"You look nice."

It was a strange sort of thing for him to hear. N never could get used to his daddy telling him things like that. Nice things, good things, positive things. All the time, he was called beautiful for his appearance, and it bothered him. It was just a word, but the way it was said-

"Thank you." No, he couldn't let his mind wander like that. There were more important things happening right now. Even if it bothered him, he could swallow it and stomach it, or better yet, just forget about it.

N stood in front of his father's mirror, dressed in clothes he wasn't used to. A long robe draped over his tall frame, covering most of his body. Clothes fit for a king? But they were so plain, just white in color, no decorations or anything elaborate. It's as if his father merely tore a sheet off his bed and threw it around him.

But N smiled, grateful for his father's compliment. So what if it was strange, they were still clothes, and just like everything else, he'd get used to them.

Ghetsis stood behind him, towering over him, dressed in his sage robes, the golden and purple ones. He reached over to hold N in place by his shoulders, bending down behind him until his face was next to his. "Are you ready? Let's go."

N smiled, a genuine smile. "Yes sir." Outside. Finally, outside. Something that used to be a dream, now a reality. It was almost too good to be true, but N embraced it, welcomed it, and smiled as his father led him away from the mirror to his bedroom door, his hand gripping his shoulder tightly to keep N beside him.

Everything was happening too slowly for N. When his father reached forward to grab the handle and turn it, it felt like it lasted for hours, not seconds. He could feel his heart pounding so hard, it almost hurt in his chest, but he was too excited. All the wonder and questions he'd ever thought in his entire life, everything would be okay when he went outside. He'd get to see the castle, look out windows, see trees and flowers and smell the grass again. No, he hadn't completely forgotten anything, and it was like he was being reunited with an old, old friend. Something familiar, now tangible, just in his reach.

When the door swung open, the light from outside blinded him, causing him to flinch and shield his eyes. Such brightness, it was incredible. Gradually, he became accustomed to the light and was able to open his eyes without them watering. The hallway he stood in was bright from the chandeliers that hung above, making the blue and gold colors on the floor seem to sparkle. The hallway stretched on in both directions, leading to staircases that went up and down. If N had to sum up everything in one word, it would be elegant. Pictures, text, everything he'd read and looked at that described castles from the inside, was this. Like his books had come to life, it was-he couldn't even think. The feeling of finally being outside was enough to make his heart soar and he smiled, just smiled like a child being given a new toy.

Even the flowers that lined the hallway, the pink and pretty flowers that he could smell from where he was, was incredible. A sweet, soft smell, so unlike the lavender his father made him bathe with. It was nice.

"It's beautiful."

N couldn't take in his surroundings enough. Every turn of his head, every twitch of his eyes, it felt like he found something new to stare at, even though from a glance, everything looked the same, it was just too much for him. Everything was so new to him, he couldn't stop smiling about every little thing. He wanted to hold his daddy's hand, point at things like a child, and tell him to look, look at that, it's so beautiful, can you believe it? Even though the floor under his bare feet was cold, nothing could put a damper on his mood right then. Things were okay and felt right for once.

As he tried to move forward, his goal being to explore the castle in its entirety, to head to those stairs and look at everything he possibly could, Ghetsis gripped his shoulder, jerking him back. "No." And it was such a simple rejection, but it held the same weight as a physical slap or kick to his stomach might have.

"But-" And he couldn't help it, he just-! N deserved this, he wanted to see everything! Why was daddy being so cruel to him? Hadn't N done everything he was supposed to? Everything Ghetsis wanted, he got, and N handed it over to him against his will, because he wanted to see the outside so bad, he gave up everything for him. Why wasn't that enough?

N could tell he'd made him angry, and he was sorry, but-at the same time, he felt justified. How could daddy do this to him, when everything was right here for N to take? It was...N could feel tears come to his eyes and he was a baby for it, but- "Stop acting like you are, N." Ghetsis's words were spat out like they were layered with poison. They stung, they always hurt, even if he wasn't insulting his son, it never failed that N always felt lower than dirt when his father spoke to him. "Do you really want your subjects to see their future king acting like this? You look like a freak the way you're behaving. You're going to stand by my side and I will escort you where I want you to be, do you understand?"

N felt betrayed by the words, hurt, lied to. But when Ghetsis asked him a question, N was to comply without arguing. If there was anything daddy taught him, it was that his word was law, and whether N liked it or not, if he didn't want to be hurt, he had to abide by those laws. With his smile fading and his excitement, while still there, diminishing, N nodded. "Yes sir."

