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

[SV]

The Altar of the Divines

It was a long journey. So long, in fact, that Guardia had lost track of exactly how long they were treading. It must have been two days at the very least, but it could have very well been as long as three. While still in Sons territory, or while in any other smaller sect territory along the way, the day would be kept in track by 'mon who lit a large amount of lanterns each hour for the passing time. There would be a bright appearance within the caves in the afternoon time, and as evening would set in, more and more lanterns would dim, until very few remained. This was a system that generally worked for a country that never saw the natural sun.

But when one would tread out of sect territory and go into the long darkness of the empty caves, time would be a more difficult thing to make out. And the further they walked, the more unknown everything seemed. Their only company beside themselves were occasional ruins that were long forgotten. It was a part of Anatellia that clearly even the Anatellians no longer walked.

During the entire journey, Guardia more than once remarked on how impressive it was that these 'mon had long ago managed to build an entire civilization underground. She also began to wonder on why this was so. Why did the Anatellians long ago decide to build their entire flourishing culture deep where no one could see them? She had heard stories sure, about how nothing on the surface was really viable. How it was too cold to withstand and too empty to develop. But she had been to the surface for short periods of time. It was wintry, sure. But it wasn't much more so than Karn's winters in her experience. She had to think that if they wanted to, with their remarkable bastions and massive Cathedrals, they could have easily endured the surface's temperature.

Which means, in Guardia's mind, the reason they didn't choose to live on the surface was, simply, because they didn't want to. Were they a private society who didn't want to share their vast knowledge with the rest of the world? Or was the choice to come to the underground one that wasn't made for them? Were they hiding from someone? Or something?

"Guardia," Abel addressed her, which caused the Zangoose to snap out of her thoughts. She turned to him, who directed her up in front of them. Not so far in the distance, a light shone through the relatively dark cavern. It seemed that at that very edge of the pass, there appeared to be a rather large structure. Old, and clearly rotting, the structure was covered by snow. Apparently, the rooftop of the cavern above had collapsed, perhaps some very long time ago, and cause snow to filter in and cover this part of the cave. Guardia shivered once. No wonder the temperature had dropped fairly quickly here.

Thomas looked over the map that Razathiel had bought and nodded. "This appears to be it. The Altar of the Divines," He commented.

The journey had been going by very slowly, it seemed. It hadn't seemed like there was a lot of talking, and Conduit had spent the entire time thinking about two things: Puns to include in his speech, and the mission as a whole. He had heard of the expedition leaving Gold City while falling back to defend citizens, but he had never expected they would be ranging as far as Anatellia. They've come so unbelievably far...I wonder if Guardia thinks that we can actually pull this off. Despite the Raichu's undying loyalty, he had his doubts of the existence of the legendary Cresselia. Even all those years ago when the Gold Tribe clashed with Darkrai, even though he had actually been present during the un-Arceusly assault on Albia, his doubts still lingered. But the Swift had followed Guardia, and the Swift had saved his life, so he figured that anyone his savior could follow was worth following, even if it was on a fool's quest.

"Well...this place has seen better days." Voltaire couldn't help but chuckle as he looked over the dilapidated building. "Sure is cold...Good thing I have fur." He laughed. The slight electrical pulse coursing through his fur was leaving him nice and toasty. "So, guys," He looked around. "What's the plan?"

"Well we head inside! Most of us are probably freezing. I can see Guardia's fur freezing right up! Kehe," Snype said in a teasing tone.

"Shut it," Guardia snapped at the Sableye as she swiped at the back of his head. "And keep focused. We don't really know what to expect in here."

"What exactly is this place?" Abel questioned curiously as he took at few steps forward. He noted the snow below his feet and the cold of the air as he did so.

"According to Gaiyo Nyys, long ago, back when the Anatellians were more connected with the Legendaries, this was a sacred place where they would pray and seek council. But it was also the home of those called the 'Walked', those who could walk with the legendaries."

"And we've pretty much figured out that 'walking with legendaries' means Mega Stones, right?" Guardia asked with a crossing of her arms.

"It would seem that way," Thomas confirmed with a nod.

"Right, so in other words, this is where they made Mega Stones. Or at the very least kept them," Guardia concluded. "And this is where we'll get more of ours. And maybe find something out about them. Let's head inside and see."

"... Guardia," Abel suddenly stopped as the group was moving forward. He gestured to a path in front of them, through the snow. "Look at this," He stated at the path. It seemed disturbed, something out of place, as the rest of the Altar looked all but abandoned. But here, there appeared to be footprints, even a set of them perhaps, heading into the altar. "These are fresh."

"Fresh?" Guardia repeated. "No one else was supposed to have been here in a long time. Which means... " Guardia stared off at the Altar, then toward the rest of the group. "We're not alone here. Eyes sharp," She stated as she headed inside the Altar.

Snype rubbed his head. "Keh... sharp as ever..." Snype muttered as he looked around cautiously.

Cal had already followed the footprints a short distance ahead of the others when they'd been stopped. For once his curiosity had completely overpowered his senses of logic and caution. He had to know, all those books had certainly been helpful, but he and Snype had still both left the library unsatisfied. At least with how much information they'd gathered, their own conversation was very illuminating.

Guardia pushed the door open, though it seemed to have some difficulty opening up, probably due to it being worn and torn up. As she walked in, she noticed an assortment of ruins across the place. Destroyed statues, worn books, it was a mess. Was there anything really special about this place?

"Look," Abel pointed to surrounding books on the floor. "These books weren't always lying here, they've been disturbed recently."

"You could tell that just from looking? How?" Guardia asked the Medicham.

"The snow is creased at the end, where the book fell after whoever had it threw it away," Abel explained. "Meaning it slid recently and landed at that spot. A few of the others have the same crease. If this happened before, the snow would have long ago covered it up," He pointed out to the roof where snow was lightly falling inside the worn Altar.

"You're gonna have to tell me how you're so good at picking that stuff out sometime, Atrox," Guardia commented as she looked around the large, ruined room some more.

"Sometime," Abel murmured coldly.

"Sure would be nice if that sharp sight translated into some true sight..." Razathiel muttered from atop his staff, somewhat absent-mindedly as he scanned the surrounding area. The staff was floating horizontally in the air, and the Ralts was perched on it like a witch on a broom. "How I haven't discovered magical true sight yet, I'm bloody clueless..."

Lacking for any better ideas of what might help, Cal decided to try the only thing he knew for sure had some relation to the temple. He pulled out his inactive Mega Stone and began to walk around the room holding it up and putting it near different objects of interest while the others worked. He also muttered minor prayers to various legendaries, hoping it might have something to do with how one harnessed the power of the stones.

"That will not work," A voice called out from a platform on the second level of the Altar. A female voice, arrogant and commanding, belonging to a 'mon they recognized all too well, stepped forward. Roxanna grinned below at the group. "But it's comical to see you try," She chuckled as she looked down at a book in her hands. In her other hand, a bag was filled with something. Guardia could see something shiny briefly from the top.

"Big surprise, this fucking bitch again..." Raz threw up his arms and rolled his eyes.

Cal tucked the stone away and stared Roxanna down with no lack of determination. "I was hoping we'd get a chance to catch up before we left, now we can finally have that chat you owe me." He couldn't quite make out what was glinting up there right away, but he had a few ideas, and he didn't like all but one of them.

Razathiel hopped off of his staff. "Look," He began. "I'm going to level with you for a second, Ro- Rachel- Rox... Roxanna? Is that it? It's so terrible I can barely remember your fucking name! Listen, you're going to have to fucking... step your shit up, all right? What kind of entrance even was that? Nothing flashy at all! No explosions or pyrotechnics or the like, no voice enhancements- I mean, you could have even jumped down from there and made a little bit of a show of it, but you're just staying up there because- I guess you're afraid of heights or something? I mean- why? Even then you came in from there of all places, which has the very least potential for dramatic lighting- you could have moved just five fucking paces to the left and had a pretty decent angle! Also; announcement was mediocre at best. Sounded like you were talking to a sister who just stole your second piece of toast that you didn't even fucking want all that much- how can your villainous 'grandeur', if I can even call it that, be so terrible I can come up with such a complex analogy to describe its shameful mediocrity!? It's nigh-fucking-unfathomable! Just, ugh," The wizard put a hand to his temples, waving the Zoroark away briefly. "Just go away for a bit and do that again, but do it decently, for fuck's sake... come in from the left. Bloody hell. I don't even give a shit about your stupid Darkrai business, or whatever, this is just fucking depressing."

Roxanna glared at the ranting Ralts for a moment, but as his speech went on, she slowly began to lose interest. She eventually began to examine her fingernails, then yawned a bit at one point, before she noticed he was finally concluding and responded. "Please don't lecture me on... whatever it was you were lecturing me on, you inconsequential insect. I can't be bothered to remember anymore. In fact, I can't be bothered to spend another second with you. I have the Dark One's work to tend to. Unless..." She peered down at the group, particularly at Raz, Cal, and Kav. "Ah, I recall you miserable wretches now. "We do have a score to settle, if I recall. How shall I proceed then, hmm? How do you cretins prefer to die?"

Snype had never met Roxanna besides the time at the race, though that was just brief. Here he was finally having another face to face encounter with an agent of Darkrai. This time Snype planned to come out on top. His eyes were on the bag Roxanna was holding onto. His instinct was to immediately go and snatch it. Snype stepped back behind the group so he didn't get too much attention. He just needed a way to get up there undetected. Hopefully The group would keep yapping on to her. He was going to take full advantage of this Cliche.

"I'm headed towards laughing to myself in my old future self's rocking chair about how anybody could have ever been afraid of you or Darkrai until I lean too far back and tip over." Cal countered, actually imagining the scenario in his head as he said it. "Feel free to try, I'll dance with you anytime Roxxie. Don't expect a second date though because to be frank you aren't my type, I don't go for the graceless emo 'queen of darkness' girls."

"Graceless?" Roxanna repeated angrily. "Who are you to call me graceless, you corpulent green monstrosity?!" She scoffed. "You think you are even worth my time? I could annihilate you like the Mareep you are!"

Snype used Shadow Sneak to fade right into the floor and merge with the shadows below. He could still be spotted like this so he just had to make his way up that at just the right time...He moved toward a few of the knocked over bookcases within the ruins to start off.

Cal laughed and took another step forward, unfurling his wings and smirking at Roxanna. "Oh? Is that so? Then why didn't you do it at the race? Containing your real power to keep us off balance? Oh, I know, you heard that idea about mud baths being good for the skin and thought you needed a little touch up right? I'm glad I could help you get a free beauty treatment, keep working at it and maybe one day you'll be presentable! Long as you work on your showmanship a bit too." He finished with a slight nod in Raz's direction.

"How dare you even suggest such utter nonsense, you grotesque beast!" Roxanna yelled at the giant green Dragonite. "I ought to end your miserable existence in the name of the Destruction Saint right here and now!"

Snype meanwhile continued his approach, sneaking by the various ruins before he was on level with Roxanna. Cal's distraction was working, he just needed to jump at that bag and snatch it away... whatever was in there was clearly important! Snype moved on closer... remaining in his shadowy form and ending up behind Roxanna. Just needed to wait for the right moment!

Voltaire simply stared at a hole in the ceiling until his attention was dragged back to the real world by a rather evil speech from Raz. Odd little guy...If he's so evil why does he stay with us? It was then that Conduit realized that a Zoroark had shown up at the other end of the room. Cal was in a sort of argument, and Snype the Sableye...was sneaking closer. Without hesitating, Conduit belted out, "I don't know. Mud tends to help the pores. And Raz was right. I didn't even zone in until he started talking!" He chuckled and balanced himself on his tail. "Not exactly an electrifying performance."

Razathiel smacked himself in the head and cried out, "And you have illusions, too! That's so much wasted potential! You keep saying you've got the Dark One's work to tend to but you're not doing it - not when your attempts at villainy are this abysmal. Are your minions even the slightest bit afraid of you? Honestly! Like, you're not kidding with me, are you? You're really this bad? You really have so little respect for your own fucking craft?"

Roxanna rolled her eyes. "Do you see an audience here for me to display my ferocity, you feeble slimeball? You lot aren't worth the time! I could destroy you all myself if I wanted to!"

"Then why don't you do it, Roxxie?" Cal asked with a smirk. "C'mon, we can go one-on-one right now if you want, I'll ask everyone else to watch. Show me how scary you can be, I'm sure it'll be adorable."

"Destroy us all yourself?" Raz grinned at the Zoroark, "At least you have a sense of humour. Besides that, though, you might have forgotten how important it is to note that anyone counts as an audience. Minions, enemies, all of it leaves an impression. Even so, there was definitely a large public audience at the races; you were shit there, and you're shit here, so I don't see what difference you're trying to make."

"Shit there?" Roxanna repeated the Ralt's words. "I was backed by the most powerful legendary out. And you brought an oversized candle. So who exactly was garbage? Hmm?" She questioned as she turned her attention to Callimer. "Amusing as that would be, I don't quite think you are worth my time. Unless you care to demonstrate otherwise."

"You mean the powerful legendary who didn't fucking say or do anything? Real impactful, there. Darkrai's big and powerful, sure- but he's got no class, no finesse," Raz paused to let out a bark of laughter. "Also: not entirely sure if you repressed those memories due to shame or anything, but you lost the race. That was a real slip up on your part."

"Didn't do anything?" She scoffed "You ignorant fool, his very presence caused half of the racers to abandon their positions like the cowards they were! And for the record, you only won because you cheated."

The wizard waved a hand dismissively, "Egh, they probably just thought it was about to rain or something- regardless, I'd like to clear this up: first of all, we didn't beat you because we 'cheated'. We won because of it - we didn't even need to do anything in regards to you, so really you're just getting worked up over nothing. I don't see the Reverse Kings getting all stroppy. Secondly; wasn't even cheating. We expanded the ruleset! Made a lasting impact on Under Races to come!" The Ralts turned his head up at Roxanna and folded his arms. "Loopholes aren't cheating; you're just jealous you weren't smart enough to come up with the idea. Admit it."

Snype saw his opportunity... she seemed pretty darn focused on this petty argument...now Snype just had to strike and snatch that bag right out of her claws. He wasn't too confident doing this by himself. These agents of Darkrai were tricky. For all he knew, She already knew he was approaching from behind and just waiting to counter attack...Snype decided to try something else instead of making a head-on attack. He climbed up a little higher to look down at the group. Particularly Cal. The Sableye prepared Detect, making a tiny glint in his eyes as he was about ready to make his move toward the Zoroark.

That shine, that momentary little sparkle didn't escape the Emerald Sentinel's notice, but he'd been in situations like this once or twice before, and didn't even let his eyes twitch towards Snype. He simply kept the King of Thieves in his peripherals as he bunched up all the muscles in his leg and wings and shouted "Alright then bring it on!" and launched at Roxanna full throttle.

Snype took this as his opportunity. Surely Roxanna would at the very least be bracing up for the incoming attack. Time to make a move! The Sableye crept on down and moved behind Roxanna,to snatch the bag she was hanging onto.

Roxanna's attention was focused on Raz, so she didn't expect when a giant green tank in the form of a Dragonite began to propel toward her. Or for a Sableye to begin creeping up behind her. But as Snype tried to touch her, and as Cal tried to shoot at her, they both found an empty target. The Queen of Darkness grinned maliciously as their physical attempts to touch her passed through her body, causing Cal to now head directly toward Snype.

"Honestly, have you truly learned nothing?" She asked with a chuckle. Her voice seemed to resonate across the Altar now, not seemingly caught in one place. But as her illusion vanished in a trace of murky smoke, parts of the walls behind around the Altar had the same illusionary trace.

Snype winced at that. He had somewhat expected this to happen but with everyone going off an chattering to an illusion, they weren't getting anywhere but at least he could pinpoint the source of the voice now.It was a good thing he had Detect prepared for Cal's impact.

Cal had very little time to think, but it wasn't like he would have ever expected it to be as simple as attacking Roxanna, why would she waste her talents like that? He could at least do one thing before he possibly crashed into the wall however. "Find her!" And with that a loud THUMP! Resounded through the room as the Dragonite smacked the wall, or it would have, if life was that predictable. As it was Cal continued to fly further than he expected to, even managing to slow himself down in time not to crash.

Snype was able to avoid Cal's impact, thanks to Detect, but he didn't hesitate to start glancing around the dark room. Thanks to his natural night vision and his spot on the second floor, he could get a good view of most of the area. "Keheh, puhlease! You think I'd forget after that Darkrai trick? Now that you've opened your yap..." Snype searched around the room and looked toward the source of the voice. He had to keep a look out for future illusions.

As Cal found himself going beyond the normal reaches of the room, the wavy illusion that was around the Zoroark previously suddenly made itself present across the Altar of the Divines. The room they were in suddenly altered in size, becoming large than they were before. Appearing just in front of where Callimer stopped were six separate pathways, and just on top of them was Roxanna herself, looking rather pleased with herself. And she wasn't alone. "Do not dare refer to the Dark One's appearance as a trick, you wretch," She hissed, as she glanced to her left and right. Above on the platform beside her were others. There was a Simisage, an Alakazam, and a Sceptile the group were quite familiar with: General Grett, formerly of the Alpha Alliance. "And don't worry about finding me, I won't be going far," She stated with another mischievous chuckle. "So then, who wants to play a game? Hmm? I do enjoy your idea, Ben. Why not share it with the miscreants?"

"Grett!" Guardia yelled as she spotted the former Alpha Alliance General among the four above.

"Came for another slug to the face huh?" Cal called right on Guardia's heels.

The Alakazam let out a weary sigh. "Hello all, as dictated by the bet I had made previously, I must disclose that I am the Gambler, at least in my true form." He gave a small bow, "And I did not simply give up my side of the bet. While you were all occupied, I had another bet challenged to me, and I lost. If you had actually won," He gestured to the Simisage, "Well, you would have Alai in your custody as well. That misunderstanding out of the way...." He looked down, "These six passages lead to six different rooms... and this is where a gamble takes place on your end."

He pointed to the way they had entered, "If you wish, you can now leave. In fact, any time during this gamble you are allowed to leave... but you forfeit the rewards if you do so. One passage leads to a great treasure that can help you, books we found here that concern mega evolution. If you are lucky enough to choose that passage, you will take all the books with you. No enemies are in that room, and we will not try to stop you at any point in leaving with the books. You gambled and won, fair is fair. Likewise, we are incapable of stealing those items from you. A second passage leads to myself. I have three rewards in there for you to try to win in my game. A third passage leads to Roxanna here, and no one else. There, if you wish, you can declare a fight with her. Fight her one on one. None of us will interfere."

"Or come all in at once, for all I care, you shall perish all the same," Roxanna declared with a devilish smile.

Ben coughed, "If I MAY continue. The other three passages lead to other.... things. He gestured to the other agents present. You may encounter Grett, Alai, or other enemies in those rooms. Now given that those are considered loses in a gamble, those fights will be rather difficult. Now... here is a rule in place. You can choose to separate however you wish. If you want a mon to go down each passage, very well. If you want to go as one large group, very well. However." He held up a finger, "Every time you all reconvene back in this main area after exploring a passage, one passage will fade away. Any rewards or battles you could have had will be gone, sealed away. So, if you were to explore three such passages and returned, you could only view up to two more. If you explored only one, then four passages would remain, etc."

He crossed his arms, "It's up to you to decide how you go about it. As I am prone to say, may fate be ever fair." He gave a small nod and in an instant disappeared.

"Don't keep me waiting too long, I grow rather bored quite easily," Roxanna announced as she too disappeared. The Simisage disappeared soon after with a small but polite wave, leaving Grett alone up there. He smirked to the group.

"I'll see you on the other side," He declared, and vanished.

No sooner was Grett gone than Cal scanned the passageways arrayed in front of him and took a step towards the one directly right from the center while the rest made their way up. "I'm going this way, Guardia I don't wanna get ahead of myself but I think you should bring either Thomas or Anna with you. Both for their safety and...well...I think you're plenty smart, but games of trivia or riddles aren't really...well your greatest strengths. It might be nice to have one of them with you if you run into the Gambler-Ben-whatever." With a well-natured smile at his leader he set his shoulders and disappeared down his chosen passage, wasting no time in heading towards his fate face-first.

Voltaire simply watched as the events progressed. It seemed that they had been tricked. And not for the first time, he knew. A grin grew across his face as he listened to the Gambler's little explanation of the situation. "Well...what an enlightening experience." He looked to Guardia and nodded. "I don't want the big man going in alone! I'm going in with him!" He took off down the center passage after Cal, hoping that he'd be of some help.

Razathiel the Dreadmage rolled his eyes and sighed, picking his staff up from under him and levitating down to the floor. With a spin and a thump of his staff on the ground, a door to his Magic Room opened out of which shards of armour flew to assemble around him. As the visor of the wizard's helmet closed with a final clink, Raz waddled over to the six pathways and began tapping on the wall with his staff.

"Oi. Pricks. Come back a minute. I wasn't done with you."

There was silence for a moment until the Gambler reappeared, back up at his usual spot. "Yes?" He drawled out, boredom in his tone, "Was something unclear with the rules?"

"Aha!" Raz said, walking back an appropriate distance. "Gambler- should I call you that? Doesn't seem very fluid in conversation- aghem, never mind! I was wondering if you would be open to the prospect of..." The Ralts paused for effect. "Altering the deal."

"In what way... ?" Ben asked, raising an eyebrow to the idea.

"Well, a new deal, as may have been obvious," Razathiel began. "And, erm... whatever that lot did earlier. Not sure what they did, honestly - didn't much care for it - what was the deciding factor of the deals you made with my, erm..." The wizard paused, looking thoughtfully back at the 'mon behind him before grimacing. "Associates...?"

Ben just sighed, "As I explained before, they set up a deal, and I couldn't beat them in a gamble. That's all that will be said on the subject. Now, is that all? I hate to ruin games like this or prolong them."

"I mean, what was the fucking game you played with them? Just do that again, or something. I don't care. Something low-maintenance or whatever, the game isn't really important; it should be fair and odds-based, regardless. The point is in the win and lose conditions."

The Agent chuckled at that, "I see... well, the game was simple. Win in a card game. You can do that... right?" He held out his hand as a full deck of cards appeared. "You and I only. You win, name your condition. I win..." His eyes narrowed, "I win ownership of you."

Raz scoffed, "High stakes, considering I haven't named my fucking price yet. How's this: I win, and I am allowed entrance to the pathway leading to the books at no cost. And, erm... yes, also Roxanna must learn respect for the villainous craft!"

Ben just shuffled his deck, "So, ownership will be my end of the bet. Because, honestly, I have to make up for my earlier dissappointments. As for Roxanna, I can't promise that. You can get the path pointed out though. That's all."

"Ugh," The Ralts groaned. "Can I make you do everything in your power to make her respect her own fucking craft?"

He frowned, "I can talk to her about it, that's it. Is the bet set?" He asked.

"To relay terms:" The wizard tapped his staff on the ground. "Card game. I win, you show me which of these pathways lead to the books at zero cost, and you must also at the very least try to make the bloody Zoroark respect the villainous craft- even though she might just be dead soon anyway, but there you go- in return, if I lose the game, you get a shot at teleporting me to your camp and doing whatever stupid conversion bullshit you want to pull. Clear?"

"Then." He snapped his fingers as the two disappeared, reappearing in a dark room where a single table was illuminated under the light. "Shall we begin?"

"Sure," Razathiel said casually. "What are we playing? Pairs? Blackjack? Pokér? Go Magikarp?" He paused to look around with a grimace. "Nice décor you have here."

"It's a custom game." The Alakazam explained as he took his seat. "We each draw two cards. You alone have the ability to discard one card and take another from the deck. At the end, we'll show each other our cards. The higher score wins. Number cards are that many points. So a two is worth two points, a five is worth five points, etc. Face cards are as follow. A jack is eleven, queen is twelve, king is thirteen, and an ace is fourteen. Draw your two cards, I'll take mine, and decide if the hand is one you want to keep."

"Yeah, yeah, sure, let's go," The Ralts said impatiently, drawing two cards quickly. "Go on. I'm good. Evil, rather."

Ben fell silent, then revealed his hand, "An eight and a two." He said. "And yours?"

"Eight and ten," Raz lazily threw his hand down. "Short game, huh."

Ben grumbled to himself, "Fine..." He let out a sigh, "The tunnel you want is the second one on the left. Not the left most one, but the one next to it. There, at the end, will be your books." He snapped his fingers, "We're done here." The room faded away, and Raz would find himself now standing in front of the very door that Ben had pointed out.

"Bye, Gambler!" Razathiel said cheerily, shortly waving goodbye to the Alakazam. Once the Gambler was gone, the wizard turned to the others. "What a swell guy! He gave me books for free!" He turned to the passageway he was standing in front of and quickly made sure it was indeed the second on the left before hopping in. "They're down here. Back in a mo'."

"Raz you sly little bastard. Kehe," Snype said with a laugh.

"You better not try to hog all those books to yourself Raz!" Could be heard echoing through the passageways in the form of a certain Dragonite's voice. "I'm personally invested in them now!"

Snype looked round at the group. "Well... that saves us all a fight... but just walking away when these agents are all here together feels... wrong... I mean, you think we can take them?" Snype said, not as confident as he usually is in these situations. Considering the beating he took from Tyren it made sense.

Guardia watched the Ralts make his way down the second pathway. She shook her head in disbelief at the luck he had in the Gambler's game. She then turned her attention toward Snype, and shrugged. "I'm not sure," She answered his query. "I consider us probably the best collection of fighters from Valkaria, but they say the Agents are some of the best on the other side of things, from all over the world. We all remember how tough Tyren was."

"And if that Ursaring in Gold City was also an Agent, then recall it took an entire group of us to temporarily bring him down," Abel mentioned.

"Right," Guardia concurred. "So this will be a tough one. On the other hand, not fighting them could mean problems for us later. Who knows?"

Snype looked to the side, still debating himself. He was unsure if they could take on the agents. Kav and Raz were able to take down Tyren but these guys seemed to be on a different level he felt. "Dammit why the hell am I so nervous about this..." He thought to himself.

"Well hey, if you're too scared to go yourself, I could always come with you to make sure you don't die," Guardia teased Snype as she smirked.

Snype pouted at Guardia. "Keheh, care about me that much do ya~" He teased right back. "In that case if we're going to take on any of these fellows, why not go the same door Cal was going in originally?"

"But that'll leave less 'mon to go after other Agents," Guardia commented. "And less chances for us to go after all of them if we choose to do so. Do you think we still should?"

"Right... hrm..." Snype rubbed his head. "Guess we can head in the next door over to the right. Kehe." Snype said with a grin.

"The fifth one?" Gaurdia asked to confirm. She nodded her head. "OK sure, let's go that way."

"If that's the case, I'll go to the last door on the right," Abel commented. "I don't think I'll need any help, but if any of you need protection, feel free to tag along."

Thomas pondered for a moment, then stepped in. "I for one am not the most talented fighter, so I will follow Abel down the last pathway."

From the second pathway came a loud thump, followed by the sound of a 'mon clearing their throat. From the entrance emerged Razathiel, and in front of him was a pile of ancient, dusty, hefty tomes. He tapped the ground in front of them with his staff to draw attention.

"Pile of books," The wizard announced. "As requested."

When Anna caught sight of the ancient books, her eyes widened. She was interested in the discovery of the tomes. She took steps towards the book to get a closer look. Annabelle was lost in thought for a moment, but she shook her head soon. She needed to stay on task. Historic discovery would have to wait until later.

"Do you think you could help me read some of these as we move on?" She asked Raz, gesturing briefly to his stack of books.

"As we... move on?" Razathiel questioned with one eyebrow raised. "Listen, I want to dig into those things as much as the next 'mon, but we're kind of in the middle of something here," The Ralts gestured to the pathways behind him, turning around and stroking his chin in thought. "Now which one to choose..."

"Well, the first and third pathway hasn't been chosen yet," Guardia stated before she entered her own. "But it's not like you really have to enter one of them. We already basically have what we came for. I just figure taking out a few of these Agents while we have a chance would be a good thing. Your call."

The Ralts took a look around at the room before frowning but waddling forwards. "We don't exactly have the numbers to go through this whole thing properly, but agh well. I'm taking the first passage."

"I'll go that way too," Anna said with a nod. There were two of them going down each passageway. No need to split the numbers... Right?

"Right, I'll be taking the last path then!" Kaveri announced, giving the others a mock salute and grin before turning down the only passage that had not yet been chosen by any of the others. Sure, she may be the only one on her own, but she could handle herself well enough. Well, it's not likely I'm really alone," she thought to herself, reaching under her float to grasp a small, warm vial as she continued on her way.

 

[Megaman765]

Fifth Pathway - Guardia and Snype vs. the Gambler

Guardia eventually proceeded into the fifth pathway with Snype beside her. She squinted her eyes to try to make out what lay at the end of it, but couldn't make anything out in the darkness.

"Any idea what we're going to run into?" She asked the Sableye.

"Perhaps, such a question can be answered if you proceed further?" The Gambler's voice echoed out. "Of course, that could just be me being impatient for the game to properly start."

"That answer your question?" Snype said.

"Oh muk, we got the Gambler," Guardia muttered as she proceeded toward the end of the hallway to see what awaited them.

"Indeed." The voice droned on, "Just please get here soon. And don't think on turning back. You do so, and this passage will disappear along with my prizes. Do hurry up."

Snype frowned and looked up at Guardia. "Well no turning back now. Keheh. I gotta admit, I've been wanting payback after last time." Snype said. He didn't even recall telling Guardia that he lost last time.

"Right," Guardia agreed as she walked to the end of the hallway and to the ruined room at the end.

Inside the room stood the Alakazam himself, idly looking over some cards, "Ah, there you two are. Finally. You two are slow walkers. To save time I'll cut to the chase. You won't be battling me quite yet. I have a game for you two." He held up his hands as three objects appeared before him. He pointed to the first, "You two know this already as a mega stone. What you don't know is that it's a mega stone specific for one of your party. Judging by the purple coloring, I'm sure you two can guess who." He pointed to the second item, "This scroll here is more valuable, in a manner. It contains information on the mon that is currently Cresselia's spirit. It has the name, living area, country of residence, distinguishing marks, sepcies, etc etc. It should be enough for you all to find him or her." He pointed to the last scroll, "This is information on other important matters. If you win, you can see for yourselves, but I won't spill the beans on that."

He snapped his fingers as nine urns appeared before him. "Now, this is where you get to choose. The first part of my challenge is finding these three items within these nine urns. Each of you gets three chances. If you win a prize, as stated previously, no other agents, nor I, am able to steal it off of you. However, if with your last guess you end up selecting an empty urn.... well, the urn will suck you in and seal around you. I suggest you don't choose an empty urn for your last turn. Each of you can decide if you wish to play. If you do participate you MUST choose three urns. None of that 'oh, I found two prizes I end my turn right here' kind of crap. Now, the second part of the challenge will be a battle against myself. If you decide to forfeit the game, not take any turns, then the prizes will be teleported to one of our home bases and we will then engage in battle. Likewise, once both of you finish your respective turns and end the game, then we will engage in battle. Now, for further clarification, say Snype here goes first, finds two treasures and Guardia finds the third on her first turn, the game ends there. No need to take further turns as that would only punish Guardia. Now, when we engage in battler there are only one of three ways to leave this room. The first is by death of either party. The second is by KOing either party. The third is as surrender of any party. If I manage to KO or force your group to surrender... well, let's say that I will enjoy bringing back to one of our bases."

He held out his hand, "So then... what will it be? Shall you all engage in my game?"

Snype stared at the nine urns. The odds of winning this was slim. Let alone obtaining all of the items in one go. But that Mega Stone... Snype had his eyes on it. "Guardia. Let me choose the third one. If you lose then we're without a leader. It would destroy the Gold Tribe." Snype stated.

"One question," Guardia asked as she raised up a finger. "These urns, I assume there's no rules on breaking them up when my thief friend here gets captured?"

"You are correct.I expect you to try. The thing is... these urns are special made. It's going to take quite some power to burst through... and all while I fling attacks at you. Imagine how hard that will be. Last time we tested them in home base, your former Gold Tribe comrades had quite a hard time breaking one open. So do keep that in mind."

"My Gold Tribe?" She repeated as she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. She had only met the Gambler Agent, but she was already fuming.

Snype thought about the scenario... he wondered how heavy they were... if he asked the gambler then it'd just spoil the potential plan. Guardia would make a better shield if he were captured anyways. Snype wasn't the best at head on confrontations.

"Yes," The Gambler stated, "You know of us converting Seekers to our cause. Do you honestly not believe that your Gold Tribe would be captured as well? With Seekers, many perish willingly before they convert. We have a low turnover rate with them. However... your Gold Tribe lack their mental training. I do admit... it is amusing when we see the ones we capture turning to our sides after we.... re-educate them on why they are on the wrong side. In fact..." He let out a soft chuckle, "Some have been sent back into Valkaria to fight against the very mon they swore to protect. Please, don't tell me you didn't know that?"

Snype knew Guardia would be fuming from all this... but Snype couldn't help but ask. "...And my thieves? I've seen my home get surrounded. Have they converted behind my back?" Snype asked.

Ben tilted his head, thinking for a moment, "Well... they are thieves." He started saying slowly, "So then, when you approach a thief with a better job..." He let out a soft chuckle, "Let's say... that some can indeed be bribed to our side. I in fact know of one former one. He's a superb guy. Still, I think we got off topic. Perhaps you two would like to take on the game? Who knows? Perhaps that secret information we have is on how to stop the forced conversion of your respective organizations?" His grin grew, "Only one way to find out."

"I wouldn't listen to muk this guy says, Snype," Guardia spat vehemently. "He'll be dead before the day's up anyway. In fact, I don't care much for this game nonsense. I could kick his ass right here and be done with it, then take what he has!"

"Or they could just vanish as soon as we attack. Calm down Guardia. You'll get your chance as soon as we get our game done." Snype said. "You gonna take this challenge on with me or what?"

Guardia fell silent for a moment as she composed herself internally. She sighed and looked over to the Sableye. "I dunno, should we risk the two of us playing? What if we both get captured?"

"Well if one of us get captured then we're stuck in an orb while he beats the hell out of one of us." Snype retorted.

"So you think we should both do it, then?" Guardia asked Snype.

"You wanna just watch and let me do everything? Kehe. We have three shots at this anyways..." Snype said.

"He is right. If you listen to my phrasing, the moment you attack my items of interest are ported away." He further explained. "So, the moment the game ends, or is never started, then our battle begins. Without further ado, who will engage in my game?"

"I will." Snype said as he stepped forward. "I'll stick with the original plan. Just in case. Kehe. I'll manage." Snype said with a grin.

"... I'll try as well, then," Guardia answered.

"Guardia if we both lose this then we'll both end up becoming punching bags." Snype warned.

"Then you better use some of that thief charm and make sure we don't lose, huh?" Guardia retorted with a smirk.

He was surprised that she even referred to it as "thief charm"... but nonetheless, Snype was convinced enough to go through with it! He couldn't think of a way to cheat the game but the Gambler had a sharp eye for that sort of thing... he'd have to play it out as he went. He always did have an eye for treasure.

Ben snapped his fingers as the three prizes disappeared into three of the urns. With another snap they began to shuffle about in the air at a sight dazzling pace. Then, the nine urns set themselves down in so that they were in three rows of three. "So then, we have the upper row here, the middle row, and the bottom row. At the same time we have the left row, center row, and right row. Nine urns, so choose carefully."

Snype considered how low the odds were in this game... but he had to get at least something! There had to be some kind of trick to it... For now Snype had to go with instinct. "...lets not waste any time then. I choose the middle left row"

Ben held out his hand as he pointed out to the left row as the middle urn in that row rose up a bit, "Go and see if it contains your prize." He calmly stated.

Snype walked up to the urn and reached to the urn... when he held it, he found that inside... was a Mega Stone! Snype was in shock! He didn't quite expect to find it so soon but there it was! Looks like Guardia was right about that thief charm! "My odds are lookin pretty good today "Ben". Keheh." Snype said confidently.

"It does, thief king." Ben replied, "Choose your second urn, please."

"Wow, nice first pick," Guardia congratulated. She wondered if this was simple luck, or if Snype had some secret 'trick' that he wasn't sharing. "Looks like you're starting off strong, go ahead again."

Snype grinned and pointed toward his next pick. "Top right! Kehe!" Snype said.

The urn turned toward Snype, opening up to reveal nothing. "Too bad. Seems your luck ran out there." Ben replied. "One more go. Make sure it counts."

"Dang," Guardia murmured as it was revealed that there was nothing inside. "But at least that eliminates one for the last turn. Hopefully the last one isn't empty as well..."

"Don't go jinxing it Guardia." Snype said as he turned toward the urns. He was prepared for the scenario which he might be trapped... he could at least take any psychic attacks without troule... with that logic, Snype would be better off not stuck in an urn. Snype looked down at his Mega Stone and to the various urns.

"C'mon thief instinct don't fail me now..." Snype said with a huff. "The tables are in your favor anyways. Kehe. With how ya have it set up, it isn't very balanced out... but your game right? Kehe..." Snype said with a grin. "Lets get this over with. I choose the middle one."

The urn turned to face Snype and opened up, revealing... nothing. In that instant a very powerful wind sucked at the Sableye. It was almost as if he was caught in the heart of a tornado as the ghost was sucked inside. A top appeared above the urn and locked in as it settled down on the ground with a thud. "And one thief is caught." Ben murmured. "Well, your turn next, Guardia."

"Snype!" Guardia yelled as the thief was carried into the urn. The Zangoose Gold Tribe leader gritted her teeth as her comrade vanished before her eyes. Now it was up to her. She thought about not trying to even play the came and simply attack the Gambler and commence the fight, but two things stopped her. One, while she would guess, she figured Snype might take the time to figure out how to escape. And two, the Gambler mentioned information about Cresselia. If he was serious, then they could figure out exactly where part of her was.

"Alright," She finally concluded as she stepped forward. "I'll pick the back right urn."

The urn turned toward Guardia and opened up... revealing nothing. "Make another guess." Ben simply stated as the urn faded away.

"Muk."

Snype forgot about Guardia's patience... while he was sucked in the cube, the Sableye was rather... tame for being trapped. He wished that he told Guardia to try stalling a little so he had time to figure out the trap. Snype investigated the cage he wwas stuck in while Guardia continued her game. there had to be a way out. Brute force wasn't going to break through steel..."Guardia! Think carefully! Take your time with this one! If you get another wrong one then that just increases your odds of staying in the fight!"

"It would have been helpful if you found one other item!" Guardia shouted back through the muffled sounds of the Sableye in the urn.

Snype facepalmed in his cage. "Ugh... dammit Guardia! You'll get it later, I gotta get out of this thing." Snype said as he kept investigating.

"I'll get what?" Guardia asked, getting increasingly more impatient. "Ah... argh!" She scrunched her nose and pointed. "I'll pick the back middle one!"

The urn turned to face Guardia, opening up as a scroll shot out at her. "Congratulations. You know that miscellaneous information I hinted at earlier? You just got it." The urn faded away, "Now... choose your last one."

"Crap...!" Snype shouted out. Two items are in their possession... but now Guardia only had a 1/4 chance preventing herself from being trapped. It was down to luck at this point. Snype had to act quick. As he investigated the urn he was stuck in, he noticed a small crack in it... it was a start at least. Snype quickly focused and used Foul Play against it. It was working as the cracks were starting to get bigger... he just had to keep at it with powerful attacks. Guardia would probably have this nailed by now!

"Damn, I kinda was hoping for a miss... wait, no I shouldn't be!" Guardia exclaimed. "Or should I? Damn it, this is too confusing. You know what? Screw it, I'm just going to pick the last one." She approached the urns one last time and thought. It seemed there was an urn in each of the last two rows, and so far none chosen in the first. It could be possible that the last one was there. But then again, it could also be possible that the Gambler placed it in the same row as the first two. "... I pick the middle right one!"

The Alakazam turned to the one chosen. The top opened up... as another scroll popped out at Guardia. "And Cresselia's information is yours." He gave a small bow, "You're not a bad gambler yourself, Guardia."

Snype sighed in relief... he couldn't beelieve Guardia managed that. They had information as well as a Mega Stone! Of course... Snype just had to break out now. He continued pounding on the crack.

