DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN BROTHERS CONFLICT IN ANYWAY SHAPE OR FORM

Iori walked around the ballroom, he cast a glance at Jane who walking with him looking around in awe.

'I can't believe I'm actually attending one of these!" Iori heard her say softly excited.

"Maybe you'll be able to attend more in the future," Iori mentioned, "What with Ema getting more involved in royal affairs. I'm sure she'll want to hold more formal occasion such as this."

"And you think I could get an invitation to some?" Jane asked excited.

"I don't see why not. Especially if we stay friends at least," Iori insisted.

"Just friends?" Jane asked, a little concerned.

"Well, at the very least," Iori sputtered, "besides, I'm sure you'll be getting more attention once you become a well known botanist too."

Jane blushed. "Thanks, I hope you're right! I mean, right now, I've walked past at least 7 or 8 well known botanists here in the city alone! Oh! There's go Sir Timothy! His Lily displays have won The Golden Maebe competition at least 7 times!"

Iori looked over at a man who actually looked a little like Lord Markus talking to a small group of friends.

"He's a legend practically!" Jane continued to exclaimed, trying hard to maintain her composure. Iori had to admire her enthusiasm.

"Do you think it'd be too impolite to introduce ourselves?" he asked.

"Oh, I don't know," Jane said nervous.

"It wouldn't hurt to maybe say hi," Iori insisted as he headed over himself, "excuse me, Lord Timothy?"

The man turned to him with a friendly smile, "Yes? You're, uh, I'm sorry, I can't keep track of your names."

"Iori sir,"

"That's right, you're one of the stepbrothers. What can I do for you?"

"I'm told you're a reoccurring champion of the Golden Maebe competition. It's an honor to met you. I have a foundness for flower growth and design myself."

"Oh how nice," Timothy praised, "were you going to try competing in the amateur competition next year?"

"Amateur?" Iori asked.

"Oh, I'm not trying to demean you or anything. I myself started off in the amateur when I was close to your age as well. Good way to grow and learn before you start competing in the professional league."

"Oh no, I just don't know the whole details in regards to the competition. Maybe I should consider that since it's a year away and I'll have time to prepare," Iori said

"It's a good place to start. Heck, I'll even let you in on a little secret. I placed last the first 5 times I tried in the amateur alone. It took me a long time to get to champion," Timothy assured him.

"Thank you sir," Iori thanked him, "how hard is it to get in?"

"Not that hard on the amateur level," Timothy assured him, "I bet you can get the information almost anywhere. But if need be, you can just ask my father, you know my father right?"

"Lord Markus?" Iori asked.

"Yes, you let him know if you need some extra help and I'll see if I can do anything for you," Timothy promised.

"Thank you, could I ask the same for my friend Jane as well?" Iori asked looking at her. Jane looked like she wanted to hide.

"Sure," Timothy said, waving her way. "She any good?"

"Oh yes, she has some ambitious for competing in the Golden Maebe. She hoping to follow in her father's footsteps," Iori told him.

"Oh good for her," Timothy said kindly, "well I hope it works out well for the two of you. And if you'd like some help, even just a few pointers, let me know."

"I will," Iori said as he walked back to Jane.

"What did he say?" Jane asked.

"He just gave me some advice on what's the course to take in maybe competeting in the Golden Maebe competition, by suggesting we try the amateur competition first. And that if we want some help, he's willing to offer some."

"Wow, help from the legend himself!" Jane said looking on in disbelief. Iori put his arm around her.

"I'm glad this evening worked out well for you," He said happily. Both were soon distracted by what sounded like a huge wave of girl screams.

"I think some of the other female guests found your brother Futo," Jane muttered.

"Yes," Iori concured.

Futo did his best to stay out of the crowds as he try looking for Ami. He found her eventually tucked away in a corner.

"There you are! Do you know how long I've been looking for you?" Futo asked.

"Sorry, I just figured I'd meet you off to the side, so you didn't draw a crowd," Ami said.