"Good." Removing his hand from N's shoulder, Ghetsis instead grabbed onto his hand, linking their fingers together. "You will not go anywhere without me unless I tell you otherwise. If you try and leave my side, you will be punished."

N nodded. "Yes sir. I understand." It sickened him how robotic he'd become, but he had no other choice. Ghetsis squeezed his hand tight when they began to walk toward one of the staircases leading upward. N had to walk fast in order to keep up with his daddy's long strides. Despite Ghetsis's threats and warnings, N was able to swallow it down and smile as they walked. This place was still new to him, and he would take in as much of the newness as he could by sight, smell, and feeling. N had to memorize everything right away. Like the chandeliers. Their design was rather simple for a castle, but he wasn't complaining. They brightened the hallway and he could see everything, so unlike his room with the one little lamp. The flowers made everything smell nice and added more color to the golden and blue on the floor. As they neared the staircase, N could feel his smile widen as he spotted a small fountain near the bottom of the stairs. Water poured from a large hole in the wall, and...it looked a little out of place, but it was still unusual and interesting for him to look at. If he wanted, he could've lifted his robes and stepped in the water. It looked fun, but. But Ghetsis would be mad.

The fountain went out of view as Ghetsis led him up the stairs, the light growing dim as they went under an unlit area, but it brightened once again as they came out at the top, another long hallway, this one lined with flags meeting them. The flowers that lined this hallway were more extravagant than the simple pink ones below, and the lights that hung above were more decorative and bright. By looks alone, it appeared this was a more important (if that were the right word) place.

N was given no chance to look around before Ghetsis began walking toward a single large doorway in the middle of the hall, yanking on his hand to get him to follow. A little annoyed his father wouldn't let him stop long enough to gawk at everything, but compliant, N struggled to keep up as they neared the large doorway. From where he was standing, N was completely in awe at that point when he saw the room on the inside. A large, open area with a series of steps and rugs that lead to a single chair could be seen. On either side was a shallow pool of water, bordering the room, sparkling from the lights that hung above.

Ghetsis tugged him forward while N stared at the pool of water. It looked so nice, and his childishness was getting the better of him. He wanted to jump in and splash around, just have some fun.

"Take a seat."

Before N realized it, they had approached the large chair which looked bathed in gold, though that could've just been from the lights. A little hesitant, N seated himself, shifting to get comfortable when Ghetsis finally let go of his hand. The chair was large and if Ghetsis had wanted, he probably could've sat next to him, but instead, he moved to the side, once again nabbing N's shoulder.

"Look at this room, N. I want you to take everything in. Isn't it just like everything you've ever wanted? Haven't you wanted this for a long time?"

N nodded. "Yes sir. It's beautiful."

Stiffening a little, N looked his father in the eye when he bent down until he was leveled with his face. "A castle is no castle without a king. You will be my king too." Leaning forward, Ghetsis kissed him on the mouth. N felt no shame, or disgust, he didn't even flinch. Because this was...normal. Even knowing that Ghetsis's words were lies, N couldn't bring himself to be angry about it, or hurt. He'd known from the start nothing ever happened the way he was told it would. Since childhood, he'd been told of becoming king and ruling over a team of subjects he'd never even laid eyes on. It seemed unnecessary for him to be 'king'. Ghetsis was already barking orders to everyone that he knew of. Anthea, Concordia, the doctor who fixed his arm...they were all ordered by Ghetsis to do that. Not N. If this was about power, Ghetsis had it all, so why bother with something so completely useless?

It didn't make sense to him. But what could he do?

"Ghetsis, I-"

Another voice echoed through the room and instantly, Ghetsis broke away from N, focusing his attention on the man who just entered. N felt his face flush with shame when he spied the man, dressed in dark robes, frozen in mid walk at the doorway, staring at them. Someone saw-someone-

Then, like nothing was wrong, the man straightened his posture and spoke to Ghetsis. "Oh, I apologize, am I interrupting something?"

N could tell his daddy was mad when he too straightened and left his side, walking toward the strange man dressed in dark. "Not at all. I was just showing my son around. Is there something wrong?"

As they spoke, N couldn't help but feel a little jealous hearing the way his father spoke to others. It was almost gentlemanly. There was still an air of authority about him, but still, his tone was much different.

"No sir, nothing is wrong. Your doctor asked me to tell you that he wishes to speak with you when you are not busy."

