Me: I so late... Me sowwy! ;o;
Riley: That's not very mature, Lady... Why did you even name yourself that, come to think of it?
Me: 'Cause I'm like a Knight myself... In a way. I don't always act like a spaz, or did you think I was completely incapable of being a better person than the childish punk you're more familiar with?
Riley: While I go get a thermometer, Lucario will give the disclaimer... Just, don't go anywhere until I get back... Okay, Lady?
Lucario: I doubt you've got a temp. You write me so well!
Me: Thank you, Lucario. The disclaimer, please!
Lucario: All characters, places, items and occurrences that aren't heretofore created by the author, Lady, are not owned by Lady. Therefore, she thanks heartily the creators of Pokémon, without whom, she would not have a world that brings together so many people she respects as equals, and friends.
Me: Thanks, Luc. Enjoy your reading everyone!
XXXXXXXXX
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Chapter Sixteen:
Questions, Mysteries, and Enigmas
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"Then it stands to reason that this, boy, is an evil threat that must be punished!" Lady Avis, an important member of the council that helped in the selection process of a future Knight's best possible Pokémon partner, shouted in angry frustration.
"Are you out of your mind! Look at how young he is! You can't punish, let alone arrest, someone who's not even fifteen yet!" Lady Sharinn retaliated.
"Oh, yeah? He's not saying a thing in his defense, and has not denied any connection to the Dark Knights we believed extinct! His silence is clear!" pressed Lady Avis, firmly of a mind that anyone with secrets to hide could not be trusted.
"Be SILENT!" Councilman Gregor broke in, slamming his palm down onto his desk for emphasis.
"B-be silent? Gregor, that is out of line..." Lady Sharinn said, wilting slightly under his gaze.
"Well if the two of you would've set aside your personal reasons, we wouldn't have wasted valuable time on your petty argument..." said Councilman Lauren, "At least its over, now..."
"Don't talk about us having petty arguments, Lauren. You're just as bad, if not worse." Lady Avis grumbled.
During the whole of this exchange, and a little beforehand, Allan had kept his silence. But as the behavior of the adults escalated to new heights of immaturity, Allan found himself unable to control a violent shiver of rage. And of all things he had expected about the Council of the Aura Knights, this was not one if them. 'What chance do I have now...?' he asked himself, as he clenched his fist to the point of drawing blood.
"Nonetheless, we should try to hear his side of things before we are truly able to pass fair judgment," Starr looked toward Allan, and said, "Will you not speak your piece? No questions have to be answered, but you must say something..."
Allan felt defiant. He wanted to express it, too. But instead, Allan drew all the anger he felt into one breath, and let it go. A couple of the councilmen seemed to sit up straighter, as though impressed by his choice to expel his anger, rather than use it. Riley, standing leaned against the wall behind Allan, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Looking toward nothing in particular, Allan said, "I'm tired. I let Riley lead me here because it suits my own ends. What also suits my purpose is that you, and this order, survive. I've got nothing to say to you people, but ever since I arrived, I've gotten an earful... Not even my partner, Gallade, has lectured me so much in one hour, let alone my life..."
"So in other words, you're not paying attention," Gregor bit back a smile, in favor of a sterner look, "What do you think, Starr? Would he be able to relate all that has happened here tonight, to us tomorrow?"
"Goodness, no," Master Starr looked saddened, "When he initially showed up, I thought he was about to faint... What were we thinking, asking this poor boy to come to an interview so late at night?"
"Um, Grand Council, if I may?" Riley stepped forward politely, "He battled me with the intent to kill, just outside of Solaceon," Riley got mixed reactions from that statement, but pressed on regardless, "The point of that exercise was to establish trust; Allan is not going to do anything bad as long as I'm in charge of him."
"You think..." Allan rolled his eyes.
"Er, the point being..." Riley trailed off unhappily.
"Yes, Riley, I quite agree. I believe it would be a very good idea for you to take him to the guest quarters for some much needed sleep." Starr nodded reasonably.
"Guest quarters? And what if he gets up to mischief when Riley himself is trying to recuperate?" councilman Lauren asked seriously, "What sort of proof do we have that this, well... That, Allan, will behave himself?"
"Oh, please, Lauren! Just look at him... If he gets any more exhausted, Riley will recover long before he even wakes up!" Lady Sharinn fretted.
It was then, that Allan noticed something interesting about, Sharinn, of the Aura Knights' Council, "You have the sort of Aura that even wild Pokémon would trust. Could I ask you to look after my partners while I rest?"
Taken aback, Sharinn said, "But why would you ask me? If you need someone to look after your Pokémon, we could always have the kindly Daycare lady watch them for you... Its what our own Knights do when they return from long journeys."
Allan shook his head, "That might work for their Pokémon, but mine aren't so carefree. Its too much to ask them to get along with many other Pokémon when I'm not around... Especially now."
