Chapter Twenty-Eight: Under Lock and Key {Part Two}

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In Victorian times Columbine symbolized desertion

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In Victorian times Columbine symbolized desertion

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Nightshade is beyond late for her meeting with Leafeon, and it looks like she won't be turning up any time soon. Near the end of the day, all of the kids gather together to have some kind of weird playtime or something. Mainly stress Violet out until their mother or father get here. But two children are on the outside, looking out sadly as kids reunite with their parents.

     If there's one thing the Kingdom doesn't have, it's dysfunctional families. Every child that's born has a mother and a father. It's an unspoken rule that no crossbreeding should ever occur; a Salazzle shouldn't breed with a Charizard. So, it's no wonder Kapua and Kalili are the outcasts. "Where are Auntie's kids?" Kapua asks. "She's running around like she lost them."

     "Violet can't have kids. She's just watching everyone," Nightshade explains. Kapua nods slightly, his eyes glued to the large crowd. "Come on." Nightshade picks him up and motions for Kalili to follow her. "We can go find something of our own to do."

     Because Kalili is too big for the main cave systems, Nightshade had to move everything to a cave system near the back of the volcano. Turns out there is a place big enough for her, it's just dark and a bit unkempt. Anytime Nightshade goes near it, she thinks about Prince. She lingers at the entrance, staring fearfully at the dark tunnel ahead.

     Kapua lifts his head up from her shoulder to look at her. "I can go first," he says, wiggling out of her grip and falling clumsily to the ground. "I can hold your hand, and Kalili can walk behind you." Kalili nods in agreement then nuzzles Nightshade.

     Nightshade blinks then looks down at Kapua, smiling. "I'll be fine."

     Kapua holds his hand out. "Can I hold your hand?" He doesn't wait for her answer before grabbing onto it. Kapua leads the way, dragging his mother along, and Kalili takes up the rear, lighting the dark tunnel.

     The tunnel opens up to large cavern that Kapua and Kalili have already decorated with a few hand-drawn pictures. Once Nightshade lights the torches in the cave, Kapua releases her hand. Bedtime is usually filled with laughter and smiles and stupid stories that only function to keep Kapua and Kalili up. It's warm and inviting.

     Tonight, it's quiet. Still. Cold.

     Kapua and Kalili go to their nests in silence. Nightshade can only kiss them goodnight. Kalili first, and then Kapua. She blows out the last torch. The purple flame on Kalili's tail creates a dim, albeit haunting light. As she leaves, she hears Kapua whisper, "I hope you feel better tomorrow." She lingers at the opening for a few beats. With a deep sigh, she turns back to them, settling down between the two nests.

     While Kapua doesn't move from his spot in his nest, Kalili lifts her head then snuggles up to her. The Charizard's breathing seems to reverberate through the cave, causing it to shake and rumble. To anyone sneaking around, it would sound menacing, but Nightshade finds it comforting.

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