Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 133: Two-Winged Angel, a pokémon fanfic

Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 133: Two-Winged Angel

26…

That's not my name. My name, is Rose…

This, is the heart of Rose…

I, am Rose. Though I am but five years of age, I have witnessed many people come and go in my world.

THIS, is my world. My dream world was a surreal utopia. It was a single floating isle, surrounded by pristine waterfalls. This isle, was a filled with roses, violets and other flowers. The fields of flowers eventually stopped, in favor of Cinderella stairs heavily decorated with red and black roses. At the top of this Cinderella staircase, was the foot of my manor where the glass doors separate me from the outside world. This manor was of heavy Victorian Era influence, and was fitting for a queen or princess.

Inside this manor decorated with red and black roses, stood me, staring out the glass doors. The sky was without clouds to cover the sun. It was a glorious day.

26.

Rose.

There were two faces that my heart possessed.

Those whom I have lived my life with as Commander 26: Mother Flora. Lilligant. Roselia. Brother Zero. Uncle Bastion. Lady Beatrice.

And those whom I have grown close to as Rose: Brother Seth. Chapel. Yumi. Amy 'Banette' Angel. Ariel Angel.

My lives as Commander 26 and Rose were two sides of the same coin: they were comparable, yet contrasting simultaneously. As 26, I enjoyed Mother Flora and Lady Beatrice. As Rose, I enjoy Chapel and Banette. But with those I enjoy as 26 and Rose, there are also those who fill my heart with darkness.

Father Atticus.

Brother Set-

'Oh my…' HIM…Why? Why was I about to associate his name with the darkness in my heart? My eyes widened, and I clasped my head with my hands.

Brother Seth…!

Our relationship…our connection, which has been doomed with inconsistency…I…I love Brother. I truly do. But I feel he has not truly opened his heart to me, as have I to him.

'The connection him and I share now, is no longer enough.'

"Rose?"

Hm? It appeared as though a person was calling my name. The voice echoed throughout the manor, meaning that the person wasn't in the foyer. This prompted for me to start walking, my black boots cackling against the crystal clear, white tiled floor.

"Rose."

There were many rooms and hallways.

"Lilli!"

"Selia!" The first hallway led to the large pantry and dining area. Here, Lilligant and Roselia were excitedly preparing a feast for the residents of the manor.

"Rose."

The next hallway was a rather long and roomy one. This was the location of the widest view of the roses and distant waterfalls. I stopped my walking and approached the window, placing a single hand as I looked outside.

"Krow! Murkrow!" A Murkrow was flying just above the yard. Was this the Murkrow belonging to Brother? Incorrect.

"Hmhn." This Murkrow had a nickname-Lucky-and she descended, perching upon the shoulder of a very close 'sister' I once met. "Hey…" Ariel Angel…a warm smile was on her face as she gave me a very humble wave hello.

"Good day." And accompanying Ariel, was her younger sister, Amy Angel. She looked up into the sky, seeing a pokemon fly by. It was a Swanna; a Swanna symbolizing the heavenly wings Amy has sprouted in the real world, en route to resting in eternal peace…

"Rose."

I returned my attention to the hall in front of me, and continued walking. Just before moving on from this hallway, Uncle Bastion appeared. He seemed to just be passing by.

'Good day.' I greeted.

Uncle was a calm man of few words. Despite his hard exterior, he would always display to me his softer side-in the form of a warm smile and a single nod.

A simple crossing of paths, it was.

"Rose."

I inched closer and closer to whomever it was calling me, but nevertheless, the source was still far away. I found myself stopping, and staring at another case of Cinderella stairs, this one leading to the second floor of the manor.

I made my way to the top of the stairs, where another large window leading to the outside world stood. There was a balcony as well.

"Yo!" And standing on the balcony, was a familiar black-haired girl with aqua blue bangs and eyes.

I closed my eyes and smiled. As I continued walking, I thought to myself, 'The abundance of energy and affection from Yumi is something I envy…'

"Rose."

I returned her greeting, and she waved farewell as I continued on my way.

I had risen from the ground, floating as I ascended up the winding stairs. Awaiting me on the second floor of the manor, was a hallway with many doors lining the walls. The lighting was dim and sophisticated, the floor a rich, dark rosewood. I could see my reflection…

Only one door in the hall was open. As I passed by…

"!" My eyes widened, and I halted unceremoniously as a stream of fire came from the other side of the open door. The stream of fire dissipating, I took a few steps. I stood in the doorway as I saw the source of the fire: That wretched orange dragon, and his trainer. "Brother!" My voice was as firm as the voice of a little girl could sound.

