🌹The Deul, No, You're who's Wrong🌹

Lia found herself in what looked like a courtroom. In the defendant's seat was the blonde girl she saw before addressing the Queen of Hearts. . .. As a giant!

'What in Arceus's name!'

"As for you, your majesty, *humph!* Your Majesty, indeed. Why you're no 'queen, you're just a fat, pompous, ill-tempered old, ty. . . tyrant. . . " Her confidence faded as she shrank back to her original size.

'Oh no,'

The Queen peered down at her with a malicious smile, "Mmmmhmmm, Em, what were you saying, my dear?"

Suddenly, a smiling cat appeared above her head, making matters worse, "Why, she said you're a fat, pompous, ill-tempered old tyrant! AhHahahaha!"

"OOOOOOOFFF WITH HER HEAD!!!!"

On the queue of the Queen's furious, blood-curdling rage, all of the playing cards jumped and rained down on the poor, defenseless girl.

'. . .Why. . . , why isn't anyone doing anything to stop her?! Why didn't anyone stop her before it came to this?!'

Suddenly, the screen changed to a dark, misty forest that Lia didn't recognize at all.

'Okay, why am I here?'

Walking along a faint trail, Lia heard a faint sound in the distance. Alarms went off in her head as she headed towards it. Suddenly, something rushed past her, 'Who's there?!'

There was no answer; Lia slowly looked around and did her best to stay calm. But her racing heart was pounding so loudly. She was sure that whoever or whatever was out there could hear it. Then, she saw a shadowy figure on the other side of the trail.

'H-Hello?'

The figure didn't respond. However, Lia could hear faint whispers coming from them. Slowly making her way towards them, she was able to make out a few words.

'̸̲̗̳̼̠͊̇F̸̠̱̥̝̱̙͋̈́̍́̚ī̶̛͔͕̤̱̝̝̩̠̤̓̋͜͠͝n̶̥̲̠̭̖̎́͛̆̓͐d̸͖̠̜̱̦̼̏̇͂̐̊̈́̎ ̶̧̧̗͚̥͎͓̦̣̆͛̚͠.̵̟̈́ ̴̧̜̺̳̻̻̩̦͖̌́̌̄̌̀̽̎̊͝ͅ.̷̨̨̫̩͋̊͛̌̈́͠ ̶̮̱͕̘͕̥͈̋.̴̞̹̙͙̝̈̒͑̾̿̓̀̚ͅ ̷͍̻̺̥̺̪͙̋̋̓̒́̏̒.̶̰̺̮̝̭͖͙̞̦̔͜ ̷̡̬̼̞͈͇̲̮̗͊̊̽̕͠͠͝B̶̛̭͖̹͇̺̞̫͖̲͔͋͒̕ĺ̵̮͎͔̍̄͂͆̐a̶͉͖̦̽̃̀̌̉͊̽c̷̖̬̗̙̅̎̐͝k̵̗̯̲̫̫͖͉̔̆͝.̵̡̮̻̰̈́̉ ̶̡̼̣͔͉̽̐̾̋̈̌̂͘̕.̸͙̣̤̥̘̖͉̿̾͊̃̽̈́͛̓͛͘ ̸̨̢̜̘͙͚̘̩̓͆̓̈́̀͛̏͘͝.̷͖͑̅ ̸̇̾͆̋̐̂̑͜͝.̸̡̨̛̳͇̭̼͔̗̔̆͋́̽̋̅̓ ̷̘̘̦̿̆̊͝.̷̨̭͙̪͓̀̆̓͌̀̋ ̵̧̰̭͇̄M̸̧͖̳͇̠͂͊̎̀̄u̴̝̝̱̱̖͆̋͑̂́̐s̵̹͕̫̑̂́̐ͅẗ̶̫́.̶̞̻̣̭̭̮͒̉̅͆͊̚͝ͅ ̸̧̤͖̰͉̖̭̻͓͙̇̊̑̚.̴̩̮̭͙̖͖̹̰̥͌̈͒͊̃͑͐̆̃͗ ̷̨̨̧̛͔̞̖̮̖͖͔̀̉̆̓̓͋́̕͘.̵͈̘͊̅̓ ̸̧̨̛̥͈͉͉̣̥̙͕́͊͊̊̆̚T̷̢̬͙̦̪̳̠̃o̶͓̺̳̊̑̚ ̶̡̛̛͇̇̓́͊͑̚͠M̶̧̬̰̥̏̐͐́̀e̸̖̭̲̤̙̝̠̿̎͜͜͝ͅ.̸̢̠̙̙̻̦̥̺̊̾̂̓̂̈́̂ ̵̨͇̦͉̱̜̺̦̝͗̈́̊̂̿̂̈͊̚͜͝.̵̳̬̭̦͗͐̋ ̷̡̢̼͇͇̞͍̽̑̿͌.̵̢̮̜͓̻̞̬̣̈́ ̶̯͍̟̩̹̻̙̠̐̀̉̈́̆̔͛'̶̧̨̹̯͔̝̱̭̑̆̽̿͐̇̉͊̍̃