Guardia grinned proudly. "Yes!" She shouted in victory as she collected the second bit of paper, and tucked it into her belt along with the first one. "This couldn't have gone any better!" She declared, before looking over to where Snype was trapped. "... more or less."

Ben nodded as the other urns, save for the one Snype was trapped in, faded away as Ben held out his hands, a stack of cards appearing in them. "Now... our battle begins." His cards floated around him as he held out one hand, "Fate chooses for me. We shall see how this goes. Each of these cards is either an advantage for myself... or an advantage for you. FATE! CHOOSE FOR ME!"

The various cards gathered as one twisted about to reveal it's number... thirteen. The Death. Without another word, Ben held out his hand as a beam shot at Guardia. As soon as it hit, ice began to form along the Zangoose's body. "Frozen, as dictated by death." He murmured out.

Snype could hear the noises outside which just had him beating on the crack even harder. He had to break out before Guardia ended up falling for one of the Gambler's tricks.

Guardia cursed as she suddenly began to be surrounded by ice. "Muk, what the hell?!" She called out as she was getting encased in the cold barrier. She hadn't expected a frozen attack to come out to her, but she had to react quickly! If both Snype and her were encased, they'd be at the mercy of the Gambler. Just as the ice almost surrounded her, she decided to use her trademark attack.

From above, a jolt of lightning struck at her body, with the high-temperature Thunder melting the top portion of the ice before she became completely engulfed. She was still trapped on her lower portion of her body, including her legs. But at least she wasn't suffocating or drowning. She quickly worked to try to free the rest of herself.

As Guardia focused on her current condition Ben raised his fingers, flicking them back and forth. He lowered his hands as his fingers stopped moving. His eyes flashed as an electrical charge shot out at Guardia. The electricity slipped right around her body as Ben's eyes narrowed, "Eerie Impulse will keep your more... special attacks under control."

Snype decided another approach. He used Will-o-wisp on the crack to try and add a bit of heat to it. Hopefully breaking through would be much easier at that point.. it was working much more effectively with this combo! Snype kept pounding away. "Curse these tiny arms..." Snype sneered. If Guardia had some breathing room she could help Snype break through but he was guessing that luxury was lost at the moment. "Blast thing has to have some kind of weak point!" Snype snarled.

Guardia closed her eyes as an attack shot out from the Gambler to her. Thankfully, however, it was only a lower attack, giving her another chance to break through her ice. She chopped up most of her ice now with a Crush Claw, and jumped out and shattered the rest. The Zangoose shivered as the residue cold remained on her body, but she was ready to attack again.

She examined Snype's condition once more, and called out to him. "Snype, get your ass out of there already!" She yelled. "He's using metronome, it looks like!" She explained as she fired off a Thunder Wave toward the Gambler.

As the wave came at him, the Gambler managed to flick his fingers about once more. He smirked as he held out his hands and began to shake his hips back and forth. "I don't get to dance much, so I'll take this excuse." He said as he twirled in place, soon gritting his teeth as the electricity hit him. His dance was finished through as he smirked at the Zangoose, "You just paralyzed yourself too... my dear." He said with a soft chuckle.

"Damn it!" Guardia shouted out as she felt the sting of electricity pulse around her body. This was especially worse following the embarrassing dance moves she had to suddenly perform. Now more than ever, she needed a helping hand from Snype. Instead of firing at the Gambler again, she decided to strike a Crush Claw on the urn he was in. However, on the way to the urn, the Zangoose felt the stinging of the electricity around her body, which prevented her from performing her attack.

Ben didn't attack this time. As the electricity kept on sparking along his form, the cards rose by themselves and once more flew around him. "Fate... decides for us." He grunted out. He grit his teeth as he saw the Hanged Man. "... Crud." A black aura engulfed the Alakazam's form as he fell to a single knee, bowing his head toward Guardia. His shoulders visibly sagged as he spoke out in a shaky voice. "I... surrender..."

At that instant, the urn holding Snype shattered, releasing the Sableye. The Alakazam just bowed his head further, "Do... as you wish. I have no further will to fight... for the Hanged Man has stolen it from me." He muttered.

"What? That's it?" Guardia asked in confusion.

Snype fell from the urn and fell to the floor. Well that was certaintly anticlimatic and...at the same time kinda depressing on top of that. "Gah... s-sorry Guardia... that steel wall was stubborn..." Snype said with a frown.

Ben fell silent and showed the card that had been selected, "My powers.... the cards hold powers even I cannot fight. The Hanged Man has sucked my will to fight away... I have surrendered. I had set a bet when this game began.... since I surrendered to you, I am, in essence, your property. It is one I set for myself only. The other agents may still kick and fight... but luck has determined that I am to remain under your eyes. Since you two were in the battle... I am both of your property. Do with me as you wish... my will is gone." He let out a depressed sigh. "Besides, what is the point of fighting anyways?"

"No problem Snype," Guardia began as she looked over the Gambler. "It doesn't matter. The important thing is we won!" She exclaimed. Then she recalled something. "Oh, right," She stormed over to the Gambler, and struck him directly in the face. "That... was for what you said about my Gold Tribe."

Ben didn't say much as he was struck, only letting out a weak whimper. That, and some sniffles.

Snype winced as Guardia stuck the Gambler while he was down. It wasn't the most pleasent thing to witness but he understood Guardias reasons."...Guardia we have him now And we have a mass of information to go through. Lets ask him some questions. If he's our property then he could be useful on our side," Snype explained.

"Well it's not like he'll actually tell us anything... I mean, will he tell us anything?" She questioned. She turned back to the Gambler. "Hey! Are you gonna share anything with us?"

"Yes..." He said softly as he rubbed at his face, "I am your property now... not Darkrai's. So, I will have to treat you two as I treated him within the confines of the gamble... as superiors. What do you need to know?" He asked as he looked among the two.

"Where to even begin..." Snype held onto his head. He had a whole novels worth of questions.

"What is most important to you?" Ben asked. "If we had information on Cresselia already... perhaps you could try there."

"Yeah... perhaps." Snype started off. "Guardia throw me that scroll. Its time we shed a bit of light to this." Snype stated. "Where is Cresselia's soul? How can we bring her to full form and...will it even be enough to stop Darkrai?" Snype asked.

He fell silent as his depressed moodset faded away quickly, "That was unpleasant." He muttered. He stood back straight up, "As stated before, I am your property. Darkrai gave me more free reign, but if you give me a task, I will answer to it. As for your questions... I don't even know that much on her either. The scroll you have was given to me by the purposes of this bet. Same with the mega stone. My powers work in a mysterious way that even I can't comprehend at times. Often times when I call for a bet, then items will be provided out of the blue. In this case, a mega stone and the information scrolls came.. So read that for your information. But... I do know how to bring her around. You just have to bring all of her parts together. That's her reincarnation, her soul, and her spirit. The information you have there." He stated as he pointed at the scrolls Guardia held, "That... that is information that you alone possess. You have a few steps ahead of the opposition now. And, unless the other agents are lying... no one else knows of what is in that scroll."

"Oh, right," Guardia replied as she reached for the information on the scroll, and opened it up. She read it quickly, tilted her head, then passed it over to Snype. "Well what do ya know."

"What? What is it?" Snype said as he looked inside the scroll It would read... Lia, Musharna. The Great Vantage, Beatruce.. "...Well well well..." Snype said in a curious tone. Not wanting to speak up too much if say, someone else were watching. This was their information and he wanted to keep it secret for now. "And the other scroll?"

"It is up to you to read it. I have no knowledge of it." Ben calmly explained. "However... I feel I should also warn you two of the danger that your comrades may be in. Our battle isn't the only one going on, after all." He tapped his head, "With my gambling powers, I always keep tallies on any bets going on. If any sort of cheating is to occur, it is how I am able to recognize it. First though... read that scroll. Memorize them, I would say. Because things might become a bit hectic soon, depending on what actions you wish for me to take."

Guardia momentarily glanced at the Gambler, before she turned to the second scroll and began to open it up. Her eyes traced across the pages as she read what was written. "... What?" She looked up at the Gambler. "What the hell does this mean?"

"Throw it over Guardia I wanna see it! Why ya gotta be so ambiguous? Kehe." snype said as he held out his hand. Guardia obliged him by walking over and handing him the scroll. Snype eyed over the scroll. "...When the time is right, Gabriel will open the Ancian... Yeah Guardia you can say that again. What?"

"I have no idea what the hell that means," Guardia stated with a shrug. She looked over the Gambler helplessly.

The Alakazam wearily shook his head, "I do not either, unfortunately. Perhaps whatever books you found here could help you out? I am not well with history or culture in any sense. If it's a place... well, geography isn't my suite either." He frowned, "However... given my change in allegiance just now... I would suggest we focus on getting out of here. Whatever knowledge that is, it's dreadfully important. I know that much from the magic I wield."

"Maybe one of the others will know more," Guardia muttered. "Or Gaiyo back in Reverence. But at least we have the location of Cresselia's spirit!"

"True... and again, I suggest we depart." Ben stated again, "There are dangerous mon here.... some who would even trump myself in battle. If you wish... I can cancel the game. It would allow your party to depart, but know this." He held up a finger, "If I do, any rules fall apart. They can steal your items, kill you, and come after you."

"Before we do, any other questions you wanna ask this guy?" Guardia asked Snype.

"Actually two more." Snype stated in a serious tone. "First. That mention about the thieves. Were you serious about that or were you just trying to piss me off? Second. I want to know. Darkrai's motive. Why? Why is he going through all of this trouble? Give it to me straight."

"The first I can answer simply." He explained, "It was tasked by Darkrai to cause chaos. The other agents do it however they please. Long story short, I'm not here of my own free will. I am a gambler. I gambled with a frog a long time ago, and I lost. That's why I'm here. Everything I do is mainly to satisfy requirements Darkrai has asked of us. For myself, it means my curse forces me to do certain things. Such as angering you two for chaos' sake. As for why he is doing this... it's to make a new world. Where freedom is absolute. The way he's going about it involves numerous smaller tasks, tasks that we are trying to compete. Or, what they are trying to compete. As of the moment, those tasks are no longer my concern."

Snype smirked. "Keheh, well it didn't work too well. I trust my thieves well enough to not do something so stupid." Snype said confidently. "But... a free world? Tsk. Sure. Think I've heard this one before. There's gotta be more to it then that."

"One such task that I know of is to break the guardian system." Ben explained, "It's something to do with balance in the world. Apparently good things and bad things are on some sort of scale. When too many good things happen, bad things NEED to happen to balance things out. That's the simplest way I have to explain it. Gabriel, and the other Agents, want to do away with that so that bad and good isn't force upon the general populace. I know that some mon end up convinced to join our side when we explain that system to them."

"Tsk. Surprised that so many were convinced by that. Were the seekers and the rest really willing to join or uh... was that just a way to piss us off more? I know most were brainwashed n all." Snype continued.

"It's difficult to say." Ben replied. "I don't have the numbers on that really, what I do know is that many Seekers, something like ninety five percent, find some way to commit suicide if they're ever caught. Out of those we do capture alive, most don't turn to our ways. Others do, however. It depends mainly on the individual. I know some are willing to chat and talk with us about our ways and see if they wish to join willingly. Others are tempted by higher rewards. Some are never broken and forced to stay as slave labor in camps. And yet others are.... re educated. And even that has many ways of working, starting from stockholm syndrome to straight up putting them in front of other mon who change their thoughts. It just depends on the individual and how they respond, though others join out of fear too." He gave a meek shrug.

"Geez..." Snype said as he rubbed his head. He supposed the forest was doing a good job keeping Darkrai out if none of the thieves had been involved. He was worried about the others. They could have been battling one of the agents for all he knew. He could call off the gamble but that wouldn't stop the agents from gang banging them and stealing their items.

"So, it is up to you two as to what happens next." He replied. "I'm just a tool to be used." He gave a modest bow. "Know though, that any gambles I do in your name could end up having the less desirable result. As you can see by my current situation."

"...You happen to know what's happening in the other rooms?" Snype asked. He had to make sure if calling this thing off would be worth it.

"I do." Ben explained, "Whenever I set up a game I know of everything that goes on. As I explained before, I will be able to sense any cheating that way. I just need to focus for a bit, and I could tell you whatever you two wish to know... but at the moment, it seems your Ralts friend has his books in tow, and is currently chatting it up with the Mareep and James. He's a mercenary who was hired on. Let's see..." he frowned for a moment, "Your Dragonite and Raichu friend found Roxanna's room..." He winced a bit, "She's still pissed about that.... and there's this room now. I do hope Roxanna doesn't go full power on them... she can get really nasty that way."

Snype raised a brow. "What, what about Abel and Thomas?"

He frowned, "Ah yes, the last two. Sorry about that. It seems that they found the strongest agent... Grett. Your Hypno friend is almost dead, and the Medicham is suffering too." He crossed his arms, "At the moment we cannot intrude. To do so would mean the rules are broken, and the three of us would be greatly punished. However... if I cancel the game I can teleport all three of us into that room without repercussion. But, as stated before, the other agents would also be free to leave their respective rooms and team up likewise against us. Anyone could come at any point. Do note that."

"Abel! Thomas!" Guardia called out as she clenched her fists. "Damn, we have to help them!"

Snype clenched his fists. "Damnit...I'm not left with much of a choice huh?" Snype said, crossing his arms. "Wait... hold on a second!" Snype shouted out and pointed to the Gambler. "Why can't you just grab everyone around here and warp us back to town or something like that?!"

Ben thought for a moment, "I do have a power boost... I am an Agent." He rubbed at his chin, "In such a case you would have to cancel the game. I can't teleport to any place with a network point close by... but I can teleport us some distance out. We would all appear in mass in the caves. It would be all of us in mass against all of them. Think hard about this, you two. Is that what you want at the moment?"

"Even the agents? You can't just pick and choose? Warp to each room and grab everyone one by one?" Snype said

Ben tilted his head. "... That might work. By the end I'll be exhausted. It's carrying a load of mon all at once and ensuring none are accidentally teleported into the floors or walls. I'll need a small power boost from the Ralts to carry all of us out in mass... but it should work. You have to give the order first. Cancel the game at hand?"

Snype turned to Guardia. "We need to plan a route. We'd save Ben some energy if we stay behind. After all, considering what I got on me I'm sure I'll be surefire target right? Same goes for Raz..." Snype tried to think fast about it. "Ok, Lets say you teleport to Abel and Thomas first, then grab Raz's group for the boost, Then Cal? Could you handle that without passing out?

"Two passengers won't be too much. With the smaller psychic donating energy to me, I should be able to handle the last few rounds. I have quite a large amount of psychic ability, it's why I am an agent after all." He held up his spoons, his eyes starting to shine, "Tell me when I should cancel the game. And be warned, when it's canceled, every Agent will know about it, so expect some to burst through the walls, or running through the passages trying to find you all."

"For your sake Ben you had best be fast. Guardia hope ya remembered all that info!" Snype said as he ripped the two scrolls into shreds. "Not like we got a choice after all!

"I remember it!" Guardia answered with a nod. "Whenever you're ready."

"Alright. Grab Thomas and Abel first. Cancel the game!" Snype called out.

 

[SV]

The Sixth Pathway - Thomas and Abel vs. Grett

There was a silence between the Thomas and Abel as they walked down the path. Thomas did not exactly know what to say to the Medicham, and Abel seemed to not care or bother with the Hypno being there in the first place. In order to break the silence, Thomas lightly coughed.

"So... I wonder who we'll run into on this path," He wondered out loud in an attempt to bait the Medicham Gold Triber to communicate back. All he was met with was silence. Thomas slightly frowned and pondered again. "I suppose we should come up with some sort of strategy in case it is the Gambler or Roxanna, or Grett. Those are the only Agents of the ones I saw that I'm familiar with. But then again, there were five doors and only fo-"

"Shut up," Abel interrupted coldly.

"I-I'm sorry?" Thomas questioned.

"Shut up," Abel repeated. "I'm trying to concentrate, and your talking is distracting."

"I'm only trying to create a str-"

"I know what you're doing, Thomas," Abel interrupted again. "Do you think I've so easily forgotten how you led the Valkarian Exposure and tried to make Darkrai out to be a piece of propaganda by the Gold Tribe?"

"... I..."

"Don't pretend to be my friend, or any of ours," Abel stated viciously. "You aren't. Now shut up, and follow."

Thomas didn't reply to Abel beyond a small lowering of his head. He followed behind the Medicham as they came to the end of the pathway. There, a familiar Pokemon was waiting for them.

"I was wondering who was going to come through here," Former General Grett stated with a smirk. "Good to see some familiar faces."

"General Grett," Thomas replied as he furrowed his brows. He had wanted to see and converse with his formal rival for a while now, ever since he had seen that he was alive in the Path of Nations.

"Thomas, Atrox," The Sceptile greeted the two with a curt nod. "How have you been?"

"Cut the small talk, traitor," Abel responded coldly. "You know why we're here."

Grett glanced toward the Medicham and snorted. "I suppose. I was hoping to have a few friendly words before. But if you're so inclined on fighting, I can oblige."

"Wait!" Thomas called out as he held up one of his hands. "Before we do, I must know. You have always been a defender of what is right, of propriety. You and I never agreed on the manner by which Valkaria should be ruled, or by how those who ruled should bow to the will of the 'mon we govern, but you were always one who believed in helping 'mon. I can't understand it, so please explain, Grett. Why? Why are you doing this?"



The former General glanced at the Hypno in silence, as if to ponder the thought. Then, after a few seconds of not speaking, he uttered out. "... To have a purpose."

"What?" Thomas questioned, and a moment later, Abel charged in toward the Sceptile, clearly not interested in what Grett had to say. He swung his fist back, and thrust it forward toward the Sceptile in an open palm, a Brick Break that Thomas had seen Abel cause all sorts of mayhem with. The attack was on fast pursuit toward the Agent, when it was suddenly stopped. Thomas, and even Abel, were both caught in surprise as Grett had intercepted Abel's swift-moving arm and grabbed it at his elbow, while also ducking to the side to avoid the shockwave of the attack.

Abel's Brick Break managed to crack up the wall right behind him, further validation to Thomas that the Medicham was indeed no push-over and that his abilities were as skillful as they got... and Grett grabbed him like he was a child.

With his free arm, Grett formed a razor-sharp set of grass from around the area, and cut across the held Abel with a Leaf Blade. The Medicham was sliced deep across his chest, and a follow-up kick sent the Gold Tribesmon soaring to the far end of the room. Thomas held his mouth open in shock.

"H-how is he so..." Thomas turned back to the Sceptile General, but found the 'mon already closing the distance toward Thomas. In a desperate attempt to impede the rushing 'mon, Thomas brought his pendulum up and began to activate a Hypnosis on Grett to slow him down. Grett furrowed his brows and reacted almost instantly.

A flurry of razor-sharp leaves began to appear behind and across his body as they followed him forward. The wind howled as the leaves began to form around him in a more balanced pattern, before he brought his arms forward to call upon all of them to strike forward in a devastating Leaf Storm. The attack wasn't just far-reaching and powerful, as Thomas would soon note. It was also precise. The first set of leaves that reached the Hypno at rapid speed struck at his pendulum, with the first one cracking it up, and the second set rupturing and destroying it, thereby canceling the Hypno's attacks. The whirlwind of leaves that followed struck him all across his body. They were precise and sharp, rupturing across him, and in some unfortunate cases through him without prejudice or remorse, as if he were paper and they were knives.

Thomas screamed and groaned in pain, especially as some of the leaves passed straight through his body and came out the other end. He couldn't tell where he was hit. No, rather, he couldn't tell where he wasn't hit. But eventually, the storm seemed to die down, and he tried to compose himself to try and launch a counter attack. But the Sceptile General was already in front of him through a Quick Attack, and bashed right into the Hypno with a deadly combo across his chest and face. The Hypno flew backward and crashed into the wall.

Grett was relentless as he once more charged forward, though this time, he was luckily met by a recovering Abel, who jumped out from his right and launched a prepared Focus Blast on him. The Sceptile didn't have any room to maneuver, so the attack struck him directly. Or so it seemed at first. From Thomas's angle, he could barely see how the Sceptile utilized an Agility to boost up his speed, and which allowed him a chance to move a bit backward. He then was able to get into a defensive position against the attack.

Still, Thomas would have tried to smirk if it didn't hurt his face to try. There was nowhere to go, and Abel's Focus Blast was among the strongest he had witnessed. Even if Grett braced himself, he wouldn't stay up on his feet long. The Focus Blast struck directly across Grett's chest, who was pushed back a few meters by the attack... but then he halted. The Focus Blast continued to come forward, but Grett appeared to be holding it off purposefully in place. A wide eyed Thomas and a confused Abel began to witness as, through the powerful fighting blast, Grett began to power up energy into his hand and raised it up. The energy came down as a dual slash in the form of an X-Scissor, which effectively split up the Focus Blast's energy and part it to either side of the Sceptile.

Thomas watched the attack part, and followed the two separated attacks as they launched themselves into a the walls, destroying them once more. The Hypno tried to move himself, but he found that the powerful Leaf Storm Grett launched had done a tremendous amount of damage to him. However, he saw that Abel was now preparing a Psychic blast to launch at the Sceptile, and decided that even though he couldn't move, he would try and make a similar effect. He concentrated and pushed back all of the pain he was feeling, and formed up as much Psychic energy that he could muster, and prepared to launch it. Abel seemed to do the same, though the amount of energy he created was significantly larger than Thomas's. Grett, however, seemed to already be planning something.

He momentarily closed his eyes, and then summoned forth another Leaf Blade. Thomas quested what he planned to do with that, as he didn't believe he would have enough time to close the distance on both of them. Yet instead of attacking either of them, he leapt up into the air and struck at the wall, which destroyed part of the ceiling from above. Old rock fell as light shined through the scar-like opening that Grett created, which shone directly over him. The light that was shining through, however, alarmed Thomas. It didn't appear to be candle light or light from some other interior sources. It appeared instead to be direct sunlight from above the hold long ago created over the Altar, where the cavern ended and where the sun shone through. Thomas couldn't believe it. Had the Sceptile planned this entire time according to the position of the sun in the sky where he would strike to allow sunlight in? It couldn't be possible.

But a moment later, Grett seemed to gather up his hands at the sunlight, and concentrate. He took in the rays of the sun through the opening to the dark room, and green energy gathered in his hands.

"He's going to launch it at one of us!" Thomas managed to croaked out through the pain. The Hypno launched the Psychic attack toward the Sceptile. Abel did the same. The two purple beams of energy propelled themselves at Grett, who surprisingly didn't respond with a defense of his own. Instead, he took the two attacks in force, which cause a grunt from him. He was clearly hurt by the attack, though not nearly as much as Thomas expected, or would have likely. And what was worse was that Grett maintained his position. Then, he called out.

"Not one of you," He correct, and split apart the gathered energy of the Solarbeam into two separate hands. He then pointed one toward Thomas, and the other at Abel, and launched them forward. Abel attempted to dodge out of the way, but he was still in the process of finishing up his Psychic wave. Thomas couldn't dodge even if he tried, and so the two were struck directly by the powerful grass beam. The Altar of the Divines shook violently as mayhem ensued inside the room of the sixth pathway. The walls and ground below began to turn to rubble and broken piles of rock. Dust and smoke levelled up into the way, and the two fighters found themselves nearly out of commission.

Thomas was all but done. He lay in a bloody pool, barely able to breathe and twitching his fingers to try and have his body react. Abel was on the floor near the Hypno, panting heavily and nursing his right arm, which was covered in blood and which hung lifeless at his side.

"Hey, are you alive there?" Abel asked Thomas beside him. Thomas was barely able to respond, but managed to force himself up to a seating position.

"I..." He coughed multiple times. "I don't think... we can beat him..."

"Doesn't look that way," Abel muttered lowly.

"S-should we run?" Thomas croaked out.

"We won't get far. And Gold Tribe never run."

"B-but we'll die!" Thomas managed to yell out, as he saw the figure of the Sceptile already on the move through the smoke. Abel didn't respond immediately beyond glaring at the silhouette of the Sceptile, who emerged from the smoke with a few gashes and cuts from the ordeal.

"Game over," Grett declared.

Just as Grett said that, three mon teleported straight in, right next to Abel and Thomas. Snype, Guardia, and the Gambler. "Heya." Snype said casually to Grett. "Quick, grab them!" Snype said as he used Will-o-wisp on Grett.

The Sceptile General made a quick side-step to the right to narrowly avoid the Will-o-wisp that came from the three new arrivals, who seemed to come out of nowhere. "Ben? What are you..."

"Sorry Grett." He said as he frowned, "Game's over. New wager. Later." With that, there was a flicker as in a mili-second the five disappeared in the blink of an eye.

 

[Kikpanther]

Pathway 1 - Anna and Razathiel

The mystery pathways intrigued Razathiel. The element of randomness wasn't something he was unused to, but that wasn't to say it was particularly comforting either. As he meandered through the twisted passageway, the thought that he could potentially be put face-to-face with any of those agents - or even Darkrai for all he knew, despite the fact it had not been mentioned - was indeed exhilarating. Exhilaration, however, wasn't something the miniature mage paid much mind to when he was so well aware of the danger he faced.

As Anna walked she looked to and fro around the passage. She took note of the walls, what they had passed, and what they were coming on. She was nervous, unsurprisingly. There were Agents down here (or she could only assume that) and the threat of them jumping out to kill her kept creeping into her mind. Maybe it would have been better for her to go down a path with more 'mon, or stay behind or... Something that didn't involve her getting in the way during a fight. Annabelle felt bad thinking that, though. She couldn't let her friends walk down these paths alone! But they were all much more capable fighters than she was... Maybe Raz would have been fine..

The wizard in question cleared his throat. "I haven't fought with you before. I mean, can you? Fight, that is. You're looking perturbed and it's bothering me, and if this bloody 'teamwork' thing is necessary then I might as well do it as well as I can."

"Huh?" Anna looked away from one of the dark corners and over to Raz when he spoke. Another deadly Croagunk jumping from the mist scene had preoccupied her mind. She really needed to stop doing that. "Oh, uh, yeah. I mean, no... Kind of?" Wow this wasn't reassuring at all. Anna had to give herself credit! She'd tussled before. If they'd seen the kind of smack down she'd given to invading mice and insects they'd see she had some capabilities, but... That's not to say she was as capable as her compatriots. "I know how to defend myself," Anna said, this time with confidence. She may not know all of the cool Gold Tribe techniques, but you couldn't be as high ranking as she was in the SEC without knowing a little bit about how to defend yourself. That was good right? Yeah....?

Razathiel gave the Mareep a slightly quizzical look, though he nodded afterwards. "Right. Okay, good," He paused for a moment. "For the record, if we become separated or if an apparent ally joins us, then I would be wary of illusion. Poke them, or something, or launch a weak attack of some kind - or if you somehow have another way of dispelling illusions, which would have been very useful earlier, then use it. As a mage, I specialise in damage with the occasional lowering of resistances. My name is Raz, if you haven't heard the million times I've introduced myself to everyone else- why is it only now I'm introducing myself? I've been here the whole bloody time- egh, never mind. If there's anything in particular you can do well in battle, I'd prefer to know about it now."

Anna nodded, though nervously. She'd heard the illusions tip from Raz before, but it didn't make her any less nervous. "I don't know," she answered in response to his question about introductions. It was weird doing it this far in, but at least it wasn't later. "Anna, also," she said by way of her own introduction. Now... Things she can do. "I can think up a quick strategy if I see an opening." Which was helpful, when she was actually fighting. Though yelling things to others helped sometimes too...? "Defensively I have Thunder Wave to stun foes, Flash to blind them, and Substitute for quick get-aways or a distraction. Offensively I have Thunder Bolt and Hidden Power." It wasn't much but it would do? What else, what else... "Oh, and my wool can pack a bit of a shock as well," she added with a small laugh.

"Remind me not to poke you if I start thinking you're an illusion," The Ralts replied with a grimace. He took a breath and spoke. "Magic Room is useless in combat, Hidden Power is fire, Psychic, Psyshock, Dazzling Gleam and Thunderbolt. Thunder Wave may be especially useful against a single enemy, especially if agility is one of their primary concerns," Raz paused again. It felt odd having a vocal conversation like this, when such thoughts usually remained in the confines of his mind. "I'll have to ask you not to get injured, seeing as my reputation alone arouses reasonable suspicion. Be wary, and don't be afraid to utilise your defensive options... of course, this talk could be more-or-less wasted seeing as we could just be placed with the Gambler anyway."

"I'll be sure to do so," Anna replied with a smile. As much as he may seem weird to the others, she was so far enjoying Raz's presence. "I wouldn't say that about Magic Room quite yet. We don't know if the Agents possess more Mega Stones. If we don't know how to destroy them yet, then your Magic Room may come in handy for us if we run into someone with one." At least that's what she hoped. "I'll... Try my best to stay out of the way of any serious attacks then," she commented, hoping she'd dodge all of them completely anyways. "I find myself wanting to find the Gambler moreso than any Agents, even if he might pose more of a threat to us than the former." Anna wouldn't admit it, but she oddly liked the Gambler. He was better than fighting in her book anyways...

"That's a handy idea," The wizard noted, surprised. He was well aware his Magic Room effectively put anything that wasn't alive in stasis, but he hadn't so far used it in combat really, in all his time. Perhaps, he considered, it would be dangerous for all of his amassed belongings. Regardless, something to think about. "Though I hope you realise that's where I keep everything I own. As for the Gambler, I'm not sure he'd allow me to play, considering I gambled with him mere moments ago."

"Not that I don't value your belongings, but if we need to we could use those items to help us possibly." Weapons, distractions... If they end up needing to use Magic Room it may be something dire enough to need it. "And considering the game I played in I don't think the Gambler minds how many times you participate in his games. I'm certain he enjoys playing them, actually."

"Fair enough," Razathiel said with a snort. "I'm certain I'd get some odd satisfaction from dropping a piano on a 'mon's head. As with a lot of things, it is situational. My Magic Room will not be a part of your everyday encounter. Rest assured I will use it when I see fit; when the time demands it."

The two eventually arrived at the end of the pathway, where they were treated to more ruins within the Altar of the Divines. There were multiple destroyed bookcases and statues in this room, similar to the layout of the larger room they were in before. Noticeably out of place among all this wreckage was a 'mon apparently laying down on top of one of these broken bookcases. It was a Blaziken, with an eyepatch across his left eye, along with numerous other injuries across his body. He lay on top of the bookcases with his arms behind his head and his one visible eye closed. And he was snoring peacefully.

"What the fuck?" Razathiel murmured, slightly confused.

Anna gasped at the sight of the Blaziken. "Uhm..." She took a small step back, watching the 'mon warily. Well it wasn't the Gambler. Her luck had run out on this draw...

Carefully, lightly, Raz picked up a shard of wood from the ground with Psychic, slowly bringing it over to where the Blaziken slept. With precision, the Ralts brushed the piece of debris against the Blaze Pokémon to check if it was indeed real.

The Blaziken, upon feeling the piece of wood against his body, waved his hand at the spot where he was prodded and mumbled something, before he turned away and continued to snore.

"So he's real," The wizard said with a humph, shuffling over to where the Blaziken was so as to get a better look at the 'mon. He frowned for a moment before shuffling back to Anna, closing his eyes and muttering. "Probably an Agent. Nothing solid. I'll charge for a bit. When I give the word, hit him with a Thunder Wave and I'll put on a little show." Annabelle nodded silently and readied her Thunder Wave for the coming attack.

After a short while of Razathiel charging, occasionally twirling his staff, glowing and levitating, the wizard sighed and nodded. He opened his magic room briefly, moving the portal over to the side and lowering it to place an entire organ in the room. He hopped up, floating in the air, crimson eyes glowing, and took a deep breath as he was about to speak. He stopped, however, flinching in the air as he coughed lightly.

"Erm, the Thunder Wave," Raz whispered. "Do that now. Almost forgot."

"Oh," Anna nodded. Soon enough electricity began to pool into her wool. Occasionally small sparks of electricity would flash from her wool. The electricity within her popped around her wool for a moment and then, when she concentrated the electricity towards the Blaziken, the energy flew towards the 'mon.

The Thunder Wave hit the Blakizen, who reacted as the sparks began to swarm around his body. His visible eye opened as he looked over to his side as best as he could, given the paralysis. He groggily eyed the Mareep. "... Why did you do that?" He asked sleepily, before his eye trailed up to the Ralts.

The moment the wave of electricity hit, Razathiel flung his staff towards the ground, sending two bolts of fire that exploded to his left and right like miniature fireworks. The organ to his side began to play a harrowing tune as the Dreadmage cackled, his voice enhanced and echoing with psychic energy.

"Beware, fool! For you face Razathiel, the Dreadmage! I would know who you are and what you do here, else prepare to face my destructive wrath!"

Anna jumped at the sight of the fireworks, letting out a yelp that died in her throat when she realized that might not have been the affect Raz wanted. Her heart beat quickly in her chest. Anna figured that Raz would be a little... extraordinary with his performance, but not like this.

The paralyzed Blaziken's eye roamed over to the giant organ, the loud fireworks exploding in front of him, and then to the armored 'mon at the center of it all. "Aww, crap, you must be the arrivals Ben was talking about," He muttered and yawned. "Sup."

"I will reiterate my question," Razathiel said with a dangerous scowl. "Who are you, and what are you here for?"

"Oh, I'm James," The Blaziken stated simply. "I'd wave but I'm paralyzed," He stopped for a second, then continued. "Actually I'd probably not wave anyway, I like the way I'm laying... I'm an Agent of Darkrai, I guess. But really I'm just a merc."

"And so you decided you had zero concern for your own life, and decided to sleep on the job? Knowing a band of trained fighters was approaching? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I didn't think you guys would get here, honestly," The Blaziken responded with a shrug. He laughed a bit. "Hey, the paralysis wore off!" He exclaimed, before feeling a slight jolt at his actions. "... never mind."

"You didn't think... that we would get... to the very first entrance offered?" The Ralts spun in the air, turning slightly so that Anna was in his view. "We kill this guy, right? I mean, this guy is acting really strangely- but this is still a kill situation, surely. Also, make sure he's still paralysed, will you?" Raz felt very strange. Even after all this time, not knowing when it was deemed proper to kill someone felt distinctly restrictive.

Anna nodded. "I'll keep an eye on him, but I don't think we should kill him uhm... Yet. We should figure out why he's so relaxed down here don't you think? For someone who's supposed to be ready to attack us he doesn't seem very excited about it."

"Oh, I'm not gonna attack you, probably," James replied casually. "Unless you try to kill me. I like living."

"Most 'mon do," Razathiel said with one raised eyebrow. Something here was definitely off. "Though for one so fond of living, you seem awfully fond of sleeping on potential battlefields."

"Like I said, I didn't think any of you would get here," The Blaziken repeated. "Six ways to go, and what's the likelihood you pick the first one? I figure, 'oh, they're not gonna do that, no one ever goes with number one."

"There are more than six of us!" The Ralts said incredulously, "You think, when given six doors, more than six people aren't going to pick every single fucking door? Are you that fucking dense? I can't see a trick here! That's the worst part! I want there to be a trick, because I find it harder to believe that I live in a world where so-called 'sentient' 'mon can be this level of fucking moronic!" He turned to Anna. "Let's just fucking get on with this. Killing or leaving or what, this is fucking abysmal. Not sure if 'defeating' works- but if that's the case then it should already be done. This prick's brain defeated him long ago."

"...OK," Was all the Blaziken responded with, without addressing any of the other insults thrown at him. "I surrender, you can go now." He settled back down comfortably in his spot and closed his good eye.

Anna looked back from the Ralts and then to the Blaziken. She looked perplexed at this situation. She expected more danger from this trip but instead... It was weird. It made her think something would happen if they just moved on. Maybe it was a trap? Maybe it wasn't? Even if he wasn't so lazy this Blaziken's attitude reminded her of the Gambler.

"James? What are you here for? You were sent down here I'm sure, but... You called yourself a mercenary moreso than an Agent. Are there conditions to you being against us?"

"Yeah, if I get paid," James responded with his eye still closed. "Gabriel didn't pay me to be here. Rox dragged me here against my will. This ain't even my territory. I don't get paid, I don't do the work."

"You realise that me coming in here and just straight-up killing you was a very reasonable possibility," Razathiel snapped.

".... I didn't think you'd get here."

"Oh, fuck this!" The wizard cried, levelling his staff at James. Psychic energy shot out from the tip of the metal rod and engulfed the Blaziken, causing him to glow purple. The Blaziken momentarily opened his eye and looked around to see what was going on, but upon realizing that he was not taking any damage and finding that his new situation was much more comfortable, he went back to his original position and closed his eye again with a satisfying sigh.

"Razathiel!" Annabelle scolded the other 'mon after his outburst. He only captured the Blaziken in the air with a harmless psychic hold, but it could easily provoke their enemy.

"What!?" Raz snapped, bringing the motionless Blaziken over. "He's coming with us! I'm not going to leave the prick with those Darkrai assholes. Frankly, I don't fucking know what to do with him, but I'd sure rather decide somewhere else!" The wizard haughtily dragged the organ back into his Magic room before departing grumpily.

"Raz!" Annabelle went after the agitated Psychic 'mon, glad he wasn't at his full height. Her legs were short enough as it was! "I don't think we need to force him anywhere! Especially if the other's may not have the same uh... Mostly favorable reaction we had. He's already told us he works for the money right? What can we do with him if he's only in this for monetary gain?" Wasn't this a little... Rough seeming?

The Ralts turned around, one eyebrow raised. "Well, I know it sounds crazy, but pay him, perhaps? Question him? Imprison him? I highly doubt that the others lack the willpower to leave him alive in a situation when he's as helpless as this. Hell, if I didn't kill him earlier, there's no way anyone amongst us is going to be killing him now - they're not even evil!" Raz crossed his arms, his staff resting in the crook of his elbow. "What else do you suggest we do?"

"That is true, Raz, but if you can pay him now? James can then come with us instead of being carted around. Someone who came along will always be more willing than someone who was brought along, even if they are getting paid." Anna didn't really have an issue with bringing James along, it was bound to happen if he was there to take. She just didn't always agree with her friends' method is all.

"He's paralysed," The wizard said with a frown. "I'm not going to make him walk around with that going on, and besides," He turned briefly to glance at the Blaziken. "Does he look uncomfortable to you?"

"Can you guys quiet down? You're kinda loud," James chimed in with a somewhat groggy voice. "Besides, you probably can't afford my wages anyway."

Razathiel glared at the Blaziken, but obliged. "Other than the noise, are you comfortable or not?"

"Hmm?" James peaked out of his visible eye at the armored Ralts. "Oh. Yeah, I'm good. You'll have to let me loose later, but I'm in no rush."

Annabelle sighed. "If he's okay with it then I suppose it's no issue."

"Exactly," Raz said, twirling his staff in hand. "So what now? Any other ideas, or are we getting out of here?" He paused momentarily. "Though I suppose if we leave and all of the pathways haven't yet been taken then one could close... have we been here that long?"

"We could possibly check around where we found James, but other than that I see no reason to stay."

Out of nowhere, Snype, Guardia, and the Gambler would teleport in instantly! Along with a wounded Abel and Thomas. "Raz! No time. We need you to give Ben here a psychic boost so he can warp us out! The game's been called off!" Snype said quickly

"Hurrying up would be appreciated." Ben drawled out. "And hello again James, and most likely, goodbye again."

"Buh..." Was all James had a chance to say.

"Done," Razathiel said nonchalantly, shrugging and flicking his staff in the Alakazam's direction.

In an instant, the group poofed away.

 

[Sephear]

Pathway 4
Callimer and Voltaire​

The pathway dimmed the further the two Gold Tribe members walked through it. Lights from the beginning were the only thing that gave any indication on what lied ahead. But as the path continued, that light continued to shrink. Eventually, however, the light on the other end of the pathway began to illuminate what lied ahead. The two 'mon made it to the other side, and found a ruined room a bit smaller than the main chamber they were in before. At the moment, it looked empty, but there was an eerie silence about it.

Cal looked around the room, letting the grim silence stand for a few more seconds. He was so dead serious at the moment that he hadn't responded to anything Volt had said along the way with more than a few terse words, ignoring any attempts at jokes completely. "Be careful, I don't get the feeling that any of these paths lead to nothing. And considering who we're up against, one small slip up could be the end of us."

