[PKMN OPEN] Pokémon Odyssey: Search For Cresselia (IC)

Snype and Isabella - Being Free

A light knock came at the door of Snype's room at the palace. "Snype? It's Isabella," A voice called from the other side of the door.

Snype walked on over to the door and opened it up. "Kehe, Heya Isabella... hm, that has a bit of a ring to it! Kehe. What brings you here?" Snype asked.

Isabella gave Snype a weak smile and entered the room. She looked around it briefly. "Yes, I suppose it does," She said somewhat absentmindedly. "I just wanted to come in and see how you were doing. You've been through a lot this past week, especially with... well with Gabriel at the Network Point."

Snype crossed his arms. "Figured ya heard about that. Yeah pretty embarrassing of me to lose it like that... heh." Snype said with a sigh. "Besides that, Tollen was actually a pretty fun time for me. Was pretty fun blending in as one of the citizens. Sure I lied but I had reasons ya know? Pretty sure word would have spread if the King of Thieves randomly showed up and boy it did! Kehe" Snype said.

Isabella noticed Snype reluctance in talking about the Darkrai situation, so she went along with him on the subject chance. She smiled and nodded. "I'm happy you made the most of an unreasonable situation. I suppose it is better that the King of Thieves kept it secret about his comings and goings. He wouldn't be much of a thief otherwise, no?" She teased.

Isabella sighed and looked around the room again. "You know, when I was General, I had a room just like this in the palace... it's surreal to be back here as a guest instead of a wanted criminal. I honestly cannot comprehend how you can live such a life. It does not agree with me."

Snype chuckled. "Honestly? I kinda just roll with it. I guess I have the advantage of being born into this kinda life but others aren't so lucky. I usually try not to think about it too much and just manage through whatever life throws at me. Honestly I think its pretty sweet being so free! Course I still respect what you all have going in here. Kehe. Your brotherhood reminded me alot of the thieves, just a bit more brutal then what we tend to go for, no offense." Snype said.

Isabella turned away from Snype and solemnly walked over to the open archway which had a fairly decent view of Tollen. "I almost wish you meant it as an offense," She replied with a frown. She leaned on the opening and sighed deeply. "Perhaps it is because of the different manners by which we called ourselves outlaws, but this was never a life I wanted. I became something I never though I was capable of. I was a thief, an arsonist. A terrorist. A murderer. I cannot count the number of lives, whether innocent or not."

The former General turned around to Snype and shook her head. "The Brotherhood was established to undermine Gabriel in any way possible. We pushed the boundaries of morality so we could take down that monster, and perhaps we, in the process... became monsters ourselves. How can I look at my colleagues now? And the Queen, for that matter and still claim to maintain my honor and dignity?"

Snype walked over to Isabella. "...You know, I've been in your situation before. Thirty years ago. Circumstances were different though. If anything, you've got it pretty easy in comparison. I was the same thing, I joined the silver tribe to save myself and in sacrifice, ended up nearly destroying the thieves. From there I even continued in acts of malice alongside with Darkrai. Yet... through all of that, I somehow ended up the King of Thieves myself... course... I'm not exactly a mon with honor or dignity." Snype said with a shrug.

Isabella stared at the Sableye and shook her head. "You've got more dignity in you than you'd care to admit, I'd wager. I mean, you're here. What kind of King of Thieves would come here to help? Not any I would have heard of. I must say it surprised me to learn of what kind of 'mon you were. Nothing at all of what I expected."

Snype chuckled at that. "Kehe, learned that I'm charming and likeable?" Snype joked a bit before going back to a more serious tone. "Heh. I suppose so. Honestly I'm always mixed on what kind of mon I really want to be. At times I'm Everyones favorite trouble maker Sableye. In times like this, well I guess i'm pretty darn different. As long as I don't go back to who I was thirty years ago I'll just have to be happy with whatever's going on in my head." Snype said, smiling to Isabella. "You know, having this conversation now, I'm getting a good idea on what kind of mon you are as well. Much different from when you were The Eye. I kinda like it. Kehe" Snype said with a grin.

Isabella smiled at the Sableye. "You honor me. Suffice to say, however, since there is no more Gabriel, there is no more need for the Brotherhood. So when all your business in Tollen is concluded, what will you do?"

"Easy. Continue hunting down Darkrai. He won't stop at Tollen that's for sure..." Snype rubbed his arm a bit nervously just at the mention. "Not sure where our next destination would be... I suppose that'll be up for debate when I regroup with the others. Till then I'd love to enjoy my time here in Tollen. I actually kinda like it here. Kehe. Though I dunno how you'd all take to the King of Thieves moving in." Snype said with a sly wink.

"The former is an admirable goal," Isabella began to say with a nod. "The latter... well, please keep clean of the law for now. One madman running around Tollen is quite enough for me," She stated with a grin. "Speaking of which, there is something I would share with all of you when you are gathered together, but I wanted to let you know personally that for your help in saving Tollen from Gabriel, you can count on my assistance in your fight to take back Gold City. When you call all of your banners, expect myself and the remaining members of the Brotherhood to be there to fight alongside you."

Snype gave a playful nudge to Isabella. "Great! I think its safe to say alot of the folks here in Tollen are supporting us. I'm pretty happy." Snype said with a smile. Snype sighed and looked out the Archway. "When I touched that Dark Vial, I heard a voice call out to me. It said "Just relax...let it happen. Soon, it will all be over, and then there will be nothing to fear. Nothing but the end." When Darkrai used Dark void on me I had a nightmare where I kept reliving my life as a Sentinel over and over and given reminders on what I could have ended up. I'm always afraid somehow I might wind down that road again. Ugh... "Snype rubbed his arm anxiously.

Isabella silently listened to Snype describe his inner dilemma. She didn't expect this kind of candor from him, so she was somewhat taken aback. She walked over to his side and looked out the window with him. "I can't speak for this Snype of thirty years ago. I know not of his motivations. I can only speak of what I know. And what I know is that you helped saved this city. Thousands of 'mon are alive thanks to you and the others from Valkaria. And if that isn't enough motivation to keep someone from reliving the mistakes of ones past, I don't know what is."

Snype grinned at Isabella. "Heh...thanks. I don't really like sounding all sappy like that. Just had to get it off my chest. I hate being afraid of him. Bah." Snype said crossing his arms. "Heh, you know though, maybe I could say the same with you then?" Snype said, placing a hand on her shoulder and looking over to her. "You helped save alot of lives as well you know? Perhaps it wasn't the most favorable circumstance but in the end, everything worked out right?" Snype said.

"I don't think to fear Darkrai is folly," She replied. "Only a fool wouldn't, I believe," She glanced at Snype as he placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Thank you, Snype. Knowing that it was all worth it makes living with it that much more bearable. From now on, though, I'll leave the outlawing to you."

"Kehe, you better! If I'm ever around Tollen I'll try to keep my trouble making to a minimum... perhaps! Kehe. It's gonna take some persuading to make me pause completely! Kehe" Snype said in a joking manner and a small laugh.

"You best hope they don't offer to give me my old position as General then," Isabella replied with a grin. "If they do and I catch you thieving in my city, I'll throw you in the dungeon faster than you can say 'Hellguard'!"

"Kehe! Oh that'll be the day. I'll be out of there while saying "Hellguard!" Kehe!" Snype said, giving her a poke on the nose.

"You wish! I know your tricks now that I've had a chance to work with you!" Isabella chuckled and sighed deeply. She looked out into the city once more, deep in though. "It's so peaceful out there. It's so hard to imagine that there's so much destruction happening outside the city. When will this nightmare be over?"

Snype chuckled at her. "Kehehe, you don't know all my tricks~" Snype said smugly. He looked out at the rest of the city with Isabella. He placed his hand over her's. "All we can really do out there is fight back and hope that fear of Darkrai doesn't overtake us. I'm sure we'll win one way or another. I'm confident we'll figure out a way to stop him permanently. Till then, I guess we'll just have to roll with it huh? That's how I've always run and so far, I think I'm doing a darn good job." Snype said with a smile.

"Heh, you're pretty full of yourself, aren't you?" Isabella questioned jokingly. "But I can not argue with your results. I think... I think you guys can accomplish this. I know you can. It is a tough mission, having an entire nation on your shoulders."

"Heheh, aww your too kind. Kehe. That's something I'd expect Guardia to say!" Snype said with a laugh as he turned his head to her. "Hey as long as I have time to just ease down every so often I think we'll survive. I don't think I'd survive if we were all so serious twenty four seven! Surely you got some fun hobbies to do when you're off duty right?" Snype asked.

"I haven't been off duty in a long time," Isabella replied steadily with a sigh. "Even with the Brotherhood. I never had a chance... I used to be quite an avid player of chess, though. Once upon a time. Perhaps we can play a game one day, when things are a bit more calm."

Snype smirked. "Kehe, I'll cream ya at chess! I think you know by now that I'm quite the strategist!" Snype said with a smirk. HIs hand remained placed over Isabella's. He was content just sitting and looking over the city for awhile. "Kehe, yeah I AM pretty full of myself aint I? Or too confident for my own good!"

Isabella shrugged her shoulders. "Confidence is an admirable trait to have. Blind arrogance on the other hand..." She chuckled a bit. "That's a different story." Isabella removed herself from her spot and walked to the center of the room. "How about this then? When all of this is done with, you and I play a round of chess. Agreed?"

"Agreed! Kehe, while we're at it, how about a wager? Just to add some stakes to our game? Kehe!" Snype said with that big ol grin as he followed her.

"A gambler, hmm? I'm not much of one, what did you have in mind?" She asked.

Snype scratched his chin and thought for a bit. "Keheh, I'd like to see how high we're aiming the stakes. Ladies first! Keheh"

"Hmm, alright," Isabella decided. "If I win, you must become a member of the Standing Army for one full day!"

"Kehe, that's how we're gonna roll eh? Well if I win, then youuuu have to join the thieves for a day! Just hang out in our little home and experience what its like! Kehe" Snype said.

"I think I can agree to those terms," Isabella answered with a slight chuckle. "I suppose I should let you rest now. We'll see each other soon... thank you again, Snype. For everything."

Snype patted her shoulder. "Kehe, hey I enjoy the company. If ya wanna chat again I'll be hanging around town for a few days incase you start to miss me." Snype said with a wink.

Snype, Pieter, and Elewyn - Your type?

Snype wandered around the Palace in search of a Royal Knight. Elewyn the Ampharos and also Pieter's love interest. He did make a promise after all! He just needed a way to hook these two lovebirds up! But he had to be smart about it... he knew nothing about Elewyn so this was a chance to at least get some info on her interests! Snype would ask around for her location and search around the Palace to figure out her location.

As he turned to corner, Snype ran into Lord Arron of House Durania, the Herdier tied with the Brotherhood of Shadows who helped bring down Gabriel. The lord noticed Snype wandering and greeted him. "Snype. All is well, I'm assuming?"

"Oh! Heya! Kehe. Yeah I'm feeling a bit better now. Just meeting up with a couple folks here and there. Kehe. Hey you wouldn't have happened to seen Elewyn around here have you? She's a Royal Knight. Ampharos. A buddy of mine kinda wants to meet up with her. Small promise n all. kehe." Snype said.

Lord Arron raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "I have seen the Deputy Commander of the Royal Knights, yes," The Herdier Lord replied. "Excuse my curiosity, but may I inquire as to the purpose of your 'buddy's' interaction with her?"

Snype gave a chuckle. "Hey now don't give me that look. Kehe. Just a bit of innocent romance! The poor guy has been wanting to confess to her for awhile and uh... I kinda promised I'd help! And I can't just leave Tollen without at least trying! Only problem is I don't know a thing about the Deputy Commander myself so I was gonna just wing it!" Snype said.

The Herdier stared a few seconds in silence at the Sableye, as if he were contemplating the situation. He sighed and turned the corner to continue on his way. "The poor fellow, indeed. I advise you to drop this endeavor. I doubt such a 'mon would be her type."

Snype raised a brow. "Kehe, whatcha on about? I've seem some crazier couples in the past! Who knows? Maybe they'll get a spark goin or something! What's the Deputy Commander like anyways?" Snype wondered.

"A naive soul, I'd say," Lord Arron responded as he paused from walking away. "Gallant, noble, always seeking to do the right thing by others. She is a sweet girl, and a talented young fighter. I can see her in a position of authority down the road if she was to but relieve herself of foolish ideals of utopia."

Snype rubbed his head. "Heh, sounds like the kinda girl he'd fall for." Snype joked. "Can't hurt to try though right? I'd like to figure wherever she is, her "lover" is probably closeby... so hey, I can at least try." Snype said with a chuckle.

"You will not succeed, but I will find it amusing for you to try," Lord Arron replied coldly. "She is patrolling the balcony area, I believe," The Herdier stated, and turned to leave.

"I'll give ya a good show! Kehe!" Snype said back as he continued on his way toward the Balcony to search for Elewyn. How difficult could it be? Pieter put so much effort into those letters! He was a romantic juggernaut! He just needed to know what kind of girl Elewyn was.

Along the balcony, the familiar sight of the Deputy Commander Elewyn was seen. She was patrolling along the balcony alone, with her making occasional glances out into the city to ensure all was in order nearby.

Snype quickly spotted Elewyn patrolling but froze up a bit. Perhaps winging it wasn't such a good idea... well the least he could do is try to talk to her! And perhaps pass on information to Pieter. "How are things doing up here?" Snype asked rather casually to the Deputy Commander.

Elewyn turned and cautioned herself for a moment by the sudden voice which came from nowhere. She relaxed a bit when she saw Snype. "Oh, Snype," She began with a smile. "I hadn't heard you were coming. All is well, is there something I can help you with, sir?"

Snype had to really think on the spot here! He realized he was trying to help Pieter get closer to this girl but he wasn't exactly a romantic sort! "Kehe, ah just wandering around really. Not every day a fella like me gets to roam the Palace freely! Mostly wanted to check the sights." Snype replied as he looked out toward the city. "Kehe, sure is one heck of a view..."

"Well, as long as you are our honored guest, you are more than welcome to roam our Palace," Elewyn replied respectfully, before turning out to the city. "And yes, this balcony provides one of the best views for our glorious Argime. I must admit this is one of my favorite spots of duty."

This place was the perfect romantic spot... but there was no PIeter in sight! Curses... It was one step forward at least. "Really? Kehe. Well I can see why! This is a pretty darn killer spot. Almost kinda romantic if one were into that sorta thing. Kehe" Snype said with a small laugh, trying to keep as casual as possible.

Elewyn turned her gaze from the city and toward the Sableye. "... is that the reason why you have come?"

Snype blinked. "...Huh?" He simply replied.

"Are you attempting to court me, sir?" Deputy Commander Elewyn asked in a tone that seemed both professional and somewhat hesitant.

"Wha-. w-wait! H-hold on a sec! I-I mean, we just met and all and uh..." Snype gave off a small blush. This was NOT how he expected things to go! The king of thieves could save all of Tollen, but helping in a romantic situation was NOT his forte!

Deputy Commander Elewyn shook her head. "Oh no, no, don't misunderstand me!" She blurted out with a bit of a blush. "You are... not my type, I am sorry to say. I was just trying to spare your feelings."

Awkward! Snype blushed heavily. "H-hold the phone a second! I wasn't trying to... er... "court" you, whatever that means. Kehe." Snype said, totally foreign to these fancy pants words. "N-no offense or anything like that or anything! You're a beautiful Ampharos and all that! But uh... eheh..." Snype said with a rather awkward laugh.

Elewyn sighed and looked much more relieved. "Good, I hate getting into those situations," She explained as she looked over the railings. "You have no idea how many propositions I have gotten over the months of my tenure as Deputy Commander. It is really quite tiring sometimes to explain my disinterest."

Snype sighed in relief. Dodged a bullet there. "Sorry for the confusion there. Heh... I've uh... had a bit of fans in the past as well." Snype said with a shrug. "Though if you don't mind me asking, just what are you interested in anyways?" Snype asked.

"... I'm sorry, I know you have helped save the Queen and our city, but I prefer not to answer personal questions about me too often," Deputy Commander Elewyn replied. "Why is it that you're interested?"

Snype had hit a wall here. Course he was being way to forward about this kinda thing! He looked around a bit nervously and tried to think of how to reply. He simply sighed. "Eh... alright ya got me. Look I'll be totally honest with you right now." Snype said as he reached into his bag. He still had the love letters from Pieter on him just incase but now he had no use for them.

"There's a fella who's interested in you... I can't really tell if he's your type or anything but he wrote some of these. As he said the "embarrassment" would kill him so I wanted to do him a favor. Here you can give some of them a read I dunno if they're your kinda thing or not..." Snype said with a shrug, not too confident that this would work too well at this point.

"The love letter I read at the Banquet? That was for you. I didn't wanna embarrass him so I left your name out. He seems awfully dedicated to you." Snype said. He had no idea how this would turn out now.

"Oh... ooh... " Elewyn's eyes trailed across the love letters addressed to her. Her face was a deep shade of red and she shook her head at some of the words written. "Lord Pieter wrote these... they're quite sweet. I..."

Snype grinned. "Kehe, yeah he did go pretty all out with those letters. He did alot of questionable stuff but it was all to keep you safe really. I bet if Gabe pulled a fast one on you he'd be right by your side to protect you. Kehe" Snype said with a bashful grin. "Just figured I'd show ya those. If its not your kinda thing then I can let Pieter know." Snype said with a shrug.

"I feel... I feel as though I should speak to Lord Pieter directly," Deputy Commander Elewyn stated.

Snype gave off a wide grin. "Kehe, well lucky for you I know exactly where to find him if you'd like to tag along! I'll show ya where he's at and then leave the rest to you." Snype replied. He signaled Elewyn to follow him back down the halls, eventually arriving right outside of Snype's room. He gestured to Elywyn to enter the room.

Elewyn entered to see Pieter pacing back and forth, seemingly talking to himself as if he were practicing. Elewyn watched him for a moment in silence and cleared her throat, which instantly alerted him of her presence.

"C-commander Elewyn?!" Pieter exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"! He asked, and saw Snype standing behind her. "Why did you bring her here?!"

Snype gave off a chuckle. "Aw don't mind me! She actually was wondering where you were! So being the gentlemen I was, I decided to show her! Just pretend I'm not here. Kehe" Snype said with a big ol grin as he stepped outside to give the two some space.

"You... you imbecile!" Pieter stated in agony and embarrassment. "I'll...!"

"Lord Pieter, it's alright," Deputy Commander Elewyn stated gently. "Is it true that you wrote these?"

"I... I... preposterous! Thief lies he concocted!" Pieter stated as he pointed to Snype menacingly.

Snype whistled innocently. "Comon Pieter... kehe! I couldn't fake those lovely words! Ya need passion for that sorta thing!" Snype said with a giggle.

"I... I... " Pieter exhaled deeply. His eyes fell to the floor. "Yes, it was me who... wrote them. I... apologize if I made you feel flustered or anything. I have... I have felt this way for a long time. But I was too shy and ashamed to do anything about it. I will understand if you want nothing to do with me."

"I actually thought it was very well written," Deputy Commander Elewyn stated with a smile. Pieter looked up from the floor at her. "It was very sweet. You flatter me."

"Oh... oh, well, t-thank you, milday," Pieter said with a hopeful smile. Elewyn walked over closer to the Munchlax and held his hand gently. Pieter instantly seemed more flustered and nervous.

Snype leaned agains the wall simply grinning as the two got acquainted.

"I appreciate your kind words, Lord Pieter, I really do, but... you are not my type, unfortunately," Elewyn stated with regret.

"N-not your type?" Pieter repeated in dismay. His eyes trailed over to Snype. He pointed to him anxiously. "Him then? You came to flaunt your true admirer and lover? Is he your type?"

"W-what?! Woah hold on a second!" Snype said defensively.

"No, it's nothing like that, Pieter," Elewyn replied, trying to calm the distressed Munchlax.

"I see it now," Pieter continued, as he burst into tears. "I am fat, and a coward. He is the King of Thieves, a scoundrel, but I bet you go for that adventurous types, don't you?!"

This wasn't how he expected this to go but it wasn't like he could control their feelings or anything like that. "She's not into me I swear! Dammit this was a horrible idea..." Snype replied back.

Elewyn nodded in agreement with Snype. "He's right! I'm not into him, or Popous, or Arron, or Marrow, or anyone like that. Do you understand what I'm saying?" She questioned the Munchlax.

"What? No, I... who then?"

Elewyn sighed. "I'm not interested in men."

Snype's jaw dropped, as did Pieter's. Snype's head was spinning all over the place. He did NOT expect that.

There was an uncomfortable silence from Pieter as well, who had stopped his crying and angry protests, and simply stared. "... oh."

"I just wanted to tell you in person," Deputy Commander Elewyn explained. "I felt you deserved that much."

"d...damn... er.. that's uh..." Snype blushed a bit as he looked at Elewyn, unsure of what to say.

Elewyn looked to Snype and rolled her eyes. "Let's not make this anymore awkward," She turned her gaze back to Pieter. "I hope you understand now why this will never work."

"I... yes, of course," Pieter replied, still in shock.

Snype nodded in agreement with Pieter. "Y...yeah..." Snype said, his face still red in embarrassment as he just looked back between Pieter and Elewyn.

"Please get your mind out of the gutter, Lord Snype," Elewyn stated as she began to leave.

Snype jumped a bit. "M-my mind isn't in the gutter!" Snype said rather embarrassed.

"I am sure it was," Elewyn said as she reached the door. "Lord Snype, Lord Pieter, I must get back to my duties. Until later."

Snype blinked. "Y-yes... see you." Snype said as she exited. He gave Pieter a bit of an awkward grin.

Pieter returned Snype's gaze, sort of lost for words. "Well..."

Snype rubbed the back of his head. "Eheh... uh... is it getting hot in here or something?" Snype stated awkwardly.

"That it is," Pieter replied with a light cough.

Snype- Setting up Shop

Next on Snype's to do list was to finally take a visit to the Pit. Not as Aden, but the King of Thieves! He was looking forward to one hell of a party after his feats in Tollen! Snype had sent one of his Ninjask to deliver a message to certain Pokemon he wished to invite over to the party. He was sure everybody knew who he was at this point. He was expecting a night of booze, games, women, all that fun stuff! Snype walked up to the pit and entered through the doors.

The second he opened the doors, Snype was greeted by a loud cheer from a packed house at the Pit. Everyone yelled simultaneously in greeting, from Max the bartender, to Stretch, Rett and Joseph sitting on the counter, to Roran the owner right beside them, to all of the other dozens of patrons.

"If it ain't the King of Thieves!" Rett yelled out, which earned another loud roar of approval from the rowdy bunch.

"The best of the best in Argime!" Joseph cried out right after, followed by more cheers.

"The King drinks for free tonight!" Max yelled from the bar.

Snype smiled as he walked into the bar, rather surprised by the gigantic crowd this time around. "Kehe! You guys expectin me or somethin? If we're going to have a party then I have all the time in the world for one!" Snype said as he hopped right onto a free seat at the bar. "Charmed to see I've gotten so popular here! Kehe!" Snype said happily.

"Well yeah, we heard what you did during the banquet! Duh!" Stretched stated as he jumped onto the chair beside Snype. "And what happened with Gabriel too!" His voice began to crack and squeak, and his face paled. "I m-mean, Darkrai?! You fought against Darkrai and survived!"

"Not to mention what ya did for the city!" Rett added with a grin. "You're pretty much the most popular guy in lower Argime at the moment. Or at least the most popular guy in this bar, that's for sure!" He laughed, and others joined in. Max meanwhile prepared Snype a drink in an extraordinarily large emerald mug.

