Dungeon 71 – Court

Two weeks, huh?

Lance sighed. That was how long it had been since his final fight against Necrozma, since they sealed him again, along with Scar. It was an arduous battle, one he didn’t know for sure was possible to win. Yet, they did it anyway. Somehow, with all his friends, they won.

However, that didn’t mean everything was settled down. The kingdom was heavily damaged during the fight, and everything needed to be rebuilt. Not to mention what they should do with Necrozma’s prison. Obviously, it shouldn’t be in the kingdom anymore.

The solution was Nick taking it on a boat back to the island it belonged to. Lance wanted to make sure everything went fine with this plan, but it was a little hard to do so, especially when he was inside a cell.

Yes, his crimes weren’t forgiven. They might never be. Lance knew he committed many sins, and there was no way he could resist it. All he could do was find a way to redeem himself.

Which was hard to do when he was sitting on a hay bed, looking at the ceiling of his cell. It was gray, very gray, and by this point Lance didn’t want to see it anymore. However, as annoying as it was, he knew it was far from enough to atone for all his crimes. All of them. Conspiracy, treason, murder… Lance knew all of them. When he was king, he could simply ignore them.

Not that he was one anymore. Edgar had been reinstated as the ruler of that kingdom, and now Lance answered to him. It was the reasoning behind his current predicament, but today? Today was the day where he would find out what his actual punishment was.

A guard knocked on the bars to get his attention, and Lance turned to the side, checking the Arctibax that was next to him. From the looks of it, the dragon was hunched over, clicking his fingers and not even making eye contact with him, just fiddling with a bag strapped to his back. Lance didn’t need his aura senses to know how scared this dragon was of him.

“Knock it off,” he said, turning around in his cell again. “What do you want?”

“T-The king…” the dragon gulped. “K-King Edgar requested a meeting with you in particular, a-at the throne room. I-I’m here to get you!”

“Hm, so it’s today, huh?” Lance sighed, repressing the scowl that was trying to form in his face. It didn’t work. “Alright, let’s go already.”

“D-Don’t try anything funny!” Arctibax protested, grabbing a handcuff from the bag, along with the keys to his cell. Lance recognized the design; it was made from a nullify looplet, to stop him from using any moves.

Not that he would do that, or protest at all. Lance waited for the dragon to unlock the door, before extending both of his arms, watching as Arctibax handcuffed him.

“I understand your hesitation. For all you know, I’m a criminal that conspired against the king.” Lance said, eyeing the guard. He sighed. “…Listen, I’m not looking for trouble.”

Arctibax wasn’t quite convinced of Lance’s intentions, but trusting his words was easier than trying to fight him, in case something did go wrong.

“A-Alright, alright! Hush!”

Lance walked in front of Arctibax, so the dragon could keep an eye on him. On the way to the castle, he could see the aftermath of the fight two weeks before.

Most of the buildings were torn apart, though construction workers were doing their jobs in rebuilding them. The ground was cracked as well, with vegetation growing over most of the area. But despite that, the city survived. They all did. Now all that was left was suffering the consequences, something Lance accepted.

Arctibax and Lance didn’t talk much during the trip, other than a few grunts and complaints from the dragon, clearly, he wanted to be anywhere but there. Lance didn’t appreciate the company either, but he knew it was necessary. It wasn’t until they passed through the area where Necrozma’s stage was that Lance did something.

“…It’s better than I thought,” he said, looking at the place. The hole was still there, but multiple Pokémon were working on fixing that. He smiled at that, his tail wagging slightly.

“Oi! This isn’t the time! The king wants to see you, now!” Arctibax urged, snarling at Lance after getting his attention. “Besides, this is your fault, isn’t it? You caused all this.”

Lance looked down, his ears drooping. As easy as it was to justify his actions, Lance didn’t want to. He knew Arctibax was right; it was his fault. Case in point, he was arrested. However, that was provisory, until the king decided what to do with him.

Shoving the Lucario to the front, Arctibax walked with him the rest of the way to the castle.

---

It was another silent walk. Lance didn’t have anything else to say to that dragon, and now, all he could do was hope for the best. To be honest with himself, Lance was expecting severe punishment. After all, his crimes were big. There was that Salazzle lady he murdered, on Scar’s orders.

They entered the castle, and were met with more workers, trying to repair the damage to the garden. Lance sighed, walking inside with Arctibax on his back. The hallways never felt emptier, despite the large number of guards next to him. Until a few months ago, they served him. Now, they changed sides to serve Edgar. Lance was fine with that. Maybe he wasn’t king material after all.

Two guards opened the large door to the throne room. Inside, Lance saw the king himself sitting, crown in head, but without the black crystal. That object was, instead, on the bracelet that Brian wore in his arm. Brian himself was there, near the left wall, alongside the rest of the team, but not just them. Their parents were there as well, with Nick holding his wife’s hand, looking at his son with a frown in his face. In front of his family stood multiple guards, ready to attack at any sign of trouble.

