Story Notes:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Damage Control
Over the next few days, Minunet trained vigorously in her skills that she lacked, setting up a belief that her weakness in melee attacks without her aura was what lead her love to death. Brian saw her training so hard that he thought she was over-working herself but remembered what happened and also what Snowfire told him so he actually joined in her training. Minunet, at first, was surprised but then eased up on herself. She would sometimes pounce on Brian, catching him by surprise every time and they had their laughs afterward. Brian was glad that she wasn't blaming herself anymore for what happened and they came closer. When Brian could, he thought about Snowfire's words. The closer they got, the more Minunet became affection toward him. One time, she nuzzled Brian's face which he felt an unmistakable kiss.
One day, Brian saw that Crash and Bandit were bored sitting around in the living room besides when they go out to train in battles and with the equipment. Brian wondered if it was safe to take them on a trip because of what happened of if he was just being paranoid. He asked Minunet's opinion. When Brian asked her, she thought he was being hypothetical and told him that would be a great idea. Brian then went into his father's home office and pondered. What happened earlier this week could happen again. But this time, it would be everyone here against five simple people. Xander's psychic abilities make him a force to be reckoned with that he tricks his opponents that he is at one spot but when he is approaching them from their blind spots. Rose would be able to block any projectiles up to a large boulder. Crash would see them with his eyes long before anyone smells them. Bandit can trap and make them vulnerable with his vines. Brian snickered as he remembered what Bandit did to Jak almost a year before. Minunet, above all else, is the most powerful. If she had a killer instinct, no one could stop her in any kind of confrontation. Yes, we should be safe to take this trip. Everyone deserves it.
Brian got out of the computer chair he was sitting in and called everyone around to announce his intentions. "Everyone, I've noticed for the past few days, you've been rather bored with our seclusion. I intend for all of us, which includes you Xander and Rose that we all go on a trip. A little 'family trip' for all of us." Right off the bat, Crash and Bandit were up to their feet pumped to get going as soon as possible. Minunet looked rather worried and thought that he wasn't serious. Rose showed concern about who would watch the house as they were gone and Brian decided to approach her about it. "I know you are worried about our home, but you deserve this break. You and Xander both from all of your hard work and dedication to my family, even after when my parents, you trainers, passed away." Rose thought about it. It had been, indeed, such a long time they was away from home, ever since Brian's parents came together that is. I think... a break from all that we have done is due for us. Rose said telepathically.
Xander and Rose went to go pack up several things as did Crash and Bandit left the room to come with any antics they could for this trip when Minunet came up to Brian and slugged him in the arm. She had become increasingly power with her regular strength. "OW! What the hell was that for?!" Brian demanded and Minunet just looked at him with an angry look and her eyes watering. "What are you thinking!? Don't you remember what happened almost a week ago!?" She cried out. "That was then, this is now. Besides, with all of us together, they couldn't bring us down even if wanted to!" Brian replied "You don't know that for sure! I won't let you! I won't let you be taken away from me again!" Minunet then started to pound Brian's chest but eventually lightened up with each hit then broke down crying against his chest. "I can't lose you again! I just can't! You mean so much to me Brian! I want to be with you so badly! Not as a pokémon but as a lover and mate! Brian, I love you!" She cried out. Brian was surprised but not at that she loved him but at her courage to cry it out. "I don't care if this love is wrong! A pokémon loving a human, so what? Doesn't every pokémon forge this sort of bond with their trainer of the opposite gender? I love you Brian and that is never going to change!" Minunet bawled.
Brian's heart felt heavy and tightened as Minunet poured out her emotions. Is it wrong for a human to love a pokémon? Is it wrong to start a family with a pokémon? Brian thought to himself as he wrapped her in an embrace while she went on about how much she loved him. She is really devoted to me. She gentle, loving, kind, trusting... I really do love her! She has to be the one. Upon coming to this realization, he let go of Minunet slightly, causing her to protest but he went down to her eye level and pressed his lips against hers. Minunet's eyes shot open but then went half-lidded as her love kissed her. Then Brian cradled Minunet's head with his left hand as he forced his tongue into her mouth, getting her to mingle with his. Minunet took the hint and started to twist, turn, and contort with his in a sort of love dance. When Brian broke the kiss, Minunet just looked at him with a confused look but then soon realized what the meaning of it was. "You really... do love me?" She whispered to Brian and his response was another passionate kiss. Rose came back into the room and saw the kiss but held her peace and returned back to her room with a sly smile on her face. Minunet nuzzled her head under Brian's chin as her love accepted her as his love. "I love you, Minunet. And that shall never ever change." Brian said to her. Minunet murred in satisfaction of his answer. "I love you too Brian. I don't want anyone else. Only you." Minunet replied. "Are you still for this trip?" Brian brought the topic she made a big fuss about made her ears fold against her head. "I... I don't know... I suppose with that... that..." Minunet lost her train of thought. "Devil trigger." Brian filled in the blank. "Yes. Exactly. With that, we should be okay but I'm still unsure about this." Minunet finished. "Hey, I was unsure of if I loved you or not but you just going out and confessing your love that the others could've heard or seen, I understand how much you really do love me." Brian tried to make her feel better which did a bit. "You are right of course. Everyone does deserve this break." Minunet eventually agreed.
