Back at the castle, the rest of the servants were in the dinner hall, waiting for the master to arrive. The food was already laid on the table. However, things didn't seem to look up.

Pikachu: Thanks a lot, captain.

Dartrix: Hey, at least I was trying! You know how these things go? The master's temper is unpredictable!

Pikachu: Well, we certainly dodged a bullet with this one. I just hope that girl doesn't go where she's not supposed to go. If you know what I mean.

Dartrix: We'll inform her of that later. Right now, I'm worried that she's not finding this place very warming. Despite the fact that we've been friendly towards her, I'm afraid it's going to take a while before she gets used to it.

Dewott: This is all Torracat's fault! If he hadn't had been such a boofhead to her in the first place, they would be getting along just fine right about now!

Dartrix: Hey, that's the master you're talking about!

Pikachu: Well, I said that if this kind of thing happens, I'll be the one to steer us to safety! If they don't want to get along, I'll do the forcing!

Dewott: You and me both, brother!

Pikachu: We're not related!

Dartrix just shook his head at the stupidity of them both that they didn't know how love works and had to be the one to explain it to them. He felt like their own parent.

Dartrix: *sigh* Not this again. Look, I know what I'm doing! Just stop and leave this to me.

Soon, one of the girls came out of the kitchen with a tray of food and looked at them in confusion.

Braixen: What the heck are you boys yammering on about now?

Dewott: Oh, we're just talking about the missy upstairs. I don't think the master likes her very much.

Pikachu: You think?

Braixen: Well then, if you're so concerned about their relationship and want them to get along with each other, why don't you ask the master to invite the girl to dinner?

Dartrix: *gasp* Brilliant! Braixen, you're a genius!

Braixen: I didn't ask for an encore, but thanks.

Pikachu: As if the master will share anything! He does like to eat by himself. He feels composed that way.

Steenee: It's such a shame. She probably had a sweet loving family, and now she's also binded by the fateful curse that brought her here.

Braixen: What, you've seen her?

Steenee: No, but I sure hope I do soon! And she sounds like a nice girl. I don't see why the master can't use his head.

Braixen: It wouldn't be the first time.

Oricorio came out from the kitchen and into the dining room, holding a golden goblet in her hands and placing it onto the table by the master's plate, interrupting their conversation.

Oricorio: Now, now. Letting on a burden that isn't ours will only bring more weights to the table. And let's be honest, I don't think the master is up to having any more problems.

Pikachu: Well, it's his fault we got into this mess in the first place! Why shouldn't we talk about it? We're already doomed.

Dewott: Do you have to be so negative all the time, Pikachu?

Pikachu: It's not like there's any reasons not to be so negative.

Oricorio: Okay, okay! Let's all just calm it down. The dinner table must be finished setting up before the master comes! You know how impatient he is.

Dewott: You're right. Okay, let's get to work!

Dartrix: Hey, has anyone seen Vulpix?

They all looked at each other in an awkward silence and scattered their eyes about, realising that Vulpix was, in fact, nowhere to be seen. Back in Brionne's room, she was still in her crouched position with her head tucked in. She felt exhausted from everything that had happened today and felt hopeless. However, she was soon to be interrupted when she heard a knock on the door three times.

Brionne: Who is it?

'Hey, miss. I have some hot chocolate for you?'

Brionne sniffed as she walked on over to the door, opening it slightly and wiping her tears away.

Alolan Vulpix: Hello.

Brionne: I didn't ring the bell?

Alolan Vulpix: You don't have to. When I heard a girl was in the castle, I just had to come and meet you, but uh, I needed to be sure the atmosphere was less contentious than it was an hour ago.

Brionne: *sigh* Thank you.

Alolan Vulpix: Do you mind if I pop in?

Brionne: No, not at all. Please, come in.

As Vulpix entered her room holding a silver tray, she realised that Brionne had made a fabricated garland to help her escape through a window. She couldn't help but smile.

Alolan Vulpix: *giggle* Quite the escape artist, aren't you?

Brionne: Oh, uh...

Alolan Vulpix: Don't worry, I won't tell. It is a long way down, though.

