Hi everyone!!  SK here.

Valerie is going to go talk with Heliux, but meanwhile, what are the twins up to?

Let's not waste anymore time!!  I hope you enjoy Chapter 5. :D

August

Verity and I keep watch on Valerie and the Minister until they travel past our field of vision.

My sister says it first.  "That is going to be one awkward conversation."

I have to agree with her.  She didn't see how Heliux reacted to Valerie earlier, but knowing his poor social skills and seeing as how he almost passed out when he first saw her, I have a feeling that that meeting is going to be at the minimum a little awkward.  

"I just hope Valerie doesn't get too freaked out," I confess.  "Heliux usually has this, um... I'll say odd first impression around newcomers."  

"That's laying it on pretty slight there," chuckles Verity.  Turning toward me, she adds, "Also, I wouldn't worry about Valerie.  She seems like she knows how to handle herself, even if it is up against Heliux."

If there's anyone who knows how to handle herself, it's definitely her.

Verity talking again zaps me back to reality.  "We should inform everyone about the trial," she tells me.  "I think that would help out Mom and Dad."

"We don't know where they are," I point out, while searching the plaza to see if they're here.

Verity looks skeptically at me.  "Uh, yes we do," she tells me.

Now it's my turn to have a skeptical look.  "They were with the Ministers when we left with Valerie about an hour ago, but-"

Shaking my shoulders, Verity starts screaming at me.  "Stupid!  Don't you know our dad?  He just woke up.  He'll be having his- erm, very late breakfast.  Let's go to Mallow's Eatery."

"It's been an hour," I start, but then stop myself.  Dad loves food almost as much as Verity and I, he'll probably be there still.  Besides, I know Verity just wants some breakfast for herself.

The Dark Fairy sees my slight change in expression, and with a smile she begins dragging me to the restaurant.  "Come on!" she says.  "We don't have all day."

"You don't have to drag me, I can walk and fly perfectly fine," I protest indignantly, pulling my arm from her grip.  I glare at her, but she only grins back.

Smirking, I take this opportunity to get back at her.  "I've never struggled flying before either."

She lets out a small sigh as we continue walking but she doesn't comment further, making me feel like I've crossed a line.  Maybe I did.  Unlike other fairies, like me, who have two pairs of wings, Verity only has one.  It took her more than a month for her to learn, which is a lot longer than it should have been.  My sister doesn't like being behind, or looking weak; she's still sensitive about it to this day, even though it happened centuries ago.  I watch as her smile fades slightly, and quickly regret my words.

"Sorry," I say instantly.  I don't like having bad blood, and I definitely hate causing others to be upset, even if it is my sister who teases me essentially all the time.  "I crossed a line I shouldn't have."

Verity only lets out another sigh.  "It's alright," she says, waving me off.  I still feel bad though, and I know I've killed the mood.  Great, I think sarcastically.

We continue back in the direction we came in, waving to some fairies as we pass.  Even though we're the Leaders' children, the other fairies don't really see us in a position of higher authority.  I don't mind it, it's been easier to forge friendships without that future burden weighing down on top of us.  

Mom and Dad's friends are always really nice to us.  We're only about twenty years apart, which sounds like a lot, but for fairies it's not.  I especially like Clemont and his inventions.  He sometimes talks about his time as being a Gym Leader in a place called Lumiose City, and how he invented many machines while he travelled with my parents and his sister.  Clemont still does lots of science stuff here, and I always find it interesting.  Man, science is so amazing.

Gary is pretty great too.  The Dark Fairy, within the past century, became Dad's Advisor after Eve gave up her Element to a new fairy.  I wasn't born at the time, but my parents have told me that he was the first new fairy that they welcomed to the Colony after they ended the war.  His Element is the Moon I think.  Gary has an... I'll just say he has an interesting personality.

He was the one to ruin Verity's innocence.

"We're here," she announces.  "Stop daydreaming."

"I'm not daydreaming," I protest, "I'm just thinking."

She scoffs at me and heads inside; sure enough, both of our parents are there.  Mom waves us over and we happily take a seat at their table.  

"Dad, can I have some of that?" Verity asks hungrily while drooling at his plate.  

He chuckles at her.  "It's almost noon, you know," he reminds her, but he pushes the plate towards her.  There's still a little bit of food on it, mainly hash browns.  Shrugging, he adds, "You can have what's left if you want."

"Mmm, yes!" Verity exclaims happily, digging in.  "Thanks, Dad!"

"No problem."

Verity and Dad have shared food together so many times I've lost track, so this time isn't any different.  As she begins eating the remains of his breakfast, I speak up to our parents.

"Since you guys are holding a Council later today about Valerie, Verity and I thought that we should go around and alert everyone who'll be a part of it," I explain, ignoring my sister's side-glare telling me that in fact she came up with that idea, not both of us.