"I'm not afraid to draw a crowd, and you'll have to learn to deal with it when I make you as famous as I am," Futo said as he grabbed her hand and headed straight into the mass of people. The minute the two seem to enter, a huge scream erupted as all sorts of women of every age swarmed them.

"Futo!"

"Futo!"

"Oh my god, Futo!"

"This is what I have to look forward to if I become famous?" Ami whispered.

"When, when I make you famous," Futo whispered back.

"Right, when," Ami muttered.

"Futo, hello," an elegant and regal voice called out. The women all seemed to part as Queen Abigail approached herself, "I wanted to thank you for all the autographs you filled out for my granddaughters. They were all very thrilled with them."

"But of course your majesty," Futo said smoothly.

"Will you pherhaps pleasure us with a song later?" Queen Abigail asked.

"Oh possibly, maybe during the dance portion of the evening," Futo promised, "that is if I can also allow my new girlfriend a song as well, Miss Ami."

"Girlfriend?!" nearly all the women shouted.

"When did he get a girlfriend!"

"Oh my, she's lovely," Queen Abigail said casually as she inspected the girl, "aren't you a maid here in the palace?"

"Ewe, he's dating a maid?"

"How sad is that?"

"Yes Madam I am," Ami said softly.

Queen Abigail gave a kind smile, and raised her hand, shushing most of the negative comments being said.

"Well I hope you go far and are happy with the journey my dear. I myself started out humble as well. I was a mere assistance manager at a shoe store when I met the king. My uncle had gotten into money and had started being invited to some fancy functions, including one with the royals. My parents begged him to take me in the hopes that I'd meet some fancy rich man. Though I don't think even they thought I'd end up catching the eye of the then prince Dimitri."

"How sweet," Ami finally spoke up.

"Thank you dear," Queen Abigail said as she started to walk away, still as regal as ever. "I still hope for that song Master Futo."

"Guess I'll have no choice," Futo said casually.

"What do you think you'll sing?" Ami asked.

Immediately the crowd of women started shouting out songs they wanted to have Futo sing.

"Ladies, Ladies, one at a time!" Futo said gently, "I can only do so much. I have to reserve my precious voice!"

"Do you want something to drink?" Ami whispered.

"Actually, could you?" Futo whispered back.

Ami nodded and managed to mingle out of the crowd and head towards the wall that had the door that led to the kitchen. Inside, all the staff busy rushing back and forth shouting different comands and responses back and forth.

Ami did her best to avoid everyone and stay out of the way as she headed to the area where beverages were prepared.

A few staff were making some specialty drinks while there were many more all the same spread out on different counters.

Ami studied some of the premade drinks as she looked for looked for one that would satisfy Futo.

"Ami, what are you doing back here? You're supposed to be enjoying the ball, not serving it," a fellow staff member said as he walked past her.

"I just came to grab a drink for my boyfriend Futo," Ami explained. She blushed a little calling Futo her boyfriend.

"Oh here," the staff member said handing a glass with a clear liquid, "Refresh water with a hint of lemon."

"Thank you," Ami expressed in gratitude as she headed back out.

She had just made it to the door when it opened and Lord Robert started to come in. He paused as he came face to face with Ami.

"Don't I know you?" Robert asked as he looked at her. Ami noticed his eyes tended to linger a little on middle. She looked down embarrassed, hoping Robert would lose interest.

"I asked you a question girl! Who are you! Do I know you!" Robert demanded.

"I'm just here as a guest with one of the princess stepbrother's," Ami finally confessed awkwardly.

"Oh, one of the skanks huh?" Robert retorted, "I hope you won't too "traumatized" by the misunderstanding earlier this week with some of my men."

Ami shifted her eyes to the side, biting her lip.

"Wait, now I know you! You're, you're the ungrateful irritating little hoe that kept rejecting Tommy!" Robert suddenly recalled. "Don't tell me you're also the one that shot him! Were you!"