'What?'

Just then, black bony hands shot out from the ground and grabbed her legs. 'AAAH! LET GO!'

Lia kicked and struggled, but the hands held their grip. As she tried to break free, the shadowy figure started to move towards her.

'MISS LIA!'

At that moment, something blasted the hands off of Lia and held her arms. Before she noticed the figure reaching out to her, she was carried away from the area. Looking up, Lia's rescuer was the last being she would've guessed to be. 'Darkrai?!'

''You should not be here!'

'Why? What's going on?'

'I cannot say right now, but do not ever venture further in your dreams, or else they will find you!'

'Who?!'

'Beware of the Shadows Past.'

________________________________________________________________________________

Earlier that morning, Lucario was making his way to Lia's bedroom to let her know that today was the duel. When Pikachu came out in a panic, he knew something was wrong. When he entered the room, he saw Lia tossing and turning, looking like she was trying to fight off something.

He ran to her bedside and held her shoulders, "Lia, wake up!" he tried to shake his trainer from her nightmare, but it didn't work. After a few tries, he turned to Pikachu with a nod. Pikachu hesitantly nodded back as sparks went off from his cheeks,

"Pika-CHUUUUU!"

"GAAAHHHH!"

As soon as Pikachu ceased his 'Thunder Bolt Alarm, Lia was fully awake; "Sweet Arceus, Pikachu! I told you not to wake me up that way!"

"I told him to do it."

"Lucario? Why did you,"

"You were having a nightmare. We've tried to wake you up in a more civil way, but you weren't responding."

"Oh,"

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, I just need a minute." However, in her mind, Lia was confused; 'Beware of Shadows Past.' the last words she heard Darkrai say rang in her head. 'Shadows past? Where have I heard that before?'

Pikachu jumped on the bed and crawled to her lap, "Pikachu?"

"I'm okay, buddy, I promise." She turned back to Lucario, "Did you do what I asked last night?"

"Yes, the Pokémon you wish to bring with you are ready,"

"Good, but just in case, I want you and Absol to come along too. We'll need all the help for whatever is coming."

"Understood,"

*Excuse me, Miss Lia?*

As Lia was getting ready, Rotom-Dex and Hoopa came in. "Hey, you two, is something wrong?"

Hoopa shook his head, *Not particularly, but could you spare some time before you go to your friend's challenge?*

"Sorry, Rotom, but no. It's going to have to wait until after."

"But Li-chan,"

"I'm sorry, Hoopa. Unless it's an emergency, I need to be there for my friends,"

As she, Lucario, and Pikachu left to meet with the others, Rotom and Hoopa looked at each other with anxious expressions.

*Oh dear, Mr. Leon is not going to like this.*

________________________________________________________________________________

That afternoon, the Gardens of Heartslabyul was buzzing for the upcoming duel; the students chatted, thinking how it would go. Some were surprised, while most were doubtful of the challenger.

"They gotta be joking?! I figured they were reckless, but this is going overboard!" Cater retorted, getting uneasy as this was happening.

Trey sighed, feeling the same, "Believe me, Theo and I tried to reason with them."

Crowley stood in the garden with his wife by his side. "It's time; the duel for the title of Dorm Leader is about to commence!"

Riddle, Ace, and Deuce stepped forward and faced each other on cue. From the corner of her eye, Lia found Lopunny, Floette, and the two Shaymins watching from a distance. She even saw some particular flowers in some parts of the gardens. 'I hope this will be enough.'