Snype peeked over at the mug with a big ol grin. ""Kehe, aww you guys are too much!" Snype said with a laugh. "Gotta give some credit to max and his buddies here too for protecting the Queen! Kehe!" Snype said as he looked around the rest of the bar. "Kehe, hey if some other Tyrant decides to screw up Tollen I'll come right back and scare em off!" Snype said proudly.

The various Pokemon in the bar raised their mugs and cheered after Snype spoke. Many continued to laugh and holler and chat among themselves. Roran propped on the other seat beside Snype and spoke. "Looks like you're becoming pretty popular here now, huh?" He asked him, as he licked some of the alcohol from his own mug-bowl. "Say, before you get too hammered, mind if I give you a little proposition?"

Snype grinned at Roran. "Kehe, whatcha got Roran?" Snype replied.

Roran nodded and looked around for a moment. He ensured that not too much attention was on them for the moment, and began to speak. "I know you're resting now, but it seems to me that a very large business prospect has just come up that might interest you. I'm curious, how do you feel about long-distance partnerships?"

Snype smirked. This was a side goal he had been hopeing to reach during the whole Darkrai buisness. Guardia would totally chew him out if she found out... more reason to go with it!

"Go ooonnnnn..." Snype said.

"The power balance here depended on an organization, or in this case set of organizations running the city," Roran explained. "Them being the palace, the nobility, the knights and the standing army. And then another organization managing the... questionable businesses. The Brotherhood, for many months now, has been that organization. But their methods were extreme, and they played this game for their own endgame, one which they finally got. As such, Eye is officially retiring from the Brotherhood. Which leaves... a bit of a power gap to fill, if you catch my drift," Roran explained with a smirk.

"The players are gone, but the name can stay the same," Roran continued. "And the game can change too. I've been moving my people around town to start setting up operations again. We'll still be the Brotherhood of Shadows, but now, we'll be doing... honest work: thieving, fencing, the Black Market, breaking and entering, larceny. All the good stuff. Stretch, Joseph, and Rett here will all be apart of this, as will most of the other 'mon under my payroll. My question for you is: how would you like to be my partner and run this? Having the King of Thieves backing you can boost our credibility. Plus, you can bring in some of your people from Valkaria in on this operation as well."

Snype his legs and gave a smirk. "Kehehe, I like your style! Infact, I've been hoping to expand my little group out here to Tollen. Gabe kinda got in the way of that though... now that he's gone, I can use this free time to focus on my own goals for now! Kehe... yeah I'll partner up with ya and bring my thieves over here! I'll even give you access to our handy Ninjask network so that we can communicate back and forth. Just incase things go south in Tollen again. Kehe" Snype said with a grin.

"Oh trust, me, they won't this time," Roran said with a grin, happy that the King accepted his offer. "With us being partners, we'll have messages and thieves running to and from here all the time. Our locations will be forever connected. If anything happens in your place, we'll know. And vice versa," Roran stuck out his hand to shake Snypes. "I think this is the start of a beautiful partnership."

Snype reached out to shake Roran's hand. "Kehe, indeed! My Ninjask will show ya the ropes on how to control them later... but for now, I say we celebrate eh? Kehe" Snype said happily.

Roran nodded in agreement. "We'll handle the specifics later. For now, we drink! FREE ROUNDS FOR EVERYONE IN THE BAR!" Roran shouted loud enough for everyone to hear. The bar erupted in cheering once more. Stretch, Roran, Rett, Max, and Joseph each raised (or held up briefly) their mugs or mug-bowls to collide with Snypes in a cheers. "CHEERS!" They shouted together.

Snype raised his up to collide with everyones mug as he shouted "Cheers!". He then took a nice swig of his mug and placed it on the counter. "Ah this is gonna be one heck of a night! Been awhile since I've partied like this. Kehe!" Snype said happily. "Oh! Speaking of which... before we begin..." Snype stepped outside of the door and gave off a loud whistle. Down came Able, leader of the Ninjask network. "I got a favor to ask ya. Care to invite a few buddies over to the Pit?" Snype simply asked.

Annabelle - Calling home

Annabelle's feet felt heavy as she walked to the Tollenean Network Point. Even though she hadn't participated in the fighting personally (she had instead hid before later helping keep the people out of harms way) she felt exhausted. The emotional toll of the fight and then the revealing of Darkrai had been too much for her. She had been plagued by anxiousness and fear the rest of that night and into the morning. Sure he had left (supposedly) but she couldn't help but suspect every kind (or unkind) face that she met was really the evil 'mon in disguise. Who was a fake and who was not? It was hard enough to find out when they only had to worry about hidden sentinels or footmen like Gabe... Or what they had imagined Gabriel to be.

Annabelle was tempted to hide under the safety of her covers and never return, but she had a duty both to the citizens of the various nations threatened by Darkrai and the SEC. She would keep going, reluctant as she was. When she arrived at the Network Point she stopped at its entrance and took a deep breath. She was not looking forward to whatever strain her coming report would bring, either from Hanso's reaction or what he revealed to her.

Anna walked into the building and, after greeting all of the Psychics present, went straight to business. "Can I please make a call between this Network Point and the one in Gold City?"

A Grumpig Psychic turned first and spoke to the Mareep in the bowtie. "We're currently on lockdown at the moment. No messages in or out."

"Shh, Adam!" A familiar Meowstic Psychic hissed as she recognized Annabelle from her first trip through the Network Point. "She's with SEC. And has level 10 clearance!"

"Leve- OH!" The Grumpic exclaimed. "Of course, ma'am, sorry about that!" He added with a crisp salute. "I'll connect you right away! Are you trying to get in contact with anyone in particular with a hologram connection or are you just trying to send a message?"

Anna gave a smile to the Meowstic before answering. "I would like to get into contact with Hanso Sharp-Eye, if you please."

"The Leader? Of course!" The Meowstic exclaimed and closed her eyes to concentrate. The rest of the Psychics began to close their eyes and concentrate as well. "We'll link you directly to him if we can find him, and project him to you to see through the interface," The Meowstic explained. There was a quiet that followed her explanation, in which the Psychic's faces scrunched up a few times. Either the connection was wirey, or they had trouble finding Hanso specifically. Eventually, however, they opened their eyes.

"OK! We established a connection with Gold City. The Psychics are bringing Hanso to us now," The Meowstic explained. "Should be a few minutes or so, I think."

A few more moments passed of silent concentration, and after a bit longer, the holographic image of Hanso Sharp-Eye appeared in front of Annabelle. He seemed worn out, with a cut just above his eye and some fresh bruises across his body. "Anna," He greeted wearily but with a somewhat relieved tone. "Good to see you in one piece. How is everything?"

"G-Good!" Anna replied, taken back by Hanso's appearance. She tried to fix her mistake of showing she noticed by acting natural afterwards. Maybe he wouldn't notice her unprofessional conduct? "Mostly, at least." She finished sheepishly. "Are things still going well on your end?" Anna hoped his response would be a yes, but the negative answer felt like a inevitability hovering next to her ear.

"As well as can be expected, given the situation," Hanso replied with a heavy sigh. "It could be worse. Not by much, but it could be. Darkrai left not too long before your group did, and so have the other invaders inside the city. Surprisingly, they haven't showed up again here, which is about the only positive I can take away."

Hanso began to pace back and forth, with his hologram projecting his movement. "Darkrai's armies attack every day. We're holding for now, but we lose something or someone each day. Bit by bit he's chipping away. Yesterday, we lost contact with Eternity City. Nothing's certain yet, but..." His voice trailed off as he decided that perhaps the best choice was to spare the details from Anna. "... Basically everything we're doing here is just a delaying tactic for what you're doing. So... any updates? What happened in Tollen? Did you learn anything about Cresselia, or get any help for us?"

Anna's head tilted slightly when Hanso spoke, namely at the part where he mentioned Darkrai, but when he asked her about her progress she righted it again. "We seem to be swaying the people of Tollen," Anna began. From there she gave Hanso a (unfortunately we can't put short here) rundown of what had gone on in Tollen, down to the most important detail (of which there were many, Anna believed). She went from their arrival in the state to their meeting with Gabriel, the deliberations, the threat to them, the deals they made, the discoveries of Gabriel's treachery, and more.

"After we revealed Gabriel and Lord Tyren's crimes against the people of Tollen they tried to flea which resulted in a battle from both sides. However it was during that battle that we..." Anna swallowed. The memory of the event sent fear through her. Was this the affect Darkrai had or was this just her own cowardice? "He appeared. As Gabriel." Annabelle took a breath. Babbling. With a position like this? In front of Hanso? "It turned out that Gabriel had actually been Darkrai in disguise. We don't know where he's gone off to now." There was a moment of silence before she spoke again. "In brighter news, the Tollenian government is deliberating now on whether or not they'll send help to you all, but... Knowing that Darkrai is moving gives me no great excitement in seeing what we run into next. Though it is better that he's here than there. I couldn't imagine what you would all be going through if he were playing a part in the attacks."

Hanso silently mulled as Annabelle explained the entire situation of what happened in Tollen. He raised an eyebrow in surprise on more than one occasion, but most especially when she mentioned Gabriel and Darkrai. "... That doesn't make sense. We saw Darkrai outside on the plains while Gabriel was in the city... unless maybe he possessed Gabriel later? Or maybe it was an illusion..." Hanso placed a hand on his chin and pondered a bit more. "Might be worth looking into if we get a break. Keep me posted if you find anything as well. I'd like to know more about this Darkrai-Gabriel connection. Or simply anything you find on Darkrai."

Hanso then turned his attention to the brighter bit of news Anna delivered. "At least it's something. Them sending reinforcement will help in the fight, but that's only temporary. In the end, it's Cresselia or bust, I think. Can you try to bring her up again when you're cashing in on your deals? Maybe someone might know something."

Anna nodded in response. "I'll do what I can. The nobles have been reluctant to help with anything they're skeptical of in the past, but I think after the latest events they'll be more willing to provide help if they know anything."

Hanso nodded in agreement. "Especially because of the way you helped them out. You guys did well there," He praised. "Speaking of which... how are the others doing, if you know what I mean?"

"Unfortunately I cannot give you a very comprehensive report, sir." Anna replied. "Because of the uncertainty of the presence of the plague here we decided to split into groups. I was in the smallest which consisted of me, Guardia, Thomas, and Joshua "Watchman" of the Gold Tribe. As you know, we were tasked with negotiating with the nobles here. On our part we conducted ourselves very well, nothing that was in our control got out of hand. We did have to rely on our fellow teams for the majority of our information but... From what I've heard, their missions were a bit... hectic, but nothing that I heard stood out as an issue. I'll try to get more information, but this is the most information I could acquire in the short time we've been together."

Hanso nodded again and continued. "Just keep an eye out. Write to me if anything comes up, and pass it along in the Network... and remember what we say."

Anna nodded in response. "Yes, sir. I'll do my best."

Party at the Pit

Snype was partying hard down at The Pit, chatting it up with folks, telling stories, playing games, and of course, getting himself some good ol fashioned drinks! Life was going swell for the Sableye! It was the perfect way to celebrate saving Tollen! Snype took another swig of his drink and shook his head a bit. "Keheh... hoo boy, you folks sure know how to make a beverage! Kehe" Snype commented. The door behind him swung open, and in hopped a Ralts with glowing eyes and a wizard hat.

"I demand a sandwich!" Raz proclaimed, somersaulting up onto the nearest available barstool and twirling his staff slightly in hand.

Snype turned over to Raz, blinking a minute to focus. "Raz! Kehe, finally made it eh? Hey Bartender! Give this man a sandwich! And a drink while you're at it!" Snype said with a snicker. Funny enough the Pit did infact serve food so the sandwich was easy enough to fetch for Raz. Both the sandwich and drink would be slid up to the Ralts. "K-kehe... so, ready to party like no other? The crowd's wild tonight! Kehe!" Snype said with a laugh.

"Party?" The wizard said, turning his nose up at Snype and waving a hand in his direction. "Nonsense; I am obviously here of my own accord. Regardless, you seem to have garnered quite the turnout." Razathiel grabbed his sandwich psychically, performed some kind of shuffle in front of his own eyes, then put the sandwich back together and happily took a bite.

"Kehehe, surreee. Well you're here now. The whole room gets free stuff and we're basically the stars of the party! Free drinks, food, and plenty of other services! Since you're here ya may as well enjoy yourself right? Comon an evil fella like you oughta know how to settle down every once and awhile!" Snype said as he took another swig of his mug.

Razathiel let out a single bark of laughter before swallowing his bite of sandwich. "Settle down?" He repeated incredulously, "bloody hell, for my own minion, you don't have much of a grasp of my daily life. Evil never rests. Evil never sleeps. Evil never relents. Such is the way of, er... evil people. Like me."

Snype shook his head. "Oh Raz... nothing wrong with tryin' something new! It's free too! How can evil deny something handed right to their very face?" Snype said as he slid the mug of beer toward Raz. "Kehe, comon you'll love it!" Snype said.

"I will pretend you did not just do that," Raz said, glaring at the Sableye and trying to take another bite of his sandwich in as menacing a way as possible.

"Do what? Offer you a drink? Kehe!" Snype said.

"Do not play me for a fool," the wizard snapped, lowering his voice to a harsh whisper, "What is it that you want from me? What is your agenda here? What are you planning, and what business does it have with me?"

Snype blinked. "Planning? business? I don't have any kinda agenda or anything. Just having some fun! We saved Tollen and we got nothin to do tonight!" Snype paused a bit, feeling the alcohol sink on in. "I'm simply offering you a drink as a gesture from minion to Dreadmage! Kehe. Don't be so paranoid!"

"Mhmm," Raz cocked his head, raising an eyebrow, "and I'm expected to let my guard down by accepting this 'drink', because I know you, and we are supposed to be relatively comfortable in one another's company - correct?"

Snype took a little while to have an answer to that. "Uh... sure? That and it'll make you look alot more evil drinking from a big ol mug! Intimidation factor and everything! Kehe. Everyone in the bar is practically yours to command!" Snype said with a chuckle.

Razathiel bristled with anger. "Wrong!" He said, "Wrong, wrong, wrong- gah, do I look like an idiot to you? Tell me; have you ever been betrayed by anyone you didn't know?"

Snype just blinked. "Uh... how could I be betrayed by someone if I didn't know them in the first place?" Snype asked.

"Exactly! You haven't!" Raz cried, ignoring Snype's question, "Therefore, people you actually know are infinitely more dangerous than those you do not!"

"Raz you're starting to sound like Penance. I know you don't want that." Snype said with a small chuckle. "Comon its an innocent little drink! You're making a bigger deal out of this than that whole feet thing." Snype said with a snicker.

The Dreadmage grimaced. "Resorting to petty insults, now? I'm certainly mad, but I'm no mad duck. Secondly, the feet thing must never be mentioned again. Thirdly, 'innocent little' things, often end up surprisingly sinister... or maybe packing two Psyshocks and a Thunderbolt."

"Do I look like I could do any of those moves?" Snype replied.

"Quite possibly- but as I was saying, looks are entirely irrelevant. Surprises are never expected, death lurks around potentially any corner, and trust is a luxury. A luxury I do not have the privilege of having. And that, minion, is why I must refuse your 'drink'-" Raz tapped his staff twice on his barstool, "Thank you for listening to this public service announcement for evil wizard trickery contingencies."

Snype smirked. "Kehe, so you're sayin you're scared then?" Snype said with a smirk.

"Naturally," Raz said plainly, "fear is a very reasonable and useful tool in recognising danger where it is due. And in my case, it is due." The wizard took another bite of sandwich. "'S'only when the fear is unfounded that it becomes a hindrance. Believe me, I know my fear. I could have a Ph.D in fear."

Snype shook his head. "I don't see anyone else complaining about their drinks. Comon what's a guy gotta do to get ya to at least try it?" Snype said as he took a big swig of his own drink. "...hmm..." Snype muttered drunkenly.

"Reasonable threats of planetary destruction could work, but good luck with that." The Ralts said with a grimace, "You have no business poking your nose into my drinking habits. I have my reasons, especially here and now."

"You're such a party poopeerrrr" Snype said as he slouched back on his chair. "Whateverrr do whatcha want. I however plan on making the night last! Kehehe."

Razathiel smirked, "Telling me to do what I want is somewhat ill-advised."

"I'm drunk. Gimmie a break. Kehe," Snype said with a giggle as he took another drink.

"Hm," Raz said, looking around at the other patrons of the bar, "So who are all of these people and why are they not cowering in fear at my very presence?"

"Kehe, just some folks dropping by to party like me! Probly too drunk to notice that we're here at this point! Fun bunch of folks... helped my team alot during the whole incident with Gabe." Snype explained.

"Hm, interesting. Anyone yet to arrive?" The wizard questioned.

"Was hoping for Kav or Cal to arrive... they seem like they'd have fun here. Kehe," Snype replied.

"You invited Greenie?" Razathiel said in mild surprise, taking a final bite of his sandwich.

"Yup. Figured he'd wanna settle down after yesterday. Keheh" Snype said with another sip of his mug.

"Oh, certainly; tussle with Darkrai, nasty business. It pains me to do so, but I suppose I commend you lot for surviving - hopefully, when the next encounter with the nightmare prickpot comes, we'll be armed to the teeth with whatever's necessary to kill the bastard," Raz swallowed the last of his sandwich. "Still, doesn't do much to talk about it. Still waiting for the pricks from the network point."

"Keheh... yeah. Why do ya think I'm tryin' to kill time here? So far its been working out!" Snype replied as he rested his head on the counter.

A large sack was suddenly dropped onto the counter next to his head, a blue paw dropping down on top of it as Kaveri grinned down at Snype and Raz. "Needa kill time? Here's an idea: candy eating contest!" She patted the sack next to her. "Chap down at the candy store offered me a simply swell deal I just couldn't reject. ...I really should get his name before we leave."

Snype turned around and looked down at the giant sack of candy before looking back up to Kav. "Hey! Glad you could join us Kav! Kehe!" Snype said, his voice making it kinda obvious he was a bit under the influence. "Candy eating contest sounds like it'd be fun! You can even have Raz's drink too since he's bein' a sourpuss. Kehe.. get it? Cuz candy... whatever." Snype said a bit dizzily.

"Gah, it's... you," Raz exclaimed, unable to hide his interest in candy despite his surprise at Kaveri's sudden entrance, "recovered from the bout of poison, I see."

Kaveri's gaze sparked eagerly at the offer of a drink. Normally she wasn't one to drink a lot - but right now she wasn't here to gather information or anything of the sort, so there was really no reason why she shouldn't let go and enjoy herself just a bit. ...Well, candy was enjoyment, but drinks were a whole different kind of enjoyment. "Oh, yeah, nothing a nap couldn't kick out," she said as she took a seat, pulling Raz's untouched drink over, then she paused. "...Though I'm fairly certain I ate something before I passed out."

Kaveri didn't dwell on it for more than a mere moment, simply shrugging and taking a sip of the beer, then frowning as she stared down at it. Something was missing... Looking up, she adressed the bartender. "I don't suppose you have any honey?"

The bartender scratched his chin and checked behind the counter. He'd have some fresh honey to add right onto it! "Kehe, Honey eh? Never tried that on my drinks!" Snype said, giving Kav a playful nudge. "At least somebody's ready to party! Kehe!"

Razathiel rolled his eyes, giving something of a cross between a grimace and a smirk, "Blimey, I think I might be coming down with a fever. I must be allergic to condescension," He turned to the bartender, "Righto, give me a Kasib smoothie or I'll burn your family or something."

Kaveri's cheerful grin returned as she poured honey into her drink. "I'm the only one who does it as far as I know," she replied to Snype with a chuckle, adding. Once she was satisfied with the honey content in her drink, she took a gulp, smacking her lips afterward. "Ah, that's better!" Then she looked over to Raz, raising a brow as she hummed thoughtfully. "Fever, huh? Guess you shouldn't have any candy then. Candy's not too great for fevers - or so I'm told. And I'm sure fevers are even worse for 'mon of your size. Might wanna get that checked." She hid a smirk behind her mug as she continued drinking.

Snype gave a small laugh as well. "Kehe, mind if I give that honey a shot? Who knows I might like it." Snype said as he held out his...empty mug. "Oh whoops! Refill please! Kehe" Snype said. The bartender was quick to get Snype a fresh drink and poor it into his mug. In the meantime, the bartender looked over to Raz and managed to snag him a smoothie... the Pit had alot of variety in it apparently! Was mostly for those who wanted to settle down after getting drunk. "Kehe, that makes number three! And I'm still hanging in there! Oof... kehe." Snype said rather proudly. "Might wanna get the little guy a straw too!" Snype said with a big toothy grin. The bartender was quick to stick a straw into the smoothie. Raz took the drink with contempt.

"Your family lives... for now," he said, before turning to Kaveri. "Also the fever was sarcasm- nothing will keep me from candy I desire. Nothing."

"Are you sure you're not just trying to deny your sickness to get what you want?" Kaveri questioned Raz as she nudged the honey over to Snype so he could give it a try. "Lemme check your temperature." She leaned forward, reaching a paw out towards Raz's forehead.

Snype would pour a bit of honey into his drink and would give it a sip. At first it took Snype awhile to get into the taste... but after another sip, he started to get used to it. "mmm... its sweet! Kehe. Ya know this isn't too bad of a combo. Kehe. Pretty darn tasty!" Snype said.

"Honey tends to be a good addition to most things," Raz agreed, blocking Kaveri's path to his head with his staff. He turned to her with a frown. "Nope. Bad touch. No touchy. Not allowed."

Kaveri leaned back in her seat as Raz fended off her paw, an amused smile on her muzzle. "How 'bout this. You have a couple drinks with us... and a quarter of this candy is all yours." She patted the hefty sack next to her. "And if you think you can just go get more at the store, good luck with that. I'm fairly certain I bought out most of his stock these past few days," she chortled.

Snype smirked at Kav's offer. "Kehe, whatcha say Raz?" Snype added in.

Razathiel sniffed his smoothie and grinned, chuckling maliciously. "Deal! Bartender, get me another Kasib smoothie-" he cried, before knocking up his current drink with his staff and psychically forcing its contents down his gullet. He coughed once, "Gah! Bloody hell- all right, no take-backs, you pricks."

Kaveri raised a brow. "That was more like a drink with yourself. ...If that could even be called drinking. More like choking yourself." She slid her half-finished drink over to Raz. "And I'm pretty sure you know I meant that kind of drink. Come on now, it's not even a pint left in there. And it's got honey for Arceus' sake. Everyone loves honey."

The Ralts smirked, leaning against the counter casually and sliding the drink back, "No take-backs. Isn't my fault you left yourself open to loopholes; that candy is mine."

Snype smirked. "Kehe, maybe you should sweeten up the deal a little more then Kav? This time be specific... kehe" Snype would add.

Kaveri shifted the sack onto her lap - and nearly fell off her seat as the weight unbalanced her - and crossed her arms protectively over it. "Nuh-uh, I've already offered half of half of this. That's plenty," she said in reply to Snype before turning to Raz, nose raising high as she sniffed. "Well, it's not my fault you're a tiny turd. Now, drink up or I'll eat all of this right in front of you."

The wizard let out an exasperated sigh, "What the bloody hell is so enticing about getting me to drink this bloody thing? What the psyduck does it matter to you lot, am I some kind of bloody guinea tepig?"

"Just humor us will ya? One chug and we'll leave you alone." Snype said.

"No," Razathiel snapped, "You will leave this alone because I demand it of you."

"A'right then. We'll leave it alone." Kaveri said, blinkly calmly at Raz as she reached into the sack. She pulled out a piece of candy, unwrapped it and, while still staring steadily at Raz, ate it. After which, she proceeded to pull candy out one piece at a time and eat it, all the while staring at the Ralts.

The Dreadmage's eye twitched. "What did I do to deserve this?"

