I'm Aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Well, sorta kinda.

First off, wow I didn't expect to drop this for so long. I sincerely apologize for that. Several things in life poped up that kept me from continuing this more regularly. They include:

1)School

2)Getting a Full-Time Job

3)Dealing with family issues.

4)Re-planning the storyboard for this about 7 times (Literally)

5)My Current deployment.

Soo... yeah. You can see why I've been gone so long.

But as things stand now, I will have the time and ability to resume this story at a more regular, decent schedule. (And even if not, I won't ever stop til this is done. No matter how long it may take.)

Also, I commissioned a cover art for this story from my friend! It's real neato, methinks

So, with that out of the way, I hope this chapter isn't too rough as I get back into my writing flow.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy!

Prince Leonard was not a handsome Pokémon.

But that hardly mattered! What the blaziken lacked in pure looks he made up for in wit, charm, and charisma. As Elizabeth saw him standing in the foyer, she couldn't help but be enamored by the arriving royalty. Her large ears could pick out his conversation with some other nobility, along with his short laugh after saying something amusing. She could easily hear his singing voice behind his talking voice, and she thought that both must be equally pleasant to listen to.

In that moment, at her first sight of Leonard, the braixen suddenly felt nervous. In any other circumstance, she might have had more courage and more easily kept her cool. But the ridiculous dress she was stuffed into was the opposite of comforting. While frilly and flashy, adorned with jewels, frills, lace, feathers, and a few other trinkets often seen in a courtly outfit, the thing also seemed to add thirty pounds to her in unflattering places. Elizabeth was a naturally pretty girl, but dolled up as she was, some might have had a hard time seeing that.

She walked next to her brother, just behind her parents, and all of them were properly attired for receiving a guest of noble blood. Sam and Audrey would be busy until the feast actually started, and she hadn't seen hide nor hair of Kael or Selina all day. Nor Letholdus or Luis for that matter now that she thought about it. She quickly threw the thoughts out as they descended the stairs and were announced to those in attendance. More than likely the Unovan guests would be attending the feast as some point or another. And besides, Elizabeth had more important matters on her mind at the moment!

So caught up in her thoughts was the girl that she had missed whatever pleasantries and greetings had been exchanged between her parents and the blaziken. She focused back into reality just as Leonard was saying something to Max while shaking his hand. She had a moment to look him over, and couldn't deny that he looked good, although perhaps a little underwhelming compared to his reputation. The green overcoat her wore was a nice contrast to his naturally bright colors, while the pale violet ascot he wore also added a pleasant addition to his look. The gold thread lining the edges and buttons of his coat were a nice finish to his aesthetic. Very appealing overall.

She heard her father introduce her formally to the young male, and her throat clenched up when she tried to open it so speak. Flustered, she swallowed and tried again, with only marginal success. "G-greetings. Prince. Prince L-Leonard." Gripping the edges of her annoyingly large skirt, she curtsied as protocol dictated. She felt tense, fearing that the slightest slip up may embarrass her beyond recovery.

But Leonard simply smiled at her. Reaching out, he took her hand and bowed, bringing his face close enough to kiss the back of it, longer than was normally expected, before looking up at her. "The pleasure is mine Princess. I am Prince Leonard Jansen, and it is a true treat to make your acquaintance." He threw in a wink as he looked up at her, and Elizabeth felt her face begin to heat up. While he didn't break etiquette, the kiss and wink were very forward of him, and Elizabeth could already imagine the look her parents were sending Leonard. She was as embarrassed by the act almost as much as she was for him doing it in front of her parents.

Nodding, she withdrew her hand and folded them in front of her. She snuck a glance at her parents, trying to see their reaction. Her father, while maintaining his regal demeanor, had a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. Her mother, on the other hand, looked completely neutral, only eyeing the blaziken curiously, face as unreadable as ever. Max's focus was elsewhere, looking around at the crowd, wholly uninterested in what was going on with his sister.

Her father cleared his throat, this time in a manner of someone taking control of a situation. "Please, Prince Leonard. Do come and enjoy some Kalosian hospitality." Her held is arm out to the side, indicating the dining hall and what Elizabeth was sure would be an impressive spread of food. While his he was perfectly friendly, Elizabeth thought she heard something...off, in his voice. Or was that her imagination?