"Why would it matter? Why is it so hard for them to relax when you're not around? And why does it have to be Lady Sharinn?" councilman Lauren seemed annoyed as he asked this, getting a little more agitated as the questions stacked.
"One at a time you impatient oaf!" Lady Avis said, becoming annoyed herself.
"With all due respect, Masters, Allan can't take much more of this! Take his offer to look after his Pokémon as a sign of good faith, and allow him to rest!" Riley intervened quickly, ready to be off to bed himself.
"A sign of good faith?" Lady Sharinn looked at the ceiling mystified.
"Would it be too much to ask?" Starr asked benignly.
Facing the room at large, Sharinn replied, "No. I suppose it wouldn't," she turned to Allan, "You wanted me to look after your partners?"
"Only if you're willing..." Allan was beginning to feel the edges of dizziness again, but did his best not to show it.
"Of course. But are you sure they'd trust me?" Lady Sharinn asked as Allan approached her seat.
"I don't have a reason to distrust you. They'll be fine, but I'm starting to get dizzy. Can I get some rest now?" Allan placed his three Pokéballs in her hands, just in time to have his legs give out on him for the second time that day.
"Allan!" Riley was behind him in seconds to halt his descent.
"You know, I'm starting to think you have an unhealthy interest in me, Aura Knight..."
"Please don't make fun of my sense of chivalrous duty with such weird comments! If I want to help you, I will. It didn't hurt that we're standing before the Grand Council, either..." Riley pulled a sharply pronounced grimace, and let Allan down slowly.
"Whatever," Allan turned away none too worried about Riley's clingy behavior.
"Oh! I wouldn't have said anything if I didn't see them right next to each other just like this, but..." Lady Avis was peeking from Riley to Allan with a thoroughly confused look.
"Does that woman normally make this much sense?" Allan whispered to Riley loudly.
"Ah, um, that is..." unsure how to answer, Riley could only shrug sheepishly.
"I heard that, you know!" Lady Avis pouted indignantly, "And, like I was trying to say, isn't it odd that the two of them seem to have the same Aura?"
"Similar at best," Master Starr replied with an unreadable expression on his serene face, "This meeting is adjourned. Riley, your charge."
"Right, Master Starr. Come on, Allan, up you get," Riley pulled Allan up, and half walked, half carried him out.
"High Councilman..."
"Yes, Gregor, my old friend?" Starr responded calmly.
"Why did you interrupt, Lady Avis?" Gregor, being a very frank individual, preferred open honesty to keeping secrets. Especially from the Aura Knights they were supposed to lead.
The other councilmen glanced toward the center of their semicircle, and Starr sighed heavily, "While we have no right to keep the secrets we have discovered, here tonight, we must ask ourselves; do we possess the strength to avert the storm, that would surely be unleashed, had I not silenced Avis' curious musings?"
"But why stay silent?" Lady Avis asked insistently.
"Because none of us are above feelings of vengeance," holding this thought, the room around Starr was quiet with dawning understanding, "If Riley himself did not notice anything, then we do not have the right to say anything. But in keeping our silence, we are condemning ourselves to the wrath of his pain and indignation."
"Then why? It doesn't make sense!" Lauren slammed both of his palms to his desk in frustration, "Just what are we supposed to do then? Keep silent until he figures it out?"
"The biggest problem after Riley's own feelings, is Allan," Starr stared out at his listeners solemnly, "What little we have seen of him is clearly not evil. But how much do we know of him after this? Can we chance that he will see reason?"
"More like; would he see fit to help us after all he's been through," Gregor chuffed harshly.
"This is depressing! I'm going to bed myself, so who's ready to call this meeting quits?" Lady Sharinn said loudly, standing up to leave.
Chuckling suddenly, Starr smiled and said, "Yes, we all seem a bit tired since the hoo-hah with Riley's imprisonment, and then escape. I, myself, feel as though I've aged a hundred years!"
"Hah! You'll never be that old, you bold-faced fibber!" Gregor laughed.
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XXX
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'What should we say to, Allan?' Lapras asked suddenly, breaking the quiet of the night air.
'I don't know, but those old fogies certainly won't talk... What I am trying to think up, is a way to tell Allan that Riley isn't as strong and innocent as he makes himself seem. We need to let him know, somehow...' Gallade broke off speaking to think about how one scenario would play itself out.
'One way or another, though, huh?' Lapras smiled from within his Pokéball, 'With what has been going on, I'm actually feeling slightly optimistic. Allan will understand whether we say anything, or not. He's better than he makes himself seem.'
'I realize that I might be worrying over nothing, but the fears of the Aura Knights' Council didn't appear to be unfounded. There's something more to this that we still aren't seeing,' Gallade shrugged, 'Well, I won't be rested enough to rejoin with Allan tomorrow if I don't go to sleep. So I'll just put this out of my mind, for now.'
