🌹The Tyrant's Tears🌹

". . . . lia. . . . Lia. . . . LIA!?"

"Look! She's waking up!"

"Pikachu, too!"

Slowly regaining her senses, Lia finds herself on the ground with Theo, Ace, Deuce, Maddie, Lucario, and the rest of her Pokémon surrounding her, worried.

"Take it easy. Are you alright? "

"Xavier? When did you,"

"Received an odd text from Mr. Diamond before Dire and Eva burst into my classroom like it was the apocalypse."

"Rugh, what's going on?"

"After throwing that last blow to that monster, you ran over to Riddle as he was falling. Then, you, Pikachu, and Riddle's rabbit drop cold like him out of nowhere. You've been out for a good thirty minutes." Ace explained.

"Wait, where's Riddle?"

"Pikachu." (And Charlette.)

"Who?"

"He's over there, just starting to come to," Lucario told her.

Not far from her right, Lia sees Trey, Cater, and surprisingly, Mr. Crowley, Madame Eva with Riddle and his Lopunny.

"Riddle? Riddle!"

"Calm down, Trey. He's waking up just fine." Madame Eva assured him.

"About time, too; I seriously thought he wasn't gonna wake up. We were close to losin our heads if he didn't. Um, total figure of speech, ya know."

Lia slowly got up to stand. After returning most of her Pokémon to their balls, she made her way to them. "You and I are going to need to have a talk after this," Xavier whispered to her.

"What for?"

She didn't get an answer when she heard Riddle.

"Wh-what in the world? What just was I?"

"Thank the Greats, you've finally come to your senses, Mr. Rosehearts."

"Wait, Where's,"

"Lopunny," (I'm here, Riddle. I'm okay) Charlette sat beside him while Trey held him.

"Thank goodness,"

"Don't move too much, just rest."

Lia heard Ace scoff as he folded his arms. Lia narrowed her eyes at him. 'You better not make things worse.'

"See that? That sort of 'coddling is what led to all of this. If you don't scold him properly, he'll go crazy again."

"Dude, you really need to read the room better." Deuce deadpanned at him; Plusle and Minun nodded.

"But I'm not wrong! Look at this place! The whole place is a total wreck, and we almost didn't live to see the next day!"

"We're technically also responsible for the mess, too." Theo pointed out.

"Yeah, not gonna lie. It was awful."

"Good grief! Building up that much stress does no good for you, you know!"

"Pika, Pika?" (How would you know?)

"Oh, be quiet, Pipsqueak. I don't need to know when we just saw what happens when you do that."

"Absol," (He's not wrong.)

"At least everyone made it out in one piece."

"Theo's right. Come on, guys, chill out."

As everyone muttered, Riddle sat in place for a moment until he finally gathered the courage to speak.

"I. . . . In truth, I actually wanted to eat the tart."

Everyone turned to him, shocked and confused, especially Ace. Lia and Pikachu, however, smiled at Riddle.

"I don't mind the roses being white; the flamingos staying pink; I'd rather have honey in my tea instead of sugar; I like milk tea more than lemon tea; I would like to stay after lunch and socialize with others."

"Riddle,"

"I. . . . I wanted to play with you and Chenya longer every day." He couldn't hold it any longer. At that moment, Riddle Rosehearts cried his eyes out. Realizing all the bottled-up emotions he had held since childhood.

"N-No way?! Hashtag #Whoa! Riddle is actually crying?!"

"Truthfully, I was worried he wouldn't cry at all." Madame Eva admitted as she and Charlette gave him a much-needed hug. Riddle's Shaymin and Floette followed soon after.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You think crying waterfalls is gonna make me forgive you that easily?!"

Maddie glared at him, "Way to be the bully."

"Chimpchar," "Pika," (I'll say)

"Riddle, I'm the one who should be sorry. I've always known you were suffering, yet I just stood by and pretended not to. So, now I'm telling you what I should have told you since day one: You were the 'Wrong one. You owe everyone an apology for everything."

As soon as Trey said that, Riddle gathered his composure a bit and got on his knees. "I'm, I'm sorry. I'm sorry! For Everything!"

Lia warmly smiled at the sniffling redhead. The weight on his shoulders has finally been lifted. She couldn't help but enjoy the relieved silence until Ace ruined it.

"Ya know, for a while, I've wanted to hear an apology from you since this whole thing started. But now that I got it. . . . . IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!"