The sheer length of the hallway was enough to put most people off, and the eerie lighting that gave off from the wall might possibly be considered terrifying, but Voltaire Watts was no coward. He sprinted along with the Dragonite all the way to a small, empty room and groaned. "You're right...I don't like the looks of this." A series of electrical pulses ran throughout his fur. "I think we need to shed some light on our opponents." He held his tail up to the ceiling and channeled a bit of his energy to the lightning bolt, casting a bright light throughout the room.

The bright light that formed in the room illuminated the dark corners of the ancient ruin. With it becoming more visible, a Pokemon who had previously been hidden in the shadows now came out. They were up on the second level, but upon the illumination of the room, they jumped down right in front of the pair of Gold Tribe members. It was a 'mon the two would recognize.

But it wasn't Roxanna. Nor was it Grett, the Gambler or the Simisage that stood above on the platform just before the game began. It was a Greninja. It was Gabriel.

Conduit's eyes narrowed a little as he took a step closer. "Well, well, well, Cal. Looks like we've got ourselves a frog. It's a shame he has to croak."

The Emerald Sentinel's eyes widened at the sight of their opponent, and for what felt like the first time in years he took a step back in fear. "No, no way. It can't be, of all the 'mon to show up..."

The Greninja in front of the two Gold Tribe members grinned a familiar grin, and approached them. His strut was as casual and relaxed as ever, almost as if the two in front of him were friends he would be greeting rather than enemies seeking to do him harm.

Then without warning, a powerful Dark Pulse shot out at the two of them from their right side, the complete opposite direction of where Gabriel was standing. The attack took up a large portion of the room as it tore up statues and dismantled book cases. Following the attack, a feminine giggle was heard from that same direction. "I wish you could have seen the look on your face, you green monstrosity," Roxanna began as she stepped forward, and at her presence, the form of the Greninja vanished. "So tell me, what was that you and your sorry excuse for compatriots were saying about the Dark One's presence having no reaction? By the look on your face, you were on the verge of panic!"

Conduit barely threw himself out of the Dark Pulse's way, skidding across the floor. "Arceus, that was close."

Voltaire stood up and steadied himself, simply nodding, a grin almost playing across his face. "That was a pretty good trick, Roxie." The Raichu couldn't help but chuckle. "Tell, me, do you do children's parties?" He continued moving forward, his pace unbroken as he looked to Cal and smirked. "Come on, buddy. Let's do this."

Cal did his best to jump away from the surprise attack and barely avoided it, then steadied himself at the appearance of Roxanna and smirked at her, nodding to Volt as well. "Of course I'm afraid of Darkrai, any warrior worth his salt has a healthy fear of a worthy opponent. Doesn't mean I'm any less intent on kicking his ass! Or showing you up again!"

The Zoroark scoffed. "The only action you showed was how much of a deceiver you were with your cheating ways! I will enjoying taking you apart immensely!"

Conduit's grin turned into a bit of a scowl. "Did you just call us the deceivers? You LITERALLY just did the stupidest trick ever!" His arms rubbed his head in disbelief. "Is it me or is she stupid?"

"Nah, she's not stupid, just a sore loser is all." Cal answered.

The Zoroark gritted her teeth. "I am not a sore loser!" She fumed. "I despise those who've wormed their way to the top without just cause! I should have won that race! And I would have, had you not bent the rules in your favor! For that offense, I shall purge you in the name of the Destruction Saint!" She bellowed, and followed her words with action, as she put her hands together for another powerful Dark Pulse. The attack caused a slight shimmer around the Zoroark, and an odd blur, and it appeared to almost come at them from further away from where they were standing. But the motion was lost within the powerful, large attack that zoomed toward them.

Conduit Died leapt out of the way of the attack, but the sheer force of it sent him skidding against the wall. "Well," he coughed as he stood up. "That was a nice howdy doo." He grinned and waved. "You missed though. "He prepared a large thunderbolt in his hands. "It's my turn though!" He launched a bolt of 100% bona fide electricity. Conduit put everything into the attack, and the heat emanating from it seared the room with a bright light.

Cal flew straight up to avoid the Dark Pulse and looked hard at the spot he'd seen shimmer. He reared back in the air and formed a pure white sphere of energy above his head, which then flew above the spot he was watching and began to rain down Draco Meteors.

Roxanna smirked as Conduit launched the electric bolt toward her. It seemed to almost pass through her, as her form shimmered and faded for a moment, revealing that she was merely an illusion. The Draco Meteors that came soon after caused the illusion Roxanna to break apart as the real one was revealed a bit of a distance behind, yet as the attack emcompassed a wide range, she had to begin ducking to her left to avoid it. She ran a good distance, then she powered up purple energy in her hands, and surrounded it across her form.

The Zoroark unleashed the built up energy as a Night Daze, which expanded around her and was sent toward her two opponents. Within the mass of energy, which also caused a lot of confusion among the two and seemed to temporarily cause them to lose focus off of the Zoroark, Roxanna's form once more shimmered.

The blast of energy had less of a concussive blast, but a definite disorienting ability. "I can't see her!" Conduit groaned as he looked around. "Cal, where is she?" Instead of launching an attack towards her last location, he started charging an Electro Ball at his tail. The ball grew larger and larger as he scanned the horizon. "Come on...show yourself..." He muttered to himself. Voltaire knew that the Ball couldn't last forever, but it would be used, one way or another.

"I have an idea Volt." Cal began, still scanning the area. Don't focus on power, make it as flashy as possible, you can do flashy right?" Without waiting for an answer the Dragonite bunched up all the muscles in his legs and began channeling Extremespeed.

Voltaire grinned as he looked to Callimer. "I'm the definition of flashy." Without hesitation, he shot the Electro Ball straight into the air. "TIME TO BRING IN THE THUNDER!" Conduit began to fire Thunderbolts in every direction he could manage.

The lightning bolts began to strike across the ancient room as the bolts bounced around. One that managed to reach Roxanna dispelled the illusionary form of her, and as some bounced across the walls, those two seemed to have the same fading effect, similar to the one in the previous room. The wall in the back of the room seemed to crumble under the illusion Roxanna had created, revealing not only a large room, but a Zoroark preparing a powerful attack aimed at the two of them. Another Dark Pulse shot out of her arms at the two. "Worthless scum!" She raged.

The instant Cal saw the Thunderbolts disappear into the illusory wall he launched himself straight at it, combining Extremespeed and Aerial Ace into a flight of supreme velocity and precision. He barrel-rolled away from the Dark Pulse without diverting his course and flew straight at Roxanna after she revealed herself, holding his fist out in front of him Super'mon style. "I'll show you worthless!"

Voltaire sprinted around the Dark Pulse, doing a combat roll to skid away from the blast zone. "HA!" He grinned. "This is actually pretty fun!" He took off at full speed towards the Zoroark, making rapid zigzag motions as he leapt into the air. "Have a taste of THIS!" He shot a Thunder Wave forward, but behind it he descended with an Iron Tail.

Roxanna's eyes momentarily widened as the two 'mon began their approach toward her, avoiding her attack in the process. She couldn't break from of her attack she was already launching in time to avoid the two, but instead of panicking, the Zoroark smirked confidently. From the two 'mon's side, a large Rhyperior who was recognizable as Roxanna's mount also faded away from the illusion, and intercepted the Dragonite's fist, while also using its sturdy hide to intercept the Thunder Wave from Conduit. The Iron Tail however, struck directly on him and forced the giant Rhyperior to yell out. That, combined with the power behind Callimer's attack sent the Rhyperior back toward the wall.

But the combined distraction allowed Roxanna enough room to maneuver away and jumped back, allowing herself a chance to fire off her signature Night Daze at the two of them in a purple eruption of energy which once more distracted the two's gaze. "Did you think your worthless combination had pierced my imposing defenses?" She questioned with her confidence at an all-time high.

Voltaire grinned as he looked the Rhyperior in the eye, the Night Daze still impeding his vision. "Don't worry, Cal. Focus on Roxie. I'll take on this guy myself." Instead of preparing an attack, he dashed backward. As a parting shot, he fired a Thunderbolt straight at the hulking rock. "Come on, buddy! Let's go!"

"We can't fight her directly Volt, but I have an idea." Cal smiled at the thought and began to fly in the air above the Rhyperior in strange, constantly varying patterns. As he did, his right fist began to exude a frosty mist. His vision was slightly blurred, but he was intent on trying out his new combination. Once he'd looked at the two transparent, swirling visions of the Rhyperior fighting for dominance of which was real long enough he flew at his target at a dive-bomb angle. Right before crashing into the Rhyperior Cal spread his wings out for his best attempt at a dead spot and smashed his fists together, sending a crude imitation of Ice Shards at the behemoth.

The Rhyperior erupted in anger and pain from the powerful attacks that was struck at him. His ability and natural endurance kept him upright, however, and still fighting on despite the ferocity of his opponent. In a rage, the Rhyperior grabbed for the ground and carved out a large boulder to toss at Callimer, and hopefully Conduit as well. Roxanna, on the other hand, seemed to once again be out of sight.

"Watch out, Cal!" Conduit called out as he rushed forward, narrowly dodging the rock hurtling towards him. "I got your back!" In an attempt to distract the Rhyperior, he leaped into the air and brought an Iron Tail down as he hard as he could. "I'm up here, ya big dumby!" Little did the Rhyperior know, Conduit had channeled a large amount of electricity straight into the bolt of his tail.

If he had been grounded, or had time to build up momentum towards it Cal would have tried punching through the boulder. As it was, he spread his arms and caught it, beginning to sink when his wings couldn't keep up with the added weight. For lack of a better idea, he tossed the boulder full throttle at one of the walls around them. When the stone struck it shattered, scattering smaller rocks and plenty of dust about. Hopefully it would spread far enough, he knew Roxanna's illusions couldn't halt solid objects.

The Rhyperior lifted up its arms in preparation of the Gold Tribe member's Iron Tail attack, which caught him with quite a bit of force behind it. The massive 'mon fell to one knee, but kept itself upright once more by sheer will alone. It tried to make for Conduit with a Slam of his open palm.

Meanwhile, the small rocks and dust which were sent across the room dispelled another nearby wall from an illusion, but also unmasked Roxanna's movements, which she was using to camouflage herself to the ruined ground to mask her approach toward the unsuspecting Callimer, similar to how a Kecleon hid itself. Out in the open again, Roxanna struck at the Dragonite with a Night Slash.

The Rhyperior's attack came flying at Voltaire, but he was prepared for it. He wrapped his tail around the 'Mon's arm, causing him to swing right under the Slam. "Nice try, but I guess you're at the tail end of this one, buddy!" He wasn't sure if was doing anything, but there was more and more electricity flowing through his tail as time went by. "Come on! Put up your dukes!" Firmly anchored to the rock-rhino-monster thing's arm, he started throwing out a series of small punches into his face.

Cal was on the lookout for Roxanna as soon as he had thrown the boulder and wheeled on Roxanna when she attacked him. He tried to catch the Night Slash but simply wasn't fast enough, grimacing as the darkness-laced claws dug into his chest. He was sent flying away from Roxanna, but managed to right himself and brace against a wall to launch at the Zoroark once again. She couldn't control her movements in the air as well as he could, so he readied an Ice Punch to slam into her if he could reach her before she landed from her precious attack.

The Rhyperior grimaced and roared with each new punched thrown at his face by Conduit. It made several attempts to grab at the smaller 'mon in order to Slam it down again and crush it under the heavier weight of the large 'mon.

Roxanna chuckled maliciously as she saw the Dragonite get forced back by her attack, but was a little surprised to see him bounce back so fast and come in for another strike. Seeing no room to maneuver or dodge, Roxanna elected to fire off a Dark Pulse at the incoming Dragonite to hopefully deter him before she was struck. Her attack was launched, but not before the Ice Punch made direct contact with her body, and flung her toward the side wall, covered in ice particles and crumbling that wall.

Conduit grinned as he ravelled and unravelled his tail, using the Rhyperior's movement to create momentum, allowing him to swing as he pleased. "You're gonna have to try harder than that!" He started to deliver harder punches, grimacing with each it. "I'm gonna have to knock you out cold!" He grinned as he delivered an electricity-powered punch straight into the mon's forehead.

The Dark Pulse came from too close for any hope of dodging, and Cal went sailing to the ground not too far away from the wall Roxanna had crashed into. Luckily if there was one thing Cal had reason to believe he could do better than Roxanna, it was take a hit. But never count out an agent of Darkrai. He pushed himself upright as quickly as he could manage and flew towards where he'd seen Roxanna last before he fell. He had to stay on the offensive if possible.

The Rhyperior realized that he was getting nowhere fast, so in an effort to get the Gold Tribe member off of him, he suddenly started slamming onto the ground to create an Earthquake, as the continuous hits had worn it down to the point of frustration.

Roxanna pushed herself off of the wall that she had landed on and glared angrily at Callimer. "You are not a completely useless wretch, it seems," She stated as she prepared to deliver another Dark Pulse. Her attack was momentarily stalled, however, as her own mount had begun to shake the ground around the room and cause her to stumble forward. "Gah... stop shaking everything, you mongrel!" The Queen of Darkness shouted at the Rhyperior.

Cal wasted no time in capitalizing on his opportunity and zipped straight for Roxanna. However, when he was almost to her he diverted and slammed an Ice Punch into the ground, making the shaking worse and spreading ice across the floor. Not wanting to get stale from overusing one move Cal whipped back into the air and dived for Roxanna with an Aerial Ace.

Voltaire groaned as the earth shook beneath him. There was no way he could keep his perch. He quickly unraveled his tail and launched himself into the air. He had taken some damage from the Earthquake, but he could react to pain later. "Good job, putting up with me for this long!" He grinned as he reached the height of his jump. "But I'm gonna have to iron something out, here." His tail began to glow a bright white as he started to form a wheel, constantly spinning with his tail as a spike sticking out.

The shaking ground from the Ice Punch caused Roxanna to stumble some more, but even with the slippery ice around, she managed to maintain her stance, just enough to launch a Night Slash across her attacking opponent. The Aerial Ace from Callimer collided with her Night Slash, with her shoulder taking a portion of the shot from the flying move.

The constant spinning from the white, glowing tail of Voltaire initially confused the Rhyperior, but as the attack began to form more concretely, it realized what Conduit was planning, and quickly tried to counter with a Slam. His hit was practically bounced off of the fast-moving Gold Tribe member however, and instead he began to suffer the damage of the attack.

It was time to take advantage of the close quarters, and Cal had no intentions of letting Roxanna hide again. His body took on the brick-brown aura of Superpower and he immediately began pressing the attack. Every punch was followed by another, he didn't give Roxanna a second to breathe, and the entire time he was cooking something else up.

Roxanna on the other hand had already begun her steps backward, countering each of Callimer's punches, the ones she could, with a Night Slash of her own. She was relentless in making sure she didn't take any damage, but the powerful Dragonite was making it difficult to do so. In another effort to separate herself from the Dragonite, She powered herself up for another Night Daze. This caused her to have to stop her Night Slash counters, allowing for one punch of the Dragonite to land across her face. However, it was followed by Roxanna successfully releasing her Night Daze in front of Cal.

Now for stage two. The Night Daze definitely hurt, but more annoying was Roxanna getting another chance to hide. Luckily it wasn't quite a teleport, and accuracy was a secondary goal at the moment. Cal roared and released another sphere of power above him which began to rain his signature blue-core-black-fire Draco Meteors all around the area.

Despite the success of Voltaire's latest attack, he knew he couldn't stop there. The Rhyperior had the definite advantage when it came to endurance, and if he wanted to finish him, he would have to work faster. I have to do it. Final blow, here I come! He leapt back and ran several meters away, stopping with complete one-eighty turn. "It's been fun, big guy, but I'm gonna have to cut this one short." Within the next instant, his entire body was engulfed in a thick coat of electricity. The smell of burning fur filled the room as he grinned. "This might be shocking to you," he paused as his tail grew bright white, making a blinding combination with the Volt Tackle. "But I'm a member of the Gold Tribe." He started rushing forward, the electric energy boosting his speed greatly. With a rising roar, he leapt into the air right above the Rhyperior. He shouted, "AND WHEN YOU MESS WITH US," He brought his tail down with the velocity of a bullet. "IT HERTZ!"

The Rhyperior was struck directly in the face by the combination Volt Tackle and Iron Tail, the final blow which caused his eyes to roll back and for the giant behemoth to fall onto the floor, which was concluded with the ground shaking at its massive weight. Roxanna, upon seeing her mount fall, call out to it. "No! You impude-" She was suddenly cut off as Draco Meteors once more began falling in around her. She already began her retreat further back in the area, but found it increasingly difficult, even with an illusion temporarily present, to avoid the attacks. She lifted her hands up, and prepared a powerful Dark Pulse to begin intercepting any Draco Meteors that came at her directly.

"And with that!" Cal shouted when he spotted Roxanna, flying over and landing near her. "I think it's time I show you the trick I used to take out your sugar-daddy's 'original form'." He threw a bit more power into the Draco Meteor storm to keep her pinned a moment longer and began to concentrate. The Emerald Sentinel stood completely still and allowed all the anger and frustrations he'd felt for the past few weeks flow through him freely, his scales taking on a slightly red sheen and begging to waft steam into the air. Then just when the rage was about to reach its boiling point Cal began to focus it into a needle point. He took a deep breath and the Draco Meteor assault ceased, leaving Roxanna the breathing room to get a good look at the steaming Green Dragonite walking slowly towards her. His eyebrows were narrowed, yet everything else about his stance and visage were completely relaxed.

The break in the Draco Meteor gave Roxanna enough of a break to prepare, as her form shimmered.. She glanced at the approaching Dragonite and scoffed. "So you altered your appearance. You expect me to be impressed?" She asked as she rolled her eyes.

Conduit grinned as he looked over his fallen enemy. "Good fight." He shook off the recoil from the Volt Tackle and laughed. "Not good enough." He shook out the kinks in his legs and looked over to Cal's fight. The Dragonite was holding his own, but something was off. He was steaming. The hell? Upon moving closer Voltaire could confirm it. It seemed that Cal had absorbed some of the energy from the Draco Meteors. "Huh...fancy that." The Raichu grinned as he felt a little energy coursing through him. The Volt Tackle had built up a little extra charge, and he was sure as hell gonna use it.

Cal continued to close on Roxanna with that same unreadable expression. "I like to call this one Tranquil Outrage, because it reminds me of a good line I read in a book once. Don't worry though Roxxie, I don't need you to be impressed." He wasn't sure if he could really replicate the way he fought Gabriel again, he hadn't even tried it since then. But there was only one way to find out. "If you're so confident why don't you try blocking? Should be easy for the 'Queen of Darkness' right? You've done it so far." With his piece said Cal took one more big step forward with his left leg and swung his right fist at Roxanna with every ounce of Outrage he could muster behind it.

"Why block..." The self-proclaimed Queen of Darkness began to say just as Callimer went in for the strike, only to be once more greeted by a Zoroark illusion. "... when you can make the enemy look a fool instead?" Her giggles echoed across the walls.

"So then I guess I already ruled out blocking when I made you the laughing-stock of Anatellia back at the race." Cal countered, tone completely steely and cold. "I've had enough of this game. Voltaire, turn it up full power! Show her why we call you Conduit!"

Conduit couldn't help but flex, his grin reaching ear to ear. "You got it, big man!" Sparks flowed through his fur as more and more electricity built up. "You wanting a night light, or a thunderstorm?" He chuckled as his tail began to grow brighter. "I got a few thousand volts of fresh electricity. Can't let it go to waste now, can I?" His laugh grew a little lower, his voice a little darker, and he lifted his tail into the air. The bolt at the end grew brighter and brighter, lighting up the darker corners of the room.

Cal intensified his focus even more, this had to count, he wasn't sure he'd be able to use Extremespeed again afterwards. "Let's have us a storm worthy of Zapdos! LIGHT IT UP!"

Conduit began to disappear in a bright shade of white, a cry heard from the inside of an electrical storm. "HERE WE GO!" In a split second, the second largest Thunderbolt in dozens of years was released. "YAAAAAHHHHHH!" Conduit screamed as seven thousand volts of electricity poured from his body as bolts of lightning shot every which direction. The resulting light filled the room.

The illusion Roxanna was suddenly dismantled, and any other illusionary features across the room began to vanish following being struck by the storm of thunderbolts across the room. The real Roxanna, who was revealed to be closer to the back of the room, made her presence known, and place up multiple smaller Dark Pulses to keep herself safe from the thunderbolts.

Before Roxanna could prepare for him while she defended herself from the lightning Cal flew at the Zoroark. His left hand took on the familiar mist of Ice Punch while his right flowed with Superpower and he unleashed a flurry of punches at her, following every attack up with another and constantly varied which attack he was using. He was getting tired, but he made sure to draw on some of the strength he had left to prepare his second plan.

The Dark Moon Zoroark was on full defensive now, backing up and trying her best to avoid the strikes, or use her arms to block them. When it became apparent that she could no longer do this, she decided that if she were to take damage, she would also be sure to inflict as much as she could on her target as well. So with that thought in mind, Roxanna prepared struck at the incoming Dragonite with a Foul Play, only to also be hit multiple times by Cal's own hits in the process. She continued however to utilize Foul Play.

Cal continued on, staying upright through sheer willpower and the boost of his 'Tranquil Outrage'. But despite having the advantage at first it seemed Roxanna could still match him blow for blow.

Conduit stopped firing Thunderbolts only after Cal had reached Roxanna. The massive burst of lightning had taken a lot out of the 'Mon, but he could take a lot more punishment than that. Instead of rushing right in, he skirted behind Roxanna. He ran right up behind and shot a Thunder Wave, hoping to get the drop on her.

He couldn't keep it up much longer, but luckily he might not have to. Cal spotted Conduit out of the corner of his eye, and rushed forward. He attacked Roxanna even more ferociously, and without warning pushed instead of actually hitting her, sending her sliding towards Voltaire. Immediately afterwards he formed another sphere like those that usually rained down his Draco Meteors, but this one did nothing at first.

The Thunder Wave struck Roxanna directly on the small of her back, causing her to stiffen up and go numb. "Ah... argh! You little insect! How dare you!" She yelled as she felt herself start to succumb to the paralyzing effect. Then she looked up at the sphere that she expected would cause another attack, but nothing seemed to come down. "Out of moves to fire, are you? Not as durable as I originally thought, it seemed. What a waste of a paralysis," She chuckled maliciously.

That was what Roxanna thought. Voltaire had used a great deal of energy, but he had plenty left. "Not yet, baby. Sorry." He grinned and wrapped his tail around her waist. He lifted into her into the air using almost all of his strength. "NEVER." He Slammed her down to the ground once. "LET." He slammed her down again. "YOUR GUARD DOWN." He slammed her down a third time and left her there. Panting, he began to channel all of his energy into one attack. "Time to end this." All but the bare minimum of energy was poured into the next Thunderbolt. Voltaire shouted, "Now, Cal!" As the attack struck Roxanna at point-blank range.

Roxanna staggered back, having been pummeled by the Slams and the Thunderbolt flung directly at her. She was hurt fairly badly, but remained standing, and preparing a large attack of her own. She gritted her teeth as she did this. As she did this, she felt something around her. This odd feeling began to be felt not only by Roxanna, but by Callimer and Conduit too. "The game is over... Ben?" She muttered as she saw the pathway separations begin to disappear behind them, and the room expand more.

Cal jumped up and grabbed the Draco Meteor core with his bare hands, now Roxanna was finally fin-

The large group appeared in the expanding room, this time with Ben holding out his hands and pulling Cal and Conduit toward him. He looked at Roxanna, sadness on his face, "I am sorry." With a flicker the larger group once more disappeared.

 

[Fort PokePower]

Pathway 4
Kaveri vs. Alai - FRIENDS or not

​

The last path narrowed onward much like the others, though since it was closer to the middle, it continued on down as straight path without deviating much. Soon enough, it had reached the end, and at the end of it was a smaller room than the one Kaveri was in before. There, it appeared to be stepping ladder of some sort, and in the center was set up some sort of worshipping point. It seemed ancient and long-abandoned, save for a Simisage who was waiting.

"Uh... hi!" The Simisage greeted somewhat awkwardly. "Wait, no," He coughed. "Welcome, enemy of Darkrai, to my pathway!" He stated with more passion, though it still appeared to be quite forced.

Well, it would be just her luck to have to fight against one of the Agents, and one that was at a type advantage to at that. But Kaveri was nothing if not determined. "Sup!" Kaveri chirped, shuffling under her float with a paw for a moment before pulling out a Razz Berry and proffering it to the Simisage. "Berry?"

"Huh? Oh, thanks," The Simisage nodded respectfully as he reached out and to take a berry. "Wait, aha!" He suddenly stopped and pointed. "It's a trick right? Poisoned berry? Thought you were sneaky huh?"

Kaveri, who had taken out a Bluk berry for herself and taken a munch out of it, looked over at the Simisage with a brow raised. "Huh? Nah. Just thought ya might be hungry."

"Oh, OK," The Simisage replied without giving it another thought. He reached out once more and started chewing the berry happily. "Mmm, not bad. Name's Alai, what's yours?"

First taking a moment to swallow and wipe a blotch of dark berry juice from her muzzle, Kaveri replied, "Kaveri. Or Jetstream. Really, chose such a cool title and no one ever uses it." She'd always thought her Gold Tribe title to be rather ironic, giving a Jetstream related to air rather than water - sadly few seemed to share in her amusement.

"Jetstream, title," Alai repeated as he munched on his berry. "You must be one of those Gold Tribers from the south country then right? Valkia?

"Valkaria. Close enough," Kaveri said with a shrug. "Yup, I am."

"Oh, right, Valkaria, Valkaria," Alai repeated with a few nods of his head. "I heard it's nice there... well, maybe not right now but..." He cleared his throat. "Gabriel's mentioned the place. That's where all this started in the first place. Sorry if I'm not exactly what you expected to run into. I was sorta dragged here by Roxanna. I thought it might be a good chance to talk."

"Ya got the 'mon if you wanna talk," Kaveri said with a chuckle. "I can't say I'm the biggest fan of your lot, but hey, talking's nice. And you don't seem half bad."

"I can understand why," Alai muttered and scratched the back of his head. "If the situation was reversed, I'd probably not even give one of us the time of day. Heck, if what we were doing weren't so important, I'm not sure I'd be willing to fight for Gabriel. But it is. I have to believe that everything that's happening is worth it in the end."

Kaveri gave him a curious look. "Why is what you're doing so important? I mean, I've kinda gotten the whole general idea of what you guys are trying to do, but like. Why is it so important to you specifically? I've got things I'm fighting for. I'm sure you do too."

Alai nodded and looked over to the side wall, and then frowned. "I come from a small village called Fecretio. I don't expect you've heard of it, it was quite small. There, I lived with my family and my friends. It was a simple life. We never really bothered with politics or fights of other countries. We weren't really apart of anything," He explained. Alai turned to Kaveri.

"Until the fight came to us. Until Karn invaded," Alai clenched his fists tightly. "I lost everything that day. My wife, my kids, my home," He relaxed his grip and exhaled sharply. "Then Gabriel came. And he explained to me what he was doing, what he was planning to do. And in my heart, I knew that mine was just another story in a long millennia of stories of similar things. Before Karn, it was someone else. Before them, it was another. It's a cycle, one that we're going to stop. For the memory of who I once was, I'll change the status quo."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Kaveri said honestly, referring not only to his loss, but that it had led to him falling in with Darkrai. "Sounds like you were a pretty good 'mon." Then she added with a shrug, "Maybe ya still are. Heck, were the situation different I wouldn't mind being friends with ya. If we're both still alive when this is all over, I still wouldn't mind." Her mouth curled up in a crooked grin, before she became more serious again. "Unfortunately, though, I'm gonna have to take you down here to ease our own goals. No hard feelings, yeh?"

"Yeah, in another life, we could have been," The Simisage replied with a smile. "In another life, we still can be. And I was going to say the same thing to you. No hard feelings," He stated with a nod, as he reached into one of his belt pouches and clenched a berry in his hands, a Rawst Berry. The Simisage backed away and spoke once more. "But if you want to surrender at any time, let me know. I promise I won't harm you."

"Yeah, have fun with that," Kaveri answered with a smirk. "We Vians aren't known to surrender easy." Lifting a paw up, a small blue orb rose up from it and burst apart above her head to form her specialty raincloud. "But hey, same to you. I mean, I can't really say I'll let you go, cause that'd kinda defeat the whole purpose of fighting ya. But no one said death has to be the answer."

Alai clenched the berry between his fist tighter, and an aura began to form around his body as it began to glow green. "I'm glad we can be civil about how we beat up each other!" He joked. "Let's do this then!" He yelled and charged forward. "Natural Gift!" He exclaimed unnecessarily the name of his attack as he ran forward and began to strike a series of Grass type-infused punches and kicks at his opponent.

Kaveri didn't wait for the attacks to reach her and used Agility to quickly get out of the way. She didn't go far, though, just to the Simisage's side. Water wrapped around her tails, streaming out behind them like whips. And she used them as such, whirling around with her tails rotating rapidly, the Floatzel aiming the Aqua Tail at Alai with as much force as she could muster.

The Simisage Agent swiped a few times at air with his green-aura hands, before he turned over to the side in the direction that the Floatzel had dodged. As she brought her Aqua Tail down, Alai used his open palm to deflect the tails. As his palm made contact, the water from the Aqua Tail seemed to shimmer and fade with his touch, almost as if his hands were grass absorbing her water attacks. He deflected any following attacks, and punched away another with his enclosed fist, before he leaped over until he was just above Kaveri for an Aerial attack. "He we go again! Natural Gift! Haaaaaa!" He yelled as he brought his aura-covered foot down to go in for a powerful kick to the Floatzel's face.

Kaveri dove forward to avoid the kick, before spinning around to face the Simisage again and lunged at him with an Ice Fang. She'd aim for the arm holding the berry, since that seemed to be where he got his power from. If water didn't work, maybe ice would.

Alai landed on the ground hard, breaking apart the stone beneath his feet. He swiftly removed his foot from the new hole he created, and spun around just as Kaveri was unleashing her Ice Fang. With widened eyes, the Simisage attempted to back away and avoid the attack, but her fangs brushed against his hand and slashed apart his grip on the berry, causing him to drop it onto the ground.

Alai flipped back and avoided any of the rest of the attack, but glanced down at his hand, which now had a new set of marks, with a little blood oozing out. He nodded, appearing to be impressed. "Not bad," He declared as he reached into another pouch and began to remove another berry from it. This time, it was a Pecha Berry. "Let's see how you handle something else," His body began to form an aura around it again as he clenched the new berry. This time, the glow was yellow. Without anymore delay, the Simisage burst forward and unleashed a set of precise kicks toward the body of the Floatzel. "Let's go, combo! Natural Gift!" He yelled as his electric-infused kicks went to work.

When she saw the yellow aura forming, Kaveri took a wild guess as to the form of the next attack and extinguished the cloud above her head; and when Alai came at her with electric attacks this time, she was rather glad she'd listened to her intuition. Not having the use of her Swift Swim ability might mean sacrificing some speed, but with literal sparks flying, the less water on her fur the better. That also ruled out Aqua Jet for now, but still left her with Agility.

As she ducked and weaved around Alai's attacks, Kaveri asked, "So hey, what's with the whole announcing your attack thing? It's almost like you want me to know what you're doing before you do it." As she finished talking, she flinched when one of the punches skimmed her side, feeling the electric pulse enter her body. She continued dodging as well as she could, even using Agility to put some space between them (and using it to gradually increase her own speed) at a few points. The first opening she saw, she would use Agility to get behind Alai and use Ice Fang again. This time, though, she'd try to hook her fangs on the belt and bite it clean off. After all, it would be pointless to cause him to lose hold of his berry again if he could just reach into the pouch and get another one.

The ever-increasing speed of the Floatzel was making it more difficult for the Simisage to continue landing successful attacks. She was definitely a fast one, but so was Alai. As she began to increase her agility, Alai continued to become more aggressive and wild with his strikes, as if he were releasing restraints around himself. As she managed to get behind the Simisage, and made for his belt. As he saw her desired path, the green 'mon tried to skit out of the way and aim a knee at her face. In the process, however, her fangs tore a piece of Alai's pouch, causing all manner of berries to begin to spill out of it by the dozens. "Yeah, so what if I am?" He questioned Kaveri.

Kaveri wasn't exactly in any position to dodge the knee to the face, and when she backed away from Alai there was a dribble of blood running out of her nose. Still, her tactic seemed to have succeeded - somewhat. The belt was still in place, but berries now spilled out of the hole she'd created. Kaveri wiped at the small stream of red on her muzzle with the back of a paw, wrinkling her nose and wincing slightly. "Ow... Well, whatever works for you, I guess."

Kaveri gave the Simisage a speculative look, an idea forming in her mind as she formed a pair of Water Pulses and flung them at the Simisage, continuing on with a rapid barrage of Water Pulses. She was unsure what affect they'd have on him, and if they were simply absorbed like the Aqua Tail had been, then she'd stop. Her hope, though, was that the water-absorbing properties had been exclusive to when he'd been using grass-infused moves, so that this time he'd become thoroughly soaked and maybe the electric-type attacks would then backfire on him.

Watching the Water Pulses coming at him, the Simisage yelled out. "Ha! Dodging time!" He declared, and began to do a variety of cartwheels and skids to the left and right to begin to avoid getting hit by the water. He narrowly avoided many, but ended up splashed a few times by residue water around him, causing his fur to become slightly wet under his yellow glow. "Let's go! Combo Natural Gift and Acrobatics!" He declared as his latest dodge put him up in the air very near the Floatzel. He twirled down and performed a series of combos as part of his Acrobatics, aimed at her upper-body with electric and flying moves. His skin began to tingle a little the closer he came to approaching contact.

With little time to make a plan before the Simisage collided with her, Kaveri ditched any attempt to dodge the attack. Instead, in the moments before he reached her, she put all of her effort into creating a Water Pulse, holding it out with both paws so it was directly in Alai's path. He'd likely just continue right on through it, but the electricity from his combo attack would enter the water as he did and rebound back into him. Hopefully.

On the downside, Kaveri was still hit hard by the attack, the Floatzel letting out a wheeze as she was knocked back by the force. Oooooh, that hurt, that hurt a lot...! Clutching her chest as she rose, she let out a cough. "Damn. Ow. Ok, yeah, that was painful," she wheezed, her face scrunched up as if she'd just eaten a bad berry.

The moment Alai made contact with Kaveri was unfortunate for the Simisage as well, as it appeared all the water soaked on him by both the residue splashing and the direct Water Pulse had caused his electricty aura to react. A powerful and violent shock was suddenly released through the Simisage's body, causing him to fall to one knee in pain. His one saving Arceus was that he was naturally resistant to electric types, causing the pain to not be as bad as it could have been.

"Ugh... tell me about it," Alai agreed with the Floatzel's sentiments. "Maybe it's time for a change," He declared as he reached into one of his safe pouches and dug inside. He pulled out what appeared to be a Aquav berry. "Let's do this!" He clenched the berry, caused a strange rainbow colored aura to appear around him. "Come on, Natural Gift time!" He declared again as he rushed forward and closed the distance between them as quick as he could. He then spun around like a top in the air, and began to try and bash the Floatzel relentlessly with a series of kicks.

The time it took for Alai to get back to his feet and moving again was enough time for Kaveri to take a few deep breaths and push the pain in her chest to the back of her mind. When the Simisage came at her again, rather then avoid him she used Aqua Jet to launch herself straight at him and try to catch him by surprise. Since his aura had changed again, that should mean it was safe enough to start using water moves once more without worrying about getting electrocuted.

The Simisage was caught off guard as Kaveri came rushing at her. He tried his best to make a defensive formation before she came at him, but the crash sent him back. He landed well enough on his feet, though he was a bit wobbly. But it didn't appear as he took too much damage with the last hit due to the rainbow aura around him, a Dragon-Type attack formation that seemed to combine with his natural Grass-Type to make Water attacks almost all but ineffective. It was enough however to force him to abandon his combo and get pushed back.

"Nice tactic," He praised with a smile. "But here I come again!" He yelled relentlessly as he charged again, this time seeming to come at Kaveri with a Headbutt-esque attack. "Natural Gift forward-ho!"

When Alai got pushed back, Kaveri took the advantage of the brief moment of relief and created another raincloud over her head. If Alai had thought she was fast before, he was in for a surprise now that all of her speed boosts were once again available to her. Leaping into the air as the Simisage charged, she did a flip in mid-air and brought an Aqua Tail down towards his head.

The quick movement by the Floatzel caused her to come crashing toward the Simisage just as he was pushing forward toward her. His incoming Dragon type-infused Headbutt Natural Gift collided with the Aqua Tail. It deterred him for a while, but his now dual-type advantage made this only a mere inconvenience as he relentlessly pushed forward and tried to ram Kaveri.

Realizing she wouldn't be able to hold him off for long, Kaveri used Aqua Jet to put some distance between herself and Alai, placing herself out of his direct path should he continue charging straight forward. Frost covered her fangs as she attempted to charge in at him from the side, this diving low to aim the Ice Fang at his right leg.

Deciding to go straight for Kaveri again, Alai continued to charge forward, even as she charged at him with an Ice attack ready to take hold. He burst forward and allowed his leg to get caught, but in the process also struck her face with a powerful punch. After this, in order to relieve the pain of the Ice Fang, he quickly dropped the berry in his hand, which shut off the aura around him. "Ah! Dang!" He yelled at the pain on his leg.

Kaveri lurched back when she received another blow to the face. "Trying to break my nose, eh?" she muttered half jokingly as thick, red liquid now bubbled freely from her snout. She pressed a paw over it, attempting to stopper the flow but only partially succeeding as the blood simply coated the silver fur of her paw.

"Only trying to do what I have to!" Alai replied back.

There was a brief flicker as for the briefest of seconds a group of mon appeared in the room. A split second later Kaveri would feel a hand on her shoulder as just like that the group flickered out from view again.

 

[Megaman765]

Everyone together again

"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!" A roar more guttural and angry than the one that rang across the battlefield at Gold City echoed off of the walls of the cave the group materialized into, followed by a loud crunch when the Emerald Sentinel put his fist through the ground at his feet. "WHAT HAPPENED?!?"

Kaveri blinked when she realized Alai was no longer in front of her. Or rather... she was no longer before the Simisage, but rather now gathered with the rest of the group in a cave. "Aww, man! I was having fun!" the Floatzel complained with a huff, then let out a wheeze as she put a paw to her still-sore chest and pressed her other paw back to her bloody nose. "...Anyone got some tissue?"

Ben raised a brow as he snapped his fingers, dropping everyone to the ground, "Saving your life is what happened." He muttered. He put his two hands to his temples as he rubbed at his forehead, "I forgot how tiring that is. Much less with a bulky force."

"The only life you saved in that room was HERS!" The Dragonite yelled, stopping his hand inches away from the Gambler's throat. "Give me one good reason not to tear you apart right now!"

"...." The Gambler closed his eyes, "Kill me then. If you wish." He gave a meek shrug, "My part is seemingly over."

Snype held out his hand. "Yeah no. Cal, before you do anything rash I should tell it to you straight. This wasn't his idea. It was my call after we won a gamble with him. I called off the game. To save these two here." Snype said, bracing himself for the worst.

"Atrox, Thomas!" Guardia yelled as she ran over to the two badly-wounded 'mon. Abel held up a a hand from his seated position.

"I'm fine, the Hypno," He muttered as he pointed to Thomas. Guardia could tell Abel was hurting, and badly, but it seemed Thomas was in even worse condition.

"Damn it," She cursed as she went over to see what she could do about his injuries.

Ben simply sighed, "I have a card for that." He looked amid his deck for a moment, "Here." He held out toward Guardia a card with a sum emblazed on it. "We're not in a conflict at the moment. There is tension. So go ahead and use it."

Cal gave Snype the death glare for an uncomfortably long time, then his eyes were drawn to Abel and Thomas and his expression softened somewhat. His tail slammed the ground hard enough to make a small crack in some of the stone and he stepped a short distance away from the rest of the group to collect himself.

Snype stared Cal straight back in the eye, once he stepped back the Sableye decided to let him be for the time being. No need to escalate things further. Snype looked over to Raz. "Raz, please tell me you grabbed all the books before we teleported you." Snype asked.

The wizard raised an eyebrow at the Sableye. "Do I look like a psyducking idiot to you?"

"Keheh, good." Snype said with a grin. That was all he needed to hear.