Kindly, Lady Sharinn had placed their Pokéballs on a cushion under a window, so that moonlight could shine soothingly on them. Graced by these soft rays, the three Pokémon fell deeply into their quiet, mysterious dreams.
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XXX
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'A tan ceiling...' thought Allan, watching sunlight, and leaf shadows dancing there before his eyes, 'Jeez, I barely remember how I got here after that annoying meeting. But Riley didn't take me to the guest rooms... Where did he lead me?'
With that question in mind, Allan sat up to look around the room more fully. Details such as small trinkets, posters, photos, even maps, papered walls, and sat on shelves like they belonged there. Finding himself in such a personal room, while confusing at first, only served to make him feel exasperated. Lucario was napping in large, flat basket on a plump cushion.
'There's only one place this could be... Huh?' Allan caught sight of a picture next to the alarm clock on the shelf-like headboard of the bed. Picking it up, Allan took a closer look at the family it depicted.
"That's the only one I have of him," Riley said, successfully freaking Allan out, and appearing quite suddenly from the door to his personal washroom.
"Him who?" Allan repressed the sharp tone he wanted to take with Riley.
"My baby brother. I was almost at the age of Squirehood when he, well, he was only two when a terrible fire hit the flower shop my parents were running in Hoenn. He completely vanished that day. Many believe him to be dead, and, for a while, I thought so too, but..." Riley stared at the floor.
"But, what?" Allan asked, not particularly interested, but still...
"Recently, I've been having dreams about him. I think the power of Aura is trying to tell me that he yet lives... As to where to find him, though, I haven't the faintest clue," Riley shook his head, "I don't think I should just quit looking. I'm having these dreams for a reason, and I can feel their truth. I will find him someday!"
"Well, good luck with that. But if there wasn't a trace of him then, that must have been some fire," Allan put the photo back, and got up.
"You aren't a very optimistic person, are you?" Riley sounded slightly hurt when he said this.
"A realist, maybe, but I'm not totally apathetic. I've got some pretty wild notions, myself..." Allan pulled his hood more securely downward over his face, and looked over at Lucario, "Does she always sleep in?"
"Nah, only after long journeys. She deserves to sleep in again tomorrow, too." Riley smiled a private little smile, and gestured toward the bathroom, "Do you want to clean up? We can get some lunch afterwards, and then I can show you around."
"No thanks," Allan looked at the room's window quizzically, "Why is sunlight shining in here?"
"We're not actually underground, if thats what you thought," Allan looked at Riley patiently, "In all truth, we're above ground. The base is protected by many natural barriers from the outside. In fact, if I showed you the highest point of this enclave, you would tell me looked like an ordinary mountain."
"That so? I guess its only once in a very blue moon that travelers randomly stumble in while you're meditating," Allan commented dryly.
Riley parried Allan's banter with ease, "Well, we've had the odd hiker here, and there, but generally travelers tend to avoid this place because its viewed as being one of the more boring routes to the Solaceon ruins."
"Okay, then. If we're not underground, then there must be place that's outside, while still being in the base," Allan stepped over to the door that led to the hall, and waited for Riley to lead.
Riley stayed where he was, an eyebrow raised, "Yes, we have a lot of places like that, actually. Did you want to meditate?"
"Yeah, after I get my companions back," if Riley was expecting Allan to be patient, he was slightly disappointed. Today was not a day to messing around, at least, not by the irritated tilt of Allan's head.
"Alright, I get it," Riley conceded, "You won't wash your face, and I can't make you. I wish you would, but we've got to be headed over to the council room anyway."
"Is that why you want me looking presentable," Allan quipped sarcastically, "Should I get a haircut, too?
"Uh, I've never actually seen your hair, but that's beside the point," Riley rubbed the back of his neck, "Look. I don't want to argue with you, so lets go."
'Never seen my hair, pah!' Allan huffed, following Riley out into the hall, 'I'll bet he's been sneakin' peeks since our stay at the Pokémon Center in Veilstone...'
'I'm not going to be left behind, Riley! I want to see what the council's got to say about him being here, too!'
"Lucario?" Riley looked back over his shoulder, "You didn't have to wake up yet, you know..."
'Yeah, well, I can take an afternoon nap later if I regret coming along now,' the Pokémon seemed to shrug, 'Its not that early, after all.'
"But I've got ask you, now that I've thought of it..." Riley said, turning to look at Allan.
Allan answered guardedly, "What?"
"Sorry, I don't mean anything big, just... Last night, when I told the council to take looking after your partners as a 'sign of good faith', was that what you were actually aiming to do?"
"Yeah... Probably not in so many words, but that was the general idea..." Allan glanced at the floor and shrugged one shoulder.
"Idea..." Riley mused, "Oh, we're here."
Stepping forward, Riley knocked on the large double doors, and waited.
A voice called in response to his knock, "Yes, yes... Come in, Riley! And bring your guest, as well!"