Regardless, Leonard didn't seem to detect anything of the sort. "You are very kind, your highness." Nodding in thanks, the blaziken allowed himself to be lead away by the king, with the rest of the royal family following. Seeing their monarch headed to the hall, the rest of the scattered nobility soon followed, everyone filling into the spacious dining area. With the same seating arrangement as last time, it was a simple matter to find her assigned seat.

Or, at least that was what Elizabeth thought. When Leonard sat next to her, her own seat being moved next to her mother with Max on her other side, she couldn't help but pause. Kael had sat next to her the last banquet, and she was expecting that to remain the same. Looking past the fire-type, she noticed an empty seat on the opposite side of Max. Initially put off, she thought it over and it made sense. Leonard was here to court her (or, more accurately, investigate courting her.), and so sitting next to her only made sense. Kael had made no such announcements, and so sitting next to her wouldn't be quite as...'important' in the eyes of etiquette and formality.

Seating herself, with Leonard one side and her father on the other, she looked up at the announcement that the herald in the hall made.

"Prince Kael'themar, Crown Prince of Unova."

The braixen stained her eyes and, sure enough, found the familiar black fox enter the hall. Selena, herself dressed in a dress similar, although much less weighty and flashy compared to her own walked beside him. Kael was dressed in the same rich clothing he wore the first banquet, although she noticed him nursing one side. Elizabeth felt a twang of concern, seeing the zoroark still hurt. She might have even rose to help him to the table as Selena broke off to sit with the rest of the knights, had Leonard not placed a hand on her own.

"Princess," he spoke up, looking to her with a smile, "I do very much appreciate the hospitality and warmth you and your family has shown me." Elizabeth all but whipped her head sideways at the contact. And she felt her face flush at the handsome smile shot her way. She looked off to the side as she thought up a response.

"Ahh...It's nothing. This is fairly standard stuff. Not that you aren't important! I'm sure we've made special arrangements just for you! It's just we are used to receiving noble guests. Not that I'm trying to make us sound all important but..." The fox blabbered on for several seconds, tripping over her own words in an attempt to not embarrass herself in front of her new guest. Only when Leonard laughed did she snap out of her ramblings did she manage to close her mouth and focus back on Leonard.

"Princess" he managed after his short chuckle, "no need to be so flustered my dear. It is enough to simply be here with you and your lovely family." If he noticed the increase of color to her face, he gave no indication. Instead he simply smiled again, removing his hand as he turned his attention back to their surroundings.

Thankfully, the beginnings of the meal were being served. As various staff began serving soup and other appetizers, Elizabeth allowed herself a look around. Most of the assembled royalty were minding their own business, largely keeping to themselves and their gossip. Kael's knights also remained rather isolated, although she could see Selina sneaking glances at her and Kael. But try as she might, she couldn't get the fighting-type to hold eye contact.

Trying to put it from her mind, she and everyone began to eat. Leonard, for his part, alternating between eating his food and chatting, occasionally with Max and Elizabeth, but more so to everyone nearby who would listen. The braixen learned that he was eldest son of the royal family, and in line to inherit the throne. He went on at length about himself, revealing his love of the arts, fashion, and fine foods. As he spoke, occasionally punctuated with pauses to eat, Elizabeth had to emit he was a natural auditor. He effortlessly drew the attention of his crowd, knowing when and how to say what he wanted in order to keep others enthralled.

As much as she enjoyed listening, Elizabeth couldn't help but keep tabs on her friends as they all moved onto the main course. Max seemed totally concentrated on the blaziken, for better or worse. Her parents seemed no different from normal, which was to say they revealed very little of how they may actually feel. The knights were mixed, as Luís and Letholdus seemed to listen intently, while Juno and Selina seemed indifferent.

What surprised her was Kael.

The fox hadn't said a word all evening. He had nodded his greeting upon arrival but had made no attempt to engage in conversation with anyone. In fact, if Elizabeth hadn't seen him come in, she wouldn't have known he was there at all. The ebony fox ate his meal in complete silence, keeping his eyes down and seeking no social interaction. It was rather off-putting, considering how approachable he had seemed the last time.

