A Simple Chapter of Short Stories On The Evening before The Red Moon Ball.

Short Story 1: Light Romance on a Pleasant Afternoon.

Unovan League HQ.

On late afternoons like this one, Dragon Pokémon were usually found basking in the pleasant warmth of the orange sun. The same went for Dragon Knights and Alphinia was normally not an exception. However, she didn't find comfort in the soothing rays. Rather, her mind was somewhat unsteady due to the recent chat they had had with Ghetsis hours ago. Not only had he cruelly discarded her and labelled her a mere item but he had also trampled upon the old feelings she (or perhaps Felicia) had harboured towards him and though she was glad to be officially cut-off from Team Plasma, she still couldn't help but be saddened at the harsh way the greenette had done it. She was never anything to him as a person and now she would never be anything but a discarded tool to him.

"Draco..." she murmured, remembering her brother with a sad smile."I wonder if you'll get mad at me for doing this..."

He would surely be mad though most of it would go to Ghetsis for cutting her off.

"Why am I even thinking about this stuff?" she asked herself and Natu cheeped thoughtfully, earning a soft pat on the head from its blonde partner. "It's not like I wanted Ghetsis to worry more...right?"

The tiny bird gave her a careful look and let out a series of chirps before flying into her hair and settling itself to sleep.

"So it's just Felicia's essence being sad...I'm sure it must've hurt her to hear what he said..." she remarked and looked to the sun for the fifteenth time that hour, mulling over some of his words.

"I don't care anymore about what Felicia thinks. Neither will her pleas stop me..." she quoted and found tears streaming down her cheeks. "He doesn't love her anymore...he doesn't love...me...anymore..."

Salamence, on whom she had been lying on, gave a throaty purr and got her attention before mumbling a few words of advice and encouragement.

"I'm me and Felicia's Felicia. We're two different people just stuck in the same body so I shouldn't be saddened by what Ghetsis had said...That's what you mean, right?" she asked curiously and Salamence bobbed its big head up and down before laying it back on the ground.

Sighing, Alphinia stroked his long neck and thought over it. Sure the so-called Felicia within her was just a lingering fragment of a dead woman but it still had some sort of sentience and Alphinia knew she couldn't just ignore its presence, no matter how hard she tried. The same went for its feelings, the main reason as to why hot tears were endlessly streaming down her face. The sentient aura within her was heartbroken, disappointed and badly confused thus eliciting pity and sorrow from the young hybrid.

"Damn it," she cursed (more of sobbed) as she saw a familiar pair of cat-ear-shaped hair spikes some distance away. Lightning was the last person she wanted to be seen by in such a state. "Salamence, fly."

The blue dragon rose to full height with a huff of complaint before stretching its broad, red wings and taking off. Relieved, Alphinia was just about sitting up when-

"You're crying-de arimasuka?"

Eyes widening, she rolled onto her back and saw the cowboy riding on his Braviary right above her. She would've commented on his rather odd speed but she was too busy trying to wipe her face dry.

"What's wrong, Alphy?" he asked in concern, obviously seeing that her red eyes were redder and puffier than usual. "Did you get hurt somewhere?"

"I'm a Dragon Knight, remember? Injuries are the last of my concerns," she deadpanned shakily and turned her face away. "I'm okay. I just need some space."

"...Is it what Ghetsis had said-de arimasuka?"

Alphinia stiffened and let out a small "No..." in a voice so low that it sounded like a whimper.

From the boy's silence, she guessed that he had either chosen to give her some space or simply stayed on his Braviary, trailing silently above her. However, she felt the sun's warmth above her abruptly cease and she rolled onto her back again to find Lightning...right on top of her.

"H-hey! What're you doing?" she stuttered, face going red as she gently tried to shove him off.

"Alphinia." She froze at the serious tone his voice carried. "Look at me-de arimasu."

Hesitantly, she lifted her eyes to meet his and swallowed uncomfortably at his deep gaze. The normally goofy look on his face was replaced by a rather studious expression and frankly, it creeped her out.

"Looks like Ghetsis's rants did a number on you-de arimasu," he observed, staring at the stubborn tears rolling down her face. "I thought I told you to not let his words get to you-de arimasu."

"Couldn't help it I guess," she replied, doing her best to sound nonchalant. "And quit trying to read me. It gets on my nerves."

"Someone's snappy-nya," he remarked and raised his hand before brushing it against her cheeks, wiping off the tear tracks. "I know it was your decision to leave Team Plasma but I could pretty much see the hurt in your eyes after what Ghetsis said-de arimasu."

"…It's not like most of it is from me. Felicia's essence is-"

"-Sad because she feels that her death inadvertently created a monster instead of stopping one from being awakened, nya?" Lightning completed and grinned at her surprised expression. "You two must've felt dumped."

"Or abandoned," Alphinia corrected, crossing her arms and looking away. "Even if that guy's a complete psycho now…a part of me still wants to believe I was more to him. But now I know that I was just a doll…"

"Hello, complete psycho, remember-de arimasuka? He probably thinks the entire world's a big playground or something-de arimasu," Lightning pointed out and sighed. "You need to get over him-de arimasu."

"Hmph. You make it sound like we were dating or something."

"…Actually, that's what I told my Mienshao when she got abandoned-de arimasu."

Alphinia's face turned back to meet his again, interest perked up. "Huh?"

"Her trainer used to do some shady stuff and often got her involved in some gruesome fights. At some point, she got really injured during an illegal tournament and it cost them the victory. Sure she healed but she never really wanted to get into those things again despite his persuasion. In time, he started abusing her and I'm pretty sure she ran away because I saw her collar when we met in the wild grass. She was pretty scared of humans but she seemed quite attached to me since my pokémon and I saved her from a pack of wild Druddigon. I met the trainer in the next Pokémon Centre I got to and though she seemed happy at seeing him, she got really hesitant about leaving us so the guy told her that it was either she come back to him or he'd abandon her with me."

"So she chose you," Alphinia muttered and was surprised to see him shake his head.

"I punched his lights out and got the police to arrest him-nya. Since Mienshao was just a victim of circumstances, she didn't get taken in and she agreed to come with me at least until her trainer gets released. By some stroke of luck, he did but he had gotten another pokémon and so didn't care about her. She was devastated and couldn't really fight well anymore. I had to sit her down and tell her to get over the guy. She was too good for him…just as how you're too good for Ghetsis Harmonia-de arimasu."

Alphinia blinked and chewed her bottom lip as a blush formed across her cheeks. "Now you sound like you want to make me your pokémon or something."

Confused, Lightning simply shrugged and cupped her face before looking into her eyes again. "Don't be sad over what Ghetsis thinks of you. None of that matters. Instead, as a hero and an angry friend, let me have the honour of punching him when I see him tomorrow…with Felicia's permission of course-de arimasu!"

The girl giggled before taking his hands off. "You're creepy. But I'm sure Felicia'd let you set him straight in place of her. Now then, can you please get off me?"