Brionne: *sigh* Who cares? The master was only trying to scare me, so I wouldn't think about leaving. Course I can escape. It's only snow.

Alolan Vulpix: Oh no, he's right.

Brionne: What do you mean?

Alolan Vulpix: Let's just say that something happened a long time ago, which we are unable to leave Berron Hills. If we did, we'd find ourselves lost, and we'd perish. Only the master knows his way back.

Brionne: Perish?

Alolan Vulpix: Yes. Course, there's no hurt in trying to escape?

Brionne grew anxious about what she had said and immediately gathered her garland and shoved it under her bed. As she sat down on her canopy bed, Vulpix sat down next to her, giving her beverage.

Brionne: Thanks.

Brionne took a sip of her hot chocolate and smiled as it reminded so much of home and listened to what Vulpix had to say.

Alolan Vulpix: *sigh* Miss, I know what it's like to feel heavily guarded sometimes. We all do. I know it's hard, you've been dragged into this mess so quickly, you're missing your family, and the master hasn't exactly taken a shine to you, but don't let his temper get to you. Once you start to get to know him, you'll find that he's very nice.

Brionne: Well, I don't care what he says. His threats don't scare me. I just didn't think this would happen all in one day. I've lost everything...

Alolan Vulpix: Don't fret, child. You'll grow to love it here, and as corny as this sounds, you should listen to what your heart is telling you.

Brionne: Hm..

Alolan Vulpix: Cheer up, okay? Everything will work out just fine. There's a reason for everything.

Upon her smile, Brionne could tell she was right and smiled also. She felt a lot better about the situation than before and wiped some excess tears from her eyes.

Alolan Vulpix: Well, now. I better go and find the others. They're preparing for dinner. You better get ready for dinner, too.

Brionne: Oh, no thanks. I'm not going.

Rather unexpectedly, her stomach started to growl, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.

Alolan Vulpix: Not going, huh? I think your stomach says otherwise. Come on. I'll guide you there.

Brionne: As much as I appreciate the kind gesture, I'm still not going. I don't feel like it.

Alolan Vulpix: Oh, but you must! You haven't exactly eaten anything since you arrived. Besides, I don't think the master would be too... fond of this.

Brionne: It will serve him right for trapping me here. I'm not going down to dinner. If he wants to throw a tantrum, let him.

Alolan Vulpix: *sigh* Well, if you say so.

Vulpix walked out of the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She had a feeling she couldn't explain, as she quickly grabbed the garland that she made from under her bed, but thinking about what Vulpix had told her, she shoved it back under her bed again, hiding it away.

Brionne: Don't let his temper get to you, huh?

She glanced her eyes round the room and just giggled.

Brionne: I think I'll have a little fun.

Back downstairs, Torracat suddenly, slammed the door open, bringing a cold draft into the room and putting out the fire from the fireplace, but Dartrix set it a light again by rubbing two wooden logs together. The master soon made it to the table.

Dartrix: Oh, hey master! We were wondering if you would even show up. Dinner is set.

Torracat: Whatever.

Oricorio: We actually have a slight delay on the dessert? It won't be out for another hour.

Torracat: At last, the service around here is depleting.

Dewott: Sarcastic much?

Dartrix gave Pikachu the eye, and Dewott nudged his shoulder to refrain from awkwardness. More importantly, they wanted him and Brionne to get along and come down to dinner.

Pikachu: *clears throat* A-Anyway! Master. I was wondering about something. About the girl upstairs?

Torracat: What is it this time?

Pikachu: Well. She uh... how do I put this? She hasn't exactly... eaten anything.

Torracat: Yeah, so?

Pikachu: Well, I was thinking that since she's going to be staying with us for a while, perhaps...

Dewott: You should invite her to dinner!

Pikachu just facepalmed when Dewott dropped the bombshell.

Torracat: Psh- What?! I've already given her the room! Now you want her to join me for dinner? I'd rather starve.

Dartrix: It would be nice? I mean, since she is our guest in the castle. And she'd be the one starving. Not you.

Oricorio: I think it would be a great idea!

Torracat: *angry* No way!

Dewott: Oh, come on. She's probably hungry! Plus, she *ahem* could be the friend you've always wanted?

Torracat: Friend? Yeah, right.