A long pause as Ghetsis stared at the floor, thinking. Then finally, "I can go there now. Will you stay with N? You can go downstairs and leave him with Anthea and Concordia if you wish."

N's heart fluttered at the thought of both getting to see more of the castle, and not having to be watched and yanked around by his father. The man looked past Ghetsis's frame to glance at N still seated on the throne. "If...it's fine with you, I'll do whatever you ask of me."

"It's fine. Just don't let him run off on his own is all I ask. I'm sure he won't, but he's been acting out today. I wouldn't be surprised if he started barking like a dog and shit on the floor."

N couldn't have felt any lower if he tried. The way his father spoke so lowly of him made him visibly lower his head in shame, but the man began laughing as if his father had told a joke. Even if it were meant that way, it's not how he heard it.

"I am pretty sure the boy's not a barbarian. Would you like for me to bring him to you once you're through?"

"No, just escort him back to his room."

N breathed, not realizing he'd been holding it in. Any moment he didn't have to be with his father, he was grateful. And to get to explore more of the castle made him happy again. The possibilities were endless for him right now, and he couldn't wait to see all he could, experience everything he could, because what if Ghetsis locked him back up for who knew how long? When would N get to come back out? If this were his only chance, he had to make it last and see everything. And maybe a way out-

No.

He slumped in the seat as his father and the other man spoke about nonsensical things, things he could drown out with his own thoughts. He had to stop thinking this way. It would do him no good to keep thinking of escaping when he had already told himself over and over that he wouldn't be able to pull it off. Because this was life, in this castle, living with Ghetsis and Zorua, that was N's life. There would be no outside anymore, no escape. Even if he did manage to pull it off, Ghetsis would find him. N feared that more than anything, because who was to say daddy wouldn't kill him when he found him again?

No matter if N ran away from this place, he knew that somehow, someway, he would never be safe. Ever.

To give up hope made him a little sad, because his life had been about dreaming of leaving, and to throw it away, he was giving up on ever having a future, a future without-this. Thinking about it made him depressed, but he couldn't afford for that to happen. Because life, the life he used to live dreaming of escape, had now become this. A life in which he strived for his father's affection, to make Ghetsis happy, no matter what. It was all he could do anymore.

It hurt a little, because hadn't he promised Zorua they would leave one day? Not only was he throwing his own future away, but hers too.

Finally Ghetsis and the other man stopped talking, Ghetsis leaving the room without so much as another glance at N, and the other man made his way up the carpeted steps and toward him. Smiling, appearing pleasant, the man outstretched his hand for N to shake. "My lord, I am pleased to finally meet you. I am Zinzolin. I am part of a group of sages your father assembled years ago. We help him keep this castle in order and assist him during business affairs."

Smiling a little, N took Zinzolin's hand and shook it. He felt a little awkward introducing himself, since it seemed everyone already knew him, but he did so anyway. "I am N. It's nice to meet you, too."

"Would you like to go downstairs now, my lord? Where would you like to go?"

N could feel his stomach lifting at the words. He got to choose? But, he didn't know where anything was. He didn't even know where his room was. Wait, Zorua- "Can-I mean. Would it be alright if I went to my room and got my pokemon?"

Zinzolin's smile made the knot in his stomach loosen. "Of course, my lord." This person was so friendly. It surprised him for some reason. Even though Anthea and Concordia always showed him kindness, it always struck him as odd the way people could act so differently than Ghetsis. Why were they always so nice to him? Why not berate him and yell at him like daddy?

Because wasn't that normal? To be yelled at and beaten when you did things wrong? Daddy did it all the time, why not everyone else? Obviously it wasn't wrong, because Ghetsis did it, and he was always right about everything. N was just a bad son.

Standing from the throne, N shifted his robes and smiled at Zinzolin as he led them out of the room.

With Zorua happily yipping in his arms, the smile on N's face couldn't be contained while he and Zinzolin walked down the stairs. He even got to see where his room was in this castle. Surprisingly, it was only down the hall away from his father's room. It should've made him uneasy at the close proximity he had with Ghetsis, but it could be ignored for now. Zorua was almost hopping out of his arms so she could run around, but N didn't want her wandering off from him. She might get lost in this big place.

"How are you enjoying things so far, my lord?"

N smiled as they descended another staircase, a similar hallway colored blue and gold meeting them. It seemed every hall was pretty much decorated the same in this place. It disappointed him a little that there wasn't a little more variety, but he couldn't complain. "It's wonderful."