Finally realising the suggestive position he had put them in, Lightning jumped in embarrassment and found himself nearly tumbling off Salamence's side. Laughing at the way he flailed his arms, Alphinia simply grabbed his leg as he slipped off and easily held him suspended upside down as Salamence began its descent with a rather coy look on its face that made the knight raise a brow.

Landing in a field not too far from the League, Salamence was soon recalled and Alphinia dropped her friend on the grassy ground before sitting herself down and watching as Lightning stumbled to his feet and shook off the leaves and grass from his spiky hair.

"I seriously can't believe the Promised Day is tomorrow," she remarked airily and drew her knees up to her chest. "Today seems just too casual."

"I know what you mean. I haven't even gotten a suit yet-de arimasu," Lightning lamented comically before looking around the field. "I'm guessing you come here a lot."

"Other than the castle, Ghetsis allowed me to come here on my own sometimes," she stated and closed her eyes to enjoy the wind blowing past them. "I like this place. It's quiet and no one really comes here."

"I'm surprised you weren't caught by the guards-de arimasu."

"Heh…let's just say they made up my picnic snacks whenever I got peckish."

The cowboy paled and Alphinia laughed again at his reaction.

"Joking," she chirped, sticking out her tongue at him.

"Very funny-nya," he remarked, extending his hands and catching her sides. "In that case, I'll have you laugh until you promise not to scare me like that-nya!"

And with that, he began to tickle her furiously, making her laugh and struggle hysterically until fresh tears fell out of her eyes. On the plus side, he at least got to see a happier expression on her and the boy had to admit that she looked pretty cute when on the verge of losing her breath to laughter. He was so engrossed in her expression that he didn't notice his hands get gripped and before he knew it, he was flipped onto his back with Alphinia grinning triumphantly over him while keeping his arms pinned to the ground.

"I always thought heroes never let their guard down even in front of girls," she mocked playfully.

"I'm still in training-nya. Cut me some slack-de arimasu," he replied, mirroring her grin. "You know, you look pretty happy for someone who thought herself to have been abandoned-de arimasu."

"I guess it's because I've got a new master now," she laughed...and froze at his sly expression. "Uh...I didn't mean like that, pervert!"

"Who's the pervert here-nya?" he asked gesturing to their current position. Slowly, Alphinia let go of his arms and settled for resting her hands on his shoulders, still pinning him to the ground.

"I guess I like the feeling of having you under me," she remarked, smirk growing smaller.

"What's that supposed to mean-de arimasuka?"

"...Hey Lightning, I could kill you easily right here and now and no one would ever know."

The boy stared at her before snorting in amusement and stretching his arms wide on either side. "Go ahead and try. All I know is that I'll be killed by a happy human and not some bloodthirsty monster-de arimasu."

"I don't even have a comeback for that," she said and found herself leaning closer towards him. "Isn't it strange how you always have a way of making people feel better?"

"It's a natural trait of mine-de arimasu," he replied and swallowed, heart beginning to pound at how close they were getting. "But it went on overdrive when you came."

"And why's that?"

"Because we're friends?"

"Why does that sound like a lie?"

"..."

Their breathing had quickened quite considerably by now and Lightning had a faint inkling of where this situation could lead to if it escalated any further. Her face was virtually a hair strand away from his and though he badly felt the urge to jam his lips against hers, he was too afraid of how such an act would affect their friendship to give in.

"Alphy," he murmured, tensing at the glazed-eye expression on her face. "We should head back."

"Why?"

"Because..." He was inches away from doing something rather unpleasant. "Uh...it's getting late."

"So?" Her hands were trailing down his chest now, making him feel quite awkward.

"We should be up and ready for tomorrow-nya. The earlier we go to sleep, the better-de arimasu."

"At six? Someone really needs to grow up." Her lips were almost brushing against his and he could've sworn that last statement came more as a purr than a deadpan.

The two remained frozen in that position for a minute, neither talking or moving. Just staring into each others eyes like statues. Slowly, Alphinia got even closer, making the boy tense up again. Just a few more millimetres and he was quite sure he would lose himself completely.

And just as he felt the soft pressure of her lips on his, an angry chirp suddenly pierced his ears and he opened his eyes to see a beak pressed to his lips. Belonging to Natu. Held by a sly-looking Alphinia. It only took a second for the poor guy to know that she had just made him kiss her pokemon and with a splutter, he pulled away sharply and dunked his head in the stream, desperately trying to wash the taste of bird seed out of his mouth and inducing more laughter from Alphinia.

"You're horrible-nya," he hissed. "If you were a pokemon, I'd say you'd have a naughty nature-de arimasu."

"Deal with it," she replied and added coyly, "Master."

Rolling his eyes, Lightning dusted his pants and jammed his hands into his pockets before giving the sky a quick glance. "I guess we should head back now. Can't have everyone thinking you ran away or something-de arimasu."

"Then I'd better hurry back," she sighed and called out Salamence before extending a hand to Lightning. "We'll give you a lift."

The blonde shook his head. "Thanks but I think I'll walk-de arimasu."

Shrugging, she got on her pokemon's back and popped Natu back on her head before waving to Lightning as the dragon lifted off. The boy waved back casually, not stopping until they had disappeared over the horizon.

"Arceus, I think I love her," he deadpanned, banging his head on the nearest tree immediately after. "And now, of all times-de arimasu..."

After the resulting headache subsided, he took the opposite direction and walked into the open fields, mulling about the promised day and all that would possibly transpire. Sure he still had his personal grudge with Draco but Ghetsis was also another person he wanted to beat up for all the things he had done to White and said to Alphinia. But the real question that came to his mind was one that always managed to tear a hole in his ideology.

If it came down to it...could he kill them?

Chaos was different. Thanatos and Ares were literally being torn apart by their own power and death seemed to be the only thing capable of saving them. So what about the original Dragon Knights? Were they going through some internal turmoil? Did they actually feel the pain from the horrendous injuries inflicted upon them? Were they more human than they seemed? If so...then Lightning was badly confused.

"Can I just wing it and see how it plays out in the end-de arimasuka?"

But he knew that such thoughts would only get himself killed or worse, his pokemon as well.

"Ah jeez!" he groaned, pulling on his hair in slight anxiety and frustration. "How would a hero handle all this thinking stuff-nya?"

"...I heard that some good wine often helps."

Lightning paused and jerked his head to the side, very much surprised to see a rather classy-looking, jet-black sports car parked right beside him. And looking at him from the comfort of the leather driver's seat was an ash-skinned young man with black, wavy locks tied back in a ponytail and dark sunglasses.

A dull ache suddenly coarsed through the boy's arms and Lightning stared at him blankly before feeling his eyes narrow quite dangerously as a sudden wave of recognition struck him like a Conkeldurr's pillars.

"What're you doing here," he growled darkly. "Draco P. Quincy."

