The Aura is With Us

Chapter 41: Parental Guidance

 Sir Aaron was grateful for the silence that echoed throughout the manor. Professor Gen, thankfully left after all the chaos she caused. The lads now rested in their temporary chambers. Though it wasn't willingly. Ash in particular wanted to wait until his cousins returned before retiring for the night, however the exhaustion of the caught up to him quickly. With the help of Mrs. Rose the knight managed to get the both of the older lads to bed. The twins were another story. Carter and Constance were inconsolable, thinking that they'll never get to see their sister again. The twins' cries broke Sir Aaron's heart but sadly he wasn't close enough to be much help, and Mrs. Rose was alone in tending to them.

As for the Knight himself, he honestly couldn't find it in him to be tired. He soul alit with too much righteous fury to find himself rest. Sir Aaron had seen many of domestic spats, usually between his own sister and mother, but even when Emily frustrated their mother, never in his life had Sir Aaron fathomed that mother despised Emily to the point of disowning her. The knight bit his lip, letting the taste of copper blood keep him from acting out in wrath. It's been hours since the altercation and he was still simmering.

However, it wasn't just the anger that was keeping the knight from his own slumber. Fear lingered in the back of his mind. The blackened chains and veil that surrounded Amanda's soul tightened and pulsed during the confrontation, dimming her spirit almost to shadow. The last time Sir Aaron had seen her aura in shut a state, blood was running down her arms. He needed to check on his niece just to be safe.

The guest wing was on the other side of the manor from where the permanent residents resided, so the knight had left Lucario to watch over the slumbering lads. Though, Sir Aaron could tell that his auratic partner preferred to stay. Riolu had remained in his poke ball for most of the night, letting the horrid mist be breathed in at the underground arena ware off. Ash decided to let the little one out for a bath after remembering the state of the place, and the pup was still rather lethargic. No doubt Riolu was now currently curled up with Lucario, and the thought warmed Sir Aaron's heart a little. Even when young guardians were matched with pups rather than adults, it was still required for the little ones to remain with their parents part time until three years of age. Riolu didn't have that. This was good for both of them.

Sir Aaron was unsure which door led to Amanda's bedroom, however closing his eyes he found...many souls present in a room on the left side of the wing. He opened the lavender colored door as quietly as he could, peeking inside. Seemed as if the knight wasn't the only one who wanted to check in. Amanda lay asleep on the bed, still dressed in the clothing she wore at dinner. Tucked in around her, was Lulu, Umbreon, Pichu, Roserade, and the twins, whom all of which were equally dead to the world. Looking at her aura, Sir Aaron was grateful that the black chains had loosened somewhat, and the veil thinned. It was no where near healthy, still very much inflamed with shadow, but it was better then before.

A quiet sigh sounded from the side of the bed. Riley sat slouched in a large armchair, head in his hands. Exhaustion bleeding from his very being. Absol laid on the soft carpet next to his feet, seemingly still awake.

"You should be in bed," Sir Aaron spoke quietly, crossed the threshold into the room.

"I know," Riley answered, looking towards his sister, "But...It's...it's just..." he sighed, running hand over his face.

"I know, we're all worried for her Riley," Sir Aaron spoke.

Silence settled for a moment, and Sir Aaron was tempted to let it continue, however there was too much that needed to be said.

"Are you alright?" The knight prodded.

"Probably not," Riley huffed, "I-I mean...I'm scared. I'm sad. But most of all I'm angry, like why didn't know about all this? Why didn't I know this was happening? Am I really that bad of a brother that I didn't think to check on my sister too see if she was, okay?" He stood up, and walked out of the room...