"Hm?" Zero and Charizard both looked at me. The smiles on their faces were ironic, considering they were caught red handed.

"Honestly, must I infinitely repeat myself?" My hands were on my hips, like a queen, "You two are not to perform the practices of battle in this manor."

"Ahah. Hehehehe…" Brother Zero scratched his head.

Honestly, it is as if I am the older sibling. Despite his blatant disobedience, Brother Zero means well. My scolding of him is just a symbol of how close we were as dearly beloved siblings.

"Rose."

I believed a scolding was all that was needed to put Brother Zero and Charizard in line. Upon hearing my name once more, I continued my journey through the manor.

The next room was one that was very exclusive. This was a rather large chamber, with nothing but a single platform at the center. Spacious…would a stranger of the outside world consider this room a waste of space? Strangers…Strangers…they know not of me and my heart, and therefore, they cannot comprehend the meaning of all this empty space.

I made my way to the platform, and clasped my hands as I closed my eyes. No sound. No movement. The world-MY world-was halting before me. The entire room faded to pitch black. Moments later, a single light could be seen. It was a small ball of periwinkle light, one not enough to illuminate the room by any means. But shortly after, a second small light appeared, and a third. Before I knew it, the pitch black was completely loitered with small helpings of light. Collectively, the small lights were able to create a light of large, illuminating the room at last. The room reminded me of a beautiful forest in the night, decorated with crystal blue trees, white pyre flies, and butterflies made of light in its purest form. Blue and white roses were in abundance, and up above? I opened my eyes, and saw a moon-It was a full, Rose moon. I could make out images on this moon…those were the memories I have made with every dearly beloved in my life…

I smiled.

Everyone…

Somewhere within these memories, there was but one dearly beloved calling out to me. There…I needed to go to the Rose moon, in order to reach the one who calls me…

"Rose." The voice calls again.

"Rose?" But THIS voice…It was a new voice, but familiar at the same time. This voice lacked a distant echo; it was close by…

"…" Wordlessly, I turned around to see the dearly beloved, standing in the midst of the beautiful pyre flies, and the abundance of white roses. I saw her face… "Chapel." Chapel was not present elsewhere in the mansion.

Chapel and I were very close. I have completely forgotten that we were not sisters by blood, but she is acknowledged by me as my 'real' sister nonetheless. Even in the forest of crystal, her bangs and eyes were vividly maroon red.

"Rose." Chapel approached me.

"Rose." And as Chapel stopped, she looked to the Rose moon, where the echo was calling me from.

She put a hand on my shoulder, and said to me, "She's waiting."

My deep blue eyes glistened, and I nodded.

"Rose."

I ascended from the ground. Before flying off, I gave Chapel one last look. We both smiled.

Saying our goodbyes, I made my way to the Rose moon…The pyre flies, butterflies, and white roses…they were now behind me, as I chased my dearly beloved.

"Rose."

Within the Rose moon, lied the dearest of my dearly beloveds. She sat at the familiar patch of roses, located within the very cathedral she and I have spent much of my life.

"Rose…"

I stood just outside of the cathedral, the doors standing as the only thing between me and the sanctuary. It has been some time since I was last here. I opened the doors and I was greeted with a warm smile on her face. Her…there was a certain aura she always brought to the overall atmosphere. It was an aura that could not be described by mere words. I just felt warm inside…as warm as when I was a newborn, cradled within her arms in a loving embrace. Everyday, I yearn for that kind of embrace again. Now that I am here, she will grant me what I desire most…

"Rose." Mother Flora, a smile on her face.

Her smile made me smile, as I entered the sanctuary. So much nostalgia, this cathedral gave me…

"…" My eyes remained on Mother Flora, but I could not help but notice a few other figures in the sanctuary. Father Atticus was sitting in the first of many rows of pubs.

"…" Brother Seth…He was leaning against the wall; Arms crossed, eyes closed, and keeping to himself.

Brother Seth and Father Atticus were a distance away from me…Just like they were in the real world.

"…" And Lady Beatrice, my Godmother, stood next to Mother Flora. I looked forward to spending the day with them.

My gaze remained fixed on Mother. "Welcome home." Her whisper echoed throughout the sanctuary, just like it echoed throughout the rest of the manor.