Elizabeth had half a mind to approach the zoroark herself. But a laugh of the surrounding nobility drew the attention back to the pair of fire-types. Elizabeth turned to look at Leonard and smiled, pretending to laugh along with the rest. As the blaziken continued on with whatever joke or tale he was telling, the braxien made a mental note to approach Kael when the opportunity presented itself.

An hour or so later found most of the assembled nobles and guests finished with the main course, most simply picking at provided sweet deserts and dishes. The night was still young however and having such a guest warranted more than a simple lavish meal. Once most were finished eating and were letting their meals settle, a small group of musicians entered the dining hall and took up position off to the side, an unoccupied table moved out of the way for them, as well as having a generous space cleared in the middle of the hall. With a nod from the monarchs, the group began to play a lively tune for the assembled nobility.

Many of the guests recognized the tune played as a popular tune played at celebrations, and many rose up to take to the newly-made dance floor. It took little time before dozens were moving and laughing to the jaunty music, a near festive mood filling the room. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she saw so many laughing and enjoying themselves. She even saw her parents stand and make their way to the floor, joining in the dancing.

The young fox herself was surprised to see a hand offered to her from the side. Turning, she felt herself flush as she realized it was Leonard who was offering her his hand. "May I have this dance, M'lady?" He asked with a dazzling smile. Not trusting herself to speak, the fox simply nodded as she took his hand, rising and following him onto the dance floor.

Elizabeth quickly learned that Leonard was just as good a dancer as his reputation made him out to be. The pair whirled in time with the rest of the other dancers, the male leading as Elizabeth, admittedly, wasn't all that proficient at dancing. But Leonard was light on his feet and made for a very impressive partner as he led them in their spinning and whirling.

"I must say," the prince began a few minutes into their dance, neither ceasing their movements, "that this is among the most enjoyable celebrations I've had in all my years. Great food, lively music..." He paused, before smirking and winking at the princess, "and very enjoyable company." If he noticed the rush of blood and heat to the princess' face, he made no obvious indication. Instead, he opted to simply return to focusing on their dance.

Elizabeth's thoughts were a whirlwind. So many various emotions vied for domination of her mind and mood, and as a result she had difficulty putting what she felt into words. Of course, she felt obvious ones like excitement and nerves and joy at the celebration and attention from the foreign prince. And some things like curiosity about him and a bit of affection for him were also there.

Most curiously, she felt a bit of sadness occasionally bubble up. Particularly when she thought about Kael. In the middle of a twirl, the fire fox glanced over to the table where her and her family were sitting earlier. And in a sight that cracked her heart a little, she did indeed see the zoroark sitting there, face down as he ate, expressing all the emotions one might find in a mask of onyx. He didn't seem even remotely interested in anything going on around him. The braixen couldn't help but feel that something was bothering him, although she had nothing solid to back that thought up with.

As her thought and view were torn away be the reminder that she was in the middle of a dance, surrounded by other dancing nobles, Elizabeth made a mental note to herself. She would, at some point, approach Kael and see what was wrong with him. He certainly seemed out of sorts tonight, and maybe a friendly face could cheer him up.

He certainly looked much better when he was happy

The scene in the kitchen was one of moving bodies, cooked goods and loud chatter. Waiters and servers moved to and fro, returning empty platters, only to leave with freshly loaded ones. Cooks and chefs toiled away at their stations, making more of whatever they needed or was in demand. Younger apprentices dashed between their elders, removing excess baking supplies and helping prepare what they could.

In the midst of all the commotion, a buneary bounced between bodies and stations with a surprising grace. Audrey never was in one place too long, only enough to get what she needed done. A taste test here, an added dash of spice there. The normal type knew just what needed to be done where, almost effortlessly. And if the expressions of the other kitchen-workers were any indication, her efforts were well appreciated.

As she finished putting a finishing touch on a dish on its way out, the rabbit allowed herself a pause. She couldn't see anything that needed her immediate attention, which allowed her a few minutes of respite. As she leaned against a empty counter, she allowed herself a smile and sigh, feeling proud for the feats going as smoothly as it was.

"Audrey!"

She turned, and curiously found Cecelia near the main door leading into a hallway that connected the kitchens to the dining hall. Righting herself, she bound over to stand in front of the Head Cook. "Yes? Is something the matter?" She asked in concern.