Ami took a step back, in fear. Robert looked like he was about to reach out and grab her when Futo suddenly appeared behind him.

"Excuse me," he said, "But I would like my drink now. How long do you expect me to wait?"

Robert turned and look at him. "You know I never got what was so special about you. You're not that talented to say the least."

"Hmm, and I never got what was so special about you. You're not very royal to say the least," Futo replied as he managed to push Robert aside, grab Ami's hand and pull her out.

"Thank you," Ami whispered.

"Eh, I was thirsty," Futo replied. However he didn't want to admit he had seen Robert heading through the same door he had noticed Ami gone in and was afraid for her safety.

Robert sneered at the closed door as Futo and Ami had disappeared. He was seriously thinking that the maid he had seen was the one that shot his loyal butler spy.

"I may have to deal with her in a way that's more appealing for me personally," he said as he pulled out the vile from his breast pocket. Keeping it hidden in his clenched fist, he too wondered over to the beverage preparation area.

"Can I make you anything Lord Robert?" one of the staff asked timidly.

"Just examining the difference drinks for the evening. Which is the one we're supposed to be enjoying during the meal?" Robert asked.

"They're all in the clear glasses," the staff member told him, pointing to the set.

"Hmm, is it any good?" Robert asked as he walked over and took a sip from one. "Not bad, I wouldn't have chosen that though. And what's in the gold glasses?"

"Those are for post-dinner quinchers," said the staff.

"These are the post-dinner drinks, hmm?" Robert asked as he took a sip from that as well. "I guess they're not too terrible. Still not what I would have chosen."

"Did you want a specialized drink sir?" the servant asked.

"Yes, they know what I like," Robert waved the man off.

The minute Robert was sure he was more or less alone, he started moving a few drinks a little ways away from the rest and dropped the contents of his vile into each.

He was just about done when he heard the servant returning.

"Here you are sir," he started to say. Robert turned around looking mad.

"I just realized, which drinks are meant for the king and others who are considered the important guests of the ball?!"

"I'm sorry?" the servant asked confused.

"Are you new here or something? Don't you know protocol? A few drinks are to always be set aside for the king and his honor guest!" Robert snapped, "like that princess, her lousy, brother, those cousins of mine! I had to do it myself!"

He grabbed the man by his collar and pointed at the few glasses that had been set aside. "You see those glasses! You make sure those particular ones are kept separate and served only to the king, Emma, Louis, Howard, Regina, Wilton and thr twins, understand!"

"Yes, sir, I guess," the poor man sputtered. "I just never heard that being a policy before!"

"Oh you're so pathetic! Well you're learning it now! Make sure you do as I say or I will be reporting you to your supervisor!"

"Ye-ye-yes, my lord," The servant sputtered one more time as Robert let him go and headed to the kitchen exit.

As he came out of the kitchen, Robert smirked with pride.

'I hope everyone enjoys the dinner. It'll be the last pleasure they'll ever enjoy,' he thought as he walked back out into the party.

Ema wasn't sure when she had felt both lost and at the same time at home as she wondered around the ballroom with Yusuke, hand in hand.

It was confusing and tiresome having so many new people coming up and introducing themselves to her, especially if they happened to have a son close to her age.

But at the same time, seeing everyone interact with each happily, greeting others warmly, like old friends, made her feel warm and happy. As though no matter how much time had passed, they could still be connected.

That made her feel a little more comfortable with the idea that even if she and her brothers had to spilt when some returned home, they'd could still be close.

She heard Yusuke sigh a deep exhausted sigh.

"How much longer do you have to act sociable?" he whispered.

"I'm sure not too much longer," Ema assured him, "but I do have to keep doing this for now. Please just hang on for a little while longer."

"Yeah, ok," Yusuke muttered.

He managed to cast a warning glance at a family who had just tried to introduce their son to Ema.

"Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is now served!" the announcing butler suddenly declared from the thrones where King Stephon was still seated. The king now stood and walked among the crowd, heading towards Ema and Yusuke.