Just a few more steps…My dearest beloveds were just a few more steps away…

…

"Pikaboo!"

"Pikachu!"

"I see you!"

"You see who?"

My stopped, and my eyes widened. Those voices…Those two…

"We're apart of your memories too, yes." Illumise chirped.

"Yes, we too, are apart of your memories." Volbeat echoed.

Volbeat and Illumise grabbed hands, and posed dramatically, "We've come to keep you company!"

No.

Gritting teeth was something very unbecoming of a lady such as myself, but that is exactly what I did when the Innamorati descended in front of me, cutting me off from Mother Flora and my other dearly beloveds.

No. They are not supposed to be here.

I clenched my fists, and closed my eyes.

"Why are you here…? WHY ARE YOU HERE?!"

And so, Rose's Dream Ends…

Location: Verdant Plains

"WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" Strange, I felt. I was well aware of the fact that I was dreaming, yet, I felt surprised that dream was not my true reality. Human nature, I suppose.

The vision of Volbeat and Illumise in my manor was not welcoming in the slightest. In fact, I vehemently resist association with the two. Apparently, it was enough to wake me from my slumber.

"Hm?" My new family, that is what I saw once my eyes adjusted to the darkness of the night inside the tent house.

Chapel, Yumi, and Brother…they all lay asleep, seemingly with no care in the world. Seeing Brother with is eyes closed made him appear more human in my eyes. It was adorable, and I could not help but smile. More adorable, was Chikorita cuddled up with him.

I was somewhat astonished by the fact that my sudden outburst failed to awake any person in this tent house. Or perhaps, I spoke a moment too soon…

"Rose?" Calling my name, was a Banette who was half asleep. As she sat up, she rubbed her eye. "Is anything wrong?"

The only thing that had me unnerved was my dream. However, a mere dream was never any cause for alarm. No matter how real the human mind perceives the dream as reality, the dream is still just that-a dream. My gaze wandered throughout the 'home', before landing on my Pokemon Egg as I answered, "It is nothing worth mentioning."

Now that I was awake, I found little reason to return to my slumber while the vision of Volbeat and Illumise were still fresh in my mind. I returned my gaze to Banette. "I feel a midnight stroll is necessary for me right now." I retrieved my Egg, and started toward the exit of the tent as I said to Banette, "Please, accompany me."

…..

"Why bring the Egg with us?" Banette asked.

Banette and I were alone, leaning against a tree. The crescent moon in the night sky reminded me very much of the rose moon in my dream world. The moon and the stars, they made the eyes of Banette glisten.

I embraced the Egg as I gave Banette my heartfelt answer. "Inside this Egg, is the life of a child who will be looking for me to parent him or her."

"…" Banette said nothing, allowing me to continue.

"Do you want to know something, Banette?" I started, "…I still think about the family I left behind in the organization. I think about them, in addition to thinking about you, Brother and the family I have right here. But, the connection with Brother…it lacks the depth and emotion of the connection I shared with Mother Flora."

"To tell the truth, I've never been to keen on him…" Banette was just voicing her opinion. She and Brother have never really associated. They have always simply tolerated the presence of one another.

"…Remember Ariel Angel?" I asked.

The eyes of Banette widened, before becoming soft with a reminiscent glow. How could she forget Ariel Angel? She was the sister of her lifelong friend, Amy Angel. Though I looked like Amy, we were nothing alike. Banette knew this fact, and she knew that she could never undo her sin and bring Amy back…

"Ariel Angel showed to me the love that Brother lacks. Since that night, I have further questioned 'Brother and I'. Who am I to Brother? Who is he to me? Whatever familial bond I long for, I swear to give to the child born from this Egg."

Banette smiled, "You'll be this pokemon's mother."

"I will be to this Pokemon, how Mother Flora was to me." I nodded in agreement with the evil doll.

"Like Mother Flora!"

"Like Mother Flora?"

"Yes! Like Mother Flora!"

"!"

Those voices…as they sounded off in the night, two figures descended upon me. The first was a Volbeat wearing a red mask, while the second was an Illumise wearing a violet mask.

POV: There is no POV

It seemed as though Rose's dream was a foreshadowing of what was to come. Volbeat and Illumise….like in Rose's dream, they appeared unceremoniously, much to the torment of Rose.