The slurpuff offered her a soft smile, one that was more to comfort than show joy. "Sorry hun. One of the nobles seemed to have taking a liking to one of your dishes and asked to see the one responsible for it." She offered a tired shrug. "You know how these nobles can be. Best not to keep them waiting. They're off at the end of the hall hun. Now don't you worry about hurrying back. I'll hold things down here. You go deal with this noble now~"

Only able to nod in understanding, Audrey paused on her way out to remove her apron and was her paws in a water basin near the door before moving out in the hall. She looked down both sides, and immediately spotted who she, assumed, was looking for her. The noble, if indeed that's who it was, seemed to be about her size, facing away from her and peeking out into the main dining area. Not wanting to waste any time, Audrey made her way over, clearing her throat when she arrived behind the noble, who was still occupied looking out into the dining hall. "You uh...wanted to see me?"

The noble, who's species she couldn't make out because of vest, scarf and hood they wore, nodded and spoke in an almost comedically low voice. "Yes. You're someone I've been looking for all evening."

Audrey felt her ears droop a bit at that statement. It was usually either very good or very bad that a member of nobility came looking for a staff member like herself. She swallowed the lump she suddenly found in her throat and made to speak. "Y-you have? If I've done anything wrong, or something is not to your liking, I'd be happy to go back and make you something that's more your taste. Just let me..." She trailed off as the mystery individual turned around and dropped the hood it wore.

"Actually, I loved it all, as usual. I was actually just looking to see you~"

"LUCK!"

The "noble" had turned out to actually be the furret in disguise. With her hood dropped, the familiar scarf and hat were easily noticeable. She now wore a sleeveless vest, one that was a bright reflective ruby red with yellow trim, but had several flaps on the inside, each a different color. The furret only snickered and finished off a pastry she had been nibbling while she watched through the door. "Sewiously," she managed through a full mouth, "dees tings are da bess."

Audrey was shocked to say the least.

"Luck! What are you doing!?" She cried, ignoring the furret's cheeky comment, "you're not nobility! You can get in serious trouble! Here, come with me and we can take all this off and-"

"Hey now," Luck interrupted, hands on her hips and lips curled into a smirk. "That's a bit presumptuous, don'tcha think?" She paused to reach up and swipe off her beloved hat, flourishing it as she bowed lowly. "I DO happen to be nobility~"

The rabbit deadpanned at her friend. "Luck, the only way you're nobility is if you're recognized as the Queen of con-men."

"Hey, that doesn't sound half bad~" The furret, returning her hat to her head, tapped her chin with a paw for a few seconds as she considered the comment. Eventually though, she shook her head and refocused. "But no, that's not what I meant. Tonight, I am Lady Evelynn, Baroness of the Grasslands~"

The furret took a pose that Audrey was sure she thought was striking and noble, but in reality was more silly than striking. Heaving a sigh, the buneary dragged a paw down her face in exasperation. "Alright. I'll bite. What are you on about?"

"What I am on about, my fine fluffy friend, is that tonight I shall be dining and socializing with the upper crust of society! I have recently discovered I am of noble birth, long lost heir to the nobility of eastern Johto, and have come here to establish myself with the rest of societies finest~"

A whole five seconds passed before Audrey spoke up, a warning tone in her voice making it clear she wasn't buying what the ferret was selling. "Luuuuuck..."

Offering a shaky smile, Luck finally sighed and let her head and arms droop in defeat. "Oh alright. So...I may have wanted to come to this party, and I may have designed some clothes to make others believe I'm noble. And the Baroness thing is just to get people to believe me, since not a whole lot of Johto nobles are attending here."

Audrey, eyeing her friend in disapproval, simply shook her head. "Luck...What am I going to do with you?"

"Feed me more of your delicious cooking?"

"Don't try and sweet-talk your way out of this one, missy"

"Awww..."

Reaching out to grab Luck's hand, Audrey began to drag her back to the kitchens. "We'll take this costume off of you, then you're going to get a stern talking too, missy. What would Liz say if she saw you like this?"

"Well, she seemed alright with it when I told her"

Jerking to a halt, the buneary turned to look at her companion with wide, boggled eyes. "WHAT!?"