"I also got a new minion!" Razathiel announced proudly, gesturing to the Blaziken he held psychically in tow. "Or potential new minion, I haven't asked what his wages are yet, but egh."

"Hmm?" The Blaziken murmured from his sleep and glanced at the group with his good eye, before he closed it again and seemed to prepare to go back to sleep. However, he soon opened it again and looked around. "We're not in the Altar anymore..."

"Nope." Ben muttered, "I lost a gamble, I'm with them now." He sat on down, "Sorry about that. And we're far away from the network point or any help. Unless you can magically teleport, my advice would be to not put up a fight. It's several GT against you, so I think you can do the math. And possibly me if my new property holders wish for me to do so. Though," He held up a stack of cards, "Want to play a game? Just a casual one. I need to pass the time in some way."

"Nah, I'll pass," The Blaziken replied dismissively. "And no need to apologize. I didn't want to be around that rattata Roxanna anyway. Now I can finally go," He examined his situation again, noticing he was floating (rather comfortably) in the air. "... eventually."

"When you get back... let her know I'm sorry. Fate has chosen another path for me."

Snype walked up to Guardia and looked at both Abel and Thomas. "well we got them out safely at least... " Snype said. He just now grasped that these two would have been dead if it weren't for their insane luck.

Over in his corner, Cal sat and used Roost, doing his best to listen to everything that was said while he rested and recovered. Kaveri plopped down next to him, leaning against the wall with a cloth she'd dug out from under her float now stuck in her nose.

"You're right," Guardia muttered as she glanced over to Snype. "If we hadn't have left, who knows what could have happened."

Snype smiled up at Guardia and then turned to Cal... he figured by now he could at least approach him since he was calmed down. "Hey uh... Cal...?" Snype said with a frown on his face. "Uh... sorry."

Cal took a deep breath before answering, a necessity really, Roost is practically a form of meditation. "You couldn't have known, and regardless of that it was that gambler that saved her, not you. He could have just waited, let me finish her off, but he didn't. I think he saved her in the process of getting out intentionally, the way he spoke to that Blaziken makes it sound like he and Roxanna are friends." His eyes remained sharp, but not unkind. "But I'm going to catch at least one of them before we leave Anatellia, even if I have to speed read every one of those books and use my Mega Stone to do it."

Snype looked down for a moment. "...guess it'd make sense. I don't think I'd want my friend killed right in front of my very eyes. That's the kind of thing that break mon." Snype said with a sigh. "I gotta wonder what the Agents were like before this whole Darkrai business. The Gambler doesn't seem to be very upset hanging around with us." Snype said.

"That's because he's a coward who's given himself over to fate." Cal answered bitterly. "He doesn't take responsibility for his actions, even if he claims to, he really doesn't. He lets all his actions be decided for him, and by 'luck' no less. I don't know who he used to be, but who he's become isn't much better than what the other agents are." He didn't want to sound so harsh, but believe it or not he wasn't saying any of it out of spite. He genuinely felt giving things up to fate was a form of hiding.

"Keheh, see this is why I always cheat. I always get my way in the end that way! kehe. Fate can screw itself." Snype said with a joking tone. "But to be fair... fate did favor us back there. The Gambler had three prizes in his game, and we won them, and control over him. In fact you'll be surprised what one of the prizes were..." Snype said as he reached into his bag and pulled out an item similar to Cal's Mega Stone... except it shared Snype's colors. "Guess that makes us Mega Stone brothers eh? Kehe"

Cal nodded. "I suppose it does...I guess we'd better get reading." He rejoined the main mass of the group and looked around for Snype's 'evil overlord'. "Hey Raz! How's about letting me dig into one of those books?"

The Ralts, who was currently on top of his staff snacking on a leppa berry, turned slightly towards the duo. "Hm? Oh, sure," He said, hopping off of the staff and approaching them. Catching sight of Snype's Mega Stone, he raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Oh! Mega Stones! That's something..." The wizard opened his Magic Room, bringing out the large pile of books, a cheri berry and what looked to be three other Mega Stones. He tapped his staff on the floor, sending his armour flying back to its stand through the rip in space. "Had these lying around. Figured it'd be about time I used them for something, seeing as at this rate, soon enough everyone and their mothers are going to have bloody Mega Stones. Thought I might as well bring mine out while they're still rare..."

"You've had these and you hadn't shown us before?" Guardia questioned the Ralts. She shook her head. "What if they worked on anyone of us?!"

"So Raz." Cal intoned, taking a step closer to the Ralts with his most winning smile. "As an eternal master of knowledge and power, ever seeking more of both, which tome would you recommend first?"

"You flatter me, Cal," Razathiel said with a smirk. "It's true, of course, the magnificent evil wizard that I am- but flattery nonetheless. Now," He separated the books from each other, laying them out individually and pointing to each one in turn. "Obviously I haven't read any of these properly, but from a quick little skim through: this first one, 'The Origins' seems to be something about the history of Mega Stones - how they were created and all that - this 'The Walk' one seems mostly to do with using Mega Stones, what they do and whatever, and lastly this 'Dormancy to Divine' thingamajig is about those annoying dormant ones and should, hopefully, give us some insight on how to make them stop being annoying dormant ones," He paused to look back up at everyone and shrugged. "Depends on what you want to go for. I mean, the history stuff is background, the other two things are probably more practical for the current situation- though history could be useful as a foundation for all of that. I'd personally go for the history first, but that's just me..." He stopped momentarily to shoot Guardia a stern look that said not now before taking another bite of leppa.

"Well may as well go in order. Kehe... though uh, is this the safest place to start reading through this stuff? Where DID we teleport to anyways?" Snype said, looking around the cavern they ended up in.

"It's as safe a place as any," Guardia replied with a shrug. "I think we're someway down the path we came from. I recognize the stalagmites a bit around here. But three days is a lot of time to read over everything, so that shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, I did have some other news to share real quick," She began as she crossed her arms. "We won two things in the Gambler's pathway. One is information relating to Darkrai, I think," She explained, "When the time is right, Gabriel will open the Ancian'. I don't really know what it means, but there it is. The second one," She continued as her face turned to a grin. "Is the location of a piece of a certain someone we've been after!"

Kaveri had been drowning out most of the conversation, with her head tilted back and seemingly sleeping (well, her head did hurt pretty bad from those two hard hits she got in the face). Guardia's announcement got her attention, though, and she suddenly jumped up - a bit too quickly as her head swam, causing her to totter a bit. She was quick to regain her balance, though, and looked over the Gold Tribe leader with an eager expression. "Seriously? It was that easy? Awesome!"

"Yeah!" Guardia exclaimed back to Kaveri. "So we now have the info about the Mega Stones, and the info we needed about her. I'd say what we came to do in Anatellia, we've basically accomplished, even if we haven't secured Gaiyo's help, yet. But I figured we can recuperate Thomas and Abel, head back to Gaiyo, and leave this..." She found herself lost for words, as she wasn't quite sure what to call Anatellia. "... place."

Kaveri clapped her paws together gleefully. "Well, that's our next stop decided for us then, eh?" she chortled, grinning from ear to ear. Then she paused, seeming to remember something, and turned a curious and confused look to the Blaziken Raz had dragged with him. "Ah... by the way... Who are you?"

"Dibs on first one reading the books!" Cal called out, mood drastically improved. Without any further warning he scooped up his sister, set her on his shoulder and patted her back. "I'm really glad you're ok, Kav, I intended to go down my hallway alone, if I hadn't walked off so fast I'd have made sure you didn't go in alone."

"Well, we'll talk it over," Guardia began, before she listened to what Kaveri stated and looked over the Blaziken. "Yeah, who are you? Raz said something about a minion or wages but..."

"Hmm?" The Blaziken opened his one good eye again and propped himself up in the psychic bed Raz had made. "James," He answered plainly. "Merc. Agent. Off duty."

"That's pretty much it," Razathiel agreed, once more diving into his Magic Room and retrieving a pot of berries. "We found him in there asleep. He's a mercenary, hired as an agent, they didn't pay him or whatever, so he didn't do anything. And of course, I didn't psyducking know what you'd have expected me to do, so, well, here he is. I can probably pay him or something, but it's your call, I don't even know..." The Ralts walked up to James, placing the cheri berry on the edge of the Blaziken's beak. The Blaziken quickly took to the food placed in front of him and began to munch on it pleasantly.

Guardia shrugged, as she looked back over to the Blaziken. "Pay him? For what? To hire him to our side? Will he even do that?"

Snype raised a brow at the Blaziken. "Good question actually... having an Ex Agent on our side would be great... but whats to say the agents wont just gamble him back to their side?"

"It's simple," The Blaziken cut in. "I work for the highest bidder. If you pay me more, I'll work for you. If the other side overpays that, I'll work for them."

Snype rubbed his chin. This kind of thing would actually work out easily on his end..."Uh... what kinda wages we talking about here?"

"One hundred thousand gold," He stated casually.

"One hundred-thousand!?" Guardia exclaimed loudly as her voice echoed in the cave. "That could finance a small army! No one soldier is worth that!"

"Pfft. That's it?" Snype said in a confident tone.

James held up one finger as a sign for Snype to hold on. "Per week." Guardia's jaw opened wide, almost appearing as if it would drop.

"U-uh..." Snype gulped. "W-well... I can pull that off as well... er..." Snype rubbed his head a bit bashfully. He never was too open about all the funds he had obtained over the years. He wasn't the king for nothing.

"Can you?" The Blaziken lifted his head up, and for the first time, showed some eagerness.

"Wait... you can?" Guardia asked the Sableye. "Those are ridiculous prices. Countries wouldn't pay that level. Even if you somehow did have that much, if you keep financing him, you'll probably go broke!"

"Depends if this will really give us the edge we need..." Snype said with a sigh. "I wouldn't be too happy with the thieves collapsing if we hire this guy... call it a gamble if you will. Kehe," Snype said with a small laugh.

"Gambles will get you what you need." Ben stated calmly. Where he sat he had set his cards down and proceeding to play a game of solitaire by himself. "Luck will decide if you go forth, or if you crumble. Though, remember this, Gabe was in Tollen for some time. How much money do you think he got from it?" He stared up at the group, "I've seen some of the cash he brought in."

"Yeah? Well so was I." Snype said, making a subtle nod to his previous actions in Tollen.. "Though for all I know he could have me outmatched... if you're really that valuable to him." Snype said. He really didn't want to end up broke. James couldn't possibly be worth that kind of money...

"Perhaps," Razathiel began lazily as he waddled around with his pot of berries. "You could think about lowering your pathetically selfish demands when you consider the situation in which you find yourself..." The wizard hopped over to the Vian siblings, handing a couple of oran berries to each with an invisible grasp. "When you consider that we will be providing you with food, shelter, protection and otherwise a generally inhabitable world upon success, money becomes distinctly... petty. Though if you insist on being such an insufferable prick about it, you'd do well to recognize that if Darkrai were to succeed, all potential funds you could possibly gain would be rendered valueless."

The Ralts handed a sitrus berry each to Abel and Thomas, though upon consideration he threw a couple of extra orans in the Hypno's direction. He handed an oran to Snype and Guardia, and two to Voltaire. "Essentially," Raz continued, this time looking at the Blaziken he was addressing. "Your payment would include all of the money you currently have. I believe it would be wise of you to reconsider, considering that I'm super evil and even I don't have some kind of bullmuk ulterior motive for this whole Darkrai shabang. Alternatively, of course, the option of killing you is entirely open... so really, go ahead. You're totally in a position to make demands."

"I totally am," The Blaziken muttered back, his one visible eye. "Because I'd totally like to see you try." He stated, his tone changing slightly to a bit more serious. That seriousness passed soon enough and he relaxed again and shrugged his shoulder. "I'm not forcing you to accept anything. I gave you my wages, same as I gave to Gabriel. Accept it or don't. And don't pretend to know what happens if the dark overlord guy wins."

The Dreadmage stood for a few moments in what might have been stunned silence before a noise not unlike a deflating balloon escaped his mouth. The Ralts let out a genuine maniacal laugh, falling onto his back as he convulsed in the hilarity of the situation. After a short while, Raz raised his head slightly to look back up at James.

"You psyduckin' serious?"

"Nah, probably not. You guys are the ones that beat Tyren, right? I lost a lotta gold because I didn't think a Ralts and Floatzel could beat him," He replied with a shrug. "So you hiring me or not? Because if not, I'm probably gonna go."

"Y'know, " A certain Dragonite's voice cut in, distorted slightly by bits of Oran Berry. "I haven't really seen much proof you're worth that much. I mean Raz found you sleeping on the job right? Tell me, just how strong would you rate yourself?"

"A serious answer, or do you plan on laughing it off like the short one?" James retorted back to the Dragonite.

"Psyduck you!" The Ralts called from his place lying on the ground.

Cal was glad to see there was a bit less indifference to a question of skill. "I'm dead serious. You're an agent. Every other agent of Darkrai we've met seemed undyingly loyal to him, besides Ben. But you, you're a mercenary. For him to pay someone whose loyalty isn't really to him or to chaos, you must have given him a damn good reason to think it's worth the risk to have you."

Seeming to be slightly intrigued, the Blaziken propped himself up in his Psychic bed, and spoke. "I'll tell you what. Give me a hundred gold pieces, and I'll give you the entire Agent rundown, from my point a' view."

Without another word Callimer reached into his bag and withdrew the requested amount from his own personal funds, and deposited the coins into a drawstring pouch. He lightly tossed James the pouch and raised an eyebrow by way of inquiry.

"W- Sentinel, what are you doing?" Guardia demanded as she witnessed her second-in-command hand the Agent the gold.

"Right," James accepted the gold with a nod, quickly stashing it away in a pouch on his back. "Now every Agent save for one can fight to some degree. Only one that really can't is Revoll. But he makes up for it with his military tactics. The invasion of Valkaria? Beatruce's plague business? Forcing the bandits, Morrians and Pentossars to attack Tollen together? He may not have acted those out, but he planned them. So I guess that's his worth. The rest of us have some skills in multiple things. Some can lead, some have strong abilities, yada yada. But we can all fight," He explained, as he held up three fingers.

"I usually put us in three different levels of strength, though," He stated. "Just for the heck of it," He snorted a bit. "Huh, kinda like Anatellia se- never mind," He shook his head. "Three levels. They all fall in, except Revoll, and probably Ben. He's too random to say. Level three, you'd have Tyren, Roxanna, and the two weird-talkers. I don't really remember their names. I might put the new guy there too, the Abomasnow from Tollen, but I don't really know enough about him yet. Second level, I call them the game changers, you got Alai, Xander, and Bastille. Stronger than the others I mentioned. I'm with them, there. I can probably take 'em if I felt like it, but... they're pretty good."

"Doesn't surprise me," Razathiel said lazily. "Tyren and Roxanna were schmucks."

Guardia was silent for a bit as she listened in surprise to the answer of the Agent. She hadn't expected him to actually answer in such an informative way, but now that he had... "And the first level?" She asked curiously. James lifted up one finger.

"Just one," he explained, as he pointed to Abel and Thomas. "I'm guessing they went down path six, right?" He clarified at the Zangoose. "Yeah, that's him. Your boy from Valkaria. Grett. Even I won't mess with him. He's not real."

"Good." Cal answered with a nod, he knew that when money was asked for he could expect a useful answer. That's how mercenary's work, the ones that are any good at their job anyways. "I have one more question though, hopefully you won't charge me more because this pertains to the first one. Where on that scale would you put Gabriel? As a Greninja, if you will?"

"That's a hard one to answer, because I'm pretty sure he's stronger than he lets on," James replied with a shrug. "Maybe at our levels? Maybe above? Who knows? I can't be sure. All I know is, if he wanted to, as Darkrai he can kick my ass, and that's all that matters to me."


Cal nodded again, this time more gravely. "I was afraid you'd say something like that. Since you've been forthcoming I'll tell you why I asked. I fought him, in retrospect that may have been reckless, but I guess he found it fun." He turned away from James, who was now cocking an eyebrow at the Dragonite, and looked to the rest of their group. "What do you all think after hearing what he's had to say?"


Snype thought it over. Having someone that powerful would be a big help to the group... of course... it was a matter of if they even needed his help. They already had Mega Stones on their side, it was just a matter of knowing how to use them. Once again he was put in a position where he didn't have a lot of time to think about it. "Geez I'm making the big
decisions again eh? I forgot, who's the leader here again?"


"I'm asking your opinions. Besides the fact that I'm only the second to Guardia, and plenty of you aren't even within the Tribe. We can't exactly just order you around, even you, Snype, would at least rib us for being bossy if we did." Cal finished on a smile. "So, what's your take?"

"Yeah, and besides, this isn't a mission for just the Gold Tribe," Guardia chimed in. "I always ask for everyone's input because we aren't the only ones who make up Valkaria. You and Thomas and everyone else do too. And if it were up to me I'd say he's not worth it."

"Tsk, well I'm the one with the funds. But for one mon? It'd make me and the rest of the thieves broke. And after all the effort I put to expand them out this far, that's a pretty huge investment. Even if this is an agent we're talking about here." Snype said.

"So that a no?" James asked to clarify.

"Egh," Raz said, sitting up cross-legged. "Not sure. Those Darkrai bastards didn't pay you, right? I trust you won't be going back to disreputable employers again?"

"Gabriel didn't pay me for Roxanna's little... thing," James replied with air quotations. "He only paid me for my own territory, in Karn. Anything else costs extra. And I will go back to them if they decide to pay me more. After all, if you hire me, you'll be paying double what they're paying me. Somehow I doubt both of you can keep doubling, though."

"Oh," The wizard exclaimed, eyebrows raised. "Perhaps we should just kill him, then."

"You can try," James retorted back. "You won't like it if you do, though."

"You seriously think you can take on all of us by yourself?" Guardia questioned with a slight grin. "You have no idea who you're messing with, do you?"

"No, I have a pretty good idea," James replied with a shrug. "And I don't think I'll be able to take you all on myself."

"No psyducking muk!" Razathiel called out in-between renewed giggling.

"But I also know if you try to kill me, at least four of you will die with me," The Blaziken pointed to Abel and Thomas. "They'll go first. They're too weak, especially the Hypno, to really try anything. No doubt some of you will try to help and get in the way. I'm guessing for the Medicham, anyone else with the gold bands might step in. I'm not banking on being able to take out the Ralts or the Floatzel as easily because they beat Tyren, I hear."

"Tyren was a psyducking walk in the park!" The wizard called, once more, from the floor.

"But a weakened Dragonite and a Sableye thief will be workable. Even if the Dragonite claims to have gone toe-to-toe with the big cheese."

Cal merely watched the exchange impassively, faintly glowing with Roost while he waited to hear what the others thought. Razathiel was still giggling uncontrollably on the ground for the time being.

"Keheh... you drive a hard bargain... but..." Snype paused for a moment. "Keheh, so why not? I'll bring ya along. And if Darkrai wants to pay double then what can I say? Its his money. Kehe!" Snype said with a laugh. It wasn't like he had to keep him for the whole trip right? After all... he could find other ways to make money along the way. He was the king of thieves after all!

"What?" Guardia turned to the Sableye. "Are you insane?!"

"Alright then," James huffed in surprise. "Here's my terms. I get paid weekly. I want half of it within the first three days, and the second half on my seventh day. If you don't pay me by the third day my first half, we have a problem. If you don't pay me by the seventh day, we have a problem. If you decide at any point to let me go before my week is done, I get paid regardless for the entire week. If you don't, we have a problem. I'm obligated to follow your instructions in terms of what you want me to do. If you want me to tag along with your merry band, say so. If you want to send me to a specific area, say so. If you don't have any specific actions or anything for me to do, I'll do what I think is best in accordance to what we've got going on. But remember, I'm a merc, not a slave. You start ordering me around to do useless and meaningless things, we have a problem. Let's avoid having any problems. Deal?" He asked the Sableye sternly.

Snype nodded. "I'll grab the cash when we get out of Anatellia. Should be there by the time your payment is due. I might be able to bring a bit of extra cash in from t-...the other places I've expanded to as well. I'll have ya around as long as my wallet can handle. Keheh." Snype said, seeming awfully confident in his choice all of a sudden.

Voltaire had been sitting at the sidelines for most of the conversation, and quite frankly he wasn't paying a bit of attention. He groaned at the thought of leaving Roxanna alive. He and Cal had just about finished her...He looked up just in time to find that they were deciding on whether or not they were going to hire the stolen Blaziken. Based upon the amount of talking he did, the odds were greater that he knew a lot, and by the way he talked it was obvious that he had confidence in his ability. Conduit nodded, finally stepping in. "I say he's in."

"I hope you know what you're doing, because he's your responsibility now, Snype," Guardia declared.

"Hey I saved our asses last time right? Pretty confident I know what I'm doing. Kehe" Snype retorted.

Kaveri had puffed her chest out proudly when the Blaziken had mentioned he wasn't certain of his ability to take her and Raz. She liked this guy already, mhmm! Well, at least, she liked him enough that she wouldn't mind having him along. "I second this motion! ...Or is it third? Eh, whatever."

"We'll see." Cal said quietly to himself while he listened to the discussion. At least it seemed his bid to learn a bit more about James had paid off somewhat.

"Is nobody concerned about how ridiculously unreliable he is?" Razathiel droned from the ground. "Just personally, I'd rather not fight alongside someone who may well convert to the enemy at the drop of a big bag of gold."

"Its their problem if they wanna pay double.. Just means we'll have them beat on funds! Kehe!" Snype said.

"But for now, you have me," James declared. He looked over to Raz with his one good eye, and pointed around himself, a sign for him to remove the Psychic around him. "So, where would you like me to start?"

"You can start by remembering to tell them all I told them so if this all goes terribly wrong," The Dreadmage said with a grunt as he finally lifted himself up from the floor.

 

[SV]

Obsidian and Gaiyo - Day 1

"What I AM saying is that while these measures are being secured that I NEED to get to those volumes!" Obsidian spat out. "My Seekers are greatly helping to restore order so that your life is made easier. We came here to see those books, and this can help us give us the edge we need to stop this war." He let out a sigh, "Alright, I admit I got a bit stressed back there, but we need those volumes now."

Gaiyo rubbed the bridge of his nose with one of his tail arms as he sat in his rock chair back in his home. He clearly seemed annoyed at Obsidian at the moment. "And what I'm saying is that simply isn't happening right now. First off, my agreement was with Penance, not you. He's the leader of the Seekers, and he's the one I'd trust with this. Second, the Seekers have been helping, but they were doing so long before you assumed control. Again, going back to Penance. And third," Gaiyo continued as he got off his chair and looked the Weavile straight in the eye. "I'm really not liking your tone right now. You're thinking a lot of things are owed to you when you keep forgetting that you're here as a guest, under my good word. And now you're trying to tell me what to do?"

Obsidian, at first, stared in shock at the monkey, but as he kept on talking the Weavile began to form a very different look. That of frustration. His jaw locked up, his eyes narrowed, and his clawed hands slowly balled up into fists. "What I remember..." He stared out slowly, "Is that I have been entrusted with this position, and with Penance's respect. So what? You're just going to keep us away from the volumes that could end this war? Not end the Dark Moon's ability to get any support from their allies? The minute we take the other forces down I can guarantee you that half of their numbers will instantly flee from their ranks. Gaiyo, I know I'm not Penance, but dammit I've been here just as long as he has!" He exclaimed. "He brought me everywhere! And that agreement should be referring to me as well!"

Gaiyo sighed. "I know, I know," He stated with a shake of his head. "Though I doubt they could do that much for you, I know they'd definitely help. But right now, my hands are tied. Listen, it may not seem like it from how things have gone, but a lot of 'mon, maybe not as many Sons of Arceus, but a lot of our allied sects, they still hate the idea of foreigners being here," He explained. "The last time we let foreigners get this close, they stole our territory and took it for their own. You know the story," He said as he gritted his teeth. "Penance, they may not have minded. But even though 'mon know you, you're just... well, you're not the same. Giving trust to someone else just like that can't happen now. Not when the Dark Moons are pressuring smaller sects to leave or turn coat, and with the Reverse Kings knocking right on the door!"

"But we need that information!" Obsidian snapped, "Gaiyo, you have to-"

"Perhaps it is time to end this discussion?" The kadabra next to Obsidian said quickly as he put a hand on the Weavile's chest. The Seeker gave a meek nod to Gaiyo, "Allow to escort him outside."

Before Obsidian could put up a fight the psychic dragged him outside, and out of earshot of Gaiyo. "Do you realize what you're doing?" The psychic muttered, anger in his tone, "You could cost us everything that Penance has worked for. When I first came here with him he barely needed my negotiating skills, and here you go breaking every rule in the book!"

"We need those books!" Obsidian countered, "What? We just let them rot in their caves?"

"If it means we can call upon them as allies, similar to Tollen, then yes." The psychic's eyes narrowed, "I can see it in his eyes up there! You're on thin ice! More outbursts and he may very well limit the Seekers in the city! Imagine us being regulated to a pure block of land! You have to go in there, take a deep breath, and apologize to him, here and now."

The Weavile let out a groan of frustration and rubbed his temples, "I can't help that Penance makes it look easy."

"Well, you're the head honcho now." The psychic hissed out, "So pull your head out of your a** and act responsibly. Penance isn't here to bail you out this time."

Obsidian fell silent and out a stressed sigh. As the two walked in Obsidian gave a small bow to Gaiyo, ".. Forgive me for my earlier outburst... I do think that it is best if this meeting is ended now."

Gaiyo's eyes narrowed at Obsidian and he waved him off. "We're all on the edge right now. A Arceus-damned bomb almost blew us all up, after all. Just remember who's in charge around he-" The Ambipom was suddenly interrupted as two Sons of Arceus made their way into Gaiyo's home, a Litwick and a Bellossom. Both looked distressed. He eyes the two of them curiously. "More good news?" He asked sarcastically.

"Gaiyo..." The Litwick began, though seemed at a loss for words. The Bellossom shook her head.

"Well?" He asked impatiently. "How bad can it be?"

"It's Francis, sir," The Litwick continued.

"Francis?" Gaiyo repeated. "What about him? Last I heard I sent him to make nice with the Reverse Kings. What's going on?"

The Litwick shifted uncomfortably. "Earlier last night, the High Priest of the Reverse Kings, Crowl, was killed."

"... What?" Gaiyo asked in surprise. "What happened?"

"W-we're not s-sure, we're only just getting reports but... " The Bellossom stammered. "They took Francis in!" She cried.

"What?!" Gaiyo bellowed. "What gives them the right?!" He asked angrily. Both the Litwick and the Bellossom shook. "What's happening now?!" He demanded.

"W-well... they say they'll put up a formal trial, and that Francis will have a chance to defend himself in front of them," The Bellossom replied, on the verge of tears.

"The bastards, it's a farce!" Gaiyo yelled as he slammed one of his tails onto the wall. "They're gonna execute him publicly and make an example out of him!"

"What should we do Gaiyo?" The Litwick asked in between his tears. "I don't want Francis to die, he's one of our best!"

"No one's dying," Gaiyo assured the Litwick. "At least, none of ours. I'm gonna go talk to the Saint of the Reverse Kings, Fen Driar. See if I can get to the bottom of this."

Obsidian held up a hand, "Gaiyo, if he is truly one of your best, then I'll have to see what the Seekers can help with as well. Francis isn't going to die on my watch. If it comes to that... we have the manpower to get him out of there. It's most likely not our first option, but..."

Gaiyo looked over to Obsidian and frowned. "Obsidian... " He began as he shook his head. "It can't be an option. If we try and break him out, Fen will know. And if he knows I helped him escape, then the Reverse Kings will come after us in full force. The only way I can see to stop this is to either sit down with Fen and work something out, or find evidence that helps free Francis, or convince the Reverse Kings otherwise that he's innocent. But... Crowl was well loved in their sect. And have you ever known us as a nation to ever react with reason?"

"Of course not." The Weavile muttered.

The psychic sighed, "And I doubt the Reverse Kings would allow Seekers or Sons to trample about in their lands to find evidence that points to Francis being innocent. Attempting to ask them to allow us to investigate would go poorly as well. Perhaps the best bet is for the Seekers to stay out of this affair. If we are seen around their territory at this point, or even involved in the planning process, it might make them suspicious of us attempting to plan an attack as to get retrieve Francis."

"But Pena-"

"But you aren't Penance!" The psychic snapped back to Obsidian. "That is the difference here! He could easily slip into the planning process and nothing would be amiss, but you can't."

Gaiyo's eyes trailed between the two Seekers, before he nodded his head. "I have to agree here. I'll go to Convergence Wall and talk to Fen. In the meantime, you stay here and help get things back in order here. Things are still hectic and we need to get the situation under control. We need to show 'mon that the Sons are still fine."

Obsidian just sighed and began walking out, "Yeah..." He muttered out. The psychic gave a short bow to Gaiyo as he quickly followed Obsidian. As the dark type made his way out, he soon headed to a column and angrily punched it, "Why... did you do that?"

"Because." The Kadabra said calmly as he eyed the Weavile, "You lack my respect. Obsidian, you have to face the truth here... if a random Seeker were to walk up to Penance, very easily he could not only name them, but also name a recent event that occurred with them. When Penance set this organization up... he set a standard. Anyone that falls below that standard will not get respect." He raised his brow, "Did you even bother to ask the Seekers how they were doing? Reassure them that they did a terrific job while they evacuated mon left and right?"

Obsidian was silent for a long them, then slowly shook his head.

"Penance would have. He would have gathered everyone around, praised their efforts, reminded them of their training, and would have left them all on high spirits. He exhibited positively. You exhibit nothing but stress and anger. If you do not keep that under control, Seekers will only do the bare minimum for you, and that is only because you are considered his son."

Obsidian dug his fist into the stone again as his shoulders slumped, "... So what do I do?"

The psychic sighed, "Find your own way of doing things. It is true, you aren't Penance. It doesn't mean you can't live up to him. Either that... or you do nothing, and fail."

Obsidian was about ready to retort when he caught sight of two mon heading their way. He quickly straightened his back and put on a more dignified air.

"S-sir!" A Primeape gasped out, "We've been looking all over for you."

The Weavile's eyes narrowed, "Report then."

~~~~

Obsidian circled his room for the umpteenth time, thinking more and more. "... So, they want to end they system... but by harming everyone here?" He muttered to himself, "If they are against order balance... why increase Darkrai's powers to greater heights?"

"Perhaps a book from Gaiyo would clear it up?" The psychic asked him. "We need to keep order in this city. Prove yourself to Gaiyo."

"And we'll get the books." He stopped his pacing. "Alright, I want increased patrols. They got into this city once, they won't again. Minimum of five mon in each group. Also... those two Seekers... ensure they don't tell anyone what they told us. I can't have rumors flying around at the moment." He let out a groan and sat in his chair, "This is going to be a looooooong week."



~~~~~~

Day 2

"Alright, so far these sectors have been cleared." The psychic stated as he pointed down to the map. "We're keeping a close eye on everything. Night watch reports no changes either."

Obsidian leaned over the map a bit more, "... Gaiyo is still wearing on my mind." He muttered. "I feel like I should help... but I don't know how."

The Kadabra frowned at him, "I know... but there is nothing that can be done now."

The Weavile sighed and rubbed his forehead, "There was supposed to be no other leaders besides Penance. That was hammered in everyone's head. How can I help if no one will even trust me?"

"You do your best, that's what you do." The psychic replied. "It isn't paying off right now, but in time it will. Remember, even Penance had to work for things."

The door suddenly swung open, and Gaiyo entered accompanied by a few Sons of Arceus behind him. He seemed upset, and weary. He walked through and shook his head. "It's all a mess, all of it," He muttered as he looked up and saw Obsidian and the rest of the Seekers. "Oh, Obsidian."

Obsidian slowly looked up and couldn't even muster a smile as he looked back down at his map, not able to meet Gaiyo's eyes. "... Seekers... please clear the room." He said softly. "I... I need to speak to Gaiyo privately."

"Same for you guys," Gaiyo stated as he sent his two Sons away. The two looked at each other, and departed the room. The Ambipom slumped into a chair and exhaled deeply. "So what's been going on here?"

Obsidian was silent for a moment, looking down still. "I... I'm sorry." He said softly, "... I'm not him." He closed his eyes, "I can never be. I... I can't even remember a single one of their names." He angrily threw the table to the side, the map fluttering off of it as the wood splintered from the force of the push. He fell silent and sat down on the ground, "They look at me with nothing but... with that look. When's Penance coming back? He has to come back soon right?" The Weavile gripped the side of his head, "I don't know what to do, okay?" He snapped out. "Maybe if this was a smaller group, sure. But I have freaking thousands under my command! I just... I got tossed in and I don't know what to do!"

He wiped at his eyes as tears began to flow, "And you know what takes the cake? I know that Penance would do everything perfectly. He would have already gotten Francis out, would have made a storybook ending. Would call every single freaking Seeker by their freaking name. Cause, he's perfect. That's all he is."

Gaiyo silently observed Obsidian's tirade. He slowly got up off of his chair and went for the table. He put the thing back into place with the help of his two tail-arms, all while beginning to talk to Obsidian. "Our heroes do appear invincible, don't they?" He asked with a small chuckle. "I don't think anyone's perfect. Arceus knows I'm not. And I know Penance isn't. Great as I know he is, even he has his flaws. But that's apart of leadership. Is to make those mistakes," He patted Obsidian on his back. "You never asked for this, but now it's up to you to make things right. And you'll mess up. That's going to happen. But don't give up just because of that."

Obsidian let out a weaker sniffle, "... So..." He looked up at Gaiyo, "What... what do I do?" He looked back at the map, "How do I get them to follow me?"

Gaiyo pointed to the map with his index finger. "You lead. You stop trying to be who you're not. No, you're not Penance. But you are Obsidian. So you lead. As yourself. 'Mon will hate you for it. But leadership isn't always about everyone liking you. You do what you think is best, even if it's not always what others think is best. And you try your hardest. That's the most anyone can ask for," Gaiyo answered with a shrug. "It might not be the answer Penance would give. But right now, you can't be his shadow. You have to be yourself."

Obsidian fell silent for a moment, then he wiped the last of his tears from his eyes. He slowly rose and approached the map, his silence lingering. "Gaiyo..." He looked back at the monkey. "There... there is something you need to know."

~~~~

"And that's all..." Obsidian fell silent.

Gaiyo shook his head after Obsidian relayed the story the two Seekers told him about their meeting with the Agents of Darkrai. "So that's what this is all about... the Guardians..."

"I know it is a lot to ask for now... but if this Guardian system is true..." He bit down on his lower lip, "Then there must be something in your archives. I won't worry about that now. Keep those archives safe... that's all I ask." He let out a weaker sigh, "And... with that off my chest, what did you have to say? You seemed to be in glum spirits when you came in."

"Hmm..." Gaiyo thought for a moment more, then looked back up to Obsidian. "Oh, right," He sighed again. "Well, it could have gone worse, but things don't look too good either way. To say Fen Driar is pissed is an understatement. He's out for blood, as all the other Reverse Kings are. But I convinced him to expand the trial to allow for mediators. There'll be five. One from the Reverse Kings, and one from the Sons of Arceus to start. Then one from the Pride and one from Green Sea," He explained, but then added a frown. "... And the last one from the Dark Moons."

Obsidian fell silent, "You said..." He started off. "I have to try my hardest." He managed a weak smile, "Could you talk to him again? If you have enough time." He looked down at the map, "... What if... what if we allowed two Seekers to enter their premises... but under heavy watch. Those with type advantages following them every step of the way."

He rubbed at his chin, "I don't remember names... but I know we have but a few mon in our ranks from home who were part of the Alpha Alliance at one point. They know what crime scenes look like. Time has passed..." He gave a small nod, "But... it's better than nothing." He looked at Gaiyo, "What do you think?"

"The trial is in two days, so I can at least ask him," Gaiyo replied with a nod. "It's worth a shot. I have my own working on it, but we can use whatever help we can get."

Obsidian gave another small nod. "Thank you." He looked closer at the map, "We can do this... I know we can."

~~~~

There were many murmurs in the crowd of Seekers below. Out of those who weren't on patrol they well numbered in the thousands. Obsidian hadn't stepped out into the ledge yet as he looked down at his notes. "... I think maybe I should wait a fe-"

"Relax." The psychic said. "You'll do fine. You've been rehearsing for a few hours now. It's either now, or never."

The dark type took in a deep breath as he made his way to the ledge, pausing in mid-stride, "Oh... thanks for everything... Casus."

The Kadabra gave a weak smile, "You'll do fine."

The Weavile gave but a meek nod and made his way out to the railing and stood there. It took a few moments for the murmuring in the crowd to stop as many eyes looked up at him. Even from this distance, he could see it... the dissconnect in their eyes. He wasn't their Penance.

He took in a deep breath as he parted his lips, "... Many of you know of Penance's condition already." He started off. "I believe the news has reached... everywhere at this point." He took a moment to look down at his note card. "... I do know at the moment that... that it will be some time before he-" He paused there and flipped to the next card, "Is on his feet again, but..." And he could see it again, that disconnect. He paused there as he recalled something.

~~~~

"So... why don't you have notecards?"

It had been the afternoon as the two walked along the road in Gold City, "I see the generals with them sometimes, but not you."

"Pffft." The Golduck muttered, "Paper isn't heart! It's just paper!" He patted his chest, "You listen to the heart! Paper rips. Heart's can't rip! Too hard for them to do so! Paper blows away! You have to cut open a chest to remove a heart!"

"... You're saying it's improvised then." The Weavile said with an annoyed tone.

"Nope! It's all in the heart! You have to see it to realize it!"

~~~~

Obsidian looked back down at his cards, and then opened his hand. "... They do blow away." He murmured more to himself.

He could see the Seekers down below starting to grumble a bit as they waited for him to continue. Obsidian took in a deep breath, "But... he's not going to be here for some time, even then." He continued. "For many of you... that's disheartening. I know that. For many... Penance will always be the leader of the Seekers. That's how it was set up, fully intentional on his part. It was so that power couldn't be accumulated by any mon." He gripped the railing a bit tighter, "When I first was told I would be leading you all... I admit. I felt a bit of excitement... and worry. Much worry. But... I shouldn't be worried, and you shouldn't either."

He waited for a moment, "Because... I may not know your names like he does. I may not know your birthdays... or each individual event that has happened in your lives... but I have something that many don't have. I have been taught by the very best in how to plan. In how to organize." His eye swept among the ranks below him, "I know how to use resources to the best of my ability. I know this because my fa-" He caught himself in mid word, gulping the rest of it down as he could feel his hand starting to tremble.

"... Because my father taught me..." He resumed, "Because... he's always been by my side. I may not know your names, but I know your faces. I know your abilities, because I was always by his side in every meeting. Because I was sitting next to him whenever we had parties. I may not have realized it at the time, but that whole time he was teaching me, and I'm thankful to him because of it. I ask now... as you trust him, that you trust me. That... that I can lead you like he led you. It won't be the same... and this will annoy many of you, possibly anger you. We still have a job to do, a job that he called you all together to help him accomplish. And that is what we're going to do! We won't stop at this point! We're going to make sure that Darkrai never takes another step into this city!"

A loud wave of cheers poured out as Obsidian could hear his own heart beating in his chest. As the applause died down he held up a hand, "Now, please get back to your routes! We still have a city to protect!"

As the crowd below began to depart he managed to make it back inside and collapsed onto a chair, "My heart is beating..." The Weavile panted out.

Casus gave him a pat on the back, "And you did fine."