"Shall we then?" He asked gesturing towards the dinging table.

"Yes of course, Grandfather," Ema replied, as she and Yusuke started to follow.

"How have you been enjoying yourselves?" King Stephon asked as they approached the table and moved towards the head.

"It's been nice," Ema started to say as Yusuke pulled out a chair for her.

"Crowded," Yusuke muttered.

"Yes, I assumed it would be, especially if it's your first time," King Stephon said, "of course I had the luxury of being able to sit in my throne and having people coming to me and dismissing others I don't want to associate myself with."

"Good to be the king," Yusuke said nodding to the king. The king nodded back. He reached over and patted Ema's hand.

"How have you been, in all honesty dear?" he whispered.

"Fine in all honesty Grandfather," Ema assured him

"No one's been giving you a hard time?" King Stephon asked.

"No," Ema insisted.

"Not even...," Stephon looked down the table where Robert was sitting looking rather calm.

"No, he never even came up to us," Ema said.

"I don't know if I like that," Stephon said, "him not bugging you. I would assume he had some nasty words to say to you."

Ema looked at Robert as well. It was true, he hadn't bothered her at all, or her brothers that much. And he looked so calm. It was possible he would look a little upset with everything that happened.

"Well, we can worry about that later," King Stephon assured her as he looked around the table, making sure everyone was steated. Once they were, he stood up.

"I thank you for joining us here tonight. I hope you have been enjoying yourselves for the while and now enjoy the food we have prepared. Let the feast, begin."

He sat down and began to eat and everyone else started as well.

"So boys, what do you think of a royal ball so far?" King Stephon asked some of Ema's stepbrothers who were all sested close to him, along with their dates.

"It's, interesting to say the least," Masaomi spoke up.

"Yes, I could assure you of that," King Stephon said.

"I'm enjoying it personally, So glamorous!" Hikaru said happily.

"Wonderful for you Hikaru," Stephon said. "And you Lady Miwa, have you ever attended a party such as this?"

"Not to this magnitude!" Miwa said, "but I kind of like it. I was also surprised of how many people knew of me and my work."

"Did you get any requests?" King Stephon asked.

"A few, I may have to stick around in Elence for a while, or come back from time to time with my youngest," Miwa said looking at Wataru.

"I want to come back any chance we have!" Wataru declared, "maybe even move here some day!"

"We'll have to keep that option open," Miwa assured him patting his head.

"I'll want you to come back Wataru!" Ema insisted.

"I know, you won't last long without me," Wataru bragged.

"I wouldn't go that far," Yusuke said.

"Just you wait Yusuke! I'll be a knight like you someday, only better and more worthy of a fair maiden!"

"Yeah right," Yusuke smirked, "and I'm sure Princess June will be thrilled with that."

Wataru slowly looked over at June who was sitting at the other end of the table with the rest of her family, including her own grandfather sitting at the other end.

"Are you and her getting along, Wataru?" Rintaro asked.

"Kind of," Wataru honestly said.

"And you still intend to dance with her right?" King Stephon reminded him.

"Yes Grandfather, I promise," Wataru swore.

"Are we going to maybe share a dance Grandfather?" Ema asked.

"I think I can still manage, but I still expect you and Louis to start the dancing once dinner is over," King Stephon reminded her.

"Yes, of course, grandfather," Louis pipped in, winking both at Ema and smiling reassuringly at Sophie.

"Do you want to start out the dancing together Wataru?" Sophie asked.

"Oh yes!" Wataru exclaimed happily.

"Calm down there lover boy," Tsubaki said patting his head.

Ema smiled brightly among her family and friends, all seemingly at ease. However, as she glanced back towards Robert again, it made her feel nervous to see him at ease. Almost too at ease. The way he ate and drank, it was like he was a little sure of himself. As though something good was bound to happen in his favor.

'Are you up to something Robert?' she thought, 'you better not be up to something that'll hurt my family!'