"EEEEEEEHHHHHHH!!!!!!???????"

"Mr. Trappola, choose your next words carefully."

"Let him get it out, Eva. At this point, emotions have been pent up enough."

"I'm afraid Xavier's right, darling."

"Lopunny!" (You meanie!)

"Oh, shut it, 'Cotten tail. Seriously, do you think a simple 'apology will work after humiliating me? Tossing the 'Chestnut Tart we worked so darn hard on?! Heck no! Shedding some tears and a worded 'sorry' isn't gonna satisfy me!"

"And I thought I held bad grudges." Grim deadpanned.

"I was pretty sure Rihan was bad."

"I think the kid's worse than the two put together."

Riddle was also a little lost for words, "Th-then, what do you, e-expect from me?"

Ace took a moment to think, "Well, my birthday isn't anytime soon, so;"

"Say what? Ace, what are you?"

"Oh, now I see where this is going," Theo smirked, making Lia and her Pokémon look at him oddly.

"What I want from you is a do-over of the Unbirthday. But this time, 'You, bring the tart, while we don't gotta do squat. This means that Trey doesn't help you with any of it. Do that, then we can call it a truce."

Lia gave Ace a deadpanned brow, "Exactly; how is that fair? I seem to recall that 'some of us helped you with your tart."

"Pika, pika. Pi." (More like he dragged us to help him.)

"Shut it! The 'Peanut Gallery has no say!" he turned back to Riddle, "So then, Riddle, we clear?"

"*sniff!* Crystal, clear."

"Wonderful! This beautiful compromise concludes this matter."

"I couldn't agree more, Dire. However, that still leaves a few others we need to deal with." Madame Eva reminded as she pointed out the massacre of the gardens.

Cater sighed, "Whelp, while you guys are doing that, we'll clean up here. To ease up for workload, Mr. C. Man, and just when we had it 'Magicam worthy."

"Yeah, Clyde's going to have a 'felid day when he sees this." Xavier turns to Trey. "If it isn't too much to ask, could you take Mr. Rosehearts and Lia to the school infirmary?"

"Not at all, sir, but I should help here too."

"Nah ah, that was a full case 'Overblot we dealt with. And Lia didn't react too well when it happened either. Best to be safe than sorry to ensure they're both 'A-Okay."

"I couldn't agree more, Mr. Diamond. We'll escort them there as well."

"Wait, hold on. I'm fine; I'm not injured or anything."

Xavier shook his head. "No, but as I said before, you and I need to have a talk. And sending you to McPhee will ease my nerves if I'm right."

"'Right about what, Dad?"

"I'll explain later, Theo."

As the three adults escorted the two to the school's infirmary, most of the boys and Pokémon stayed behind.

"Man, this place is so messed up. I don't even know where to start." Deuce admitted. As he looked at the area, everything was in shambles.

Many rose trees were uprooted, and parts of the hedge maze were torn down; the ground was cracked and uneven, and debris was everywhere.

"Well, no use complaining about it," Theo replied, rolling up his sleeves.

"Doesn't mean we can't."

"I think you've worded out your complaints enough, Ace."

"Pfft, like you don't have any yourself."

"I do, but I keep them professional. Not blurt out like an ignoramus."

"Cuse me?!"

"You're excused, kid."

"Shut it! Persian!"

'Growl~' "Geez, I'm starving. Using all that magic really wore me out."

"Pikachu?" (You're starving after all that?)

"You technically have no say, little one. We 'Too, restore our strength with food after we've battled."

"Pika, pi." (Not as much.)

"You're not winning this case, pipsqueak. Hang on, *sniff* *sniff*. Is that?"

"What's up, Grim?" Maddie asked as she looked at him curiously.

"Ha, Ha! Check it!" Grim jumped in joy as he held out a familiar black crystal. "It's a Black Magic Crystal! Like the one back at the Dwarf's Mine!"

Theo immediately turned to the feline monster, 'Black magic crystal?'

"You're right; where did it come from?"

"Who knows, don't eat it this time. Grim, You don't know where it's been."

"Char?" (Eat it?)

"Pika," (Long story,)

"You kidding me?! After how delicious the last one was? No way am I passing up a delight like this!"

"Pika!/Absol!" (Don't!)

But it was too late; Grim immediately popped the stone into his mouth.

"And there it goes. How has he not gotten a stomach yet?"

"Bleh! That's so yucky, Grim!" Maddie gagged, and some of the Pokémon did the same.