"Peeking though doors at your Aura to be impressive, are they..." Allan muttered, but followed Riley in nonetheless.
"Well, Allan. How was the remainder of your night?" smiled councilman Brights.
Allan paused, and thought before saying, "Alright, considering Riley put me up in his own bed... You're not going to be angry with him, for this, right?"
"Riley, is this true?" Lady Avis whispered incredulously.
"Yes, it is," Riley's face was unabashed, "Allan needed rest, and the guest wing is further away than my own quarters. I thought it important to put his needs above my own just then, considering..."
"Never mind. It is unimportant," Starr raised a hand dismissively, "Though next time, Riley, I would appreciate it if you could tell us what you would prefer, rather than acting in secret."
"Yes, Master Starr," Riley bowed.
Allan was staring at the floor thoughtfully. Unsure what to truly think, or feel about how Riley was let off with barely a voiced reprimand, when a choice like that would normally get someone like him killed the minute he confessed disobedience, Allan was left with the thought, 'Very different. But they have not proven anything, yet...'
"Lost in thought, young Allan?" startled, Allan looked up to see the council watching him peaceably.
"I have no idea what I'm supposed to make of you people..." Allan said, voice trailing off pensively.
"Why is this?" asked councilman Gregor.
Stiffening, Allan quietly replied, "First you're suspicious about my intentions coming here, now you're acting kindly and understanding... This might be normal for you, but I'm more accustomed to people in 'positions of power' flying off the handle for mild disobedience... Not to mention that you barely acknowledged it."
"Would you have us condemn Riley for caring that you needed rest, more than he needed our approval?" councilman Lauren asked, incredulous at the thought. Riley shifted uncomfortably.
Allan looked up at the council, "No, don't misunderstand. You're just... Very different."
"Who are we different from?" Lady Sharinn asked softly.
An air of expectation seemed to settle in the room as they all waited for Allan's answer. Silence pervaded, and a few of the councilmen leaned forward slightly in their seats.
Allan smiled a strange, small smile, "Who, indeed. At this rate, not one of you has proven who you really are to me. It probably sounds incredibly odd, and selfish too, but that's the best answer I can give you."
"What!" Lauren slapped his hands to the table, and stood up sharply, "The best answer you can give? Don't give us Tauros chips! You have the answer, right there in your eyes! But we, the Aura Knights' Council, aren't going to just rip it from your mind! Tell us what-!"
"Enough, Lauren!" Gregor pounded his fist to the desk before him, "This is not the time... Not here!"
"I-...!" Lauren pressed his fingers to his brow, "I apologize... I will sustain your answer, child, but know this; we, as a collective leadership, will not be patient forever. You must tell us eventually..."
Allan stayed silent. After a demonstration like that, it was clear that these individuals were not so interested in his origins that they'd patiently await his judgment on whether to tell them or not... And although Allan was used to being yelled at, it did not keep Lauren's outburst from being a shocking reality that he was in over his head.
"What have your thoughts turned to?" Master Starr asked empathetically.
"I had no intention of keeping secrets from you, should I end up here, somehow..." Allan turned to look at the light pouring in from the high windows over the council's heads, "I don't know what I hoped to learn, but from what little I've seen thus far," Allan looked away from the light, and stared at the floor, "I hold no hope out that enlightening you would change things for the better..."
"For the better?" Lady Sharinn blinked.
"I'd like to have my partners back now, please. I need to think about some things..." Allan approached Sharinn, and waited as she brought out his Pokémon to return them.
After Allan and Riley took their leave, the council sat feeling deflated. The day had started off quite pleasantly, and it was a shame that things had turned out like this.
"What did we learn, Gregor, my friend?" Starr said softly, breaking the pall of silence that settled over the room after the meeting had ended.
Far from mild, Gregor gruffly huffed an annoyed tone, and replied, "What didn't we learn? He's got secrets, and they aren't good news that we're facing a minor threat. No one here could've missed the distinct flares 'n crackles that powerful Aura of his was giving off as he gave us what-for, for being as immature, and unprepared, as he thinks we are... And... Whatever he's been through, he can't possibly find trust an easy thing to give. Even to we, who have tried," he broke off to glare at Lauren, and Avis, "-to be kind and patient with him."
"I said I was sorry! What more could I do?" Lauren flushed indignantly.
Slightly pink as well, Lady Avis said, "If he thinks we aren't... 'Mature' enough, then we'll just have to first; earn his trust. Second; tell him what he needs to know..."
"Are you out of your mind!" Lauren squeaked in shock, "You can suggest trusting him, well and good, but telling him everything about the order is absurd!"
"Then what would you have us do, brother? Leave him in the dark, and expect him to find the strength to trust us of his own free will?" Lady Sharinn was exasperatedly rubbing at her temples as she said this, "We must give him something to work with! He already tried trusting us by letting us hold his Pokémon for the night!"