“Ah, mister Percival. Or perhaps I should call you by your real name, hm? It is very nice to have you here. Hopefully your cell was comfortable. I cannot say the same to Maxwell’s, or Lilith’s.”

“…” Lance didn’t reply.

“I know you were in jail until recently, but I never gave you the honor of a proper trial. Or, perhaps, a way for you to explain yourself. I wish to learn everything.” King Edgar never left the throne, merely lowering his head, looking at the tiny Lucario on the other side of the room. “In hindsight, I should have known, your family is nothing but trouble. But alas, everyone is a genius when it comes to hindsight.”

Brian’s ears perked up, and he looked at his dad. “Uh, dad? You know him?”

“I would’ve thought he’d appreciate us helpin’ him out with the crisis an’ shit.” Dex rubbed the back of his head.

“…Not the time, Dex.” Meggie whispered to him.

“Children, please be quiet.” The Gardevoir added. Her grip on Nick’s paw got tighter.

Nick shushed them up, then looked at the king, before addressing Brian, though he never let Edgar out of his sight. “You could say we’re, err, acquaintances. I knew his brother—”

Edgar snarled, but restrained himself from attacking Nick. His jaw was visible, and his mouth was wide enough to eat any of them. He took a deep breath to calm down. “And you corrupted him, making him shirk his duties as the proper King. Frankly, letting you back here is merciful on my part. Terrence was meant to rule, not to—”

Lance interrupted them by clearing his throat. “Apologies, but I don’t think this matters right now. This is my trial, right? It’s about my crimes.”

“Hmph.”

With a slap of his tail, Edgar focused his attention back on Lance. His gaze was fierce, and his fangs were bared. It took a lot of him to stay still and not assault Lance.

Brian wanted to do something about it, but it was a stupid idea. Doing anything against a king would put them in a bad spot. Lance…

“I ask one thing, and one thing only: why? Why did you do it, Lance Williams?”

It was, of course, a hard question. Due to it, the answer couldn’t be anything but hard as well. Lance didn’t even know where to start. Leaving his home, his friends? The kidnapping that changed his worldview? All options could be a justification for his actions.

Except… Lance didn’t want to justify himself. He knew just how many crimes he committed, and trying to justify them would not help with his redemption.

“Oi, Pup! Yer thinkin’ way too hard! Just be honest!”

Lance heard the Floatzel, and finally looked at his friends. They were both happy to see him and a little worried. There was no telling how this trial—if it could be called one, because Edgar was a monarch, his decisions were final—would end up.

“Oh? You do not have any answer, do you?” Edgar scowled again. “I have the authority to execute you, are you aware? I—”

“My son will be safe, Edgar.” Nick said, keeping a calm interior, but his frown and his bared fangs told otherwise. “You’re not harming him in any way.”

Amelia continued to grab Nick’s hand, but didn’t say anything. She didn’t know how to help. Brian was about to speak, but before he did, Amelia tapped his shoulder, stopping the Zoroark.

“…Hmph, you do not have the authority here, Nicholas.” Edgar ignored him, focusing on Lance once more. “So, what do you have to say for yourself?”

---

Lance stopped, considering his options once again. Being honest, as Dex put it. Would it really help?

…Do I even want it? Maybe execution is the punishment I deserve. Lance grimaced. No, that was wrong. He needed to live, so he could actually atone. “I was seduced by Scar’s ideals. He told me all I wanted to hear, and back then, that sounded just right to me.”

Brian raised an arm to interject. “He’s right! I was there to see it all!”

…But Amelia lowered her son’s arm. “Don’t. It’s not helping.”

“Brian…” Meggie muttered, not sure how she could help him or Lance.

“Don’t make the king any angrier.” Nick warned them, sighing.

Edgar, meanwhile, ignored all the talking, all except for Lance. His attention was entirely on that Lucario.

“And…? How do you go from a team of explorers to treachery?”

It wasn’t a slippery slope. It wasn’t even a slope, per se. Lance simply saw an opportunity and took it. However, as he found out, it was a stupid decision. Not just that, but he was stupid as well, trusting someone that clearly never had any good intentions.

Lance was looking at Edgar, but his thoughts were elsewhere entirely. Telling myself I should’ve realized won’t help. It happened, and that’s all. I need to focus on the future now.

“I had confronted someone that hurt me a lot in the past. To me, Scar sounded like he had the promise of a great future, a way to help the world. And that’s what I wanted,” he answered, glancing at his family and friends. “…Unfortunately, I thought I was doing the right thing. It’s not an excuse, I’m well aware, but that was my reasoning.”

“Good. You are aware of your own shortcomings. At the very least, you have that kind of awareness.”

The king paused. What to do? Obviously, ignoring what Lance did was never an option, not just to himself, but to the people as well. They saw the team fighting, and in the effort, destroyed a big part of the city. The citizens were right in being angry. Edgar had to do damage control.