Obsidian's eyes shined with realization and he let out a weak smile, "I did... didn't I?"

~~~~~

Day 3

"Good, very good." The Weavile beamed at the Arcanine and Houndoom, "So, not only that, but blood trackers too. Very good. I'm sure that you two will be good for the job." He looked over at Casus, "So it'll mainly be water types that would follow them around. Again, not too bad. At the very least, a bit of resistance to psychic attacks." He turned back to the two, "You'll be away from Seeker report, so be prepared for that. Just give whatever help you can, that's all I'm asking for."

"Having fun?" Gaiyo asked as he entered the room with a small smile. "Good speech last night. They seem to have really taken to it."

"Thank you." He pointed to the two canines, "These are Wallace and Grommit. Two former Alpha Alliance soldiers, and blood hounds at that. They'll be of tremendous help."

"Good, good," He stated with a small nod. "By the way, I talked things over with Fen. He says that the Seekers are fine, but they'll be heavily monitored. This is a good thing. It gives us a chance with this thing."

Obsidian smiled and put his hands to his hips, "Very good. Now, anything else to discuss? I am monitoring the city, but it looks like they aren't sending anyone else in. The bomb caused too much of a hoo pla, so it's to be expected. I do think they will wait though... wait for our guard to drop sometime in the future. It's to be expected, so I've been meshing out some contingency plans here and there."

Gaiyo sighed and crossed his arms. "Unfortunately, that was the good news," He responded with a frown. "Bad news is, Reverse Kings and my Sons are tangling all across our borders. Our guys aren't happy about Francis's imprisonment. And the Reverse Kings are livid about Crowl's death. I'm trying to keep mine in check. Fen said he would do the same but..." He shook his head. "He's not always the most sensible 'mon. I get the feeling he's just letting them do whatever they want and lying to my face," Gaiyo gritted his teeth. "It's that kinda thinking that'll make this bigger than it already is."

"Could we replace them with Seekers?" He asked. "Just on our side of the borders. A respectable amount that is. I can't take out every single Seeker in the city, but we could get enough to where they can calm down the Sons and maintain some order there."

Gaiyo shook his head. "No go, I'm thinking. Fen might think we're suiting up for war and retaliate in kind," He stated. "It could provoke him, and I don't want to risk that. At this point, he's just looking for an excuse."

Obsidian frowned, "The only other thing I could say would be to pull the Sons back... but at the same time the kings might push forward." He shook his head, "This is going to be a tough scenario... there's no doubt about that. If we pull back, it's war, if we push forward, it's war. I'm starting to have a feeling that the Dark Moons are behind this. Take a loved guy out of the picture just as an ambassador is coming to visit? It's too coincidental. Get both of us to fight, and weaken us that way."

"They might be," Gaiyo replied. "I could totally see Roxanna's dirty hands having a part in this, but..." The Ambipom wandered around the room for a moment and sighed deeply. "I don't know, I just feel like they've been screwing me for a lot longer than even I thought. You might not remember this, but back when you guys went to meet up with Victini, something happened. Two big-time sects, probably second tier, met in secret. I never found out who they were because I couldn't put any guys on it at the time, but now for some reason, the leader of Shaymin's Riders, one of our allies, is asking for a meet with me," He held up to fingers on one of his tail-arms. "Only two real reasons for a sect-leader to ask that. Something bad is happening on their turf, or they're planning a move."

Obsidian gave a small nod, "... Should I come too? I know Penance has before... but as has been said many times, I'm not him. I might not be able to say anything while at the meeting, but I can still at least offer some support."

"I could definitely use the back-up on this one," Gaiyo began. "But I also need you to keep watch of things in Reverence. As important as this is, if something happens here, that's the worst."

"I can do one better. I can have psychics link up and keep me informed while I remain here." He explained. "Another will be my eyes and ears. I won't let you down. But I will gather some Seekers so you can have some protection... just in case. " He gave a shrug, "They smuggled a bomb into the city. You can use that as an excuse for why they're there."

Gaiyo put a hand to his chin and pondered that for a moment. He eventually gave Obsidian a nod. "Alright, we can make that work. But you'll have to link in through the Network to have them communicate. Since telecommunications won't work that distance with it here."

Obsidian smirked, "Most psychics are linked to it already. There will be no problems there. Give me a few minutes to assemble a team for you then."

~~~

The team of seven stood there as Obsidian walked among them "This is Valk." He said as he gestured to the Pidgeot. "She's fast. If anything goes wrong, get on her and get out."

He pointed to a Alakazam, "And this is Bax. He'll be our communication relay."

He gestured out to a Nidoking, a Machamp, a Poliwrath, and a Grumpig. "The Nidoking is Bilt, and he's going to be a front line defense. The Machamp is Saul, he'll be a distraction if need be. The Poliwrath is Chester, and he's there to make it rain and get dark really fast. Finally we have our Grumpig, Shelly. You know those old stories you've heard? A Grumpig dances and those around them are spell bound? She makes those legends true. Now, this is only if it comes to blows. Otherwise, I do hope things go smoothly."

"I'm not expecting any action," Gaiyo stated as he nodded. "But I'll appreciate having it just in case. Let's hope this doesn't turn out to put them off even more..."

Obsidian smiled weakly, "I want you to be safe. We all need to be safe. Just... get going, and we'll see what happens. If you have to leave some of them at some doorway, you can do so. They'll give their lives to protect you."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Gaiyo said with a grin as he turned away to leave. "I should be back by tonight. Good luck on this end."

~~~~

"They are in position?" Obsidian asked.

"Yes. Hold still." Casus held out his hand as a Miracle Eye washed over the Weavile, "There you go. You should be able to connect now. We'll see what happens."

He gave a small nod and held Casus shoulder, closing his own eyes as the connection reached out.

Obsidian was now viewing what was happening on the other end of things, with Gaiyo. They were in a different city than Reverence, one with fewer traffic and smaller stone structures. But it was impressive nonetheless. Most impressive, perhaps, was a rather large mausoleum, which had clearly been converted to a base of operations, a base the Shaymin's riders call home. This was where Gaiyo was heading now.

Normally, around the streets of Reverence or any other allied city, Gaiyo was not only well-known, but also well-respected. He was almost single-handedly responsible for bringing all these sects together, and he was responsible for instilling the recruitment culture to Anatellia. But now, things were different. 'Mon ignored him, averted their gaze, whispered behind their back. It was unsettling for the Ambipom.

Eventually, he made it inside, and proceeded to the very center of the structure. There, a group of Pokmon waited for Gaiyo, including a Jumpluff in a fur scarf and a tattoo across his eye of a Shaymin. He hopped over and greeted Gaiyo.

"Hey there, Nyys," He greeted with a wave. "Thanks for coming."

Gaiyo grinned and waved back. "Merrick. How've you been?"

"Not bad, not bad," The Jumpluff replied. "Have a seat, we shoud talk." He stated. Gaiyo noticed he seemed a bit anxious.

Gaiyo cocked an eyebrow and took his seat. "Sure thing, Merrick. You know anything you need, the Sons are there for you."

"Err... yeah, right," Merrick responded with a bit of hesitation as he scratched his arm.

"By the way, I'm having the leader of the Seekers listen in to this conversation, just as an observer through the Alakazam," Gaiyo explained as he gestured to the 'mon behind him.

"Oh, you are? Huh," The Jumpluff commented reluctantly.

Gaiyo raised an eyebrow again. "Is there a problem, Merrick?" He asked as he looked around at the others in the room. Should I be worried about anything?"

"I guess it don't matter now," Merrick began. He sighed deeply. "Listen Gaiyo, there's no easy way to say this so I'm just gonna say it. Shaymin's riders are leaving our alliance with the Sons of Arceus."

Gaiyo placed two fingers on the bridge of his nose and shook his head. "Look Merrick, I know things have been hectic recently, but we can work these things out. The Sons of Arceus are still more than capable of protecting you. All of you."

"... I know you think that, Gaiyo, but we're not convinced. And we won't likely be."

"You're not thinking straight, Merrick," Gaiyo continued to lay it onto Merrick. "Take the night to think things through and get back to me tomorrow. Sleep on it."

Merrick shook his head. "You don't get it Gaiyo, it's done," Merrick said with a frown.

Gaiyo stared incredulously at the Jumpluff. "After everything we've done for you. After everything the Sons have done to keep you safe... this is how you repay me?"

"We can never thank you for all that you did, but it's time to move on," Merrick stated with a frown.

"Move on, right," Gaiyo replied sarcastically. He crossed his arms. "So? Who is it? Who are you abandoning us for? Is it the Reverse Kings? Or did you go full traitor and take up with the Dark Moons?"

"... Neither."

"Wait, what?"

"Neither, Gaiyo," Merrick repeated. "We aren't abandoning you because you're the weaker side or anything. Us and the Pack of the Reverse Kings have talked. And we don't want anything to do with what's going on. Fighting all the time? Slaughter at Rising Ceremonies? Bombs in Reverence? You stopped the bomb, sure. But what about next time?"

"Merrick, you can't be serious," Gaiyo responded. "You can't make it on your own."

"We've made it for centuries before any of these alliances started happening, and we'll continue to make without that!" Merrick snapped.

Gaiyo shook his head. "That's not the way things work anymore. You have to accept the way we're evolving! If you and the Pack try to make it on your own, you're be torn apart!"

"The decision's been made."

"Think about what you're do-"

"THE DECISION'S BEEN MADE!" Merrick yelled at the top of his lungs. Gaiyo silently gazed at Merrick and the rest of the 'mon in the room. Then, the Ambipom stood up.

"Arceus and Shaymin be with you all. You'll need it."

~~~

"It's suicide,." Obsidian looked at Gaiyo, "It's suicide what they're doing. The Dark Moons don't care if they go neutral. It's Darkrai's agents leading them, and not all of them are from this region. Judging by what the Seekers said... the agents have different recruiting methods. This... Alai doesn't sound too bad, but Roxanna was about ready to make those two puppets. Imagine what she'll do once she finds out that the Pack and the Riders are neutral." He crossed his arms, "It's what's happening in Valkaria right now. People being abducted from the cities, our own soldiers taken into network points and stepping back out, eager to burn their own homes and kill those they once called friends."

He sighed, "It's going to be a bloodbath soon. Honest to Arceus, if more sects do this... we'll wake up one morning to see all of them wearing the Dark Moon's insignia."

"The Pack and Shaymin's Riders are already dead, they just don't know it yet," Gaiyo muttered with a deep sigh. "But that's not the worst of it. Both us and the Reverse Kings losing a second-tier sect was devastating. The Dark Moons as a whole are now stronger than the Reverse Kings, and are that much closer to us. The only advantage we have going for us is the goodwill the race victory is still giving us with smaller sects. And the fact that the Gambler is no longer stealing our recruits. But... this was bad."

Obsidian frowned, "I have more bad news though..."

"Oh Arceus, what now?"

He looked over at the door, "Just... follow me."

~~~

The doc frowned and looked down at his charts, "Well... Obsidian put it a BIT bluntly, but he got the main summary down." The Linoone looked back up at Gaiyo, "This morning he was fine. Eating a bit, still down and glum. I even had a small session with him." He flipped to the next page, "He even expressed a desire to try and help Paradox. I didn't realize it at the time... but it seems it was his intent to let that information slip out purposefully. After a small meeting with Obsidian he went full coma."

He let out a weak sigh, "I know what he seems to be doing. Seen it only a bit every now and then. Psychics who tend to spend more time in their own mind instead of in the outside world. In summary, he's traveling into his own mind. He said something about Victini, and his advice. Penance might very well be trying to get rid of the chaos that is affecting Paradox at the moment." He looked over at the still Golduck on the bed, "I would normally get some psychics to try and wake him up... but the mind is a delicate thing. Especially with self inflicted comas. One small misstep and he becomes a potato. The best thing we can hope for is that he thinks things over and gets out of this phase." He gave a small nod, "Obsidian thought you should at least know that."

"It was right after you left." The Weavile further clarified. "Just... just like that."

Gaiyo frowned and looked over the Golduck. "Is there anything that we can do?"

The Linoone let out a sigh, "Honestly... it depends on his mental state. For those with healthy minds, others are able to travel inside and converse with them. Given his condition, such a intrusion, and coupled with it being unexpected, could lead to emotional damage on his part. What I will recommend." He said as he put his papers down. "Is that he's more than likely traveling his subconscious, trying to get to Paradox. The subconscious part of the mind picks up more signals. Perhaps speaking to him might do something, but I can't say for certain. Once he puts his mind to something, he very rarely abandons it."

He gave a shrug, "The bad news... or good news, depends on how you take it, is that when on travels deep into the subconscious it feels as if days pass by, when in fact seconds only do. If I were a betting man... I would say that already a few months of time has passed in his own subconscious. The deeper you go, the slower time becomes for the individual. By the time he rises, he might have experienced well a year in his mind."

"Maybe it's best not to risk anything, then," Gaiyo stated worriedly as he gazed upon his friend. "All we can hope for is that he figures this out. Keep me updated on his condition, ok Doc?"

The normal type gave a firm nod, "Of course. But... if it's any consultation, he may need this. A few months, or even years, in his mind could help him remember good things. It might even be enough time for him to get over his depression. It's all hypothetical, of course, so don't take my word for certain."

~~~~

Day 4

"I just feel..." He frowned, "I mean... I want to be able to look in on you, sure, but I know it would lead to harder times down the road. Sending any other Seekers would also be very bad. Just.. be careful. If what the Riders said is true, then the Pride shouldn't be out for your blood, so they should be the most trustworthy there. The would have nothing to gain from violence. The Reverse Kings and Dark Moons... and the Sea though... I don't know." He let out a weary sigh, "What if the Dark Moons set this all up to get your two together? That's my main concern. What if they knew that this would all go down, according to tradition, and just slay you both?"

"Except this isn't tradition," Gaiyo stated as he packed the rest of his bag. He utilized his two tail-arms for folding and placing inside as he continued to think about the journey ahead. "Tradition here would have been a swift 'hit' to take him out, and be done with it. Then there would be a response, and another response. And so on. This is something I agreed with Fen on. If they try something, then let 'em try. Even they don't have enough power to take us both on, and they know it. Besides," he continued as he glanced at Obsidian with a shrug. "At this point, I don't have a choice. I won't let one of ours just die like this. Francis doesn't deserve that."

Obsidian sighed, "I know... well, those two should have gotten at least some sort of information. Whatever is presented is presented."

Gaiyo nodded. "I'll let you know how it goes when I come back," He placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, it'll be fine. I'll have a large group travelling with me, no one's reaching this guy. Hopefully I'll be coming back with one more."

~~~

"And yet they still don't show up..." Obsidian sighed, "They put a bomb in a building and don't do anything after. I don't get it. Nothing has been felt under ground?" He asked the team.

"Nothing, sir." The Marowak gave a meek shrug, "We see nothing, and scouts report nothing. So I don't know what else to tell you."

"... Thank you. You're all dismissed for now."

The Seekers headed out of the room as Obsidian frowned at the map. ".... Why'd you all stop?"

Loud murmurs could be heard from the open window of the building in which Obsidian resided. They began low, from a distance, but as they continued it could be discerned that they came from a larger group, all jumbled and messy. Screams and yells were heard from the city. 'Mon shouted at each other, with voices bouncing around from all over. Things seemed to crash, and soon, a banging came from Obsidian's door. It flew open, and a group of Sons of Arceus came in, accompanied by Gaiyo Nyys, who had a deep gash across his right eye.

"-ositions right now!" He ordered to them. "Everyone suits up, no excuses!"

"Yes, Gaiyo!" A Volbeat saluted and left. Gaiyo turned to Obsidian and shook his head. He paced around the room for a moment, seemingly too riled up to sit still, but unable to speak his mind.As he paced, Obsidian nodded to the Casus and held up two fingers. "Go for it. Gaiyo, quick summary. What is going on?"

Gaiyo turned to Obsidian for a moment, before he once more stormed around and pace more. Finally, after breathing himself out, he collapsed onto a chair and palmed his face. "They executed him. Francis is dead."

"What evidence was presented? The blood hounds should have found something!"

"They did," Gaiyo muttered as he caught a few tears coming from his eyes. "And in the end that meant nothing. The Pack, the Reverse Kings, and the Dark Moons voted against him. And they killed him. I think... I think it was going to happen no matter what. Fen just wanted me there to see it. He planned this!" Gaiyo yelled as he slammed his fist into the table, which broke a few splinters off.

Obsidian was silent for a moment, then came over to hold Gaiyo's shoulders, "I... I'm sorry." He said softly, "But we have to think forward... what's going on now? Are they coming to attack us?"

Gaiyo pushed himself off Obsidian's shoulders lightly and moved away. He turned around and shook his head. "It was my own men who attacked first. I couldn't hold them back, they were just so angry! And they ought to be! This was murder, pure and simple!" He angrily declared. "But I couldn't let it happen. I tried but... they attack, and Reverse Kings retaliated... we were barely let out as I pleaded with Fen not to let it come to war. He... seemed to agree, but that didn't stop his 'mon and my 'mon from breaking out fighting on our borders. Skirmishes everywhere, each one bigger than the last," He glanced over to Obsidian.

"At this point, war may come," He stated grimly. "And it's getting worse. Same day, something else happened. Something I don't quite get... the Reverse Kings have a statue, one they highly revere. It's their most personal and holy object. And it was destroyed."

"Darkrai cares for no free will." Obsidian explained. "It could be that Darkrai has been among them this whole time, possibly brainwashing many of the higher ups to follow him instead. It's what happened in Valkaria. Our own general pretended to care for Valkarian interests, but was all along a puppet for him." He shook his head, "The Dark Moons... this was their plan. Spread chaos for Darkrai. I hate to say this... but this is what I was talking about. Darkrai wants chaos, pure and simple. He'll keep pushing this no matter what happens. It's why we need to get Cresselia to reemerge again. Once she's out... we can at least have a fighting hand. My Seekers will keep care over the city... but this has been inevitable ever since Darkrai came back into this world."

Gaiyo shook his head. "It doesn't make sense," He stated grimly. "Maybe I would have believed you, if the Dark Moons planted evidence to make it look like we destroyed the statue. But they didn't... it was the Dark Moons that did, and the Reverse Kings know it. The Reverse Kings seem like they're about to fight both of us, and Fen may be angry enough to try. And I don't know if I can hold my Sons back... I don't know if I want to."

Obsidian put a hand on his shoulder, "Then we'll be there to fight with you. I'm sorry it has come to this, but you have Seeker support now. We are trained up... and we'll keep you all safe."

Gaiyo looked over Obsidian and smiled slightly. "Thank you Obsidian," He stated. "We may need all the help we can get. I just hope it won't have to come to thi-"

"Gaiyo!" A Son of Arceus suddenly cried as he burst through the doors.

"Arceus damn it!" Gaiyo yelled. "What now?!"

"... It's the Pack, and Shaymin's Riders," The Son of Arceus scout began with a frown. "Last night, they were attacked. Raided in the night. 'Mon slaughtered, anyone who they didn't kill they took. They're... they're both as good as gone, Gaiyo."

"It's like I said... forcibly converted." Obsidian muttered, "Kill the weak, take the strong, and force them to work for Darkrai. Yet.... you said there was a representative of the pack at the trial.... no wonder they voted with the Dark Moons! A representative turned to their cause."

Gaiyo glared at the scout. "The damn Dark Moons! They've got too far now!" He screamed. "I don't care what happens next on either fronts anymore! Reverse Kings! Dark Moons! Screw them all!" He pointed to the scout. "Get everyone ready! The Sons of Arceus are going to war."

~~~

Day 5

"Now..." He gestured to the world map, "That's where their camp is, according at least to Penance. Any captives they took would be there... and forcibly converted to their goals. I would say... a week's time, maybe less, those captured Riders and Pack are going to come back... and fighting tooth and nail for their new god. It'll be the same for any captured soldiers on our side." He explained. "That's why we have these." He held reached toward Casus' outstretched hand and held up a small necklace with a small blue vial attached, "It's... unique. You all may have heard of it before. Basically a suicide helper. Know this..." He looked around the room. "You aren't going to be captured because you might be used to strike a bargain... you aren't going to be captured and just put in a cell somewhere and forgotten about. You'll be captured so that your morals can be twisted... your mind bent until all you can thing about is serving Darkrai. It's what they want, willing soldiers. If you don't want that to happen, I highly suggest you know of a method to kill yourself if you are ever captured. Now,"

He looked down at the map, "Some fronts have major hitters, it's why I got together with my own council and sent some Seekers out that way as support. The best we can do is make trenches in the rock and slowly advance that way. We can throw out elemental attacks with places to hide while our opponents have none. The main problem is sticking enough soldiers together and also ensuring that they aren't too far apart. Once ranks are opened... that's when a rush occurs." He drew a line upon the map, "That is the furthest we can get.. sadly, with our current resources. Any further and the ranks open up too much, allowing the enemy to get behind our lines."

"Excuse me, Obsidian?" A Lairon Son of Arceus poked his head into the Weavile's room. "Gaiyo was asking for you up at the Tower of Arceus. Whenever you had a moment."

Obsidian gave a nod and gestured to Casus, "Continue the talk I had planned." He gave a nod to the various other mon and headed on out. He walked along the busy halls as he jogged outside and made his way past the various barricades that were already being constructed. They couldn't risk being unprepared. If their enemies easily slipped past the army and got here, it would be these barricade that would, at least, offer some protection.

"So, what's going on?" He asked the Lairon. "What does Gaiyo need?"

"He didn't say," The Lairon responded with a shrug. "Only that he wanted to talk to you alone."

He gave a weak sigh and just nodded, "I'll get there from here, thanks." He jogged along the streets and eventually made his way to the twoer itself. Heading on up was hazardous in of itself as numerous mon were rushing up and down, but he managed to make it to the top and made his way into Gaiyo's room. "Here I am, after almost being trampled by some Rhydon." He muttered, "What do you need?"

Gaiyo was alone, staring out one of the windows in the dimly-lit room. He stood in silence for a moment, and then turned to face Obsidian. "I just sent thirty Sons of Arceus to their deaths an hour ago," He commented grimly.

"... Death occurs in war..." Obsidian replied softly. "Penance always felt the same way. I think...." He fell silent, as he thought about it, "If he was here... he would be crying with you. He knows them so well, and I don't. I think... in a way... a very twisted way... it's good that I'm here. It doesn't affect me as much, and I tend to keep on chugging forward." He too walked up to the window, staring out, "It's what we need to do. Because those thirty... they gave their lives to help others." He looked at Gaiyo with a weak smile, "That's how you justify it. If you don't justify it somehow... someway... you'll be bawling all day, and... sadly, we can't have that. We need to keep working. If we give up now, we lose, and everyone truly dies."

Gaiyo listened silently to Obsidian, with his hands clasped behind his back. He sighed deeply. "I know what you mean but..." He shook his head. "I just can't bring myself to accept it. It's not built in me. I think that's one of the biggest reasons why Penance and I got along so well. He thought similarly to me. It's a silly thing. I can build myself up into this supreme leader that can gather all these sects together and create a new nation because of it, but when it comes to war, I am what everyone else here is at their core: an Anatellian." He stated.

"I'm not built for war, none of us really are," He explained. "Even back to the old ways, we were never fighters. We were builders, creators, historians. We devolved into skirmishes and lowering ourselves, but in our hearts, we were always just that. Anatellians. And as much as some say it, Anatellians don't want war."

Obsidian sighed, "So... what are you saying?" He asked him quizzically.

"I called a meeting for tomorrow with all of the sects," He declared. "Including at the forefront, the Sons of Arceus, the Reverse Kings... and the Dark Moons. We'll be in neutral territory. There, we'll have one last chance. One last chance to settle this and stop a Civil War."

"I'll have to be there too." Obsidian stated, "Given the implications of this war already, with the Dark Moons abducting the other sects to forcibly serve them... I'll have to be. This doesn't concern only Anatellia at this point now. Now... it's the world's problem too."

 

[Sephear]

Guardia, Snype, and Callimer
A Mega-Posturing Session​

Snype continued walking with the rest of the group... the caverns were a nice change of scenery for the Sableye. It was a natural habitat for Sableye after all. If he had time he'd be digging through these walls for minerals to feast on but he didn't want to cause a scene in front of everyone. He glanced over to James, debating if it really was the right choice... he figured it was. Having two agents on their side was a big deal after all! Snype sighed and glanced down at his Mega stone and back up to the path.

"Hey," The voice of Guardia was heard to Snype's left. The Gold Tribe leader appeared beside the Sableye with a small nod. "I really hope you know what you're doing with this James thing. Because this isn't the decision I would make."

Snype looked back to Guardia and just stared at her for a moment before giving off a small grin, "Keheh... just goes to show how different the two of us are huh?" Snype began. "Hey the last crazy choice I made worked out well for us right? We have an advantage."

"No, I get it," She replied with a small shake of her head. "I just don't know if he's worth that much. I mean, one hundred thousand for a week? I could hire a small army with that for a year! And in the end, we won't keep him that long because you'll either not be able to afford it, or we'll get outbid. And if we do, everything we say or do in front of him may end up getting turned on us. I mean, after all, I'm banking on the thought that Gabriel doesn't know we're going after you-know-who yet."

Snype nodded. "Yeah I know. Guardia I got aloottt more cash than ya think. If anything I could have this last us for a good year before I go broke... I'd say six months tops at the very least unless we find some huge cache of money somewhere... and even now I still get income. Keheh. I gotta plan this kinda thing out ya know?" Snype said.

"Yeah, but think about it, Guardia retorted. "Even if you do have enough money for a whole year, which by the way I'm wondering how the hell you have that much, think of what good you could do with it instead of this!" She stated in almost a yell. "Now that you have to give this much, someone, somewhere else that we could have helped with that money, may not have everything they can get. Maybe some of your thieves leave because of lack of funds. Maybe they go into a job blind because they couldn't afford it because they didn't have information they otherwise would have had with some more money! Maybe more Valkarians will die at home because that money isn't there. This is what you've decided."

Snype just looked up at Guardia and looked to the side. "...Guardia..." Snype was surprised how concerned she was...Snype thought he made the right choice there. Guardia wasn't wrong though. He could be sacrificing an awful lot if things went wrong.

Cal had been thinking to himself while the group walked, but when he overheard snippets of Guardia and Snype conversing he couldn't help listening. So, to avoid eavesdropping he decided to break away from the rest of the group and barge his way in instead. "I wouldn't worry about it too much, we may get a lot of use out of him even in just a few weeks, some of which may last long after he's left us. Plus, I have an idea of my own." He smirked at the last part. "The next few days will help me decide whether to go through with it or not, I suppose it all depends on how much I've grown since we left Gold City."

"Idea? About what?" Guardia asked as she turned away from the Sableye. She still seemed a bit irked at Snype for the decision.

"About how to keep him on with us long term without completely draining Snype's coffers. Although," He turned to present the Sableye with his best imitation of his fang-filled grin. "he'll definitely owe me one if it works."

Snype looked up to Cal. "I mean...I had a few ideas of how to work it out but... lets hear it Cal." Snype asked.

Cal shrugged as if he was surprised nobody else had already tried it. "I'm going to try to appeal to a warrior's honor. I know he's just a mercenary, but he's still a warrior, and no mercenary makes it as far as he has without a code. You'd be surprised how many mercenaries' morals are inconsistent when classical warriors' honor intersects with them. Plus, a little bit of mutual respect never hurt, and I think I may have already taken the first step down that path, even if it was with my money."

"Well he did seem a bit more bragging when it came to his skill," Guardia chimed in with a nod. "Think it could work? I mean, it's worth a try. No use having to spend money if we can avoid it."

"Well if you think it'll work then I'll trust you on it Cal." Snype said. "Kehe, and if you do pull this off and save me a ton of cash, you can be sure that I'll make it up to you! Kehe"

"I think it'll work, if I handle it right. We're at least going to have to pay for the first week though, besides resting a bit I want to get a bit of practice with my Mega Stone in first. Who knows, maybe using one even just for a few minutes can have an effect on you afterwards?" Cal put a finger to his chin as he thought on it, wondering for what must have been the hundredth time in the past few days what it would be like.

"Uh... actually Cal... mind if I join you there?" Snype said. "I kind of want to know what kind of Power we're dealing with here and all ya know?"

Callimer nodded gravely. "I wouldn't think anyone should try it alone anyways, what if it's dangerous? Preparation can only account for so much without experience, someone should be there to watch just in case something happens at the very least."

"So have you learned anything in the books, yet?" Guardia asked curiously. She was a bit envious for not having a Mega Stone of her own, but she was excited to see what the two of them could make out of it.

"Lots. We've learned alot of the pros and cons of using Mega Stones. Kehe" Snype started to explain. "Well first of all... at this moment, those stones are useless. We need a way to reactivate them... there's two ways to go about it. Either we find a legendary Pokemon to reactivate the stone, or we try to do it ourselves...though thats a bit more complicated." Snype said.

"Complicated?" Guardia repeated. "What do you mean complicated?"

"Well... if you want to pull it off yourself, you need strong mental and physical vigor. If you're unstable in any of those fields then using a Mega Stone just becomes more taxing..." Snype explained. "...Not that I won't try it anyways. Kehe, but the rules for having this kind of power are very picky. Who knows though? I could probably pull it off! I got the physical part down for sure right?" Snype said as he flexed his arm and made laugh.

"Keeping focused under both physical and mental stress is one of my specialties." Cal intoned. "Actually I think Dragonites are fairly well known for it. But it's still daunting to say the least."

"Way to steal my thunder Cal. Kehe" Snype interupted, still holding up his arm.

Cal looked at Snype for a second before answering. "I was just hoping I could handle it, I certainly can't match those Sevipers." He said, flexing his own arm. "See? Doesn't compare, my muscles are flatter than a Luvdisc."

Snype blinked at the display. "Keheh, of course! Can't even compare. Kehe! I ain't the king of thieves for nothing!" Snype said with a playful laugh. "What do you think Guardia?"

"Are you seriously asking me that?" Guardia asked with a crossing of her arms and a raised eyebrow.

Without any warning both Guardia and Snype's perspectives and senses of gravity were warped as they were lifted into the air, only to look down and see they were standing on Cal's biceps afterwards. "I know a thing or two about lifting." He said as cheekily as possible.

Snype yelped as he was suddenly lifted up onto Cals biceps. He looked down at his current position and over to Cal. "U-uh...yeah!I could totally.... uh...yeah no. You got me beat there Cal...kehe. I think I'll stick with Foul Play whenever I need to overpower ya!"

Guardia scoffed at Cal's demonstration, quickly hopping off the Dragonite's biceps. "If I had a gold piece for everytime a 'mon tried to impress me with their muscles, I'd be able to afford James myself!" She shook her head. "Muscles aren't everything. Case and point," She pointed at herself with a grin.

"Ha she's right ya know! Ya need to have a strategic mind annndd charm! And I think I've got ya beat in charm Cal~" Snype said in a teasing tone.

"I dunno, I've gotten more than a few proposals back in Valkaria. A bit of good speech is well-accompanied by-" Cal hustled over to a shaft of sunlight poking through the cave's ceiling and allowed his scales to sparkle dramatically as he posed. "And if you wanna talk about brains, I've probably spent almost as much money on books as you have Snype. and what I gave James back there was a pretty big chunk of my savings."

Guardia scoffed again, almost dismissing Callimer's showing. "Please, like Snype paid for anything in his life!"

"Not true! I bought ya that little Sableye plush back in Gold City before Darkrai ruined it! You still have that thing by the way? Kehe!" Snype said with a wide grin.

"Left it in Ferrol," Guardia turned away with a slight tinge of embarrassment. "What?! No use having it on this trip! It's back in my cot! And I doubt you paid for that either!"

"Of course I paid for it! Kehe! honest! But hey! You kept it either way! Ya really do care! Kehehe!!" Snype said with a wide grin.

"I think she just didn't want it to get damaged on our trip." Cal muttered under his breath.

"You're so lame," Guardia muttered as she rolled her eyes. "Anyway," She continued as she got back on topic. "If you do try to start activating your Mega Stones, mind if I watch?"

Cal smiled good-naturedly. "Sure, I'm fine with it."

Snype smiled mischiviously. "Sure! If you really wanna watch us do a bit of a workout anyways. Kehe!" Snype teased again.

"Don't be a prick," Guardia retorted as she sat down on a rock and balanced her hand on her knee. "I just wanna see ahead of time how it works, in case I'm lucky enough to get one. Come on, take out the Mega Stones!"

"W-woah! R-right here and now? Kinda sudden isn't it?" Snype said as he started reaching to his bag to search for his Mega Stone.

"Nah, Abel and Thomas probably need to rest for a bit anyway," Guardia declared as she gestured them on. "They've had a rough day. Go ahead!"

"Why doesn't anybody do phrasing anymore?" Cal asked himself, digging through his bag for his own Mega Stone. While Snype was having trouble keeping himself from laughing..

"So how does it start?" Guardia asked as she observed the Mega Stones. "The cycling, or whatever."

Cal stared at his Mega Stone and shook his head. "Well, like everything ancient it's frustratingly cryptic. But I think the gist of it was that if you're strong enough you can put some of your own power into them to get access to theirs."

Snype nodded. "Right... it mentioned having to be in your final stage of evolution which we both have covered... uh... if only having one stage counts anyways." Snype said with a shrug.

"And then what?" Guardia urged on.

"Well... I guess you just have to concentrate..." Snype said as he stared down at his Mega Stone. "...this method normally takes a very long time to pull off. You need to be emotionally stable on top of everything else..." Snype took a deep breath, trying his best to focus on the stone.

"... Nothing's happening," Guardia commented as she crossed her arms to break the silence.

"Mmmmmmmm....." Cal continued to stare, brow furrowed. When nothing happened, he started to channel his energy through his body the same way he did to use Superpower, and Outrage. He focused the flow of energy towards the hand that had the stone, like he was trying to feed it.

Snype looked over to Cal and took his example. He decided to try a move of his own... he was about to try Foul play but was worried if Foul Play's usual effects would backfire on him... he needed to muster all of the strength he could get however. His other moves couldn't be channeled in the same way as this one. Snype's body began to give off a Dark Aura as he focused on his Mega Stone.

Once more, there were no immediate reactions from the stones. Guardia looked on at the two of them with a slight frown on her face. However, just as she was about to comment, a small spark occurred in Callimer's Mega Stone. "Woah!" She cried out.

Snype looked over to Cals Mega Stone once he heard the spark, quickly losing focus. "Ah!" Snype clenched his teeth and went back to his stone. He attempted to continue focusing Foul Play on the Mega Stone. Again, there was no response from Snype's Mega Stone.

"What's wrong, Snype? Can't get it up?" Guardia teased.

"You're not helping!" Snype sneered as he attempted something different. Snype took a deep breath and decided to try a more universal method... the same way he used Shadow Sneak and his various other ghost and Dark Type moves. He would attempt to focus all of that into the Mega Stone... and again, nothing happened.

"Wonder why..." She murmured, as she stared between the two Mega Stones. "Maybe Cal's better," She teased. "Or maybe it's because Cal's stone was recently active during the bomb fiasco."

Cal frowned at his stone, it wasn't enough, just a faint glimmer of what he was searching for. His scales reddened slightly and steam began to roll off of him as if his blood was boiling. He channeled the now-familiar trick of Tranquil Outrage and squeezed the Mega Stone between his hands, so hard that if it was anything else he'd fear shattering it, and sent every bit of energy he could into it.

Snype tried ignoring Guardia... it was difficult to focus with her teasing him like this. Snype just figured he deserved it though and took the teasing to heart... it would help him concentrate better that way. Snype tried to keep himself more calm though. He didn't want to use too much energy all at once. He just needed patience. Or perhaps there was something else holding him back.

"Come on, put your backs into it!" Guardia cheered on, as she excitedly watched from the sidelines. She observed as Callimer's stone sparked once more from his concentration. The energy sent in, however, was soon reciprocated with energy expunged from the stone, straight toward Cal, who felt a stinging pain into his head, and a fluttering power swarming through his body uncomfortably.

Snype's stone did not immediately react again, but after a few more seconds of docile nothingness, the stone suddenly sparked with a very small light source.

"Agh!" Cal jumped in shock at the sudden flux of energy and the slight burst of pain, temporarily disrupting the energy flow. He quickly recovered and continued to squeeze the stone between his hands and funnel energy into it, but now excitement shown in his eyes. "Progress! That was...strange, but amazing. I think we're really on to something here!"

Snype noticed the glimmer coming from the stone, genuinely surprised... patience paid off as usual. He just needed to keep at his pace... he would start to channel more energy toward the stone though. A shadowy aura would surround the Sableye to emphasize his efforts. But beyond the first visual spark, no more seemed to occur for the moment. He wasn't going to let that stop him though. It was making progress...

"...Is it because..." Snype muttered. Again, as he tried, there was little reaction.

"Because what?" Guardia asked.

Snype shook his head. "Nothing... guess this was more difficult then I imagined." Snype said with a sigh. "Comon! Cal got his working...!"

"Maybe there's a difference between them?" Guardia questioned. "The stones meaning? Different levels of activation?"

"Maybe Cal's already had a bit of a charge. I mean, it was used for a bomb right?" Snype mentioned.

"That's true," Guardia replied as she crossed her arms. "So it was active sooner. Maybe yours hasn't been in a long time. Takes more juice. Or time."

"Maybe..." Snype said as he tried concentrating on his stone one more time. He attempted to copy Cals method finally. "Or maybe I just need to quit holding back!" Snype said as he stepped it up a notch. Again, no reaction came. "...Guess that's not all it takes... gah I need to keep myself calm and focus but... well I guess it'll work over time. I just need to be patient..." Snype said with another sigh. "Sorry Guardia! Looks like ya won't be seeing a powered up Sableye tonight. Ya seemed so excited too! Kehe"

Callimer, meanwhile, looked very different from a minute or so earlier. The reddish tint to his scales had softened quite a bit and now a very thin mist seemed to be rolling off of him and disappearing into the air moments later. He looked serene, almost like he was meditating, gone were the anger and the frustration, even the determination was hard to see under the layer of calm. The Mega Stone was still gently cradled between the Emerald Sentinel's hands, now being used like a conduit for power to flow in and out of. He couldn't tell if it was working anymore, but he had a feeling this was the best way to go about it.

Guardia glanced from Snype as she rolled her eyes, over to Callimer, who appeared deep in concentration. She observed for a moment as it seemed a sort of aura came from the Mega Stone. The aura was visible, and seeping into Cal's arms. She didn't know if it was uncomfortable at all or not, because the dragon appeared to try to maintain his calm visage. "Maybe not a powered up Sableye, but maybe a powered up Dragonite instead?" She wondered out loud.

Snype continued nonetheless. He wanted to believe that he could pull it off... or at least, reach the same level as Cal. His determination was rewarded with a small spark from the Mega Stone.

Cal refused to let his concentration waver, he continued to push and think, even as he felt the tingling in his arm and the slight buzzing in his head. He could tell he was making progress, but he was afraid of what might happen if he lost his focus. Energy continued to flow smoothly from in between Callimer and the Mega Stone. Cal would soon feel a strange presence, almost a connection between himself and the stone. It didn't feel like an object in his hands. It almost felt like a part of him. But the longer the energy flowed inside, the more his mind began to feel muddled, as if more and more kept building up inside of him.

Snype wasn't going to be satisfied with a small spark! He had to aim for more! Snype continued his concentration... it was easier without Guardia taunting him so he could thank Cal for that at least!

Cal's eyes opened at the influx of power and...what else? He couldn't put his finger on it, it was almost like a presence. The stone felt so much more familiar all of a sudden...but his head didn't feel like it was completely his own anymore. He felt...crowded. He did his best to continue thinking only of the stone, but he didn't shut the other thoughts out, the book made them seem important.

Whispers. Whispers were what Callimer began to hear next. The soft, jumbled whispers of many voices. They seemed to flow with the energy, to and from his body as if they were calling to him. But the whispers were too many and too low to make out what they were saying. Energy continued forward into Cal, this time at a faster pace.

For Snype, the initial spark was followed by a soft lighting coming from the shell of the Mega Stone. But no energy was still passing through to the wielder. It was as if it was waiting for something.

Snype's stone was begining to react... but it needed something more... "Its working so far..." Snype thought in his mind. "...I don't feel anything though.. maybe..." Snype took another deep breath. He began to close his eyes... trying not to think of Guardia or Cal. He had to focus on one thing alone. Controlling the Mega Stone, recieving its power so he could protect the thieves, as well as his other friends.

What? I can't make it out.... Cal continued to concentrate, but now he was actively listening to the whispers, closing his eyes again while the energy continued to ebb and flow in and out of him. Warriors of the past, please. I welcome you alongside me, please, teach me to truly walk, as you once did.

Guardia watched Snype seem to struggle more with activating his Mega Stone. She wondered why it was. She walked over closer to him and observed. "It's kinda active but... it's like something is stopping it from going in. What you got going on in that noggin?" Guardia asked with interest.

Voices continued as whispers inside of Callimer's head. Their voices grew louder, but they didn't become any more understandable. It only grew into a larger and larger headache in the Dragonite's mind. Energy flowed more rapidly inside him, and now it was beginning to become painful for him.

Snype kept his eyes closed. "..." The Sableye kept silent. He didn't seem to want to answer Guardia on the matter. He knew what was holding him back but struggling to ignore it.