"Oh yeah, she was on board with it. Said it would make things more fun. In fact, she suggested the second part of my plan too~"

With one eye twitching, the cook simply stared as she processed the information that Elizabeth was on bored with this plan. "And...what, pray tell...is the second part?"

Reaching behind her, Luck jumped forward to throw something onto her rabbit friend. Audrey closed her eyes as she felt several things placed on her person. Holding still, she waited until Luck backed off to open her eyes. Looking herself over, she found she was now wearing a dark blue scarff, threaded and lined with what looked like gold. A silver medalion hung around her neck, and a gold braclet lined with gemstones clung to her right wrist.

"What is all this Luck?"

"This is only fitting for the companion of nobility~ Because-" The cunning furret leaned in to grin at her rabbit friend, "-you are going to be my companion, wing-woman, and date for the evening~"

Audrey barley had time to gawk at the smirking ferret before she found herself being pulled back down the hallway, towards the ongoing festivities.

"I DIDN'T AGREE TO THIS!"

Despite dancing for the better part of an hour and her feet becoming rather sore, Elizabeth really did enjoy it. She would have sworn, in the middle of it all, she saw a smirking Luck dancing with a very nervous looking Audrey. But she managed to remove the thought from her mind after a few moments.

Eventually, the dancing had boiled down, most taking a break to sit and return to their food and drink. Leonard and Elizabeth were no exception. But rather than remain quiet and eat, Leornard began to speak as he ate.

Elizabeth had to admit, the blaziken was a natural orator. In between his bites of food or swings of drink, he regaled nearly the whole hall with stories, seated in front of his table, with the rest f the hall gathering around him to hear. The royal made such a task look trivial, as if he were a professional bard since birth. Youngsters and elders sat with rapt attention, clinging to every word Leonard spoke in his smooth voice.

And the royal family was no exception.

"...and so I looked to the merchant and said 'That's no drunkard, that's my uncle!'" Leonard slapped his leg and laughed, along with the rest of those in attendance. Max laughed openly, Elizabeth tittered behind her hand, and even her parents chuckled along with the rest. The only one who seemed to not be enjoying the affair was a certain zoroark, who continued to keep to himself.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Prince Leonard reached over to grab a jug and refill his goblet. "Ah, such as it is with my uncle. Great politician, but his social outings are always events in and of themselves." Taking a swig, he let out a pleased sigh, readjusting himself in his seat with one leg resting on his knee. "Although, to be fair, that was one of the most memorable birthday parties I've ever been to~"

"Another!"

"Do tell another story, your highness!"

"Aye! One more!"

Various other cries for more filled the room, and the Blaziken had to wave down the crowd in order to be heard above the ruckus. "Alright, Alright! One more story." His statement was met with positive response, and he taped a claw to his chin in thought. "Hmm, what to choose next...Any input, Princess Elizabeth?" Glancing over to the braixen, he saw her staring off to the side. Following her look, he saw Kael still in his seat, quietly cutting his food.

Elizabeth, shaken from her thoughts by a nudge to her arm from her brother, blinked and looked back at her guest. She offered a shaky smile as her ears drooped and face burned in embarrassment, "O-oh. I'm sorry Leonrad. What was that?"

Laughing a little, the blaziken shook his head. "I was asking if you have a preference to my next story. But I do believe you've already helped me think of one." He rose his voice now, going back to his orator voice that could be heard clearly throughout the hall. "This story is one of Bravery, of Valor, and of facing the unknown!"

Much of the crowd leaned in, drawn in by the enticing story yet to be told. Max, seated next to his sister now, grinned as his tail wagged obliviously. "What is it Leonard? It sounds amazing!"

The fire-type nodded, taking one last swig of his drink, adjusted himself once more before speaking. "Indeed it is Maxwell. For you see, this comes from my personal experience." He leaned in, grinning theatrically. "This, my friends... is the story of when I set off to hunt Ferals."

Every sound in the hall abruptly, even those who were occupied with other tasks. One could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. Leonard, seemingly pleased at having gained everyone's attention, grinned and looked around at the various faces of his crowd.

Max was the one to break the silence. "Hunt Ferals? I'm...not sure I know what that means."

Nodding, Leonard continued. "You see Maxwell, there are two different types of Pokemon nowadays. One is the ones like you and me, the normal ones who live in civilized society. The others...are what we call Ferals."