Snype gave off a small snicker as he watched Kaveri eat in front of Raz's face. Kaveri gave Raz an innocent smile then continued eating in silence. The Ralts seemed to hold still for a moment, but after a short while, he melted - as much as a solid 'mon can, at least. He lost all tension and slipped off of and under his stool before coming to rest on the bar's floor; a puddle of evil with a displeased look on his face.

Snype looked down at Raz as he fell down onto the floor. Well there was the Dread Mage's weakness right there! "Kehehe, that's a bit cruel aint it Kav?" Snype said.

Kaveri shrugged. "He brought it on himself. Here, you want some?" She said, cheerfully offering a piece to Snype.

"Kehehe, I'd be *hic* honored~" Snype said a bit drunkenly as he took a piece and threw it into the air. The piece of candy hit him in the face but it would roll right into his mouth. "Nailed it." Snype said.

Kaveri snickered. "Oh yes, nailed it. Nailed right in the face." Taking out another piece of candy, she motioned to Snype to open his mouth then tossed it towards him.

Snype opened up his mouth and caught it, chewing it painfully slowly. "Mmmm! Delish!" Snype said with a snicker.

The bartender at last arrived with Raz's smoothie, but was surprised to find the Dreadmage nowhere to be seen. Soon, however, psychic force grabbed the drink and brought it below the bar, where the Ralts took it in hand, checked it, and slurped on it sulkily.

Guardia, Snype, Raz, Penance, Callimer, and Kaveri - The new Royal Commander and General of the Standing Army

The days have not set upon Tollen in quite a more audacious fashion. Following the reveal of Gabriel and Tyren, the citizens have developed an odd feeling of cautious relief over the clarity of their situation, as well as nervous anxiety over the unknown yet to come. Now that they knew, they were happy to know their country was free. At the same time, now that they knew, how much longer would it be free? As such, many chose to dance and drink their troubles away, living for the day. Others chose to stock up on supplies and hole themselves in their homes. Others decided to simply abandon their home. Yet overall, the mood was decent.

The nobility on the second day following Gabriel's downfall had set up a meeting in the Palace of Kings, where all of the dignitaries were present, as well as a few honored guests. The entirety of the group from Valkaria was also invited to join. In the Grand Hall where many meetings have taken place, and where the Gold Tribe's 'hearing' had taken place a week before, was where it was set. Yet instead of the stand in the center of the room, there was a large, rectangle table placed there made of the finest marble. Seats were filled with the nobility, the military leadership, the Valkarians, and at the far end of the table, the Queen of Tollen.

Rupert, who sat beside the Queen, promptly cleared his throat and began the proceedings. "Before we get into the entirety of this meeting, her Royal Highness would like to acknowledge the valorous work that you have done for our nation. It is quite possible that many of us might not be here now if it wasn't for your involvement. As a token of our gratitude, we would like to first and foremost request your opinion on a matter. Marcus Tyren and Gabriel's betrayal has left a hole that must be filled in our military leadership. We currently have no General of the Standing Army, and no Royal Commander. We were wondering if you had any 'mon in particular in mind to fill these roles."

Snype has half awake as he arrived to the meeting... even somewhat falling asleep while standing up. At least until anything important popped up. He was still getting over last night's party. Whatever Rupert had said completely went over Snype's head. "Mmggh..."

Guardia looked over to Snype and slapped him across the face. "Pay attention!" She hissed. Snype snapped right awake and looked around.

"W-wuh? Gah... sorry rough night... kehe..." Snype said rubbing his head.

Loud, obnoxious laughter filtered into the room. Up above all of their heads the mad duck had, somehow, drilled a chair into the ceiling and was sitting on top of the overturned fixture, laughing loudly, "Oh, so NOW we have say?" He asked as he smiled down, "Mayhaps the sword shall drive on the ice? You cannot slip back." He said with a cheery nod, "Such would be the way of madness."

A few of the nobility looked to the ceiling and murmured among themselves. Some looked visibly uncomfortable, including the Queen who looked to Commander Darrell. Darrell only offered a simple shrug as a reply.

Snype ignored Penance and tried to focus on the question at hand. "General of the standing army? Have you considered returning the role to Isabella? Considering removing her was all part of a fake accusation." Snype said.

Cal simply sat back and nodded. He was a bit frustrated at the meeting, he had only arrived in Tollen proper just in time to start moving after Gabriel, he hadn't been involved in any of the intrigue that led up to it. All he was good for there was as a member of the Gold Tribe, and maybe the mon who'd fought Gabriel if anyone cared. Although he didn't see why any of them would.

Isabella gave Snype a small smile. Lord Arron nodded in agreement. "Yes, I believe that is a sound choice."

"Are you sure?" Lord Marrow questioned with some hesitation. "We know of Isabella's innocence now, but she has committed... heinous acts in her role with the Brotherhood of Shadows. Many of the citizens of Tollen may not look at this favorably, especially with those who have family in the Royal Knights. Are you positive this is the best choice?"

"I'd think she's more than made up for those 'heinous' acts, considering she was one of the few 'mon who suspected Gabriel. And also tried to do something about it, even when she lost her rank and had to go into hiding," Kaveri piped up, glancing about at those gathered. "She did what she could given her situation. Can any of you honestly say you could've done any better in her place?"

"WAIT!" Penance called down, "Why have Issy... when you could have bigger wisps!?" He asked. "And I know the PERFECT wisp! But not so wispy. More like creamy. With tons of Chesto berries." He looked over at Kaveri, "And that is true... but in the end she went about it the chaotic route. Let me say this." He put his fingers together, "Darkrai feeds off of chaos. Before this, before we even arrived to this city, he had no plans to put her behind bars. He could have easily, at any time, found her and tracked her allies down. Sort of similar to how he did just recently."

He frowned, "I must ask this.... how did she escape in the first place with Gabe, and very well Darkrai, wanting to execute her? How did she escape the second time as well when faced with Darkrai himself?. Because she was walking into his trap, and not realizing it."

He sighed, "He uses all who are against him... unless you think outside the box." He gave a nod down the nobles, "And I know of a mon who thinks outside that box."

In a sudden flash of light, a small, ambiguous explosion thundered in the middle of the table. In an instant, the residual smoke was swept away to reveal Razathiel, the Dreadmage, who cried out in his shrill, gravelly voice:

"Me!"

"Arceus, damn it," Guardia cursed at Raz's outburst and Penance's antics.

"Oh, uhm," Rupert began somewhat anxiously. "I do not believe you were... in the pool of applicants, sire."

"What is the meaning of these outbursts!?" Lord Marrow demanded. "Who is that hooligan on our ceiling, and this brazen fellow here? Have they no civility?"

"You should have seen them in the forests," Darrell murmured with a smirk.

The Queen leaned in and quietly whispered into Rupert's ear. "I want to know of Golduck's recommendation."

"Lady Guardia, please control your acquaintances," Rupert implored, before he turned to Penance. "Now, you had a name to offer this council?"

"Yes." Penance stated. "The reason why Darkrai came here in the first place is because everyone here lacked the knowledge on how to beat him at his own game." He explained. "He feeds off of chaos, and he got plenty of it here. The fighting outside these walls fed him quite a bit what with the troops feeling great fear. Likewise in the city there was fear as well. As I said before, Isabella helped, unknowingly, to feed those emotions."

He frowned, "At the moment, most of the chaos Darkrai left here was taken with him. It is up to you all to ensure that he can't gain a foothold in here again. You need someone who can ensure that chaos isn't spread. Someone who can instead hold up order. Someone who has a very strong mental endurance against Darkrai's tactics, and can train those near to him in how to battle the dark lord."

He smiled a bit, "With Tollen's recent liberation, I have invited a mon I highly trust here. I do assure you, he isn't like me. He is... orderly. Someone well respected. Someone who is trained in these situations." He closed his eyes for a moment, "And... he's coming through those doors right now."

On cue one of the doors into the room opened up as a Banette stepped in. Although he was a ghost, it could be seen that this one was dressed to impress. He wore native clothing to Tollen, held a case in one hand, and walked with a sure posture. "Lords, ladies, your royal highness." He said as he bowed low, "I have been informed that some help is required in your country."

"My friend, Newton here, can help out with that Morrian and Pentosaur problem we have going. Ensure chaos can't reach the city." Penance stated.

"So it's not me, then?" Razathiel said, tapping his foot impatiently on the marble table. "Well all right then, I guess I'll just go psyduck myself. Pricks. Lugia forbid anyone'd pick a magnificently villainous wizard for the job."

"So Raz." Cal spoke from his seat, hand supporting his chin and looking bored since he knew exactly where this was going to end up. "You want to be a respected and loved government official who emphasizes goodness and inspires faith in others while treating those under him with dignity and respect?"

The Ralts scoffed, "Just because I take a job, that doesn't mean I have to do it properly. Or without evil and/or malicious intent."

"So I guess next you're going to take over the ice cream stall in Ferrol and eat it all, more specifically the chocolate." The miniature mage's eyes shifted back and forth suspiciously, but he didn't reply.

The nobility looked upon the new arrival. Some of them were rather impressed as they murmured to each other. A few paid Razathiel odd looks or gazes of fear. Even Lord Marrow seemed to consider it. One spoke before the rest.

"No," Lord Arron stated with resound dismissal, and turned away from the Banette toward the rest of the council. "Shall we all agree on Isabella, then?"

"How quick you are to dismiss it!" Lord Marrow responded venomously. "Under whose authority do you speak for the rest of this council?"

"Good question," Lord Arron replied as he set his eyes upon a few of the members of the Valkarian group, particularly Thomas, Guardia, and Annabelle.

Snype was still set on Isabella. He was confident she could handle her role... after all she pulled it off last time. It was kind of unfair to blame Isabella for falling for Darkrai's trap when nobody was aware of his presence in the first place. And knowing Penance, this would probably just benefit him more then it would Tollen. "I'm still pretty set on Isabella. On the grounds that I have a good idea of what kind of mon she is from my experience. She remains more than capable." Snype stated, throwing a small wink toward her.

"If I may make a suggestion," Annabelle began, "if there are doubts about Isabella being General, then let me offer an alternative. I believe that Deputy Commander Elewyn would be a marvelous choice. She's experienced, as you know, and in my conversations with her I see her as a kind and understanding 'mon. I know that kindness is not the only thing we look for in a candidate in a position like this, but if it were not for Elewyn and her few supporters we would not have been able to assist you in getting rid of Darkrai at all. In negotiations, our biggest obstacle was fighting through disbelief and--I mean nothing by this--stubborn resolution. With the power that General provides, it's minds such as Elewyn's that allow a calm assessment and action for good despite what ideals may be stacked against them. It's not just 'mon who are able to look into things that you need, but the ones who are able to take risks and consider all actions despite their detractors. Wouldn't you agree?"

Snype scratched his chin. "If that's the case... wouldn't she be rather suitable to be the Royal Commander as well? I'm still thinking on that choice but just a thought at least..." Snype would add.

Penance tilted his head, frowning a bit, "Makes sense..." He said slowly, "I think the fluffy girl is right. I have no problems there." He said with a casual shrug.

Newton let out a weak sigh and grabbed his case, "So I guess I'm out. A trip all here... for this."

"Sour grapes!" Penance called down, "But I am cool with that!"

"Isabella for General and Elewyn for Royal Commander?" Guardia questioned to confirm. "I think those are pretty good choices. Elewyn and Isabella can fight, and we know they can lead too, so it works for me."

"Anymore objections?" Rupert asked around the table. No one else seemed to pipe up for the moment with anything, so he nodded his head and smiled toward the Queen.

"V-very well, then," Queen Aleena stated softly. She rose from her seat and cleared her throat. "Lady Elewyn, Lady Isabella, will you please come forward?" She asked them. Elewyn smiled brightly and stood up. Isabella followed, and the Roserade and Ampharos knelt before the Queen and bowed their heads. "In the name of House Narron, ruling family of Argime and its territories, I hereby bestow upon you, Isabella, the rank and title of General of the Standing Army of Tollen, and upon you, Elewyn, the rank and title of Commander of the Royal Knights of Tollen. Rise with your titles."

The two 'mon rose after the words of the Queen. "Long may you serve us," Queen Aleena concluded. The nobility and dignitaries of Tollen responded together.

"Long may they serve!"

"Thank you, your Highness," Lady Elewyn stated with a bow, and returned to her seat. Isabella also bowed and did the same.

Guardia, Snype, Penance, Raz, Zai, Callimer, Kaveri - Rewards - The Meeting, Part 3

Rupert glanced hesitantly up at the Golduck, but decided to not address it and instead move along. "Then I recommend that we move onto the business at hand."

Lord Marrow glared once more at Lord Arron, and then sighed. "Yes, very well," The Slowking cleared his throat. "Valkarians, in payment of your services for Argime and the crown, I am pleased to inform you that I will be providing to you, at your point in choosing, half of my personal guard, a total of fifty Royal Knights in your fight against Darkrai in Gold City and the rest of Valkaria."

"I too will lend you half of my eighty Royal Knights for Gold City as well," Lord Arron added in.

"For your help in the city, I will pledge two dozen of my best knights as well," Deputy Commander Elewyn chimed in.

"And I, as I stated to Snype earlier, will bring with me what remains of my Brotherhood to the fight," Isabella stated.

Commander Darrell crossed his arms and nodded. "You helped us in the forests. We honor our debts. When the times comes that you need it, the entire Hellguard force will be there to take back your country. You can count me to personally be there, as well as Lieutenant Trace."

Guardia offered Darrell a smile. Having some troops from the nobles were nice, but they wouldn't be able to turn the tide. But an entire army of Hellguards? That would go a long way in helping fend off Darkrai. She figured the forest team must have done something fairly substantial to offer such support.

"There are, unfortunately, two things we cannot provide," Rupert stated with a frown. "Lord Jenoscent has refused to provide you any troops or aid. It was discovered just recently that it was his Lord father that was in the town of Neirotta, in the forests, a town that you and the Hellguards were unfortunately not able to save. 'Tis a shame, especially considering that he was the ambassador of our nation to other nations. His knowledge may have been useful."

"The other... is the army of Tollen," Rupert continued grimly. "The Queen has spoken to Commander Darrell about the condition of the borders. Thanks to your help, a deadly blow was dealt to the Morrian forces. Yet they are not fully defeated, only recovering, giving us a breather on our eastern borders. Losing Hellbase was a huge blow, and abandoning Fort Trantrea doesn't help. The Pentosarrs, although suffering one defeat, are still on the move in the west. And the Bandit Clans move in the south unopposed. Because of Gabriel, the Royal Knights and the Hellguards are a shell of what they used to be. We need them here, in Tollen, to defend us against the upcoming fight."

"Unless," Darrell interjected. "You get us an army. The way I figure it, there's no way anyone of us will be able to hold off and face Darkrai alone. We need the other nations. If you can get one of them to pledge some of their forces for us and relieve some of the pressure, then the full might of Tollen will be behind you in Gold City."

Snype was still reestablishing the brotherhood within Tollen... they could likely assist in certain underhanded operations no doubt. Though he wasn't about to tell everybody in the room that he had set up shop.

Penance frowned at that, then slowly a grin grew along his face, "Well I'm sure Guardia would loooove to help you guys out, but I think she's sort of.... limited." He put his hands together, "Though... I do have several Seekers at my disposal, but that's the problem." He let his smile drop, "Can any of you guess what the problem is?"

Some of the nobles turned up to the Madman in confusion. But one was quick to reply back. "There are many problems which I can identify with you," Lord Arron retorted venomously to the Golduck. "Which one is the one you're referring to?"

Penance frowned, "You don't know? How about a manifest to help you all cheerily remember?" He whistled down to Newton, "MANIFEST!"

"Manifest coming up!" The Banette called up. He opened his case and pulled out a small blue book that he threw up to the Golduck.

"Let's see..." Penance mused as he caught it. He then threw it far over to land before the queen, "Now, go along with me." He said with a large smile on his bill, "There was Andrew, Riez, Verra, Willow, Vicks..." As the duck continued to say name after name, it became clear what was happening. The book before the queen was that of a manifest of Tollen Seekers. Many names had stars next to them with only a small percentage being circled.

Some of the names might very well be familiar to the nobles and the queen for one reason... they were Seekers that had been left behind in Tollen. As Penance finished up his recital he peered down, "Now query number one. Did anyone here.... hm.... try to question Gabe on this?" He asked. "Oh, maybe said that not all remaining Seekers should be sent out to be needlessly slaughtered?" He cooed. "Hm? Anyone?"

The Queen sat silently with a frown on her face as she read the names in the book. She didn't know how to respond. Lord Marrow cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Commander Darrell leaned back and sighed heavily. He recognized many of the names in the book, because many of them were comrades he had to watch die.

"I spoke up," Isabella replied to Penance. "And I was promptly set up for assassination and was to be executed. Do you think that if anyone else spoke up, the result would have been any different? That they wouldn't have killed them? You're trying to blame us for something that wasn't in our control. If you want to blame someone, blame the culprit. Blame Gabriel."

"Indeed," Lord Arron concurred. "And you are a fool to think they were merely slaughtered. They died in the forests protecting the citizens of Tollen. Remember, that long before they were ever Seekers, they were citizens of this homeland. They are valiant heroes in their deaths. And on another note, perhaps the one other 'mon you should consider blaming is yourself. It appears they were sent out because they were Seekers, the name you gave them. Had they never acquired that name, I doubt they would have been so mercilessly targeted."

"That's uncalled for, Arron," Darrell spat.

"Is it not true, though?"

"Everything is true... and I brought this point to show you all one essential truth." He gazed among them, "One spoke out... but what if all of you had spoken out?" He said as he looked over every noble, "What if, instead of fighting among each other, instead of thinking that no one else would back you up... what if you had stood united?" He crossed his arms, "Many of you were filled with fear. If you truly want to make this country stand back up, if you want to get back to your state of glory you HAVE to get rid of that fear!"

He sighed and swung his legs on his chair, "What you NEED is common sense. Emotions are great, yes. Emotions are amazing, but against Darkrai they are but fodder. You all have to learn how to think first off. You all gave Gabriel what he wanted. You let your fear of his power set you all back. Would it have set you all up to be killed? Possibly." He frowned, "But that is how you fight back. You do not give into fear. You do not give in to anger. You have to think with this." He tapped his skull.

"The reason Darkrai sent out my Seekers was rather simple. They were a threat." He enunciated. "The reason Isabella was never slain by him was because he could use her. The Seekers are trained against such usage. It is why they need to be here. It is why they must help Tollen here and now."

He looked down, "I was never going to keep them from coming. We have to be here. Because if we aren't, then Darkrai wins. But you all must understand something." He held up his finger, "My condition is this. Anything you all know about Darkrai and Cresselia must be told to the good folks that saved your city. Do you simply think that we beat him once Darkrai won't come back?"

He laughed a bit, "He'll come back. He is a virus. Right now we cleared the warts and boils. We applied some bandages, but unless a vaccine is administered... all of those symptoms WILL come back. Until Darkrai himself can be defeated, then this won't matter. He'll come back, probably stronger than ever. It is not the physical fight that is so much important. It's getting the evidence required to defeat him... that is the true goal."

Razathiel gazed up at the Golduck and cocked his head. "When the bloody hell did you start talking sense?"

"I see," Lord Marrow stated as he pondered the Golduck's words. "Very well then. But before I give you what I know, I must ask. There are a few who fought against Darkrai directly and lived. Two of which are sitting here," The Slowking stated, as his eyes set to Callimer and Snype. "Explain to me, if the Dark One is as powerful as you claim, and if only Cresselia can stop him, how did you manage to survive? And if you were, going with Penance's words, allowed to live as Isabella was, then how exactly do we know we can trust you? How do we know you do not have his power inside of you this very moment?"

The Emerald Sentinel gritted his teeth, he'd been wondering that himself. The crystal in that bracelet had lifted the haze over his mind, but he'd fought - not only fought but been hit by the attacks of - Darkrai himself. How could he be sure the crystal had purified all of it? That there wasn't something lingering in a dark corner. He stood up, accidentally knocking his chair over with his tail. "Snype only fought Gabriel - such as he was - there shouldn't be any suspicion on him...as for me...I honestly don't know. All I can say is that he at least wasn't actively trying to corrupt us...otherwise I'd have become a rampaging monster and either I would have had to be put down or Snype, Penance's friend Obsidian, and possibly more of our warriors would be dead right now. But Darkrai is the embodiment of chaos itself, there might be more to it than we could tell on such short notice." He didn't try to make any excuses or defend himself, just offered the facts he could.

"And there is a reason why they aren't anymore." Penance added cheerfully. He soon let out an obnoxious cough as Alex stood up.

"Ah, right right," The Gardevoir said with a chuckle, "That's because of this." He held out the bracelet that had been on his arm, "It's an item with Cresselia's power in it. Cleaned them right up!"

"What is it? How does it work?" Isabella asked the Gardevoir.

"Well, it's kind of like fire and water." Alex said. "Fire, naturally, is put out by water. Water, naturally, can turn into steam by fire. You don't need any special training to use it. What it is, is a relic left to us by Cresselia. Basically it's believed that she poured some of her power into it. More along a sort of fail safe against Darkrai. We used to have a more powerful object... but it was destroyed a long time ago. All you need to do is be close to someone with chaos, or something, and it tends to glow brightly. It's how I knew the others were clear. The light shined among them, but then when it stopped shining it meant that they were purified."

"That leads me to another point." Penance said as he jumped from his seat, landing next to Alex with a huff, "We need more of these items. It is possible that Cresselia left them around for us. If any are in Tollen they would really help you guys out here."

The nobility appeared to be listening to Penance, but after a bit, their eyes began to wander away from the Golduck and to the item in Alex's hand. Guardia and Abel also look toward it, seeing a faint shine emitting from it.

"Is that supposed to happen?" Darrell asked as he pointed to the item.

"Well... Penance is here." Alex said.

"Yeah, it's no secret." The duck said with a shrug, "Thirty years ago in that old tower Darkrai hit me good. Got control of me for a while, but I fought back. Turned my own personal chaos against him." He explained. "Sheesh, have none of you read the memoirs? The books I dish out like hot cakes? By the way, you can order one for nineteen bucks!" He added in with a wink.

"I'm not one to be merciful," Razathiel muttered, "but for Giratina's sake, don't buy it. Save yourselves."

"Yes..." Alex said slowly, "My father helped to lock his darkness away for a while, but it sort of helped to found the Seekers." He said.

"Yeah... Paradox..." Penance gave a meek shrug, "It was my inner darkness. He has a mind of his own, hates his own dad as well. Being left alone.... against enemies... and sort of being left for dead by your old man kind of ends up making one see hatred toward their own father. Nooooormally he would have been out there blasting Darkrai to kingdom come... but he was sort of sealed up again." He let out a weak chuckle.

"I don't understand how we can trust you then," Lord Arron said with a deep sigh. "But, there is one bit of aid I can provide in regards to Cresselia. Guidance. In a story from long ago, it was said that legendaries walked among normal 'mon. They fought with them, they ate with them, they were one of them. There was a group of these legendaries in particular who had direct ties to normal Pokemon. Among that group included Darkrai and Cresselia, if I recall correctly. But there were others. Perhaps..." Lord Arron put a paw to his chin to ponder. "Half a dozen others? I do not recall, it was an old text. But maybe they may be able to help. The other legendaries. In that group was also... hmm, I do not know if I remember all of them, but I remember Zekrom and Reshiram as distinctly being apart of that group. As were the three Legendaries of the World: Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza. It is said that in Anatellia, the legendaries walk among the enlightened. I would go to Anatellia, to their many temples, for help."

"Hmm..." Snype muttered, a bit deep in thought. He had almost forgotten about Anatellia...

Isabella, who had been sitting with her eyes wide open, spoke up. "Were they called Guardians?"