“I… I knew that too.” Brian explained, looking down. “I had a feeling, like, a gut instinct? I knew Lance was acting strangely on the day he left. I thought I was just being paranoid, but maybe if I did…”

“Then maybe none of this would’ve happened.” Meggie completed his sentence, clinging to him.

Dex dismissed them both with a wave of his paw. “Aye, thinkin’ about “what ifs” never works, y’all.”

“Hm, perhaps listening to your team will help me as well.” Edgar raised a (tiny) arm and the guards next to Brian and Dex moved out of the way. “Come. I will listen to you.”

“…Brian?” Nick eyed his son. “Be careful.”

“Don’t worry, dad.” Brian hugged his father, then kissed his mother on the cheek, before leaving with Meggie, standing in the center of the room.

The monarch simply stared at them in silence, waiting to see what they would say. Meggie knew that if he tried, Edgar could very well kill her, and Brian knew it as well, standing in front of her, protective. Even Edgar knew what they were thinking.

“I am not going to harm you. My business is with Lance Williams. You two are safe.”

“R-Right, I don’t want him getting harmed either…” Brian gulped. “Well, ahem, during our mission together with Scar and his team, we all grew closer.”

Meggie still clung to him. “A lot more than I thought. Scar once told me about his worship of Necrozma, but I didn’t think much of it.”

“In the end… I believe Necrozma only got close to me so he could steal my family’s prized possession.” Edgar looked up at his crown, and then at Brian’s bracelet. “I do not want it anymore. I made that clear, no? Regardless, I wish his intentions were clear to me before.”

“None of us knew.” Lance proclaimed next, shaking his head. Just thinking about Scar made his tail perk upwards, and his fur stood on its end. “…Like I said, it doesn’t justify my actions. If it wasn’t for Brian, perhaps I would still be Necrozma’s puppet.”

“Hm, somehow I doubt all of Scar’s influence has been shattered. Not yet. Alas, that is a matter for another time.” Edgar sighed, motioning for the two to go back to their previous spot. “…But it seems all of us were tricked by him. It is nothing short of a miracle that we are still alive and well today. For that, you all have my sincerest congratulations.”

Brian flicked an ear, walking with Meggie. “I sense there’s a “but” coming.”

“But… I have not reached a conclusion. I have yet to decide what to do with Lance Williams. As of now, I am still considering execution.”

---

Needless to say, the king’s words shook the audience to its core. They were all left speechless, and didn’t dare to look at the king. All except for Lance. The Lucario knew he was going to face something like that, and considering his experiences trying to escape Necrozma’s dream world, he faced worse.

More importantly, it was what he deserved. Killing Atlas at the dungeon—another sin of his, of course—would never be judged, given it was inside a dungeon. There was no evidence of him doing it, unless he confessed. And as far as he knew, he would either be executed or spend the rest of his life behind bars, so what was the point in doing that? He deserved far worse, anyway.

“Oi, King!” Dex’s boisterous voice proclaimed. “Ye don’t know a bloody thing! Pup’s been fightin’ all this time by himself, and we didn’t risk our asses off just fer him to be executed!”

“Dex, shut up!” Brian pleaded to him.

“I said I am considering it.” Edgar retorted, not looking at Dex yet. “Hm, if I am understanding this correctly, you only joined the team recently, yes?”

The Floatzel gulped. Now, he said some things, but he didn’t actually expect the king to say anything to him. “Uh… I did, yeah. Six months—eight months? It’s been a while.”

“I understand, with Necrozma’s… plan, we missed a large amount of time.” Edgar looked out the window, seeing the clear skies ahead. Just two weeks before, they all almost died. If anything, team Liberators saved them. “…Answer me, Dexter. Why? None of this concerned you, you had no reason to follow them. Yet, you did. Why is that?”

Nick grimaced. He knew Edgar was trying to get all their opinions of Lance to decide what he should do. It was a fine idea, but it could very well end badly for all of them.

Dex shrugged, passing through the guards after they let him do so. I’ll teach him. I’ll show him why I did it.

The king stared at Dex as he made his way to the center of the room, watching with curiosity, really wanting to know what the answer was going to be. Why were they all defending someone that caused him trouble? Maybe he shouldn’t have him executed, after all.

Not yet. I have not decided just yet. There is much I must know about before deciding.

“Well, mister king…” Dex cleared his throat. “Pretty simple, actually. At first, I joined ’cause they were down a member, since Pup—Lance left.”

“…I apologize for that.” Lance muttered. This wasn’t the time to speak, but he knew he had to.

“No worries. Anyway, I needed money, an’ I saw an opportunity. Admittedly, it was kinda shitty comin’ from me.” Dex rubbed his arm. In a way, this was him apologizing as well. Not that his friends would ever ask for an apology. “But the longer I stayed, the more I kinda… I dunno, I liked the stuff they did. Bein’ heroes an’ all that.”