"You see Maxwell, we all know that the race called Humans vanished thousands of years ago during a war between them. Much of their history and culture was destroyed by whatever powers they used. But something they did leave plenty of behind is sites of mass destruction. Now that may not be bad in itself, but the pokemon who lived near these sites soon...changed."

A pause to drink, then he continued. "As time went on, the pokemon near these sites began to get more aggressive, less...civilized. Now at first, that would seem like something that can be worked around. But generation after generation of this has resulted in what is known as Ferals: Pokemon who have gone completely savage. They have no sense of diplomacy or decency, no culture, and no organization. They seemingly have lost their minds, but have gotten physically stronger from living as savages. They are some of the most dangerous beings one can possibly encounter." Leonard paused, and leaned in with a gleam in his eye. "And I hunted one."

Low murmuring broke out all around the hall. Hunting Ferals? Such a thing was something reserved for the bravest and strongest of souls, and even there only rarely. The chatter continued until Leonard waved them down. "Yes yes, I know. You might think it insane of me. But it was my duty to do it."

Elizabeth spoke up now, face filled with curiosity. "How do you mean?"

"Well you see Princess, we had gotten reports of a Feral causing havoc along the roads of Route 15. Normally, banditry would be taken care of by the local authorities or a detachment of knights. But something like this...well, how could I expect my soldiers to do something so dangerous while I sat back? No, this demanded my personal attention. So, with a dozen knights with me, we headed out to the edges of my kingdom to hunt down this menace."

"For 2 week we trekked until we reached the Route. But the sightings had be all along the stretch of road, so we decided to fan out and search." At this point, Leonard began to add in motions and stress to his words, as if to emulate the struggle he had gone through. "For hours, I searched for this menace, crawling and cutting through thick foliage. At times I couldn't tell which way I had come from, and sometimes I mistook a shadow for my target. But after sometime I decided to break, and recollect myself. But as I did, I heard a deep, menacing growl." Now Leonard began to drop his voice, growing quieter and quieter. "I followed it until I was sure it was coming from the other side of a ridge. Thinking it to be one of my knights, I approached it. But the closer I got, the more unsure I became. But I decided to drive on, to find and attack the beast before it could harm any of my colleagues. Until, as i jumped over the ridge..."

THWUMP

Leonard slammed his hand onto the nearby table, causing everyone who had leaned in as he lowered his voice to jump. Elizabeth and several others who were especially absorbed in the story, actually almost jumped out of their seats. As everyone collected themselves from the spook, Leonard refilled his goblet again, a smug smile on his face.

"Well? What happened next?" came one voice, shortly followed by the rest in attendance.

"What happened?" The blaziken repeated. "Well, I found the Feral." I grinned and held up two of his claws. "The beasts turned out to be two young children, playing the woods with an old horn that made the growls~"

Everyone, including Leonard himself, burst out into fits of laughter at the unexpected end to the tale. For a few minutes, simple mirth filled the room as sides were held and tears shed. Eventually, the laughter died down and everyone regained their wits. Max, who had climbed back onto his chair after falling off in laughter, spoke up to nobody in particular. "Heh. That's not exactly how I thought that story would end."

"Imagine how I felt" Leonard commented, nibbling the last of a berry on his plate.

"Even though it wasn't a Feral, you were still quite brave," Elizabeth found herself saying. Immediately embarrassed with how that could be taken, she attempted to correct herself. "I-I mean. You went on even though you were alone, and not sure what you were facing. That takes courage." The new statement did not cool her burning face, although it did earn her a charming smile from the blaziken.

"Well, my story of hunting Ferals did come to a rather...anticlimactic conclusion. However, I'm sure there is a certain someone here who has actually been brave enough to hunt the beasts." The crowd looked to each other in confusion, thinking and failing to come up with someone who could top the Prince's tale. Luckily, the fire-type spoke up again, addressing the individual he was referring to.

"How about it, Prince Kale'themar?"

Elizabeth whipped her head around so fast, she would have been surprised she didn't get whip-lash, were she paying attention to such things. Everyone else followed suit, looking over towards the fox who, for the entirety of the evening, had not uttered a single word. Kael paused, a berry caught between two claws and halfway to his mouth as he froze, only to lower it and turn to meet Leonard's look.