Once everyone had gathered in the living room, they headed out of their home and left Veilstone through the southern entrance. Minunet entered in and out of her wave sight periodically to sense if anything was targeting them or meant them harm in nothing short of killing them once they was out of the city. Rose managed to get to talk with Brian alone away from the rest of the group while they walked. So, what was going on while we was gone out of the room? I heard noise but what you two was doing caught me completely off guard. Brian practically gagged when he heard her. "You saw that!?" Brian asked. And if I did? Rose casually replied. I have nothing against this sort of thing, Brian. I just wish to know why you was kissing Minunet. Brian hung his head as he tried to come with an answer fast. "I kissed her because I love her." Brian replied. Ahh. Does she share the same feelings? Rose asked. "Yes. She does." Brian answered. Rose covertly used her psychic powers to look in Minunet's mind without her noticing and was surprised by how much she loved him. Well then Brian. I think it is fair to warn you. Rose started. "Warn me about what?" Brian asked. Well, since Minunet is a lucario, she has a heat cycle that occurs around spring or fall. Brian gulped as the information registered in his mind and that fall was coming close. But due to her immaturity and how recently she evolved, you won't have to worry about it until spring or fall. Or maybe even until she's three years of age. Brian let out a sigh of relief as Rose explained. "Do the others know about the relationship I share with Minunet?" Brian asked. I've told them telepathically but also mentioned that they are not to approach you about it that you will tell them yourself. Don't be ashamed. It's natural to fall in love. I find it weird that you found love in a pokémon but who am I to judge you by that? Even I fell for your father before he met your mother and Xander was also infatuated with Crystal. I respect your decision in choosing her and if you ever need any advice or anything on this sort of topic, I'll gladly help. Rose said to Brian. "Thank you Rose. I appreciate your assistance." Brian thanked Rose and they joined with the rest of the group. When they stopped for the night, they was half way to their destination which was lake Valor. Minunet found it hard to sleep that night till Brian snuggled up close to her.
The next day, Bandit and Crash woke everyone up with some of their antics. Bandit decided to shake them awake in mid-air with his vines and Crash gave them a little shock on their necks. Minunet yelped in surprise as Crash put a bit more voltage into the shock, causing her fur to go poofy. Brian woke up shortly after Minunet when he felt her suddenly jerk and as a reflex went into his Devil Trigger and pinned Crash down to the ground channeling energy in Beowulf for an attack. After a few moments before Brian could unleash hell, he realized who he pinned. "Crash! What the hell were ya thinking!?" Brian yelled and looked over at Bandit who was scared shitless. "Bandit! Crash! Front and center!" Brian shouted and got off of Crash which he scrambled to his feet and sat down and Bandit nervously stepped up next to Crash. "I don't know what got into you guys but what you just did could've been your deaths! Bandit!" Bandit nervously gulped as he stepped forward. "I don't know what you was doing but don't let it happen again! Crash!" Brian then addressed Crash. Crash looked scared out of his mind and stepped forward as Bandit stepped back. "You do realize what could've happened if I wasn't fully awake, right? I could've killed you! I don't know what possessed you to carry out such actions but never do it again unless it is an emergency, GOT IT?!" Crash's eyes wide with fear of what he would do the next time and quickly nodded and stepped back. "Now go wake up Rose and Xander. It'll be time for us to leave soon when we eat." Bandit and Crash spun on their heels and went straight towards Rose and Xander, wanting to get away from Brian as quickly as possible and in the meantime, Minunet worked on calming Brian down from his devil trigger to normal before anyone else could see him like this. Once when Rose and Xander were awake, Brian was back to normal and calmed down which brought a wash of relief over Crash and Bandit. After a quick breakfast, they all set off further down south.
During the time on the road, they passed several trainers that looked eager to battle but they took one look at Minunet who was eyeing them cautiously and some what menacingly, went their own way without a second thought. Brian noticed this and told Minunet to calm down but she didn't till they finally reached their destination, Lake Acuity. It was around noon when they arrived so they ate lunch and set up camp for the time that they would be there. Bandit found a grove that he could rest in and sunbathe while Crash was making ripples in the water with his star tail. Rose and Xander wasted no time getting into the water which was actually quite decent. Minunet leaned against a tree keeping a watchful eye for anything that could do them harm but stopped and let her cares go... after Brian splashed her with the lake water that is. "Minunet! You need to loosen up! That's why we came here. Just relax and enjoy yourself!" Brian called out to Minunet and a devious smile crept across her face. Minunet focused her aura through the water and made a wave to splash Brian with. "Oh c'mon! No fair!" Brian cried out as he tried to get away. Minunet started to laugh then lost her focus and the wave came crashing down. While Minunet was distracted, Brian rushed over to her and tackled her into the lake with her. Xander looked over with a concerned look but it faded away as Brian and Minunet resurfaced and started to laugh. However, a pair of silent, deathly red eyes observed them as they messed around, not having a care in the world. "Such foolishness. He dares to risk death again by the Malenci?" The unknown figure said to himself then it looked at Minunet. "Krusal Crxa scum. I'll teach you a lesson for bringing him out into the open." The person focused his energy to his palm into a dagger and took aim at Minunet.