​"The first challenger of the duel is Ace Trappola, followed by the second challenger, Deuce Spade. The challengee they are competing against is the current Dorm Leader, Riddle Rosehearts."

Madame Eva stepped in, "Now, before we begin, let me remind you, in this duel, spells that will render one or the other unable to continue. Any nonmagical attacks, physical or not, are prohibited. If either of you do so, it's immediate disqualification, and the one standing will win."

No one said anything, "Also, this is to be a 'clean duel if I see so much as a cut, scrape, or even a broken bone. It will be expulsion from the school. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yeah/Yes Ma'am/ Yes Madame Eva."

Madame Eva shot a glare in Ace's direction, making him rephrase his words. "I-I mean 'yes, ma'am."

"Thank you, now then. According to the rules of the duel, Riddle, you must remove the sealing collars for this to be a fair match."

Riddle nodded, and with a wave of his scepter, the collars on Ace and Deuce were gone within a blink of an eye. The two sighed in relief.

"Ah, finally, sleeping with that thing really did a number on my shoulders. I don't know if I'll get the stiffness out of them."

"Saver your freedom while you have it; it'll be back on you soon enough." Riddle began to smirk.

"Don't be so sure," Ace scowled.

"To be quite frank, I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that you two had the audacity to challenge me to a duel. Are you certain that you wish to do this?"

"Beyond a doubt,"

"We are very serious with this."

"Do as you please. Though Miss Lia, why did you bring a child?" Riddle pointed at a glaring Maddie.

"I came myself 'cause I got a bone to pick with you for making my little brother cry!"

"Maddie, Matt is five minutes older than you."

"I'm the oldest since I'm looking out for him!"

"Quite the eccentric child, aren't you?" Riddle looked down at her, unfazed by her declaration.

"You don't know the half of it; I'd keep my guard up, kid." Persian waved his paw.

"Humph, let's just get this over with."

"Hey, um, Riddle. What's the plan for this afternoon's tea?" Cater asked.

"What a ridiculous question; we proceed as scheduled. As the rules speculate, we have tea at exactly four o'clock."

"I was just asking 'cause it's already a little past three-thirty."

"Well then, since we're short on time. The both of you will have to come at me all at once. So that this can be done promptly."

Maddie leaned over to Theo, "Is he really sure that he can take on two people at once?"

"From what I've observed from Riddle, he's not the kind of person who jokes about certain stuff like this."

Lia couldn't help but frown at the sight before her, "I just hope this doesn't get out of hand, for everyone's sake."

All the students started to cheer for their Dorm Leader, but Lia and her Pokémon could tell they were only doing it out of fear. Ace and Deuce looked at them in disappointment and disgust. Lia saw Lucario watching the whole thing from behind the crowd and Absol with Riddle's Pokémon. As if sensing the tension, Grim and Pikachu fidgeted on Lia's shoulders.

"I don't like this."

"Pika," (Me neither.)

Crowley stepped forward with a mirror in his hand, "Alright then, the moment this mirror falls and shatters, the duel commences. Ready. . . " He tossed the mirror in the air. As it started to fall to the ground, Lia gasped when she saw a reflection of Riddle, but it wasn't the same Riddle she sees now. . .

*CRASH!!*

"OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!"

In an instant, Ace and Deuce returned to wearing the magic sealing collars. They didn't even have time to make a move of their own.

"AND THAT'S THE MATCH! VICTORY GOES TO THE CURRENT LEADER, RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS!" Crowley announced.

The duel was over in the blink of an eye.

Riddle, on the other hand, scoffed at the two, "Humph, hardly lasted five seconds."

"Damn it! Not again!" Ace said in frustration, "Didn't even get a chance!"

Deuce. on the other hand, was baffled at Riddle's speed to cast spells.

Lia was also just as stunned, "That was done faster than a trainer giving orders to their Pokemon."

"The force one uses for their magic completely depends on their conceptualization. The more focus the effects the user produces, the more precise the spell is. Honing your potential is a must in this school."

Madame Eva didn't say anything after her husband's explanation; she was too focused on the boys, as something seemed off that made her uneasy.