The foreign Prince continued. "I've never had the pleasure, but I'm sure you have had the opportunity. Regale us, my friend. You've hunted Ferals before, yes?"

The fox spoke, never looking away from his royal counterpart. "Aye, I have."

"Ah! Wonderful. Do tell, was it one as exciting and grand as mine?"

"No."

"What? My friend, surely you jest? I've heard of a place in Unova that is the perfect place to hunt those beast. I believe you call it... The Dead City?"

"Nobody goes to The Dead City." Kael's response was short, direct, and hard as a steel-type. "Only those who are beyond desperate or suicidal venture to that place."

"Well, that I can believe." Leonard leaned forward, seemingly intent on having Kael share his own story. "Come now Kael'themar. I've warmed them up, so you've got a whole crowd ready to hear your tale of triumph. Did you lead a band of twenty strong? Did your claws taste Feral blood? Did you hang your trophy above your mantle? We're all quite eager and ready to for you to tell-"

CLANK

Leonard was cut off as Kael slammed his hands down on the table, making his silverware and plate jump. Everyone gave him a look of surprise, Elizabeth and Max especially. The zoroark let the silence hang only a moment before speaking. "Mine is no fit tale for such company." He stood, hands still planted firmly on the table and face gone back to that familiar ebony mask. "Nor do I wish to tell it. And that's all I have left to say on the matter."

Without allowing anyone time to respond, the dark-type turned and bowed to the King and Queen. "Your Majesties." Turning, Kael stalked off to the nearest exit, leaving without so much as a word otherwise. Everyone in attendance had mixed emotions and expressions about the Unovan's sudden departure. Many of them confused or distasteful.

Leonard, on the other hand, surprised everyone by raising his goblet towards the door Kael had gone though. "I like him," he said simply, drawing the looks of many others. "Humility is a fine but too rare virtue, one I respect in a pokemon. Cheers to Kael'themar~"

As he downed his drink, Max spoke up in confusion. "Humility? What about that was humble?"

Putting aside his drink-ware aside and wiping his beak, the older pokemon turned to the riolu. "You must learn to read in-between the lines my friend, see what isn't said. Admitting to one of the most honorable and dangerous pastimes in our history, but not wanting to speak of it? To me, that says something went wrong. Horribly at that. Now, I don't know about you, but saying he did but inferring he failed is a rather bold thing to do, and there are fewer things humbler than admitting one's faults."

Max nodded slowly, taking in Leonard's point, while many others nodded along. Elizabeth, however, was now staring off into space.

The end of the night came soon after that. The hall was cleared, Max lead Leonard to his guest chambers, and everyone turned in for the night. But sleep came slowly for the resident Princess. Tossing and turning in her bed, various thoughts swirled around in her head, making peace of mind seem all but attainable.

Leonard seemed rather charming, that much was obvious. Tonight, was a good first impression on his part, and part of her was excited to see just how the next few days would go with him in the castle. Another part of her worried about how he saw her. Was she what he was expecting? He seemed rather flirty to her at times, but then again, that could be her imagination. And yet another part of her began to devise ways to appear more desirable in his eyes.

As minutes drew to hours and she went through the long list of thoughts that needed her attention and closure on, Elizabeth began to relax and drift off, exhaustion beginning to creep up on her. However, the last thoughts she had before un-consciousness took her were some of the most interesting, and potentially disturbing.

Kael

The zoroark had been rather anti-social at dinner. What's more, he seemed borderline rude to everyone in his behavior just before departing. It seemed rather conflicting with how he had acted recently, and it got Elizabeth thinking.

Why was Kael so touchy about Leonard's prodding? It was all in innocent good fun.

As her mind began to shut down, a fact all but leapt out at her:

Leonard had called Kael humble, because the fox had had a failed hunt.

That simple fact, simple statement, lead to a hug question in the braixen's mind.

What had to have happened for Kael to stonewall everyone in public like that?

What happened to make him want to hide it, like he's ashamed?

How wrong would things have had to have gone? What could he have possibly lost?

As usual, feel free to leave any constructive criticism you have. It would be valuable as I re-ignite my writing desire.

Cheers!