"I should've wrapped myself in bandages," Draco sighed and gave his goofy smile as he pulled up his shades to reveal his blood-red eyes. "Good to see you remember me though. I almost didn't recognise you at first since you've gotten way taller now. If not for that hair of yours, I would have knocked you over."

Lightning simply glared at him while keeping his hands trained on the pokeballs in his pockets. For a second, his whirling mind made a remark on how utterly ironic the situation felt. Here was the knight he had just been thinking about, ready to slay him at will. The very thought of seeing his own blood splattered against the gravelly road unadmittedly sent shivers down his spine but as a more matured young man, Lightning masked his concerns and kept his hard gaze on the Knight's half-lidded expression, refusing to back down or be intimidated-

"Relax, cowboy. I'm not that scary, am I?"

Lightning snapped out of his thoughts and Draco giggled as he struggled to regain his composure.

"Don't worry," he reassured and leaned back calmly. "I would've killed you a long time ago if I had wanted. Right now...I guess I just want to talk."

"Talk...ARE YOU CRAZY-de arimasuka?!" Lightning barked, angry at how casual the ravenette seemed. "How can you just show up outta nowhere and expect to talk with someone who could possibly kill you tomorrow-nya?!"

"That'd blow up your hero ideology, wouldn't it?" Draco replied, still calm and ever-grinning at Lightning's tense-attitude. "Look, I know you hate me and all and tomorrow's practically the last time either of us will see the light of day. Can't we at least get a drink somewhere and have a little chat. You know, man to highly-evolved species?"

"You're conceited-de arimasu," the blonde spat acidly and jumped back as the door lifted up to let him in. "And you think I'd actually get in with you? What am I, five-de arimasuka?"

"You're a sacrifice, remember?" Draco groaned, getting slightly impatient. "I can't touch you until tomorrow after you've done your job. Even if I look like some bloodthirsty monster to you, my obedience to Lord Ghetsis's orders far overrides my bloodlust. You won't die tonight, boy. Walk away if you want...but good heroes never turn their backs on their enemies now, do they?"

This guy was definitely an idiot. Like he was actually going to get in with him-

"It's about Alphy."

Lightning stared at him for a second before taking out the gun Vann had given him and turning it into glove mode. "Why can't we talk about it here-de arimasuka?"

"It's only logical that you'd prefer a place with more people around when you're talking with monsters, right?"

"..."

"..."

16 year olds never got in cars with strangers. That was logical too but the teen sensed some inkling of docility within Draco, showing that he was most likely not aiming to try any funny business. Coupled with his earlier statement on not killing sacrifices before their time, the blonde felt his trusting side begin to gnaw at him again, even if this guy killed Drayden. With a cat-like hiss, Lightning stepped into the car, more furious at himself for not bolting in the other direction a long, long time ago. To his relief, Draco simply thumbed the seatbelt and in no time, the car had disappeared down the road.

Short Story 2: And To Think We Hated Each Other.

Participants Plaza, Unovan League HQ.

"Last time we met, I distinctly remember you trying to break my neck."

Alphinia quickly snapped out of her reverie and found herself staring up at Scarlet. In her deep thoughts, she had suddenly found herself in an unknown corridor and never even knew when she bumped into the passing redhead.

"S-sorry," she murmured quickly, quite afraid of what he thought of her given their previous meetings. "I was just heading back."

She was about leaving when his hand dropped on her shoulder and turned her to face him.

"You don't have to be scared. I dropped whatever grudge we had when I came back to life so you could say we're friends now."

Alphinia unconsciously let out a breath of relief and smiled. "Thanks."

"...Though I've gotta say, seeing you among the good guys really made me surprised. But given your history, I suppose it makes sense. Sorry about what Ghetsis said, by the way."

"It's okay," she replied and looked down with a small blush. "Lightning helped me get over it."

Scarlet arched a brow before feeling a coy smile playing on his lips. "He did, eh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" she stuttered in embarrassment.

Scarlet merely gave a small smirk and patted her on the shoulder. "Good to see you're acting like a normal girl at least. You're actually cute when you smile but I guess Lightning'd kill me for saying that."

Alphinia blinked before growing red-faced again. "I-It's not like that...And don't call me cute. Makes it sound like you're cheating on White."

"Like that could ever happen," the boy replied haughtily. "And by the way, you're not into me anymore, right? No nasty lovebites and all that?"

"Of course not," she stated, also throwing him a haughty glance. "I don't like sentimental redheads anyway. Even Lightning's way hotter than you."

"Oh. OH. So I'm sentimental? At least I don't blush every time I see that egocentric catboy. And Filbert's hotter than me? Where exactly did that come from?"

"It's Hilbert. Not Filbert. And that guy could beat you hands down."

"Oh really? He's a stubborn guy, I'll give him that, but if we fought, everyone knows I'll win," Scarlet insisted, crossing his arms. "And also, why're you bringing that guy up all of a sudden? You're acting awfully suspicious."

Alphinia opened her mouth to snap but clamped it shut upon having no definite answer.

Scarlet grinned slyly. "What? Purrloin got your tongue, if you know what I mean?"

"Very funny," she deadpanned and turned her nose up haughtily. "You're just as annoying before you died."

"Speak for yourself, human," he qouted in a horrible version of her tone, earning a growl from the blonde. Both stared each other down before bursting into short laughter.

"So that's your way of relieving the tension, right?" Alphinia said between giggles.

"Beats sitting down and biting my nails all day," Scarlet replied, leaning against the wall. "I'm just trying to get the worry outta my mind."

"You're virtually the leader here so you can't afford to get worried," she said and thumped his chest. "You want to save White, remember?"

Scarlet's smile suddenly went slack. "If there's something left in her for me to save..."

She knew he was referring to the state Ghetsis had driven White into and from some past knowledge, she also knew that being put in such a state for a long period of time placed the victim's memories and even sanity at risk. If White got rescued, there was no guarantee that it would be the same White they'd bring back. And Scarlet was more afraid of that than even losing to Ghetsis.

"But she's strong," Alphinia commented, pressing a fist to Scarlet's chest. "In here. If she could still respond to you back then on the screen then I'm 100% sure you'll see your ditz again."

The redhead stared blankly at her before giving a thoughtful sigh. "You're right. I should trust in White's inner strength more often. I guess you should rest now. Thanks for the advice."

"Shinpai shinaide," she replied, earning a confused look from him. "It's Jhotonese. It means don't worry about it."

"You speak Jhotonese?"

"No...I picked it up from Lightning," she replied and grew peeved at Scarlet's coy smirk again. "Really, what's with that look? Salamence did the same thing when I met Lightning earlier and Cynthia's been smiling at me 24/7."

Sagely, Scarlet placed a hand on her shoulder and gave an old-man smile of wisdom. "As someone experienced in stuff like this, it's only fair that I advise you too, little one. Love is a messed up rollercoaster. Sometimes it takes you real high and at other times, real low or in extreme cases, so fast-forward that you'd literally throw-up. But trust me, it's worth it. I actually feel proud that that noob could bag a hot blonde in just three days."