"Hmm?" Lord Arron turned to her. "I believe they might have been... how did you know that?"

"That book, that book I lost, Guardians, it had those Legendary Pokemon named," Isabella explained. "I didn't get a good chance to look it over, but they were in it, as well as Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie. Those nine. I remember that much... bah! I shouldn't have lost it!"

"I see," Lord Arron stated. "Well, then I believe that is your best bet. The Anatellians have temples dedicated to every legendary, I imagine. It is said that one could talk to them within these temples, if one has the right mindset and spirituality. If you believe in this sort of thing. I do not know if I do, but I pass this knowledge along you nonetheless. And who knows? Maybe if they shared bouts, food and ties, then maybe they could also share power, or information about Cresselia."

Zai cleared her throat, drawing attention to herself, considering she had been silent for the rest of the discussion. "Well, if we're hunting after legends, it seems reasonable to go to the most spiritual nation of them all. At the very least, we could learn something about Cresselia or even Darkrai that could assist all of us in our cause."

When Zai announced her presence Cal nodded, she had been rather quiet for quite a while by then. As soon as he looked at her though something caught his eye - her necklace, its crystal triggered a pang in him, but what? After staring at it a bit longer his eyes widened and he stood up again, this time not only knocking over his chair but sending it sliding across the floor. That gem, it's so much like the orb! Don't tell me...

"Hmm? Sentinel, what's wrong?" Guardia questioned her second-in-command worriedly.

Snype also caught notice of Zai's necklace. It had a glaring similarity to the one that Gabe had. The very same thing that powered him up. There was no way it was a coincidence... Snype would have to look into it as soon as possible but right now, he wasn't about to start another scene. One thing at a time. He looked over to Cal with a stern look as he glanced at the necklace and back to him. At least to show he was on the same page.

Zai noticed the troubled looks on the two. Suffice it to say she was more than a little confused. "Is something the matter?"

"That necklace." Cal took a step closer to Zai as he spoke so he wouldn't knock anything else over. "I don't think I ever asked you before Zai, where did you get it?"

Zai blinked, still confused. "My necklace? I got it from my uncle. He said he found it when he rescued my grandfather. That's really all I know about it, to be honest."

Snype was debating whether or not to just spill out his thoughts here and now. Though he figured if not him, then Cal would be the one to do it...Surely it was coincidence! "... It's just odd... Gabe had something exactly like that on him... it was what made him so powerful in the first place..." Snype ended up saying. "Are you sure that's all you know about it Zai?"

Zai raised an eyebrow. This was news to her. "Well, I know that my uncle encountered the legendary Pokémon Virizion before entering the . . . Grotto of Life, I think it was called? That's where he found my grandfather and this stone."

Snype rubbed his chin. "...You may have just netted us an important clue then... Perhaps Darkrai did the same thing... that stone somehow made Gabe into a one man army... never heard of a "Grotto of Life" though..." Snype said.

"Maybe you shouldn't wear the necklace for a while until we can learn a bit more about it, it would be terrible if Darkrai tried to get at you through it if it was connected to him." Cal added in, radiating concern for his tribemate after seeing what Gabriel's orb had done.

Penance meanwhile stared at the Absol, taking a moment to look back at Nestor and giving a subtle twitch of his finger. The Banette didn't nod or acknowledge the twitch as he slowly began to open his case and carefully slipped his hand into it. The Golduck looked up at the ceiling, frowning a bit as he began to juggle his thoughts carefully into order. He knew what he wanted.... but to risk it like that? It was the lesser of two evils.

He gave a sigh and opened his bill, "I suggest... you place that necklace down, Absol." Penance said softly. "Just to check... of course. Would be a shame for all of this hard work to have gone to waste, if such things are true." He frowned a bit and finally held a hand up, gesturing down with his fingers. In a moment a black figure suddenly dropped down, landing on the other side of Zai and blocking the way to the queen. Obsidian held a sheet of rolled of paper in one hand that he quickly threw back onto the table as he extended both sets of claws right at the Absol as he got into his battle stance.

"I mean... if you have nothing to hide." Penance said casually. "Then you're going to let us check that necklace."

Zai's nose twitched in annoyance. "This necklace has been around for thirty years, and I've been wearing it for most of that time. It's not proved a problem nor a liability thus far, and I seriously doubt it will. My uncle discovered it in a haven; a place of purity. Whatever it is, I don't believe it to be dangerous."

She glanced between Obsidian and Penance. "I have no problems with letting you inspect it, but I most certainly will not be handing it over." Her brow came down to form a scornful expression. "And think twice before you threaten me, Defender," she finished, placing emphasis on the title that her father and others had once used before Penance had lost his grip.

Penance frowned at that. Obsidian, Alex, and even Nestor were silent. ".... As I said before, take it off. Or else we'll just have to go full force on you. If you think we're gong to let an agent of Darkrai's keep her necklace of power on while we come up to her like idiots, you have another idea coming."

Obsidian looked over at Guardia, "Guardia, this is your tribe member here. Order her to take it off now. I saw what Gabe did and frankly I'm not going to let her kill any of us here!"

Zai remained silent for a moment, before breaking into a light, dry laughter. "Don't be ridiculous. You think I'm an agent of Darkrai? You're becoming desperate, Penance." She let out a soft sigh, quelling her giggles. "I'd be only too happy to oblige, but I'm not giving the necklace to you."

She reached up with her right foreleg, untangling the necklace from her fur and bringing it over her head. She held out her paw to Guardia. "You take it. I don't exactly trust these ones," she said as she motioned at the Seekers. She may have been married to a Seeker, but that didn't mean she always had faith in each of them; to the contrary, she knew well enough to be wary of Penance, despite his position as a family friend.

Guardia was still in shock at the realization of what was going on. The necklace Zai wore and Gabriel's object looked the same? What could it mean? Guardia had absolutely no reason to expect anything sinister from Zai. She personally interviewed her before she became a full-fledged member of the Tribe. She extended her hand silently and grabbed hold of the necklace.

Snype knew this would turn out ugly but this was bound to happen one way or another. "I guess check it out, but this is ridiculous. Zai? An Agent of Darkrai? Now you're just making up reasons to be more paranoid." Snype said coldly.

"I can't imagine Zai being a traitor either, but I think it's still important we be cautious now that we've seen something similar. If there's one thing I've learned since we started this trip, especially since getting to Tollen, it's that we have no hope of actually predicting Darkrai's actions, all we can do is prepare for as many scenarios as possible." Cal said, eyeing the necklace warily. "If that crystal in Zai's necklace DID have anything to do with Darkrai, Zai wouldn't have to be a traitor, all it might take is for him to decide it was a good time. And even though I just said there's no point trying to predict what he'll do, I can't imagine Darkrai making it happen now of all times after just letting three of us go when we were in the palm of his hand and seeming to completely abandon Tollen. This is the perfect chance to look into it, see if maybe there's something good to it even."

Cal glared at Penance, not pleased with his threat towards Zai in the slightest. If she had been a traitor all he would have done was convince her to attack right then and there, and if she wasn't, all he did was alienate an ally. "That being said, there are better ways to go about it. In the future Penance, I would advise you watch who you threaten, we can deal with looking into an item for one of our own brothers or sisters without requiring you to act like you're springing an ambush. Next time I won't be so civil about it if you're wrong."

As everyone spoke around him Penance once again set his eyes on that necklace. He wasn't sure what set the thought off, but new wheels began to turn as he lowered his hands, ".... Kaveri..." He said slowly, "... Did Tyren have a gem like Gabe did?" He asked as he kept his eyes on that necklace.

Kaveri perked up as she was addressed, sitting back up. Her brow scrunched up for a moment as she thought back, then she shook her head. "Nah, didn't see one anyways."

Penance stared at that necklace.... then a brief chuckle began to escape his throat. His bill turned up into a wide smile as he continued to chuckle, then he began to burst into louder laughter.

"Er.... is that laughter signaling us to attack... or...?" Alex asked.

"No no!" Penance said as he fell onto his back in hysterics. "Hahaha! Oh Zai!" He pointed at the Absol, "Hahahaha!"

Zai stared at the duck blankly. What was he on about now?

"This is highly unusual," Thomas declared as he tried to make sense of things. He knew he recognized the item Gabriel had when he first saw the vision Psychically at Fort Ferrol. It turned out the item he had seen before was the one around Zai's neck. He just never pieced it together. "Why is he laughing?"

"Because!" Penance giggled out, "It's one of two things!" He pointed over at Zai, "It makes sense one way or another!"

"Do you mean if it's got nothing to do with Darkrai it's probably the artifact of another legendary?" Cal inquired, thinking more and more

"Hehehe...." He stood up and pointed at Zai, "Let her alone... for now." He said as he pointed at Alex, "Just to make sure. Check it, just in case."

Alex nodded and walked over to Guardia, placing his bracelet out in front of the stone, "Well.... let's test it then." As he held it out the bracelet didn't glow at all. "It's clean." Alex announced.

"But it glowed before..." Penance frowned, "Just double check. Go around, see if it glows near anything. Gabe was here all the time, so he could have left a present behind."

Alex shrugged and looked around the room as he began to move along the tables. Meanwhile Penance smirked at Guardia, "Isabella...." He said loudly, "You read that legendaries once walked among normal mon, correct?"

"I don't really remember," Isabella replied as Alex walked past her with the bracelet to check for Darkrai's energies. She hesitated for a second when it was brushed past her, as she hoped there was nothing lingering on her inside. "I didn't get a chance to read it myself too much, just brief snippets. Snype was the one who stole the thing to begin with. Maybe he remembers."

"Is this absolutely necessary?" Lord Arron asked as the bracelet was moved around him as well.

"It is better to be thorough than not," Commander Elewyn responded as the bracelet was also moved past her.

Alistair was mostly silent when the bracelet passed by him. He had a hard time grasping what all of this meant. Popous was the same, though he seemed to understand the implications of what everything meant. He let out a small exhale as the object showed no signs of working.

Snype crossed his arms with a frown. "I read one passage. It mentioned something once being Pokemon of higher power that became more as some way to protect the world. Some things about life and death...death bringing upon new life, and a note about once they were Pokemon they became no more. I don't remember the exact wording." Snype said.

Meanwhile Alex walked past each and every noble, even the queen as he let the bracelet move around to even check items such as chairs and tables. He walked past Popous, the newly elected military leaders, and every native 'mon to Tollen. "Nothing here." He said as he made his way to where the out-of-towners sat and began to make his rounds, moving by every member of the Gold Tribe, thieves, and even the few Seekers in the room.

Rupert eyed the bracelet with intrigue. He gulped a bit as it passed by him. The Queen, on the other hand, just stared at the object curiously. Even as the Royal Knights held up somewhat menacing looks to make sure that Alex didn't get too close to her, she paid neither them nor Alex any mind. Instead, she kept her eyes focused on the bracelet, almost as if mesmerized by it.

"... For what?" The Queen asked in a whisper. To whom she was speaking, it wasn't exactly clear.

"What was that, my Queen?" Rupert asked as he leaned into her. The Queen broke her gaze and looked up at the Mr. Mime.

"What? Uhm... nothing," She stated with an odd look of confusion on her face. Suddenly, the bracelet began to react again down the line. Not to her, but a very, very low light flickered for a mere second when it was put in front of one of the Valkarians. Razathiel, the Dreadmage, who sat on the table.

Snype was relieved that nothing Darkrai related was wrong with the Queen... but...Raz? Snype looked over to the Bracelet when it glowed in curiosity.

"Maybe it reacts to evil in general, and not just chaos." Cal couldn't help quipping before returning to watching the events in front seriously. He was glad when there was once again no reaction to him from the Gardevoir's crystal, he couldn't stop worrying about that stupid fight.

"Ooh," Razathiel said, perking up a bit. "That's interesting. Was that me?" He caught himself slightly, waving one arm in Penance's vague direction as he used the other to push himself up from the table he was sitting on. "Someone make sure that bastard doesn't let his paranoia get the better of him, will you? Frankly, it would have been nice to know you lot had this thing a bit earlier."

"What the hell?! Raz!?" Guardia yelled at the Ralts.

The wizard flinched slightly, "Bloody hell, calm down! Who are you, me?"

"What do you mean calm down?!" Guardia retorted furiously. "Darkrai's power? Really? What's going on?!"

"Well, it's psyducking news to me," Razathiel replied, crossing his arms and shrugging. "Not entirely sure. Could be a few things- is someone going to pass me that glow-y Cresselia thing, or is everyone going to flip muk if I go for it? Caution by all means, but I don't want anyone at my psyducking throat. Pricks."

"It makes sense." Obsidian said with a frown, "I mean... a Ralts who's super evil? And powerful? But someone who fights against Darkrai instead..."

"Seems we have another Paradox!" Penance said with crackling laughter.

"Oh, Arceus, not another one!" Guardia spat.

"Someone with Darkrai's power, and another with Darkrai's orb," Lord Arron commented. He shrugged. "It may only be a suggestion but I suggest you choose your allies more carefully."

"... I am assuming we have nothing for the moment to fear from the two of them?" Lord Marrow asked.

"Oh, psyduck off, you posh prick," Razathiel snapped.

"Weeeellll.... " Penance spoke up, "Everyone's known about me for years. So I'm not really so threaty. But this guy." He said as he pointed over to Raz, "This is news to me indeed!"

"And you can shut your big, gaping arse-bill as well!" The wizard continued to rant. "Cretin."

"And if Paradox was around you would bet he would get along with a bro like him!" He said with some snickers.

"So if nobody's flipping muk but me," The Ralts drawled, psychically lifting his staff into one hand and the bracelet into the other. "I'd like to actually get some muk straight before jumping to psyducking dubious conclusions. Regardless, relate my power to that nescient, infantile twat again and perhaps you'll psyducking experience it. Zekrom almighty..."

Penance smirked, "You ARE a Sentinel. Though..." He frowned, "Not a complete one. I think it's half and half. Whoever you were before, well, that mon is probably asleep right now. And as a result, Raz was born from the nightmares Darkrai conjured up. It makes sense... you don't like sleeping much. THAT... that is something I saw out there in forests."

Razathiel raised an eyebrow as he glared at the Golduck, "Well, that's a nice little bit of deduction with bugger-all knowledge of my actual psyducking life." The wizard turned away, bringing his attention to the bracelet he now held in a psychic grasp. He moved it back and forth from himself a few times, around, and then brought it to his eye and murmured, "Definitely me. Not particularly bright. Hm, at any rate, that answers a few questions - all the more reason to kill the bastard, I suppose-" The Ralts psychically flicked the bracelet up with a ping and back into his hand again, before beginning to waddle down to the end of the table. "Alrighty then; if anyone else wants to throw around any dubious - and frankly insulting - theories, then either shut your bloody mouths or keep them out of earshot. I want some cake."

"Well... if we are, for the moment, secure," Lord Marrow began a bit anxiously. He snapped his fingers and called a few 'mon in. The forest team would recognize them as the Psychics they rescued from Brookerridge. "Then there is one last bit of information we ought to share with you."

The male Meowstic stepped forward. "We have a message to share, something we picked up. This was during the turmoil of the Reckoning when it happened, so the borders were already closing and transmissions were being cut off. But there is something you should hear. Something that was sent to us."

The Meowstic closed his eyes, and did his best to repeat the words he previously heard. "Rejoice... rejoice, a hymn do I sound... with darkness afoot, and chaos abound... rise, rise to the light, which in blackness was drowned..." The Meowstic opened his eyes. "Rejoice! Rejoice! Cresselia is found!"

"Oh," Razathiel said, with a mouth full of cake he'd retrieved from his Magic Room. "That's handy."

"Oh," Zai echoed. "That . . . yeah, okay, we might be able to do something with that."

"And even better." Penance said, "I know how to find her."

"The location that message originated from was in Karn," The Meowstic explained. "More specifically, from very north in Karn, nearby the Anatellian borders. Very near the newly contested region."

"That sounds familiar..." Guardia murmured.

"Sounds like that note Snype found in Gabriel's room," Thomas chimed in.

"It does... though that Xander fellow didn't seem too concerned about the source of the message. There's certainly a connection though." Snype said.

"Before we get onto that subject." Penance interjected, "I know I heard talk before. I heard that some soldiers and knights left with Gabriel before through the portal, but not necessarily to the battlefields outside of Tollen." He looked over at the psychics, "In those cases, where did you send those soldiers and royal knights?"

He looked over at Guardia, "If we can get an idea of where these reinforcements are, we can know if some countries are already being beefed up by Darkrai."

The Psychic Meowstic frowned. "To the confiscated Network Points. They were scattered around. Three just outside of Valkaria. One in the forests of Tollen which we were then relocated. Two more in the Path of Nations clearing."

"Path of Nations... if my geography is correct, that is the land mass that borders three nations: Karn, Anatellia, and Beatruce," Thomas replied. "Which means theoretically, anywhere could be next."

"That's a good thing." Penance said, "The reason Valkaria is losing this side of the war is because of the constant reinforcements. But our psychic friends here know of the locations of the network points in Valkaria," He said as he nodded to them. "At the moment there are Gold Tribe and soldiers still alive over there. We can send a message over, have a group form that will head out from the city. Get to the network points one by one and shut them down." He held a finger up, "If we get those shut down, we can kill off any interlopers still in Valkaria, but that will free up Valkaria's resources. Extra soldiers that can head off to other places and other nations... like here in Tollen to help out."

"So... guess we'll be taking another trip if we're going to reach those Network Points... Karn, Anatellia, or Beatruce..." Snype was still debating what he thought would be the better choice. He was concerned about his thieves in Beatruce but he was also concerned about what would happen if Karn was left unattended. Having the forces of Karn in Valkaria would be a huge help.

"No," Guardia stated firmly to Penance. "I'm not pulling a single Gold Tribe member out of Valkaria now. Even though I have no contact in Anatellia, I talked to Beatruce and Karn briefly, and also Valkaria. Our homeland is much worse off at the moment. If we pull out any of our brothers or sisters, I don't think they could hold on. Besides, with the Network Points cut off, they'd have to accept the connection on the other side in order for us to pass through. I doubt they will."

Cal thought on Guardia's words. He agreed with her judgement to keep the Valkarians in their homeland to protect it, but he still wasn't sure where they should go next. "For me it's a tossup between Anatellia and Beatruce. When we first left Fort Ferrol I voted for Karn because I thought we could get influence there the fastest through some of our prowess in combat. But now with one military on our side there's no reason to rush in just for all that. So it's either Anatellia for the best chance of learning more about possible artifacts of Cresselia as well as other legendaries that may be able to help us or inform us, or Beatruce to make sure our comrades are safe."

"For me my biggest worry is the possibility of one of the Agents getting a hold of Karn. You know, win against the King and the whole country is yours. If that happens then we're basically boned." Snype would add.

Kaveri's head was tilted to the side in thought, the Floatzel having been silent for awhile. Now, though, she turned to look at Abel, who hadn't said a word the entire meeting. "What's the sickness in Beatruce like? Is it anything like what was here in Tollen?" she asked the Medicham. If the disease was anything like the Reckoning, then it could be Darkrai related... in which case the sooner it was stopped, the better. Not to say a plague wasn't a big deal even if it wasn't Darkrai related, but if it was a natural sickness then they'd be completely useless.

Abel nodded. "It's the exact same one, I hear, when I contacted the Network Point in the capital," He explained. "Most 'mon who are infected die, but a small percentage who don't turn into mindless powered monsters. The plague has spread too. It's reached the Great Vantage, and is encroaching on Mercurion. Nearly one-fourth of the country is in quarantine... I personally cast my vote to go there next, if anyone was wondering."

"That sounds pretty bad," Guardia stated with a frown. "I didn't get as much information on Karn, since there's only one Network Point but... I did learn one big thing: Darkrai's forces are attacking the Empire. It's confirmed."

"What?! Damn! Of course they are..." Snype said. "Damnit I'm worried about Beatruce as well since I have thieves stationed there but I don't know how long Karn will hold out against Darkrai, as capable as they are, Karn doesn't exactly excel in strategy." Snype said.

"If we go to Beatruce, we risk dealing with Karn's forces alongside with Darkrai. If we go to Karn, we have the Plague to worry about... Unless we have a work around then we got quite a choice. Pick your poison."

Kaveri was still split, even after Abel's answer. If they went to Beatruce, there was a chance Karn would fall - but if they want to Karn, a number of lives could be lost to the plague in Beatruce. Besides that there had been a sighting of Cresselia, and if they waited too long looking into that, the legendary may very well move on to another location... Though Kaveri briefly wondered why Cresselia had yet to do anything if she was in the area. In the end, though, she made a decision. "I vote for Beatruce. For all we know, the bracelet might be able to cure the plague there. And if there's even a chance we can do something to cure it, I think we should take that chance."

"I have an idea..." Snype said. "We know that the plague in Beatruce is more then likely the same as in Tollen. Why don't we send Alex down there with the Gold Bracelet to settle things down? I can have my thieves assist him as well to make sure the plague doesn't spread any further. In the meantime, I say we should focus on Karn. I don't want their wrath to be upon Valkaria's head. Its already pretty horrible down there." Snype explained.

Kaveri nodded, brightening up. "Hadn't thought of that. In that case, I'm changing my vote to Karn. If Alex goes with the bracelet to Beatruce, anyways." She looked expectantly over at the Gardevoir.

"That sounds reasonable," Razathiel agreed from the far end of the table, still eating. "And there isn't much of a better option - I'd still be wary, though. If the message was mentioned in the note to Gabriel, Darkrai's forces may well have some connection to it - and even if they don't, if they know about it then they are liable to set a trap in connection with it anyhow. Also, this is really good cake."

Zai glanced between her compatriots. "Personally I think we should take a look into Anatellia. There, I believe, we'll have a good chance of coming across clues about Cresselia, and perhaps even encounter other legendaries. Going to find Cresselia in Karn is based on little knowledge, and if we're wrong we won't have much else to go on. We can still reach the contested territories from Anatellia on top of finding out whatever we can while we're there."

Snype thought about the choices again after listening to Zai. "But what if Darkrai's agents somehow slay the king of Karn? We would be in for some hell if that happened..." Snype said.

"Then he would rule Tollen just like that." Callimer cut in. "But if there's one thing I learned from our first-hand run-in with Darkrai, it's that he won't just do whatever he can to take the king as fast as possible. If that was the case he could have killed the king already many times I'm sure, since we know he can be where he pleases now. And if he isn't going to use his full might against them I'm sure Karn can hold out for now, on the other hand Anatellia already has a faction that seems to willingly give him their allegiance spreading and growing stronger. And someone who willingly gives themselves over to Darkrai gives him and recieves for themselves much more power than simply being corrupted, if his agents are any indication. And, if we can get help from other legendaries as Zai mentioned, it will help us much more than any military might."

"...Damnit you're right... he could have destroyed the three of us in our first encounter. Even after screwing over his plans I was still spared. Its a big game to him." Snype said as he stood up. "In that case, Anatellia has my vote. Getting assistance from other legendaries would be extremely helpful... I would like to learn a few things about them myself." Snype would state.

Guardia nodded during the deliberations, and decided to chime in. "I will say one thing," She lifted her paw and pointed to her scar which traveled across the side of her face and down her cheek and shoulder. "If there's one 'mon even Darkrai will have trouble taking out, it's the Emperor of Karn. He's easily one of the strongest 'mon I ever ran into. He gave me this little beauty the last time we had our, as he put it, 'friendly spar'. And as far as Darkrai attacking them, if Gold City has lasted this long so far, you can bet Karn can too. They don't have strategy as much, but they're the toughest 'mon in the world."

Kaveri's brow furrowed. "I get your point, bro, but even if Karn holds out, they're still gonna lose a lotta 'mon between now and then. And the longer we take to get there, the more 'mon they'll lose, and the longer it'll take them to rebuild their country before they're able to do anything to help us." Crossing her arms, she leaned back, her decision still set on Karn.