"And to think, the two of you had the audacity to challenge me at your level," Riddle said with a smug satisfaction, "Did you think this would have worked in your favor? As my mother said, rulebreakers are never justified, nor can they achieve anything."

Deuce couldn't take it anymore, "It's true that rules are meant to be followed for everyone's well-being. But forcing us to follow nonsensical rules like yours is just straight-out tyranny!"

"If you agree that 'rule breaking is wrong, then you should know that I AM the rules in this dorm. I merely enforced the very rules that were decided upon this dorm. Those who cannot abide them or my decisions will lose their heads if all they do with them is complain."

"But that still isn't right!"

Everyone now looked at Lia, who was shaking in frustration, "You can't just use and force rules to do whatever you please! You're stripping others of their freedom! Yes, rules are meant to help to keep you safe through certain situations. But making rules over the most minor things that don't cause any real harm is ridiculous! Controlling the lives of others is nothing but cruel!"

"Without consequences, people will ignore the rules. Is that such a hard concept to understand? Your father is a powerful, legendary sorcerer who chose someone who clearly had no magical capability or understanding of our world," he scoffed, "I can see the apple truly doesn't fall far from the tree."

"Pika," "That little brat," the blood of Lia's Pokémon was not at their boiling point. 'How dare he say that about Lia's mom/Kaitlynn.'

On the other hand, Madame Eva was shocked, "Riddle Rosehearts!! That's crossing the line!"

"Please excuse me, Madame Eva, I'm merely stating the tru-AAAOW!"

"Maddie!"

Everyone couldn't believe what they just saw. While being absorbed in the banter, Maddie kicked Riddle in the shins.

"For the love of, owww. You little -!" Riddle stopped himself when he looked up; she was crying the second he saw her face.

"You, you big bully. You have no right to say that to big sis!" Maddie yelled. "You know nothing about her! Not the pain or struggles she endured as she raised herself when she was no bigger than me!"

"What?"

Ace and Deuce turned to Lia's directions, hoping to receive an explanation. They only received her silence.

Maddie continued on her rant, "Arceus knows how hard big sis worked to get to where she is now. She went to every library in the regions she went to while on her journey, just so she could learn things her mommy couldn't when she-"

Lia tried to stop her. "Maddie, that's enough."

"But, but, Lia. He talked bad about you and your mommy when-"

"Madison Anise Magnolia, I said that's enough!"

Maddie flinched at the sound of her full name and walked back to Lia's side with her head down. "I appreciate what you're trying to do, Maddie, really. But you, of all people, should know that's not a topic I want to discuss in public."

"Gah, just what sort of behavior was that?" Riddle grunted as Trey helped him back up, "Have her parents not taught her enough?"

"Riddle, I suggest you choose your next words carefully; otherwise, you'll get more than just a kick to the shins."

"Is that how you solve problems in your world? You and this lot are more uncultivated than I thought. Was your education so pitiful that none of you can follow the simplest rules? Obviously, you didn't learn enough before enrolling here; thinking that any of you can prove anything with your little stunts is just sad."

"why you,"

Before Deuce could say anything, Ace got up and did the unthinkable, "You, YOU JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!"

And just like that, Riddle flew back to the ground; "Riddle!!?" Trey and Cater ran up to see if he was alright.

Persian and Grim, looked very pleased, "Now that's what I'm talking about! Ah, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

"About time someone did it; I'm just sorry it wasn't me."

"Persian!" "What?"

"That just made things worse," Theo walked up to Lia, "Please tell me you brought some more of your creatures?"

"Yes, I had a feeling."

"Glad you have good instincts then, 'cause you're about to need them more real soon."

Ace just stood there, huffing with his fist shaking. "I've had it, this duel, being leader, who the heck cares anymore!?"

"Ow, that hurt, you, you punched me." Riddle just looked dazed as he tried to comprehend what had just happened.

"You don't have the right to bring up people's parents, and you especially don't have the right to lecture Lia when you don't know a single thing about her. Kids aren't trophies for their parents to flaunt over and determine their success for their worth. Right now, it's not your parents or anyone's fault that you're a freaking tyrant. For the past year, you couldn't make a single friend to tell you off whenever you got out of line. It's all your own damn fault!"

"What on earth, what are you trying to say?"