"Huh?" was all she replied, quite confused by his odd speech.

"You'll understand when you get taller," he laughed and patted her head before turning away to head off and avoid her narrow-eyed glare. "By the way, you and Lightning must really like doing it rough. He even ripped the side of your skirt."

Gasping, Alphinia looked down and was thoroughly surprised to see the neat tear on the right side of her skirt, exposing quite a lot of her thigh. An obvious reminder of the tickle-torture she had suffered under the crafty cowboy.

"Better get it sewn up before the others get ideas," he joked, walking away as she went beet-red and held the cloth together. "Geez. It's not mating period, is it?"

"I heard that!" she barked and went wide-eyed at the rather obscene gesture he made with his hands as he disappeared round the corner. "Y-you...you PERVERT!"

And somewhere, somehow, Vann threw a loud sneeze and sniffled before returning to his work on the equipment needed for tomorrow.

"Damn virgins," he grumbled tiredly. "Always talking about me every, single day."

Short Story 3: The Serious-faced, Cat-eared Pierrot and the Goofy, Cannibalistic Auguste.

Draco stopped at the quiet bar in the small town some distance from the League and gestured for Lightning to come out. Minutes later, they entered the snazzy building and Draco plopped himself down beside the counter, smiling as Lightning chose to seat a good distance away, precisely on the far right of the wooden item.

"Welcome, Drake," the cheerful waitress greeted, sauntering up to the counter with a Sawk trailing behind her and balancing a large crate of drinks in one hand. "Haven't seen you in a while. Where'd ya disappear too all of a sudden?"

"Yo Kato," the knight greeted back in a surprisingly mellow tone. "Working hard as always. I always wondered why Sawk looked so well-trained. Now I know it's because his lazy trainer makes him do all the work."

"Idiot," she hissed, smacking him playfully on the head with her serving tray. "It's jokes like that that chase away all the women in your life."

"Ow, that hurt," he whined childishly and Lightning watched, dumbfounded at the alarmingly-casual scene before him. Wasn't this guy a bloodthirsty murderer who virtually hated the feel of human skin on him? Why was he suddenly on ditzy-neighbour mode?

Draco caught sight of Lightning's befuddled expression while Kato was chatting away and he quickly put a finger to his lips before winking and grinning, obviously sending Lightning the message.

"So who's your friend?" the ravenette piped up, looking to the blonde inquisitively.

Lightning begged to differ though. "I'm not his friend-"

"An acquaintance of mine," Draco cut-in smoothly, smirking at the two. "We ran into each other before so I thought it'd be great to make a new friend."

"Trust Draky to always do that. Making friends and whatnot," came a gruff but friendly voice and a middle-aged man walked out of a door before heading behind the counter, showing his position as the bartender. "Oi, kid. I hope you ain't strange or anything cos this guy just loves bringing weirdos and causing a ruckus."

"No, sir," Lightning replied, still baffled at how calm Draco seemed in front of them.

"It's Saha to you, kid," the man corrected, turning to Sawk. "You can put that crate in the corner over there and take a rest. You earned it, Sawk."

"But what about me?" Kato whined, earning a scowl from her employer. "I worked hard too."

"Indeed. Coming two hours late and then chatting with your girlfriends about some redheaded hero on the news is a lot of work," he deadpanned and tossed a notepad to her. "You've got customers, kid. Either you do some real work or just stand there and be pretty. Either way, make sure we bring in more profit."

Kato pouted before turning her nose up in the air and stalking off to the other tables, making sure to bump playfully against Draco as she passed by him.

"So what'll you be having?" Saha asked.

"The usual," Draco replied.

The bartender nodded before turning to Lightning. "The kid looks a little underaged to me."

"I'm not a kid-nya!" Lightning corrected a bit too strongly and said in a much lower voice, "Can I just have soda please?"

"Whatever rocks your boat," Saha replied, throwing his hands in the air in mock defeat and turning to the shelves. Draco scooted closer to Lightning and thumbed the bartender.

"Surprised?"

"Hell yeah," Lightning whispered back. "Why the hell are you openly socialising with humans? Thought you hated us-de arimasu."

The knight gave a wry smile. "Sure we're higher on the food-chain but that doesn't mean I hate all humans."

"Hard to believe that," Lightning scoffed acidly. "I mean, after mindlessly slaughtering old man Drayden and breaking both my arms."

"Hey, I was on orders," Draco whined in his defence. "Be thankful I didn't eat you back then."

"Screw that-nya. Why the hell did you bring me here-de arimasuka?" Lightning hissed.

"Here's your drinks," Saha called and passed two tumblers down the smooth counter. Draco caught his drink and passed Lightning the other one before lifting the glass to the bartender.

"Thanks," he stated and Lightning echoed the action albeit with a cautious look at the fizzy liquid.

"It ain't spiked so drink up boy," the man huffed, wiping a random tumbler. "And quit being so tense. Drake's a creep but he doesn't bite."

"Much," Lightning stated under his breath.

"Aww, thanks Saha. You almost made me blush back there," Draco laughed and took the tumbler to his lips, ignoring the calculative look on Lightning's face.

"What're the chances of me getting you drunk and killing you here?" the blonde asked bluntly, making Draco snort in his cup and spill some on his collar.

"Seriously?" he giggled and took out a tissue before wiping his collar. "Next to zero then. Us hybrids can regulate the amount of alcohol that enters our bloodstream. Anything we don't need can be hacked up again as carbon dioxide...or puke. So no, Dilbert. You can't get me drunk unless I wanted you to."

"Dammit," the blonde murmured, earning another chuckle from the knight. "I wasn't joking-de arimasu."

"Right," Draco said and set his tumbler down again. "You're a pretty funny guy. But I suppose you want to know why you're here."

"You said it's about Alphy," Lightning reminded and Draco ever so slightly narrowed his eyes.

"Indeed it is," he stated, smile still present. His tone changed though with the next statement. "Give her back."

"...Is that a demand-de arimasuka?"

"No. A mere request."

"And are you doing this cos Ghetsis told you to-de arimasuka?"

Draco looked down at the counter. "He doesn't even know I'm here. Look, Gilbert, I'm not doing this as a lowly minion. It's hard enough masking all the anxiety I'm actually feeling. That's why I'm asking you this...as a brother who's concerned for his sister's well-being."

Lightning stared at the still man. Even without a psychic-type, he knew that Draco was putting a lot of effort into swallowing his pride and making this request.

"Why can't you just go to the League and get her yourself?" he asked curiously and Draco's fingers twitched.

"Ghetsis banned me from setting foot into that building. As a part-pokemon, I can't go against my master's wishes no matter how hard I try."

"Then why do you want Alphy back so much? Ghetsis tossed her away so I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be too happy seeing her back with you-de arimasu."

"I'm her brother," Draco replied and paused before smiling to himself. "At least I'm sure of that part now."