"He let you look after them. And you're out of your mind if you think I'll just go along with this without some kind of safety net!" Lauren snapped back, already bracing for the next verbal clash.
"That will be all, councilor Lauren!" Master Starr shouted suddenly, causing all, even battle-hardened Gregor, to jump in surprise, "...As we are all aware, a council is formed on the ideal that no one opinion held by a single man is the sole opinion that is correct. It is founded on the truth that all have their reason for being, and balance is the most important aspect of a council such as this... But I am for the belief that we must trust, young Allan, though the cost could be great! There is something there, that compels me to believe that he is, in fact, on our side of things..."
"I as well," Gregor said, standing with his right hand raised in a vote of approval.
Following suit, Lady's Sharinn, and Avis; Master's Brights, and Clawdin, all stood to raise their hands in the affirmative. Councilman Lauren, seeing that all but himself had voted in favor of putting their absolute trust in Allan's hands, slumped in defeat, "Whatever next?" he moaned abysmally.
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XXX (Here it is, yuki-neechan! The moment you've been waiting for!)
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During the meeting, the morning had rolled into early afternoon, and Riley decided it was best to take their lunch outside. The sun was shining brightly, shyly peeking out from behind the white clouds that rolled lazily overhead.
"Nice day for mid-autumn..." Allan mused, a wedge of celery bobbing in his mouth as he spoke.
"Ah, don-, no... Please don't speak with food in your mouth like that..." Riley fiddled awkwardly with his own food as he said this. Laying back in a reclining position, he looked up at the clouds through the branches of the oak tree they were picnicking under. 'Well, I know its silly to ask this of myself, but... Didn't his mom ever say that it was rude to talk with food hanging out of your mouth?' Riley shook his head to clear it, and looked up in time to see Allan watching him with a curoius tilt to his head.
"You know..." Allan began but broke off in thought.
"What?" Riley prompted, interest piqued at Allan's sudden urge to converse on friendly terms.
Sighing, Allan looked at Riley squarely, and said, "You never got around to saying anything about the Shadow stone... Irrelevant?"
"No, just, there's a lot of other things to discuss first," flicking a leaf that had settled on his his knee away, Riley chuffed suddenly, "You know, they are never going to believe that you can see through that crazy rock!"
"That's not something to laugh about!" Allan turned away, "... I already know that..."
Seeing that he'd said something unnecessary, Riley sat up, "Sorry, Allan. That was uncalled for..."
Before Allan could reply, they were hailed by Master Starr, who was approaching them clutching an ancient looking scroll.
"Goodness, but this day has such nice weather!" Starr said, settling himself on a pile of leaves beside them.
"Hello, Master Starr. What brings you out here? And with such a delicate looking scroll, no less?" Riley asked respectfully.
Chuckling, Starr answered with an air of amused mystery, "Oh, just something I ran across during one of my usual visits to the library... Though, you might find it rather intriguing yourself, Riley."
"Me?" Riley looked at the scroll, with an eyebrow raised, "Master Starr, what does this scroll contain, exactly?"
Accepting it when Starr held it out to him, Riley carefully rolled a small section of it open, and nearly dropped it in shock after taking in what was depicted on the first few inches alone!
"M-master Starr, this-!" Riley looked back at the scroll before catching himself, "This is- This scroll is about Sir Aaron! H-how did you ever find this?"
"As I said, I was merely on my usual jaunt to the library when I happened across it. The sun was glancing rather sharply off it's case in my eyes when I finally noticed it," Starr shrugged, pleased that Riley seemed to like his discovery.
Curious, Allan peeked over Riley's shoulder at the scroll, "Huh. This looks so old... You sure you want to be handling this without some sort of preservation measures?" he asked, as Riley made to unfurl a little more of the scroll's length.
"But-Look!" Riley said, showing Allan the picture in the scroll's first segment.
"Hey, that's the tapestry in the entrance of the enclave... Or, at least, part of it..." Allan looked at the image thoughtfully, "I wonder why that woman's standing next to him?"
"That would be Lady Illusion," Master Starr replied, pointing out the girl and her Espeon, "Although she joined the order after Sir Aaron's passing, it was because of him that she learned to control the massive power of Aura she possessed."
"Why did she learn to do that specifically from him?" Allan asked.
"Well, unfair as it most certainly was, many men from way back when thought women unequal to the trials of the training," Allan and Riley exchanged glances at this, Starr smiled as he continued, "Balderdash, of course, but that's how it was... Before Lady Illusion changed their minds, that is."
"I take it she taught them a thing or two about how powerful Aura could be, when it was properly utilized?" Allan smirked, already feeling a certain respect for the courage it must've taken to change Illusion's situation.
"Oh, yes," Starr nodded, "According to our history; she stormed their enclave with a small party of Pokémon, and defeated the Grand Masters of the time to prove that Sir Aaron's last wish for her was not merely the silly musings of a romantic fool."