"Grimmy! I didn't peg you to be the type to eat trash from the floor. Have some self-respect."

"Don't waste your breath, kid. He won't listen to anyone when it comes to his stomach."

"Pikachu. Pika, pi." (Plus, I don't think he has self-respect, not that kind.)

At that moment, Grim's eyes lit up, "Ooooo~ Soooo rich and sweet~ with just a bit of a complex bitter aftertaste. Different from the last one."

"Pika, Pikachu?" (What's with you in saying passionate praises when it comes to food?)

"Don't go looking at us if you get sick. You're on your own if Lia has to get the tummy medicine. And believe me, that stuff is yucky."

"I don't think you should worry about it, Mads. As a monster and all, I bet his stomach works differently than ours."

"Eating something like that can't be good for anyone."

"*nom* *nom* this grass is pretty good too. *nom* *nom* so crisp and even."

"H-Hey now! Don't go eating our lawn, too!"

"Chimpchar," (gross,)

"I don't think I'll look at salad the same way again."

"I hear you, Little Cutie; I'm about to A-F-K and throw up if I keep seeing this."

"Kid, ever heard of T-M-I?"

As the group was bickering, no one heard Cater utter under his breath. "seriously, guys, Thanks."

"Hmm? You say something, Cater?" Theo asked.

"Nope, not a thing. ~"

"Soooo, are we gonna clean this place up or not?" Maddie asked.

"We are, but like Deucy here said before. We don't know where to start."

"Don't call me Deucy!"

"Why not just pick up all the debris on the ground? That seems like a start."

"Good idea and all, but since we don't have any gloves with us. I'm not touching those thorns."

"Then it's good that a friend of mine just stopped by." Everyone looked at Theo, confused as he turned to an undamaged bush. "You can come out now."

A few rustles were heard till the one responsible came out.

"What the?"

"A Meowstic!"

"Yo, Theo, where'd you get Little Blu?"

"A bit before I helped out Lia and Deuce a few days ago."

"And you're telling us about him now?"

"Raghnall prefers to introduce himself at his own time."

"Ranal?" Maddie tried to pronounce.

"Raghnall, it means wise and powerful."

"Nice choice, especially for this type of Pokémon."

"Why's that Mads?"

"Here," she pulled out Lia's 'Rotom phone and pointed it at Raghnall.

* 'Ding!' Meowstic, the Constraint Pokémon. Though it has enough psychic power to blast away any opponent, Meowstic prefers to support its allies rather than attack. That said, if Meowstic continuously emits its powerful psychic energy, it will damage its own body.*

"A creature that knows its stuff. Couldn't be any more perfect for ya, Theo."

"Thanks, Cater. And since we're bringing up Pokémon." he turns to the Magnolia twin. "If I remember correctly, some Pokémon can help with gardening, right?"

Maddie started to beam with excitement, "Mmhmm! And since they know the garden better, Riddle's Pokémon can help, too!" The two 'Sky forms, Shaymin and Floete, cheered happily at that thought.

"Pika, Pikachu!" (I bet we can make it better than before!)

"Then we're going to need a few more 'certain helpers.~" Persian smirked.

Meanwhile, back in the school Infirmary. Both Lia and Riddle were a much-needed check-up. Thankfully, neither of them was harmed in any shape or form. But Ms. Mcphee still wanted them to take it easy for a few days and refrain from using any magic till then.

"How are you feeling, Riddle?"

"I'm fine; all that stress and everything completely vanished after that song you sang."

"Oh, you still remember that?"

"Yes, where did you learn to sing like that?"

"My mom taught me. She was a performer once, but then she decided to become an herbalist. She helped many people and Pokémon that inspired me to be an herbalist, too."

"I'd assume you'd be a singer if she taught you music as well."

"The thought did cross my mind once, but I couldn't handle the pressure of everyone staring at me. The moment I see a crowd, I start to feel sick and hide in the farthest corner of the stage."

"Never took you for the type to have 'Stage Fright."

Lia chuckled a bit, "Oh, believe me. I've been told that I'm full of surprises."

Riddle smiled, "Don't worry; after what I've witnessed, you'd have to be a fool not to expect such a thing."

He then stopped for a moment and frowned, "Lia, I know I said this before, But I don't believe an apology is enough for all those things I said to you about your mother. It was out of line and heartless of me."