Pain is nothing, certainly not enough to stop Cal from pushing forward he had to keep going, he was close! Please, I need this gift. I need your strength, your wisdom to protect those I care about. An entire country are my charges, and now it feels like the rest of the world is being added to that list, they all need us. And as I am...I'm not up to the task. He powered through the pain and did his best to make out the voices, he knew he could learn a lot from them if he could just comprehend them.

Once more, the Mega Stone in Snype's possession did not go beyond the sparks of light, though they did grow brighter, nothing seemed to pass outside of the orb toward the Sableye like it had with Callimer.

The whispers once more grew louder in the head of the Dragonite. But they also grew more crisp, as if they were less jumbled and speaking in unison. The jumbling continued to die down, until the whispers seemed to only be background noise. "Will you walk with us?" A crisp, shadowy voice asked inside of the Dragonite's head. "Are you ready?"

Snype was admitingly a little jealious that Cal was making so much progress. He opened an eye to Guardia. "Kehe, ya know a bit of support would be nice." Snype whispered with a grin before refocusing on his stone. It seemed all of his efforts were in vain though.

"Well come on, short stuff, show me what you got!" She encouraged the Sableye with a grin.

I'm not completely sure if I'm worthy yet, but if not then I will become worthy! I WILL walk with you, I must. As his voice echoed through his own mind Cal felt almost as if it wasn't his own. He had never felt anything like what he was now, everything about it was so alien to him.

The voices seemed to silence themselves for a few short seconds, as if to contemplate the Dragonite's response. Or perhaps to test out the extent of the body now linked with the Mega Stone. After a few seconds of the silence, the whispers continued, and the same ominous voice popped in again. "No. Not yet." It declared. All at once, an intense eruption of energy occurred from the Mega Stone, spewing the gathered energy Cal gathered from the stone outside, before it sucked it back up inside in a spectacular implosion.

"No." Was the only word that escaped Cal's lips when all the energy left him in at once, taking everything he'd offered up with it as well. He felt his legs go limp underneath him and saw the ground rush up to meet him, then his arms splayed in front of him released the Mega Stone to roll a short distance away and darkness overtook him. After the spectacle Guardia and Snype were left with an oversized emeraldine floor mat.

Snype opened his eyes when he heard Cal thud to the ground. "Cal!" Snype called out. He noticed the Mega Stone rolled along the floor and quickly snagged it before it got too far.

"What the hell was that?!" She called out in surprise. "Sentinel!"

 

[SV]

Anna, Cal, Snype, Guardia, Raz, and James - Not Yet

Anna flipped the pages of the ancient books as she looked through them. Now that they had learned all they could about the Mega Stones she had time to pour through the books for other knowledge she could learn all it had hidden. However her reading was interrupted by an explosion. As usual Anna went through the motions before she checked it out.

"What's going on? Is everyone okay?" She asked, slightly panicked.

"Cal's Mega Stone just blew up in his face!" Guardia cried out as she walked toward him. "He seems OK... I think?"

"Ugh, what's gone wrong this time?" Raz moaned as he waddled up lazily. "Did someone try to replicate one of my entrances and fail miserably? Honestly, I've said-" The wizard stopped when he saw the Dragonite on the floor, frowning slightly in concern before rolling his eyes and snapping to action. The Ralts rolled Callimer onto his side to get a better look. "He is still breathing, isn't he? As long as he's stable I'll get a bloody chesto..."

Snype walked up to Cal, holding onto his Mega Stone. He wanted to be cautious incase it started to explode on Snype or something. Cal at least made progress. "...I'm going to assume he blew it just before he was succesful at Mega Evolving. Dunno whats going on in his noggin but something held him back. That's why I couldn't pull it off. The books said you need to be emotionally stable, and avoid being in disfavor with yourself or others... just my theory though." Snype said.

"Nah," A voice suddenly interjected from Snype's side. It was the Blaziken Agent James, who was now looking at the knocked out Callimer. "That was only the case for you. He just needs more time," James explained. "He pressed too hard on his first try. This isn't something that'll just happen. It takes time."

"Wha...only for me?... Geez ya didn't have to say that in front of everyone ya know!" Snype said, looking to the side. "...But guess Cal really does have what it takes huh? Kehe. He just needs to get better at it..."

"Only person holding you back is you," James retorted with a shrug. "Only person holding him back is time," The Blaziken went up to the large Dragonite and kicked him lightly. "Hey, you alive, big guy?"

The lump on the floor made some sort of grunting noise and didn't move.

"Time isn't a person," Razathiel mumbled as he scrambled up a chesto berry and guided it down the Dragonite's gullet.

After the Chesto made it's way into his system some of the higher functions of Cal's body started working again and he groaned out loud, though he didn't open his eyes right away. He started to roll over, but as soon as his right wing went underneath him his eyes shot open and he bolted upright. "Agh that stings!" He shook his head a few times then continued to stare at the ground. "Ugh, everything hurts...How long was I out?"

"Not long," Guardia replied as she leaned in and patted the dragon on the back. "We just saw an explosion. What happened?"

"I'm not ready yet..." Cal muttered disappointedly. "We almost wal-" he shook his head and corrected himself. "I almost managed to walk with them, but I'm not there yet. But I managed to hear them, to understand them before it failed."

"You heard the voices of the 'others'," James explained with a shrug. "That's what I like to call 'em. It happens when you're linking."

"Sounds to me like youve done this kinda thing before James." Snype said. At that comment, the Blaziken casually reached into his bag, and revealed his own Mega Stone.

"Once or twice. Or... well, a lot more than that."

Snype gave Guardia a hard nudge to the side. "Still think hiring him was a bad idea now?"

Cal tried to stand up but his legs buckled and he let out a hefty sigh. "Guess I'll just sit for a bit. I had a feeling there was more to you than meets the eye James, Darkrai had to have a good reason for employing someone with no genuine loyalty to him. That's why I asked about you. If I may, how'd your first time go?"

"Like nothing you can ever imagine," James replied. "My first time, I thought I was the strongest 'mon alive. And then I burned out. It's tricky."

"I'll just have to practice, I will master this, nothing's going to stop me. Not even my own limits."Cal said solemnly, continuing to look at the ground as he thought. "Hey James, what'dya say to some sparring after I've rested a bit?"

"If you can keep up," The Blaziken declared.

"Keheh, sounds like you two will be getting along just fine then." Snype said with a smile.

"Hey James," Guardia began to asked the Blaziken. "Question for you. Are you the only Agent with a Mega Stone?" She asked, a bit hesitantly.

The Blaziken slowly glanced toward the Zangoose. "No," He replied. "There's one other."

"I swear if you say it's Grett..." Snype added.

James nodded in confirmation. "They call him the Juggernaut. I've never seen a 'mon move like that."

"I was afraid of that..." Snype crossed his arms, thinking up several different scenarios. He wondered how a giant like that would do in a country like Karn... Nobody stood a chance against Grett that much was for sure. Snype wondered how one mon could be so powerful...

 

[Greiger]

Penance - Is it really so bad?​

"You know, just sitting here and watching isn't going to get anything done."

"..." The duck was silent as he flicked his finger to the left, letting the memory before him play once more, "I guess." He murmured out. "I have to see... because if I don't learn now, then this whole trip is meaningless."

"It's felt like we've been here for months." Brynn stated. "We have to get going, because our time will soon be up." She looked at Penance with a frown, "I know you're scared as to what we'll find, but you have to at least try. After Karn you felt the same way about Anatellia, and yet look at what happened there. It got better."

"It was starving off the problem... it'll get worse. When we get out I'm sure that half of our forces will be dead. Lying in the streets." He muttered. "It's the honest truth."

Brynn balled her hands into fists, "If you won't go find him, then I will."

As she turned to leave, Penance snapped his fingers. A psychic grip grabbed the Gardevoir as the duck slowly rose, "He's my burden. I have you here for one purpose. And you know what that is. You are to remain here. Take over. Because... in the end, we'll both be dying, and you'll be left."

"You know it doesn't have to go that way."

".... It will go that way, because there's nothing left. In the end... maybe it's all I want." Penance walked on past his guest. The grip faded along her body, but she made no move to follow. Penance would just seal her up in some room anyways, so what was the point? Once he made his mind up, there was no stopping him.

He had been watching the memories silently, using every second possible to curse his on stupidity. To curse how he even thought he could win. At this point, it was delusional to even consider winning, much less getting out of this war alive. So many allies had turned, and more would turn still. There was no doubt in his mind that Guardia and the others were long since dead, more than likely wasted by a traitor in their ranks. The old questioning mind that Penance had was long since wasted away. What was the point of questioning if you lost? What was the point in finding answers if it helped no one?

He knew exactly what to do, pull the plug. If he died... then Paradox would perish as well. The two were connected, after all. Unless Darkrai was suddenly the master of death and could force mon to live once more. He knew it. It was the only way. Better than allowing his other half to go on and just ruin this whole planet, being but a puppet to another. That was the greater crime in all of this. At the very least, the two of them could die free as birds. As to where they would go after this... he wasn't sure. He would have said Arceus' heaven... if there had been any proof that the bastard cared about them all.

Perhaps hell then? A nice pocket of hell or.... maybe it was what others stated? Maybe there was nothing at all. Just a dark void where you no longer lived. Where you just became dust? He wouldn't doubt it, really. Just because they knew Darkrai was real didn't mean that Arceus was. Perhaps Arceus was just a fabrication, a means mon both normal and legendary used as an excuse as to why things happen. He wouldn't doubt it. Enough lies circulated the world anyways.

Days and days passed within his mind as the duck walked through the numerous hallways of his subconscious. Still, that topic continued to swirl in his thoughts. By the time a week had passed, he had managed to convince himself that Arceus was nothing but a figment of the world's imagination, a being constructed from the thoughts of the less intelligent crowds who yearned for answers as to why they died continuously. In a manner, it was humorous. The belief that he had been suckered into believing that someone up there actually cared about everyone on the planet, that someone had constructed them all piece by piece and had allowed them to be birthed on the surface. The more he considered it, the more ludicrous it sounded to him.

It was on that day that he noticed the first signs of true decay. He had descended a few floor, mostly passing by younger memories when he came upon the signs of darkness. He knelt down, looking at the rust patches amid the walls and the floors. That hadn't been there when their quest had begun, he knew that much. He slowly rose back to his feet and stared on into the darkness before him. If he were to go forward.... what would the end outcome be? Could Paradox even be saved? Would it be better to end his life here and now, and ensure that his other half wouldn't be twisted into a new being? Or was he just scared?

Penance knew it. Deep down he feared change. Well, unexpected change that was. If he instituted it, it was fine. If someone else forced it, it was horrifying. He knew it, Brynn knew it, even Paradox knew it. But... he had to try at least. Once this was all over, either they would be dead, or teleported away to a beach on some other continent.

He made his way further down the dark passage, looking around silently as he felt his sadness growing. Out of any... Paradox should have been safe. He should have. Everything really was his fault. If he had killed himself after that battle, everything would be fine and dandy. No crazy ducks randomly ruining everything, no tears shed, just good old dust.

He went in further and further until light was but impossible to see. He brought his hands together, expelling a bit of psychic power that glowed in his palms. He silently pushed forward as he looked about. ".... Perhaps... there is no saving him..." He let the glow die as his sight died away. He stood there, remembering the one thing that had made him laugh. Talking to himself. He sat on down, crossing his legs as he thought long and hard. What was the point of it all? What was the point of this track even? To save a friend who might already be long gone? To try and fight against a legendary who he knew he could never beat, who they couldn't beat back all of those years ago when he was at the lowest power he could be at? Perhaps the truth he never wanted to see was that it was all hopeless, that the best thing for everyone on this planet to do was to just suicide?

He looked down at one hand, psychic energy spurning out once more, this time into the shape of a blade. Perhaps...

He silently stood back up, this time more focused on his blade. If he were to die here and now... Brynn would remain. He couldn't very well ask her to die along with him, especially when she wasn't in danger from Paradox. He looked on at the corridor. It was so long... so was it worth it to even head down it? Was it worth it to get to the end? For all he knew, Paradox was long since dead and some other personality was there.

But... he had run before. He let out a weak sigh as his blade shrank down to a ball. He continued on, making his way through the darkness of his own mind. He wasn't sure how much time had passed. Days? Weeks? Months? He had no need to eat or drink in his own mind, and he wasn't sure if this path would ever end. Maybe he was doomed to wander darkness this whole time? Never able to find his way out? Every day pushed forth the depression he struggled to slip away from. Every day of no sign of him just caused the duck to look down at that psychic energy, knowing it would be so easy to shift it back to a blade.

Then... he could feel it. Something. He wasn't sure what, but he moved on forward. His feet dragged along the floor as that fear came back to bite his heart. He would be changed, he knew he would be changed. It would be for nothing. It would be best to die now. He stopped before one day, his legs shaking as he could feel the sweat along his brow. What... what if he had changed?

Penance thought back to those memories... silently remembering those laughs. He could feel his tears rising..... and something else. He was here now... and he remembered so much. The psychic energy faded away as his hands clenched into fists. He gripped that door, and threw it open as he stormed in, "Paradox!" He shouted out. His voice momentarily died in his throat as he stared at the cage ahead. Inside...

"PARADOX!" The duck cried out. He threw caution to the wind as he rushed forward. In the confines of his mind months had passed, and yet there he was.

"So... you came." The black duck stared out, "You're a whiner, you know that?"

Penance wiped at his tears as he let out a shaky sob, "I know. It's my stupid fault, but I'll get you out!"

"I wouldn't recommend doing that." Paradox tapped at the box, "This is pure grade chaos. No simple psychic attack is going to wreck it up."

Penance looked about, "... There has to be another opening..." He murmured out. He wiped a few more tears away as he approached the box and felt along it, "Any weaknesses? Loose cracks?"

"Chaos has been pumping in here." Paradox drowled, "Any loose cracks are long since gone. Courtesy of father." He smiled weakly, "Penance, there's nothing here for you. Just head back up."

"NO!" The duck narrowed his eyes, "If I leave you here then this whole thing is a bust. I don't care if I end up dead, or... or something else! I came here for you! You're me... and dammit I won't let him do this to you!"

"We were both fools." Paradox stated with a sigh as Penance felt along the box, "He was right there. He didn't even say two words to me. But it doesn't matter. Because, I'll be what he wants me to be."

Penance kept on searching, frowning a bit at the tone, "You were never this laid back."

"I fought for a month in here." Paradox replied, "The fight has left me. I'm sorry, but it has. I'm just going to sleep in a few, and we'll see what happens."

"So, just become a puppet and that's it?" Penance spat out. "No... I won't let that happen!" He looked around the room, "... There has to be something..."

"Nothing. Just go." Paradox said, "I'm going to be reborn in his image anyways."

Penance narrowed his eyes and stepped on back. He put both hands together and let out a cry as he flung out a psychic attack at the cage. Except for the light emanating from the attack... there was nothing.

"See? Told you." Paradox stated.

Penance crossed his arms, thinking long and hard, ".... Wait... we're both halves of the same being, right?"

"I... suppose so?" Paradox asked. "I mean, it's been that way for some time. We've long since established everyone has different shades of order and chaos."

"But... we're connected." He continued on. "What if we can use that to our advantage?"

"Nnnnnnot following you one bit."

Penance frowned, circling the cage, "No... remember, this is our mind. Our mental landscape. We're some of the most creative mon around! We just use our imagination... conjure something up that can break through the cage for certain!" He thought for a moment, "I know how."

"And what is it you'll think of? A drill? A bomb? It won't work. This is CHAOS." Paradox enunciated. "Nothing is breaking through it."

"Not even... light?" Penance asked. "Remember that time of times ago? When Brynn and Hanso came in to stop you the first time? When they had scores of light energy on their side?"

".... Yeeeeah?" He asked slowly.

"She carries it with her... and subsequently... it should be in my mind here. A bit... but if it's enough to weaken those bonds..." He frowned, "It's... not guaranteed to work, but if it could bust you out at least... open those bonds in that cage..." He sighed, "There's only one way to see if it works. When we shine... I'll hit out with my attacks. I'll bend it as best as I can, and you have to get out."

"If this works, I'm going to want to have a good old Miltank burger. Might as well try it, right?"

Penance took in a deep breath as he focused on an area he had hidden away a long time ago. A room he had closed so as to not harm Paradox. A room he had almost forgotten had existed. He brought his hands together, "... No matter what." He said softly, "I'm always going to be here for you." With that, he directed his palms at the cage as light shined forth. "Try not to get hit by it!" Penance shouted out. "Cause, you might burn from it!"

"I know that well enough!" Paradox spat out.

Penance tensed up as he urged out some psychic power, that was until Paradox cried out. "S-stop! It hurts!"

"No can do!" Penance panted out, "You'll be around here... always. I know that much! This cage won't be here forever. Try to hold on!" He kept on showing some lights, gradually lowering the intensity of them as he tugged at the cage ends with his psychic abilities.

Penance pulled a bit more, seeing the section he was pulling at wobbling. He paused his flow of light and cried out to Paradox, "Okay! It's weakening! Listen, I need a few more seconds, and you'll be out! Just remain calm, please!"

"C-Can try." Paradox coughed.

Penance pointed more light at the edge and tugged more, every so often turning the light down to test the edge more, "I think... I'm almost there. Just be ready for it."

"Yeah..." Paradox grumbled, "It's fine for you. You aren't the one who feels as if your insides are being ground up."

"OK, OK, you had your fun," A voice called out from the side. Seeming to morph in from the wall itself, a dark shadow emerged into the room and force Penance away from the cage with a motion of his hand. Dark energy seemed to be launched from his hand as it pointed to the Golduck. The Pokemon's form was concealed, but appeared to be that of a Greninja, morphed in shadow. There was only one it could have possibly been.

Penance fell silent for a moment, "Gabriel..." He started slowly, "I've been wanting to talk to you. You know that too."

"I've been wanting to chat with you both for a while now too!" The shadowy Greninja exclaimed as he proceeded in front of the cage. He placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. "My oh my, how did it come to this, I wonder?"

Penance fell silent, letting out a weak sigh as he hung his head, "... You win." He simply stated. "You've known that for quite some time. But, my will is broken." He closed his eyes, "You've truly won. I know there is no way to beat you, because you're already so far ahead."

The shadowy Greninja turned his head toward the Golduck and tilted it. He silently stared at him, or so it seemed. The constant, moving shadows across his body prevented one from discerning exactly what his expressions were. "... Well that's no fun," He stated somewhat sadly. "Why the pessimism?"

Penance opened his eyes slowly, tears in them, "Because... all this time... I was nothing." He lowered his head a bit, "You've been in here... you know my thoughts... it's hopeless. All of it. There is no way to win, because you are better at everything. Perhaps... possibly if you were stupid. If you lacked the ability to plan. If you were capable of not thinking of certain edges to have... maybe." He let out a weak sigh and closed his eyes again, "But you aren't. You're brilliant. Even smarter than I ever could be. You're charismatic, powerful.... and you'll win. Because... in the end, there is no hope for us, but that of false hope."

Once more, the shadowy Greninja fell silent. He turned his head toward Paradox now. "What about you? Do you think the same thing as him?"

Paradox fell silent, "I think... my own despair has pushed upon him." He started off. "Before... you saw me here. You saw me fighting against the bars, trying to get out." He let out a scoff, "The subconscious of all minds move faster than the consciousness. I've spent an eternity down here, unable to break these bars." He gave a weak shrug, "After a while... you just have to give up. My only salvation was the main man himself coming down here to open it up for me, but as we just saw, even that didn't have a favorable conclusion." He let out a sigh, "With us being this close, our own downward spirals are hitting each other pretty hard."

Penance let out a shaky laugh, "Truth be told? As I came down here... I was actually thinking of just skipping out on everything. Just free Paradox and just... go somewhere else. End up on a random beach and just... forget." He looked back down at his palm, "Either that... or the other way."

"Our," The shadow muttered. "Our, us, we. Why did that happen, I wonder?" He asked no one in particular. "Hmm... the other way? What's that?" He asked.

"I'm surprised you haven't heard." Penance said softly, "It's abuzz among the Seekers..." He let out a weak laugh, "You broke me that day.... well, not you. But I saw them there... I saw them... and I thought they were different." He frowned, "But they weren't. They weren't anything like I remembered." He fell silent for a moment, "I hate change." He finally said, "I have been lying to myself for so long... I claim to speak the truth, but I lie every day to myself." He pulled his knees up to his chest, "I lie... so I don't face reality. All this time, I lied to myself, claiming that I was transparent. There are so many lies to Guardia... to Obsidian... to Gaiyo. And I lied to myself... I said that we could beat you. I wanted to hide from the truth." He shook his head, "It was all stupid anyways. It's been proven now. Just... stupid dreams. Hell, even after we hit you that first time I was afraid.... because everything had caused change. No longer was I hiding, but out in the open. Suddenly I had to do.... things, and I was afraid."

"I'm the only one who calmed him down after he exploded in Karn. Kept him calm after that bush wracking." Paradox tuned in with a matter-of-fact tone. "You heard about that, right? Seekers die. Golduck blows up and it takes a team of goldies to beat him back to his senses." He chuckled, "Ah... fun times, fun times."

The shadowy Greninja once more merely stared at the two of them. Then, he chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "I really hate bursting your bubble on me. It looks like you have such a high opinion of me. It kinda hurts my own feelings saying this, but I have no idea what you're talking about," The Greninja stated plainly as he walked over to the cage and lightly touched it. The damage the two did on the cage slowly started to rebuild.

"Here's a question for you. Ever since I placed this block in your head, want to know how many times I've looked into your mind? That I've searched through your memories and stole information. That I watched your moves as you fought my Agents and my soldiers? That I've read your plans and your strategies?" The shadow asked the two. Before they could answer, the Greninja held up a hand with an enclosed fist. "Not a one. In fact, this is the first time I've even been inside of your mind just to make sure you don't mess with this cage and blow yourself sky high along with him," He stated as he pointed to Paradox. The Greninja chuckled again. "Haha, him, them, even I'm doing it now. But yeah, whatever happened with your Seekers, whatever happened with any of them, don't look at me for that. I just happen to have a good team behind me. They come up with all this, and I'm just here, watching them go at it. Nice work they've done eh?" He questioned as he crossed his arms.

"I find planning to be a bit... boring. If I plan for every situation, which I'm guessing is what you do, then you'll know what would happen next! I don't want that! I don't want to see what my enemies throw at me! I want them to surprise me! And boy, have I been surprised so far!" He chuckled again.

Penance just curled up, "... I don't know what to do." He croaked out as he began to whimper. He couldn't say anything else as he just lowered his head into his lap and began to sniffle. "If you weren't even trying... then what's the point of me even fighting? If you aren't even giving it one percent?" It was then that he just burst into full on sobs.

The shadowy Greninja chuckled again. "That's rich. I did hear you may be prone to this," He examined the Golduck on the ground, "Well, looks like I might have to find someone else. Great," The shadow seemed to roll his eyes, but it was hard to tell. "I had such high hopes for you. So, want me to end it now then?"

Penance just lay there, tears streaming down his cheeks as he stared forward, "I don't know... I don't know what I want anymore." He whimpered out. "I have nothing left to fight for... my Seekers are traitors, my friends and family die one by one... Paradox is just a plaything that I can never save." He shuddered there, "How can I even try to find anything to fight for? Everything has been taken away." He let out a weaker sob, "I came down here just... just for once... something to go right. Just... one small thing." He banged his head against the floor as he trembled.

"What thing?" Gabriel questioned.

Penance sniffled, "I thought... I thought if I could save that part of myself... if I could save my other... maybe things could turn around." He curled up tighter, "Oh, what a fool I was."

"That part... him?" Gabriel asked as he pointed to Paradox in the cage. "Do you mean Paradox?" Gabriel asked, seemingly generally amused now, as if he were about to laugh.

"Yes..." Penance said softly, "He is my brother... he is me. He is just a different part of me... one that I can talk to." He sniffled a bit, "You may think it humorous... but we have grown together. I have many fond memories with him, and his thoughts." He sniffled a bit, "Please.... don't take him away. Please don't change him. He's the last thing I have left." He wiped at his eyes a bit as he struggled to sit on his knees. "B-Back at the camp... they said that mon join up because of favors. Please... I would do anything... he's all I have left."

"This is amazing," The shadowed 'mon stated again as his face went between facing Penance and facing Paradox. "What do you think about this, Paradox?" He asked, still seemingly amused.

Paradox was silently for a moment, crossing his arms, "Well... three thoughts." He admitted, "The first, and strongest one, is that once you let this cage go I want to punch you as hard as possible for leaving me in Valkaria and not even bothering to contact me for, what, ten years? The second is that I really really don't want to die. Self preservation instinct and all. Honestly, whatever you change me into would sort of... kind of... be a way of death, so deeefinitely don't want that, which is why I wanted out of this cage in the first place. Third, I'm really really hungry, and haven't had anything to eat all the time I've been in here, oh my Arceus, I need a Miltank burger in my stomach right now." He thought for a moment, "... Probably a fourth would be needing to satisfy some urges, but that's it." He gave a meek shrug.

The Greninja in shadows chuckled again. "Fascinating... " He turned down to the kneeling Penance. "OK, Penance, I'll let him go, at the cost of your own life. Agreed?"

Penance looked up, "... And by cost... what do you mean?" He croaked out. "... Death?"

"Yep," The Greninja replied happily with a nod.

Penance fell silent, looking over at Paradox, "But..." He frowned, "If I am to die... he would die as well. We are linked."

"Yeah, he would," Gabriel replied casually. "Want to know why? No, you're not linked. You're the exact same 'mon."

Penance let out a shaky laugh. "I had considered the possibility." He murmured, "A version of myself... where darkness and chaos took full hold." He looked upon Paradox, "A version... where I performed different choices. I had suspected... but never had anything to confirm..."

The Greninja turned toward the cage separating Paradox and himself. "I always wondered why you and that Golurk turned out different. I experimented a lot with chaos while in prison. But with you two, I did something I hadn't done before. I put a piece of myself inside of you," Gabriel explained. "What my ability does is awakens your inner self, your self of chaos. It is in everyone, no matter how deep. But it's still you. And yet, when Paradox and Blackguard were awakened, something else happened," Gabriel turned to Penance.

"You weren't awoken, you were separated. You split yourself up. And I find that really cool!"

"Self preservation instinct..." Penance murmured as he slowly rose. It seemed the philosophical discussions that Gabe had gotten him on was calming the Golduck down, "The idea that a mon will do whatever he or she can to ensure their continued survival. Being able to have enough power to throw that last swing to kill your attacker before they kill you... being able to shoot out the last of your fire to protect yourself..." He turned to Gabe, "That's what it is... when my own conscious existence was hit upon by the subconscious mind... that of the true self of chaos... I had unknowingly used my psychic powers. The deep root of my own subconcious realized what was occuring..." As he continued to speak he began to pace in a circle, "And with that realization, managed to figure out that my current consciousness would be overridden by the other personality inside. It used my psychic power to split both minds up. Ghosts are beings of spiritual manifest... being able to sense trauma to the soul or other matters." He pointed a finger out at Gabe, "Because of Blackguard's encroaching existence... the ghostly instincts of decades past kicked in and separated the two souls, achieving the same effect that I had with mental separation. Self preservation even within a ghostly shell...."

"Mmm... sure let's go with that!" The shadowed Greninja responded simply. "Now here's what I'm wondering... what happens when you two finally go back to being together again? Not two entities living in one body, but one, single 'mon?"

"Well," Penance began, "I've heard of reports like it before... multiple personality disorder and the like, where a person splinters into multiple beings. It could either end good in that our best traits are absorbed into each other and we come out stronger over all... or we take all the disadvantages and our minds fight with each other, leaving each of us weak and eventually leading to death... or outright we aren't compatible, given that we have been away from each other for so long, and that will be represented by spontaneous combustion as this whole level of the mind fades away in an instant."

"Here's what we'll do..." The Greninja looked over to the cage in front of Paradox, and swiped across it gently. The cage began to form holes around it. It appeared still in tact, but it seemed loose now, nearly falling apart. "We'll loosen this a bit, and have his power seem back into you, slowly," Gabriel explained. "After a while, his power and abilities, and thoughts and actions will all become part of you by sections, until the two of you are whole again. Should be... three stages, I think. Then we'll see what happens."

Penance frowned, "You know we visited Victini... you're trying to change Paradox into something else." He looked about, "You're dumping your chaos into me... from everywhere. That's what he said... so by linking us... you'll just be dumping your chaos into two minds, and trying to control us then. Is that not correct?"

The Greninja stared for a moment at Penance, then began. "Wait... when did you meet up with a Victini? And where?"

"He's long gone... " Penance sighed, "I got kicked out early in the meeting, so I wasn't able to hear where really. I annoyed him too much... and he sensed all of that chaos in me, freaked out, blasted open a larger pool for it to flow in, and threw me out." He gave a meek shrug.

"What was its name? The Victini?" Gabriel asked curiously.

"I don't know." Penance shrugged, "And I never thought to ask any of the others. I just got tossed out and spent all my time trying to shout things inside while I walked around outside."

"Hmm... interesting," The shadowy Greninja commented. "Very interesting. Oh, to answer your question, nah, I wasn't going to control you or anything. I actually just wanted my own power back, so I put in a cage to siphon back my power from Paradox... until I found out that it wasn't really my energy anymore. It evolved. So I took back what I could of my own and made this cage. And the rest I just began to observe. And see exactly what I told you earlier. That it is one part of you."

Penance gave a small nod, "All I have to go off is your word..." He looked over at Paradox, "... Are you right though?" He asked warily, "I have been in your boat before, as you well know. Guy with power swoops in, trying to fix things... and he's perceived as a villain. I knew I could trust my own word... but others didn't think so. I just... I want to know who's right."

"About what?" The Greninja asked.

"Revoll said some things..." He started off, "Am... am I fighting for the right side? Obsidian said that some Seekers met some of your Agents too... said you were trying to fight against the forced balance of the world. To make a new world of freedom." He crossed his arms, thinking more, "I... I want to fight for the right side, but I don't know which is what. Propaganda is on both sides, and much of it was made by myself."

"What do you think is the right side to fight for?" Gabriel asked Penance, seemingly out of curiosity.

"... When I first began to fight... I was nine." He closed his eyes, remembering quite clearly, "I saw the Gold Tribe for something different... those who had good intentions, but when left unchecked, would end up controlling all of Valkaria. None could stand against them in battle. So... I attacked. I used my wits instead of strength to take them down one by one. I didn't want to live in a country where my descendants would have to answer to a militaristic organization." He shook his head, "I want... I want mon to be safe. Free, but safe. To be able to live however they want... to be equal in power. I don't want politicians to lord over us, or for those who claim noble birth to rule if they are inept at it. I just... I want it to be fair." He said firmly, "I myself hate ranks... and I despise the need to make myself head of an organization. I don't want ranks. I don't want lording, or calls of nobles, or anything silly like that."

"So what do you think is the right side to fight for?" Gabriel repeated once more.

"... If you asked me that after our first battle... I would have said our side. I read the books others left, of the evils you committed, and I would still stay where I am. Now?" He sighed, "... Doubts as to our side being the good side have been laid. I also fear... once this is all over... what will happen after? If our side wins, we have a military that is strengthened. People are safe, for a while, but then disputes happen, the wrong people get elected to power. If your side speaks the truth... if your side is to win... then afterwards, that fear would not exist." He fell silent for a moment, "At the moment... I'm honestly considering turning to your side. But.. I'm always a logical mon, or try to be. How can I be certain that what your side preaches will be carried out? Mon lie all the time. How can I trust you?"

"You can't," Gabriel replied simply. He was silent following the reply, and for a moment it appeared he would explain himself, offer some reasoning behind his explanation. Instead, he simply remained silent.

Penance likewise fell silent, "Trust... huh?" He asked weakly. He looked back at Paradox who just shrugged. "... I think..." He started saying, "That if I were to join... I would want to have the ability to meet with any Seekers who are captured." He gave a small nod, "I expressed this desire before... but I want to be able to hear from others as to why they are with you. I want to meet with Revoll again. Even if I don't accept, and see for myself."

The shadowy Greninja stared at the Golduck for a moment longer, and then turned around back toward the wall he originally emerged from. "If you still want to, in two days, go to the Network Point in Reverence. We'll take care of the rest."

"Thank you." Penance stated. "I'll see you then, I hope."

 

[Megaman765]

Guardia and Snype- Midnight Spar

Snype couldn't sleep. The group had taken yet anohter pit stop on their way back but Snype had too much on his mind. His Mega Stone, where their adventure would lead them next, and just how he was going to keep up with his funds while they had this agent fellow. He expected Darkrai would want him back for double... meaning Snype would end up needing more to spend if the group wished to keep the Blaziken on their side.

"The only thing holding me back is myself... tsk... well of course... guess I haven't exactly been honest with folks, what with my expansion plot but is that really why I couldn't even get as close as Cal...?" Snype thought to himself with a sigh as looked around at the others. His eyes were set on Guardia. Every time Snype felt the urge to talk or just bother somebody, his first choice was always Guardia. Snype figured it was just the connection he had with her years ago. She was a common target for his pranks when she hung out in the thieves forest. Either way, he had been growing more fond of the Gold Tribe leader as of late. The Sablye got up and walked over to Guardia.

"Hey. Guardia." Snype said.

The Zangoose Gold Tribe leader had been asleep on a soft patch of dirt. She had been resting comfortably with her arms behind her head and her legs crossed, before Snype interrupted her. "Ugh... uh..." She began to stir. "This better be good, Snype," She muttered groggily.

"I just want to talk with ya. In private if that's alright." Snype said to her with a serious look on his face.

Guardia eyed the Sableye curiously. She contemplated on whether to do as he requested, but decided he seemed serious enough to indulge. "Alright, alright. I swear, you better not be screwing with me," She warned as she rose up and walked with the King of Thieves away from the rest of the group.

"Guardia, if I wanted to screw with you I'd do it when your more awake." Snype stated. "Happy you at least trust me that much though. You sound as if I were going to back stab you in a dark alley or something." Snype said with a small chuckle. "How are you feeling from the last battle? Just curious."

Guardia shrugged. "Alright, I guess. We didn't really do much fighting. We had a lucky draw against the Gambler, after all. What's this about?" She inquired, still curious about what were the Sableye's intentions.

"That's good. To be honest, just having trouble sleeping... the whole Mega Stone stuff has got me thinking about alot of stuff recently... figures something like that would be so picky toward a shadey fellow like me. Stack that with thinking about the thieves, the funds I gotta pay for that Agent... guess I know how ya felt back when you were checking out Karn a long time ago." Snype said, crossing his arms. "...What's your opinion on me at the moment? I just want to know where I stand with the Gold Tribe leader as a member of the team. Be perfectly honest with me,"

Guardia scratched the back of her head and groaned. "Well, Arceus, Snype, why do you have to come at me with all this? I'm not the best to be coming to with all this... feelings and stuff..." She crossed her arms and looked to the floor in thought. "If I'm being honest, I think you're a useful member of the team. You helped us out in Tollen, and you're helping out here in Anatellia. You're helpful but... well, I know there's things that you're not telling me. And given your background, I don't like it. So I don't really trust you entirely."

"Then you know what your doing." Snype simply replied. "Yeah of course I'm still hiding stuff from all you. That's why I can't even get close to Mega Evolving. So if I'm ever going to be helpful for the endgame, I need to let you all in on what I'm working on behind the scenes." Snype stated. "Besides, I know I'm not the only one. Everyone in this group has plenty of secrets their holding back. Weither or not they're important to defeating Darkrai, I don't know. But I've had chats with most of the mon in our group. Its easy to spot. Kehe." Snype said with a grin.

"...I'd be lying if all I wanted to do was talk. Keheh. Knowing you, you probably would just head right back to bed then chat with little ol me am I right? Kehe" Snype said with a smirk, turning his head back to her. He had to slip a small tease in there somewhere.

"Well, you know I like my sleep," Guardia agreed with a smirk. "But I can stay around if its important enough. Besides, here's hoping you might actually not be a complete ass and actually share something. Then you'd be helping us all out. You'd be more trusted, you'd have access to your stone, and you'd probably feel better about yourself. It's not like I hide major secrets right now from you guys."

"Or do you? Kehe" Snype said with a smirk. He was finished playing around with her for now. Rather then make another reply, Snype stepped forward and bent his knees before holding up his claws. A fighting stance. "Well... if we want to start trusting and getting to know each other, a little fighting is a good start! Kehe" Snype said with a confident grin. "I told you I'd try to start being a bit more serious when it mattered.I owe you that much anyway... Guardia."

The Zangoose scoffed, making little reaction to his little jab at her secrecy. But she quickly moved on from that. "You? Spar with me? You do know I'm a pretty strong fighter right? I'm the leader of the Gold Tribe, after all."

"Yeah and I'm the King of Thieves. I can take a guess you'd love to vent out at me for all the times I've pranked ya. Kehe. So you gonna talk big or are we gonna duke it out? Kehehe." Snype said.

"King of Thieves don't make you a good fighter," Guardia shot back as she also lowered into a stance. "It just means you're dirty!" She called out as she charged forward toward the Sableye. She leaped up just before she was in front of him, and tried to strike him with a Aerial Ace.

Snypes eye glimmered, using Detect just before the Aerial Ace struck him. "Kehe, Aw comon Guardia! I thought you'd be used to this trick by now!" Snype taunted as he countered with a jab right to the back after swiftly stepping aside from the attack.

The Zangoose leader gritted her teeth as she felt the hit on her back, but pulled through any pain she had and quickly turned to counter at the Sableye before he made a quick move backward or tried to defend himself again. "Just warming up for you!" She uttered as she stepped in with a swift move, and once more aimed to strike a precision blow on the Sableye with a Aerial Ace.

"Ngh!" Snype muttered as he was hit by the Aerial Ace. Detect couldn't work all the time... increased usage of it would make the move worse and worse. Snype would have to wait awhile efore making use again. "Kehe, another head on attack eh? How bout this then." Snype said as he clenched his fist. Snype ran forward and swung another jab at Guardia. No specific attack, he was just using his basic force. No need to use up energy Most of Snypes standard attacks phased right through her except for a select few.

As Snype threw the jab, he went down for her chest but immediately stopped. He'd follow up with his other hand and throw a punch right to the face! Sneaky as ever!

Guardia blocked the initial jab the Sableye had thrown with a swiped of her paw. The second one he ducked at her and followed up with an underhanded tactic got her squarely in the jaw however. Guardia leaned back from the blow, but recovered quickly enough. She grinned at the Sableye. "Conniving as ever, huh?" She asked. "But the problem with going with jabs is, you can't beat me when it comes to that!" She exclaimed as she tried to deck the Sableye with a concentrated elbow to his jaw.

Snype would attempt moving back, but would be hit square in the jaw causing him to flinch and stumble back. "keheh... and you still have a lot of muscle in ya huh? Keheh... don't expect any of your enemies to fight fair Guardia. Honor doesn't exist out here." Snype said as his shadow extended on out. The Sableye used Shadow Sneak but not as a means for attacking, but a form of mobility. He could use his shadow to dissapear and reappear from one spot to another. Snype was playing on the defensive! The sableye turned around and shook his rear toward Guardia. "Comon! Ya can't jab me all the way over there! Kehe!" Snype said as he was a considerable distance from her now.

"I thought you were serious and through playing around!" The Zangoose leader yelled out, somewhat angrily. She then pointed at the Sableye venomously. "And guess what?" A small, yellow glow began at her fingertips. "I don't have to be right next to you to take you out!" The yellow glow increased in size, until a powerful Thunder rained down at the spots she designated. Usually, she utilized her family's signature move as a defensive ability, but she made an exception now!

Snype grinned and moved around the Thunders raining down. While a powerful move, they were all fairly inaccurate. Snype eventually barely got placted along the side of his face. "Ha! Thought you only used that to blast anything near you! Nice to see you can cover some distance." Snype said he used shadow sneak once more to get into Guardia's face. As soon as Snype did, the Sableye lept up and went for a kick to her side.

"Just showing you that you're not the only one with tricks up your sleeves!" Guardia retorted. She braced herself as she awaited Snype's next move, but was surprised when he decided to move forward with Shadow Sneak again. In a last ditch effort to avoid getting too damaged, the Zangoose prepped another powerful Thunder, and this time fired it off from above in her signature style, creating a defensive barrier between the two to strike at where the Sableye would attempt to kick.