"Nice," Allan chuffed.
Riley also nodded his agreement as he added, "Yes, the legends go on to say she truly lived up to the title 'Aura Knight' long into her later life... She was a truly mighty woman, indeed."
"The first Lady Knight, huh?" Allan faced into a gentle breeze as he thought about this story, "Pretty uplifting stuff, that."
"That's an interesting word choice," Riley cocked his head with a slight frown, "Why, 'uplifting'?"
Allan realized he'd sort of put his foot in it, and decided to rephrase, "Okay... How 'bout 'different'? I'm not exactly from the Cookie Club, you know..."
"Cookie Club?" Master Starr seemed unsure whether to smile, or look at Allan sadly, "No, I don't imagine so, myself."
A breeze picked up, and the three watched a few of the remaining leaves falling away from the oak they were shading themselves under. Some distance across the courtyard was a pond, and both Lapras and Budew were seen splashing happily in it, while Gallade and Lucario meditated nearby. The Pokémon had been paying attention, and knew that something big was up. Whatever it was...
'We might be entitled our secrets every now and again, but this is a little bit much!' Lucario sniffed discontentedly, 'I don't think there've ever been so many secrets being kept from me and Riley... By the Council, no less!
'Well...' Gallade fidgeted uncomfortably.
'What? Do you know something?' Lucario perked up, interested in anything that might answer a question or two.
'But would you be able to swear it upon your life that you will not tell Riley until I can be sure that Allan will support him?' Gallade was dead serious, and as much as Lucario disliked the idea of keeping secrets from her partner, she understood the gravity of Gallade's feelings.
'If its that important... I don't know, I suppose I really should try,' Lucario thought for a moment, 'Yes, I can keep secrets from Riley, if the need arises.'
Gallade sighed, 'This is really confusing, but... The AKC seems to fear Riley's wrath, if he should learn a dark truth. Apparently, it concerns Allan, as well...'
'A dark truth about Allan?' Lucario sat up straighter, 'Riley is a very down to earth human. At least, compared to others I've met anyway.'
'Even here?' Gallade asked, wearing a deep frown.
'Yep. Riley's even got Knights older than him, beat,' Lucario nodded, 'That's not to say he's perfect, though; far from it. But still... I don't know, I guess it depends on the secret itself,' she looked Gallade in the eyes, 'Why does Allan have be supportive? I know you said this one may concern him, just...'
'It is very hard to believe...' Gallade shook his head, and drew his eyebrows in, 'But those elders are convinced!'
'That?' Lucario pressed.
Gallade turned his head to look at the clouds, 'I'm not totally sure, myself. But there's something to what they fear. Has Riley ever... 'Lost it', I guess you could say?'
'Just once. A long time ago...' Lucario looked up at the clouds, 'I guess he was just about at the age of becoming a Squire,' she turned to Gallade again, 'The thing is; his family was attacked. Some people think it was an accident, but the investigators here in the order know better... It was arson. Not some dead, dried up old flowers spontaneously combusting. Something small like that doesn't burn down half a cool, damp little flower shop!'
'Flower shop? On fire?' Gallade looked as though his thoughts had taken him somewhere far away.
'Something wrong?' Lucario leaned closer to look at Gallade, 'I was just saying that... Well, after the shop caught fire, everyone scrambled to put it out. At the time, his parents were cut off from his baby sibling... I don't remember if it was a boy, or a girl, but... Anyway, they lost him in the fire, and were unable to find any trace of him afterwards,' when Gallade didn't reply, Lucario continued, 'And then... Riley snapped.'
'I almost can't imagine what it would be like...' Gallade rubbed his forehead, 'Where was it? The flower shop, I mean.'
'Well, Riley and I were here in Sinnoh for his training. But his parents were on a mission for AKC, investigating the disappearance of some of the Knights who were stationed in Hoenn... Riley just about had it when he heard about what happened. He wanted so desperately to quit, and come running to help in the search for his baby sibling... But his parents said no,' Lucario shook her head, 'If I weren't still a Riolu back then, they might've let us come!'
'Riley's parents have strong Auras?' Gallade stared questioningly at Lucario, who gave a nod in the affirmative, 'Somehow, this has become even more confusing...'
'Why? What aren't you saying?' Lucario raised a paw, readying a punch.
"Hey, now! Let's not have our partners duking it out over some silly disagreement!" Riley said, walking up to them with a stern look on his face.
'Sorry, Riley. It was stupid...' Lucario threw a dirty glare at Gallade when Riley wasn't looking, but said nothing more on the matter.
'I'm sorry, too...' Gallade replied, sighing unhappily, as Riley walked away with Lucario.
Both human and partner met with Master Starr at the entrance of the courtyard, and all went along to the halls within.