"Gah... also a fair point..." Snype said, getting mixed between the two choices now. Helping Karn would assist Valkaria greatly. This was a difficult decision for the King of Thieves. On the other hand... expanding his thieves into Karn would be much easier in comparison to Anatellia...

"Why bother trying to find a legendary to help, when we potentially have one right here?" Penance asked with a shrug.

"What?" Thomas asked the Golduck. "Where is this legendary?"

"What are you talking about, Penance?" Guardia asked as well. She wondered what insanity the Madman had concocted now.

Penance let out a weak sigh, "Back at Anatellia I found something. Originally I thought it was one of those old storybooks, something like a play. I needed confirming evidence, and I got it." He frowned as he sat back down on the table, "Legendaries aren't just born into the world. Originally, there is a normal mon, someone who is normal at least. If a legendary is needed, that mon can ascend to godhood. In essence, they are given the powers of a specific legendary. I think that is what Gabe is. Now that I look more into it, it makes sense."

He chuckled a bit, "Darkrai isn't Gabe. Gabe was originally Gabe, then one day he is handed the mantle of Darkrai. Most likely because the Darkrai before him perished or what not. It's why we are searching for Cresselia now. In the books it stated Cresselia died. Now in this day and age, a new mon has been given Cresselia's mantle. She, or he, would look like a normal mon, but just like Darkrai, will be able to switch between their normal form or that of looking like the fabled legendary. It's how she's escaped detection from Darkrai for so long. He doesn't know what her other form is."

He nodded over at Zai. "Gabe also kept his power very close to him. Just like Zai is doing with that necklace. Either her story is true, and she just got lucky with being given that necklace... or... " He said as he gestured with his hands, "What else could it mean? Anyone want to take a guess?"

"You saying Zai is Cresselia? If that's it then that may be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life." Snype said.

"No." Penance stated, "But... another legendary isn't out of the question."

Snype winced a bit. That actually did make sense but it still seemed a little silly to Snype... but... it was a viable theory.

Zai burst into laughter, unable to control herself for the moment. "Me? A legendary? Now isn't that flattering. I'm afraid I'm nothing of the sort, though I admit that would be pretty intense."

"Penance, enough wondering, considering Darkrai's been growing more and more powerful one legendary, at least one besides Cresselia might not be enough against him anyways. What is your vote for where we go next?" Cal was growing impatient and eager to make a decision.

"Anatellia." The duck said flatly to the dragon. "I will head there because the message dictated that was where they were going. And even if Zai isn't a legendary, she has a means to contact one." He said as he smirked, "That necklace could potentially net us an ally or two if she isn't one, so it's win win there." He looked back at Zai, "As to the theory though.... if you are that, it could be that you haven't shown yourself for many reasons. Fearing Darkrai will kill you before you can get enough power, probably not being powerful enough, etc. But it's apparent. You have to be protected at all costs."

It was evident that Zai was trying quite hard to hold back her laughter.

"I think I agree with Snype," Guardia stated with a shake of her head. "Zai is not a legendary, that's ridiculous."

"But, that doesn't mean the necklace couldn't still be useful to us." Cal made sure to add in.

Annabelle had been ignoring the conversation. Instead she had been occupied in her thoughts, going back and forth between their possible next location. What would be best? What would be the most beneficial in the end? After the events in Tollen, the answer seemed clear to Anna, though her colleagues answers did make her doubt herself. She was outvoted and her decision was not likely to count. Still...

"I vote Beatruce. After what happened here in Tollen I believe that now it's more important for us to visit them. Before I was worried about what would happened to our numbers if we contracted the plague and that is still true, but I suspect that the sickness pervading the country may be the same if not similar to what Darkrai placed here in Tollen. Darkrai used The Reckoning as a tool to instill fear and anger in the Tollenians for his own purpose. That plague started and ended here, luckily, but the people of Beatruce are still suffering. If this is part of Darkrai's plan either to weaken the countries or gain control of them, then an entire country to himself would be an enormous threat to us and our allies, both present and in the future. I acknowledge that the group in Anatellia may prove to be an issue, but their small numbers compared to the whole of a country does not make them a priority in my eyes. After what we've done here in Tollen and what we could do in Beatruce I'm confident that we could provide the evidence to encourage the people to rise above this cult and squash their plans. Or, if that's doesn't work, take use of what support we have to lower their control. And also..." Annabelle paused for a moment. "Our mission is not only to get help from our neighboring country to prevail in the battle against Darkrai, but to end his influence and that suffering he's caused permanently. To abandon a country weakened by sickness likely by Darkrai's doing is not fulfilling that goal. We have to focus not just on strategy, but on the betterment of this world as a whole. Strategically, with the armies they possess and the information they may contain, Karn and Anatellia will always prevail over Beatruce, especially when we consider the risks to our parties. I don't believe Beatruce can wait that long.

"Finding a cure won't be easy, but I believe after the Tollenians' experience they could help us find the resolution to this issue. At the very least, they could tell us more about the disease and how to spread it. It comes at a great risk, but the reward is great, failing could possibly be greater. I understand waiting to visit the country at a later date, but I cannot with an honest heart vote against it."

Sylvio was scratching the back of his ear with his wand, looking sideways at the Mareep; he had gone silent for the most part, listening to what was being said intently, but preferring to keep his ideas to himself up until now. "The plague does seem to be an urgent matter," the Delphox said quietly, and without much of his usual hearty pep, "but Karn has the means with which Valkaria might be saved: the strongest army. All those whose homeland is Valkaria would concur that, their country is of top priority. Beatruce seems to think the same way, if I may point out, by focusing on their own problems; electing where to go next depending on your feelings and not your country's best interests is folly. I vote for Karn."

"If it's any concern at all, while I appreciate and partially agree with both Sylvio and Beatruce, I wish to cast my vote for Anatellia as well," Thomas stated. "Lord Arron suggested that legendaries may be present, and furthermore, there is a good chance whoever sent that message to the Psychics is also in Anatellia."

After hearing everyone's suggestions, there seemed to be a slight majority. Guardia personally didn't want to go to this next location, as it housed the weakest Gold Tribe influence of all of the countries, but she understood its benefits. She sighed and nodded her head. "Well, looks like our choice is made. We leave for Fort Ferrol within the hour. From there, we'll resupply, recover, and get ready for our next stop: Anatellia."

Snype and Guardia - Fort Ferrol

After returning to Fort Ferrol, Snype left on his own to focus on updating his thieves. He wanted to make this update a personal one via letter which would explain everything that had happened, along with his recent expansion into Tollen. To top it off, there was a second letter as well. Snype was with Two Ninjask. One of them being Able, the leader of the Ninjask Network. The three were by the watch tower since he didn't want too much attention drawn over to him. The first letter was all set and ready to go but Snype seemed to still be writing the second one meant for Able. "Almost finished Able. I just wanna add some more details..." Snype said. Able gave off a huff.

"Comoonnn Snype! This one is taking twice as long! Just what how much detail do you need?" Able said impatiently.

"Yeah Snype, just how much detail do you need?" Guardia repeated from behind the pair. She had tailed the two of them after they moved from the rest of the group. Needless to say, with all the secrets he and Penance were harboring, she wasn't in a very trusting mood. She crossed her arms and glared down at the Sableye.

Snype looked up at Guardia and blinked. "...Nosey aren't cha? Kehehe. A guy can't write something back home? If you wanna write back to Valkaria you're totally free to use my network. At least Darkrai won't take these little guys over. Kehe" Snype said.

"Give it time, he just might," Guardia spat back. "Who're you writing to? Your thieves back in the forest?" She asked a bit curiously. "How're they holding up?"

Snype nodded. "Yeah writing back to them. They're still helping out the folks in Valkaria however they can and still managing the portion of the Ninjask Network I left behind. I just gotta keep them updated on what's going on at our side of things... Last I was notified, Darkrai's around the forest borders. Not that I'm worried about them breaking through anytime soon. Keheheh. They'll get trapped if they try anything stupid." Snype said confidently.

Guardia nodded. "Yeah I remember getting lost there a few times myself. That forest is crazy strange. I still don't know how you guys pull that stuff off..." She scratched the back of her head, and hesitated for a moment. "But remember, the Silver Tribe got through the forest before... I just want you to prepare. He'll be coming for all of us soon enough."

"Psh. The only reason the Silver Tribe got through is because I led them through it. The forest is alot more complicated then just "knowing the way". I've done research on it and I still don't know exactly what's up." Snype explained, hesitating for a moment as well after saying that. "...So they're probably just screwing with the thieves because Darkrai's troops could have broken in by now otherwise. I'd say its pretty safe in there for now. If it wasn't so surrounded I'd offer it as a refuge honestly..." Snype said, glancing down to the letter he was writing.

Guardia nodded. She had to hand it to Snype. He seemed to have his bases covered. And he appreciated it quite a lot that he was offering support to refugees into the forest. It was still quite remarkable to her how he managed to make such a change to the way he was, even if he was a bit shady. Guardia still had her problems with how things were being handled. She knew better than to underestimate Darkrai, even with regards to the Thieves forest. But she decided not to bring it up for now. Snype had enough problems on his plate, she figured.

"Makes sense, I guess. So... how're you feeling?" She asked, trying to be casual, though there was an ulterior motive behind the question.

"Well I'm still feeling that slap to the face from before but other then that, pretty good. Kehe" Snype said with a small chuckle. "Why do ya ask? Concerned? Kehe"

Guardia protested with a shake of her paws. "No, no! Well..." He voice trailed off for a second and she paused. "... maybe a bit. I'm worried about the three of you. Obsidian, Cal and you. After facing Darkrai. I mean, we probably got any of his influence out... maybe? But the bracelet is just one, small object of Cresselia's power. How do we know everything is out? You went up against Darkrai himself, after all."

Snype looked down again, reading over his letter as he pondered for a moment. Able and the other Ninjask were just sitting there silently. "...To be fair I've kinda worried about that too. Like I said, I touched that vial and had a hell of an experience. Not my smartest move but I'm surprised I didn't get any other side effects out of that." Snype said, sitting down and crossing his legs. "You uh... don't think he got a little bit in me do ya? I don't wanna have some kinda weird alter ego inside of me..." Snype said a bit concerned.

Guardia sat down and shrugged her shoulders. "To be honest, I don't really know. But I just don't get it. At least Cal and Obsidian had some of Darkrai's corruption to be taken out by the bracelet. When Alex moved it over you, nothing happened. Why didn't it react? I just don't get it."

Snype rubbed his shoulder, looking down at his letter and started to fold it. "...Can't say for sure. Cal and Obsidian were in the fight longer then me but I still took a heavy hit. Heck I'm the one that decided to attack him. Just out of impulse. Kehe. Maybe I deserved that slap for doing something so dumb." Snype said with a sigh. "Guess I thought he'd kill us there. Figured I may as well die fighting."

"'Mon died for less," Guardia said to console Snype. She could see he was under a lot of stress, so pressing the issue wouldn't make him feel any better. But she knew that he had the vial with him for a while, and touched it. Even if he hadn't been fighting Gabriel as long as Obsidian or Callimer, he had definitely been around his influence. Guardia had a feeling there was something nasty lurking behind all of this. She didn't believe he got off the hook that easily. "Going out against a legendary isn't the worst way to go. So at least you have that to be prideful about!"

Snype looked up at Guardia and gave a playful nudge. "Keheh, and to Darkrai too! Oh boy that'd be quite a tale...haha." Snype said as he placed the second mystery letter into the envelope and handed it to Able.

"Yeah, something you could share to all your thief buddies," Guardia replied with a small grin. "The King of Thieves versus the Dark One... I'd listen to that tale..." She noticed the second letter and raised an eyebrow. "So the first one is to the thieves, where's the second one going? Kinda strange to send two letters to the same general location."

Snype turned back to Guardia. "Kehe, the second one is a more personal letter. First one is just commands and updates. Kehe." Snype explained.

"Personal, huh?" Guardia repeated as she examined Snype with suspicion. "To who, your sick grandma? Or are you still with that Jolteon girl back in the day? What was her name... Lenora? Lydia? Levina! That was it!"

Snype turned and blushed at hearing Levina's name. That was quite a phase he went through back then. "I-I wasn't "with her" to begin with! T-that was a phase!" Snype said embarrassed.

Guardia opened her eyes wider and grinned. "What's this? You're embarrassed now? You really did like her, didn't you?"

"N-no! I mean... n-no! We wouldn't be compatible in the first place!" Snype said, his face a bit red. At least this was distracting from the letter. He was still legit embarrassed though.

"Why not? She too pushy for you?" Guardia laughed at Snype embarrassment. "You're such a freak! Now I know why you get such a kick out of pushing my buttons all the time. So? Seen her lately?"

Snype crossed his arms. "...Yeah she still helps out around the forest. We chat every so often. Still as pushy as ever. Kehe...I guess we did try a thing at one point but it got kinda awkward... don't ask." Snype said with a blush.

"Bad break-up, huh?" Guardia questioned and crossed her arms. "Yeah, probably for the best. I couldn't see you being tied down to someone. That's not what a King of Thieves would do."

Snype grinned. "Keheh, yeah. Hey I sometimes spend some time here and there. Being the King of thieves means I'm an automatic chick magnet. Kehe! Works pretty well I'd think!" Snype said, giving Guardia a wink. He gave a small laugh afterwards.

"Not as well as you think," Guardia replied with a shake of her head and a roll of her eyes.


"Ha don't be so modest! I'd like to think I'm a pretty darn attractive fella! Don't they like tell stories in Gold City about me or somethin? I gotta have some fans in there or something!" Snype said.

"Most of the stories I hear are about how you're a despicable scoundrel, or you're a low-life criminal," Guardia teased and shrugged. "But then again, most of the 'mon I hang out with nowadays are Gold Tribe."

"Heh, well that figures! I'm sure civilians tell some fun stories about me! Bed time stories to scare the kiddies to sleep or something! "Be nice! Or Snype will come and get ya!" Kehehe~" Snype said.

"Yeah, something like that," Guardia stated as she got up, and pointed a finger toward a tree mockingly, as if there was a child 'mon there. "Don't get into trouble or Snype will kidnap you and take you to the evil forest!"

"Kehehe! Ahhh that's golden!... Pun unintended. If you settle down with a cute mon and have kids you should totally tell them that. Kehe!" Snype said

"Bah, kids," Guardia shook her head at the very thought. "I can't imagine settling down like that. I have no idea how my dad did, or his dad before that. I think my line might just end with me," She stated with a shrug.

Snype frowned at Guardia. "Hey anything can happen Guardia. Love is a pretty darn weird thing... That special someone could be closer then you think for all we know. Kehe." Snype said. "...Sableye live for a pretty darn long time so I don't expect to kick the bucket but if it happens, I wouldn't mind continuing the thief lifeline. If it happens then I spose it'll happen. Kehehe course we should probably take out Darkrai before thinking so far ahead eh?" Snype smiled up at Guardia.

Guardia shrugged. "There's no way I'd want to bring a kid into the world the way it is now. Maybe after, maybe... nah, still don't think it's my thing," She concluded with a chuckle.

"Kehe, if ya say so Guardia!" Snype said with a laugh. "heheh.. Just got out of a fight with Darkrai and here I am having a casual conversation." Snype said with a small laugh. Able gave off a huff.

"Hey uh boss? Are we gonna go send out this letter or are we gonna keep listening to you two talk about having kids?" Able said teasingly. Snype blushed at the way that was worded.

"A-ABLE! Seriously? Did you have to say it like that?!" Snype shouted.

Guardia snapped up as soon as it was mentioned. "Yeeaah, that's probably my cue," She stated and proceeded away. "I'd better go prepare packing. You should too when you're done... with whatever," She turned away swiftly and began to storm away.

"G-Guardia hold on! Gah... Dammit Able!" Snype shouted to her.

"Look you may be the boss but I'm a busy girl. You ready or what? Any longer and she'd ask more questions you know?" Able asked.

"Yeah yeah! Just send them and make it back here. I'm still gonna need you later." Snype said as he headed off as well. He had to make some preparations as well.

A figure crept furtively towards the Gold Tribe's quarters, only a short while left before the sun would begin to rise and the Pokemon living in Fort Ferrol would start about their days. The figure paused in the shadows beneath one of the windows, glancing about surreptitiously before cautiously raising itself up to peer inside. Once it had confirmed there was no one there, it gave one last look around to make sure no one was watching before digging sharp claws into the side of the building and clambering its way up. It would pause to listen at the next window it passed, just in case there was anyone up and talking...

Wait, what was she doing? Silence let out an audible sigh and carefully lowered herself back down to the ground, not even bothering to silence the scraping of her claws against the wall now. The Weavile had arrived in Fort Ferrol only a few days previous under the guise of a 'mon fleeing the spreading war. She was only one of many, so she wasn't given a second glance - well, perhaps her numerous scars had aroused some suspicion, but they had more pressing worries with the flood of refugees entering the Fort and she was soon forgotten.

Silence had intended to meet with those who were hunting Cresselia, but she'd arrived too late and her only option had been to wait. She'd been annoyed at first, but luckily she was used to waiting. Often it took some patience on her part before she was able to kill her targets silently and quickly... Though this time she wasn't here to kill a target - for now, anyways.

In the mean time, she'd learned as much about the group as she could through chatty waiters and citizens of the Fort who had been there when the group arrived. And it seemed there were some very important 'mon among them indeed, including the leader of the Gold Tribe and the King of Thieves. The Gold Tribe was expected - but Silence was just a bit surprised to hear that the Thieves were working with them. But, times such as these did have a way of forcing enemies to work together - as her presence here proved.

Silence had decided that it would probably be the better option to approach the Gold Tribe before the Thieves. She wasn't certain how much Snype knew of her and her deeds, but in case he did know of her, she felt it would be wise to have someone at least somewhat on her side in case things took a turn for the worse. This led her to her current situation. She'd thought perhaps she would get inside quietly and get a look at these possible "allies"... but if she were to be caught skulking about, that wouldn't work in her favor - which is why she was now standing in front of the door instead of creeping up the side of the building.

She scowled at the door irritably, as if it was to blame for her having to act "cordial" (we'll see how that goes), contemplating whether or not she should fling it open. Hmm... nah. She'd wait - the sun would be rising soon, and if the Gold Tribers were any kind of warriors, they'd probably follow it before long. So Silence backed into the shadows of a nearby building, leaning against its wall with her arms crossed as she stared at the Gold Tribe's quarters, waiting for someone or another to come out.

Snype and Charlie: Catching up

Snype would wander around the fort aimlessly, still as bored as ever while waiting to move on. All of the other Pokemon were busy so it left Snype with very little to do. All he was left to do was wait it out. That or bug all of the others anyways.

...or of course, get bugged by the others. Charlie had made a habit of stopping off and relaxing at the moat's edge, and he had quickly reclaimed that spot of his upon their return from Tollen. As Boss was on his way by, he raised one claw, albeit wordlessly, in a casual greeting - in spite of the fact he hadn't even seen the Sableye since he got back. It was up to Snype if he had anything to say Charlie needed to hear.

As he walked by the moat, Snype indeed noticed Charlie sitting by the edge. "Charlie? Kehe. Didn't think you made it back!" Snype said as he walked on over to him. "Keheh... guess you really did your best to keep a low profile back there huh? Haven't seen you in awhile." Snype said.

"Call it a low profile... I actually call it gettin' caught." Charlie chuckled. "They caught a wind 'a me, so I figured I better split before I dragged the heat yer way. Still, kept causin' a lil' hell for 'em, kept the heat offa ya, right?"

"Heheh, was wondering why things felt so easy there. Kehe" Snype said with a grin. "But hey! Where were ya when those Royal Knights were on my ass? Coulda used a hand there!" Snype said giving Charlie a playful nudge.

"F*ck knows. All I hear is some sh*t's gone down an' by the time I get there it's all over." Charlie rolled his eyes, mockingly. "Their ain't no pleasin' ya, is there?"

"Kehe, apparently not! You can be a real pain in my ass but hey at least you can get it done." Snype said with a laugh.

Charlie shrugged. "'Course I get sh*t done. That's why ya got me here. Ya wanna give me a quick rundown 'a what went down out there? I don't like bein' outta the loop, an' lord knows I was outta it enough when I was actually with ya."

Snype crossed his legs and sat down. "Hrm... well... I'll try to sum it up as best as I can. Kehehe." Snype said. He'd begin to explain what had happened after Charlie had split up. His infiltration into Gabe's room, the Dark Vial containing the poison that Gabe planned on using on the Queen, his near death encounter with Commander Tyren, and how Gabe was proven a fake at the Banquet.

"...After all that it turned out Gabe was Darkrai himself. Had a face to face encounter with him and everything. Funny enough I didn't seem to get any of Darkrai's... whatever inside of me unlike Cal or Obsidian." Snype explained.

"Nah, I don't think I'd wanna get Darkrai's stuff inside 'a me either. Don't swing that way." Charlie chuckled weakly. As he'd listened, he once again felt like he had gotten himself in over his head and his attempts to dismiss it with a joke hadn't really worked. "So, sh*t's pretty real then..."

"Heh... yeah. I'm pretty concerned why I wasn't affected by Darkrai... but I'm not broken yet so nothing that's worth fixing. Keheh... so I won't let it get over my head... so uh... how've you been feeling lately eh?" Snype asked.

"Well, world's goin' ta sh*t, I ain't ever welcome in Tollen again, an' if I remember right, while I was there, my boss decided he was gonna smack me around a lil'. So, ya know, time 'a my life." Charlie said sarcastically.

Snype frowned. "Tsk... yeah sorry about that. The first day in Tollen was pretty darn stressful. New territory and trying to keep my identity and all. Kehe... I'd let ya get a free hit on me but I kinda like not being cut apart." Snype said with grin.

"Besides, I'm sure you'll be welcome back in Tollen. Forgot to mention, I expanded our little group up to Tollen... we're affiliated with the brotherhood. Not the same brotherhood as before though. They'll be doing more honest work this time around. Kehe..." Snype said.

"Yeah, well it weren't cool." Charlie shook his head. "an' as fer the 'hood, ya don't see a Zebstrika change it's spots, do ya? 'Sides, don't think I really care 'bout goin' back ta Tollen anyway. I'm thinkin' when this is all over I might go back ta Gold City. Kinda felt home-y. I mean, I ain't gonna stop workin' with us, we got a stake out there, but... eh, I dunno."

Snype grinned. "Gold City huh? Heh... well I won't be against that. Surprised you wanna head back there. Homesick or somethin?" Snype said.

"Thinkin' just a lil'. I mean, I had my old crew back there an' all, even if they're all rottin' in cells now. Grew up learnin' how ta rot with the Goldies too." Charlie smirked. He'd never really talked about his old crew, mostly because he was the one that got them all locked up. "...It ain't important though. Guess we gotta save the world 'fore we start thinkin' 'bout what we're gonna do once it's all safe again."

"Yeah... Darkrai is kinda getting in the way of alot of things... keheh... but at the same time..." Snype paused and spoke a bit quieter.. "...this is pretty bad of me to say, but Darkrai has made expanding the thieves easier then ever.

Charlie gave Snype a very, very quizzical look before responding in an equally hushed tone. "Yeah, I guess people dyin' left an' right's good fer business. Don't mean I gotta like it, but I guess we're just takin' the chances as they come ta us..." He really didn't see it as badly as if they were killing people themselves, but at the same time, it still didn't sit right with him.

"...man when ya say it like that it just makes me feel bad about it but comon! All of these chances to travel around the world and meet new allies. Once we deal with Darkrai our thieves will be everywhere. Kehe." Snype said with a smirk. "Course Guardia is onto me... but whats she gonna do? Follow me around like a mother and make sure I don't do anything like that? Keheh..." Snype said with a small chuckle.