Lightning cocked a brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The knight sighed and placed his head in his hands forlornly. "Lately...I've been getting these weird flashbacks. Call me crazy but I think I had another life somehow...like old memories or something. And the odd part was that not only was I human...but Alphy was also in it too. She was calling me big brother with that smile of hers and those big, red eyes. "

Lightning only looked at him as the befuddled man recollected some rather familiar thoughts. He knew all too well what was happening to the so-called monster in front of him.

Draco's humanity...was resurfacing?

"I don't understand any of it but they kept coming back every time I tried to suppress them, popping up over and over again and scrapping at the insides of my skull," the knight said in an almost frightened voice. "Dilbert...what do you think is happening to me?"

"..."

"...Should've known. You're just a teen anyway," Draco deadpanned with a sad smile.

"You're not that much older-nya," Lightning commented, stirring his soda idly. "Ne, Draco. Why're you hanging out with these guys? You don't hate humans but I know you can't exactly tolerate being in the same breathing space as them-de arimasu."

"Those guys," he started, looking back at Kato and Saha, both of which had started to bicker over what type of cocktail to serve the old gentleman at the corner, much to the peaceful Sawk's exasperation. "They're...special."

"Special-de arimasuka?"

Draco leaned back and stared at the ceiling, eyes seemingly lost in reverie. "Those guys...saved my life."

That was quite new. "Can you explain?"

"...It was some years ago. I was still new to Team Plasma back then and Ghetsis had me doing some rather rigorous jobs like destroying Unova's Ranger Bases and the ones from other regions too. On one such occasion, I lost it and got myself heavily injured. Turns out I ended up collapsing beside this place when I was done destroying the targetted base and killing all its rangers. Kato saw me first and got her uncle, Saha, to take me to his house where I got nursed back to health. I was obviously nervous at first and even acted like a hostile pokemon but for some reason, I never so much as unleashed a tentacle on them. It was like I was getting tamed and though I felt disgusted with myself...I somehow wanted to enjoy their hospitality, even if humans were the scum of the earth. I ended up being grateful to them and we've been like this ever since. They don't know what I am, of course, but...I want to keep it that way. They're...precious things to me..."

Lightning was now officially stumped. Why wasn't there a malicious mass of evil before him? Nothing was making sense anymore! Wasn't Draco the bad guy?

"I'm not trying to elicit pity from you, if that's what you're thinking," the young man explained, as if reading his mind. "I only chose to talk with you about Alphinia and not my unimportant backstory. So I'll ask again. Let me have Alphinia back."

"What will you do afterwards then, if I said yes?" Lightning asked, eyes narrowing.

The knight mirrored Lightning's expression. "I honestly have no idea. But if I so wished, I could take her...and disappear of the face of the planet."

"I can't let you do that-de arimasu." That came out a bit too strongly and Draco stared quizzically at the tense cowboy. "Gomen...but if what you're saying is true then you plan to abandon Team Plasma-nya?"

"If that's what it comes to then yes. Ghetsis has lost interest in Alphinia, the chain holding me to his organisation, so I've got no business with him anymore."

"Business? So that's what all this was to you-nya?"

"Kind of. One thing I picked up during my time in Team Plasma was that everyone had some purpose in his plans. Be them dolls...or bargaining chips. I once questioned Ghetsis's orders. In return, he questioned my existence. What was I to him but a powerful pawn? And what life could I live if he tossed me away? As I couldn't bear to be separated from my sister, I kept my jaws shut. But every time I killed...something in me started to die."

"Your conscience?" Lightning deadpanned.

"So that's what it's called," Draco remarked dryly and the blonde felt struck with the somewhat lost look in his half-lidded eyes. Dragon Knights really had it rough when just rediscovering their humanity, albeit subconsciously. That was the thought that scraped across Lightning's equally troubled mind and he couldn't help but see a lost human before him in place of this killer.

"You keep shouting about how we shouldn't pity you...but your situation is just as bad as ours-de arimasu," he murmured to himself, feeling his hatred for the knight begin to waver. If Draco talked any further, he was sure whatever animosity needed to face him would suffer a rather large dent. "Draco, let me ask you one last question. Why're you so hell-bent on getting someone who, frankly, wouldn't so much as touch you if you displayed this erratic behaviour of yours towards humans? Alphinia is more or less human too so I thought your pride as a hybrid would make you forget about her and obey Ghetsis's orders-de arimasu. It can't be just because you're siblings, can it?"

Draco smiled wryly at the half-empty tumbler before placing a finger on the counter and tapping lazily. "As those weird thoughts grew in me...I realised that Alphy wasn't quite as strong as she made herself up to be. Even when she was with us back at Team Plasma, she had quite a lot of weak moments despite her monstrous strength. It could've been a flashback but something told me she had a rather weak heart and I felt the urge to protect her more often. I rarely let her out of my sight when I was around unless Ghetsis had me go on solo missions and I suppose I spoilt her a bit. So long as she was safe and sound, my thoughts would quell for the time being and I could finally have peace. But as we all know, she wasn't happy with that and I feel idiotic for not noticing her feelings. Lightning...do you have siblings?"

Stiffly, the cowboy nodded. "Two younger twin sisters."

"You must feel rather protective of them, especially with the state the world is in."

"I'd at least let them go out more often-de arimasu."

"Touché," Draco laughed and stirred his drink. "But did you know that the desire to protect a loved one can turn into something entirely different if unchecked?"

Lightning arched a brow.

"It started gradually. I worried for my sister any time I was away. I would always check up on her whenever she suffered injuries. I would make sure she doesn't stray too far whenever I was around. The usual big-brother stuff, you know. But then she met Scarlet and her nature began to change. This made me worry more. She was quieter than usual, refused to feed and often brooded more often, longing to go outside more. Naturally, my worry-mode went into overdrive and I began to stay back more. Then she started going insane on numerous occasions, telling me once that there was a voice in her head telling her weird stuff. I didn't understand so I just blamed it on our poor mental stability. Then...we went to Mistralton. I left her for a few hours and when I got back, she had somehow obtained an injury bad enough to last weeks and weeks on end. At that point, my protectiveness went haywire and became an obsession. I didn't want her going anywhere near the outside world and it was at my insistence that Ghetsis excluded her from our latter missions. In my head, all I would tell myself was that Alphinia must be protected. Safe at all costs, even her own freedom. She was weak and it was my job to keep her alive."

"It's no wonder she ran away-de arimasu," Lightning remarked. "It looks like she really hates it when people underestimate her potential."

"I knew what I was doing wasn't right," Draco replied strongly. "But you know how she is. She's powerful but Ghetsis had her specifically designed to wane in power after a long period of time. Hell, her regenerative abilities aren't exactly as good as the fake Dragon Knights and she's a rather complex being emotionally. I need to be there to keep her alive."

Silence.

Silence.

"I'll ask you one last time, Draco," Lightning asked, eyes shadowed by his hair. "Why are you so obsessed with your sister's presence? If you asked me, she can take care of herself and I find all this to be a bit suspicious, if not creepy. She made her own decision to leave. Ghetsis reinforced it by cruelly disowning her and everyone else accepts it now. Why are you obsessed with your sister, Draco P. Quincy?"