The Innamorati smiled as they looked at the duo before them. Banette stood on edge, and rightfully so. Though the two fireflies didn't look like much, they had an uncanny ability to downplay the abilities of their opponent through sheer obnoxiousness. Banette was powerful, but that mattered not during their last encounter. Were Volbeat and Illumise even trying back then?

Next, Volbeat and Illumise looked to Rose. Rose didn't want to look at the fireflies, and fixed her gaze on the grassy ground. The gazes of the Innamorati though…their gazes wandered to what cuddled in Rose's arms.

"It's an Egg!"

"An Egg, it is!"

Banette took a step forward, in defense of Rose and the Egg. "Why are you two here?" The evil doll began glowing a dark, nightmarish aura.

"We bring you greetings from Lady Beatrice." Illumise answered.

"From Lady Beatrice, we bring you greetings." Volbeat echoed.

"Beatrice…" The eyes of Banette lit up as the fireflies said that name, "She was the woman with the Gallade."

"Yes, Gallade is very powerful." Volbeat added.

"However, Gallade will not be doing battle on this night," Illumise said.

Upon the words of Illumise, Volbeat continued, "Very soon, Lady Beatrice will be sent on a mission to this part of the region. Her path will cross yours, and when that time comes, you will have no choice but to do battle with her."

Rose remembered the words that came from Beatrice during their last meeting.

'You're like the daughter I never had…I'll grant you mercy today. However, next time I won't be as forgiving. Just know this: the road back to Flora and I is always open…'

"Lady Beatrice is not present." Rose shifted her gaze from the ground to the Innamorati, "There must be a bigger purpose for you being here, other than to simply deliver a message."

"Hmhm!" Illumise giggled, hand over her mouth. "We're here to gauge the strength of our opponent!"

"To gauge the strength of our opponent, that is why we're here!"

"Or, at least-"

"-That was our reason, before feasting our eyes-"

"-On this!"

Volbeat and Illumise were taking turns saying that sentence. To end the sentence with an exclamation point-

"Oh?!" Volbeat swiftly flew at Rose, snatching the Egg from her arms while her guard was down.

"The Egg?!" The eyes of Banette widened. Astonished, the evil doll questioned how their guards could be let down. Of course…Volbeat and Illumise's ability to downplay one's skills, like a Prankster…Banette gritted her teeth.

"Hahahaha! The Egg is ours!"

"Hahahaha! Ours, the Egg is!"

Volbeat held the Egg in the air triumphantly, as if the Egg was going to be engulfed by a golden light sent from Heaven itself. Meanwhile, Illumise clapped like an impressed, naïve child.

Rose was enraged, like a Mother having lost her child. Her ladylike demeanor took a back seat, and she gritted her teeth. "You will return my child AT ONCE!" Using her virus power, Rose flew at Volbeat with great velocity.

"Too slow!" Oblivious to Rose's rage, Volbeat casually shifted the Egg to where Rose could not reach. The five year old did a flip as she descended to the ground. She looked back up at the Volbeat and Illumise.

"Hahahaha!" Volbeat continued to laugh ignorantly, before opening his eyes and looking at the Egg as he suddenly asked, "I wonder what's inside?"

"A chicken?" Illumise answered.

"A CHICKEN?!" Volbeat parroted with a smile.

"I love chickens, Eddy!" Illumise chirped.

The duo shared a moment of laughter, before Volbeat halted and came to a realization, "Oh wait, wrong show…"

"Oh well!" Illumise exclaimed.

Rose, bemused by the antics of the fireflies, quickly returned to the matter at hand before a tangent could be created. She stepped forward and demanded the fireflies, "Hand over my Egg…!"

The smile still on Illumise's face, her eyebrows furrowed. "Is that a threat?" Despite their antics, that question confirmed one thing: Volbeat and Illumise were prepared for a fight.

Immediately, Banette's dark aura began to strengthen. This was not the aura of a Shadow Pokemon. This, was passion. Banette was just as passionate about the Egg as Rose. Like Rose, Banette saw the Egg as a new family member. Banette had the chance to give the pokemon what she never gave Amy Angel: A full life. It was because of Banette that a life was ended. That life…many people grieved over it. And no matter how much grieving existed, that life could never be brought back. But the new life inside the Egg…Banette felt Amy watching down on her from Heaven. Amy knew Banette was a good doll, and it was time for Banette to confirm the notion. Banette was an undead spirit, but if she was mortal, she would give her life if it meant retrieving the Egg.