Zinzolin nodded when they walked down yet another staircase. More gold and blue, but this time N could hear indistinct voices coming from below, becoming more and more clear as they walked. "You don't mind me dropping you off with Anthea and Concordia, do you? They are probably helping the servants with some chores."

"I don't mind at all. Do you think they'd let me help?"

He got a laugh out of him at that. "You would want to do chores? A king doesn't do chores, my lord."

"What if a king wants to?"

Zinzolin shrugged. "I suppose if you really want to, they'd have to accept help when it's offered."

Now at the bottom of the stairs, N could plainly see several people standing in the hallway, all dressed in strange grey uniforms. They all appeared rather young, some looking around his age, but then some looking older, maybe in their 20's? But, everyone stopped what they were doing when he and Zinzolin approached. N could see small brown pokemon following some of them around. He couldn't remember their names, but he knew he saw them in a book once.

"Let me introduce you, my lord. These are the newest members of Team Plasma. We're growing everyday and always welcome fresh, invigorated minds to our group who are willing to fight for our cause."

N smiled as he took in all the faces. Young, freckled, chubby, skinny, pale, dark, every kind of face stared back at him and he felt rather awkward, but held onto his smile. He wasn't used to meeting so many new people all at once and there appeared to be more older people in the group, so he was looked down upon. They probably didn't even know who he was, not that his future title made any difference.

Zinzolin continued speaking. "As I'm sure none of you are aware, since you are new, you are looking at your future king, so I suggest you work hard and don't disappoint him."

N could feel his face flush. Such endearing lies. Ha. Like any of these people had to impress him.

But, unlike Anthea, Concordia, and Zinzolin, he could tell some of these people were not so friendly or nice. Even with Zinzolin's words, some sneered at him, others rolling their eyes, and most just not paying attention in general. Fresh and invigorated, huh?

With no more words to exchange, Zinzolin led him away from the group who continued buzzing with noise when they entered another room in the hallway, this one leading into a giant dining room. A large, long table sat in the very center, another simple, but bright chandelier hanging from the ceiling to dangle in the middle of the table, and a fireplace sat behind the head chair. A door led off to some other room in a corner which N assumed to be a kitchen.

"Anthea and Concordia are mostly likely behind that door helping prepare dinner. You may go inside if you like, but please, my lord, keep an eye on your pokemon. We can't have it getting under people's feet and causing trouble."

N nodded, hugging onto Zorua who was still itching to get out of his arms. "I'll make sure she doesn't run off."

With a nod of his head and a smile thrown N's way, Zinzolin spoke once more before leaving. "If your father doesn't come fetch you first, I will be back shortly to escort you back to your bedroom." And having said that, he left N alone in the dining room.

Had the circumstances been any different, N probably would have taken off with Zorua and explored the castle on his own time. Maybe even gone outside. He'd seen a few windows in the halls, but was never able to get up close to take a peek outside. Taking in the castle's sights was first on his mind though. But now that he'd seen that pretty much all the halls and rooms looked a little alike, the newness was dying down. It didn't feel as fascinating seeing those chandeliers and waterfalls as it did the first time. While still pretty to look at and still grateful, N just wanted more. Seeing so much already was like an appetizer, he was hungry for even more sights, smells, and feelings.

And now that he was alone, the faint sounds of voices and movement from the kitchen being the only thing reaching his ears, N felt compelled to explore on his own. He owed it to himself, though, and it was very hard not to leave everything behind him and walk out that door, into the hallway, and run wherever he felt like.

Setting Zorua down, she didn't immediately run off like he figured she would. In all honesty, a part of him wanted her to, so that he would have an excuse to explore. Instead, Zorua stared up at him, her fluffy tail wagging as if she were waiting for him to make a move first. In this bright room, N could see her scars and missing patches of fur more prominently, and...it made him feel guilty.

No one was coming out of that door to take him in and strip the freedom he had now away. N was, for the first time, independent, and he had the power to turn and walk away. Zinzolin didn't think he would deliberately try to escape, especially since Ghetsis's influence hung over him like a rain cloud, so he was left alone, because he was trusted not to pull any stunts. Or perhaps trusted wasn't the right word. Maybe it was more they knew he wouldn't try anything, because even if he did, there would be no more going outside like this. Ghetsis would make sure of that.

But to be alone for once, with the freedom to go wherever he wanted, N couldn't help himself. The consequences of his actions were ignored as he turned away from the little brown door in the corner and walked out of the dining room.