Brian shivered profusely as he felt something. Quickly scanning the trees, he saw a glare and cried out, "Look out!" Instinctively, Rose looked over to where Brian was looking at and brought up a force field around them as the dagger went flying at Minunet! The dagger hits the barrier and continues to push through to where it barely touched Minunet's muzzle but it flung over to the side and dissipates. The figure curses to himself as Brian goes into his devil trigger and goes straight for the assailant. The person is knocked out of the tree and lands in the clearing as Rose, Xander, and Minunet get out of the water, ready for combat. The figure gets up and Brian recognizes him. "I know you! You're Syn'Kur! What are you doing?!" Once when Syn'kur was standing, he replies, "Protecting you from a foolish mistake! Don't you know anything!? That Krusal Crxa scum brought you to your undoing last time and whose not to say that it will happen again!?" Brian tilts his head in confusion, "Krusal Crxa? What is that? Some sort of cult or something?" Syn'Kur covers his face with his palm. "That lucario of yours is a Krusal Crxa! Or in your tongue, a Silver Line! You are being foolish by staying with her!" Brian then got a defensive look, "She has done nothing to me! I've raised her since she was a riolu and I know in my heart that she would do nothing to harm me on purpose!" Syn'Kur sighs, "So it's going to be this way then? Fine. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Syn'Kur swiftly changed into his devil trigger and charges at Brian at blinding fast speeds that he could barely bring up his arms to block the attack. Enraged by the attack, Brian retaliates with a similar attack but Syn'Kur easily blocks it with his hand and grasps a hold of him, "Too slow!" Syn'Kur then grasps his arm then starts spinning around releasing Brian's arm, sending him flying against a boulder. Brian slams against it hard, leaving an imprint on it and knocking him unconscious as he hits the ground. Then Xander came charging at Syn'Kur, blades extended. Syn'Kur's eyes looked at Xander to see him glow for a split-second then Syn'Kur spun around and parried both of Xander's blades. Surprise crossed Xander's face as his secret attack was parried, How the hell!? How did he parry my attack!? No one has ever done that before! Xander took several steps back and tried again on a different approach and Syn'Kur blocked it just the same. After many numerous failed attempts to get past Syn'Kur's guard left Xander exhausted that prompted for Syn'Kur to make his move. He grabbed Xander's arm after he tried to stab him and threw him at a tree, knocking him out as well. Minunet took the distraction and landed a force palm on Syn'Kur's chest which caused him to groan but didn't stop. "What!?" Minunet cried out. Syn'Kur turned to look at her, a cynical and sadistic smile stared down at her "That was rather powerful. If I wasn't in this form, you might've done some real damage." Then he grasped Minunet tightly by the throat. "But that won't save you in the end!" Minunet in a vain attempt to get free, placed her paws on Syn'Kur's arm that held her at the throat. She looked over at Brian who still lied unconscious, face down on the ground. "Why? Why are you... doing this?" Minunet asked. Syn'Kur looked at her hatefully, "My liege wants Brian alive. He met his end by the Malenci because of you, Krusal scumbag!" then Syn'Kur raised his other hand and charged a dark pulse. Minunet sadly looked at the charging attack, knowing that it will take her life, she closes her eyes as tears start to flow down her cheeks. "I didn't mean... to do anything at all... I love him too much to hurt him at all. I love him and he loves me!" Surprise crossed Syn'Kur's face, "You mean to tell me that he found love in you and you found it in him?" Syn'Kur asked curiously, loosening his grip a bit but keeping the dark pulse charged. "You heard right. I love him and he loves me. I want to spend the rest of my life with him and nobody else!" Minunet cried out and to her surprise, Syn'Kur released her and let go of the dark pulse. Minunet landed on her legs shakily but fell over as Syn'Kur spoke, "Those words... I've heard those before." Then he teleported to Arceus knows where, leaving a confused Minunet scratching her head.
Brian groaned as he came to and Minunet jumped up and rushed over to him and helped him up. "Are you okay Brian?" Minunet asked in a concerned voice. Brian breathed heavily as he regained his senses. "I've been better but I'm alright. Where are the others?" Minunet shrugged as she helped Brian over to a tree by the lake while he released his devil trigger. Xander was regaining consciousness and Rose, Crash, and Bandit was coming out of the underbrush. Rose went looking for Crash and Bandit to find them knocked out where they was. As soon Xander was standing, he said, Well what a fine way to kick off a vacation. Rose tended to Xander as Crash and Bandit gathered around Brian. Xander and Rose talked amongst themselves before turning to Brian, Brian, we have something to tell you. Brian turned his head in their direction, "What is it?" Xander sighed, That man, Syn'Kur, I know who he is. This caught Brian's full attention. "Who is he then?" Brian asked. Xander took a deep breath, When I attempted to take him out with my secret move shortly after he knocked you out, he blocked it. No one has been able to accomplish it before besides the one that taught me that move. Brian tilt his head in confusion, "That one person was..." Rose then spoke, It was your father that taught Xander his secret move. An uncomfortable silence crept over the group. Minunet broke the silence as she looked over at Brian, "So Syn'Kur is actually... Brian's father?" Brian looked distraught as the infomation processed in his mind. "Syn'Kur... is dad?" He finally spoke. "But how is that possible? He died in out at sea with mom! Out nearby Sunnyshore!" Minunet embraced Brian to calm him down. Xander knealt down beside Brian, As much as I don't want to believe it myself, it has to be the truth. I mean, that form that you took when you came at him was so much similar to Syn'Kur's. Also the fact that virtually no one could percieve my attack was blocked, it has to be the truth. Brian couldn't believe what was being told to him, didn't want to believe it. "No. No! It's not true! It isn't!" Brian shifted into his devil trigger and took a large bound over the trees and jumped from tree top to tree top, running away from the supposive truth. Minunet cried out, "Brian!" and got up to follow him. Xander, Crash, and Bandit tried to follow but Rose held them back with her psychic powers. No. It's best that you don't go after him. Minunet is the best one to help him this time. Rose said to them. They struggled for a bit but then relaxed because she was right. Minunet was the right 'person' to get him back.