"You weren't in the right mindset then, Riddle. You were in the heat of the moment when your emotions were at their boiling point. It happens to everyone. I got so mad at my brother for volunteering me for a Pokémon battle when I was busy with other important stuff. I ended up screaming my anger at him before the other Gym leaders."

"Lopunny?" (That bad?)

"Yeah, I was running ragged that time. I lose my cool when people rub me the wrong way."

"Can't be nearly as bad as my temper."

"No, but I can be really scary when my buttons are pushed. And trust me, it's not pretty."

"Can't be anywhere near as bad as when Ms. Mac loses her temper. She once looked about ready to shoot down Cater's phone with her arrow when it went off a third time during a lesson."

"Bet he doesn't bring his precious phone with him when he goes to class."

"Oh, he still does, just not for that one." that made the both of them laugh.

The two teens stopped when they heard the adults murmuring outside the room. After the check-up, Xavier constantly observed Lia and asked questions. No one bothered asking why, as it looked like he was trying to figure it out himself.

"Does he normally act like this with students?" Lia asked.

"Honestly, I can't really tell you. I've only known him for at least a year and a half. Professor Xavier has always been an enigma character despite his sarcasm. You only really know what he's thinking once he tells you himself. I'm sure that's to be expected, with him being a Mystic and all."

"A Mystic?"

"They're basically Law Enforcers who work for the High Magic Council, Twisted Wonderland's governmental society. A Mystic ensures peace and order, standing strong in every corner of the world, making sure that no one is taking magic, in any living being, lightly."

Lia nodded as she took in Riddle's explanation. "So that's why he looks pretty serious in his classes. To ensure that we're not just considering our safety but others."

"Not just that. It's also to ensure you're aware of the capabilities of your potential."

The teens jumped a bit as Xavier and the Crowley couple returned. "Professor, Headmaster, Madame," Riddle greeted them.

"Glad to see you're doing better, Riddle."

"Thank you, Madame."

"So, can I know what this is all about?" Lia asked, looking at her uncle.

"Let me answer that with a question of my own. What do you remember after you brought the finishing blow to Mr. Rosehearts?"

"Um," Lia didn't get into full detail as she didn't really know how to explain. After seeing Riddle's past, she felt the urge to help him out of his despair and lead him to a better life. Riddle tried to help her explain, too, but not even he knew what to say. Lia wasn't sure where that song or those doors came from. Arceus, she didn't even know how she knew what they were for!

"It was strange, to be honest. I knew the song and what the doors were for as if on instinct."

"It's not strange at all."

"Indeed! And to think, you've only been in this school for almost a week! You are truly full of surprises, my dear!"

'So, I've been told.' Lia sweat-dropped at Crowley's enthusiasm. "I still don't understand what you're talking about."

"We're trying to tell you that what you've experienced, Lia, was the workings of your 'Unique Magic."

"Huh!?"

"And you don't have just one; you have two."

"WHAT!!??" Even Riddle was shocked.

"Sir, all mages only have one Unique Magic. How is it possible to have two?"

"It completely depends on the mage. It's not heard of because such an occurrence is infrequent. It only happens to those with Aura manipulation."

"I'm not sure I follow,"

"Me neither, sir."

"Let me put it this way: back then, in certain parts of Twisted Wonderland, Aura was considered one of the first forms of magic, as it was an energy source that dwells in all living beings. Or, in some cases, a sixth sense that allows the ability to read others what their thought process is. Those who were skilled enough could stretch it further—enabling them to control and manage it in ways that were considered impossible. To name a few, telepathy, forcefields, and high sensory. But then, at one point, some decided to stretch it a bit further."

"Lia, sweetie. Do you remember how the dorms here in NRC are differentiated by certain traits that make them stand out from one another?" Madame Eva asked.

"Yes, I take it the people who could use Aura back then also used it differently."

"Yes, but in a way, that's like what 'Unique magic' is today. The Aura that's within every being is different, like a fingerprint. For Aura users, they used their aura and the aura around them to create an ability that was not only theirs but theirs alone. But they also identified their Aura and how it's used and for."

Lia pondered all this: "So if Riddle here had an Aura ability instead of Unique Magic, he'd be able to lock away another's Aura ability and won't undo it until he releases it."

"Exactly, and from what you told us with your experience. Your Aura ability allows you to purify someone's tainted Aura with a specific song. And the song you made up, was it."

"What about the doors, I explained. Are they another 'Aura ability?"