She tried keeping an eye on Robert throughout dinner, trying to see if she could figure out anything that might be amiss. Of course she had to do this while still being sociable those around her. She just hoped her suspicion didn't wear off onto them.

Soon the dinner was over.

"Mmm, delicious!" Ukyo declared.

"Ah, Ukyo declared it, the meal is a success!" King Stephon spoke up, "though I thought that was my job."

"Forgive me Grandfather," Ukyo said bowing his head.

Stephon smiled a kind warm smile.

"I love hearing you boys saying that!" he said before he stood. "And now, that the meal has ended, we may now return to the floor to begin the dance."

He helped Ema stand and waited as Louis came to his other side before he led them both back towards to the thrones.

The king handed Ema to Louis before taking a seat again.

"And now my granddaughter, the princess Ema, and her stepbrother-cousin, Lord Louis shall start the dance."

"You ready Chi?" Louis whispered.

Ema nodded even though she was gripping Louis' hand tight.

"Don't worry, just follow me. And before you know it, you'll be in back in Yusuke's arms."

"Louis," Ema begged, a little. embarrassed.

"Forgive me Chi, believe it or not, I am happy for you and him. I wish him a long happy life and have no doubt any child you have together will he a wonderful heir for the throne."

"Ah," Ema muttered both pleased and embarrassed by Louis' words.

Louis then led her out to the dance floor and the two started to dance.

Ema was able to follow Louis easily and they started to move around to the music.

"That is just too sweet!" Sophie whispered as she watched the two dance.

She felt a small tug on her dress and looked down at Wataru.

"When we can start dancing?" he asked.

"Don't worry, I'll let you know," Sophie assured him.

"I can't wait!" Wataru exclaimed.

"Can't wait for what?"

Wataru suddenly gulped as he turned his head to look at June.

"Hi," she said, "I just came by to see if you're ready for our dance. You are going to dance with me, aren't you? Because your promised my grandfather and your grandfather that you would. You remember that right?"

"Uh," Wataru sputtered.

"I'm sorry, Princess June," Sophie suddenly spoke up as she draped an arm over Wataru, "but Lord Wataru promised me the first dance of the evening. But he'll share the next dance with you."

"Oh," June said, sounding disappointed. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder.

She, Sophie and Wataru looked up to see Yusuke behind her looking he was trying to force his smile.

"Princess June, as a future knight of Poulon, may I have the honor of your first dance?" he asked trying to sound regal, but mostly coming across as reluctant.

"Really, you want to ask me to dance?" June replied excited.

"Yes," Yusuke admitted, "figured I'd do you a favor since the girl I want to dance with is occupied and my little brother insisted on dancing with Sophie."

"Thank you kind sir, yes please!" June agree as she took Yusuke by the hand and practically yanked him onto the dance floor, already starting to fill with other dancing couples.

"Is Yusuke seriously dancing with June?" Wataru said astonished. For some reason it bothered him.

"Looks like, it's rather nice of him," Sophie said, "are you going to escort me out to the dance floor, good Sir Wataru?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, of course," Wataru sputtered as he took Sophie by the hand and started to lead her out to dance.

However as they did, Wataru kept looking over at Yusuke and June, who was even allowing the little girl to dance on his feet. Even though he looked at a little annoyed, Yusuke also had a nice smile. In all honesty it looked adorable.

"Do you think June will like Yusuke more than me?" Wataru asked out loud.

"I don't know," Sophie said calmly as she kept dancing with Wataru as best she could.

"Ah it's not fair! All the girls always seem to like my brothers! Big Sister! You!" Wataru whined. "Even when they bring a in girl specifically for me, one of my brothers steals her away!"

"Pherhaps the next dance, you should make sure she dances with you. I bet you could even make a request for the next song," Sophie suggested.

"Hey yeah!" Wataru agreed as he dashrd away over to Futo who was slow dancing with Ami.

"Futo! Futo! You have to sing a special song next for me to dance with Princess June!" Wataru pleaded as he ran up to his brother.