Minunet bounded off the trees as she tried to match Brian's speed while trying to keep an eye on him as well as the trees in front of him. It didn't occur to her how fast Brian could be in the devil trigger and was having trouble, despite using her aura to imbue her jumps and bounds. Eventually, Brian slowed down and stopped in the middle of a flower clearing. The sky was turning to dusk. Minunet stopped behind a couple of the trees to catch her breath and also to not inspire Brian to continue fleeing. Once Minunet had her breath back, she looked out and saw Brian out of his devil trigger and hunched over, crying to himself. Minunet looked sorrowfully because she never saw him like this before. Minunet slowly approached Brian. It broke her heart to hear her love cry like that. Once she was beside him she quietly asked if Brian was alright. He quickly wrapped Minunet in an embrace which surprised her but then slowly wrapped her arms around his back. Once again she asks if Brian is okay. "I don't know. I honestly do not know." Brian replied distraughtly. "I don't know what to believe, who to believe, or what to accept what that is the truth." Brian added as Minunet gently rubbed his back soothingly. In a calming voice she said, "Well Brian. Even if Syn'Kur is your father or not, there is one thing that is always the truth and that is that I love you and that shall never change." Brian embraced Minunet tighter, comforted by her words. "Thank you... Minunet. I'm not sure what I would do without you." Brian said. Minunet brought Brian closer to her while saying, "I wouldn't know what I'd do without you either but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. Beside, you need someone to comfort you and I am here for you." By the time Brian was calmed down, it was late in the night and it was too dark to see. Weariness wore down heavily on Minunet and Brian from how long they was running and they decided to try to stay there in the clearing. Brian turned into his lucario self and laid down close to Minunet to share their body warmth against the night. After exchaning a few good nights, I love yous, and kisses, they yielded to their exhaustion and fell asleep.
Meanwhile else where in Sinnoh, Syn'Kur stood inbetween two pillars as he over looks the sea, staring out into the sea. Then he started to say, "It was here where it all started. It is here where our drive to erradicate the foolish and simple minded began. When our god of destruction, in his power and judgement, sunk our home to the bottom of the sea. Forbidding us from returning unless we carry out his will or to learn from the past." The pillars began to react in a red glow in it's carvings. "O great one! I, Syn'Kur, come before you with a request. Raise the once fair city of Azkazrak so I may walk down the halls of Time to explore my past!" Syn'Kur cried out to the sky. The earth began to shake. Something was rising out of the sea. First to break the water's surface was several towers. Followed by walls that connected inbetween the towers. Before the walls obscured anyone's sight, stone structure could be seen covered by seaweed, coral reefs, and other various specimens only found in the sea. After 15 minutes, the entire city was free of its watery grave and a stone bridge extended out and connected with it. Syn'Kur entered the city without delay and went straight to the Halls of Time which was located in the center of the city. Despite the appearance of the outside, the interior of the building was completely perserved. The walls were adorned with tapesties and paintings of Syn'Kur in the most memorable moments of his life before and after his own gruesome and grotesque transformation. Syn'Kur stopped before a painting that depicted him before his own transformation with a pregnant looking female lucario. Syn'Kur looked at the painting with a tinge of sadness in his demonic demeanor. "Saix. That was my name before my change. My beautiful Aria... may you find you safety... where ever you are at." Syn'Kur said to himself continued walking down the halls of his life and stopped at tapestry showing the birth of his child. His son, Brian. The most happiest day of Aria's life. The birth of our son, Brian. Seems like so long ago but yet feels just like yesterday. Syn'Kur thought.
Syn'Kur turned to leave the hall when a sudden chill crawled up and down his spine as Tahril stood right in front of the doors out of his past. "Feeling nostalgic, Syn'Kur?" She asked as she was walking towards him. "How did you get into here? The magic casted on the Halls of Time prevents intruders from entering anyone elses past unless if the one person that they wish to learn their past willingly lets them in." Syn'Kur demanded. Tahril chuckles as she walks down the hallway, "You forget that I was one of the Farseers that casted the spell on these halls. I can enter anyone's past that is in here with or without their permission." Tahril walked till she stopped in front of a particular tapestry and studied. After a few moments, her eyes thined to slits and her claw like hand extended and pinned Syn'Kur against the nearest wall very quickly. Syn'Kur gasped as he was pressed against the wall so hard that his blood threatened to burst out of his body. "You let a Krusal Crxa get away!?" Tahril said in a deep, demonic voice as she stepped in front of Syn'Kur. "My most trusted officer and second in command of my entire armies, let a Silver Line get away!" Tahril pressed harder against Syn'Kur, causing him to groan in pain. "I don't believe it. You know the code that our god placed before us. Skeith will have your soul for this insurrection!" Tahril yelled as multiple shadow arms reached out of her armor and gripped Syn'Kur. Taking her claws, she plunged it straight into Syn'Kur's chest. Syn'Kur cried out in pain as Tahril's claws probed his soul as she began to recite, "By the powers of the god of destruction, the terror of death itself, I strip you of your title, posistion, and any powers you may have gained while in my service!" Tahril's claws curled closed as she yanked Syn'Kur's powers right out of him. Syn'Kur yelled in pain while his powers were forcibly and painfully removed from him. As the arms released him, Syn'Kur fell on the floor near unconsciousness. "The price has been paid. I'm letting you live because of your services to us. But from now on stay out of the affairs of the Kratus from now on Syn'Kur. You are not welcome in our sanctuary any more." With that, Tahril turned and left the hall, leaving Syn'Kur as slowly turning back into what they were before the transformation.Chapter End Notes:This has to be my longest chapter yet. If it is, yippe. If not, oh well. Tune in for the next chapter... Whenever that'll be
One day, Brian saw that Crash and Bandit were bored sitting around in the living room besides when they go out to train in battles and with the equipment. Brian wondered if it was safe to take them on a trip because of what happened of if he was just being paranoid. He asked Minunet's opinion. When Brian asked her, she thought he was being hypothetical and told him that would be a great idea. Brian then went into his father's home office and pondered. What happened earlier this week could happen again. But this time, it would be everyone here against five simple people. Xander's psychic abilities make him a force to be reckoned with that he tricks his opponents that he is at one spot but when he is approaching them from their blind spots. Rose would be able to block any projectiles up to a large boulder. Crash would see them with his eyes long before anyone smells them. Bandit can trap and make them vulnerable with his vines. Brian snickered as he remembered what Bandit did to Jak almost a year before. Minunet, above all else, is the most powerful. If she had a killer instinct, no one could stop her in any kind of confrontation. Yes, we should be safe to take this trip. Everyone deserves it.