Lance grimaced. He’d never call himself a hero. In fact, he considered himself far from it, and Dex’s words only made that sentiment grow stronger. But at the same time, it was also soothing. Once upon a time, he felt the same way. Bringing justice to the world was his version of heroism.

“It’s alright!” Meggie said, behind the guards. “I don’t regret joining either!”

Dex smiled at that. “Bein’ honest, I think seein’ them not givin’ up helped too. I never had someone like that, so… I couldn’t let them go, I guess.”

Both Brian and Meggie wanted to go give Dex a hug, but the guards stopped them. The king himself had no words to say to this display, his eyes widening.

“I…” Edgar muttered, before raising his head, regaining his composure. A king should not act weak, after all. “Hm, I must say. It is impressive. They mean that much to you?”

This time, Dex had no hesitation. “I used to run away from everyone. Ma, Pa, old teammates, couldn’t stick. None o’ them really clicked, y’know? But with Brian an’ Meggie… I feel this is different. I had to help them get Lance back.”

Then, he grinned. “An’ I think we did one hell o’ a job savin’ the world, don’tcha think?”

About that specific part, Edgar had to agree. He congratulated them before. Maybe Dex was really proud about the whole ordeal. The king sighed, waving him off.

“Go back to your friends. I must talk to two others now.”

Nick’s ears perked up. “Is it—”

Edgar stared at them. “Yes, you and your wife. Come.”

---

Left with no other choice, Nick stepped forward, the guards making way for him and Amelia. They both stood on each of Lance’s sides, looking at the king. Nick wondered if things were headed in the right direction, but he couldn’t tell. Yet.

Now that it was their turn, he had the perfect opportunity to tilt the scales in his direction. Obviously, he was trying to prevent Lance’s execution. Even letting him be arrested felt wrong. Despite this, Nick knew Lance was fine with it. It was just the death penalty that he wanted to avoid.

It also made him wonder if he did anything wrong, raising the twins. Their birth mother wasn’t present, and up until Amelia came around, he had to raise them all by himself. Nick always tried to shower them with affection, teach them about life, everything.

“You’re awfully quiet…” Amelia muttered. She didn’t hold his paw anymore, putting a hand in front of her chest. “King Edgar, right? Well, what do you want to know?”

“Mother…” Lance grimaced. Part of him wanted to deal with this all by himself, so as to not disappoint them anymore. He did it enough already.

King Edgar let them talk to each other a little longer, while he figured out what question he wanted to ask exactly. He heard from Lance’s friends, from him, and now only his parents were left.

“I want to know how he was as a child. I doubt his personality was exactly like this, and I am aware he has suffered a lot during his childhood. Tell me.”

“…Fine.” Nick put a paw on his son’s head, sighing. “As a child, Lance was an introvert; though he was excited to go out and be a hero. He used to read so many books that even the librarian knew him.”

Lance didn’t protest the paw, but his face started getting warmer with embarrassment.

“While an introvert, he had a few playmates, kids his age. Lance, did you keep in touch with them?”

“No…”

Nick nodded. “A shame. I doubt he was planning to commit treason, to kill someone. Nothing like that passed over his young mind. Maybe…”

He paused. Should he tell the king about the kidnapping? Edgar knew something was up, but not everything. Maybe spilling the beans would help them all. And it was obvious he was hiding something.

“Father, go ahead.” Lance said.

“Oh.” Nick twitched his ears; he did miss the way Lance was too formal when referring to him. “…Very well. He was kidnapped, and although I don’t know the details, I know Lance was forced to do terrible things. That changed him.”

Amelia raised one of her arms. “It was at that point that I grew closer to them. I knew Nick since… I’m sure you know, Edgar.”

The king rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, when you all were corrupting my brother with strange ideas. Carry on.”

“…I thought I could help. I couldn’t help with Audrey, so I thought about helping the kids. I did my best.” Amelia smiled, looking at Lance. “Making sure they were loved, that they could express their emotions, all of that.

Meggie looked at Brian, mouth opened. “Whoa, I didn’t know that…”

“…It’s kinda embarrassing.” Was all Brian said.

Nick chuckled slightly, before addressing the king again. “He wasn’t a murderer. I’m afraid I failed him, I should’ve noticed how much he… changed after the kidnapping.”

“Father—Dad, drop it.” Lance sighed, looking down. A single tear dropped. “If anything, I disappointed you. I wasn’t the son you deserved.

“Yes, yes, how sentimental.” King Edgar left his throne, his head raised to look at them with condescend. “…I see. Your opinions are all interesting to hear. I am taking them all into consideration.”

Lance raised a brow, but made no comment. There was no chance that he would leave this situation unscathed, and he didn’t want to. To achieve the redemption he desired, he needed to suffer all that was necessary, whether he liked it or not.