"…" Banette's red eyes glistened under the moonlight, and they were dead set on Volbeat and Illumise.

"Use Night Shade." Rose commanded.

"Huh?"

Rose called a command, confirming Volbeat's questioning of a threat coming from her. For the Egg-Rose's child-a fight was inevitable.

Volbeat and Illumise were caught off guard by Rose calling a command. Ever since she was a toddler, Rose despised the presence of the fireflies. All the taunting and bullying, and not once did Rose ever retaliate. She would always call for Mother Flora. But now, Mother Flora wasn't here. Ever since leaving the organization, Rose has had every reason to confront Volbeat and Illumise directly.

"You will unhand the Egg…" As Banette said this, Volbeat and Illumise see could the image of a broken Mime Jr doll. It was Banette's old form, and it could be seen only momentarily, before the evil doll was began spreading the darkness of Night Shade.

"!"

The eyes of Volbeat and Illumise widened. They had not a clue, the power Banette had. Once inside Night Shade, the fireflies would be plunged into a nightmare in which there was no waking. Inside of Night Shade, was 'The World of Banette, the Broken Doll', where Banette could render the Innamorati's Prankster ways useless. Yes, they had not a clue…But they did not need any clues to perceive the Night Shade as a threat.

Rose stood alone on the grassy ground, hair spread and blowing as she was engulfed by the spreading darkness of Night Shade.

The darkness neared, prompting Volbeat and Illumise to distance themselves from the evil doll. They quickly ascended, out of the range of Banette…or so they thought.

"Trying to escape me will get you nowhere…" Banette's eyes narrowed as she whispered these words.

"Ngh…?!"

Volbeat and Illumise were not prepared for Banette to spread the darkness to an even further extent. This time, the darkness was spreading at a faster rate. From the ground, Banette could see her own Night Shade clouding her vision of the moon.

On edge, Volbeat and Illumise turned their backs on Banette, prepared to make a swift getaway.

"You will not be taking my Egg."

"Ngh…?!"

The masked fireflies froze, for when they turned their backs, Rose was calmly floating in front of them.

Rose was always one to wear her emotions on her sleeve, but not this time. She despised Volbeat and Illumise so much, years ago she swore that she would not give them the benefit of seeing her moved by their antics. The thought of raising her voice to that of a deafening scream had not crossed the mind of Rose. Instead, her rage was cold and focused.

"26."

"26." In unison, Volbeat and Illumise called Rose by her long-abandoned Commander name.

Yes, her rage was subdued, but apparent. But, there was no need for Rose's rage, not after what happened next…

"!"

The attention of Illumise and Volbeat was ALWAYS on Rose, whenever they were in her presence. Throughout their encounters at Lake of Rage, and within the abyss of the Aomori Mountains, the fireflies never took their eyes off her. And now, that habit would ultimate lead to their defeat on this night.

From behind, Volbeat and Illumise were engulfed by the spreading Night Shade. Now their vision of the night's moon was clouded by the darkness.

"…"

The only thing in the vision of Volbeat and Illumise, was the darkness surrounding Rose as well.

"…" Rose's blonde hair blew in the wind, and her vivid blue eyes seemed to glow in the dark. Those eyes remained firmly on the Egg, for now the Egg was hers to reclaim. No longer, were they in a world with rules that could be broken and exploited by their obnoxiousness. Now, Volbeat and Illumise…they were in the living Hell of 'a little girl and her favorite doll'.

Everything went black, as black as an endless abyss of nothingness.

"…"

Volbeat and Illumise couldn't say or see anything. Nothing but a distant pair of red eyes locked on them. Those eyes were ominous.

Banette…The endless abyss of nothingness began turning into the vision of Banette. And the vision of Banette was? The world of Rose.

Location: Banette's Night Shade-Rose's Manor

By the time Volbeat and Illumise could take in what happened, they found themselves in this manor-Rose's Manor. The two Innamorati were fireflies that could light up even the darkest of nights…But even the brightest of light fails in Banette's nightmare.

Earlier in the night, Rose dreamed of being in her manor while sleeping. It was a fancy world, with all of her dearly beloveds there to greet her. Now?

"…" Now, Rose was in a different room.

To Volbeat and Illumise, this room seemed endless, like the walls stretched for miles. It was empty, with no décor to add any homeliness. The marble floor alternated between large tiles that were black and white in color, like a chessboard. The chessboard-like floor was as pristine as the rest of the manor. On the endless walls, were endless windows. All that lied on the outside was the pitch black night, with an ominous fog accompanying. It was dark and nightmarish, like the Night Shaded world of Banette.

