, shouting and screaming at him with a wild look in her eyes...

A Mienfoo and Oshawott, each holding a hand out to him, smiles on their faces...

A Raichu and Zoroark, each with fire in their eyes, stood and screamed at each other, the vision marred by his tears as he watched from around a corner...

The amused expression of the Pichu, and slightly annoyed expression of the smaller Zorua as he helped them dress in formal attire for their first ball...

The empty, unfeeling face of a young Zorua as he tried to breathe through the sickening scent of lilacs and lilies, starring at the three coffins, two of which were far too small, smaller than a coffin should ever be...

If the vision weren't enough, the voices were what clinched it. He could still here them, clear as if they were being said at that very moment. He couldn't decide which he hated more.

"You look great sis! Oh, Inir, that's not how you put that on! C'mere and let me help you..."

"This is ALL YOUR FAULT!"

"Thanks for your help. If you'd like, we would happily call you our friend..."

"I'm sick of this woman! All you do is work, treat everyone else great, and then treat us like shit! I'm done!"

"Goodbye Sydrea. Goodbye Inir. I'll miss you..."

He was relieved, or as relieved as he could be in his current state, when he found what he was rummaging for. He pulled he two bottles out, one significantly smaller than the other. On was shaped like a classical bottle of liquor, and the other was tiny, with a rounded bottom.

In the back of his mind, he screamed at himself to stop. Alchemical potions were dangerous in their own right on their own. Mixing them with alcohol was very reckless, and just asking for trouble. But he didn't care, not at the moment. All he wanted was to forget, and for the pain and memories to stop.

His face still running with tears and chest still aching, he uncorked the larger bottle and downed a mouthful.

It burned. Sweet Giratina did it burn. It was less like someone has fired Flamethrower into his mouth, and more like he swallowed his own Hyper beam. That was to be expected, as the contents of the bottle were distilled by himself, and probably so strong that it would be illegal to sell it on the market. But the physical pain helped to distract him from the mental and emotional pain, though only for a moment. But it was enough relief to bring the small vial to his lips and down that as well.

Knowing the alcohol would accelerate the potion, he downed more mouthfuls, pausing only to breath. Once he, several swigs later, was convinced that he had drank enough for the desired results, he capped the bottle and tossed it back into his chest. With nothing more to do but wait, he sat on his bed and tried to keep himself together.

His shoulders shook with silent sobs as he buried his face in his hands. He'd only need to endure a few more minutes before the potion took effect, and he could slip into blissful unconsciousness. Then he could go about his day tomorrow when things were back to normal.

He was surprised, then, to hear a knock on his door at such a late hour.

He bit his lip, tasting the copper, metallic tang of blood, as he tried to silence himself despite the fact he wasn't making all that much noise to begin with. A familiar voice, soft and feminine, carried through the door. It asked him if he was awake. If he needed anything. If he was alright.

He recognized the voice, the same one that sent Butterfry fluttering through his stomach. The same one that brought both fear and joy to his mind. It brought so many thoughts and emotions to his head it hurt. Part of him wanted to open the door to let her in. He enjoyed her company, and she seemed to enjoy his. It would be nice to have some company in such a miserable state.

How long had it been? Since he'd shared his pain and sorrow with another pokemon? Since he'd bared he soul to someone? Too long, as he couldn't remember the last time he had done it. And he was sure that she'd understand. She was intelligent, sweet but certainly not afraid to get her hands dirty, if her punch was any indication. She seemed genuine, both as a individual and friend. Surely she would understand and help him?

But no, he convinced himself as his hand hovered over the door handle. She was wonderful, but she was also safer away from him. Tonight's events had reminded him of his place in the world. What others thought of him. What would they do, he wondered, if they caught her with him? And then there was his plans. The support of the King and Queen. The whole operation would be dangerous for everyone involved. Keeping her at arm's length, away from him, would ensure she would remain safe when what he knew was coming finally came.

He was frozen between two option, thoughts and worries and fears all running through his head he almost forgot where he was. He shook his head, having reached a decision, and would not let his running thoughts sway him. Bringing his hand to his face, he opened his jaws and bit.

He felt his fangs slice into his own flesh as crimson liquid splattered into his mouth, the metallic taste returning in force. He had little doubt that this would leave scar. But the pain he caused himself brought him a moment of clarity, a silence to all the thoughts in his strained mind. The voiced asked again, hesitantly, as if wondering if anyone could hear her.

Thankfully, it was at that moment that things began to blur. The alcohol and potion had begun to take effect, and Kael couldn't go back on his decision now. Fangs still embedded into his hand, he stumbled back into his bed, everything growing fuzzy. He made himself as comfortable and normal looking as possible, in case anyone snooped into his room again.

As everything became fuzzier, and he was on the edge of unconsciousness, he saw one more memory. This one was old, perhaps one of his oldest, and it held special significance to him.

A Zorua lied in his bed, looking much much younger than any other time he remembered. His smaller counterpart curled into his side snoozing peacefully. In the eldest's arms was a baby Pichu, no more than a year old, sucking on a digit while wrapped in a blanket. He hugged her close, making sure she was secure and warm and comfortable. As both he and the Zorua were about to fall asleep, he heard a distant voice that sounded very familiar...

"Don't worry you two. There's nothing to be afraid of, cause Big brothers here. I'll protect you guys no matter what." The Zorua turned to kiss each on their forehead before settling in himself, smiling happily, with not a worry in the world.

"I love you guys."