Brian got out of the computer chair he was sitting in and called everyone around to announce his intentions. "Everyone, I've noticed for the past few days, you've been rather bored with our seclusion. I intend for all of us, which includes you Xander and Rose that we all go on a trip. A little 'family trip' for all of us." Right off the bat, Crash and Bandit were up to their feet pumped to get going as soon as possible. Minunet looked rather worried and thought that he wasn't serious. Rose showed concern about who would watch the house as they were gone and Brian decided to approach her about it. "I know you are worried about our home, but you deserve this break. You and Xander both from all of your hard work and dedication to my family, even after when my parents, you trainers, passed away." Rose thought about it. It had been, indeed, such a long time they was away from home, ever since Brian's parents came together that is. I think... a break from all that we have done is due for us. Rose said telepathically.
Xander and Rose went to go pack up several things as did Crash and Bandit left the room to come with any antics they could for this trip when Minunet came up to Brian and slugged him in the arm. She had become increasingly power with her regular strength. "OW! What the hell was that for?!" Brian demanded and Minunet just looked at him with an angry look and her eyes watering. "What are you thinking!? Don't you remember what happened almost a week ago!?" She cried out. "That was then, this is now. Besides, with all of us together, they couldn't bring us down even if wanted to!" Brian replied "You don't know that for sure! I won't let you! I won't let you be taken away from me again!" Minunet then started to pound Brian's chest but eventually lightened up with each hit then broke down crying against his chest. "I can't lose you again! I just can't! You mean so much to me Brian! I want to be with you so badly! Not as a pokémon but as a lover and mate! Brian, I love you!" She cried out. Brian was surprised but not at that she loved him but at her courage to cry it out. "I don't care if this love is wrong! A pokémon loving a human, so what? Doesn't every pokémon forge this sort of bond with their trainer of the opposite gender? I love you Brian and that is never going to change!" Minunet bawled.
Brian's heart felt heavy and tightened as Minunet poured out her emotions. Is it wrong for a human to love a pokémon? Is it wrong to start a family with a pokémon? Brian thought to himself as he wrapped her in an embrace while she went on about how much she loved him. She is really devoted to me. She gentle, loving, kind, trusting... I really do love her! She has to be the one. Upon coming to this realization, he let go of Minunet slightly, causing her to protest but he went down to her eye level and pressed his lips against hers. Minunet's eyes shot open but then went half-lidded as her love kissed her. Then Brian cradled Minunet's head with his left hand as he forced his tongue into her mouth, getting her to mingle with his. Minunet took the hint and started to twist, turn, and contort with his in a sort of love dance. When Brian broke the kiss, Minunet just looked at him with a confused look but then soon realized what the meaning of it was. "You really... do love me?" She whispered to Brian and his response was another passionate kiss. Rose came back into the room and saw the kiss but held her peace and returned back to her room with a sly smile on her face. Minunet nuzzled her head under Brian's chin as her love accepted her as his love. "I love you, Minunet. And that shall never ever change." Brian said to her. Minunet murred in satisfaction of his answer. "I love you too Brian. I don't want anyone else. Only you." Minunet replied. "Are you still for this trip?" Brian brought the topic she made a big fuss about made her ears fold against her head. "I... I don't know... I suppose with that... that..." Minunet lost her train of thought. "Devil trigger." Brian filled in the blank. "Yes. Exactly. With that, we should be okay but I'm still unsure about this." Minunet finished. "Hey, I was unsure of if I loved you or not but you just going out and confessing your love that the others could've heard or seen, I understand how much you really do love me." Brian tried to make her feel better which did a bit. "You are right of course. Everyone does deserve this break." Minunet eventually agreed.