"Y' ain't afraid a' that old b*tch catchin' ya. I can tell ya that fer nothin'." Charlie chuckled heartily. "I mean, c'mon, she couldn't catch the guy doin' crook deals under the table fer a whole year!"

Snype smirked at Charlie. "Haha, she still doesn't know about the secret hideouts I got down there. Kehe! I do love giving her hints though! Make someone think too much and they forget what's important. Kehe! I tricked her into giving me a hug because she was desperate to know about our plan! Shoulda seen the look on her face! Kehe!"

"Was it anythin' like the look I got from her when I told her she had a 'fine ass'? I didn't mean it, 'a course, but she didn't have no idea what the hell she could say back!" Still, Charlie did take a second to stop and think. "Yer not givin' her hints she can actually use, right?"

"Hah! Of course not! Besides, what could she do? Especially when we've expanded so far out! If we get booted from Gold City we still have several other outlets! If the thieves die in Valkaria, they'll continue strong in the rest of the world! Kehe!" Snype said confidently.

"That's pretty... uh, casual of ya boss. If the thieves die in Valkaria, that's hundreds or more 'a us locked up ta rot." Charlie's tone seemed to be a bit more grave. With what he'd just mentioned, the Thieves dying in Valkaria... well, that'd include Charlie.

Snype shook his head. "Sorry came off a bit blunt there. Kehe. We aren't goin anywhere. Not while I'm alive. I've got everything figured out." Snype said with a wink. "Of course, that's AFTER we deal with Darkrai. Then we can focus on enforcing the thieves. Keheh..." Snype said with a grin. "Eheh... well, not enforce like take over! We'll just be alot stronger then before." Snype said.

"Yer talkin' funny." Charlie said, without a hint of irony in his voice. "Well, ya got me behind ya, Boss, either way. Long as I got a free life... an' that what I get with ya."

"Kehe, hey it works out!" Snype said with a grin. "Heh... well I should probably get goin then. Gotta look for Able to make sure she delivered my message back to the thieves. After that... well I'll figure it out. Kehe" Snype said.

"Well, ya need me, boss, ya know where I am. Give it nine-ta-five odds I ain't gonna have nowhere important ta go." Charlie shrugged. "Thanks fer catchin' us up with everythin'."

"Kehe, hey no problem. Just watch your ass out here and I'll watch mine. Kehe" Snype said with a chuckle.

Snype would continue making his round by the Fort. Boredom was quickly overtaking him... Snype figured he'd find a bench and just take a nap or something. At least until somebody came by and woke him up... he usually didn't nap in any of the buildings anyways. He was more used to sleeping in tents or just anywhere that looked comfy. Such is the life of a thief. Snype sat down beside one of the buildings and just decided to take a nap, arms and legs crossed. He prepared Detect just incase, even though the fort was more or less pretty safe.

The building the King of Thieves had decided to nap beside happened to be quite close to the one Silence was lurking next to, and when the Weavile took her gaze away from the Gold Tribe's quarters for a brief moment, she caught sight of him. It took a moment for her to recognize him - it had been quite awhile since she'd seen the King of Thieves - but what other Sableye would be out and about here? Though really, sleeping out in the open like this? Just what the hell did he think he was doing?

Silence cast a glance toward the still-silent Gold Tribe's quarters, then back to Snype. Well, it didn't seem as if anyone from the Gold Tribe would be coming around too soon, and the King of Thieves was right in front of her. Might as well get this over with, hmm? She left the cover of the shadows and strode over to the Sableye. "Someone's rather relaxed for being one of the most wanted criminals in all of Valkaria, eh? I suppose getting in good with the Gold Tribe must have that effect."

Snype's eyes snapped open when he heard the nearby voice. He sat up and rubbed one of his eyes, looking over to the Weavile. "Kehe... yeah well as long as Darkrai's up and about, being wanted isn't too big of a deal. Kehe" Snype said with a chuckle. "Heheh, or maybe its because I'm way too darn charming for them to just turn in. Kehe" Snype said jokingly.

"Oh, yes, I'm sure you've just got everyone falling head-over-heels for you, makin' 'em forget everything you've ever done in favor of your amazingness," Silence said sarcastically before letting out a snort. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Snype raised a brow. The heck kinda reply was that? It almost sounded like she was referring to him there... at least before he became the King of Thieves. "...The heck are you on abou-" Snype paused and looked over the Weavile top and bottom. When he caught notice of her bright blue feather. There was only one Weavile he knew that had that. Snype quickly tensed up.

Silence just smirked as she noted that he'd finally recognized her. Hmph, if it weren't for her current need for both him and the Gold Tribe right now, she'd probably have gone for his head by now... "Pleasure to see you again King," she spat. "Been enjoying the little gifts I've left you? I'm rather proud of them myself."

Snype sat up and stepped toward Silence. "Hrmph. I bet you are. Wasn't enough to just leave us, but you had to go after the rest of my men as well. What brings you all the way out here? Wanna tangle with the King himself or something? Or do you need some kinda favor?" Snype said angrily.

Silence waved a hand dismissively, staring him down with a sneer. "Calm your gems. I'm not here to tussle. I heard tell that you lot were searching for Cresselia, and I've got the same goal."

Snype blinked. "Heh. Guess that wouldn't surprise me. Darkrai's been interfering with just about everyone..." Snype crossed his arms and turned away. There were alot of things he wanted to say toward Silence right now but he didn't want to go off making a scene. He had to keep level headed... "Gah... well I guess we've had crazier allies with us. You can't be any worse then Penance I spose." Snype said with a lot of distaste in his voice.

"Glad we're able to see eye-to-eye on this," Silence said with a nod, completely shrugging off the tone he spoke with.

"Tsk. Dosn't mean I gotta like it, Silence." Snype said bluntly. "Don't think I'm going to let you scott free for killing my thieves. "Snype turned around, stepped forward and looked up at the Weavile. "What the hell's your problem anyways? Someone rub you off the wrong way? Didn't like how things worked in our little home? Or did you just decide to do it for kicks and piss me off?" Snype said.

Silence let out a bitter laugh at his guesses, one even hitting at least a bit close to home, then her smirk dropped and she glared down at Snype. "I wonder," she said flatly, leaving it at that without bothering to give him a proper reply. "Don't think I'll be enjoying this... 'alliance' anymore than you will. I'm doing it out of necessity. Nothing more."

"Hrmph. Guess you'll have more room to screw with us when he's gone huh?" Snype said with a sneer as he stared her in the eye. "Keheh. Guess we'll just have to see what Guardia thinks then. What's your pitch gonna be? Cause you sure as hell aren't gonna have me as a job reference." Snype said.

Silence shrugged. "I expected as much. I won't need it, though. I have particular... skills none of you do. And I'm willing to go distances none of you are to do what needs to be done. Certainly you don't think you're going to be able to get through your entire journey with nothing but happy faces and friendly words." She raised a brow condescendingly. "I suppose I'm what you would call a 'necessary evil'."

"Bold claim from someone I haven't met in about twenty years. I've found work arounds to worse situations, just like in Tollen. A little strategy can go a long way from avoiding bloodshed. Don't expect to have much of a chance in the next place we're going." Snype said, giving her a hard poke on the belly. That was about as close as he could reach anyways.

Silence slapped Snype's hand away with a scowl. "Hands off unless you wanna lose 'em."

"Ohh scary. Can't break off a ghosts hands genius." Snype said as he held up his his hands and wiggled his claws tauntingly.

Silence shrugged. "It wouldn't be the first time. Anything is possible with the right means."

"Keh. Oh yeah?" Snype's eyes gave off a glimmer and his frown quickly formed into a smirk. Snype poked Silence on the belly again, pressing alot harder this time. He was attempting to test her patience. An important thing to have on this quest. "Guess ya might be right. Keheh"

Silence frowned and leaned down closer to his face. "If I didn't wanna get in good with this here group, those little grabbies of yours would be gone by now. And once this is all said and done, they will be - plus a few other parts," she growled. "Hands off."

"Keheh, what was that? Couldn't hear ya... guess that'd where you got your name from. Keheh..." Snype said as he leaned toward Silence, rather uncomfortably close to her face. He poked harder at her. "Kehe... I like having all my parts right where they are but you're almost as fun to mess with as Guardia!"

Silence's scowl deepened as her claws took on a dark aura. "Difference is, I'm not that wimp of a Gold Tribe leader. I make good on my threats."

"And you're nowhere near as patient as her it seems. Kehe..." Snype said as he looked down at her claws. Snype's claw would stop poking into her so hard and start to move up, flicking her right on the nose!

"Keh, I'm sure that'd win you some points in coming along with us eh?" Snype said, sticking out his tongue. Silence let out a growl as she swiped at Snype, at least to get him to back off. Snype's eyes gave off another sharp shine, Snype swiftly dodged the claw attack and used that chance to use his leg and sweep at Silence's feet.

Silence leaped up and forward, towards Snype with her claws glowing purple with a Poison Jab. Bastard wanted to fight? Fine.

Snype held up his arm and took the Poison jab, feeling the impact of the attack. "Gah..." Snype held out his arm and formed a dark orb of energy. He'd use Shadow Ball in response to throw it at her point blank.

Silence didn't have time to dodge the attack, so she crossed her arms in front of her. She grunted as it hit, pushing her back just the slightest, then charged up an orb of her own. The Focus Blast would be useless against the Sableye directly, so she instead aimed it at the ground at his feet so that the explosion would throw him off.

Snype held up his arm to cover his eyes from the dust. his perception would allow him to see through the dirt better then usual at least. Snype prepared to use Foul Play against Silence, surrounding Snype in a dark arua and propelling him right toward her to land a good jab right to the chest.

Up from another building, hidden by the shadows, another mon silently watched the battle going on. On the one hand, having to sit there for hours upon end to keep his eyes upon the king of thieves was one silly little thing. But this was something else. If he stepped out to help, then he was sure he was going to get a firm talking to. But... if he didn't...

Obsidian could only sigh to himself as he set his pack down and pulled out a small pouch as well as some string, "Well Snype, you're not in charge of me while I'm here." He muttered to himself. He stood up, stretching his legs, as he calmly made his way to the edge of the roof and called on down, "Hey! Need some help down there?"

The attack hit Silence directly in the chest... and then Silence simply vanished. Using the dust as a cover, Silence had created a Substitute of herself, which is what Snype had hit. The real Silence had used Agility to get behind him, and was now aiming a Poison Jab at his back before leaping back. Her torn ear twitched at an unfamiliar voice, her glare flicking briefly to the other Weavile then back to Snype. An ally of his? ...Gah, she was supposed to be here making them her allies. Claws lowering slightly though still in a defense stance, she sent Snype a purely phony smile. "No worries, just a friendly tussle between old friends. Ain't that right, Snype?"

Snype looked back at Silence, noticing she had stopped her attack. Snype wondered what the heck he was doing... losing his cool over this girl? He had bigger enemies to worry about. He kept himself in a defensive stance nonetheless. "...Keheh... yeah...just having a bit of a reunion that's all... turns out she wants to join us on our little quest... Just wanted to test her patience and skill... kehehe... been awhile after all..." Snype said with a smirk.

Obsidian slowly looked among the two, "You know, it's funny." He started out, "When mon don't think anyone else is listening, they talk about the most crazy of things." He crouched down and stared at the two, and then slowly rose, "Necessary evils are required after all. Isn't that right?" He asked them as he walked up the roof and sat back down, "Death is like two scorned lovers after all."

Snype blinked at Obsidian. "...sorry thought I was talking to Obsidian not Penance. Then again I already have that duck constantly creeping on me as is. Either way, we both let off our steam. What's up anyways? Watching me? Seriously? Ugh." Snype said, growing a little frustrated.

Obsidian didn't say anything for a bit, "... I'm saying this because I do like you. Next time, choose an open field with no trees in it." He stood up and made his way back to the shadowy part of the roof, vanishing into his cover rather easily.

"Ah-" Before Snype could say anything Obsidian was already gone. He felt that was a bit out of line... He at least trusted Obsidian to not do something crazy to him. "Man..." Snype said with a sigh before looking to Silence with a frown.

Silence's gaze flicked between the two a few times as they spoke back and forth, eyeing Snype with a smirk as the other Weavile left. "Under watch, eh? Seems you're not completely trusted," she snickered, then brushed past him. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've apparently got a Gold Tribe leader to dig up if I wanna get in on this gig."

"Tsk... she's not too far from here. Shouldn't be difficult to spot. Zangoose with a scar but I'm sure you know that much." Snype said as he turned away as well. "I won't be the only one being watched though. If you get out of line then your ass is grass." Snype said with a huff.

Guardia and Silence - The Contract - Fort Ferrol

"Arceus damn it," Guardia cursed under her breath as she walked past a group of villagers. She acted as if she were patrolling across the docks of Fort Ferrol, but essentially what she had been doing was wandering aimlessly, killing time before everyone would be ready to go the next day to Anatellia. She didn't get to do much fighting, so she wasn't injured or in need of recovering. Raz, Cal, Abel, and Penance, however, whether they cared to admit it or not, had been fighting nonstop for days. They needed to be at top shape. Having already planned all they could for the unpredictable unknown nation, she had little else to do.

Since her little "chat" with Snype, Silence had taken to wandering Fort Ferrol in search of the Gold Tribe leader, sticking to the shadows of buildings and any shrubbery out of habit. She'd checked nearly every area of the fort, and still no sign of the blasted Zangoose... The only spot left to scour was the docks.

It seemed luck was finally favoring her when she saw a Zangoose with a scar on its face pacing about, "patrolling". Well, she was lucky to find her, anyways... Now to see if that luck would stay with her the rest of the way through this. Silence walked over and stopped in front of Guardia to get the Gold Tribe leader's attention. "Guardia, right?"

Guardia stopped in her tracks and looked over the Weavile who had blocked her path. Being that there were a lot of new faces around Fort Ferrol, Guardia couldn't say she recognized her immediately. The odd thing was, she didn't look like any refugee. Not by a long shot. The Zangoose crossed her arms. "Who's asking?"

Silence took that as a yes... "Silence Quickslash." She couldn't very well expect to join them if she didn't at least give her name. "I'm here to join your little expedition."

"Are you now?" Guardia asked skeptically. She took a moment to glance up and down Silence's features. "Where are you from? Are you in any faction?"

Silence shrugged. "Here 'n' there. Only have myself to my name. Figured you probably have enough from the whole other lot."

Guardia kept her arms crossed and raised an eyebrow. "Why do you want to join us?" She asked. She wanted to get a bit more information from this mystery 'mon before she was approving anything. Getting 'mon out from Gold City was one thing. But Ferrol was a different story. And she knew almost nothing about her.

Silence crossed her arms in turn, scowling slightly. "I've got a grudge against the bastard. Plus the world's f*cked up enough without some dark, evil bastard f*cking it up even more, thanks," she replied vehemently. She wasn't gonna give a lot unless she really had to - she wasn't here for "Story Time With Silence", after all.

Guardia continued to eye the Weavile somewhat suspiciously. She didn't mind bringing along another hand on this journey. After all, Sylvio and Raz were virtual unknowns to her before they came along, and they helped out in Tollen. In fact, Silence here sounded a bit like Raz when it came to her motivation. Well, not quite, but there were some similarities.

"What's your skillset?" The Zangoose asked. "Or... more like, what do you have to offer? Everyone else on this journey has something to contribute. What's do you have?"

"Think of me as one of those Thief scum, but with a bit more violence," Silence said with a smirk, then her expression grew more serious. "I'll say now, I'm not bound by the same morals as the rest of you lot. I go to whatever lengths are necessary to do what needs to be done, no matter what those lengths are. Lengths you may not be willing to go to but lengths that might still be needed if you wanna get what you need. A 'necessary evil', you might say," she continued, basically elaborating on what she'd said to Snype. "Information, blackmail, thieving, stalking, trickery, killing." She shrugged. "Whatever the hell you lot need done. I'm about the best you'll find." Then she flashed a wicked grin. "Normally I'd charge quite a sum for something like this, but saving the world sounds like a pretty good deal this time 'round."

Guardia's eye twitched as Silence explained her abilities and specialties. The Zangoose had a feeling she was into something shady, but she didn't think it went this elaborate. Having someone like this on their side could be useful, but also highly dangerous, and morally unreasonable, especially for Guardia, being Gold Tribe. On the other hand, having her wandering around aimlessly without anyone watching her would be worse. She gritted her teeth, hating the idea of being put in a position like this.

"I admire your straightforwardness, but damn do you and I have a problem," She explained with her arms still crossed. "Having someone like you around could be useful, especially when we want things done that normal 'mon wouldn't have the stomach for. But if we were in any other position other than a war for our lives with Darkrai, you'd be one of the first 'mon I'd be throwing in jail," She sighed and rubbed her chin. She turned around for a moment to pace and think of how best to phrase this. "You do know our mission has a need for some restraint, right? Meaning, if you do come with us, I can't have you killing random innocent people, or even people that might deserve it, just because you feel like it. Know what I mean?"

"You seem to misunderstand," Silence scoffed, waving a hand dismissively at Guardia's worries, though she had expected them. "Think of this as you employing me. When my employers order me to do something, I follow those orders to the book." As long as those orders are very specific. "If I only killed on a whim, you surely would have heard of me much sooner because there would have been many more deaths to my name." Well, she was fairly certain that at least was fully true. Sure, she'd offed quite a number of 'mon she hadn't been paid to, but they'd mostly been dirtbag Thieves or those who had come after her seeking justice or revenge.

Guardia listened to Silence's explanation and nodded in understanding. That situation would be a lot better for the Gold Tribe leader. Having someone unpredictable like Penance or Raz who were like powder kegs was one thing, but having a deranged psychopath on a contract was a completely different situation. "So you're like a mercenary then."

"Basically," Silence answered with a nod.

"Then you're hired," Guardia stated, and extended her hand outward to shake. "I'd prefer you take orders from just me, and maybe my second-in-command. And I expect good judgment whenever I'm not around." She doubted with someone like this, she ever wouldn't be though.

Silence grasped Guardia's hand and shook, before quite readily releasing it and taking a step back with a smirk. "Whatever ya say." Weeeeeeell, when she was around anyways.

Snype and Zai- Ninjask Network 2.0

Snype had recently finished packing up his equipment. All that was left was to take a trip to the Network point to change up his abilities. After his battle with Gabe he needed to try some new things out... considering where they were going, he'd need some more manipulative moves to deal with a couple of cultists. He already had set up Shadow Ball but now he just had to finish the rest of his attacks. Able flew down by Snype. "Ya got it delivered?" Snype asked.

"Did I get it delivered? Would you ask me that? Yeah of course I got the job done boss!"

"Alright good. I hear you also made some modifications to the Ninjask Network as well?" Snype asked.

"Yeah! Was meaning to ask you about that. I wanna test it out... see anybody around here that wants to punch you in the face?" Able asked with a chuckle.

"Well there was Guardia, before you scared her off!" Snype shouted.

Able laughed. "Ha! You shoulda seen the look on your face too! Priceless King of Thieves antics!" She'd tease.

"Oh, I'm sure there must be someone else that wouldn't mind hitting you in the face," stated a low female voice with a chuckle. Zai walked up next to Snype. "You're safe from me, though."

Snype looked over to Zai and grinned. "Oh heya Zai! Kehe. How've ya been? Oh, sorry for starting that whole thing in the meeting. I didn't mean for everyone to start ganging up on you like that." Snype said.

Zai shook her head. "Don't worry about, it was nothing. I understand why everyone was suspicious. They had good reason to be." She glanced down at her necklace, which was half hidden in her fur. "I don't have any idea what this thing is, so I can't say for sure whether anyone was right or wrong about it."

She looked back at Snype, then to Able. "So what're we doing here?"

Snype looked back at Able and then to Zai. "Kehehe... remember when I was talking about someone hitting me in the face?" Snype said as he stood straight up. "Kehehe, do me a favor? Give me a good hit to the face. With your best attack! Or just give me a good swipe to the face!" Snype asked.

Zai raised an eyebrow as if entertaining the idea. "As much fun as that sounds, I think I'll have to pass. Maybe some other time." She paused for a moment. "Why do you want me to hit you?"

Snype blinked. "No I'm serious. Hit me. Comon I'm seriously asking you a favor here! Kehe. You know you wanna!" Snype said as he leaned in closer and poked Zai hard on the nose.

Zai stared at Snype for another moment. Alright, she thought, he was asking for it, quite literally. She lunged at him with a Play Rough attack, muscles taught and claws bared.

"That's it! All out! Keheh..." Snype said with a confident grin. Before Zai would get close enough to Snype though, she would feel something repel her back, almost like a rock hard barrier. Able gave off a nice long laugh.

"Haha! You really got her to do it! At least we know it works!" Able shouted. In front of Snype would be a Shedinja, almost out of nowhere. The Shedinja was silent, simply staring in front of it.

Zai got back to her feet, shaking off the fall. "I see," she stated. "Personal bodyguard?" she asked.

"Kehe, more or less... They're bodyguards for the Ninjask network, as well as extra protection for us whenever the network is around. Of course it's got flaws considering this is Shedinja we're talking about. If it gets hit by anything it's weak to then it's down for the count. Of course being simple shells, they can't die necessarily so it won't be permanent. Able is still developing a few extra strategies for the upgrade." Snype said.

Able gave off a small chirp. "After flying around Tollen, we though about what'd happen if something snuck up on us. So these Shedinja act as our extra pair of eyes! Hiding in wait to lunge and notify us of danger! " Able explained.

Zai nodded. "A pretty good idea. It certainly sounds like it'll come in handy." She looked over the Shedinja. "What happens if it materializes right in front of you, though? Doesn't your soul get ripped out or something if you look into the crack on its back?"

Snype looked back at Able and the Shedinja which also seemed to look confused. "H...haha... Ahahaha! Don't tell me you actually believe that do you? The most you get out of looking in there is a disturbing feeling! Seriously take a look if you dare!" Snype said.

"No wait Snype! You don't want her to lose her soul like the other thieves do you?" Able said jokingly.

Zai glared at Snype indignantly. "Well I've never really seen a Shedinja before, and you never know with you ghosts."

Snype stuck his tongue out. "Aw comon I'm kidding with you! Geez you guys get touchy so easily! Kehehe. But yeah, that's our upgrade. Say thank you for the test Able!" Snype said.

Able blinked. "Yeah thanks n stuff." The Ninjask replied.

The Sun had fallen over a fairly large city hidden beneath a valley below a set of hills. The last specks of light began to vanish as the sun was hidden away in the mountains and tucked for the remainder of that day. Two 'mon watched this process unfold from the other side of the hill, just outside of the city on another the adjacent hill. They were a Abomasnow, and a Greninja.

As the last of the sun vanished, Gabriel the Greninja nodded his head and turned around toward Wyatt the Abomasnow. "Right, that should do it," He stated, and pulled out an object. He held a small orb in his hands and displayed it flatly in his palm. The orb began to shine as Gabriel spoke to him. "Are you ready to meet your new family?"

"That would be my pleasure," the sleepy Abomasnow responded in that soft, gentle way of his, as if stating quite the obvious. He had already ridden himself of the brown suit and the crests of the royal houses of Tollen. They had been feeding him enough to lead a comfortable life; what the Agents would give him would set him up for a life in luxury and privilege.

As the orb shined brightly, the city and the mountain ranges began to disappear. Reality crumbled as absolute darkness replaced the physical realm. For a moment, it appeared as if this new blackness was permanent, as if death had come and life had become a silent unknown. But soon, shapes began to form, and what appeared to be nothing morphed into a dim cavern. There was a dark ambiance in this place, a dismal shadow which enveloped it. It was this mystical obscurity which gave it life. The slightest sound, from rustled movement to a whisper produced echoed volume. Gabriel and Wyatt appeared here from the shadows, transported from the darkness. They were not alone.