Soon, Vulpix came back with the tray carefully before heading into the kitchen.

Dartrix: Ah, Vulpix! We were wondering where you were. Uh, where were you exactly?

Alolan Vulpix: I thought it would be nice to become formally acquainted with our new guest upstairs.

Oricorio: Aw, well, that's very nice of you. I haven't seen her in person, but I'm very much looking forward to!

Pikachu: Yeah. If she wasn't in her room? She shouldn't be lonley like this?

Dewott: Please master? Invite her!

Torracat: *sigh* Honestly. Fine! Since she's pretty much stuck with us, she might as well get even more cosy. Pikachu, go get her. Tell her she must come down to dinner or else!

Pikachu: Right away, master!

Pikachu ran off to go get Brionne, and Torracat just rolled his eyes at the fact that they were pushing it. It wasn't like she was special or anything. Not to him anyway. Meanwhile, Brionne was in her room, lying on her bed talking to herself.

Brionne: Tch. It's not like he's my master. He can't tell me what to do. If he wants me down there, then tough. I'm not going no matter what he says or how much he threatens me! No more acting all puny and intimidated, Brionne! It's time you stood up for yourself!

Not realising Pikachu was standing outside Brionne's bedroom door, she was startled by the sudden knocking.

Brionne: Go away!

Pikachu opened the door slightly whilst poking his head out, nervously.

Pikachu: Uh, hey, miss? Having a good time being cooped up in here?

Brionne: Yes. I'm having a great time here. Thanks for asking.

Pikachu: (Clearly, she's still upset over what happened earlier.) Uh, anyway. Dinner is ready for you downstairs. Are you coming to dinner?

Brionne: Hmm. Let me think. Uh, no.

Pikachu: What? B-B-But the master-

Brionne: I already explained it to Vulpix, and I've made up my mind. I'm not coming down to dinner. I don't feel like eating anyway.

Pikachu: But you can't starve yourself in here?

Brionne: Who said I was starving myself? The only reason why I'm not coming to dinner is because the master is down there. I don't want to be in the same room as that idiot. He'll just spoil my appetite.

Pikachu: I'm sure you both will come to a reasonable understanding of each other? You just need to learn how to get along with him.

Brionne: Oh, I need to? So, I'm not technically forced to then.

Pikachu: Well, if you want to? But it is obliged.

Brionne: Nope, sorry. I've made up my mind. I'm not going. Once he leaves, then I will consider it. You can tell him that.

Pikachu just stood there in a funk, not knowing how he was going to explain her answer. As they were waiting, the room was in utter silence. All they could hear was the clock ticking, but the master was getting impatient.

Torracat: *angry* This is ridiculous!

Bashing the table with his fists, he threw his plate across the room, and it smashed onto the floor.

Torracat: *angry* What's taking her so long?!

Oricorio: I'm sure pikachu is just trying to reason with her now.

Torracat: That was fifteen minutes ago! At this rate, I might as well go up there and get her myself!

Steenee: M-Maybe we should wait a little longer?

Torracat: I've been waiting long enough! I'm sick of it! *sigh* There's never any peace around here.

Dewott: That's because you're not making it peaceful! If you stay behaving like this, you'll be treading in your own rampant for sure!

Torracat: *groans*

Dartrix: Master, if I may give you some advice. When the girl gets here, don't startle her. She's been through a lot today.

Torracat: Well, what do you want me to do? Bring her a bouquet of flowers?!

Dartrix: Yes! Yes, that is exactly what I mean!

The master wasn't finding it funny. He felt as though they were really pushing for it. He groaned in annoyance.

Vulpix: *sigh* Please just... try to act like a gentleman.

Steenee: Yeah. The girl's our guest now.

Torracat: Ooh, okay. So, how do you suppose I go about all this, huh?!

Dartrix: Like this. *ahem* Why hello there, miss. You look absolutely amazing this evening. Shall I escort you to your chair? Or please, have a seat.

Torracat: You're nuts if you think I'm going to do that.

Dartrix: Just be a gentleman and speak softly. Besides, you're kind of... eh, how can I put it?

Pikachu: Easily challenged?

Steenee: Pugnacious?