Once everyone had gathered in the living room, they headed out of their home and left Veilstone through the southern entrance. Minunet entered in and out of her wave sight periodically to sense if anything was targeting them or meant them harm in nothing short of killing them once they was out of the city. Rose managed to get to talk with Brian alone away from the rest of the group while they walked. So, what was going on while we was gone out of the room? I heard noise but what you two was doing caught me completely off guard. Brian practically gagged when he heard her. "You saw that!?" Brian asked. And if I did? Rose casually replied. I have nothing against this sort of thing, Brian. I just wish to know why you was kissing Minunet. Brian hung his head as he tried to come with an answer fast. "I kissed her because I love her." Brian replied. Ahh. Does she share the same feelings? Rose asked. "Yes. She does." Brian answered. Rose covertly used her psychic powers to look in Minunet's mind without her noticing and was surprised by how much she loved him. Well then Brian. I think it is fair to warn you. Rose started. "Warn me about what?" Brian asked. Well, since Minunet is a lucario, she has a heat cycle that occurs around spring or fall. Brian gulped as the information registered in his mind and that fall was coming close. But due to her immaturity and how recently she evolved, you won't have to worry about it until spring or fall. Or maybe even until she's three years of age. Brian let out a sigh of relief as Rose explained. "Do the others know about the relationship I share with Minunet?" Brian asked. I've told them telepathically but also mentioned that they are not to approach you about it that you will tell them yourself. Don't be ashamed. It's natural to fall in love. I find it weird that you found love in a pokémon but who am I to judge you by that? Even I fell for your father before he met your mother and Xander was also infatuated with Crystal. I respect your decision in choosing her and if you ever need any advice or anything on this sort of topic, I'll gladly help. Rose said to Brian. "Thank you Rose. I appreciate your assistance." Brian thanked Rose and they joined with the rest of the group. When they stopped for the night, they was half way to their destination which was lake Valor. Minunet found it hard to sleep that night till Brian snuggled up close to her.
The next day, Bandit and Crash woke everyone up with some of their antics. Bandit decided to shake them awake in mid-air with his vines and Crash gave them a little shock on their necks. Minunet yelped in surprise as Crash put a bit more voltage into the shock, causing her fur to go poofy. Brian woke up shortly after Minunet when he felt her suddenly jerk and as a reflex went into his Devil Trigger and pinned Crash down to the ground channeling energy in Beowulf for an attack. After a few moments before Brian could unleash hell, he realized who he pinned. "Crash! What the hell were ya thinking!?" Brian yelled and looked over at Bandit who was scared shitless. "Bandit! Crash! Front and center!" Brian shouted and got off of Crash which he scrambled to his feet and sat down and Bandit nervously stepped up next to Crash. "I don't know what got into you guys but what you just did could've been your deaths! Bandit!" Bandit nervously gulped as he stepped forward. "I don't know what you was doing but don't let it happen again! Crash!" Brian then addressed Crash. Crash looked scared out of his mind and stepped forward as Bandit stepped back. "You do realize what could've happened if I wasn't fully awake, right? I could've killed you! I don't know what possessed you to carry out such actions but never do it again unless it is an emergency, GOT IT?!" Crash's eyes wide with fear of what he would do the next time and quickly nodded and stepped back. "Now go wake up Rose and Xander. It'll be time for us to leave soon when we eat." Bandit and Crash spun on their heels and went straight towards Rose and Xander, wanting to get away from Brian as quickly as possible and in the meantime, Minunet worked on calming Brian down from his devil trigger to normal before anyone else could see him like this. Once when Rose and Xander were awake, Brian was back to normal and calmed down which brought a wash of relief over Crash and Bandit. After a quick breakfast, they all set off further down south.
During the time on the road, they passed several trainers that looked eager to battle but they took one look at Minunet who was eyeing them cautiously and some what menacingly, went their own way without a second thought. Brian noticed this and told Minunet to calm down but she didn't till they finally reached their destination, Lake Acuity. It was around noon when they arrived so they ate lunch and set up camp for the time that they would be there. Bandit found a grove that he could rest in and sunbathe while Crash was making ripples in the water with his star tail. Rose and Xander wasted no time getting into the water which was actually quite decent. Minunet leaned against a tree keeping a watchful eye for anything that could do them harm but stopped and let her cares go... after Brian splashed her with the lake water that is. "Minunet! You need to loosen up! That's why we came here. Just relax and enjoy yourself!" Brian called out to Minunet and a devious smile crept across her face. Minunet focused her aura through the water and made a wave to splash Brian with. "Oh c'mon! No fair!" Brian cried out as he tried to get away. Minunet started to laugh then lost her focus and the wave came crashing down. While Minunet was distracted, Brian rushed over to her and tackled her into the lake with her. Xander looked over with a concerned look but it faded away as Brian and Minunet resurfaced and started to laugh. However, a pair of silent, deathly red eyes observed them as they messed around, not having a care in the world. "Such foolishness. He dares to risk death again by the Malenci?" The unknown figure said to himself then it looked at Minunet. "Krusal Crxa scum. I'll teach you a lesson for bringing him out into the open." The person focused his energy to his palm into a dagger and took aim at Minunet.
Brian shivered profusely as he felt something. Quickly scanning the trees, he saw a glare and cried out, "Look out!" Instinctively, Rose looked over to where Brian was looking at and brought up a force field around them as the dagger went flying at Minunet! The dagger hits the barrier and continues to push through to where it barely touched Minunet's muzzle but it flung over to the side and dissipates. The figure curses to himself as Brian goes into his devil trigger and goes straight for the assailant. The person is knocked out of the tree and lands in the clearing as Rose, Xander, and Minunet get out of the water, ready for combat. The figure gets up and Brian recognizes him. "I know you! You're Syn'Kur! What are you doing?!" Once when Syn'kur was standing, he replies, "Protecting you from a foolish mistake! Don't you know anything!? That Krusal Crxa scum brought you to your undoing last time and whose not to say that it will happen again!?" Brian tilts his head in confusion, "Krusal Crxa? What is that? Some sort of cult or something?" Syn'Kur covers his face with his palm. "That lucario of yours is a Krusal Crxa! Or in your tongue, a Silver Line! You are being foolish by staying with her!" Brian then got a defensive look, "She has done nothing to me! I've raised her since she was a riolu and I know in my heart that she would do nothing to harm me on purpose!" Syn'Kur sighs, "So it's going to be this way then? Fine. Personally, I wouldn't have it any other way."