“You two,” Edgar eyes Nick and Amelia. “You may come back to the others. I want to hear Lance defend himself… one last time. Only then will I reach any decision.”

“Hmph. Fine, have it your way.” Nick grabbed his wife’s hand and walked near the other three. Not that there’s any way except his…

“Be careful, Lance.” Amelia said, looking at him before following Nick.

“Yes, yes.” Lance sighed. Are things good or bad here? I really can’t tell. Hm, I’ll just be honest, like Dex said.

Edgar eyed him. “So, what else do you have to say for yourself?”

---

It was easier this time around.

“I know… I’m aware that I don’t know what it means to be a king. My idea of a monarch is very different from yours, and I only became one due to outside influence.”

Lance paused, closing his eyes and letting out a long sigh.

“…I also know that the citizens blame me for what happened, and they’re right. It is my fault.”

King Edgar looked out the window again. He was too far to properly see the citizens, but he had an idea of what they were doing. “That is, at least partially, why I am having such a hard time figuring out what to do with you, Lance Williams.”

Lance considered something, saying he’d sacrifice himself if it meant appeasing the citizens. “I wish… I wish there was something I could do. They’re right to blame me, and I do have an idea. It’s a hard decision, but a king should be ready to make hard decisions.”

“Hm, sometimes all the choices we have are bad ones, but we must choose all the same.” Edgar said, scratching his chin. This Lucario knew more about a king’s duties than he thought. It was quite the shock.

“Pup! Ye ain’t tryin’ to die again, are ye?!”

Brian shushed Dex up again, but the curiosity got to him as well. “…Lance?”

“…It was.” However, he was done trying to die. Lance would rather live, thanks to all his friends. They really did help him.

King Edgar turned his gaze back on Lance, and frowned. “You have an incredible resolve, for someone so young. Perhaps I was harsher than I should be.”

“No,” Lance shook his head. “You weren’t harsh enough. I accept this.”

“Like I said, we need to make hard choices sometimes,” the king added. An idea started to form, although he didn’t know enough about it to talk to them, his decision still needing a bit of influence. “…I am sure you made many of them. I must admit I am a tad curious. Do you regret it? All you’ve done, do you regret it?”

Lance showed no hesitation. He raised his head, looking straight at Edgar’s eyes. “I do. It was wrong of me, and I am a fool for not noticing it sooner. That’s why I say I accept any type of punishment you wish to give me.”

“That’s not the—” Brian’s snout was covered with Meggie’s hand. “Mmmmf!”

“It’s gonna be fine! Just… believe it.” Meggie told him.

Amelia clung closer to Nick, silently asking herself if it would really be fine. There was no way of knowing.

“…As I was saying, I regret it all. I was persuaded, and I wish I never was.” Lance said, sighing. “Well, that is all.”

“I am… satisfied with this,” the king replied. His voice wasn’t raised, and though his mouth remained open, it didn’t look as intimidating as before. “However, I’m afraid I cannot give the answer today. For now, Lance is to return to his cell.”

“Wait, what?!” Brian protested, only being held back by Dex. “Oh, c’mon! How long are you gonna make us wait?!”

“Oi, Goggles! Chill out!”

Meggie didn’t speak, stuttering instead. Amelia looked at her husband, frowning.

Nick intervened, stepping forward and pushing two guards to the side. “I’m with him. What are you thinking?”

“My decision requires utmost thought, Nicholas.” Edgar added. “You may visit him on the cell, but do not stay further than the scheduled time. Tomorrow, I will tell you all about my final decision.”

Lance nodded. “I can accept that.”

“W-We’ll visit you, Lance.” Brian muttered.

The Lucario nodded again. “I’m counting on it.”

With the Arctibax guard pushing him again, Lance turned back, towards the door, which was opened by two more guards. He sighed, wondering just what Edgar had in store for him. However bad it might be, he was sure he deserved worse. Saving the world or not, it was still very much his fault.

Brian clinged to Meggie, whining as his ears drooped. “I have a feeling we’re not getting that vacation anytime soon…”

“Maybe, maybe not. Just… do what Dex says. Chill a little.”

Nick crossed his arms, eyeing the king once more. “For what is worth, Edgar, I’m sorry about Terry.”

“Terrence. And this is no place for your excuses, Nicholas.” Edgar slapped his tail on the ground. “Go to whatever hotel you are staying at, I do not wish to see you until tomorrow.”

I wonder what happened between them. Brian thought, watching the door close again, not that it was any of his business. What was his business was visiting Lance. Maybe Lilith too, while he was at it. After all, she was essential to their victory over Necrozma.

---

The way back to the cell was uneventful. Lance didn’t do small talk with Arctibax, and the guard didn’t do it either. However, he was grinning all the way, his tail wagging. His silence told Lance a thousand words. Would his punishment be enough to appease Arctibax and all the citizens? It might not be enough.

I might not have been a king for long, but even I know that they want something out of me. Whether that’s an eternity in jail or my death, I’m not sure.