Lightning had a reason for asking that. For all his outward brashness and childish attitude, he was a frighteningly-perceptive individual and his teenage mind had just the slightest inkling of what this over-protective young man was trying to imply.

Silence.

Silence.

"...I guess you could say it's because I love my sister."

Oh Arceus, no. "...Every good brother loves his sister."

Draco laughed and tilted his head in the most innocent manner while pointing his glowing red eyes at the blonde. "No, Lightning. I love my sister."

Lightning stared at him blankly. One minute. Two minutes. Five minutes.

"Draco," he murmured, voice tense yet void of emotion. "Are you insane?"

The knight's smile twitched. "No. Maybe. I don't even know anymore. Ever since Alphy left, there's been this fat hole in me that's been gnawing on my soul."

"That doesn't matter-nya. She's your sister," he stressed, growing quite disgusted. Was this a joke? No...Draco seemed totally oblivious of how horrible his statement was.

"And?"

"...You really have forgotten your humanity-de arimasu," Lightning concluded stiffly, pulling back with an irritated frown. "Now I know that Ghetsis deserves to suffer something much worse than death for what he's turned you into-de arimasu."

"I don't understand," Draco replied, genuinely confused. "Is it wrong to love Alphinia?"

"In the sense you're implying then yes!" Lightning barked, grabbing the man by the shoulders with all fear of being killed thrown out the metaphorical window. "Listen to yourself, you psycho! How can you say something so bluntly like that?! Draco, listen to me. Return to your true self. Be human again. I don't know why but I'm sure you're better than the heartless killer who slew Drayden! You know how you said something died whenever you killed? It wasn't just your conscience. Draco, your sanity is chipping! You. Need. Help-de arimasu!"

Draco's wide eyes stared questionably at him before dropping to the hands on his collar. The human hands. At once Lightning saw his breathing quicken and veins were beginning to build at the skin under his eyes, showing the restrained insanity displayed only when Dragon Knights felt soiled by human hands.

"So I can't love Alphinia?" he muttered, fangs elongating.

"No, you can't-de arimasu," Lightning replied, still holding firmly to the man despite his ringing hero-senses.

"And I can't kill again to satisfy this hole in my soul?"

"No," the blonde answered bluntly, refusing to show any fear despite the obvious slip in Draco's sanity.

"And if I'm like this...I can't have Alphinia back at least?"

Lightning swallowed. Not from fear but from concern for the oblivious customers and workers at the bar. His reply would either save them or have them torn to shreds in the blink of an eye.

But heroes never told lies.

"No, Draco. You can't see your sister unless you're really willing to embrace your humanity-de arimasu. I'm sorry."

Silence.

"Hey Drake! You guys have been there for quite a while ya know!" Kato cried, coming from nowhere and pressing herself on his back, much to Lightning's horror. "You're not talking about how beautiful I am, are ya?"

Lightning was going to pull her off when the most surprising thing happened.

"No way, Kato-chan. Like I'd let my mind wander over your beautifully-curved physique," Draco laughed, suddenly straightening up with a rather over-happy expression.

"Pervert!" she cried, knocking him again with her serving tray. "And you! Blondie, stop looking at me like that or I'll call the police!"

Unaware that he had been waiting for a beheaded figure to be in Kato's stead, Lightning snapped out and looked studiously at Draco, confused at his surprising countenance.

"We're closing early today, guys," Saha, remarked, strolling behind the counter, eliciting groans of the other customers. "Tomorrow's the Red Moon day, remember? I've got to prepare early for the festival. So out with y'all drunks. See you the day after!"

Grumbling, the men shuffled out rowdily and Saha sighed tiredly as Sawk took to wiping the tables. "That means you guys too, Draco and new kid."

"How sad," Draco replied with a pout and took out an envelope. "Ah well. This should cover for our drinks."

Saha arched an eyebrow before taking the envelope and opening it. His eyes widened however upon seeing quite a large sum of money in it. "O-oi kid! This is way more than a couple of drinks."

"About that." Draco stood up and, to Lightning's shock, bowed gentlemanly before the middle-aged man and his neice. "Thank you for helping me out years ago. I know that no amount of earthly treasure can suffice for your kindness but please accept this parting gift of mine."

"Parting gift?" Kato echoed gingerly. "Are you going away?"

"...Something like that," Draco replied and straightened up before downing his drink and pocketing his arms. "Enjoy tonight like it would be your last, guys. And may we meet again in the next life."

It took Lightning nanoseconds to understand what the knight was saying but he was sure the innocent humans weren't exactly as knowledgeable on the end-of-humanity party tomorrow as he was and as Draco passed by him, he felt just the tiniest trace of regret wafting from the knight. But there was something else.

"Uh...bye, I guess," Kato said sadly and Sawk waved dejectedly at the retreating young man.

"At least give us a call once in a while," Saha called and folded his arms, watching their clownish friend leave. "You know, new kid, that guy might seem a bit shady...but I think his heart's in the right place. Though it's almost like he's in a different world of his own sometimes and he loves acting like a clown, I'd say he just wants friends. Be sure to help him in any way you can, 'kay kid?"

Lightning opened his mouth to reply but felt his throat go dry with guilt. He didn't have it in him to tell them about the real Draco. That, in his opinion, felt a tad bit cruel even for the knight. Besides, they wouldn't believe him anyway. So with a nod, the boy simply downed his soda and waved before turning and exiting the bar.

As he left, Kato looked dejectedly to her uncle and tightened her grip on the tray. "I'll miss that clown."

"So will I," Saha replied and smirked a bit. "But did you notice that among the people he brought, that boy seemed to have impacted him?"

"I don't know about the blonde. Looks more like a serious-faced version of Draco to me," she remarked and sighed. "But you could almost say they were long time buddies. Even if the blonde shouts a lot."

Saha stroked his stubbly chin and felt a rather random statement come to his mind. "Their kinda like those clown duets back in our home country. The serious-faced Pierrot and the goofy Auguste. Both can't stand each other...but they need each other's presence to create a good act."

"Right..." Kato trailed and turned. "I just hope we see them again sometime. Draco made it sound like the end of the world was coming or something."

Short Story 4: A Dragon's Descent into Madness.

Lightning stared at the dark-skinned young man's back as they stood at the deserted entrance to the bar. Something was rather off about the air and Lightning was sure there was something wrong with Draco's smile.

"Uh-"

"Hilbert. I think I learned some things from this talk today," Draco cut-in, turning to face him and revealing his signature smile and bloodthirsty eyes. "One, I ramble a lot. Two, I hate humanity even more. And three, you love my sister."

"Draco, you have friends back here even if that's not what you think they are to you. How can you go with Ghetsis's insane plan tomorrow-de arimasu?"

Draco tilted his head back and laughed. "You said so yourself. Ghetsis is my master and I should be more devoted to him than to my silly little sister."