Syn'Kur swiftly changed into his devil trigger and charges at Brian at blinding fast speeds that he could barely bring up his arms to block the attack. Enraged by the attack, Brian retaliates with a similar attack but Syn'Kur easily blocks it with his hand and grasps a hold of him, "Too slow!" Syn'Kur then grasps his arm then starts spinning around releasing Brian's arm, sending him flying against a boulder. Brian slams against it hard, leaving an imprint on it and knocking him unconscious as he hits the ground. Then Xander came charging at Syn'Kur, blades extended. Syn'Kur's eyes looked at Xander to see him glow for a split-second then Syn'Kur spun around and parried both of Xander's blades. Surprise crossed Xander's face as his secret attack was parried, How the hell!? How did he parry my attack!? No one has ever done that before! Xander took several steps back and tried again on a different approach and Syn'Kur blocked it just the same. After many numerous failed attempts to get past Syn'Kur's guard left Xander exhausted that prompted for Syn'Kur to make his move. He grabbed Xander's arm after he tried to stab him and threw him at a tree, knocking him out as well. Minunet took the distraction and landed a force palm on Syn'Kur's chest which caused him to groan but didn't stop. "What!?" Minunet cried out. Syn'Kur turned to look at her, a cynical and sadistic smile stared down at her "That was rather powerful. If I wasn't in this form, you might've done some real damage." Then he grasped Minunet tightly by the throat. "But that won't save you in the end!" Minunet in a vain attempt to get free, placed her paws on Syn'Kur's arm that held her at the throat. She looked over at Brian who still lied unconscious, face down on the ground. "Why? Why are you... doing this?" Minunet asked. Syn'Kur looked at her hatefully, "My liege wants Brian alive. He met his end by the Malenci because of you, Krusal scumbag!" then Syn'Kur raised his other hand and charged a dark pulse. Minunet sadly looked at the charging attack, knowing that it will take her life, she closes her eyes as tears start to flow down her cheeks. "I didn't mean... to do anything at all... I love him too much to hurt him at all. I love him and he loves me!" Surprise crossed Syn'Kur's face, "You mean to tell me that he found love in you and you found it in him?" Syn'Kur asked curiously, loosening his grip a bit but keeping the dark pulse charged. "You heard right. I love him and he loves me. I want to spend the rest of my life with him and nobody else!" Minunet cried out and to her surprise, Syn'Kur released her and let go of the dark pulse. Minunet landed on her legs shakily but fell over as Syn'Kur spoke, "Those words... I've heard those before." Then he teleported to Arceus knows where, leaving a confused Minunet scratching her head.
Brian groaned as he came to and Minunet jumped up and rushed over to him and helped him up. "Are you okay Brian?" Minunet asked in a concerned voice. Brian breathed heavily as he regained his senses. "I've been better but I'm alright. Where are the others?" Minunet shrugged as she helped Brian over to a tree by the lake while he released his devil trigger. Xander was regaining consciousness and Rose, Crash, and Bandit was coming out of the underbrush. Rose went looking for Crash and Bandit to find them knocked out where they was. As soon Xander was standing, he said, Well what a fine way to kick off a vacation. Rose tended to Xander as Crash and Bandit gathered around Brian. Xander and Rose talked amongst themselves before turning to Brian, Brian, we have something to tell you. Brian turned his head in their direction, "What is it?" Xander sighed, That man, Syn'Kur, I know who he is. This caught Brian's full attention. "Who is he then?" Brian asked. Xander took a deep breath, When I attempted to take him out with my secret move shortly after he knocked you out, he blocked it. No one has been able to accomplish it before besides the one that taught me that move. Brian tilt his head in confusion, "That one person was..." Rose then spoke, It was your father that taught Xander his secret move. An uncomfortable silence crept over the group. Minunet broke the silence as she looked over at Brian, "So Syn'Kur is actually... Brian's father?" Brian looked distraught as the infomation processed in his mind. "Syn'Kur... is dad?" He finally spoke. "But how is that possible? He died in out at sea with mom! Out nearby Sunnyshore!" Minunet embraced Brian to calm him down. Xander knealt down beside Brian, As much as I don't want to believe it myself, it has to be the truth. I mean, that form that you took when you came at him was so much similar to Syn'Kur's. Also the fact that virtually no one could percieve my attack was blocked, it has to be the truth. Brian couldn't believe what was being told to him, didn't want to believe it. "No. No! It's not true! It isn't!" Brian shifted into his devil trigger and took a large bound over the trees and jumped from tree top to tree top, running away from the supposive truth. Minunet cried out, "Brian!" and got up to follow him. Xander, Crash, and Bandit tried to follow but Rose held them back with her psychic powers. No. It's best that you don't go after him. Minunet is the best one to help him this time. Rose said to them. They struggled for a bit but then relaxed because she was right. Minunet was the right 'person' to get him back.