Around the cavern, just under a dozen other Pokemon were present. Some of their appearances were distorted, hidden away by the shadows. Others had no distortions, their faces being shown.

"Xander Eidracon," Gabriel greeted to one of the faces not hidden. It was an Ursaring whose hostile expression on his face appeared to be his standing one. The Ursaring replied with a simple grunt.

"Benjamin," Gabriel greeted next an Alakazam. The Alakazam glanced up, then looked on down, ".... Where is Tyren?" He asked as he looked at the deck of cards he held. "That is the important question. You know I had a bet with some others on this matter."

"We'll get to that," Gabriel replied, and moved onto the last open face. "General Grett Marsus," He greeted the familiar Sceptile from Valkaria. The General responded with a smile and a nod of his head.

"And the rest of you lovely Agents with all your mysteriousness," Gabriel bellowed, and his voice echoed through the cavern. "Welcome! And allow me to introduce our newest member!" He exclaimed and gestured to Wyatt.

The Abomasnow stepped forward in the darkness, wary, but sure of himself; he let his eyes drift past the Alakazam and the Ursaring and let them linger on the Sceptile, whom he recognized as one of the Generals of Valkaria. "Ahh, the Agents," he mused lightly, arching his eyebrows and bringing his hand in front of his mouth to cover the yawn that escaped him involuntarily. "The ones who serve the Dark Lord, as I have heard..." His swollen red eyes fell upon Gabriel and he gifted him a lazy, ethereal smile, with his eyebrows arched like a jolly grandfather looking upon his grandson. "What an honor it must be." His tone changed quickly into a more direct one, and he was still staring at the lithe Greninja; he didn't care much for the others. "What is your offer? Would you prefer the full package? I do not expect you to accept anything else, of course."

"Sure!" Gabriel replied plainly. "The full package sounds good to me!"

"'Nother Agent drawn in by shine, hmm?" One of the distorted Agents called out. His voice seemed coarse and undisciplined. "I can get behind that."

More voices came from the distorted shadows; these two seemed to be some kind of pairing, given they stuck close - but only one seemed to speak the same language as the others, the other barking out his words in some kind of alien foreign tongue, whilst the other spoke. "What my friend is trying to say... is that the more who will join this alliance, then the better the chance we can protect our people." This voice seemed to have to concentrate very hard in his speaking - even if he could translate for the other, he was certainly no native himself.

"As I said before." The Alakazam said loudly, "Did it come to pass Gabriel?" He his eyes landed on the frog.

The Greninja seemed to sulk for a moment. "Unfortunately, as one new member arises, he replaces one of our fallen. General Marcus Tyren was killed in Argime."

"Species." The Alakazam asked as he already was looking through his deck.

"Ralts and Floatzel," Gabriel responded.

A smug grin formed on the psychic's face as he picked one card out of his deck and levitated it up. The former picture of a female Lopunny in church garb faded as the scene that the agents had viewed once before played yet again on the card. The scene of Tyren being slain by a Ralts in a strange hooded garb as well as a Floatzel. "The priestess never lies." He sneered out. "I warned him, and he fell. I warned you too, and what did I get?" He looked back among the other agents, "Laughter didn't I? ... Is he laughing now?"

"Almighty Darkrai, curse it!" Another voice from the shadows fumed. This one was female, sounding sultry and empowered at the same time. She seemed to toss something toward the Alakazam, a prize for winning a gamble they had.

"Well I'll be damned," The coarse and undisciplined voice called out as well, as he threw the Alakazam a sack that clanked with valuables through the air. "I mean, come on, a f*cking Ralts?! I may've believed a Floatzel, but Tyren wasn't no stick in the mud."

Suddenly, from the air a pool of flowing darkness fell like a veil, and from it a shadow descended softly. "Oh! I seem to be late in the little shady reunion," the newcomer said, rather cheerfully. It was somewhat hard to discern if the person speaking was someone just past their teens, or a fully grown middle-to-late aged man; there was something unique about his manner. "Usually, I would offer my apologies, but today is a rather special day indeed. I am busy, very busy..." he abruptly exclaimed dramatically, in mock-shock. "Gabriel! Remarkable performance today," it sounded as if he chided the Greninja with sarcasm, though. Before anyone could respond, the same figure spoke quickly and decisively. "So, gents, whom shall we skewer today? Shall I roust the fire?"

"What is it you have going on that's making you so anxious?" General Grett questioned the newcomer shadow.

"I do not pry into your business, do I, honorable General?"

"I suppose not," Grett responded with a shrug. "So what are we doing here then?"

"Ah, right," Gabriel began. He held out his palm again. What before housed the orb instead had the same dark energy that surrounded the Agents, condensed into his hand. He clenched his fist, which released the energy across the cavern. It bounced around the dark area before it hit all of the Agents around. They were instantly reliving all of the events of Tollen through Gabriel's perspective. "I just wanted to give you all an update on what happened. That group is going to be coming to you guys soon! You'd better prepare!"

The foreigner spoke up again. "They will be unlikely to encounter us. Our people do not seek contact with their kind." He seemed... almost confident, unpeturbed by the vision he had just shared in. "...and even should they meet us, our part shall be played regardless. I can assure you of our friendship... Now, is that friendship to you, Gabriel, or the envoy of Yveltal? Are you one and the same?"

"You know I can always geeve you a portion of me medicine," A new voice uttered through the darkness. His voice was dark and brooding, as if he attempted to be well-mannered but his accented voice came off as too somber to be otherwise. "I keep offering but you do not take eet. Eet most likely will keel you, but if eet does not, you will not be weak."

The other voice snapped back, fury in his foreign tongue, whilst the other gave... a more measured, but equally unfriendly response. "You would enjoy it, would you, if our people were to accept your witchcrafts? We have our deals and we will stick to those only."

Benjamin grunted, "You know, this is why I didn't want to get stuck here." He muttered. "Look." He said out loud, "How about, for once, we leave it up to the cards? No plans. No stupid organized stuff because, guess what?" He held up one card again, his eyes glittering, "I got a vision." He huffed angrily, "It's no point fighting it. Because it will come to pass."

And the jaunty voice happily agreed, "intriguing proposition, dear Benjamin, I should be glad to hear what the vision you had was about~"

Right then, the images projected by Gabriel's orb shifted into a street into the city of Argime that looked quite familiar to those who had been there. That was where the slimy Greninja fought with Obsidian and the Emerald Sentinel... the Gold Tribesman had put his all into the fight, and then, out of the blue, the Greninja's shady form slipped off like an illusion that wore out, and in its place, an even shadier form floated eerily: that of Darkrai's. The Agents in the dark circle held their breath.

"Oh, my," the cheery voice said in bewilderment, breaking the short silence. "Hold that thought, Benjamin... I reckon we have bigger fish to fry," he said melodically, without any hint that might give out his shock; on the contrary, he seemed rather entertained at the sight of Darkrai.

"The f*ck?" The coarse voice propped himself up. "What is this sh*t?"

The female voice replied in turn. "My Saint reveals himself to the others," She stated with a light, velvety chuckle.

The Ursaring Xander, who had been silent for most of the way so far, let out another grunt. "So you're Darkrai then."

Gabriel looked around and gave them a smile which was barely visible from behind his neck-scarf. "I'm just Gabriel."

"Well you should still grow a pair," The Ursaring replied.

Gabriel chuckled slightly and shrugged , seemingly unfazed by the Ursaring's insult. He proceeded on as if nothing happened. "So how goes everything on everyone's end? Are we bringing the heat? And by heat, I mean chaos?"

"Chaos is natural in our people at these times." The foreigner noted, perhaps solemnly so. "It is pain to see this blight inflicted upon us... We can continue to delay action, but our dialogue with the others must be closed for that to happen and there remains only one obstacle to us having the power to make that happen. We should see her removed soon."

"Great!" Gabriel replied and clasped his hands. "I'll trust you do what you think is best. And on the other side of Beatruce events?"

"My medicine is taking eet's toll," The accented dark voice responded. "Dey are een a paneec, as ees espected. As you used een Tollen, I'm sure you understand."

"You know it," Gabriel hummed happily.

Benjamin snorted and shuffled his cards a bit, "Things could be greater. I thought it would be fast, but nooo." He said as he rolled his eyes, "Those stupid sons guys are fighting against us. Honestly, it's boring. I mean, everyone over there is hearing about dear old Gabe here." He said as he nodded at the Greninja, "So, honestly I'm not complaining. I'm getting plenty of time to go to the gambling tables. Just a bit left and this place'll be ours."

"Anatellia is ripe for the picking," The female Agent concurred.

The Greninja nodded his head in approval. "Good, good. Faust, what about on your end of things?"

"Ahh," the eager, sanguine voice let out, as if it was a treat to help out. "It appears our aggressors are headed for Anatellia." Faust's voice changed direction, as if he was facing towards certain agents. "You, who operate there, be prepared."

"They're coming here?" The female Agent clarified. She scoffed. "They will regret that decision. The Dark One's power will destroy them all!" She yelled fiendishly, her voice echoing maniacally through the lair.

Benjamin's voice was quite calm, "You shouldn't say such things. It is up to fate herself to decide." He flicked on card out, staring silently at the Wheel of Fortune. "It is not ours to decide what happens. Only she can say. We may have fortune gracing us with a win. We may instead have her throwing our deaths at us. So trying to fight against fate by declaring us automatically winning is quite pointless."

"Dearest Benjamin, with Darkrai behind us, victory is all but assured," The female Agent responded with a low, somewhat pompous chuckle.

"But isn't everyone forgetting one major thing?" A new voice pipped up. He sounded fairly young. Impatient, yet trying his best to be controlled about it. "We lost in Tollen. More specifically, he lost in Tollen," The voice said as he gestured to Gabriel. "I joined this group for one thing, and one thing alone, and that was to get what I was promised. If winning will get me my goal, then I will do what I must. But meanwhile, we're letting the others who have stopped our plans parade around instead of killing them now and ending this foolishness? Explain the logic in that to me."

"Killing them would be so... counterproductive," the sanguine voice said the last word with flair, "and there is always time for that later. Besides, they can be quite useful. If it becomes known that Valkarians are to be held responsible for what is about to happen in Anatellia, the two countries will have found themselves amidst a most... unfortunate misunderstanding."

"How so very conniving of you, Faust," The accented, dark, brooding voice replied with a low hum. "Tees a shem we have such distance between us now, or I would have liked to open up your brain and see how you work."

"But he is right!" Gabriel chimed in with a lifting of his finger. "The beauty of chaos, is this," He explained, as he brought both of his hands together and interlocked the fingers. "Conflict. Two or more opposing forces in disarray, in constant, impermanent, uneven motion. Chaos cannot be achieved if there aren't two opposing forces present. If we eliminate our greatest opponent, all we'll have left is a massacre... and that's territory for a different Legendary! So do what you guys have to do to squeeze every bit of chaos out of the world, in whatever way you like! Keep tabs on the group. Don't make things easy for them. Go all out, because if you don't, you might be the one that ends up dying!"

"What about Cresselia?" The female Agent asked with a bit of a fidget.

"Hmm? Oh, her," Gabriel chuckled. "I'm pretty sure this group is after help for fighting the armies. But knowing that Penance is with them and what their Seeker agenda is, I am guessing they might be after her as well. Who knows? They don't seem to know much now, but I would stop that ride if you see something going on there. But, if you don't..." Gabriel shrugged and chuckled some more. "More fun that way, right?"

"So, any lingering thoughts or questions before we wrap this up?"

"None." the foreigner added curtly. His patience seemed to be wearing thin. "If that will be all, we will return to our people. Our positions make our absence... noticeable."

"Hmm..." Faust hummed, and then said in a sibilant, eager tone, "likewise... later, gents." His shadow dispersed and its remnants were swallowed by the ground.

Benjamin let out a very loud cough as he stood up, "I do fortune reading in my spare time." He said as he shuffled his deck. "Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's not so good." He paused and pulled out a card, the priestess right in his hand yet again. Without another word he held it up as the image on the card faded yet again. This time a deep blackness was shown with a blade of light appearing to slice through it. The scene backed out just a bit, enough to reveal Darkrai screaming in agony before an intense light shot out of the card. So intense that it would temporarily blind any who looked at it directly.

Having experienced the vision many times before, Benjamin knew well enough to steer his eyes from the card and lowered it once more, "... So, bets again? I have a feeling that I hit the money on this one, so to say." He said with a meager shrug.

"What are you, saying, that the Dark One will perish?" The female Agent asked in a somewhat mocking, disbelieving tone.

"Yes." He stated. "I have seen many things. I see a golden army rising up." He replied rather calmly, "And the funny thing is this... if you try to fight against fate it will end up happening, if you don't try to fight, it will still happen. Because fate will ALWAYS triumph." He sat back in his seat, "Likewise... I see a road. A different path from that. If certain events take precedence, then it won't happen. But..." He smirked a bit, "I'm not saying which events are to happen."

Gabriel chuckled lightly. "Well, you heard it first guys. Looks like Darkrai doesn't have long to live. So, do me a favor and get as much chaos as you can before that, yeah?"

"You do not seem remotely worried, Gahbreel," The accented Agent murmured.

"But it's like Benjamin said, there's no use fighting against fate," Gabriel replied with a shrug. "Darkrai may as well accept it then. But... if Darkrai has to accept it, you can be sure that's he's going to have as much fun as he can going out the door! Up and at 'em, Agents, we've got a New World to build!"

In a somewhat out-of-the-way watchtower in Fort Ferrol, Razathiel the Dreadmage sat reading.
Now clothed in his usual robe, his glowing red eyes shining out from beneath his cowl brightened briefly as a few small sparks of magical energy darted from his fingertips.
He turned the page of the ancient tome he was currently re-reading - 'Fairy Magic and its Destructive Capabilities - Vol. III' - and hummed lightly to himself. It was nice to get a casual read in every now and then.

"Whatcha reading?" A soft, light voice asked from behind the Dreadmage. It was a Vivillon, flapping its small wings lightly in the sky as it hovered a few inches behind Raz's left shoulder. The Ralts jumped to attention, grabbing his staff from the ground and turning to face the Vivillon.

"Who the bloody hell dares to ask?" He demanded.

"I'm just curious! You don't see a lot of people reading calmly right now for some reason. Everyone seems so scared!" The Vivillon chirped. "My name's Wem, what's yours?"

"Curiosity killed the meowth," Razathiel snapped. "Or rather, curious meowths are often murdered by dangerously destructive sorcerers. My name is none of your concern, and the reason everyone seems so scared is because they are weaklings in the shadow of Darkrai's oppressive warmongering. Now leave me be; surely there are other 'mon you could be bothering with your incessant chatter..."

The Vivillon giggled and fluttered around Razathiel. "You're funny! I like you! Wait, did you say Darkrai? What's he doing now?"

Razathiel frowned, throwing his book back into his Magic Room. He let out an exasperated sigh and turned to the watchtower's ladder to promptly leave.

Wem tilted its head and fluttered down in front of the Ralts before he got to the ladder. "Hey, where are you going? I still wanna talk to you!" Oddly enough, when Wem appeared in front of Raz again, something had changed. He had the same voice, but for some reason, his form was now that of a Butterfree. "You still didn't tell me your name, stranger!" The Ralts ignored the now-Butterfree's pestering, turning to jump out of the watchtower's side.

Wem soared down and followed the Ralts to the bottom of the watchtower. Wherever Raz landed, the Butterfree continued to follow, though by the time Raz was on the ground again, the Butterfree was now a Natu. "What did Darkrai do? Is he being bad? Someone should stop that! You should do it, stranger!"

Razathiel chuckled lightly, "You're a persistent little bastard, aren't you? Fine, I'll tell you my name."

"Yay!" The Natu exclaimed with raised hands, though they were now the hands of a Cacnea. "That's good, because I was about to give you a name if you didn't tell me."

"Oh, yes, of course," Raz agreed, continuing to waddle back into the fort.

The Cacnea followed eagerly. "So is it Paul? You look like a Paul to me. It's Paul isn't it?"

"Now, why are you guessing?" Razathiel asked, "I already said I was going to tell you."

"Because you haven't told me yet, Paul!" Wem chirped, walking alongside Raz as a Spoink.

"Well- for the record, my name isn't Paul- but anyhow, I only haven't told you because I haven't been able to, what with you talking all this time..." Razathiel paused as he approached the Gold Tribe headquarters, spotting Wraith, the annoying Dusknoir outside. "Oi, dickhead," He snapped at the Gold Tribesmon. "Seen Guardia around anywhere?"

Wraith turned to the Ralts. "I have not. Why are you looking for her I wonder? Maybe you just wanted to ask her a personal question. I thin- where are you going?"

Razathiel had already begun walking off, trying to ignore the pulsing urge to blast the Dusknoir to oblivion. "I still consider him a little more annoying than you are," Raz noted to Wem the Zubat, "but don't give me any reason to change that opinion." After a short moment of walking, with Wem following, Razathiel spotted the Gold Tribe leader strolling along the docks.

"Yo," The Dreadmage greeted Guardia.

"Roversteel," Guardia greeted back with a nod. "What's up?"

Razathiel pointed to Wem, still a Zubat, with his staff. "Deal with this," He said.

"With what?" Guardia asked the Ralts.

"Annoyance," Razathiel began, "Shapeshifter... nosy. Could be one of, at a guess, three things. One good, one annoying, and one terrible."

Guardia looked at the Zubat for a moment longer, then blinked a few times. "... Well, where is it now?" She asked, looking around for the Zubat that was there only moments before. As Raz would look there, he would still see Wem present, in the form of a Banette.

"Shapeshifted into a Banette." Razathiel said bluntly. The Banette circled around Razathiel with a carefree expression.

"I don't see anything," Guardia said with a shrug, and looked around. She pointed to the far end of the docks. "Could it be that Zubat flying off there in that group?"

Razathiel grimaced, "Seems that narrows it down to two..." He glared up at Guardia and snapped, "Do not act like a fool, Goldie. Whatever is happening here should not be beyond your level of comprehension, for one who has dealt with such realms of power before. We have either been blessed, or we are in deep trouble."

"Oook..." Guardia stated somewhat skeptically. "What're you thinking?"

"What are you going to do about Darkrai, Paul?" The Banette asked as it continued to float around Raz. Guardia didn't seem notice the Banette speaking at all.

Razathiel rolled his eyes, shifting uncomfortably. "Whatever I'm thinking," He said to Guardia, "Your lack of faith in me, and ability to take a hint and exercise caution and readiness, is somewhat annoying. If not worrisome." He turned to glare at Wem, who was still in Banette form. "I have little patience for this. Either do something useful, or get whatever it is you're trying to do here over with."

Guardia cocked an eyebrow and merely gazed upon the Ralts as he apparently was talking to himself, or someone who only he could see. She decided to observe and see what happened.

"Are you fighting against Darkrai, Paul?" Wem asked, this time morphing into a Ledian and buzzing through the air around Raz.

"Are you?" The wizard countered, continuing to eye Wem angrily. He turned briefly to Guardia, "If you could stop gawking at this like an idiot, and actually do something productive - something in response to something important happening - then that'd be great. Honestly. Take a fucking hint. You should know I don't fuck around."

"Ask it what it wants!" Guardia snapped at the Ralts. "Ask it who it is! What's it saying?"

The Ledian giggled and landed on the floor as a Shroomish. "I don't fight! But if you are, then you should not be here! You should go see who can help! You're not fighting him from here, are you?"

"Gah!" Razathiel shouted, "Why do I fucking bother? Yveltal damn it all. This pesky little bastard, Guardia, is either Mew, or Darkrai posing as Mew. And you better hope it's the former, because apparently you're fucking useless at taking a hint."

"Mew?" Guardia questioned incredulously. "You're talking to Mew. Or Darkrai? What the hell is going on? What's it saying?"

"You should go north... west! Northwest!" The Shroomish stated with a chuckle. "It's cold, and messy, but there's many who know!"q

"You realise we cannot trust a word you say, as it stands," Raz said to Wem with contempt, "So without convincing proof, your 'help' is meaningless. And if deception is your game, then that is meaningless also. Inconsequential."

"You're funny!" The Tropius exclaimed. Wem closed its eyes and smiled happily. "You're going there already! Northwest! Where it's cold, and where we walked with normal Pokémon! So you are fighting him. You should ask for his brothers and sisters for help. They might help. They were supposed to help a long time ago, I thought. We can walk with you, but you can also find out how to walk with us too, you know! Well, not all of you, but some of you. You can, Paul!"

"And still, you refuse to consider our reasonable concerns," Razathiel murmured coldly to the Nosepass. "Sticking to cryptics and mystery - either you are scrambling for a final chance at deception, or, if you have any intention of actually helping, you are being stupid by failing to so much as even attempt to dissuade suspicion, to the point of exacerbating it instead. For the sake of probably a few thousand or more lives and the general fate of the world, I suppose I'm obliged to ask you to stop being stupid."

"Ask them to walk with them!" Wem exclaimed and transformed again, this time into a smaller form, a Mew. "They'll understand!" And with a small wave to Raz, the Pokemon disappeared into thin air.

"For fuck's sake." Raz swore.

"What the hell happened?" Guardia demanded from the Ralts.

"Well, whoever it was, they never got my name right. Though they were consistent about it, at least, so that's a one-up on you."

"OK, but what actually happened?"

Razathiel turned to the Zangoose with an annoyed frown. "Well, they're gone now, whether it was Darkrai or Mew I still can't be entirely sure. It should be largely summed up with what I said to them just before they left - either it was failed deception, or failed help."

"They didn't say anything useful at all?" Guardia asked, hoping something was gotten out of this, even if it came from Darkrai.

"Well, other than telling me a load of things we already know - that is, we're going to Anatellia, and we can aim to talk to those legendaries related to Darkrai - only one thing, really. Supposedly, there's some method to walk with them as they once walked with us. Regardless, it's cryptic bullshit that we can't even particularly trust. Trust a being with potential millennia to hone their intelligence to act so irritatingly stupid in the face of the world's doom."

"Arceus damn it," Guardia stated as she threw her hands in the air. "Why can't legendaries, or anyone really, be clear for once in their life?!" She tried to compose herself and exhaled deeply. "OK, OK, let's just... tell the others about this and keep it in the back of our minds for now. Maybe it'll help, maybe it won't."

"I think," Raz agreed, "That would probably be for the best. Still, if this happens again, I expect a better response."

"What exactly did you expect me to say?" Guardia snapped at the Ralts. "Seeing a Ralts I've known for about two weeks starting to talk randomly to thin air and think that he wasn't having a mental breakdown?"

"Well, I'm not sure, perhaps acting on the off-chance that I'm not a babbling moron in some way that would prevent possible disaster or otherwise aid us greatly would be something to consider? I think the risk that what I would happen to get at rings true is a little more important than the risk that the effort it would take you to f*cking do something ends up wasted."

"So what exactly did you expect me to do?" Guardia asked with a hint of irritation in her voice. "If that really was Darkrai, then there was little I could actually do! And to make things worse, you were the only one who could see it!"

"What did I expect you to do?" Raz said, chuckling mirthlessly, "Well, anything would be a start. Clearing the general area of civilians, seeking contact from other important members of our group - potentially giving us a means to identify whatever it was that appeared here. Luckily, the end result here wasn't catastrophic."

Guardia quieted for the moment. Maybe he had been right. On the other hand, she still had a hard time believing Darkrai would show up out of the blue here to kill them. Then again, the way he was described, Darkrai seemed rather unpredictable. "Maybe. Keep me posted if something like this happens again."

Raz nodded, "Well, obviously. I'm not a prick."

"That's debatable."

"Bitch."