Lance continued to follow, now looking at the cuffs that restrained him. He wondered if they would be able to restrain Necrozma, but ignored the thought. The dragon was gone now, and they should all move on with their lives.

Even if that life was behind bars. Lance walked some more, stopping in front of his cell. Arctibax stepped ahead, unlocking the door.

“L-Like I said, don’t do anything funny!”

“Hm… I think you’re a little too paranoid. But for good reason.” Lance offered his arms, and the guard uncuffed him, before shoving him inside the cell.

“Oof!” Lance fell down, and the door was locked again. However, he stayed on the ground, sighing and looking up. “…I won’t even complain about that. Do I still get my dinner?”

“If you behave.” Arctibax answered, walking off into the distance.

“Hm.”

Lance decided to stand up and lean against the wall, sitting down. Being in prison wasn’t as bad as he thought it’d be. Granted, he didn’t spend too much time thinking about a life in prison. His thoughts were usually on the next mission ahead of him.

Right now, though?

“…I’m craving some coffee. Black, and maybe with some pepper flakes instead of sugar. Hm… I could see it, and to help with the texture, maybe a few bits of bacon.”

His stomach growled, just thinking about the weird combination. Lance didn’t know where it came from, but it wasn’t strange at all.

“Gods, that’s the most disgusting thing I’ve heard the entire day.”

Lance recognized the voice, and his ears perked up. Max.

“…I almost forgot you were here,” he mostly ignored the Electivire unless spoken to. Lance didn’t think he had anything to say to his former ally anymore.

“Hah… I can’t forget I’m here, even if I try.”

Max’s voice came from the cell on Lance’s right, and it was close. In fact, they were standing on opposite sides of the same wall. Lance could hear the sizzling of electricity on the other side, but it was very brief. As soon as he heard it, the sound stopped.

“…Tch, can’t even blast my outta this shit. Thanks for that, hero.”

“Of course you can’t, they proofed all the cells. We can’t use any moves here, and even our physical strength took a nasty hit…” Lance sighed again, grumbling. He remembered signing a paper to give funds related to that specific part of the kingdom, and accepting it in a heartbeat.

“Yeah. Again, thanks for that.” Max sighed, trying to conjure electricity again, but the sparks fizzled out before he could do anything. “Fuck. Man, you really think you did good here, huh?”

Lance considered not replying, letting Max talk to himself. However, he didn’t want to. “…I did. I saved us.”

“No, you got rid of someone that actually saved us. Wanna know what my dream was?”

This time, Lance remained in silence. Max grumbled something to himself before continuing.

“I had all the knowledge in the world. A giant library, all to myself! With Necrozma feeding me all the information I could want, what else did I need? Hell, I even had some hot girlfriends!”

The last part of Max’s speech made him whine and look down. “Now I miss them, damn it. Why’d you have to ruin it all?!”

He talks too much. Lance looked at the window, seeing the harsh sun outside. Not once did he consider fighting Necrozma to be a bad choice. All the bad choices he made were related to aligning with Scar. Apart from them, he was satisfied with his decisions.

“…Are you even listening, punk?! You ruined everything! Stupid mutt…”

“I’m happy to see you here, where you belong.” Lance said. He heard another familiar giggle from the cell on his left.

“Good one.” Lilith said with a chuckle. She lay on her own bed, arms folded behind her head, just listening to the conversation. Max’s words resonated a little with her, but… it was the right thing to do; fighting Necrozma. She’d have the rest of her life to regret or accept her part in his defeat.

That and… Scar’s fate. She was the one who decided it, on a whim, but now? Now she wondered if he should be there as well, in jail. Of course, she couldn’t just go and get him out of the seal, as that would set Necrozma free once again.

“…I hate both of you.” Max groaned, punching the wall. It did no visible damage, not even a crack. He lay down on the ground, grumbling. “At least shut up so I can get some bloody sleep…”

A tad hypocritical, since he was the one that started talking to me. Lance sighed. “Whatever. Don’t get crazy living here, Max.”

“Fuck you.”

Lance ignored the words and continued looking through the window. Lunch was arriving soon, but after that, he was free to be visited.

---

His lunch was fine. A few chunks of meat, rice, and a salad to the side. Lance ate it all without a complaint. At most, he missed some sort of sauce, like mayo, but also knew he couldn’t say that to the chef. Besides, Brian’s cooking was far better.

Now back in his cell, Lance lay down on the bed, arms behind his head, looking at the ceiling. Was that how he was to live the rest of his days?

…I suppose anything is better than that dream. And the Pokémon inside were weird, all of them. I’m just glad it’s over now.

If things were just a little bit different, Lance could enjoy the peace he strived for.

Redemption is hard.

His ears twitched with the sound of footsteps growing closer. Lance assumed that was his family, coming to visit him like they said. Part of him still wondered why, as he was a criminal, and this kind of mercy was… strange.