Mom nods, and puts a smile on her face.  When is she ever not smiling?  "That's very helpful of you two.  We're thinking to hold it at about four in the afternoon today."

Dad puts his arm around Mom's shoulder's, making her blush a small bit.  "We'll need both Ministers and both Advisors there, as well as Bonnie, Iris, Lillie, Max, Mairin, Alain, May, Lana, Misty, Dawn... anyone else, Serena?"

Mom ponders for a moment, tilting her head to the side.  "Hmm... I don't know.  Oh!  What about Sora?  Fayre should be there too."  Sora and Fayre are two new Dark fairies that arrived here during the past century, and their Elements are Sky and Earth respectively.

"Do you guys want the Krysamines there too?" Verity asks with her mouth full.

"That'd probably be a good idea," Mom agrees.  "They're both really good at keeping things calm."

Lin and Reiner, but everyone just calls him Ren, Krysamine are two Dark fairy twins that arrived here about four centuries ago if I remember correctly.  They were aspiring singers in their human lives, and they've continued pursuing their talents here.  Everyone knows them as the Krysamine Twins; I guess they're kind of like celebrities, but not really.

"I think that's everyone," Dad muses.  

Verity shovels up the last of the hash browns into her mouth and swallows them in under a second.  She stands up and slams both her hands down on the table.  "You can count on us!" she exclaims.  Beginning to pull me up, she nags at me.  "Come on, August, let's-"

"Wait a moment," Mom interrupts, a faint taste of amusement sitting on her tone.  "Dad and I want to ask you guys something."

Both of us pause, blinking at them.  "What is it?" my sister asks, sounding almost hesitant.

"Our biannual meeting with Her Majesty is coming up," Dad begins.  My breath hitches.  Her Majesty, the Queen of Fairies.  The only person who's power, both metaphorical and literal, can override that of my parents'.  I think that I've met her once when I was Initiated, but that was so long ago I can't really remember it.  All fairies have to meet the Queen once.  I think there were other people with her, but I can't really remember their names.

My train of thoughts suddenly turns onto a different track.  If Valerie has to stay here forever, what will Her Majesty have to say about it?

"When is it?" Verity questions, her gaze turning into one of confusion.  I can't really blame her.  Why are they telling us this now?  Usually when they have one of these meetings, they tell us just before so that we know they'll be gone, no big deal.  I stay frozen in my seat, waiting for them to reply while Verity and I look at each other.

"Monday," Dad says evenly.  

"So tomorrow!?" the two of us exclaim in unison, sharply turning our heads to face our parents.

Mom chuckles.  "Yes, tomorrow, and we want you two to go in our place."

It takes me a second to process this, and I can tell that Verity is thinking as well.  I only have one thing to say to that.  "Why?"

"You both are almost five centuries old.  It's about time you both get to have more responsibility around here," Dad explains.  "Besides, one day you'll both take our places as the Leaders.  It'll be a good thing that Her Majesty will know you at least a little by that time."

"What will we have to do?" Verity hesitantly asks, sounding nervous.  I don't blame her, my heart is pounding in my chest.  Meeting the Queen is a lot of pressure, especially when we aren't even Leaders yet.  

Mom thinks for a second.  "Usually in our meetings we just update her on what's happened during the past six months, such as any newcomers, problems, fun things, stuff like that.  It's not that big of a deal, really.  It's actually quite pleasant at her castle, and her Spirit Soldiers are very nice too.  You'll both have to leave early-morning, and you'll get back in the afternoon."

"Spirit Soldiers?" Verity asks, thinking out loud.  Neither of us have heard that term before, and believe me, we have heard a lot of fairy terms.  "Who are they?"

"Her Majesty will probably tell you herself," Mom answers with a cheeky smile.  "But the question is, will you two accept?"

Verity and I look at each other, knowing we can't exactly refuse.  Well, we can, but why would we?  Meeting the Queen isn't exactly something that should be refused.

"We'll go," I tell them.  "Will Heliux and Layra be with us?"

Both of our parents nod, and that makes me feel a bit better knowing that the Ministers, a familiar presence, will be there.

"Good," Verity says while breathing a sigh of relief.  "We'll be ready early tomorrow.  If that's all, should we go alert everyone about the Council now?"

Mom nods.  "Thanks again, both of you."

We both echo a "No problem," back at them.  We turn to head out of the restaurant, but not before alerting Mallow about the Council since she's here.

"You alert the Light fairies, I'll talk to the Dark fairies," Verity tells me as soon as we exit.  

I grin at her.  "You just want an excuse to talk to Lin."

My sister playfully shoves me, hiding her face.  "So what?  She's one of my best friends."

Uh huh.  She spends an awful amount of time with Lin, they're very cute together.  "Fine, whatever.  I'll go find the Light fairies then."

Verity grins at me, tossing me a thumbs-up before running off.  I sigh fondly after her; my sister came out to us as being bisexual centuries ago, so her potentially loving the blonde-haired girl is old news to me.  What's confusing me is why she's hesitating.  Verity never hesitates to do anything, good or bad.