Rose's elegance, and Banette's darkness…the room was composed of the two 'ingredients', and they complimented each other.

The Innamorati could see Rose's figure, but they couldn't see the look on her face, lost within the darkness. The could see…wings? Wings…One wing was a white as the pristine feathers of a Swanna, the other wing as black as the wicked feathers of a Murkrow.

Rose the Maiden, she was a two-winged angel…

"My child. You will…" Rose lifted her arm, and extended it toward the Egg Volbeat was holding. "You will…hand over my child."

Volbeat and Illumise were perplexed as to why Rose wasn't as emotional as she usually is.

It wasn't as if Rose was bottling her emotions in favor of anger that's cold and calculating. No…her anger was being channeled…elsewhere.

"!"

You could just feel the eyes of Volbeat and Illumise widening, from behind the Innamorati masks they wore. Their eyes widened, because of where Rose was channeling her anger.

The white wing.

The black wing.

Rose's passionate anger was being channeled into both her new wings.

"Wrah…!" The white wing changed shape, to that of a feathered, pristine dragon head.

"Wrah…!" The black wing changed as well, into that of a feathered, ferocious dragon head.

What was going on here? How was Rose able to sprout wings that could be turned into dragon heads used as weapons? And when did she acquire such an ability? Was this an illusion brought about by Banette's Night Shade? Was this simply a nightmare of what Volbeat and Illumise fear most about Rose? No Banette and Rose exemplified the deep bond between a girl and her favorite doll. Even so, Banette has never seen Rose use such a power. She couldn't have imagined putting Rose's wings into this nightmare. Another reason to deny the speculation? Volbeat and Illumise have never feared Rose. At least, not until this night, in this very moment in time. So the question remains to be answered…

The white wing. The black wing. The ability to use things wings as weapons in the form of dragon heads…how did Rose get this?

"Ngh…!"

Volbeat and Illumise tried to move, in an effort to get away from the little girl standing right in front of them. They were paralyzed…paralyzed by a Banette whose red eyes were locked on them from behind.

"WRAH!"

The dragon wings on Rose's back had minds of their own. Rose remained in place, as the wings grew and extended. They charged at the Innamorati.

There was nowhere for Volbeat and Illumise to escape, leaving them as easy pray for the dragon wings.

"WRAH!"

Illumise was stricken by the black dragon, Volbeat stricken by the white. They were pushed back like ragdolls. If looked closely, the Innamorati masks donned by Volbeat and Illumise cracked. It was as if the masks were about to shatter. They had yet to hit the floor or any walls, but Illumise and Volbeat were rendered defeated and unconscious upon immediate impact.

Slowly, the dragons chased after Volbeat, and claimed the Pokemon Egg within his arms.

"…" Rose stood there, motionless. As Volbeat and Illumise descended closer into the endless black abyss Banette had waiting for them, the black and white dragon wings moved closer to her.

Who would've thought that Rose housed such a world? Nobody. Not Seth. Not Chapel nor Yumi. Not the family she had back in the organization. Nobody. Every person Rose has ever come in contact with knows that she's a very passionate and emotional person, but to manifest that passion and emotion into a world in which those emotions come pouring out…Who is Rose? She is someone who has been trained to be physically and mentally superior to the average human…Was there more to her story than that? If there are deeper depths to Rose's character, it remained a mystery to the world.

The Egg was delivered back to Rose, and the dragons had reverted back to being black and white wings. Rose hugged the Eggs, but her eyes remained on the Volbeat and Illumise drifting into Banette's Night Shade void. Her eyes were a cold as a blue flame, and she did not smile.

A person on the outside could not comprehend what goes on inside Banette's void. Volbeat and Illumise, caught in this void, were destined to suffer.

…

But with the Egg in her arms, Rose found it pointless to torture the fireflies needlessly. In the world of Rose and Banette, their goal was accomplished. And thus, the walls and chessboard-like floor…everything began dissolving.

This was the end of Banette's Night Shade…

Location: Verdant Plains

Out of a girl and her favorite doll's Night Shade, and into another kind of night. Rose and Banette were back to reality.

Appearing in the air, Rose slowly descended to the ground. Her normally vivid blue eyes were still as cold as an icy blue flame as they fixed themselves on the Egg she was holding. Looking at the Egg with the red flower print on it, Rose thought about what she said earlier.