What if I’m just not used to it? I assumed that I would eventually need to cut my ties with them when I left home, even Brian. But now… I don’t think I want to. I want to be with them again. It might not be possible, though.

Of course, he could be wrong and the footsteps didn’t even belong to them. Lance turned to the side, seeing the hallways of the prison. They were well-lit, and the shadow cast had a familiar shape; a Zoroark’s shape.

Bingo.

“Do you really need to follow us? Seems kinda unnecessary.” Meggie rubbed the back of her head, floating. The Arctibax was behind the three of them.

“Oi, Frosty here is just doin’ his job.” Dex told her, eyeing the dragon. It almost reminded him of his dream, and he quickly looked away. “W-Well, I think we oughta respect that, don’t we?”

Brian rolled his eyes. “…You’re just thinking with your—”

“We’re here.” Arctibax interrupted, pointing to the cell next to him.

“Shorty!”

Brian ran ahead first, stopping to check the cells next to Lance’s. With Lilith giving him a wave, and Max sleeping, he focused on the middle one. “Hey. You look like crap.”

“Hello, Brian.” Lance waved from his bed, turning to them. “Mother and Father?”

“…Thinking of a plan B. I don’t like it.” Brian gulped.

“Sup, Pup.” Dex grinned, crossing his arms. “I gotta say, I had dreams about a jail cell. None like this, though.”

“Please stop.” Meggie put her hand over her face, sighing. “Anyway, Lance. How are you doing? Everything alright here? I’ve heard food in prisons isn’t that good.”

“It really isn’t. Not as bad as Father’s, but…” Lance gulped. Just thinking about his father cooking sent shivers down his spine. “Hm, it’s not as bad as I thought.”

“I can make it bad, mutt.” Arctibax said, growling afterwards.

“…Hm, I’d rather not.” Lance sat on the bed. “So, what brings you here, exactly?”

If not for how contained he was, Dex would’ve laughed hard at what Lance said. “Pup, we crossed the continent to find ye, didja really think we wouldn’t come visit ye in jail?”

“Now that you said it, we traveled a lot in the last few months.” Meggie added. She went to touch the bars, but Arctibax hissed at her, so she backed off. “S-Sorry.”

Brian nodded repeatedly, trying to convince himself of something before he told Lance what it was. “So, eh, Shorty! I’m not sure what tomorrow will be like, but I think everything will be fine! There’s gotta be a solution here.”

“Hm.”

Was there any chance of being granted freedom? Lance didn’t know the king that well; mostly by what Scar told him, and who knew where the lies ended and the truth started when it came to him?

Still, it was nice to hear that, even if it didn’t come to fruition. Lance smiled at them, showing off his teeth.

“D’aaaaaaw! Pup, I didn’t know ye had it in ye!”

Brian grinned. “True, I know him for sixteen—almost seventeen years and I almost never see him smile!”

“Oh, really? It does look a little weird!” Meggie giggled, hugging Brian from behind. “I can almost feel the world ending!”

“You guys…” Lance pouted, but he also had a grin on his face. Where was this his whole life? “I’m really glad we were able to fight together. I couldn’t have done it without any of you.”

“We’re all aware, Pup.” Dex winked at him. “Tell y’all this. If it all goes well tomorrow, I’ll tell ye how I got to meet Pup!”

Lance’s face turned red. “Do not.”

His pleas were ignored by a burst of laughter from the rest of the team. Lance looked at them, his face turning redder by the moment, until he laughed too.

Maybe things would be fine after all.

---

The sunlight shone through the cell’s windows, casting its light over Lance’s face. He groaned, rubbing his eyes awake, and yawned, stretching himself.

“…Honestly, it wasn’t such a bad night after all.”

“Oh, fuck off!” Max complained from the neighbor cell once again, but Lance ignored him.

More footsteps. Lance checked the hallway again and noticed Arctibax’s shadow was visible. It was time for Lance to know what fate awaited him, good, bad, or awful. Whatever it was, he was willing to accept it.

They both left the jail without saying a word to each other, much like the previous day. And Arctibax was, once again, very excited about the prospect of Lance getting what he deserved, tail wagging, giggles every few minutes…

It would be annoying if he didn’t have a point.

That same routine continued, with Lance initially assuming they were headed to the castle again. However, as they crossed the streets, Lance noticed a gathering at the center, near where Necrozma’s stage used to be. There, he saw the king with two Haxorus guards. A glance also made him see his family, all five of them.

Hm… I wonder what he’s planning.

“Hello, all!” King Edgar proclaimed, watching the guard bring Lance closer to him. Arctibax pushed him to the ground, making the Lucario drop to his knees.

“He—” Brian felt something on his shoulder and looked to the side, seeing his father staring.

“Don’t… I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you.”

