Heroes of Darkness

X

ALEXANDER

Alex stood straight and tall as he had been told. The fog was thicker than usual today as the ships and their lanterns slowly emerged from the mist over the lake. He and Banette waited on the docs with twenty of his father's own guards. Ever since old Sheila had passed, Lord Spector had taken extra care in his security preparations.

"Ban..." Alex saw his Spirit Pokémon by his side. The grey Ghost Pokémon seemed to be trembling as the ships approached. The air did seem to grow chiller as the large boats approached. It wasn't until Alex heard the musical, echoing cry of some great beast that he realized that the Empress had arrived as well.

All was silent as Alex followed the others gathered at the docks to welcome his sister-in-law to be. One by one, Lord Specter's family and servants fell to one knee as the great blue shadow in the water waded towards the dock. The captains of the accompanying ships saluted as Empress Glamour herself stepped off of Kyogre, her Spirit Pokémon.

Alex gasped, and could hear Banette shake beside him. You can feel her power, can't you? He asked the Pokémon with a look. The grey ghost nodded its head. The Empress' beauty had been understated, it seemed to Alex. She was tall, with long legs, a slender yet curved figure, and shining blonde hair that glimmered even in the mists of Mt. Pyre. In her hand, was the golden trident, and the shining Blue Orb, alive with light.

Alex turned his head as he saw his father struggle to his feet. Lord Specter bowed respectfully to the Empress, and his Dusknoir bowed to Kyogre, the God Pokémon of the Seas, in turn.

"Lord Specter," she said in a musical voice, "how good of you to greet me here."

"I... We didn't expect you to grace us with your presence," Alex's father stammered out.

The Empress laughed. Even her laugh is beautiful, thought Alex. "To be here for the marriage of two of the First Generation is something I could not miss. It's a time of celebration for all of the Empire. Where is young Leo?"

Alex looked towards his side, and saw Leo stand and bow. He approached their father and the Empress alongside his Dusclops. "Here I am, your grace," he said quietly. Alex smiled from afar.

Leo's either humbler than usual, or he's embarrassed, Alex thought.

The Empress turned towards one of her ships in the docks that was flying her flag. To the group of people who had come down the ramp, she gestured with her hand. Slowly, a girl approached the both of them, with a Luvdisc in her arms. When she stood next to the Empress, Alex's father took her hand.

"My, you're a pretty one." He kissed her hand, before looking down at Leo. Alex's poor half-brother turned a bright shade of red, unsure of what to do. Leo stole a quick glance at Alex among their father's servants. Alex responded with a quick head movement, signaling Leo to do the same. Quickly, he did the same, before his face burst into an even brighter shade of red. Alex noticed how the girl's face didn't even change expression.

"Lord Governor," the Empress called again, her voice sweet and loud for all to hear. "When shall the ceremony take place?"

"A week's time," Lord Spector said, clearing his throat. "I hope we can find comfortable accommodations for you, Your Holiness."

The Empress just laughed. "I spend my nights in the water, listening to the waves and rains from across the Empire. I should be more worried about what to do with my time during the day."

"Your Grace, if I may," a new voice came. It was Alex's step-mother. "In four days, we're going to have a ball, to celebrate this occasion. I could use your insight and wisdom for the planning of such an event."