Dewott: Blunt?

Torracat: Easily challenged? Pugnacious? Blunt?!

Dartrix: Right category, but not the word I was thinking of! Agh, now what was it?

Braixen: *sigh* Aggressive?

Dartrix: Ah, thank you, Braixen! Aggressive was the word I was looking for!

Torracat: *angry* Me?! Aggressive?! I'M NOT AGGRESSIVE!

All his servants stood still and watched as he flipped a chair onto the floor and practically ready to roar out at them, but it didn't take him long to realise that they were right and calmed down.

Torracat: Okay! You have a valid point there, but how on earth am I supposed to speak kindly to her if I don't know how to do it?

Oricorio: Which is why before she arrives, we do some practising so you can better communicate with her.

Dartrix: Braixen? Be a demonstration for me, would you?

Braixen: Eh, whatever.

Braixen walked over to Torracat and stood beside him.

Dartrix: Now then. Pretend that Braixen is the missy and she has just come through that door.

Torracat looked toward the door and back at Dartrix in confusion.

Dartrix: Imagine. Now, greet her nicely.

With as much unenthusiasm as possible, he turned towards Braixen, but seemed to be looking at the wall instead.

Torracat: Hello, I-

Dartrix: With direct eye contact.

Torracat looked at Braixen rather awkwardly, and she looked at him back.

Torracat: Hello, miss.

Braixen: Ah. Hello, you idiot.

Torracat: W-Who are you calling an idiot?!

Steenee and Dewott were trying their hardest not to laugh but couldn't hold it in.

Dartrix: Braixen! What are you doing?

Braixen: *smirk* Being the missy. Isn't that what you wanted?

Dartrix: *sigh* I'll give you points for personality. Okay, master. Why don't you just take her by the hand and guide her to her chair?

Torracat: Come on, miss. You're coming with me to dinner.

Torracat immediately took Braixen's hand with a strong grip and was about to forcefully lead the way to the table when Dartrix stopped him.

Braixen: Ow! Hey!

Dartrix: No! Don't grab her like that! Gently.

Torracat: Isn't that how you're supposed to do it? By force?!

Dartrix: No, not by force. With chivalry! Oh, and I reckon it would be better if you kissed her hand.

The master groaned at Dartrix' terrible teaching. He didn't wish to kiss Braixen's hand at all, but it wasn't like he had much choice.

As he lifted Braixen's hand, he looked rather awkwardly at her as she stood there, giving him a glare, indicating that she did not want her hand to be smooched. Her glare was almost identical to his own.

Torracat: You're going to kill me after this, aren't you?

Braixen: Who knows.

Torracat: Who knows? Who... W-Who... what? I-Is that all you have to say to me?! How am I supposed to know what your intentions are if you don't warn me?!

Braixen: If I knock your fingers out cold, would that be an answer to your question?

Torracat: *sweat drop* Yes, yes, it would.

Dewott: Oh man! Pikachu's missing this! Haha! Where is he?

Oricorio: Don't be so rude. At least the master's trying his best!

Dartrix: Oh, for crying out loud! Just kiss her hand already!

Mumbling a few words under his breath concerning Dartrix' bad tutoring, he kissed Braixen's hand, and she immediately punched his fingers, causing him to turn around and tense up.

Dartrix: There. That wasn't so bad now, was it?

Torracat: Grr! Get me a paramedic!

Braixen: I told you so.

Dartrix: I'm the one who's going to need a paramedic soon if you two don't stop messing around!

Torracat: I'm sick and tired of hearing your constant nagging!

Dartrix: Just do it!

More irritated than ever, as the master sat Braixen down on her chair, he shoved her chair close to the table, almost to the point where Braixen felt as though she had been punched in the stomach.

Dartrix: No, no, no! That's all wrong! I said gently push her chair inwards, not all the way in?

Torracat: *angry* Well, I wouldn't be stuck doing this if Pikachu would just hurry up!

Dartrix: *angry* And I wouldn't be teaching you if you learned how to be more like a gentleman!

Torracat: *angry* Well, maybe if you taught properly and with patience rather than scold me the entire time, my chances wouldn't be running so thin!