"They've got things to discuss," Allan sat beside Gallade with a suspicious look in his eyes, "But I don't think Mr. Airhead quite caught on to what was really happening..." Allan continued to stare at the Pokémon sternly, "What were you two discussing?"
Gallade stretched a leg out from his indian-style seat, and replied very frankly, 'You know, I've been trying to come up with a way to present this to you all day. So far, I can't think up anything that won't piss you off, but...'
"But?" Allan leaned back on his hands, "I've got no reason to fly off the handle if you put it like that, just so you know. I know you're not just saying it to 'piss me off', as you put it," Allan watched Gallade deliberate one last time.
'Okay...' Gallade seemed sure, but continued to fidget with his hands as he turned to, 'Allan... How do I put this...? Well, this is something you should decide for yourself, ultimately, but still...'
Allan was watching Gallade with unnervingly steady eyes, Gallade found himself losing confidence, 'Agh! Why I can't I just say this? It isn't so terrible that you'd flip out worse than Raze for this if you don't like it!'
"Okay, Gallade. I get it..." Allan shrugged, and faced the sky, "I hereby swear to remain calm, no matter what I hear, no matter what I may feel in the aftermath of your words. I will not take this out on anyone, because the past is just that; the past. I will hear you, and do my best to be understanding... Even if I want to shut you, and everything else around me out."
'But what if it gets in the way of your mission? I... I wish I could tell you, but... It gets caught up with the thought that you won't want the knowledge...' Gallade clenched his hands into fists.
"If Raze commanded me to throw you off a cliff, do you think I'd just do that without giving you fair warning? I would rather tell you, and deal with your heartbreak, than just carry out the dark task I'd been charged with and hope you survive," Allan took one of Gallade's shaking fists in his hand, and sighed, "There's a lot of things more important than my sanity, at this point in time."
'That sounds like a bad fortune cookie...' Gallade laughed in spite of his stress.
"Good," Allan huffed resolutely, "This is what we'll do then; You tell me when you're ready, and I'll keep my cool, as promised."
'You're in a surprisingly good mood, Allan. Did something nice happen while you were talking to Riley, and that elder?' Gallade's spirit lifted a little, glad of Allan's patience and understanding.
"Yeah, something really nice... I think you'd like the story yourself, come to think of it," Allan flopped backward, and traced the shapes he envisioned in the clouds overhead.
'Then... What would you say if the elders have an idea about your familial origins?' Gallade asked, watching Allan's hand as it drew out the invisible lines of a Gyarados.
"I'd say that that wasn't particularly surprising. But you've got something even bigger in mind, if I'm not too much mistaken," Allan replied, relaxed about Gallade's preliminary question.
'Okay,' satisfied, Gallade thought about how to pose his next question, 'Then if you were already familiar with someone you were related to, but didn't quite know it yet, how would react the next time you met them?'
"That one's a little bit more tricky, but I know that this is important to you, so..." Allan let his hand fall back, and closed his eyes, "Just so I know in advance... Do I get to make fun of them?"
'For what?' Gallade blanched slightly, uncomfortable about how Allan was going to respond to a positive answer.
"Ah, well... They didn't know it for him, or herself, right? I think I'm entitled to pick on them for not noticing it sooner, or something," Allan shrugged, dismissing this.
'Sometimes I wonder what goes on in your head... But that's not really important, now,' Gallade sighed, 'Do you think you know who it is? Lucario told me... Well, she said things that made me think of how you came to be in with the Dark Knights...'
"How so?" Allan opened an eye, to watch his partner's face.
'She said that his baby brother was caught in a terrible fire at a flower shop that his parents were running in Hoenn-' Allan cut Gallade off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"I know. He told me himself, just this morning..." Allan thought back.
"That's the only one I have of him."
"Him who?"
"My baby brother. I was almost at the age of Squirehood when he, well, he was only two when a terrible fire hit the flower shop my parents were running in Hoenn. He completely vanished that day. Many believe him to be dead, and, for a while, I thought so too, but..."
"But, what?"
"But what...?" Allan repeated softly, as his memory of the morning came to a close. A cooling breeze picked up suddenly, and Allan shivered as a swift chill ran down his back, 'That would be just like Master Raze... Commanding me to kill someone I care for... Even before I know them.'
'Allan?' Gallade tilted his head to the side, perplexed at Allan's silent reverie.
"Do you really think I'm related to that airhead?" Allan's hood shaded his face from view as he asked this.
Gallade was unable to gauge how Allan felt about these notions, but despite this, he answered anyway, 'I didn't quite suggest that yet, but... That is what I wanted to ask. Do you think so, Allan?'
"Ironically, I wouldn't put it past Raze to do this to me..." Allan bit his left inner cheek to keep from grimacing, "This is not so unusual. The circumstances are very different than usual, but the main idea behind them is not. As always, he intends us to suffer, but he's made a fatal flaw this time..." Allan sat up anxiously, and turned to face all three of his Pokémon, "This time, we weren't caught unaware of his cruel sense of ironic humor. We have more than a small chance of succeeding... If only I could get this Aura Knights' Council to trust me!"