Zorua happily followed him, staying by his side once they entered the hallway. Left or right. Left led back upstairs where his bedroom was. No, no. Right led downstairs. N headed right, trying to ignore the way his bare feet smacked against the floor. It was so loud now that he was alone, it was like he had super hearing, and every little noise he made caused his heart to pound in his chest. Resistance. A feeling he'd only had the honor of experiencing very little, because once N resisted, he was punished, and he had tried his best to be a good person for his daddy. To do everything he was told, this felt nice for once to go his own way, to choose his own path, even if it meant simply walking down a hallway by himself. It was still freedom.

N's original intention was not to go out wandering around by himself, but having been left alone, his curiosity was at its peak and he quaked. Why not indulge himself a little longer?

Still by his side, Zorua would nuzzle his feet every step he took. He couldn't help a smile that formed. He thought she would have run away, but here she was, by his side, loving on him. It made him happy.

As N descended the stairs, two people were walking up, causing him to shift to one side of the staircase to avoid colliding with them. They were dressed in the same strange uniforms as the other people in the hall had been, and N smiled at them as he walked. They didn't smile back, not that he expected them to, but that was okay.

When N reached the bottom of the stairs, it had become very apparent that this hallway was the entrance to the entire castle. Pillars lined the walls, portraits and tapestries were hung up, flowers were set against every corner he could see. The very picture perfect image of elegant was this place.

Then there was the front door. For a castle's entrance, N expected a drawbridge, like in his fairytale books, but instead, there was a large, rounded door, one he could easily open by just turning the handle.

N could not think rationally when he bolted for the door, Zorua rushing at his heels to keep up with him. Outside. Outside, OUTSIDE. Reaching for the handle, he jerked it both ways until it turned and he pushed, the entire thing creaking once moved. Sunlight poured in on him and N choked with happiness at the warm feeling, such a contrast to the cold he was too used to. Zorua settled herself between his legs, her tail flapping back and forth against his ankles.

Green. The sound of the wind rustling the trees, the scent of many flowers and the earth, the sky, it was all right here in front of him. And N stood in the doorway, taking it all in, his eyes watering from the sunlight. It felt so good. Like wanting to splash around in the water, N had the urge to strip his clothes and bathe in the sunlight. Not that he would do that, but the thought lingered.

N took a step, now fully exposed to the sun, and smiled when the wind blew, tousling his hair. Bending down, he picked up Zorua where she rested at his feet and held her against him, patting at her back.

"It's so beautiful."

He could run. Just walk right down those steps below him and run into the woods, hide himself amongst the trees, and pray daddy would not find him. He could, it would be so easy.

N took one step before a hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back through the doorway. In that split moment, N's entire body and mind shut off. He could not think or move, but the only thought that shot through his brain and made his heart race was that daddy caught him.

"My lord, what do you think you're doing?"

Instead of his father's scowling face and biting tone, N found himself staring at Anthea. She was obviously angry at him, but it melted his heart with relief that it was her and not his father who pulled him back.

Composing himself and trying not to let it show he'd just been terrified for a brief moment, N smiled at her. "I'm sorry. I wanted to see outside." And it'd been worth it. Completely. But he knew if it had been Ghetsis standing right here, right now, he would be writhing on the floor, bloody and beaten.

Anthea's frown stayed. "You could have gotten one of us to escort you. You could have gotten lost and your father would have flayed us."

So this was about them getting into trouble, nothing else. It should have struck a nerve to know that these people didn't really care about him, but N couldn't find it in him to be bitter. Seeing the castle and even cheating to see the outside made his day just that much better. He hadn't felt this good in a long time.

"I'm sorry." Even though he wasn't in the slightest. "If I come help in the kitchen, will you forgive me?"

At that, Anthea's frown softened a little and the redness in her face from anger disappeared. "I suppose."

N didn't bother holding back his smirk when he closed the front entrance and followed her back upstairs. It felt incredibly good to be on his own like that, and he even got to see the outside for a brief time. Even if Anthea got angry at him, he still smiled, because everything was worth it, finally, he got what he wanted. He knew she wouldn't tell on him, because then Ghetsis would get angry at both of them and it was obvious she didn't want that to happen, at least to herself.

He got away with it. And he smiled for it.

Yay and things. This is as happy as it's gonna get, I promise. Also, I MIGHT HAVE A JOB NEXT WEEK. Yes, I'm so excited unf. But that means I have to juggle that, this, and school. Psh, I'll make time to write this. Harmoniashipping is worth losing sleep over. Also, this is gonna be over in the next few chapters or so. But, thanks to all who've stuck with me this far. It means a lot.