"Gah!" Snype shouted as his foot made impact with the electrical barrier, sending a shock right up his leg and sending him right onto his back. "K-k-kehe! G-geez, you really know how to manipulate that move eh? Kehehe" Snype said with a snicker.

"Good thing I saved this!" Snype said as he began glowing in a dark aura. He used Foul Play to tackle Guardia directly using her own strength as his own!

"Urgh!" The Zangoose was hit directly by the powerful dark type move that utilized her own strength against her. She could feel the stinging from the attack, but knew she would kick herself later if she just gave up now, even in a sparring session. "Not bad, but I'm not giving up!" She declared as she charged past the pain and tried to strike at Snype with another Aerial Ace.

Snype grinned again, deciding to make use of Detect Once more and stepped to the side. The Sableye stuck out his leg and swept at her feet to make Guardia Stumble. "Your too aggressive Guardia. After awhile it gets predictable!" Snype taunted. In honesty, Guardia was fighting fantasticly. But if he told her that then she wouldn't be so pissed off or strive to improve!

The Zangoose nearly tripped following the Sableye's underhanded sweep of her feet, but she remained upright and in momentum long enough to heatedly burst forward and tackle at her sparring partner. "You think I'm still a teen?!" She yelled as she tried to utilize all her strength to bring her opponent down.

Snype raised a brow as he was suddenly tackled down to the ground below Guardia. "H-Hngh~!" Snype shouted in pain. He was pinned down but wasn't going to admit defeat. For now, Snype remained in his position to see what Guardia would do or say.

Guardia looked down at the Sableye below her, and brought her claw up to try and deliver a final blow. She panted heavily and angrily looked into the King of Thieves' eyes, before she stopped herself and offered Snype a hand up. "Not bad for a thief."

Snype was surprised she was almost about to go off and try finishing him off! Guardia was one dangerous sparring partner in that temper... "Keheh... glad you have a bit of restraint there Guardia. Almost thought you were going to do it there." Snype said with a laugh as he reached up to her hand.

"Maybe as a younger 'mon," Guardia smirked.

"But..." Snype's arm suddenl began to glow a familiar dark aura. The Sableye suddenly used Foul Play to pull her down onto the ground as well, giving Snype a chance to attempt pinning her. "Kehe, I never said I withdraw~!" Snype said with a laugh, mostly doing that as a joke as he sat down on Guardia.

"H-hey!" Guardia yelled as she was pinned below the Sableye. "That was already the end of it! You cheated!" She screamed as she pushed the Sableye off her and sat up.

"Oof!" snype said as he was pushed on the ground. "Keheh, it wasn't cheating! You did win that match! I only did that to get a jab back at ya. Kehe!" Snype said with a snicker. "Stupid ol me just said I withdraw earlier! Soooo victorys all yours!" Snype said as he stepped up to the Zangoose.

Guardia got up and shook her head. "You're so lame," She muttered as she got to her feet. She smirked a bit and looked around. "I guess that's one way to let off steam though," She continued as she looked back at the Sableye, whose brooding mood seemed to have improved since the sparring began.

"Yeah I seriously needed that Guardia. Kehe!" Snype said as he looked back up at Guardia with a smile. His eyes gave off a small shine. "Heh, in a head to head fight, ya still know how to kick my butt Guardia. Though without using will-o-wisp or my other dirty tricks guess that's what happens... kehe." Snype said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Yeah, well I didn't go all out either," Guardia shot back. "But anyway, good to see you're not down anymore. It's a bad sign when the cheer-up guy needs cheering up."

"Kehe, Cheer-up guy eh? I guess you're right there! Dunno why, but you were the first mon I thought of asking when I needed take my mind off of all that." Snype said a bit bashfully..

Guardia shrugged. "I guess I go the furthest back out of the group with you."

"Heh... yeah." Snype said as he rubbed his head. "You've sure changed for the better since then Guardia. I'm glad. Kehe." Snype said as he threw a wink.

"Yeah? Well you definitely changed for the better too," Guardia retorted. "You were pretty... well, you're a lot better now," She stated.

"Heh, comon Guardia, ya don't gotta sugarcoat it. I was a pretty crappy guy back then. Kehe! Just like how you had the shortest fuse of em all! But thats what I found interesting about you when I was younger! The mind of a prankster I spose! Kehe" Snype said with a laugh."Heheh... you tired? Cause I'm not... well, I'm more tired then I was earlier. What do ya say about talking the night away till we pass out?" Snype asked with a smile.

"Yeah I guess I was pretty rough. What did you expect?" She asked with a smirk. As the Sableye propositioned him to talk more, Guardia contemplated for a while, as she stared off to the direction of the others. Then she decided to agree. "You know what, sure why not? As long as you're not a creep."

"A creep? How could I possibly be a creep? Kehe!" Snype said with a chuckle as he was somewhat legit curious on what she defined as "creep"

"I dunno, just... don't start making those comments you usually make, and we're golden!" Guardia stated as she propped herself down to the ground.

Snype tilted his head. "Comments...? Dunno which kind you're talking about but I'll keep it down on them since you won. Kehe," Snype said as he sat down beside Guardia. Snype's eyes were giving off a bright glow so they had a reliable light source around them. "Guess a dark tunnel is as good of a place as ever to have a casual chat eh?" Snype joked.

"I guess so," Guardia agreed with a slight smirk.

"Heh..." Snype gave off a tiny chuckle as he looked up at Guardia. "So, how bout you? Anything in that hot head of yours ya wanna vent out? I all my brooding out of my stuff out of my system in the fight. Kehe" Snype said.

"Uh..." Guardia thought for a moment, before she shrugged. "Plenty, but I'm the same as you. I preferred to vent it out during the fight. The rest'll take care of its own... eventually. I guess. I dunno..."

"Guardia I'm here to listen ya know." Snype said with a grin. "I know I haven't been the most honest fellow but I'll hear everyone out. If you got something on your mind then throw it my way. I'll do the same if you'd like." Snype said.

Guardia sighed in response. "It's just... I've been thinking about this whole thing. About Gabriel and everything that we were told about him and what he's doing by Ben and Kaveri and everyone, and it just got me thinking. A free world. What does that even mean? I just don't understand what he's trying to do. And I hate being in the dark. The problem is, with everything that was explained, does it really sound bad? What does it even mean to be free? What are we now then?"

Snype crossed his legs and looked down. "Well... we're mon involved in that Guardian Cycle I suppose. I guess their idea of free is not being run by other legendaries and trying to make their own rules. Personally I didn't notice any issues before... but that's from a thiefs perspective. I thought being a thief was a free as you could get." Snype said as he rubbed at his head.

"Personally, I think their concept of a free world is a bit too much for me. What am I supposed to do if I can't break any rules? Kehe!" Snype said with a wide grin. "In all seriousness though... there has to be more behind it. I doubt this free world stuff actually has any form of good intention."

"I thought so too," Guardia agreed as she shook her head. "But what if there's more to all of it? What if there's something else we're missing and don't know about? Don't get me wrong, I think he's a bastard and what they're doing, I'll fight it to the end, but not all of them seem like the type to just do it because its the 'evil' thing to do. I think they believe what they're doing is for the best."

"Well... your aren't wrong there." Snype replied. "James is just doing it for the cash sure, but I think Ben has his own reasons too. He's clearly close friends with Roxanna so... who knows? Maybe all of the agents have some kind of reasoning for tagging along. I can't help but be curious... hell I may have found out more if we weren't saved from Bens game. Everyone that wasn't totally brainwashed seemed to be willing to support Darkrai..." Snype paused and turned to Guardia. "But... something still just feels so rotten about it!"

"Yeah, you're probably right," Guardia murmured. She scratched her wrist with her other paw and continued. "But I want to know the whole story, and something tells me we'll only get it from a legendary. Or more specifically a Guardian. Which is why I'm going to be suggesting to the group to go to Karn next. So we can get to those Temples. They might be our best chance to talk to Guardians, like Gaiyo said. I know we know where Cresselia's spirit is, but this is important too."

"Right... I've personally been considering Beatruce myself, mostly because I'm concerned about the plague but we'll see how developments have been. My thieves have been working hard down there..." Snype paused a bit longer then usual at the mention. "Excited to visit Karn again if we head there next?" Snype said with a playful laugh.

"Yeah I know, it's bad down there," Guardia muttered. "I can only guess how Abel's feeling. He doesn't show it often, but he cares a lot about what's happening there..." She trailed off just as Snype asked his question. "Hmm?" She questioned before she instinctively reached for her large scar across her face with her paw. "Yeah... I guess you could say that. It's going to be rough going there, especially with non-Gold Tribe."

"Heh, ya think Karn even knows the thieves are a thing? Kehe!" Snype laughed as he looked up at Guardias scar. "Ya know that scar-....er... nevermind. Snype stopped himself from making one of those "comments".

Guardia shrugged. "I'm not sure they would really care either way about you guys," She replied with a grin. However, it soon dropped as she placed a hand to her scar. "Huh? What about it?"

Well she did ask. "Uh... well... Just took a look and... well after getting a good look at it, that scar makes you look really cool. And pretty menacing when ya wanna be. Kehe. Ya shoulda seen yourself in battle!" Snype complimented. "Ah, sorry! I know you said no comments like that. Had to get one out of my system at least." Snype said, mustering all he could to not blush.

Guardia shook her head, but managed a smile. "Yeah, don't worry about it. 'Mon have been telling me that for years. Either that or it's scary, or it's ugly. I've gotten used to it, having it for over a decade, you know."

"Mon have called it ugly? Pshh! They probably need to look in a mirror themselves then! I think it adds to you! It just screams "Yeah I'm the Gold Tribe Leader. I'm a badass. What are you gonna do about it?" Kehe!" Snype said with another playful laugh.

Guardia just shrugged and laughed it off. "Heh... thanks, I guess. I've learned to live with it. Buuut, I'm gonna probably try to avoid getting any more in the future. One is enough."

"Haha, yeah I'll agree with ya there! One scar is cool, two would be overdoing it! Kehe" Snype said with a chuckle. "Heh... ya know your totally right. I am the "cheer-up-guy" aren't I? You're happier already!" Snype said.

"Yeah, yeah I guess I am," She replied with a grin. "At least you're useful for something," She teased.

Snype smiled up at her. "Heh, yeah! If anyone can cheer you up its me!" Snype said as he patted her arm and just stared at her for a moment. He was suddenly getting a bit flustered. It was rather unlike him. "Heh, ya tired yet? Cause I'm enjoying this little chat. We don't get to stop and have these moments very often."

Guardia shook her head in response. "Nah, not yet," She looked around the caverns. "And you're right, we really don't get much chances to just relax and sit around. It's usually move here, do this, fight them, yada yada," She continued to observe the dark caves around her. "But there's something about this place that makes talking nice. A feeling. I can't really explain it."

Snype looked down and back up to Guardia. "Y-yeah... its pretty strange but... really nice..." Snype said with a bit of a bashful expression on his face. He couldn't quite explain the feeling either other then it was making him feel really flustered all of a sudden. "Guess even a dark cave like this just has a peaceful vibe to it... nothing else to see just these walls and the mon beside you..."

"Kinda eerie when you put it that way," The Zangoose replied with a chuckle as she brought her eyes to Snype. She titled her head. "What the heck's wrong with you? Are you getting sick or something?"

Snype blushed a little at that comment. "S-sick? No! Kehe! Ghosts don't get sick!... uh, right?" Snype said with a laugh. "Heh, didn't mean to come off as errie. Heh... just kinda nice." Snype said, still looking at Guardia.

"How the heck should I know? I'm not a Ghost type!" She commented back as she rolled her eyes and turned her head away from the Sableye and glanced around the caves again. "Yeah, guess it is."

Snype turned his head away as well, just sort of rubbing the top of his head before shaking it. He was unsure of how to continue from that. He didn't want to end up saying anything weird on accident! His hand was on the ground beside him as his claws just seemed to be tapping quickly on the ground.

Guardia was silent as well for a while, whether in deliberation, or in continuing to admire the large caverns. However, after a period of silence between the two, she suddenly rose up and broke the quietness. "Well, I should probably get back to bed. Long day ahead of us."

Snype snapped out of his trance. "H-huh? Oh uh... yeah! We probably should... still get a little bit of a ways to go." Snype said, still acting a little unusual but tried to not make it so obvious. Snype walked beside Guardia. "Um... Guardia?"

"Yeah?" Guardia asked as she turned to the Sableye.

Snype reached out and grabbed onto her hand. "Uh... thanks for chatting and sparing with me. Heh. Honestly it helped me out alot more then I thought." Snype said with a grin. "When we get back to Fort Ferrol... lets chat again. I want to discuss some more important stuff when its not super late like this."

Guardia looked down at her paw, then at the Sableye again. She paused for a moment, before she smiled at him and nodded. "Alright Snype, sounds good. I look forward to it."

 

[Turnip]

The Dress Vs. Robe Fiasco
Featuring Guardia and Razathiel​

"Hey, Ralph!" Guardia bellowed as she caught up to the floating Psychic. The group had been walking for a while now, and she figured now would be as good a time as any to ask the Ralts about something.

"So when were you going to tell me that you had Mega Stones?!" She demanded.

"There's a guy called Ralph with Mega Stones nearby?" Raz retorted with mock surprise. "Where is he? Let's get him!"

"Stop playing around," Guardia gritted her teeth. "We could have really used that info beforehand! What if those stones worked on one of us? What if they still do?!" She asked, her voice echoing over the caves.

"Playing around? Who's playing around? Is it that Ralph prick? I still don't see him, you know."

"What? What are you talking about? Who's Ralph?" Guardia questioned in confusion.

"You tell me," The wizard said with a huff. "You're the one coming up to me shouting about some 'Ralph' I don't know about."

"What? I never said that!" Guardia replied as she wondered what sort of game Raz was playing at now. "Who the hell is Ralph?"

Razathiel narrowed his eyes at the Zangoose. "Getting real tired of your shit, Guardia," He said, before sighing in resignation. "What is it you want? Something about Mega Stones?"

Guardia was tempted to comment on how tired she was of Raz's shit, but decided against it. "Yeah, where the heck did you get them? I thought the one you had during the bomb was a lot, but you had more this whole time?"

"You never asked," The Dreadmage said simply. "It's been a relatively busy few days, I've had a lot to think about, I have a very expansive Magic Room both in terms of keeping track of the items I have in there and searching for individual ones when it happens to be items as small and rarely removed as those ones are- really, the list of my excuses is nigh-endless; if I were you I'd be happy to be getting them out of me at all, seeing as they're my personal property and all," He paused to give Guardia a slightly condescending frown. "As much as it may surprise you, too, I have in fact done things prior to our meeting in Gold City. I'd surprise myself if I could remember exactly where I found one of those stones, let alone three. I suppose because I'm a Ralts you assume I'm a two-year-old or something."

Guardia seemed to somewhat understand where the Ralts was coming from, even if she didn't like not being in the loop. Secrecy had become one of her least favorite traits. "Right, I guess that sort of makes sense... still, do you happen to have other things, or knowledge that can help us? I mean, for some reason I'm pretty sure you do."

"Well, I mean... probably," Raz replied with a shrug. "The problem is remembering it and knowing when it's actually relevant. I've, er, got quite a large supply of food, in case rations ever get low or run out- oh!" The wizard raised a finger before putting it to his chin in thought, lowering his voice as he leaned in towards Guardia. "The thing, the, erm- Ancian. That thing. Means doorway, more-or-less, something similarish- the meaning isn't exactly clear because it's such an old word, you know how these things are with lots of synonyms. Could mean something figurative like a door to the mind, or a door to knowledge- unlocking secrets, in that sort of way. Alternatively, it could of course just mean a literal doorway, as in the doorway to the Realm of Arceus - not that it's confirmed to exist, but in the case that it does the doorway would be real. It's- well, it's like how the word doorway would be used in a religious context, if you get my meaning," He waved a hand dismissively. "But there you go, Gabriel wants to do something impactful, at any rate, by opening an Ancian. Was that a helpful thing? A relevant helpful knowledge thing?"

"W-what?" Guardia began as she listened to Raz's explanation. "I mean... yeah, that definitely counts as a helpful knowledge thing. I mean, the Gambler wouldn't have given that paper out as a prize if it wasn't supposed to be helpful, right? The question is, which one of those is it referring to?" She wondered, before she looked back down at the Ralts. "And also, how the hell did you know that?"

Razathiel sighed and frowned at the Zangoose. "I did just explain that I'm not a two-year-old. What do you think an evil wizard does with his day? You think he mopes around and plays scrabble with the wild kricketots?" He put a hand to his forehead. "I'm not sure which doorway it means, but whichever one it is, I'm fairly sure it's one we'd like to remain closed if Gabriel's after opening it."

"Yeah, but I mean, even the Gambler or Snype didn't know what that meant," Guardia explained as she looked back at them in the group.

"Well, they're not evil wizards," Raz replied blankly.

"They sure aren't," Guardia muttered. "But the Gambler seems, I dunno, well-traveled? Informed? I figure he would be some'mon that would know."

"I think that is indeed the question. Not so much how I knew, but how someone like the Gambler didn't," Raz chuckled, turning away to look at the distance and shutting his eyes proudly. "Perhaps I'm just so magnificent and wizardly and evil and great that such other 'mon become trivialised in comparison!"

"Maybe it's specific things? Or maybe you know about some subjects more than others?" Guardia shrugged. "Either way, I guess there's a lot more to you than meets the eye... well, that's for sure."

"It doesn't meet the eye?" Raz questioned, confused. "Why not? Is it the robe? Is it my eyes? Are they not glow-y enough?" He squinted for a moment, and soon they turned a slightly brighter crimson. "Is that better?"

"Well, no, you're just..." Guardia stopped, deciding it was best to choose her words carefully. "I mean, look at you!"

"Look at me?" The wizard repeated her words with one eyebrow dangerously raised. "... What about 'me'?"

"..." Guardia stayed silent, before she scratched behind her ear and quickly changed the subject. "So what else you got in your Magic Room?"

"No, no, go on. What is it? You might as well say it," Raz crossed his arms grumpily. "It's not like I can kill you for it or anything."

"You're a Ralts," She finally stated bluntly. "OK? You're a small Ralts, and a lot of people don't find that really intimidating when they first meet you."

"Mhmm," The Ralts nodded, bristling with anger that was left undirected. "And the noise? The smoke? The explosions? The devastating Psychic blasts?! Fuck, even the fact that I swear every other fucking sentence... or more often than that, even. You're telling me none of that counts?"

"Well, yeah it does, but I'm talking about appearance-wise, when they first meet you," Guardia explained. "When they first see you. All they see is a Ralts, usually with a hat or something. Little do they know."

"They don't even see me until I've already done my whole thing!"

"Not all the time," Guardia pointed out. "You didn't really do it in Tollen too often. And it's not like you introduce yourself all the time with fancy explosions and shit."

Raz turned away, back facing the Zangoose. "Not all the time..." He grumbled. "No consideration... takes so much effort... like to see anyone else use fancy explosions..."

"What, are you upset?" Guardia asked down to the Ralts. "H-hey! They're great explosions. You know that."

"Well of course they're great explosions!" Razathiel shouted. "Apparently not great enough to provide any fucking intimidation factor though, eh? No number of explosions can make up for the fact that I'm a fucking Ralts, apparently."

"Hey, if it's any consolation, they won't ever see you coming. And I don't just mean that because you're short," The Zangoose Gold Tribe leader consoled the Ralts. "Well, why don't you just evolve? There's no way you're not capable of it. You're more than strong enough."

"Oh, why don't I just evolve? What an excellent question I've never fucking thought of before! Evolving, of fucking course! I'll get right on that, shall I?" The wizard paused for a moment to turn around, stopping as if poised for something to happen. After a short moment of silent staring, Raz hit himself on the head with his staff. "Oh no! Surprise, sur-fucking-prise, it didn't work! Guess I should have done it better!"

"... Uh," Guardia scratched behind her ear again. "So what, you've just never been able to do it? That feeling never came up? I mean, I don't exactly know how it works, I never did it myself but... you never had that urge?"

"Oh, Yveltal forbid you do the fucking guesswork," Razathiel groaned. "You think I wouldn't have evolved if I had the chance?"

"I just assumed that you never tried, maybe that you liked being a Ralts," Guardia stated with a shrug. "How am I supposed to know?"

"How are you supposed to know?" Raz repeated incredulously. "Maybe try applying any kind of logic whatsoever? You think I want to put up with constant ridicule for my size and inevitably not being as powerful as I would be were I to evolve?!"

"Well I don't know!" Guardia yelled back, seemingly getting frustrated herself. "Maybe you thought Kirlia looked too girly for you, or some nonsense like that!"

"Are you-?! Actually, that is a fairly valid point, I don't like the frills- But it's still ludicrous to think I wouldn't do it for even the slightest chance of being able to evolve afterwards!"

"... Gardevoirs are pretty girly too," Guardia commented as she crossed her arms.

"You fucking take that back right now!"

"What? It's just an opinion! I prefer Gallades myself, if I had the choice," Guardia retorted.

"I'd like to see a fucking Gallade pull off a Moonblast," Raz snapped, crossing his arms likewise. "A robe is not girly. It's just like a cape but it's bigger."

"It's a dress," The Zangoose replied back bluntly.

"Robe!"

"Dress!"

"Robe!"

"Soft. Flowing. Dress," Guardia emphasized.

"Regal! Fucking! Robe!" Raz cried in similar tone.

"With nice jewels and a silky-smooth feel," Guardia snorted. "Uh-huh. It's a dress, Raz. You'll be wearing a dress. Wouldn't you rather have blade-arms?"

"Blade arms don't matter when you can tear apart a 'mon with your mind! There will be no jewels and no silky-smooth shit! It's a robe, you dress-mongering tyrant prickface!"

"Yeah sure, if you don't mind tearing people up in heels and a dress," Guardia shook her head. "And what the hell did you just call me?! You short, meager, ice cream ball?"

"My insult was better!"

"My insult... bah!" Guardia threw her hands up. "How the hell did we get to this? How old are you anyway?!" She asked rhetorically. Then she fell silent for a moment, and asked in a lower voice. "Say... how old are you anyway?"

"It was your fault," Raz said bluntly, turning away, his arms crossing tighter across his chest. "You were being speciesist."

"A what? I was just... whatever forget it," Guardia dismissed with a wave of her hand. "So basic point, if you do happen to have something that we might find useful, share it, OK?"

"Ok," The wizard grumbled.

"OK, then."

"And I'm not two," Raz mumbled.

"Well, how old are you then?" She asked curiously. "Fifteen or... eighteen? It's gotta be older than that. You talk too fancily."

"I'm not two," The Ralts repeated grumpily.

"So you're three then," Guardia commented.

"I'm not three!"

"Four. Say higher or lower," Guardia added with a chuckle.

"I'm not- what am I even bothering with this for?" The Dreadmage shook his head and threw up his arms, anger evident in his expression. He hesitated for a moment. "But higher, for fuck's sake."

"Seventeen, then," Guardia replied, as she continued to cross her arms.

"Why the fuck should I take part in this stupid guessing game?" The wizard shouted. "And higher, but don't bother fucking guessing again."

"Well then tell me your age so I can stop pestering you," Guardia asked again. "We've been traveling together for about a month now, and we know so little about each other."

"Why's my age important?" Raz snapped. "How old are you?"

"Forty-seven," Guardia replied almost right away.

"What?" The Ralts blinked and shook his head. "You weren't supposed to answer! That's not fair!"

"Well now that I did..." She gestured toward the Ralts.

"Stupid, fucking," The wizard huffed. "And I thought I was the evil one..."

"So? Are you gonna make me be curious all damn day?" She asked with a bit of irritation. "Just tell me and we can drop it forever."

"... Twenty-seven," Raz mumbled, eventually.

"There, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Guardia replied with a nod.

"Yes it was," The Dreadmage snapped, "A-and don't bother reading anything into it, either. Or telling anyone. It's not the same, anyway, seeing as I was practically an adult in two weeks."

"Don't worry, you're secret's safe with me," Guardia stated with another nod. "Wait, adult in two weeks? You're obviously exaggerating, right?"

"No, why would I-? It's not important! Stop reading into it! Fucking hell..."

"It's not exactly normal, is it?" She questioned. "Come on, what's the fuss in telling? Who am I gonna tell?"

"Of course it's not normal," Razathiel snapped again. "I was an adult by two weeks, so therefore, less time wasted being a kid, and therefore I had a full twenty-seven years to put towards evil wizardry; that's all there is to it! End of story!"

"Wow, Raz," Guardia frowned a bit. "That... that actually sounds kind of depressing. You never got to be a kid."

"Life's depressing," Raz countered. "But there's no use being a kid or depressed when you're evil. Far too much evil do be doing - and hate is such a useful and abundant resource to not take advantage of it."

"I don't know... difference of opinion, I guess," Guardia stated with a shrug. "I would never give up having the chance to be a kid, before I decided to join the Gold Tribe. Everyone should have had that chance."

"Well," The wizard said with a huff. "It obviously didn't affect me too badly."

"... You're kidding right?"

"What?"

Guardia sighed and shook her head. "Never mind."

"Hm," The Ralts let out, folding his arms and looking away in silence for a moment. He spoke quietly, "If it's not too much trouble... do try not to ask me so many personal questions any time soon."

"Yeah, sure, alright," Guardia said with a shrug. "Whatever you say."

"Alright," Raz said curtly. "I believe I'm owed a question of my own."

"What?" Guardia tilted her head. "For what?"

"I answered your question, and honestly, too. I should get to ask one back, surely."

"Uh... we didn't really agree on that or anything, but I guess you're right," Guardia shrugged as she once more crossed her arms. "Ask away." The wizard seemed about to speak, but looked down in thought for a moment.

"Not entirely sure how to phrase this," He began. "Erm, listen; I'm evil. We both know that, that's Razathiel the Dreadmage, I'm evil and evil is me- there's no contention there. The thing is, there's this whole Darkrai business, and I'm helping out, but, well-" Raz paused momentarily, before blurting out. "Are you going to try to kill me after this is done? I- well, I won't blame you for it, I'm not going to stop helping or anything, it's just..." The Ralts sighed. "I really would rather know beforehand, if you could at the very least give me that courtesy."

Guardia fell silent as she listened to the Dreadmage. She hadn't expected him to ask such a serious question. It was a thought she had many times before, and one she herself had been reflecting upon. She had done this not only with Raz, but with Snype as well.

"... I'll give you the courtesy of being straight up and honest with you," Guardia began. "If the world wasn't threatened by Darkrai and his Agents right now, our circumstances would be much different. I have a duty to the 'mon I protect still. I've built a peace and stability in Valkaria through the Gold Tribe, and I believe you threaten that stability. So yeah, if you continue your ways, I will likely have to go after you. It's my duty. But no, I won't try to kill you, not if I can help it. Killing isn't something I take pleasure in, nor pursue, especially not in peacetime. I will try to lock you up. Fair warning."

"Locking me up is unlikely to work," Raz said with a frown, before realising it was probably a bad idea.

"Yeah it will," Guardia replied with a stoic face. "You're not the first Psychic or superpower I had to put away in my thirty years. If you continue as you are after, and if I cross your path, there's few ways this ends besides imprisonment."

"If you say so," Razathiel shrugged, breathing an unreadable sigh. "Thanks for being honest with me..." He murmured into his chest.

"... Sure."

"And don't you dare tell a fucking soul on this planet I said that," The wizard continued in a similar mumbling manner.

"Heh... afraid they'll think you're soft?" Guardia teased.

Raz scowled, "Terrified, now you've revealed to me that apparently Raltses aren't the epitome of intimidation."

"Better than dress-wearing Gardevoirs," The Zangoose murmured. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" She declared as she held up her hands to calm the Ralts.

"You tread a very dangerous line," Razathiel warned with a smirk.

"Yeah, sure whatever, Dreadmage," Guardia smirked back.

"Alright," The Dreadmage said with a quick sigh. "Back to business: you know that Blaziken bastard? James, I think his name was- he isn't much of a bastard, of course, you'll have to forgive me for that; the insult and alliteration combined made it all too natural to pass up. Regardless, I'm not sure- were you informed of the circumstances leading to his capture? Not sure if Anna has told you anything about it yet."

"His capture?" Guardia repeated. "No, not really. I'm assuming you beat him in a fight or something and he accompanied you after or something like that?"

"Hmm, see- that's the thing, there was none of that, really. I don't blame you, I'd have thought the same. What actually happened was the two of us came down the pathway and found him sleeping on the job - apparently because Roxanna hadn't paid him, and because he didn't expect anyone to show up down his particular pathway for whatever reason. Regardless, I put on a bit of a show, Anna threw out a Thunder Wave to wake him up and paralyse him, and eventually circumstances led to zero fighting and a Mareep who seemed adamant that he live. Of course, herein lay the problem; he was an Agent of Darkrai, and addressed himself as such. Could I have killed him? Should I have killed him? He didn't seem all that intent on fighting, but who knows what kind of trickery Agents are keen on pulling. Do you get what I'm saying, here? Now I've got my own idea of what 'innocent' is supposed to mean, and I'm sure you do too, but where exactly am I supposed to draw the line? I don't want any indecision getting in the way in situations like this; ourselves or allies could well end up dead because of it."

"This is why this was a bad idea," Guardia muttered as she sat down on a nearby rock and wiped her face with her paw. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't have had him along, but this was Snype's call. Should we trust James? Can we? I can't be sure, I would lean on no, but I trust Snype enough to know what he's doing. Besides, best not having anymore altercations with the thieves now if we can avoid it. But if money drives him, then Snype better make sure money is what he gets. Still, I'd watch him. We can never be too careful. He certainly isn't innocent, that's for sure, and in war, death occurs. I expect you to make good judgement, based on what you think 'mon in similar positions as you would do... err... not necessarily what you would do."

"I'll, er... I guess...? Not so sure about that, but as far as James goes, I'm with you on that one," Raz grimaced. "Although I guess it can't be much of a problem for you, I'd much rather work with 'mon who I don't expect to betray me at the drop of a hat. Or in this case, at the drop of a few extortionately large bags of gold..." The wizard paused to smirk slightly. "On top of all that, he hasn't really done much to dissuade my impression of him being... well, a bit daft, if I'm honest."

"He doesn't seem like the smartest 'mon around, that's for sure," Guardia concurred. "But then again, I doubt Darkrai hired him because of that in the first place."

"I'd guess it's just because he had a Mega Stone he could use," the Ralts murmured. "And seeing that we know now, it's also the main reason I'm not distraught we're keeping him on. That and the possible information he could have, I suppose."

"But that also means he's more dangerous," Guardia answered back. "And it doesn't make me trust him anymore. So, as I said before, I'd still keep an eye out."

"Of course," The wizard said with a nod. "Very well, anything else on the agenda of this lovely-" Raz paused to cringe. Even when used ironically, such words irked him. "Er... chat? Any Scyther lives I've rescued you want to punch me in the face for?"

"Are we going back to this again? I thought we were over this!" Guardia exclaimed as she rolled her eyes.

"I thought we were over robe-wearing Gardevoirs, too," The Ralts said with a devious laugh. "Regardless, the question stands; anything else you need to check up on? Just so long as you don't feel the need to dive forward into my personal life again, of course."

"Kill anyone lately?" Guardia asked the Ralts.

"I haven't," He admitted with a sigh. "It's terrible, I know. Even that bloody Agent I brought back alive. You fuckers are despicably good influences on me."

"Good to hear," Guardia retorted with a nod. "Then I think we're set."

"Good!" Raz announced with a smile, though it quickly turned into a frown. "Evil, rather."

 

[SV]

Back in Reverence

Reverence was in an absolute uproar, the likes of which Guardia had not ever seen in her short stay here. 'Mon of the Sons of Arceus were flooding the streets with a plethora of emotions, the most common of which were anger and fear. There were Seekers as well, most of them seeming to be in rather high spirits. It didn't just end there though. They were moving in a way that suggested they were preparing, that they were heading out for something. In the six days that the group from Valkaria had been away, something had clearly happened. She knew they had to find Gaiyo Nyys or Obsidian soon to find out exactly what that was.

"Hey! You!" Guardia called to a nearby Nidorino who was on the move. "Where can I find Gaiyo or Obsidian?" She asked.

"They're both in the Tower of Arceus, gettin' ready to move," The Son of Arceus replied hastily as it continued to move on.

"Huh? Move? Move where?!" She called out to the running 'mon.

"To the Meet!" He yelled back.

"... Meet?" Guardia repeated as she tilted her head. "... Come on, we'd better get to the tower and see what this is all about."

---

The entire journey up the tower, 'mon were rushing past them in a hurry. Most didn't seem interested in answering their questions, but Guardia got tidbits of what was going on by passing conversation. She figured Gaiyo and Obsidian would be able to relay the entire story now. The group entered the room, where the Sons of Arceus leader was directing groups of his followers on various assignments. Obsidian was also present beside him.

"There you are!" Guardia called out as they finally arrived in front of Gaiyo and Obsidian. "What the hell is going on?!" She demanded.

"Oh, you're back," Gaiyo muttered as he sent the Sons in front of him off. "You've been gone a while. I wish I could say everything's been great here but... I'd be lying. Let me break it down..." The Ambipom explained the entirety of the situation and what was going on, from all of the events that took place while the group had been gone, including the trial, the secession of lower sects, the breaking of the statue, the preface of Civil War, and the meeting that was about to take place.

"And that's everything," He finally concluded. "We're going now to meet with the leaders of the Reverse Kings and the Dark Moons, as well as the other sects to try and see if we can figure this out. If not... it'll be war."

"And I've been telling him that war will come because no matter what goes down at the meeting, Darkrai's thugs will push for war happening." Obsidian sighed a bit, "I know it's not my place... but can you talk some sense into him, Guardia? We both know that's the truth. They'll just run us over with recruits from the other nations, and excuse my language, butt-f**k us nice and good, and what will we have to show for it? Losing valuable allies."

He shook his head and looked at the map he was studying, "... I just don't think this will work. At the trial even they just slapped you around while you were there. What do you think they'll do now that they know you're in a vulnerable spot, with the knowledge that your allies barely have any soldiers to hand over, that the other sects that were once allies with you have now since been enslaved forcibly to their side, and that they have endless troops they can just push in with a yawn whenever they feel like it? We're not in a position to bargain, I can tell you that much."

"Geez these guys are really hopeless without us holding their hands huh..." Snype muttered quietly to himself.

"Bloody hell," Razathiel said aloud. "These guys are really hopeless without us holding their bloody hands."

Obsidian glared at the procession, "Well if you can do better, just go ahead and try then!" He spat out, "I need fresh air." He snatched his map away and walked on out, his own processions of Seekers quickly following him out.

Guardia watched the Weavile go out and looked back at the others. "Best we let him vent for now," She stated, and looked back at Gaiyo. "I hate to say it, Gaiyo, but I think I agree with Obsidian. Don't expect that this meeting will go smoothly. Maybe the Reverse Kings guy, Fen, can be reasoned with, but the Dark Moons can't. You need some plan in place in case things go sour. Which they likely will."

"I guess you're right," Gaiyo nodded. "But I still want to try," He sighed. "I have to."

"Well, do you know who is going to be at the meetings? Sects and 'mon-wise?"

"The Saint Fen Driar of the Reverse Kings will be there, along with all the remaining High Priests. All their allied sects are supposedly coming, in force too. The same goes for the Dark Moons and their allies. The Queen of Darkness will be at the head of their side."

"You mean Roxanna?" Guardia clarified. "She'll be there?" The Ambipom nodded.

"And let me put this in perspective." Ben started out, "You've not only cheated her at racing, but escaped her latest attempt to kill you outright, stole a friend of hers, stole away another colleague of hers in what was supposed to be an AMBUSH against you, and you're still alive. If she sees you there... well..." He took in a deep breath through his teeth, "Let's say... she no doubt has some plan already in action where your heads will be rolling off before you can so much as start speaking. She's pissed. When she's pissed, she does anything to ensure her goals are met. AKA, your respective deaths."

Razathiel only giggled in response.

"We didn't escape from her." Cal broke in with retrained anger. "She was saved by this stupid Gambler, loyal or not he likes her. I was this close to bashing her head in." He took a step closer to Gaiyo and looked him in the eye. "Do you think there's any hope of coming out of this peacefully? The only remote possibility that's even slightly positive for the Sons from this meet is if you could rally the Reverse Kings against the Dark Moons. And Roxanna would never give you that chance, she knows you're our allies. One way or another this is going to end in a fight, the best thing we could do is make sure we win it."

"I have to believe there's a chance to end bloodshed," Gaiyo replied to the Dragonite. "That's the only reason I'm doing this. Maybe it's stupid, maybe it's hopeless, but if there's a chance, I will take it. I've tried to talk to Fen, and things ended poorly. But everything now has been a calculation that's led to this. And I think you're right. While the Dark Moons are here, especially with Roxanna at the lead, there's little way to stop it."

"If I may, may I say something?" Thomas interjected as he stepped forward. The Hypno was bandaged across his body, but he seemed in a much more stable condition than immediately after his encounter at the Altar of the Divines. "There's something about this... something about all of this that seems very... off to me." He stated. "If what you say is true, if this was a calculation, a manner of getting it to come to this, why was it initiated in this way?" He asked the group of 'mon around him. "I understand most of it, it fits. Have the sects secede, make them weaker. Capture a well-liked Son of Arceus and accuse him of murder, further dividing the sides. Destroy the seceded sects and incorporate survivors, to put you over the edge. All this was a carefully calculated move, it would appear by the Dark Moons to pit the Sons against two sides... the Reverse Kings and the Dark Moons. In its weaker state, the Sons couldn't possibly stand up to the two."

He held up a hand. "But then something else also happened. The destruction of this Reverse Kings statue, which was the fault of the Dark Moons, I believe?" He asked to Gaiyo for clarification, as the Ambipom nodded. "Why? Why did they do that? Since then, the Reverse Kings decided to target not only the Sons, but the Dark Moons as well. That move turned this into a Civil War of three sides against each other, and I don't understand why. Something about this doesn't make sense. Is Roxanna really this daft as to elect to do something like this purposefully?"

Cal shook his head, there had to be an important piece of information missing somewhere. Because there was only one possibility he could think of and it was too obvious. "The only way I can see it is that a full-scale civil war with no sides would bring out the most chaos possible. And even if it's not what puts Darkrai's subordinate in the most advantageous position possible, Darkrai always wins when it all devolves into chaos."

"Well why don't we ask our two Agent allies here?" Thomas gestured to both Ben and James. "Tell me, you know of Roxanna. She is the leading Agent here in the Dark Moons, correct? Was this her plan?"

"It wasn't her." He simply stated. "I know Roxanna would never do such a thing. In her enraged state she would, hands down, do her best to make sure the Kings turned against you and primarily helped her in eliminating the foreigners who have humiliated her. We have agents in each area, and set to only work in certain countries. Aside from Roxanna and I... the only other would be Alai." He sighed, "If it was him, then it wouldn't make any sense. Alai is a nice fellow. He is the kind where if he had Guardia pinned, ready to kill, he wouldn't do it. He would help her up, give her a berry, try to convince her to join his side. If she would refuse he would also allow her to head back to return to her friends."

He crossed his arms, "... No. Someone else is doing this. Roxanna was preoccupied with revenge for the past few days. She was pushing to gather us all up to do that ambush on you all. Trust me, that kept her well enough preoccupied. I was with her a majority of the time. Given my preoccupation, I had no plans set either. When did this happen again?" He inquired upon Gaiyo.

"Two days ago," Gaiyo replied.

"That's not enough time..." Ben murmured. "I could see her being behind the enslavement of the other sects. But not giving the Reverse Kings a reason to break away from an alliance. Even then, knowing Roxanna, she would have spent at least a day unleashing her anger. If she had broken that statue, she wouldn't have stopped there. She definitely would have unleashed her full fury upon the Kings if she had started. Given no one else had perished or that there wasn't a crater in the ground... it couldn't have been her."

He fell silent, "Unless... something changed. Given my absence it could be possible another Agent from another area was brought in to fill my void. Either that, or someone is working behind our backs. Which is against the conditions we have set up among ourselves. No one interfered when Tyren was taken down. It's just... it's not right. Let me ask... you said a trial was set up. Who was there to represent the Dark Moons and The Pack?" He asked. "It certainly couldn't have been Roxanna. She would have been ill composed, and unable to handle a trial. Alai would have never allowed such a thing to happen during the trial either. He would have allowed it to be fair."