Minunet bounded off the trees as she tried to match Brian's speed while trying to keep an eye on him as well as the trees in front of him. It didn't occur to her how fast Brian could be in the devil trigger and was having trouble, despite using her aura to imbue her jumps and bounds. Eventually, Brian slowed down and stopped in the middle of a flower clearing. The sky was turning to dusk. Minunet stopped behind a couple of the trees to catch her breath and also to not inspire Brian to continue fleeing. Once Minunet had her breath back, she looked out and saw Brian out of his devil trigger and hunched over, crying to himself. Minunet looked sorrowfully because she never saw him like this before. Minunet slowly approached Brian. It broke her heart to hear her love cry like that. Once she was beside him she quietly asked if Brian was alright. He quickly wrapped Minunet in an embrace which surprised her but then slowly wrapped her arms around his back. Once again she asks if Brian is okay. "I don't know. I honestly do not know." Brian replied distraughtly. "I don't know what to believe, who to believe, or what to accept what that is the truth." Brian added as Minunet gently rubbed his back soothingly. In a calming voice she said, "Well Brian. Even if Syn'Kur is your father or not, there is one thing that is always the truth and that is that I love you and that shall never change." Brian embraced Minunet tighter, comforted by her words. "Thank you... Minunet. I'm not sure what I would do without you." Brian said. Minunet brought Brian closer to her while saying, "I wouldn't know what I'd do without you either but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. Beside, you need someone to comfort you and I am here for you." By the time Brian was calmed down, it was late in the night and it was too dark to see. Weariness wore down heavily on Minunet and Brian from how long they was running and they decided to try to stay there in the clearing. Brian turned into his lucario self and laid down close to Minunet to share their body warmth against the night. After exchaning a few good nights, I love yous, and kisses, they yielded to their exhaustion and fell asleep.
Meanwhile else where in Sinnoh, Syn'Kur stood inbetween two pillars as he over looks the sea, staring out into the sea. Then he started to say, "It was here where it all started. It is here where our drive to erradicate the foolish and simple minded began. When our god of destruction, in his power and judgement, sunk our home to the bottom of the sea. Forbidding us from returning unless we carry out his will or to learn from the past." The pillars began to react in a red glow in it's carvings. "O great one! I, Syn'Kur, come before you with a request. Raise the once fair city of Azkazrak so I may walk down the halls of Time to explore my past!" Syn'Kur cried out to the sky. The earth began to shake. Something was rising out of the sea. First to break the water's surface was several towers. Followed by walls that connected inbetween the towers. Before the walls obscured anyone's sight, stone structure could be seen covered by seaweed, coral reefs, and other various specimens only found in the sea. After 15 minutes, the entire city was free of its watery grave and a stone bridge extended out and connected with it. Syn'Kur entered the city without delay and went straight to the Halls of Time which was located in the center of the city. Despite the appearance of the outside, the interior of the building was completely perserved. The walls were adorned with tapesties and paintings of Syn'Kur in the most memorable moments of his life before and after his own gruesome and grotesque transformation. Syn'Kur stopped before a painting that depicted him before his own transformation with a pregnant looking female lucario. Syn'Kur looked at the painting with a tinge of sadness in his demonic demeanor. "Saix. That was my name before my change. My beautiful Aria... may you find you safety... where ever you are at." Syn'Kur said to himself continued walking down the halls of his life and stopped at tapestry showing the birth of his child. His son, Brian. The most happiest day of Aria's life. The birth of our son, Brian. Seems like so long ago but yet feels just like yesterday. Syn'Kur thought.
Syn'Kur turned to leave the hall when a sudden chill crawled up and down his spine as Tahril stood right in front of the doors out of his past. "Feeling nostalgic, Syn'Kur?" She asked as she was walking towards him. "How did you get into here? The magic casted on the Halls of Time prevents intruders from entering anyone elses past unless if the one person that they wish to learn their past willingly lets them in." Syn'Kur demanded. Tahril chuckles as she walks down the hallway, "You forget that I was one of the Farseers that casted the spell on these halls. I can enter anyone's past that is in here with or without their permission." Tahril walked till she stopped in front of a particular tapestry and studied. After a few moments, her eyes thined to slits and her claw like hand extended and pinned Syn'Kur against the nearest wall very quickly. Syn'Kur gasped as he was pressed against the wall so hard that his blood threatened to burst out of his body. "You let a Krusal Crxa get away!?" Tahril said in a deep, demonic voice as she stepped in front of Syn'Kur. "My most trusted officer and second in command of my entire armies, let a Silver Line get away!" Tahril pressed harder against Syn'Kur, causing him to groan in pain. "I don't believe it. You know the code that our god placed before us. Skeith will have your soul for this insurrection!" Tahril yelled as multiple shadow arms reached out of her armor and gripped Syn'Kur. Taking her claws, she plunged it straight into Syn'Kur's chest. Syn'Kur cried out in pain as Tahril's claws probed his soul as she began to recite, "By the powers of the god of destruction, the terror of death itself, I strip you of your title, posistion, and any powers you may have gained while in my service!" Tahril's claws curled closed as she yanked Syn'Kur's powers right out of him. Syn'Kur yelled in pain while his powers were forcibly and painfully removed from him. As the arms released him, Syn'Kur fell on the floor near unconsciousness. "The price has been paid. I'm letting you live because of your services to us. But from now on stay out of the affairs of the Kratus from now on Syn'Kur. You are not welcome in our sanctuary any more." With that, Tahril turned and left the hall, leaving Syn'Kur as slowly turning back into what they were before the transformation.Chapter End Notes:This has to be my longest chapter yet. If it is, yippe. If not, oh well. Tune in for the next chapter... Whenever that'll be