Braixen: *angry* And I wouldn't be fused between a chair and a table if someone would just come out of their ignorance and just pull my chair out!

Steenee: This is just wow.

Vulpix: And they were doing so well.

Oricorio: All of you, stop!

In the midst of their argument, the doors opened, which brought to their attention. Torracat sighed in relief, knowing Pikachu had come back to bring news.

Torracat: Thank goodness for that! Pikachu, it's about time that you-

His eyes widened in shock after realising that the girl wasn't with him. Pikachu was standing there awkwardly on his own, which could compose many theories.

Torracat: *angry* Pikachu?

Pikachu: Uh, hey, master...

Oricorio: Well? Where is she?

Pikachu: W-Who's she?

Torracat: *angry* The girl?

Pikachu: The girl...

Torracat: *angry* Don't pretend you don't know! The missy that is upstairs! Where is she?!

Pikachu: Oh, yeah! R-Right. Uh, well... see, that's the thing. She... um...

Braixen: *mumbles* I can see where this is going.

Torracat: *angry* Didn't I ask you to go and fetch her?!

Pikachu: I did...

Torracat: *angry* Then explain!

Pikachu: Well, I... I went into her room and told her to come down for dinner as you requested...? Haha.

Torracat: *angry* And?!

Pikachu: Uh... well... haha. Uh, let's just say that when I asked her... she...

Torracat: *angry* She what? She what?!

Vulpix: Wrap it up, Pikachu.

Dewott: Yeah! Like a birthday present.

Pikachu cleared his throat before bearing him with the bad news and took a deep breath, and spoke quickly, looking away from the master's face.

Pikachu: She said she won't come down unless the, I quote, 'Master is not there. I don't want to be in the same room as that idiot. It would just spoil my appetite!'

Unfortunately, the servants could see what was coming afterwards, as they watched as the master's blood boiled and clenching his fists together at the frustration that Brionne wasn't coming to eat with him, Dartrix bit his beak with dread.

Despite being a prisoner, Torracat wasn't having it. He immediately lifted Pikachu by the collar with him lifted everso slightly from the floor.

Torracat: *angry* WHAT DID YOU SAY?!

Pikachu: I-I said she's not coming to dinner! Sorry.

Torracat: *angry* Well, thank you so very much for informing me, but a simple sorry won't put her at the right end of the road!!

With a loud roar, he placed Pikachu down and shoved him aside, storming all the way upstairs. His servants just stood there, worried for the girl who was about to get what was coming to her.

Braixen: With the way he is, I think the master may need extra tutoring.

Vulpix: Never mind all that! We've got to stop him!

One by one, they all ran after him, shouting from behind him, but Torracat kept ignoring his servant's plea to bring his avarice down. His own wrath engulfed him as he made it outside Brionne's door and bashed his fists against it three times.

Torracat: *angry* MISS, OPEN THIS DOOR!

Steenee: Oh! The girl's been through so much already. Don't make it any more difficult!

Dartrix: *mumbles* I do hope the girl has a backbone...

Torracat: *angry* She should've come down to dinner! I'll make her pay! MISS, OPEN UP!

'I'm not opening this door!'

Torracat: *angry* And why not?!

'Because your temper is outrageous! I'd let that be your motto.'

Torracat: *angry* DOES THIS LOOK LIKE I'M IN THE MOOD TO BE MAKING JOKES RIGHT NOW?!

Dartrix: Master?

Torracat: *angry* What now?!

Dartrix: Remember what we talked about? Gently and patiently.

Dewott: Like a gentleman!

Torracat: *angry* But she's being so incredibly problematic right now!

'No! You are!'

Dartrix: Just... try to at least make some effort. The girl is in enough pain as it is.

The master rolled his eyes and took a deep breath before asking her politely, or he at least tried to be, but he was very blunt about it.

Torracat: Dinner is waiting. Come downstairs.

'No way!'

Torracat: *angry* See?!

Steenee: Maybe she just needs reassuring that you're not going to do anything that might hurt her feelings?

Vulpix knocked on the door lightly.

Vulpix: Miss? Don't worry. The master has learned his lesson!

'I'll believe it when I see it!'