"No, my dear, that was your 'Actual 'Unique Magic. As a descendant of powerful mages, it's only natural that you'd have that as well." Crowley corrected.

"Before theses 'doors appeared. What did you feel?"

"I felt. . . There was a need to show that there is always another path. One that can lead someone to the light, to prove there's always a way."

Madame Eva smiled at Lia. Never had she been so grateful to have such a bright child walk the halls of the school. Nor had she been so relieved to stop her 'Over eco husband from doing something stupid. *Cough! Cough! * Nearly kicking her out, *cough! *

"It's best to leave the two alone now and rest. It's been a long day for them as it has for the rest of us."

"Quite right, darling. And one of us still needs to inform Clyde of the, *clears throat* gardening problem."

"Have fun with that," Xavier waved off as he left the room.

"What the!? And where are you going?!"

"Back to my office, where I was right in the middle of an assignment that 'You, Dire. Gave me, before all this. And, if I remember correctly, I told you I'm not doing you any more favors after refurbishing the floor in my classroom twice."

Crowley flinched as Xavier continued, "But since it's a matter of importance that actually does concern me, I'm making an exception. Also, I'm pretty sure you still need to Thank Clyde for all the hard work he's done for doing that."

Neither Lia nor Riddle missed the mischievous tone in that last part. Making the said headmaster nervously sweat. "I take it Mr. Clyde doesn't like being the janitor?"

"More like doing anything for the Headmaster."

'Makes sense.'

Madame Eva shook her head as she dragged her husband out. "Come on, Dire. I'll help you out."

"Oh~, Evangeline. What would I do without you?"

"Pretty sure that's a question no one wants an answer to," she muttered under her breath.

As soon as they were gone, the two teens and Pokémon just sat silently in their cots until Riddle broke the ice.

"Um, Lia."

"Yes?"

"Could you tell me what that was back in the garden?"

"What do you mean?"

"What did you do with your Pokémon and Charlette that made them different?"

Lia was confused for a moment as she looked back to see what he was talking about. Then it clicked.

"Oh! You are talking about 'Mega Evolution. Wait, you remember that?"

"Bits and pieces. But I clearly remember feeling something deep down, then seeing Charlette transforming, looking stronger than she was before."

"It's called 'Mega Evolution. ' Almost all of the Pokémon population have this ability called 'Evolution. ' Evolution is a process where certain species of Pokémon can change into a different species, similar to metamorphosis or leveling up, depending on how well you raise or train them. With each evolution, the Pokémon become stronger with their abilities and attacks. Some Pokémon have evolution stages that range around two or three stages."

"Pika, pika. Pika, pi." (And Charlette here is in the two stages of evolution.)

"Right, however. Only a handful of Pokémon have an extra evolution stage. And that stage is 'mega evolution. ' Mega Evolution is a phenomenon that happens when a Pokémon and its trainer have a strong bond—so strong that using a certain stone allows the Pokémon to take on an additional form that gives it ten times the strength and power. However, that form doesn't last long, so trainers use that as a last result."

"A trump card that can possibly guarantee a win." Riddle theorized.

"Yep," Lia said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the Lopunnite. This is the stone I was talking about—a mega stone called Lopunnite. With my keystone and Charlette's permission, I was able to activate her mega evolution."

"So, these stones act like a conduit. Similar to our magic stones?"

"In a sense, yes. Conduits that focus on the bond that the trainer and Pokémon have to activate mega evolution. But I wouldn't worry about looking for a keystone for Charlette's Lopunnite. Your magic stone has enough similarities to act like one."

"But, even with her permission, how could Charlette take on her mega form while I was in that terrible state?"

Lia smiled at him, "I think you already know the answer."

Riddle was confused for a moment until he felt Charlette place her paw on his hand. They looked at each other for a moment until the young redhead started to glow.

"You were that determined to help me, weren't you?"

"Lopunny," (Anything to have you back)

Once again, Riddle was in tears, but this time, he was brimming with joy as he and his darling rabbit were back together. Lia couldn't help but be happy for them as they embraced each other. It brought back memories of the wonderful times she and her Pokémon had. Though, without knowing, she was rubbing her mother's bracelet, and the memories of her came up, too.

'Mom,'

"Oh, by the way, Lia."

"Hmm?"

"Do you have a name for your unique magic?"

Lia thought about it momentarily till she turned back to Riddle with a proud smile.

"I do, Light of the Evening Star."