Futo gronaed annoyed, "alright, which one?" he asked.

"Uh," Wataru sputtered, "let me find out what her favorite one is!"

He then ran over to King Dimitri and Queen Abigail dancing.

"Excuse me, your majesties, but do you know which one of my brother Futo's songs June likes best?"

"Uh," both king and queen said.

"I know she plays that one about the sunrise or something a lot," Abigail mentioned.

"Oh I know that one!" Wataru exclaimed as he ran back to Futo and told him.

"Oh sure, I can do that one," Futo said, "after this dance! Thank you." He turned his attention back to Ami.

"Yes!" Wataru cheered before re-joining Sophie.

"All worked out?" she asked as they continued to dance.

"Yep!" Wataru said happily. He seemed to enjoy dancing with Sophie more.

Soon the dance was over and Wataru noticed Yusuke leading June back towards him and Sophie.

"How was your dance?" Sophie asked.

"It was great! Yusuke's a great dancer! He even let me dance on his feet. That made it a little easier for me! And I'm sure a lot of the other girls were jealous of us!"

"You did look adorable out there," Sophie praised.

"Yeah sure," Yusuke muttered. He then started to smell something a little fowl.

"What's that smell?" he asked out loud.

He cast a glance to the side and noticed a server walking past with a tray of drinks.

"What the hell are you serving?" Yusuke asked stopping the man.

The man sighed.

"These drinks are supposed to be for the king, princess, Lord Louis, and several other members of the royal family. Apparently it's protocol or something."

"They don't smell that great," Yusuke mentioned wrinkling his nose at drinks.

"Yeah, I noticed that too," the server admitted.

"Why don't you take them back and get some fresh ones?" Yusuke suggested.

"You think?" the sever asked a little eager.

"Yeah, especially if they smell like this," Yusuke insisted.

"Well, okay, maybe," the server said as he turned to go back to the kitchen, only to almost bump into one of his fellow servers.

"Sorry," said the second server.

"That's okay, I'm just going back to return these drinks. They just do not smell right," said the first.

"Yeah," the second server agreed, "but aren't you supposed to serve the king and others?"

"Yeah, but," the first sputtered looking around nervous.

"Well, here, take my tray and use them. They don't smell too bad and I don't think any one will noticed," said his friend.

"You sure?" the first asked

"Just go for it, no one will noticed, let alone care. They don't look that different," Yusuke insisted.

"Okay," the first server agreed as he switch with his friend.

"Don't worry, worse case scenario, we keep this between the three of us," Yusuke assured the two men.

Both servants nodded as the first headed out a little more confident and started serving the glasses to Ema, Louis and the king first.

The second started to head back to the kitchen to take care of the other glasses only to suddenly see him being blocked by Robert.

"Ah, thank you Lad, just what I needed," he said as he casually helped himself to a glass.

"Uh, but my lord," the server started to say.

Robert however held up his hand to silence him before walking off.

"I have no time for you," Robert said as he walked away.

The server shrugged his shoulders and continued to the kitchen.

'I hope there really wasn't something wrong with these drinks,' he thought. 'They really don't smell good."

Robert watched with pride as he watched the server he had bullied earlier into distributing the drinks to his uncle, Ema, Louis and his cousins.

He raised his own glass as he watch a few start to drink from the glasses.

'Enjoy all,' he thought as he brought his own cup to his lips. He wrinkled his nose as he caught a wiff of the drink.

'Eh, doesn't smell all that great,' he thought some more before drinking all the wine in one gulp. He almost gagged at the taste.

"Doesn't taste that great either," he said to himself, but shrugged it off as he continued to watch Ema Louis and the others drink.

'I wonder how long before it starts to,' Robert was surprised when he had to pause himself, "starts to...,"

Robert had to really force himself to finish his train of thought, 'to take affect!'

He sigh as he finished his thought and then turned to watch as Futo went over to the musicians and speak to them before speaking into a microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, with his majesty's, and grandfather's blessing, I'd like to perform one of my own songs for the next dance," announced.