Vulpix: In all fairness, we just want to see you happy! We don't want you to feel miserable here.

'Tell that to your master!'

Oricorio: Woah. Looks like she does have a backbone, after all.

Torracat: *angry* Okay! I've had enough of this! You better open this door by the time I count to three, or I'm going to break this door down myself and teach you what for!

'Seriously?!'

Torracat: *angry* And that's a promise!

Suddenly, the door opened, and Brionne looked angrily at him.

Brionne: *angry* Your threats don't scare me! It doesn't matter how many times you ask me to dinner, I won't be going! Besides, I'm not hungry anyway!

Torracat: *angry* That's just a good for nothing excuse! So long as you live under my roof, the same rule applies to everyone here! When I say come down to dinner, I MEAN IT!

Brionne: *angry* You're not my master! I don't have to listen to your tantrums! In fact, I'm not even going to listen to you at all!

Torracat: *angry* Excuse me?! Well, don't come crying to me when you realise your mistake! Nobody says no to me! Nobody!

Brionne: Funny. Someone obnoxious, I know, says exactly the same thing. You're the epitome of lack of self-control!

Torracat: *angry* Enough! I've already warned you of what would happen if you cause any trouble! And you know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you miss?

Brionne: *angry* Yes, I do! The dungeons!

Torracat: I'M GONNA PUT YOU IN THE- Oh. I see. So, you do remember.

Brionne: It's kind of hard not to forget, considering you threatened to throw me in the dungeons a few times already!

Torracat: Which was where I wanted to put you in the first place! I can very well do it now if I wanted!

Brionne: And it's like I've said to you before! Your threats don't frighten me one bit! I don't even care the slightest bit if you hate me! Be as harsh as you want.

Torracat: *angry* Alright then. I hate you. There! Enjoy your stay here because I'm not bringing your food up here!

Brionne: *angry* I'm not asking you to! I'm simply telling you to leave me alone! Or better yet, I'm just going to turn around and not look at you!

Torracat: *angry* You can ignore me all you want, but it's not going to change anything! You are still going to pay dearly for not obeying my orders!

Brionne: Lalala! I'm not listening anymore!

Torracat: *angry* FINE THEN! HAVE IT YOUR WAY! NO DINNER FOR YOU!

He quickly slammed the door out of anger, but the door fell off its hinges with him still standing there in total shock over what he had accomplished. To his servants, it didn't feel like much of an accomplishment.

Brionne: Mhm?

Torracat: *angry* Not a word!

He took the door and placed it back on its hinges, repeating what he had done previously, but it still looked off its angle. Brionne just shook her head at his uncouth behaviour, which resulted in both of them storming off in their separate directions. Each weathering their own storms, they refused to talk to one another.

The servants watched as Torracat stormed off down the corridor, and Dewott called out to him.

Dewott: Master!

Torracat: *angry* Leave me alone!

He slammed the door, which echoed through the walls of the castle. Even after trying, they couldn't understand what went wrong.

Steenee: Oh dear. That didn't work out too well, did it?

Dewott: It was all Pikachu's-

Pikachu: *sternly* DON'T!

Oricorio: Oh, but we've got to do something about this! We can't let her stay in her room?

Dartrix: There's only one thing we can do now. Pikachu, Dewott? You keep an eye on the girl and inform us if she's gained her appetite. If the master comes back, then tell him that she's resting and doesn't wish to be bothered.

Dewott: Roger that!

Pikachu: You just had to pair me and him up for this.

Dartrix: I don't care! The girl must be taken care of, and if I have to force you two to work together, then I will! It's bad enough with the master's temper already.

Pikachu: *sigh* I'm going to regret this so much.

Dewott: Yay! Woohoo!

Braixen: Uh, hey. Aren't we forgetting something?

They all stood in the middle of the hall silence when they could smell something burning in the air. It was at that point when Oricorio realised what it was.

Oricorio: AH! IT'S THE DESSERT!

Dartrix: Quick! Downstairs!

They followed Dartrix and rushed downstairs in hopes they could save the dessert before it turned to ashes. Pikachu and Dewott just stood outside Brionne's door.

Dewott: So... what's up, buddy?

Pikachu: *sigh* I'm doomed.