"So, yeah, you growing up with a wicked helicopter mom must have been hell for you. But 'mother this and 'mother that, is that all you can say? What are you an extension of her?! Think for yourself for once! Right now, you're not some headstrong leader; you're literally just a 'Mama's boy who's good at magic!"

The air was so thick that no one moved. However, in the intense atmosphere, Lia and Lucario felt the aura around Riddle growing darker by the second. Even Absol was feeling agitated. Then, Riddle broke the silence. "Baby. . . did you just call me a baby? You, you don't know anything. You don't know a single thing about me!!"

"No, I don't. Not a single clue. Plus, I don't really need to when your attitude is all I need. Also, you have no room to talk when you don't know a damn thing about Lia. Yet you went off talking trash about her and her childhood when she's been nothing but to most of us. Looking at you now, you're nothing but a spoiled little brat!"

Riddle snapped, "SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!! MOTHER WAS RIGHT, THAT MAKE'S ME RIGHT TOO!!!"

"Riddle, stop!"

"Riddle Rosehearts, that's enough! The duel is already over; you do not need to act this way!"

"Mr. Clover and my darling are correct. The moment the challenger committed physical violence, he was disqualified. If you do not cease this behavior now, I'll have to write you up for breaking school protocol!"

"The first year's right! We've had enough of you, Riddle! There are too many stupid rules, and we're sick of it!"

Suddenly, something flew and crashed onto Riddle's head. "Huh? an . . . egg?"

"Where did," Lia was cut off when Riddle began to shout. "Who, who threw this!!?"

No one said a word, though Ace's words got through to the crowd this time; they were still scared. Riddle began to laugh, "Heh, he. . . Ha, ha, ha, ha! You all say, 'You're fed up?! Well, 'I'm the one who's fed up WITH ALL OF YOU!!! No matter how strict I am or how many times I have to discipline you, you keep breaking the rules!! All you care about is doing whatever you want! Seems like none of you value your heads!"

Maddie hid behind Lia, "Big sis, I'm scared."

"Just stay put; it'll be alright," Though she wasn't sure herself.

"If the guilty party won't come forward, then I'll just pass judgment to all of you! OFF WITH YOUR HEADS!!!"

In the blink of an eye, collars appeared on the students, left and right. Seeing as Riddle was out of control, they tried to run away.

"HA! How do you all like that now? Hmm? Now, none of you can do a thing to me."

"Stop this at once, Riddle! This is unacceptable behavior!" Madame Eve shouted, but Riddle didn't waver.

"T-Trey, if this keeps up. It'll get ugly fast!"

"Riddle! You have to stop!"

"Geez, you're just proving my point. I called you a baby, and now you're throwing a tantrum like one."

"ACE!?"

"Kid! If you're dragging this on, then it needs to be. Then do us all a favor and shut your trap!"

When Riddle turned to him, Theo's breath was caught in his throat at what he saw. Dripping from his forehead was some black substance.

"Dire, please tell me that's not what I think it is,"

"I'm afraid so, my darling."

Maddie nervously turned to the two teachers, "Um, what's that black stuff dripping off of Riddle's face?"

None of them answered her directly, but all said the same thing. "Blot,"

'It's like a negative aura taking a physical form, and it's getting worse!'

"You, YOU TAKE THAT BACK THIS INSTANT, OR I'LL SKEWER YOU WHERE YOU STAND!!!"

"Heck no, I ain't taking back anything."

"AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!"

Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and the atmosphere went dark as the air around them. "L- L- Lia! The rose trees!" Turning around, Lia and Theo saw the rose trees begin to uproot themselves out of the ground and float through the air.

"By Arceus," "No way,"

"COME, MY DEAR MIGHTY ROSE TREES AND TEAR THIS BRUTE TO PIECES!!!"

"ACE! RUN FOR IT!" but Deuce's cry to his comrade was too late as the trees hurdled towards him.

Ace braced himself for the brutal impact of the trees, but it never came. Looking up, he saw a tree-looking creature and a blue dinosaur with a flower on its back standing before him. Stopping the trees in mid-air and with very thick vines!

Stopping the trees in mid-air and with very thick vines!

"TREVENANT!" (NOT ON MY WATCH!)

"Pika!" (Nice save!)