'Then we are trying to defy the Dark Knights?' Lapras asked curiously.
"Yeah, but more than defiance, we'll have to rout their forces with as little violence as possible... This is where the Aura Knights come in. Hopefully..." Allan shook his head.
'But, Allan! You haven't said whether you really believe that you're... That Riley is...'
"It doesn't matter, Gallade. I don't think that's as important as finding the biggest weakness the Dark Knights have," Allan lightly pulled a lock of his hair while he reflected on this, "One major Achilles heel would have to be the slave population... If they can be rallied to fight, that is."
'Somehow I doubt that they'd be willing right off...' Gallade's face fell as he said this.
'If they have enough strength of spirit, they will fight when the time is ripe,' said Lapras, as cool as the pond's water.
"Yeah, and all of them were scouted at one point for their Aura's," Allan set his chin on folded hands, "If they remember their basics, they can just barely manage to be a force in a fight."
"Hey, who's this?" a group of three young Knights approached Allan and his partners by the pond.
"I dunno. Never seen his like before..." said the second of the posse, "Hey, why are you wearing a cloak and hood? Don't you know its impolite to wear those things here?"
Allan was going to disregard them and get on with his life, but the second one's question sparked an interesting thought in him, 'Well, that is something. If I am related to Riley, I should look it, too...'
"Um, if you're shy, you don't have to rush yourself for an answer, but Jace did ask about your hood with your best interests in mind, you know..." the third one said mildly.
Allan turned to the Knights, "No, sorry. I was just thinking about something. But, hey, I'm not an initiate here or anything. I happen to be the charge of the Knight, Riley..." just about smirking for admitting it himself, Allan retained his composure, "He went with Master Starr to the library. Do any of you know where that is?"
"Oh, the library, is it?" Jace perked up, apparently pleased to talk about that particular location in the base.
"Ha ha, great... Jace's favorite place in the world..." the first Knight said in amused exasperation, "Careful, kid. He'll talk your ear off if you don't make clear what you want to know, now, before he gathers speed."
"Shut up, Logan!" Jace pouted, clearly indignant at the accusation.
"Well, there's no mistaking it, Jace; you're a bookworm," the third Knight nodded happily.
"Not you too, Mark..." Jace was decidedly displeased that his friends were embarrassing him in front of a stranger, "Look, um... What is your name, by the way?"
"I guess you all will know it eventually, so... My name is Allan. I don't go by any silly nicknames, so don't try sticking them on me," saying it as sternly as he could, Allan lightened his tone for the next part of his speech, "As for where in the library; someplace that you'd keep old scrolls from the time of the first Lady Knight. But I need to know how to get to the library first."
"The first Lady Knight? There's a section like that?" Jace seemed unsure, and scratched his cheek thoughtfully, "I don't know any section like that. Did Riley and Master Starr discover something? I've gotta go see... Hey, if you'll follow me, Allan, I'll lead you to the library. Oh, but Pokémon aren't allowed to run loose there, so you'll have to call them back for now."
"No problem," Allan replied, returning Lapras and Budew to their respective Pokéballs. Turning to Gallade, Allan said, "You want to walk along with me 'til we get there?"
'If I could,' Gallade nodded.
"Hey, Jace! Don't leave us behind!" Logan called, dashing with Mark to rejoin their group.
.
XXXXXXXXX
Me: I'm late again, but this time I'm not going to cry! (Not a lot, at least...)
Riley: Um, hey, Lady. Why have the fans been staring at me expectantly, lately?
Me: 'Cause you're you, I guess. (snickers evilly)
Riley: If you put me in that insane box again, I swear I'll leave and never return!
Me: You say that, but you've been unable to get away for a very long time, now.
Anyway, I've got something more important to say... I will be the one thanking everyone for the review/favorites call this time!
Riley: Really? ! O.O;
Me: Yep. So lets get this underway! I thank; Sanada'srose, yuki-neechan, Yereton, Selhyia, Silver-Love14, Lauren 'Blue' Shaminluvr, rolypolycat, legends in the sky, werebunny131, Gweniveve Skyes, Heavenly Angel of Light, amichalap, Iaf Aros, Nightshade07, shinx2326, Xamem-The Heart of Oblivion, xKROWEx, Y3d594F8d594897w, Hikaru-pichu, Hareru1995, and Silvermist464.
I gotta say, I really like these user names. They're both unstoppably unique, and creatively cool! ^-^
Mine is a little boring when I think about it. But then again, I wasn't out to win a contest, or anything silly like that!
Riley: The point?
Me: Hey! Just 'cause your name is boring, don't dis other people, Riley! Review, Please! Teach that stiff a lesson for me!