"Inside this Egg, is the life of a child who will be looking for me to protect him or her." She remembered, "Who am I to Brother? Who is he to me? Whatever familial bond I long for, I swear to give to this child…"

Rose swore to protect her child from anyone, even…

"…"

Volbeat and Illumise. Their mouths hung open, frozen from fear. The Innamorati masks they were wearing prevented the world from seeing their true identities-the terror in their eyes. Rose's power was passionate. It was reminiscent of a Mother doing anything to protect the dearly beloveds she brought into this world. It was…scary.

"Hmph."

Were Volbeat and Illumise scared? Or were they giving into the Innamorati characters they were portraying, and exaggerating the hollow emotion of being scared?

"We have, completed our objective."

"Our objective, we have completed."

In the past, Volbeat and Illumise have acted like spoiled children when things didn't go their way. It was expected that the masked fireflies would act the same way now. But at the end of the day, they still completed their objective of gauging the strength of 26 for Beatrice and Bastion.

"We cannot jest, because 26 is powerful," Volbeat said.

"Because 26 is powerful, we cannot jest." Illumise parroted.

"…"

Half-hearted smiles returned to their faces.

"But Lady Beatrice is still stronger," Illumise said.

"Stronger, Commander 06 still is." Volbeat added.

The fireflies were no longer teasing Rose…for now. Rose, Banette, Volbeat and Illumise…they all exchanged cold looks. This stare down ended when Volbeat and Illumise began ascending into the sky.

"Our paths will cross again."

"Cross again, our paths will."

This was the Innamorati making their exit off stage. Their roles in this act were finished, for now, as they begin their return to Commander 06 Beatrice and Commander 15 Bastion.

This left Rose and Banette alone, in the cold still night.

Without word, Banette turned to look at the black wing and the white wing of Rose's back. She looked a lot like an angel, like Amy angel. But the question still begs to be asked:

"Your wings are beautiful. How did you get them? And when?"

"…" The pristine white wing, and the ferocious black wing…They emitted a sort of glow that glistened under the stars and crescent moon. "Our child is safe."

Banette couldn't blame Rose for her fixation on the Egg.

"I am this child's angel, and the wings confirm this." Rose began answering Banette's question, "How long has it been since I crossed paths with Missingno? It should be one year pretty soon. A year since I was cursed with the power of the virus. Since that day, I have gained the ability to float in the air, but now…" Rose looked to the evil doll, "Now it appears the virus power I received from Missingno has begun to evolve. This evolution has gifted me with an amazing power: The power to protect my child, with these black and white angel wings."

The eyes of Banette widened in realization. She then approached Rose and the Egg, "…Have you wondered what the Egg will hatch into?"

Rose did not realize this, but she looked so much like her mother right now. Her face was undiscernible, her eyes cold yet warm at the same time. She seemed to have this motherly aura to her that just felt natural. She looked at the Egg, and couldn't help but lose herself to the sight of the beautiful red flower pattern it had. "Our child will be pretty. As pretty as the red flower; as pretty as a rose."

They've had the Egg for some time now. Rose thought to herself 'how long until this child is born?' …Maybe Rose and Banette could wait. Volbeat and Illumise delivered the news: they were destined to cross paths again, with Lady Beatrice and Uncle Bastion accompany the fireflies.

Should Rose tell the others of what went on tonight? There was no need to contemplate it, but…

'The path back to Flora and I is always open…' Rose remembered the words that came from Beatrice when they last met.

She wanted to see Mother Flora again, and she was sure her Brother wanted the same thing. If she let her Brother know that Beatrice was apart of Neo Snagem, would he be willing to listen to reason if it meant seeing Mother Flora again? He has yet to meet Beatrice or Volbeat and Illumise. Maybe…maybe it was best if Rose kept quiet about tonight's encounter.

If Rose could establish the kind of connection with Seth like the one he has with Yumi, maybe she'd be able to convince him to stand down. Rose fantasized it: seeing her Brother and Mother Flora interact for the first time in her young life. This vision gave Rose the answer she needed.

The connection she had maintained with her Brother up until now is no longer enough. Even after everything that has happened, she wants to love her Brother and be loved in return. The way Brother cares for Yumi, and the way Rose cares for the Egg…they will be the goal Rose aims for with Seth.

"Yes…My brother is my goal."

To Be Continued…