"Saur!" (No Sweat!)

"What the, where did these guys come from?!" Grim asked, surprised at the 'Elder Tree and 'Seed Pokémon's appearance.

"I brought them here in case something were to happen; Trevenant must have gotten out of his Pokéball when Riddle began to mistreat the rose trees. And Venusaur sensed Ace in danger."

Lia noticed that some of the rose trees were drifting, going straight at a group of students who were cornered. "Oh no, Sawsbuck, protect them!"

She threw a Pokéball, and out came a deer-like with autumn leaves in its horns.

"Use Mega Horn to deflect the trees!"

"Saws!" As soon as Lia gave the order, Sawsbuck's horns suddenly grew more prominent as he charged at the trees; with one swing, the trees flew in the other direction.

Then a 'click sound was heard, and callers on Grim, Deuce, and Ace suddenly turned to play cards. "What the,"

"Even though it only lasts for a moment, 'Doodle Suit can rewrite any characteristic of something. Meaning I can rewrite Riddle'd magic into my magic." Trey firmly stated as he stood next to Ace.

"Dang! What a loophole!" Cater exclaimed, surprised.

"No. . . This can't be. Off with Their Heads! I SAID OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!"

Riddle tried to use his unique magic once more at the other students who were still present. But Trey counteracted it no matter how much he tried, turning the collars to play cards.

Riddle dropped to his knees, "Why, WHY ARE THEY COMING AS PLAY CARDS!!??"

"Riddle. Stop it; if you drag this any further, it'll only worsen for you." Trey tried to reason with him, but when some of the students made some remarks, it just enabled the situation even further.

"You, you rewrote my magic. . . are you suggesting that your magic surpasses mine?"

"Of course not, Riddle; please, calm down and listen to us. Can't you see yourself right now?"

As Trey tried to talk sense into Riddle, Theo suddenly gasped, then quickly walked over to Lia with Maddie in hand. "Have some of your creatures evacuate the students as quickly as possible."

"Way ahead of you," Turning her attention to her Aura Pokémon, she telepathically ordered him to do just that. She did the same to Absol so he could get Riddle's Pokémon to safety; however, they, especially Lopunny, refused to budge.

"Are. . . are you telling me I'm wrong as well?"

"LOPUNNY!!" (RIDDLE STOP!)

Out of nowhere, Riddle's Lopunny jumped out and embraced him, stopping him in his tracks. "PUN! LOPUNNY!" (RIDDLE, PLEASE! I CAN'T TAKE SEEING YOU LIKE THIS ANYMORE!)

As she pleaded and cried, there was nothing but faint whispers as Riddle's current mindset continued. In fact, he was sinking even deeper; "After all, after all I've done to uphold the laws? After, AFTER HOW MUCH SUFFERING I HAD TO GO THROUGH FOR THIS!!!?"

Some force harshly pushed Lopunny back, making her fall to Trey's feet. As he helped her up, what they saw before them shook them to the core.

As Riddle began to stand, dark fog began to surround him. And he was completely red in the face with anguish and hatred. "No, I refuse, I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THIS!!"

"RIDDLE!"

"CESE THIS IMEDEOTLY MR. ROSEHEARTS! IF YOU ABUSE YOUR MAGIC ANY FURTHER, THEN"

But it was too late; "I'M THE ONE WHO'S RUGHT!! THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE!!"

Lia suddenly heard a crack as her vision blurred. More ink drops fell as she saw an image of Riddle's pen go from a shiny rose red to a dark pitch black.

When she came to, the atmosphere went dark. The air was so foul that it was hard to breathe. But what really made her shiver was Riddle.

His form had utterly changed. He was deathly pale while wearing something entirely made out of ink. One of his eyes was engulfed in a red flame. Behind him was a creature that looked similar to the one Lia and the boys encountered back in the mines.

"By Arceus,"

"W- We're in deep trouble now, aren't we?" Maddie asked, hiding behind Lia.

"More than ever," Theo swallowed as he shielded them, while Riddle laughed like a psycho.

"Heheheh, AH HAHAHAH! Such overwhelming power! Those who are fools who dare defy me are not welcome in my world! In my world, I am the law; I am order itself! What I say goes! Those who rebel will lose their heads!"