“I am sure you must be wondering what this criminal’s punishment must be…” Edgar looked down, seeing Lance. He gave him a slight nod, as if trying to reassure him. “…And it is with great pleasure that I am here to announce what it will be.”

Lance sighed. This was the moment. He prepared himself for every possibility, ready to accept it all.

“I believe you have been waiting for these words, and here they are.” Edgar cleared his throat. “I, King Edgar, declare that this Lucario, known only as Percival—”

What? Why… use my alias and not my real name? Another glance at his family, and Lance saw all of them just as shocked as he was.

“—Must spend the rest of his life in jail. To atone for the kingdom he ruined, Percival will remain locked up forever.” Edgar said.

Instantly, the crowd erupted into cheers. They all started clapping, laughing, celebrating the end result. Lance himself didn’t have much of a reaction, shrugging.

However, his family did it. Brian gasped in shock, almost wanting to go ahead and say something, but Nick shut him up once more. The Zoroark muttered something, deafened by all the cheering in the area, and Nick whispered something into his son’s ears, which made him calm down.

Hm…? I can’t say I understand it.

“I know you all must be excited about the news. However, I must speak to Percival in private, at my castle. Please, carry on with your day. The future of Cydonia is bright.”

I think I understand it even less. Lance thought, watching the king come to his side and order Arctibax to help him stand.

“Come with me, you and your family. There is something we must discuss.”

Nick nodded to Lance, and as the crowd dispersed—including the Arctibax guard—the six continued to walk, this time towards the castle. The trek there was silent, with Lance asking himself what just happened. If he was going to be arrested, why not do it in front of the people? Why take him to the castle in the first place? There was something missing, something he didn’t understand.

Asking the others would not yield any answer, as the king shut down any and all attempts to communicate while they were outside. Lance still didn’t quite understand what was going on, but his gut told him it was something good.

Soon enough, they were at the throne room again. Before Edgar explained everything, he walked to the throne, sitting down and looking at the other five.

“I understand you must have many questions, Lance Williams.”

“A lot, yes.”

Nick stepped forward, standing by his son’s side. Amelia was on the other side, touching Lance’s head.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “It’ll be fine.”

“Uh… Goggles, any clue what’s goin’ on here?” Dex tried to ask, but Brian just shrugged.

“C’mon, he’s gonna answer now. Just wait!” Brian said.

Meggie almost asked the same thing, but she kept it to herself.

“I am, err, curious. What exactly are you planning?” Lance asked the king. Before he knew it, two guards appeared on his side, with Nick and Amelia moving away. “Huh?”

The guards released the cuffs, and then moved to the walls, taking defensive positions.

“My decision is… I will have you work for me, Lance Williams.” Edgar replied, stepping out of the throne. “I had to announce your arrest to the people, so they would be satisfied. However, I believe a Pokémon of your skill is of value to me.”

“Work for…” Brian repeated it, blinking. “Huh, what? Why?”

Dex opened his mouth and gasped. “Oi! He ain’t yer plaything!”

Lastly, Meggie. Unlike the others, she tried to think of Edgar’s reasoning. With all the questions he asked the previous day, she had a hunch he didn’t plan on arresting him. Using someone like Lance as his servant did fit what she thought kings would do.

“No, but the alternative is jail.” Edgar focused his attention on Lance again. “The deal is very simple. You are to work for me in order to atone for your crimes. When I believe you are done, you will be free to go wherever you please.”

Lance… didn’t have any words. He didn’t expect any of this to happen. Was it real? Was he hearing things right?

…Why? Why do that? Why let him go? Even if he was to work for Edgar, it was still an unorthodox sentence. Lance shivered, trying to think of a reason—any reason this was happening. Could he really be forgiven, after all he did? Could he get redemption, after all? He wanted to, but it was never in the realm of possibilities. Not for him.

So seeing it happen in real time was mind-boggling, to say the least. It was the only chance he had—and Lance knew he had to take it. For himself, and for all his friends.

“I-I… I accept this, your Highness.” Lance said, looking at his free arms, before bowing. “Thank you.”

“I know exactly what to have you do.” Edgar walked around Lance, before continuing his speech. “Perhaps Scar still had allies, if you find them, and bring them to me, I can consider shortening your sentence.”

“Is that so?”

Edgar stopped, sighing. “There is one thing else… as a sign of my gratitude, I will give you something.”

“Hm?” Lance raised a brow. “And that would be?”

“Three months. You have three months to enjoy your family, before returning here. Do you accept this?”

Lance considered it for only a fraction of a second; his answer ready. “I accept it.”

“…However, there is another thing. I am not aware of all the details relating to the… crystals, but it is beyond me. It will be up to you four what to do with them.” Edgar added, growling after finishing the sentence.

“I… I see.” Lance looked to the side, to where his friends were. They would discuss this later in the day. Right now, all he could think of was his “freedom”. To be fair, Lance had no idea how long he would be working for Edgar. But if that was how he got his redemption…

…He was fine with it.