Lightning stiffened. "I didn't say-"

"Don't correct me, human!" he screamed shrilly and his expression dissolved again with another creepy laugh. "Sorry, just a bit jumpy is all. Man, I can't wait for tomorrow."

"Draco..."

"Lightning." Draco raised a finger. "Now that you told me that I can't have my sister back because you love her-"

"I-"

"-I've got no choice but to help Lord Ghetsis eradicate humans especially the deceitful, thieving ones like you. Rest assured, Lightning. If I can't have Alphy back then no one can. And as such, only one of us will live to see the sunrise the day after tomorrow. I actually have you to thank for setting me back on the right track with your endless-"

Lightning only stared at the knight, suddenly struck with a sense of dread and far more guilt at what the state Draco was in now.

Insanity.

Lightning had unintentionally pushed the emotionally unstable hybrid off the deep end and now he could see the effects already starting to manifest.

"Draco! What about your friends-de arimasuka?" he asked, feeling hopeful that at least the memory of Kato and Saha would bring the knight back before-

"Friends?" Draco asked, a semi-drunk look on his face. "Oh, them. I'll be sure to cut my ties with 'em permanently by eating them after the Promised Day. They're precious to me but now that humans are gonna be destroyed from tomorrow, I suppose they'd be much safer dissolved in my belly, if you know what I mean."

Lightning's fist clenched and he grit his teeth before casting a half-hateful, half-pitiful glare at the raving knight. "You've lost your mind, haven't you? Now you're the same as Ghetsis Harmonia-de arimasu."

"Hahahahaha! You are soooooo right!" Draco replied madly, corneas going black and tentacles sprouting from his back and whipping about in glee. "And it feels sooo good! But you wanna know the best part? You're freaking responsible for this, hero-chan! Hahahahaha!"

It was hopeless. Draco was too far gone now and all Lightning could do was pocket his hands, turn and walk, guilty at the fact that Draco, for all his madness, had been right.

Lightning had broken Draco's sanity. And tomorrow, he would very well suffer for it.

"Hey! It's a long walk back to the League, Jilbert! Why don't you come ride with me?" Draco scoffed maniacally, pointing a red-tipped tentacle at the car. "I won't stab you or anything. Might rip off a limb or two but hey, doesn't matter so long as you're alive, right buddy?"

Lightning stopped and looked over his shoulder before clenching his fists again. "You know, Draco, had the circumstances been different, we'd have been best friends. Perhaps when all this is over...we can enjoy a drink together-de arimasu."

Draco paused mid-laughter and stared at the boy with a mix of curiosity, surprise and burning hatred. For a very brief moment, a feeling of longing hit him but his insanity crept back up again and he gave his creepy Cheshire-Purrloin grin before tilting his head.

"Get out of my sight, you weak and foolish human. May your soul land in the iciest depths of Kyurem's belly," he spat icily and to his surprise, Lightning smiled albeit sadly.

"Who's the weak one here-nya?" he asked and Draco finally felt the oddly warm liquid trailing down his ashen cheeks. Tears…?

Huffing scornfully, he stepped back and dove into his shadow thus signifying Draco P. Quincy's exit for the night, leaving a brooding Lightning and an abandoned Ferrari 458 in his shadowy wake.

"He probably didn't need you-de arimasu," the blonde remarked and gently stroked the sleek black vehicle. "Wonder what Cynthia-sama would think of an early birthday present-nya..."

Joke aside, the boy knew that the Promised Day now carried far more weight than he had previously imagined. For some, it meant the end. For others, it signified a new age and for the group of sacrifices at the league, it meant a day when their feelings and emotions shall be put to the test when facing Ghetsis Harmonia and his group of badly-misguided followers.

But as Lightning turned to leave, he knew one thing was for sure.

People and Pokemon were going to be saved on that red-coloured night. And not just the innocent ones.

And so, Lightning walked.

Short Story 5: She's Cynthia. Everyone's her Bitch.

Participants Plaza, Unovan League HQ.

"You're late," Cynthia remarked as Lightning dragged his tired frame down the corridor. "I almost thought you got lost in the woods or something."

"Not really, Cynthia-sama," he replied, passing by her. "I just took a walk to town-de arimasu."

"Indeed," she said sarcastically and smirked. "You smell of Persim-berry Scotch. I never knew you indulged in such things."

"It's not what you think-de arimasu," he deadpanned and yawned. "I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time-de arimasu."

Deciding not to press further, Cynthia let the boy off and bade him goodnight before strolling to the training area of the League building where a redhead and six pokémon were hard at work training rigorously with each other.

"You should get some rest," she called, taking a seat on the nearby bleachers.

"I'm okay," Scarlet grunted back, dodging a swing of Emboar's arm and ducking as Scraggy flew past with a weak Hi Jump Kick that merely bounced off the Mega Fire Pig's rotund gut.

"You're sweating like a Torchic on Christmas Day. You should be properly rested for tomorrow or else you'll die before you even reach Ghetsis," she advised and took a towel out of the satchel bag beside her. "At least wipe off some sweat."

Sighing, Scarlet called the exercise off for a breather and jogged up to Cynthia before receiving the towel handed to him.

"So what's your strategy tomorrow?" she asked once his breathing settled.

"Everyone will gather here tomorrow morning and then we'll set off for Lacunosa. Crash Ghetsis's party before it even starts and subdue whatever enemies come our way. Since we've hopefully gotten the advantage in numbers, it should be fairly easy with little casualties since ORPH's on our side and Rain's somehow managed to get some Top Rangers over here. If we're lucky, the dragon Knights can be subdued and not even Ghetsis can beat all of us on his own," Scarlet explained and took a swig from his water bottle.

"So it's all in the numbers," she said thoughtfully and put a hand on her chin. "Be honest here. What're our chances of winning?"

Scarlet took the bottle away from his lips and looked ahead solemnly. "In all truth, I'd say fifty-fifty. Ghetsis Harmonia may be batshit crazy but that's what makes him so unpredictably smart. Who knows what else he has up his sleeves."

Sighing, Cynthia drew her knees up to her chest and observed Scarlet as he went back to hand the pokémon water and towels.

"What's with the Ralts?" she asked, seeing the small white pokémon appear beside Scarlet.

"He's Lucky. And possibly my only hope of breaking White out of null consciousness," Scarlet replied, patting Lucky and smiling. "Plus, he's lucky. And we'll need lots of that."

The champion giggled a bit and relaxed. "You're surprisingly relaxed compared to all the others. Especially since you're leading this whole thing."

"That's what Alphinia said too," Scarlet sweatdropped. "What makes me the leader anyway?"

"Well…you've got the qualities. A good talker, hot bod, facial scar and an arm made of freaking ice," she explained, earning an amused smirk from Scarlet. "So…this is the first time we're actually talking."

"White mentioned you a couple of times," Scarlet remarked. "She said you're quite the powerful champion. And in Black's words, everyone's virtually your bitch."