Penance was grinning down. A large smile was plastered on his face as he held a rather large bag in front of him. He waited... and waited... and there! In an instant he leaped down, letting out a playful squeal and landed before the walking Ralts. "Hey bro!" He said with an energetic tone in his voice, "I got toooons of things for us to do! What are your hobbies? What is your favorite blend of ice cream? Maybe you like coloring books? Got tons of those!" He leaned in toward the Ralts, grinning all the while, "Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh?"

"Fuck off," Razathiel snapped, and immediately walked in the other direction.

Penance followed, "Aw come on bro!" He whined, "I want us to spend time together! Maybe share a laugh or two!" He snickered a bit, "Want to throw this confetti all over the goldies' place and run away?" He asked.

"Yes- w- no!" The Dreadmage turned to glare at the Golduck behind him. "Just piss off already. You are no brother of mine, and I want bugger-all to do with you. Prick."

"But we are brothers!" Penance decreed. "How about we go and port into Guardia's room, right? And and... oh, we'll paint her face while she sleeps!" He ran ahead and laid down before Raz's path. "... You know." He said. "I do wonder... what is your original like? Is he scared in there?"

"My... original...?" Razathiel murmured with a grimace. "You're not still on with that crap, are you? Do me a favour, Penance, and die in a fire. Or something similarly agonising."

Penance just stared up at him as his eyes shifted just a bit, "Raz..." The soft voice came out, "You are... you are the corrupted state of someone." Brynn explained, "A long time ago... a little boy got visited by the boogeyman. That boogeyman hid him away... and you're his replacement." He sat up and sighed, "Unlike Penance, that boy didn't even get a chance to fight back."

For a few short moments, Razathiel held a deadpan stare, before bursting into laughter. "Phah! Hehehe, oh, good one. Fantastic," The wizard spun on his heel, giving a wave with his staff. "Brilliant, you've really- fuck, I- Giratina preserve me. Bloody hell, I should murder someone soon."

Brynn followed, "Raz, listen to me." He said firmly, "You are corrupted. You broke off from Darkrai, same as Penance did. You are what you are. You cannot change that and running away from the problem won't make it magically disappear. Either you stand your ground like the mon you are, or you run like a coward. Only you can choose."

The Ralts turned around with a confused look on his face. "Now hold on a minute, are you actually bloody serious? I mean, Penance is one thing, but I didn't think you were one to fuck around, you've got to level with me here."

Brynn nodded and sat down, "... Back when Darkrai first appeared, a Gold Tribe member had been captured. He experimented on the Golurk and implanted a dark seed in him, one that sprouted later on-"

"-I know perfectly well what a fucking sentinel is, Brynn, thanks."

"But this is different." Brynn countered. "A sentinel is just someone who gets a bit of Dakrai's power. I'm sure you've read books on it, countless ones. Scar said that it was like being in a dream, but at the same time they had a bit of free will. They weren't fully puppets."

He frowned, "What... Penance is, that's different. As I was saying, this Golurk had darkness inside of him. Personally implanted by one of Darkrai's intermediaries. When it fully sprouted a new being emerged. It took on a new name. It... it was a darker version of the Golurk. That monster in turn infected Penance. It's how Paradox was birthed in the first place. Paradox was the part of Penance that he always chained up. The part that Penance didn't even know existed. It's similar in case... to you Raz." Brynn sighed, "Basically... if we are correct, then you wouldn't realize that you are someone's corrupted side. Penance and Paradox ARE two different beings. Some thing that if Paradox thinks something, Penance automatically knows it. That's not the case. The reason those two were in sync was because they decided to work together. They spent years having to perfectly link their minds."

He stared right at Raz, "Whoever your original is.... he's still in there. He's probably hiding behind a large wall of darkness. You just don't know because Darkrai hid him from you. He didn't do that with Penance and look at where Paradox was. Totally against Darkrai. He was probably trying to ensure that you wouldn't turn out the same way."

Razathiel's eyes widened in wonder, "It... it's true- I see it... the true beauty of peace and reality! How majestic it is...!"

Brynn just let out a weary sigh, "Raz..."

"Sorry about that. Think I just had a mini-stroke from all the condescension you're radiating. Is this some kind of fucking joke?" The Dreadmage tapped his staff on the ground, "Now you've done well and good to give me a bloody history lesson, but the fact remains you know fuck-all about me. Did you even stop to look at the bloody bracelet? I'd be surprised if I had enough chaos energy in me to light a candle - if I could even fucking utilise the stuff. I said it before: wishful thinking. If you want another secret chaos weapon, you're shit out of luck. This power's all Raz. If you'll pardon my crudeness, Darkrai's power can go suck a psychic cock."

Brynn smiled a bit and stood up, "You'll probably learn in time." He said, "Chaos hits everyone at some point. When it does... I do advise you to train with Penance. He knows how to handle it."

"Ha!" Raz let out a bark of laughter, "He knows how to handle it? Let me know when he gets out of his 'slaughtering allies' phase. You honestly think I'm something akin to Paradox? If this is just some other scheme to annoy me, you do have to tell me."

Brynn smiled at Raz weakly, "Raz.... do I joke?" With that, the Golduck walked off.

"No, no, go on," The Dreadmage urged, waddling after Brynn, "I'd really like to hear all that evidence you have piled up that isn't just speculation. Go on."

Brynn nodded, "For one thing... the way you act. Your attitude is extremely... similar to Paradox's brother." He explained. "Another is that limitless energy you have. You may have not unlocked chaotic power yet, but how does a Ralts end up having so much energy to perform attacks? And the variety of attacks too? And then, last but not least, is the way the bracelet reacted to you. It's similar in a way to how it reacted to Penance. It glowed lightly around him too, if you recall."

"You realise I said to exclude speculation. My attitude has nothing to do with Darkrai - directly, anyway - it's a product of the selfish, bastard 'mon of this world. Ordinary 'mon, nothing fucking special," Razathiel flipped his staff in hand, gesturing to his two eyes that glowed from beneath his hood. "Your astonishment at my energy reserves only further emphasises just how much you are - big fucking surprise - uninformed about my life. I've had plenty of time to become a powerful wizard in my own right, even as a Ralts. You've no idea the amount of 'mon I've killed and the number of hardships I've suffered to get where I am. So check your privilege," The Ralts spun his staff in hand again before stopping it and tapping the floor. "The bracelet, as far as I'm concerned, is just as much evidence for me as it is for you. It is similar in that the taints seems unpurgeable, but I won't have you assuming brotherhood on that fucking fact alone. The glow on me was a bloody flicker in comparison..." Raz turned his nose up at the Golduck, as difficult as that was to do from his height, "Regardless, the main concern is whether whatever taint I possess is beneficial or the opposite. And for your information, I am quite happy to pursue that concern without the help of others. Even more so without the help of Penance."

Brynn could only shrug, "I don't know what to tell you then. Penance won't be convinced unless Cresselia herself comes and tells him right in his face that you aren't corrupted. In light of that, he's going to stay by you. In the shadows he's going to be nearby. He might even sneak into your room at points. It's nothing I can really stop. Just try not to give him anything interesting to be around. Penance loves interesting mon and if you remain interesting... well, he's going to show up one day, laying on your pillow before you go to sleep."

Raz jumped up onto the tip of his staff so as to be closer to eye-level with the Golduck. "If the Madman wants to waste his time stalking me, then he's more stupid than I ever imagined," the wizard growled. "The forces holding this group together are fickle and fragile as it is. He has already proven enough of a liability to this cause. If he is willing to throw away all hopes of defeating Darkrai by following his disturbed obsessions, then..." The Ralts hopped off of his staff, taking it in hand. "Well, I think we all know what that means."

Brynn shrugged, "Honestly I can't control him. He can only do that himself. But... just be on your guard still. While in Anatellia he might get a bit more... er, energetic?" Brynn said, "I think that's the best way to describe it."

"I'm aware you can't control him, but in truth you shouldn't bloody need to. I know he can hear me, and he should know how calamitous being 'energetic' can be. At least, I suppose, try to reason with him, for everyone's sake," Razathiel grimaced, "As futile as that may sound."

Brynn sighed, "You... don't know what he's planning. Everything always is a plan for him." He explained, "You just have to go along for the ride, more or less."

Raz glared upwards, one eyebrow firmly raised. "Oh, everything? You can't have forgot what happened in Tollen. Don't tell me that was a good move."

He shrugged, "Well we got what we got. Did you expect any better? And his idea DID let us find the psychics faster."

"His idea to sacrifice allies for naught, before snapping to and controlling himself?"

Brynn shrugged again, "I just go along with it for now." He said, "That's all I can do."

"So you think not to question?" Razathiel snapped, "You think not to challenge a ludicrous decision? I refuse to stand by as a moron guides our fate, Brynn."

Brynn sighed, "I do what I can, Raz. Maybe if you can change his mind, then fine. But it's no use telling me this, and not him face to face."

The Dreadmage crossed his arms, "I can't be blamed if he's too stupid to listen to reason."

Brynn smirked and stood back up, "Then... we have nothing further to discuss." He said with a weak smile, "Do have a nice day, Raz."

"Evil day," Razathiel corrected, "I will have an evil day. Ta-ta... prick."

Guardia and Snype: Killing Time

The day was growing late and Guardia's mood had hardly improved. What with the incident with potentially encountering a legendary and Penance's silliness, she had just had about enough of this place and was ready to move onto Anatellia, to actually get into actually doing something useful. Even patrolling was beginning to get tiring. What was the likelihood that anyone would attack a remote location like this anyways?

"Yo Guardia." Snype called out to her, quickly running up to her. "That prank was a real doozy eh? Freakin waste of my time but eh. Pretty good prank I spose. Kehe" Snype said with a chuckle. "Ya look like you've seen better days though."

"That was stupid and a waste of time," Guardia huffed and crossed her arms. She didn't even greet Snype when she saw him. "I'm fine... just, pretty much ready to go to Anatellia already. Do you need something?" She asked in an almost demanding tone.

"Actually yeah." Snype replied back sternly. A bit of a different tone then usual. "With all the boredom, I've been thinking about that message we got awhile back and now its starting to bother me. Did you notice anything weird with it? The message saying that they found Cresselia." Snype said.

Guardia cocked an eyebrow at Snype. "What do you mean weird?"

"There were several things we overlooked when we were given that message and it might be trouble for us down in Antellia." Snype began. "Remind me. Where was the message sent from? Somewhere north of Karn right? Is there even a network point up there?" Snype asked.

"Well... no, no I don't think there is," Guardia answered with a hint of confusion. "Karn only has the one to the south, and it wasn't sent from there based on the geography we received."

"Right... so the only thing that could have sent us that kind of message is a Pokemon that has enough power or energy to send something all the way from Karn to Tollen. I can't really think of a regular Pokemon capable of that sort of feat." Snype continued.

"You know what... I never thought of that," Guardia commented as she looked to the ground to ponder that. She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. "How did we overlook that? It has to mean something. What do you think?"

"I was thinking maybe some kind of legendary Pokemon may have sent us the message? Either that or it could be a trap by some off chance... although the note I found I Gabe's room kinda contradicts the latter. They heard of the anonymous message as well but didn't seem concerned at all." Snype said.

"Yeah, if that note was connected to that message, then it's likely not a trap," Guardia agreed. She began to pace across the docks in front of Snype. Her nose scrunched and her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to make sense of all of this. "Which means... either the 'mon that sent it is on roids, or a legendary sent it! All the more reason to go to Anatellia, if that's where it was heading."

Snype scratched at his chin. "Yeah... but for some reason I think there's a bit more to this message also..."

Guardia looked at Snype quizzically and tilted her head. "What? What else is there?"

Snype began to pace around. "I feel like there's something huge we're missing in that message... Rejoice... rejoice, a hymn do I sound... with darkness afoot, and chaos abound... rise, rise to the light, which in blackness was drowned...Rejoice. Rejoice. Cresselia is found... something like that." Snype crossed his arms.

"...there's also the matter of when the message was sent. The message was originally created during the Reckoning. Wasn't that like months ago or something? Granted we can still find a lead nonetheless but still." Snype would add.

Guardia nodded her head. "Yeah, there's a fat chance that the source would still be there. But if we go by the encrypted note we found, and if that's recent at all, then my guess is whoever sent it is probably in Anatellia. I mean, Gabriel meant to burn that code, right? That means it was probably sent to him recently. So our best bet is still Anatellia, I say."

Snype nodded. "Right right....gah I'm not sure! But something about this message seriously bothers me. The way it was worded maybe? Or it could be a hint on how to find Cresselia too... or... gah I might be overthinking things." Snype said with a sigh.

"Hey, hey, easy," Guardia gestured to Snype by lowering her paws toward the ground in order to calm him down. "Don't blow a blood vessel or anything by overthinking it. If we figure out something, it'll happen. I'm sure of it. It's not use overthinking it if we don't even know what we're looking for. I'd rather have you sharp and ready for what's coming in Anatellia than worrying about what might be in some message we're not even sure is accurate or not."

Snype looked up to Guardia. "Heh... ironicly this is what I was telling everyone before we went to Tollen. Kehe. If I can go in there blind as a bat then I oughta be alright heading into Anatellia. Still, I'm curious in just how that message got sent to us and why it was worded like that..." Snype said as he tapped his foot.

"Hrmph... the heck is Cresselia doing anyway? Going on a road trip while Darkrai is destroying everything? She needs to sit still. Kehe." Snype said.

Guardia crossed her arms and nodded. "Maybe that's how legendaries talk? Raz said Mew, or Darkrai, was really cryptic when he was with him. But between you and me, I'm not even sure he was with anything. I think the little guy might not be completely right in the head. Let's... probably keep that between us," Guardia added with a smirk.

She then shrugged and continued. "I dunno, but I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind when I find out. She could have helped us out so many times when we needed it. Again Darkrai thirty years ago, at any point when he began invading Valkaria. You'd think she'd be trying to stop what he's doing, but nooo."

Snype raised a brow. "Wait... Raz spoke with Mew?!" Snype said in surprise but quickly calmed down. "...Yeah I guess that could be how they talk. Darkrai wasn't exactly too straight forward when he was speaking to us... Pokemon work in different ways and all. So could be omnipresent, others invisible, who knows?" Snype said.

"Maybe, he spoke with Mew," Guardia corrected Snype. "I'm not really sure on the details, but I guess if the little guy thinks he did, who am I to say otherwise?" She asked with a shrug. "He said that Mew said one thing interesting about Anatellia I think... that we know that some legendaries walk among normal Pokemon, but that it could work the other way around too... some normal Pokemon can walked with legendaries too. I don't really know what that means but... figured I'd let you know."

Guardia sighed and rolled her eyes. "Or Legendary 'mon are just stuck up as*es who think they're better than everyone else or that they're special so they have to talk like that. I just wish one would be normal and just give us straightforward answers!"

Snype was silent for a moment, thinking about what Guardia just told him. Pokemon walking with Legendaries...Snype looked to the side for a moment and then back to Guardia. "I'm sure they have their reasons to keep secrets from us. I'd watch what you say Guardia. Kehe. They could be watching us now for all we know. I guess there's some knowledge us normal mon wouldn't be able to comprehend. At least that might be what they think." Snype said.

Guardia rolled her eyes again and scoffed. "If they were planning on doing something to every 'mon who badmouthed them, they would have done something by now. So you're saying they think we're stupid? Because they're doing a great job in running things, if they have any say in it. Just look at Darkrai!"

"No not that. Like... Remember when Arron mentioned something about legendaries walking with regular Pokemon? What happened to make the Legendaries just disappear and become more distant from us regular mon? Maybe the Legendaries are afraid of something happening." Snype said with a shrug. "And on top of that, this whole thing with Mew saying the same could happen again but in vice versa..."

"I remember them saying that legendaries used to walk with normal 'mon a long time ago in Anatellia, in its glory days," Guardia agreed. "Maybe something happened, maybe. Who knows? Maybe they just decided they were better, or maybe something bad really did happen to change everything. When I hear them say it, to me it sounds like levels. Walking with us, as in, they are in the same plane as us, and us them? I dunno, just a guess... but Arron said that we could get help from them, so maybe... bah, this is too damn confusing to make sense! I wish we just knew what was happening!"

"I'm sure we'll get answers when we head out. I've been curious in other legendary Pokemon myself. Heh... would be really interesting to have a conversation with one of them you know? If we do end up meeting with any then I think it'd be wise to not bring up the whole thing until later. It could be a touchy topic depending on the mon. Just a thought." Snype said.

"Well obviously I'm not gonna be a d*ck right to their faces," Guardia spat at the Sableye. "I'm not Gold Tribe leader just for my strength, you know. I had to deal with the knuckleheads and diplomats of places too, ya know."

"Haha, I never said you would, miss hothead. Kehe" Snype said with a snicker.

"Well you implied it," Guardia snapped back with a huff and a cross of her arms.

"Did not! Comon you know I have more faith in you then that! Kehe" Snype said with a grin.

Guardia scoffed. "I don't know anything about you! Especially with all of your sneaking around and secrets you've been keeping. Don't think I forgot about any of that! So why don't you do me a favor and not tell me how I'm supposed to be doing my job!" She said somewhat angrily. Realizing she had probably exploded more than she ought to have, she threw her hands up and then took in a deep breath. "Sorry, just... anxious to get the hell out of here and onto important things already."

Snype frowned as Guardia started snapping. Well she was certainly driving the whole hothead thing right home. "Ah its fine. Hey if you need to vent I'll listen to ya. Kehe. Not like I have anything better to do right now ya know?" Snype said in a calm manner.

"I don't think you'd understand," Guardia said right after. "You're used to this life, running and sneaking around. I'm not."

Snype walked up to Guardia and looked up at her. "Well adjusting does take time. Whenever I do this sort of thing I just try to keep an open mind and well, try to have fun with it. Course, I have my moments where I need to stop acting like a child and be a proper leader." Snype said, looking down at his feet.

Guardia took a step back from Snype and turned around to looked around the fortress. "Yeah, well sometimes I wish you would act less like a child more often. Because while you and I are out here having 'fun with it', my brothers and sisters are dying in Valkaria."

Guardia paused for a moment and sighed deeply. She felt maybe some context would be beneficial in this situation. "... I just contacted the Network Point there not too long ago. They're holding for now but... every day they lose someone. And because the Gold Tribe is naturally smaller nowadays, every single person we lose is someone I know, someone I recruited personally. A friend... a brother or sister. And I could be there now, helping them fight against Darkrai," Guardia clenched her fist. "Instead, I'm here, chasing after a legendary I'm not even 100% sure is around, or able to help."

Snype looked down again, quickly rising his head up once Guardia finished explaining her situation. "Yeah well... what do you think I have to worry about? I have my thieves helping out in Gold City too and for all I know, I've lost several of them getting information around the city. Not to mention Darkrai has my own home surrounded. I don't see him getting in soon but if he does..." Snype said, his face becoming more stern. "...maybe I'm just crazy or something. I can keep carefree and crack jokes with the thought of my thieves and the rest of the world suffering in the back of my head... its like I try to my life in denial. That everything will be alright in the end no matter what. Heh..." Snype continued.

"...Does that make me a bad mon Guardia? Tell it to me straight."

"... I don't think it makes you bad," Guardia answered in a low voice. "I guess it's just the different ways 'mon cope. It definitely shows how we're different. But maybe... that's not necessarily bad. We react differently to things, but deep down we both still care about our people."

"Guess that's why I get a kick out of picking on you or just messing around when I can. Keh... that kind of stuff distracts me from all the bad stuff. Guess that'd be my little way of coping." Snype said with a sigh. "Sorry by the way. Me getting on your nerves all the time just for muks and giggles. I figure ya probably hate my guts for all that. Kehe." Snype said, rubbing his head.

"Hell Snype, I always hated you," Guardia said in a little bit more of a teasing manner to try and lighten up the mood. "So don't worry about it too much."

Snype chuckled. "Well at least I'm doing something right then. Kehe" Snype said with a smile. "Comon though I'm sure theres SOMETHING ya like about me! Kehe"

"I like that you're not a total screw-up," Guardia retorted with a playful snort. "Or else I wouldn't have brought you along here!"

"Aw comon that's it? Kehe. Well glad you think I'm reliable at least! I'm sure ya got more then that though! Kehe! Yer killin me here Guardia!" Snype said

"I didn't say you were reliable!" Guardia spat back. "I said you weren't a total screw up... and no, nothing else really comes to mind, Snype. You better watch out. If you mess up too much I might just decide not to bring you along with us anymore."

"Kehe, I think you'd start missing me if you gave me the boot! Even if ya did I wouldn't just quit right there. Kehe." He'd reply.

"Nah, I wouldn't miss you," Guardia said dismissively. "Well, maybe a little. You're not too bad, sometimes. When you're not a total jerk. Or an ass."

"Kehe, oh yeah? What if I just decided to be the sweetest little Sableye around then? Would I be less of a nuisance then?" Snype said, leaning forward and giving off a big ol smile.

"We both know that'll never happen so I won't even try to imagine that scenario," Guardia huffed.

"Heh, aw comon! I can be a real sweetheart if I tried! Keheh...serious. I have my moments! What should I give ya more compliments or something? Kehe" Snype said with a snicker.

"When did that ever happen?!" Guardia yelled in disbelief but still with a hint of playfulness in her voice. "You? Sweetheart? Don't make me laugh!"

"Kehe! Aw you just haven't seen the sweeter side of me!" Snype said before pausing and looking over Guardia. "...kehe, hey did you take the time to groom your fur earlier? Really makes ya shine like the leader of the gold tribe should~" Snype said with a wink. "Uh... hows that for sweet? Kehe."

Guardia crossed her arms again and shook her head. "Now you're just reaching. How far up your ass did you have to go to get that one?"

"Whaaattt its a genuine compliment! If anyone else said that I'm sure it'd be an easy blush! Kehe" Snype said pointing his tongue out.

"What do you think I am, some teen bimbo?" Guardia asked with another shake of her head. "If anyone else said that, I'd have the same reaction. Don't think you're anything special just because we've known each other longer."

"Kehe, ok ok. I'll just go back to being my annoying self! You seem more used to that kinda stuff by now! Kehe. If I change it up then I'll be even more annoying I'd think! Kehe!" Snype said with a laugh. "So uh, I didn't ask earlier. Whatcha doin right now? Or how do ya plan to kill the time before we leave?"

Guardia scoffed and brushed off Snype's earlier points, then shrugged. "That's it, really. Killing time until we're ready to go to Anatellia. I've found out everything I could about the place from Penance and Anna, so now I'm just waiting until we're ready to go."

"Aw if ya just sit around waiting then this is gonna take forever! We're both bored so lets find something to do! We could spar, have a race, make silly faces at people, come up with a fun prank, anything! Kehe!" Snype said/

"Well unlike you, I still have a duty to protect this place, Snype," Guardia responded. "Making sure nothing happens to the refugees here is the only thing I need to occupy my time. Why don't you go find someone else to play with?" She stated with a hint of insult meant behind her words.

Snype grinned. "Alright, you're the boss! How bout I help ya then?" Snype said with a grin. "You said you wanted me to act a bit more mature right? This is the least I can do. Two Pokemon ought to cover some more ground and make sure everyone is alright." Snype said.

"I... well, if you want to help... I guess you could go around making sure everything's going smoothly. That all the entrances are secure, all the 'mon are safe, and nothing's happening."

"Kehe, sure! If their down I can find a way to cheer them up! I think I do a pretty good job cheering the lot of you up whenever things go downhill. Kehe." Snype said, crossing his arms. "Anything else ya need a hand with?" Snype asked.

"Doing that's a big start," Guardia said with a nod. "If you actually end up doing a good job with it. Something tells me you'll screw around... you take the south entrances, I'll take the north?"

"Sounds good to me!" Snype said with a nod.