"So be it, Futo," King Stephon allowed sounding undeniably happy.

Robert however sneers.

"Grandfather huh?" he said out loud, "since when did they decide they had the right to call him grandfawther..."

Robert felt the side of his face as he heard his own slurred speech. It felt a little like rubber. Plus his head was really starting to hurt.

"Ugh," he moaned out loud.

"You okay?" he heard somebody ask.

Robert looked over and saw Yusuke looking at him looking confused and a little concerned.

"Mind your own busthness," Robert slurred again. Yusuke looked confused by his way. of talking.

"Are you drunk?" he asked.

"Noooooo," Robert dragged out, "I'm fineeeeeee."

"Sure," Yusuke said as he slowly walked away. Robert sneered at him as Yusuke walked off.

'Who does he think he is, buggIng me like that,' he thought before holding his head some more in pain. He was starting to feel dizzy and had to prop himself up against a wall.

"He could barley hear Yusuke's voice again when he said, "he's right there."

Robert looked up, even though now his eyesight had gone blurry. He seemed to make out Yusuke now joined by Masaomi and Billy.

"Yeah he doesn't look good," he thought he heard Billy say. He barley could see Masaomi coming closer to him

"Lord Robert, can you see how many fingers I'm holding up?" Masaomi asked.

"Get away from me! Leave me alone!" Robert snapped, trying to brush Masaomi's hand away, only to miss terribly.

Masaomi backed away concerned.

"Is he just drunk?" Yusuke asked.

"These don't look like symptoms of drunkenness," Masaomi insisted.

"Yeah and actually Robert's usually a friendly drunk. The one time he's pleasant," Billy also mentioned.

Robert groaned both in pain and frustration.

"Should we maybe send him home?" Yusuke suggested.

"Yeah probably," Billy agreed. He moved closer to try and take Robert's arm

"What are you doing?!" Robert snapped as he tried to pull away, only to stumble terribly.

"Just uh, helping you to your car Robert, ball's over," Billy tried to coax him as he took his arm again.

"Is it?" Robert asked right as Yusuke took his other arm.

"Yeah, people are starting to head home already," Billy insisted, "let's get going. Want to beat traffic and all."

"Let me see my uncle real fast!" Robert ordered.

"Okay," Billy reluctantly agreed as he and Yusuke help lead Robert to the king.

The king was actually starting to dance with Ema as they approached. Both froze when they saw Robert being brought to them.

"Uncle, I am on my, my way, out," Robert slurred as he tried to bow, only to stumble again, nearly making Billy and Yusuke fall too.

"Are you alright, Robert?" King Stephon asked, genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine! I'm bettwer than fine! You should wowy about yourself!" Robert snapped despite his slur speech.

"Right," Stephon said.

"Alright, let's get you going," Billy said as he and Yusuke led Robert to the exit.

"Goowdbwy Uncle," Robert called out as he was drugged away.

Billy and Yusuke managed to get Robert outside and to his waiting car.

"Is he okay?" his driver asked as Robert was loaded into the car.

"You should get a doctor to look at him as soon as possible," Masaomi called out from the door.

"Will do," the driver agreed as he moved to shut the door.

"I'll be fineeee! You'll seeee, I'll beeee back in the mooorning!" Robert said one last time as the car door was shut.

Billy, Yusuke and Masaomi watched as his car drive away.

"I wonder what happened to him," Yusuke asked out loud.

"I'm sure whatever it was, it won't last. He'll be his usual unlikable self again by tomorrow, like he promised," Billy insisted reluctantly as he ushered Yusuke and Masaomi back into the palace.

I'm fineee. I'm better than fineee. I'll probably beee kinnng by tomorrow," Robert kept telling himself as he drove home. Then he felt his head again.

"Ah this pain! The pain! What's happening to me? What's happening to meee..., happening to mee, happening to me...,"