"Black said a lot of things," she laughed, albeit somewhat nervously. "Wow… so tomorrow's the day. I'm actually pretty nervous."

"Save it for when we get into the ball," he deadpanned and gave her a thumbs up. "But don't sweat it. Our chances may be half-n-half but if we put in our best then there's no doubt in my mind that Ghetsis will be stopped from awakening Kyurem."

"…But what if he does awaken that thing?" she asked seriously and Scarlet's smirk softened as he raised his left arm.

"That's what this is for," he replied.

"So are you going to kill Ghetsis then?"

"…Let's leave that till when I see him," the redhead replied coolly and straightened up before returning White's pokémon to their pokeballs. "I'm off to sleep now. You should get some rest too considering the stress you've been secretly going through."

"Hmph. Mind-reader," she sulked and stood up. "Before I go, I found something in Opelucid sometime back. I think it'd be best to give it to White when you eventually rescue her."

Scarlet tilted his head in confusion before feeling his eyes swell as she fished out a familiar box from her pocket and opened it, revealing a pure white ring sitting delicately within the red cushion.

"That's…" and that was as far as he got as she tossed the box to him and turned.

"Thank me after the ball. And don't lose it again. Only five of those exist in the world," she said and strolled off feeling rather pleased at her good deed and the silly look on Scarlet's face.

"No wonder everyone's her bitch," he remarked and scooped Jolteon and Lucky before leaving for his room.

Short Story 6: And so, We Walked…or Drove.

Dawn had long since come.

Scarlet gave his bow-tie one last tug before turning to Jolteon and Vann. "So how do I look?"

"Like you're going for a party," Vann deadpanned and tossed him the top hat. "Honestly, you could at least lose the coat-tails."

Cramming the hat over his pony-tailed haired, the teen admired himself in the mirror before giving Vann a glance. "You aren't coming, are you?"

"These cannons are for creating stuff not fighting," Vann scoffed, flexing his thin arms. "Besides, you've got enough tough guys already."

"We wouldn't be so tough without your weaponry," Scarlet pointed out and put a hand on the man's shoulder. "Everyone has a part to play in this and I'm grateful for all the effort you put in."

"Hmph," Vann huffed and took out a cigarette. "Just be sure to beat Ghetsis, man. That's all that matters."

"Right," Scarlet said and smirked as Jolteon leapt into his arms. "Let's go, buddy."

Barking, the pokémon and his master left the building and stepped into the round courtyard that led to the driving route to Lacunosa. From the looks of it, some other people had gathered and Scarlet was surprised to see Cheren standing at a nearby pillar.

"What're you doing here?" he asked, walking up to the ravenette.

"I still have to do something for Black and showing up at this annoying ball seemed to be the only thing," he replied casually and smiled. "Good to see you back at least. Let's work hard and save White."

"Ah jeez!"

Both turned to see a suited-up Lightning fiddling with his undone bowtie. "How the heck do ya do this stuff-de arimasu?"

"You're hopeless as a gentleman," a soft sigh of exasperation rang and the cowboy felt his jaw go slack at the rather formal attire Alphinia donned. Blushing at his gaze, she walked up to him and knotted his bow-tie before giving him a soft pat on the cheek. "At least keep your jaws closed or else a bug pokémon's going to fly in."

"And keep your eyes were I can see them, young man," Cynthia mocked playfully, coming from behind and giving his head a light tap. "Wow, pony-tails suit you."

"It hurts-de arimasu," he lamented comically and took the wide-brimmed cowboy hat he had bought some days back for an old sense of originality. Jamming it on, he grinned haughtily at Scarlet who had to admit that even catboys looked good in suits.

"The eclipse will occur at 5 in the evening," N spoke out, coming towards the group with Zoroark and donning a stylish trench-coat over his two-piece suit. "We meet up with ORPH and the other allies at the Village Bridge at 3:00PM sharp so let's make our goodbyes quick, people."

"Be safe guys," Shauntal waved, choosing to stay behind with Grimsley to protect the League. "Don't die no matter what!"

"Give those Plasma goons a good beatdown," Vann stated giving his signature two-finger wave.

"And don't come back until White's safe and sound in your arms," Shauntal added, making Scarlet go red again. "Though personally, I'd ship you and Albert anyday-"

"OI!" said boys yelled.

"Let's move guys," Rain's stoic voice called from above and they looked up to see the dapper ranger riding on the bow-tied Latios. "The sooner we get to the ball, the better."

"About time," LP remarked, driving up to them in his classic red hot-rod. "So, who wants to go on my rocking ride?"

"I think I'll go with the Ferrari Lightning got me," Cynthia deadpanned, walking past him.

"Where did you get a Ferrari?" Alphinia asked curiously and Lightning scratched his chin nervously.

"Uh…someone gave it to me-de arimasu but that's not exactly important. To the ball!" he cried, taking her hand and leading her to the car, leaving a gawking LP behind.

"Oh come on! Everyone loves hot-rods!" he complained childishly and blinked as he felt someone jump in.

"If they live in the sixties that is," Scarlet remarked, strapping on the seatbelt. "I'm only riding here because I want to conserve my cube's energy. And besides, I couldn't bring mine all the way from Kanto."

"You have a hot rod?" LP asked.

"Volkswagen 2013 model," he gloated, chest puffing with pride. "Only three of those exist in the world."

"Are we here to talk about cars or get to the ball?" Cheren griped as he and N hopped in, shutting them up instantly. LP started the vehicle and in no time, they were cruising out of the League and towards the Village Bridge where they would regroup with their allies and from there, head to Lacunosa where the site of Unova's biggest battle would take place.

"This is it, guys," Scarlet murmured to the pokeballs in his hands. "We're going to get White back now and we've got support from these guys to boot so just wait. We'll see her again for sure."

Smirking at Jolteon and Lucky, he calmed his hammering heart and put on his signature smirk. "Team Plasma's in for one hell of a party when we get there. Let's show them just how scary humans and pokémon can be when we've got our hearts set on survival!"

"Damn right!" LP declared.

"You said it," Cheren remarked.

"Indeed," N replied.

"Hmph," Rain scoffed.

"Nya!" Lightning answered, pumping a fist.

"Right," Alphinia stated, eyes brimming with determination.

"I haven't renewed my driver's license in years but who cares! To the time of our lives!" Cynthia whooped, behind the wheel of her new car.

"Here here!" everyone cheered and our hero along with his allies were off to what could possibly be the world's biggest battle for humanity's safety.

Author's Corner:

Slybill: Sorry I've been off air for a while. With Christmas and everything, I guess I can be forgiven right? *Get's bricked…with presents*

Scarlet: So the ball is finally here, eh? Looking back, we've come quite a long way.

White: And we'll keep going and going till the end of this story!

Lightning: So sit tight fans -de arimasu!

Slybill: Cos A.S.P.S is drilling forward to its finale!

Cast: And Merry freaking Christmas to y'all out there!