I begin my trek around the Colony, hoping to find all of the fairies that I need to alert.  Thankfully not too far away I spot Clemont fiddling with one of what appears to be his inventions, so I head over.

"Hi, Clemont," I say, waving at him as I approach.  He looks up from his work and tosses a smile at me.

"Hello, August," he returns, panting a little.  He must be working hard.  "How are you doing?"

"Good," I reply warmly, crossing both arms across my chest as I look at his invention.  "What are you working on?"

The Advisor smiles.  "I'm putting together a machine that will work alongside fairy magic to detect when Legendary Pokemon bring new fairies to the Colony," he explains.  "I figured that it will be useful."

"Wow, that's awesome!" I exclaim.  "Science is so amazing."

He chuckles.  "You sound just like your dad," the inventor muses.  Why do people tell me that every time I say that phrase?

"Anyway, what brings you here?" he asks, setting down his tools.  He stands back up and brushes some dust off of his coat.

"I just wanted to inform you that my parents are holding a Council later today, at four o'clock.  They want you there," I tell him, letting my arms fall back to my sides.

His eyes light up in surprise.  "They are?  Has anything happened?"  I know why he's asking; Councils aren't called for silly reasons.

I nod.  "We have a non-Elemental here in the Colony, and the Council is to decide whether she will stay or not."

Clemont puts on a thinking expression and tilts his head to the side.  "A non-Elemental...?  I wonder how she got here?  Nevertheless, you can tell your parents that I'll arrive at the Council's Court in time.  Thanks for telling me, August."

"No problem," I return.  "I actually have to go inform other fairies, so I'll talk more with you later.  I really want to see that machine of yours!"

The inventor smiles.  "Of course.  Bye, August."

"Bye!"

Leaving Clemont to his work, I go to search for the other fairies that I have to look for.  I must have been walking for at least twenty minutes before I found Misty, May, Dawn, and Iris all together chatting, leaning against the wall of a nearby shop.  I approach the girls a little awkwardly.

"Hello," I say.  They turn toward me and their faces light up.  I don't know why this is, but they've always seen me as a baby and apparently always will.  I guess that's what happens when people watch you grow up.

"Hi, August, what brings you here?" Misty asks cheerfully.  

"Is anything wrong?" Dawn adds, sounding a little concerned as she turns her head toward me.

I shake my head.  "No, nothing's wrong," I assure them.  "I just wanted to tell you that my parents are calling a Council later today.  We have a non-Elemental in the Colony, and we have to decide whether she's staying."

"Oh," is the only thing Iris says.

"Sound serious," May contemplates.  "Who is she?"

"Her name is Valerie," I tell her.  "And she's really nice."

Iris rolls her eyes at my statement.  "That's the only thing you can say about her?"

"Iris," May scolds.  She turns back to me and tosses me a thumbs-up.  "The four of us will be there," the Fire Elemental affirms.  "They're holding it at the new Council's Court, right?"

I nod.  "Yes!"  Last year, the fairies made a collective effort to redo the Council room, now called the Council's Court, to make it more fit for its purpose.  Both Councils and Trials alike are supposed to be held there, and this is the first non-routine one that my parents have called since its renovation.  It'll be interesting, that's for sure.

After a pause, I ask if they have any idea where Bonnie, Max, Mairin, Lillie, or Lana are.  I don't want to waste time aimlessly searching for them, that wouldn't benefit anybody.

Misty thinks to herself, tilting her head to the side.  "I think I saw some of them heading towards the Battle Arena," she muses, trying to recall the day's earlier events.  "That'd probably be a good place to check."

"Alright.  Thanks," I make sure to tell her, then head in the direction of the Battle Arena.  Like the Theatre, the Battle Arena is located on the outside of the Colony; it isn't that far away, though.  The Colony is big, but it isn't massive.

Today there aren't any celebrations going on, so the Arena is pretty quiet.  During the celebration schedule, the Arena is open all day, people randomly challenge each other, and there's a referee.  On days like today, there's a more organized signup, and everyone gets a specific time slot, no matter if you're hosting a random challenge or not.  There's no one refereeing, unless you choose to bring someone.  There's also not much people in the stands either.

I wonder if anyone's battling right now?  It might be fun to go and watch that, I muse to myself.  I approach the entrance of the Arena, and I find myself standing still in shock.

I certainly did not expect Valerie to be battling with Verity alongside her.

Ooh cliffhanger!  Well not really haha.  But still, I hope you enjoyed this chapter... even though it's another long one.

Who do you think Valerie and Verity's opponents are?  Also, now's the time to make any final guesses on Verity's Mist Pokemon.  I'll give you a hint.. it's a Ghost type.

Anyway that's it from me today.  Stay tuned for the next chapter! :)