"As far as I could tell, everything about the trial proceeded as expected," Gaiyo answered. "A representative of the Dark Moons, a Manectric lieutenant I see under Roxanna was there, and the leader of the Pack, Jorus, was there." He paused for a moment. "If what you're saying is true, if there really is someone else behind this all, then maybe... maybe we can resolve this. Maybe it can be done. I will try to explain it at the meeting."

"Glad you grew your spine back. Kehe" Snype commented. "If I had a coin for every time somebody started losing hope, I'd be able to pay off James for a whole nother year." Snype said with a laugh. "But if it isn't one of the agents then who the heck could it be..." Snype rubbed his chin. "Keheh... need someone to scout out the situation?" He offered.

"Area's been relatively scouted," Gaiyo answered. "We know what we're walking into. Beyond the leaders of the sects showing up, they've decided to be extra careful and bring along a huge friggen army too. Well, as far as Anatellians go. So we're bringing the same. We've agreed only to bring in the higher-ups to the actual meet zone though."

"Oh, I see how it is..." Raz grumbled to himself, arms crossed.

"The winner of the under-race is included in the higher-ups," Gaiyo commented. "They're responsible for giving the Sons much-desired prestige, after all. Besides, I'd rather not have to step into there without you, even if you are foreigners."

"I think he meant... well, never mind," Guardia murmured.

"You can't prove I meant- well... never mind..." The Ralts echoed, clearing his throat quietly.

As the group chatted inside they would soon hear a ruckus outside consisting of some shouting. Gaiyo turned to one of his Sons. "Can you go outside and check who the hell is yapping out there? We're trying to have an important meeting here!" He yelled, and the Son quickly departed outside. Gaiyo continued at the group. "So now it comes down to this, deciding how this whole thing should go, and keep in mind we have to decide soon. We'll be heading out momentarily. Should we make any sort of back-up plan in case things go sour? Should we set this up any other way? I'm asking for your opinions because... well, quite frankly most of you have been involved in war before, and none of us really have."

"Killing, sure, but no war for me," Razathiel said with a huff. "The upper intricacies of war involve politics, and I'll be damned if I bother with that; frankly, it confuses me that the relatively sane lot of you didn't gang up and murder the Dark Moon bastards long ago..."

"At what point would you have suggested I have my Sons, who have never experienced war, to suddenly attack the Dark Moons in full force, costing many of them their lives that they're too afraid to give up?" Gaiyo asked Raz.

"Any time before now, really," The wizard said with a shrug, waddling over to lean against a wall lazily. "Doesn't really matter, just like, fucking... any point in time could have probably worked. I don't give a shit."

"You don't maybe, but I do," Gaiyo retorted. "We're not soldiers, we never war. Most of these guys are just kids. They don't know what's what. And they would never have supported a war. We don't do that here. It's not in us to do."

"I mean hey, that's your problem, not mine," Raz replied with a nonchalant look of condescension.

"Regardless, I believe preparing just in case may be smart," Gaiyo continued. "The meeting takes place in the Tower of Destiny, in neutral territory. It's been abandoned, but it provides a clear view across the area for a long ways, which means we'll know who is there, and who isn't. The tower is ruinous, but not completely destroyed. If we do want to prepare ahead of time, I suggest we find some 'mon to cover close by behind rock formations or stalagmites. There's said to be ways out of the tower underneath. Maybe we can try hiding in there if things go sour, but I'm not sure if those paths are sealed up or not..."

"Hey I did offer to scout didn't I? Keheh. I doubt you guys have as sharp of an eye as I do. C'mon someone vouch for me here!" Snype said.

"It's true, his eyes and thievery are top notch," Thomas agreed.

"Then you should be one of the ones we hide away," Gaiyo concluded. "We won't really have a chance to scout ahead of time. There's no time in between when the meeting takes place and when we head out. We're leaving soon."

"I should, er, probably suggest," The Dreadmage spoke up, clearing his throat. "Judging by the fact that I'm, well, me, it'd probably best to keep me out of matters that require certain amounts of, er- how do you put it... delicateness?"

Cal had been silent for a while, longer than he should have been if he was being honest. He'd had an idea, but he was loathe to say it, thanks to who it relied on. "I think I've got a pretty solid plan, in addition to having Snype scout ahead. I think we should have a second group, consisting of some our best fighters outside of the tower where no one will notice us, with one of us psychically linked to one of your boys inside Gaiyo. Whoever you choose to serve as our informant can keep us appraised of what's going on inside. If at any time force becomes our only option...." The Emerald Sentinel stalled for a moment, grinding his teeth as if chewing on his words before spitting them out. "Ben will teleport us inside at the drop of a hat with the informant's bond as a tether, and a donation of energy from Raz and/or Atrox if necessary."

"I see," Gaiyo nodded at the Dreadmage's suggestion and the Dragonite's plan. "Will there be any who would like to go with me to the meeting itself?"

"I don't think I should, for sure." Cal answered before anyone else could. "Besides how much I stand out, my presence would rile Roxanna up way too much, as well as anyone who might be bitter about the race. On that note I think Raz is right about his presence...not happening,"

"I feel like someone should still be there, however," Guardia chimed in. "Just in case anyone tries anything. As self-defense. I can do it, I don't think Roxanna has any direct beef with me."

The Agent Blaziken James entered the building not too long after. "Sorry, I got distracted on the lower levels... big place here. What should I be doing?" He asked the group around. However, when his presence was seen by the Anatellians, including Gaiyo, he was met with a variety of gasps, near-yelling, and shocked murmur.

"W-what the hell is he doing here?!" One Son of Arceus cried out.

"The One-eyed Executioner!" Another whimpered.

"... Ah, right, Anatellia," James murmured casually. "Forgot I was here."

Cal gestured for quiet, and when that failed he tried to shout over the others. "Relax! Relax! He works for us now."

Just as it seemed things were not relaxing, the doors pushed open once more. This time with a whole squad of Seekers rushing in and getting into defensive positions. "Stand down, executioner!" Obsidian shouted as he held his arms up in a combat pose, "Remove yourself from these premises or else face the Seeker's wrath!"

"He. Works. For. US NOW!" Callimer repeated.

"He works for you?!" Gaiyo asked incredulously. "The One-Eyed Executioner, one of the five Grand Generals of Karn, the 'mon responsible for us losing our southern territories and now occupying them, works for you!?"

"Wait... he's a Grand General of Karn?" Guardia asked in disbelief.

"Yup! As long as I don't tell him to do somethin stupid like dance. Kehe" Snype said with a small laugh. "Cal if ya think we should have a group of strong fighters just outside of town then I'd bring James here with ya. Would make sense anyways."

"This is an outrage!" Gaiyo called out angrily. "I will not hold any meeting in the presence of that 'mon! He controls the lands where our Temples are now! His presence is an insult to Arceus and the Sons!"

"Finders keepers," James retorted with a snort. "I'm not going anywhere unless I'm told."

"Geez..." Snype said as he rubbed his head. He didn't think Gaiyo and the others had such a beef with James. "Look he'll be outside of town with Cal either way. He won't be involved in the meeting. I know you probably got a problem with this fellow but lets focus on the upcoming meeting before we lose our heads too early."

"I don't just mean for that meeting, I mean right NOW!" Gaiyo shouted, as he pointed at James menacingly. "He's a murderer, thief, and butcher. He's killed hundreds of Sons, and stolen lands that belong to Anatellia! A Karnian will never be welcome here! Much less a Grand General!"

"Yeah, actually, seems like our new merc is a bigshot. Not the most loyal general I supp - well I only gathered so much during out sparring matches. Please explain James." Cal backed away abashedly to allow James his time in the sun.

"Nothing much to explain," James replied with a shrug. "I'm one of the five Grand Generals of Karn, I guess. I only got the title cause I killed one of the previous ones in a duel. That's how that works there. The five Generals are the five strongest 'mon in Karn, besides the Emperor. Since I was there though, I decided to do a few jobs as well. Including when they asked me to help expand them a bit."

"I'd say its best we don't escalate this further. James I'd say you should step out of this. I don't want to cause any kinda complications." Snype said.

The Blaziken shrugged and headed for the door. "Call me when you have something for me to do," He muttered as he exited, over the watchful eye of all Anatellians present.

"You're playing a dangerous game, keeping someone like him around," Gaiyo explained to the group, as he motioned for a few Sons to go outside to monitor him. "He's a devil. And can't be trusted. I don't even know why I should be allowing him to be here right now. He's one of most hated 'mon in Anatellia."

"As long as I'm paying him, he won't do a damn thing here and its one less agent for us to worry about. Not to mention he holds valuble info. Grudges or not, I need to know more about the enemy, as risky as it is. He won't be any trouble." Snype said, rather confident in his choice.

Cal stood closer to Gaiyo, trying to appeal to his value of allies. "Tell me this Gaiyo, what's more practical, a better way to protect your 'mon? To risk jumping into a fight while nearly everyone on your side is tired, or hurt, or both against one of the strongest pokémon you're aware of? Or to let them walk back to the enemy without any attempt at taking them out of the equation? Now, tell me if either of those helps nearly as much as simply making that 'mon fight for you?"

"... Fine, fine! Let's just get past it for now," Gaiyo muttered.

 

[Greiger]

Stupid plans... or ingenious ideas?​

The Grovyle raced up the steps, having to halt himself as he panted and knocked upon the door.

"... Come in."

Mer stepped on in. The doc and his assistant had already left, only leaving behind a few medical supplies just in case anything else happened. Penance was a bit thinner than usual, given that he hadn't eaten that much during the week. His blue skin was a few shades lighter and he still bore a frown on his face, "They are here, I take it."

The Grovyle gave a nod, "Yeah. Six days, just as Gaiyo said."

Penance fell silent for a bit, "... Is he distracted?"

"Yeah, enough so that he won't be up here for an hour. I said I would watch over you."

Penance let out a weak dose of laughter, "Even now I still tell fibs." He shifted his body so that his legs lay to the side of the bed and he rose, stumbling a bit and requiring Mer to quickly grab him before he would fall to his knees.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Mer asked. "You still... well, truth be said, you look almost white as a sheet."

"I am fine." Penance replied flatly. "We'll be going as planned. I have to do this."

Mer just gave a small nod as he helped the duck to the window and knocked upon the wall. "Coast clear?"

"Yeah, it's green." Down from the top of the roof descended a Weavile that looked a bit more bulky than Obsidian. "It's great to see you again, sir." He said with a small nod, "I was chatting it over, and most of the soldiers are heading toward the center to get orders from Gaiyo and Obsidian. We have to leave now if we want to get out without setting off any alarms."

Mer nodded at that, "I can carry you easily."

Penance let out some shaky laughter as the Grovyle picked up his legs and held him with his arms, "Even in my fabrications... I still have allies. It is odd how the mind works."

"Don't worry. We'll get out of here."

The Weavile made his way outside once more, looking around to see if any parameters had changed, and he hurriedly gestured toward Mer. The Grovyle braced his legs and took a leap outside. He made it to another building and angled himself so that he slid down while using a Leaf Blade that was embedded into the stone to help keep him stuck to the wall. He was soon on the floor and rushing along the emptier streets with his dark type compatriot.

Penance just hummed to himself as he closed his eyes, every so often tapping a finger against his chest as the speedy reptile made his way out of the city. The two made it behind a rock formation and Mer set Penance down gently, "We're out."

"I felt it." The duck lazily opened his eye to view the Rapidash and Machamp that were also hidden. "... Burt." He said softly as the Machop quickly rose to attention, "You heard him speak... this Alai. Could you recognize him if you saw him again?"

The fighter gave a firm nod, "Definitely."

Penance chuckled a bit, "I want to see if this can work. You all know the risks. And there are plenty of them."

"We're in this for you, sir." The Weavile stated as he put a hand to his chest, "We took an oath and we'll follow it. The search for truth."

"Then.... let's find it." Penance murmured. "Mer, if you would."

The Grovyle once more picked Penance up, but instead of carrying him he placed him upon the equine's back. "You are a brave steed for this, Percy." Penance murmured to the Rapidash.

"Just doing what I do." The horse replied in a jolly tone. With that the four headed off, to the one place where Penance desired most to go. As they made their way, the duck couldn't help but look back at the city, wondering if he was truly making the right choice. He had left a few behind to inform Obsidian of what he had done, just in case he didn't return. That Weavile was quite the smart one. If anyone could win this war, it was him.

The walk was a bit slow due to Burt's large size, but they made their way through the empty caves and gradually came upon the slope that would lead up to the surface. Penance had to wonder though... why this point? Did Gabriel have full control of the psychics in this spot? Were they massacred just now and replacements sen-no. He shook his head. He... he didn't want to think about that. He just had to get there.

It seemed like quite some time before the party of five reached the outside. The chill hit Penance instantly, but he kept his bill pressed tightly shut as the five saw the network point. The duck carefully slid off of Percy's back, "... I'm here." He said.

The Psychics that had previously been stationed there when they first arrived in Anatellia were there to greet them. They sat in their circle around the Network Machine with extra fur wrapped around themselves for warmth. Upon seeing the Seeker group arrive, one of the Psychics turned and greeted them. "Oh, Penance! We were expecting you. Special assignment back in Tollen, right?"

Peannce was silent for a bit, staring at them, "... You know why I'm here." he said weakly, "I'm no mood to play games. I-" He couldn't finish as the cold hit him hard and he began to cough. Mer helped to hold him up as the duck kept on hacking harshly, finally shaking his head to clear his throat, "I don't want games." He said with a sigh, wiping some mucus from his bill, "Are you going to port us, or not?"

"Is it safe to even travel while he's like this?" Mer asked the group, "I mean... will it put too much strain on him?"

The Psychics exchanged confused glances. "Uh..." The head Psychic began. "We're not playing any games. We were told to port you toward Tollen. That's where you were going for a special assignment, right? That's what your Seeker told us," The psychic nodded. "And he should be fine. Network teleportation relies on our power instead of his, so he won't feel much."

Penance gave a weary nod, "Let's get it over with before I freeze out here." The five gathered before the point as Mer gave but a nod to the psychics.

The Psychics nodded back. "Just you then? Or are you all going?" The psychic asked as the psychics began to close their eyes."

"All but him." Penance stated as he pointed at Mer. "He'll await our return here."

"Oh, I heard it was just going to be you," The head Psychic shrugged. "That's what your other Seeker said."

Penance paused at that, thinking for a moment. He looked over at Percy and reached into the bag of the saddle that he wore. He grunted as he pulled out a large cardboard box that was carefully wrapped with a bow, "Could you get in contact with him again? If you can... put forth the message that I will be bringing two with me, mainly so that they can help me along. I am in... poorer health than originally thought." All the while he leaned against the Weavile to help his balance, "If not, then I shall go alone as stated. I didn't realize before that I would be this... weak."

"Uh... isn't he your Seeker? I wouldn't know how to contact him, wouldn't you know that?" The head Psychic asked.

Penance sighed, rubbing at his head, "... Being asleep for a year in your mind makes you more... tired than you would think." He muttered. "I am sorry for the error. I have not been well, so that is entirely my fault. He looked at the Weavile, "Ruiz and I will be the ones to go. I will inform then when I arrive of my new arrangements. The others shall wait here." He frowned a bit, "... Yes... they have to... "He murmured out loud.

Ruiz gave a nod, "He needs at least someone to keep him from falling over once we arrive."

"If you say so," the Head Psychic replied a he closed his eyes. "Connecting to the Network Point in Argime. Network connection established. Porting you there no-"

The Network machine suddenly sparked, and Penance and the Seeker disappeared suddenly as they were teleported out. But this teleportation seemed off, as if it was forced and torn away from the original route. Penance and the Seeker found themselves teleported as usual, only to find their destination not Tollen, but another familiar sight for Penance. The Path of Nations.

There, a large group of 'mon were awaiting him, all with raised hands and paws and claws. They gritted their teeth and angrily stared at him. Others seemed more docile, as if they were expecting him.

"You were supposed to come alone," A voice called out to the two of them, as former Alpha Alliance General Grett stepped forward. "You're not alone."

As they did port in Penance lurched forward, the sudden power surge and feeling of porting greatly catching him off guard. Ruiz had to quickly grab to keep him from slamming against the floor as he coughed and hacked again, the chill from Anatellia seeping deeply into his throat. The Weavile rather carefully laid him down as he reached into a side pouch to pull out a bottle that he uncapped and waved under Penance's nose.

"... Does it look like I can get anywhere without help?" He managed to wheeze out as the scent from the bottle helped to loosen his lungs up. He did his best to rise, only for his legs to buckle as Ruiz slipped his shoulder underneath him to support him.

"Staying a year in one's mind doesn't necessarily make me mobile again." He coughed out.

"Look," Ruiz started, "He can barely walk as it is. He needs someone to ferry him around. And that's not counting all of the bloody medicines he's on. So unless you wanted him to port over, only to fall over and bust his head upon the ground.... well.... you get the point."

The Sceptile Agent walked forward toward the Golduck. He stopped just in front of him, and gave the Seeker leader a smile. "You mean like how he tried to choke me and bust my head in Valkaria?" He asked as he leaned into Penance. "How circumstances have changed us now. Look at the wretch you've become. What was it you said to me then? Oh, right..." His smile grew wider. "You disappoint me."

Penance really didn't react as he stared point blank at Grett, "... I know." He said softly, "If you wish to squash my head now, do so. I'm still at that wavering point where death and life are both looked upon. You are in complete control, Grett. I know that, you know-" He burst into more coughs and Ruiz was about ready to grab the bottle again, but Penance shook his head. He let his coughs flow out until he finally managed to catch his breath again, "... you know that." He resumed, "So, if you're going to do it... just do it."

Grett leaned back from Penance and crossed his arms. "If only you were worth the time."

"Grett, that's enough of that!" A voice called out from behind him. It was the Heracross General Revoll. "Penance is our guest here now. And you are being disrespectful. Back off, now!"

"... As you wish," Grett turned and proceeded to leave from the large tent surrounded by 'mon. "I'll see you around, Penance."

Revoll took another look down at Grett, before he called for the 'mon around to lower their stances. "Stand down everyone. Back to your normal positions," He called out, and the 'mon were soon to follow in his words. Revoll turned to Penance. "I apologize for that, Penance. Grett tends to overreach and mess with some, sometimes. He means nothing by it. Please, come with me."

Penance held up his hand, "Do not apologize... I am at fault. I... failed to realize that I would be more sickly than previous thought." He took a shaky step forward falling as Ruiz shouldered his weight.

"Easy there..." The Weavile said as he helped the duck walk along.

"I am sorry... that I brought another mon." Penance said, "But... I had a feeling with a port that I would end up in a more.... critical state." He frowned at that, "When I came back... I realized that I hadn't used my legs in what felt like a year. By the way... if any try the same mediation I performed, let them know of the side effects. It sets you far ahead in mental capacity. Physical capacity, not so much." He let out a weak laugh that soon morphed into a minor coughing fit.

"I will have some physicians examine you now," Revoll concluded. "We will talk more when you've rested."

Penance frantically shook his head, "I had the best physicians in Anatellia check me over. The best they have are pills that I take daily now. I came here to talk. I will talk. I want to discuss. I just hope you don't mind me coughing every so often."

"The best physicians in Anatellia are not the best physicians," Revoll replied back as he continued to walk forward out of the tent and into the camp again. He proceeded around to his own quarters, where they had been before. "We will do as you ask, but I encourage you to see them later. You will be surprised with the results. Yours isn't the first case of such a kind."

Penance sighed, "I have a feeling that no matter what I say, you will push them on me. But... I would rather spend most of my time talking with you." He managed a weak smile, "I wouldn't want to unfairly use an advantage that your side has. That's not good war tactics."

Revoll scoffed as he entered his tent. "War tactics. If I had the time or inclination to worry about every medication spent on every 'mon, I will die of trepidation. Come sit."

Ruiz led Penance to the open seat and carefully slid him down upon it. The duck gave the helpful dark-type a weak smile before he turned to face Revoll. "... I think I want to do this a certain way." He started out. "Don't look at me as Penance. Look at me as some random Golduck who was caught in Valkaria and shipped over here. For some reason or another, you want me on your side." He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath, "... What do you say to me to win me over? Why... why is your side right as my home burns?"

"A random 'mon..." Revoll chuckled a bit. "A random 'mon from Valkaria would not listen the same way you would now. But let us play this scenario out. I believe you have heard what Alai had told your Seekers?"

He gave a weak nod, "I have. The idea of a free world." He thought for a moment, "... I know in the past I yearned for freedom, but not the same kind that you all have. You all should know that in the past, I sought to dismantle the Gold Tribe. I feared that with their power, and the sheer size of their organization, one day they would just end up taking over. They would enslave Valkaria to their own desires. Not because they were evil, not because they were masterminds... but because they could. And that later proved to be a shred of truth when their own kind were possessed by Darkrai and they slaughtered many and claimed the cities for their own."

He let out a weak sigh, "It's difficult to stay in character with that on my mind... this is harder than I thought."

"I see, I see. I do have a question for you," Revoll began as he placed his elbows on the table and folded his hands. "If Darkrai had not taken control of those Gold Tribe members, do you believe that they would have eventually taken over Valkaria, as you have feared?"

Penance gave no hesitation as he gave a firm nod, "The problem... is one I try to avoid myself. Tried, and failed." He lowered his head in shame, "The problem is giving a title. That's where it starts. Saying someone is truly the leader. The second problem is having that title pass on to others. I have made that same mistake, as you would know. The third is letting that title slip onto a mon who is seemingly benevolent, only to allow power to consume him or her entirely and, subsequently, uses that power to control others. Guardia is not one who desires power... my fear is when she elects another after her. Maybe he does not desire it and can stay strong, but what of the one after him? And the next? What if one is able to slide into place, feign an innocent mind, and lap up power once they have it?"

"Then you have already answered the biggest question of them all," Revoll replied with a firm nod. "The Gold Tribe is a smaller base, but it represents that which can eventually come. It is the same with any organization, or nation. And your answer perfectly reflects what we always fear. Maybe now those who are in charge are not evil. But when does that evil return again and completely engulf us?" Revoll shook his head. "Order and control is a cycle of continuous anguish, and we will see it end.

"I am curious," He continued. "You mentioned that you yearned for freedom, but not the kind we have. Tell me if you may, what kind of freedom is it that you yearn for, and what kind do you believe we yearn for?"

He thought on the question, leaning forward in his chair a bit, "... In the wild... " he began, "There are feral types of pokemon. Those who are unable to think on our level, but we are like them in one way. If you look at research, you would see that a lone Mightyena cannot survive on his own. If he ever tries to catch prey they easily sprint away from him. They evade him left and right and eventually he starves to death."

He held up a finger, "A pack, however, can easily survive. They work in tandem, eating food to live for one more day. With each pack comes a pack leader. An alpha. The same occurs within our kind. Whenever tragedies happen, whenever people find a cause they always find someone to circle it around. The reason kingdoms grew was because one mon was so impressionable, and sounded so charismatic, that other mon yearned to follow him. The reason we have countries is because enough charismatic mon rose up and asked their followers to not follow others with charisma."

He closed his eyes as he continued to speak, "This natural tendency is very much alive in tragedies. Look at earthquakes, or even hurricanes that happen. Out of those who survive, they rally together and eventually around one mon who assures them that everything will turn out alright. The problem I see with the true freedom your side speaks of is that the pokemon mind itself would have to be redesigned. That each and every person left after this war would have to be conscious every second of every day not to become too appreciative of others. The moment that happens... the moment someone is elevated above others... it would just happen again. Kings would get followers, new leaders with new titles would be elected, and suddenly the whole point would be meaningless." His eyes snapped open, "Do you have a means to stop mon from thinking this way?"

Revoll smile a bit. "It is a very interesting circumstance you've put forth, and I would partially agree to it," The Heracross General shook his head. "But you did not answer my question. You seem to talk as if you understand what we are striving for with our meaning of freedom, but it does not appear that you actually know. You are making assumptions. You say that, that is the problem you see with the true freedom that our side speaks of, but we have made no indication that this is what we're trying to do. In fact, a return to the wild?"

He shook his head passionately. "It is merely a return to the beginning. A continuation of the cycle. Our roots are not freedom. They are merely the preface for what would come later. The cycle has come and gone so many times now, I've been told. So many... and that is what we are stopping. The cycle. And so I ask you again: What sort of freedom is it that you seek, and what sort of freedom is it that you believe we seek?"

"In relation to your first query... the kind of freedom I yearn for is one of checks and balances. It is a mon's natural tendency to accumulate power. I want to be able to set a world where a new government is set, one where various mon each hold a different seat of power, and constantly fight against each other for more power. In such a system, the people would be able to elect who rises and who is forced to retire. With this kind of power in their hands, they could take down those who abuse their power, and those in power would be wary of how far they step, knowing that the people could elect them off at any point and bring someone new in who would take their power."

He frowned, "As for what you seek. The best I understand is that you wish to dismantle all sorts of systems. You want to answer to no one. In such a state, chaos truly rules. No one would have laws or rules to follow, meaning they could do whatever they want. I am not sure how such a system would work, given that many things would change. There were be no financial system set, meaning coins and currencies of various countries would simply be of no value anymore. There would be no industrialized food production, leading to shortages as farmers hoard their own crops or only hand out food to those who they want to hand out food to. Those who perform crafts could charge outrageous favors for their works, and those with power could easily force those without power to obey them. Again, no laws in place to get them to stop their abuse." He shrugged, "I just don't see how an order-less system could work."

"I see..." Revoll muttered. "Your system is interesting, but if I may bold, flawed. I do not believe it would work, mostly because it has been tried before. And it has failed. It is simply another form of force and order. Things can always go wrong." He shook his head. "No, that is not the new way we're looking for. If this is what you seek, I am afraid we have different goals."

He examined the wood of the table and continued. "As to your explanation of us, you are on the right track. I believe you are beginning to grasp a bit as to what we are trying to do... but you are still so very far away from the truth. You are still in a mindset linked to the current world structure. Dear Penance, you must think bolder." He rose up and walked to the other side of the room to fetch something, before he returned to the table and sat down.

"As such, I am unsure if a partnership with you would work out. I do not know if you are ready to join us. I do not even believe you are ready to understand the truth."

Penance's shoulders sagged at that, "How can I understand then, if you won't go over it with me?" He asked, "Is it not similar to taking a student into a math class, having them never seen a single equation in their life, then asking them to perform addition? There are plenty here who clearly understand. If I have to stay... if I have to work to learn, I wish to."

"Your hypothetical is not entirely wrong," Revoll answered, before he shook his head. "But you also forget one major problem. One which you have just mentioned mere moments earlier. The very fact is Penance... you are our guest here now, but you are still an enemy. Your Seekers are positioned across bordering territories, carrying out your will, or the will of those under you, and you are combating against us at this very moment. Every 'mon who knows of the truth, which is basically every Agent, they are not random Pokemon who have simply joined up. They were each carefully selected because of their history, tendencies, and beliefs. They were monitored and recorded, and they were then approached by Gabriel or myself. And as soon as we approached, we knew with almost certainty that they would join our cause," He explained.

"You... you are different. You have begun relations with us by creating an organization whose sole purpose is to stop Darkrai. That is what you have preached for the past thirty years! Even if you are undergoing a revelation, how am I to believe that after hearing what we say, you will agree to it? No," He shook his head. "I have confirmed it with the question I put forth to you. You are a 'mon with far too much experience under your belt, one who has seen much in his life. You are very unlikely to ever change. What is the expression? You cannot teach an old Houndour new tricks. Understand Penance, to reveal to you the entire truth now is to reveal our entire hand, to tell you of our plans and everything we are going to do. With this information public, it can potentially destroy us. It can cause us to be derailed, to be stopped. It is not, as you put it earlier, good war tactics."

Penance fell silent, slouching back in his seat, "Yet... all of these soldiers..." He started saying, "They know not of your hand either?"

"They know enough," Revoll replied. "Those who listened to our initial responses, at least. Those who came willingly and heard us out. They know of our goal, of our inclinations, and the general way we will go about it. They know that there is a deep crack in the fabric of life as we know it, and they know it must be altered. They know practically as much as you do now, though I suspect you know a bit more after we have conversed than the average 'mon. For those that care, at least, that is enough, though there are those still with questions." Revoll smirked. "And for everyone else, their desire guides their path."

Penance let out a weak sigh as he gripped his head in pain, "So... I am better off dead then. Never able to know the truth. Never able to scratch the itch on my mind. Oh, how I hate itching." He groaned.

He frowned as he looked at Penance. "I am sorry, I wish I could do more for you, but it is the way it is," He snorted briefly. "Heh... a funny thing. Gabriel told me... ah, never mind."

Penance hung his head, "So... what now? Death? Imprisonment?" He weakly sighed, "Well, this was a great time to spend in really changing nothing."

"Actually, I was hoping you would stay for a while," Revoll stated. "Talk with others in the camp, learn about them and their desires. Maybe it could help to paint a picture for you. Or maybe it could help you understand that what we fight for isn't so clear cut as you originally set up for us. That is, if you'd like to. They will never tell you what they do not know, but you can learn much being apart of this place. And if... by some chance, you have adopted a new way of thinking, perhaps I can approach you again, and try again."

Penance hung his head more. "... I'm scared." He murmured. "What... what if they don't like me? What if I'm evil in their perspective?"

Revoll chuckled a bit in response. "Do you truly believe our war is about good and evil? Of every ten fighters we have, three likely have friends or acquaintances on the other side. Some may not take to you right away, but I think you'll find many who are receptive. After all, once they were in your shoes. Remember, after all, that they understand that in the eyes of your side, many believe what they are doing is for the forces of good."

Penance looked at the package he held and slid it across the table to Revoll, "Please... ensure these get to the right mon."

Revoll looked over the package and tilted his head. "What is in there, if I may inquire, and who do you plan on giving it to?"

"They are... letters. Trinkets. From their Seeker friends in other countries." He explained, "They were sending well wishes to those in Tollen... but of course the letters could never be sent through the points. They are labeled correctly. I am unsure how many of such Seekers are here... but if any of them are among your ranks, I think it would be nice for them to see them. To know that they were't forgotten."

"I see... you will of course, not mind if I were to have them examined before they are sent to their rightful owners?" Revoll asked.

Penance shook his head, "I can understand the precaution. Some are letters. Others are stuffed toys. Others are odd trinkets. I know there are some food items in there as well."

Revoll nodded and set the package aside. "I'll see they're given to the rightful owners after our examination. Will there be anything else?"

He shook his head, "I will take your invitation then." He gave a nod to Ruiz as the Weavile helped him up, once more supporting his weight, "... Thank you still."

"You are quite welcome," Revoll stated with a nod, as he stood up the same time that Penance had. "Feel free to wander the camp. "Oh!" He began to say. "Except one spot. A rather large tent with a Darkrai insignia on the front. Do not, under any circumstances, go in there. Only death will follow."

"Well I'm on the side of order at the moment. You can be sure I'll follow the rules." He gave one last nod to his host as Ruiz helped him hobble outside.

"So... where to first?" Ruiz asked him.

Penance gave a weak sigh, "It's so big. I have no idea on where to start. It is rather endless at the moment."

 

[SV]

The Path of Nations - History Lesson

"You look lost," A Mudkip suddenly blurted out behind the Golduck and Weavile.

Ruiz carefully turned around with the duck, "You could say... we always are lost. But I am more than ever now." Penance gave a small nod, "Would you be willing to teach me that which I do not know? In this case, the layout of where I should go?"

"Well, this camp is big, but..." He looked around. "In this area, food is in those tents there with the picture of grub, sleep is all across in tents labeled with an S. Newbies start in the armories or history tents. Occasionally you get some special speakers there. We learn about all kinds there. Whenever meets aren't going on, we talk to others there from other places. Other than that, do what you like here, try not to cause trouble, and please, for the love of Darkrai, don't go in that large ten there," He gestured to the large tent off to the far back of the camp.

Penance let out a weak sigh, "In my condition? I don't think I could." He murmured out. "It's... so much." He murmured out, "I have little understanding still. Would it be alright if I am to to listen in on some history? It is said those who do not know the past are doomed to repeat it."

The Mudkip mouthed an 'o', "Oooh, you're one of those types," He stated. "Crusaders. You sound like it. Uh... yeah, not sure if any history lesson is happening now, but you can catch one of the historians in those tents. Look for 'mon with those fancy purple robes."

Penance gave a small nod, "For clarification... I ask because I am still considered an enemy... I am Penance. One who does his best to lead." He let that sink in, "Out of your judgement... where should I go first? What can best enlighten me as to your cause? I just... I seek the truth."

"Penance the Seeker?" The Mudkip questioned. "You're a downright turd, you know. What the heck are you even allowed to be here for? Who the- am I being punked?" He asked as he looked around.

"You are not." Penance replied softly, "And I can understand that. In a manner, I am sure many on my side would claim you as 'turds' as well. It is the nature of warfare. We do what we each believe is right. If your side is the truth, however, then I don't care what you or your allies think. I will find the truth, and I will fight for it."

"Uh..." The Mudkip looked around and shrugged. "I guess if no one is attacking you, you're supposed to be here. I'd go see either the newbie tents or the historians' tents. Both are nice starting points."

Penance gave a calm nod, "Thank you. ... What is your name by the way?"

"Georges," He responded with a mumble.

"I'll keep that remember, Georges." He replied, "Thank you for your time." He gave a nod to Ruiz, "The newbie tend then."

Ruiz gave another nod as he helped Penance to where Georges had gestured. They would discover a tent with a variety of 'mon chatting away. Some of the conversations seemed personal and solitary, while others involved many 'mon in groups talking to each other. There may have been a session here, but it now appeared to be over. However, a robed Nuzleaf in purple stood near the back, talking and laughing away with a nearby Buizel.

Penance just gave a meek nod toward the robed mon, and Ruiz followed his orders. He carefully walked the duck over to the mon, but Penance wouldn't interrupt. He would wait a moment for the two to finish whatever conversation they had before he spoke. "I... I would like to learn what you teach here." He murmured out.

"Ah, a new guy, eh?" The robed Nuzleaf smiled. "Welcome to Freedom Camp," He gave a curt nod. "You look pretty bad, you alright?"

Penance looked away for a moment, "... No. You can say that my insufficiencies have caught up to me." He gave a pat to Ruiz's arm as the Weavile gently lowered him and fished out a small bottle where he dumped out some pills. "It's time, open up."

Penance opened his bill as three pills went in and he swallowed. "I just... I want to hear what you speak of." He stated. "May I have a lesson for new mon here?"

"Ah, alright then," The Nuzleaf nodded. "Let's have a seat here. My sessions are basically over, but I can talk. Let's start off by what you know. Do you know what we're doing here? Why we fight?"

Penance was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head, "... Honestly, I came here differently." He started to explain, "I have heard that others have been forced to come here, others have come of their own accord. I came here of my own accord, mainly to understand. Where I come from... it is not easy to hear of whatever you teach. It's forbidden, really." He let out a cough and let out a nasty hack as Ruiz rubbed his back.

"I see," The Nuzleaf smiled. "It's not so different than many others. Many here come on their own too. They come to learn. They come to listen. And if they feel their time was worth it, and the message is right, they come to fight. Now, what I'm going to tell you, I must say ahead of time, it is the truth. Nothing more, nothing less. It may not be what you want to hear, it may be exactly what you want to hear, but it is no more or no less than that. Are you ready to hear?"

"I have traveled day and night... I have seen terrors before my eyes..." Penance closed his eyes wearily, "I do wish to hear. Or else everything I have recently done, would be for naught."

The Nuzleaf historian nodded. "Now, the first thing to understand is that our leader Darkrai, he is very old. Thousands of years old. And it was thousands of years ago that he first began his crusade. You see, Darkrai is apart of a group of legendary Pokemon known as the Guardians. The Guardians are said to have been created to keep the world in order, in a sort of balancing force. Each Guardian oversees one aspect of the world, whether it is something physical, an idea, or something else. Darkrai is the Guardian of Chaos, Malice, and Nightmares. This isn't to say that he is a being of these aspects. He merely exists in the world to ensure these aspects never become fully overtaken, or for that matter completely dissolved. In essence, they remain with an equilibrium to their counterparts."

The Nuzleaf motioned with his hands enthusiastically as he continued. "But there was something truly off about this Guardian system, in our leader's mind. It was far too pragmatic, too give-or-take. It was a flawed system based on good equally occurring with bad, with balance. And what happens when that balance is truly thrown off is terrible. So over two thousand years ago, Darkrai first sought off to destroy the Guardian system to enact the first of his plan: absolute freedom into our world, the likes of which hasn't been seen before. But he was stopped. Stopped and imprisoned before he could finish what he wanted to do. His imprisonment from the world was a terrible thing. For over two thousand years, the Guardian of Chaos was gone, which meant whenever something malicious or chaotic happened, there was nowhere to siphon it. Actions continued without prejudice or remorse. There was no balancing power."

The Nuzleaf held up a finger. "Now, because his counterpart. Cresselia, was also destroyed at the time, no immediate effect was felt. But in the background, the Guardian system slowly weathered away. Even now, it is so thrown off that the world will suffer because of it. I wish I could tell you more about this atrocity that would occur, but little information is known, or shared about it. I hear the Anatellians have some books on it, but they do not see much of the light of day. But the way this war ends may likely be in one of three ways: the first is that we fail, and the world limps on as it does, with the Guardians in tow, trying to rebuild and box up old wounds. Eventually, however, that scenario will only turn into the second way either way, which is that we lose, but the world also has suffered too much imbalance and goes into the cataclysmic event which I have spoke of. If that occurs, life as you know it will be destroyed. The third way this war ends is with our victory, the destruction of the Guardian system, the achievement of all of Darkrai's goals, and the introduction of an entirely new concept, something never seen before: absolute freedom. This is what we fight for."

Penance fell silent at that, "... May I ask you a query then?" He asked.

"Of course, anything you like," The Nuzleaf replied.

"... I am from Valkaria." He started off, "My story makes more sense if you see from the country I hail from. Why is that this had to occur? You see my age. It is easy to deduce that I saw first hand the events that occurred there thirty years ago. The occupation of our cities, the slaying of our people, the corruption of those who served Darkrai. My query... is why did he not tell us this? From my understanding, the leader of the Gold Tribe was completely under his thrall. Why not relay this message to us personally? Why attack us and draw a negative first impression? We had no idea he was imprisoned, or even that he was attempting such a feat. I guess I want to know why my friends died in that war when we easily could have been told first hand what he was trying to do."

"Oooh, you're from Valkaria," The Nuzleaf mouthed an 'o' and shook his head. "I hear all sorts of things about you. I find it odd that you knew nothing about Darkrai, considering it was your people that imprisoned him. But they must have kept it a secret. Great work, there," He muttered sarcastically.

"It was the Gold Tribe." Penance murmured. "They kept it secret from all of us. It was one mon who, after the war ended, finally forced them to bring out all of the records they had hidden away." He snorted a bit, "Had everything hidden away in a cave of all places, no one allowed to go in but the leader himself."

"Just goes to show how dangerous an organization can be with just one 'mon controlling it," The Nuzleaf replied with a nod. "But regardless, your ancestors fought Darkrai, imprisoned him. To many, even here, Valkaria is our number one enemy, they are the true devils of this war, the ones who spread falsehoods to other places. Falsehoods based on misconceptions maybe, but falsehoods nonetheless. So tell me, how exactly is Darkrai supposed to get a message across to your people, while being imprisoned, by your people? Your country didn't get told anything because, as I said, you aren't just an enemy, you're the enemy. Those who fight against us, at least."

Penance frowned, "By that logic... if your father killed someone, then everyone has a right to kill you in retribution for the act. You didn't do it, but your ancestor did."

"Indeed," The Nuzleaf nodded. "It certainly sounds harsh, but a price must be paid, even if others have to be the ones that pay it. Many were probably kept from knowing about the events of the past, but someone had to have known. The one, you said, in the caves. Take this war for example. Do you believe all the ones who died are with guilt? I think not. Countless innocents have perished. And yet, if in the end, we have achieved our goal, it would have been worth it. The ends justify the means. I believe this. Do you?"

"It's odd." Penance managed a weak smile. "Everyone always say that... but in the end more perish." He shook his head, "I do hate war."

"More will always perish. More have always perished. More will continue to perish," The Nuzleaf emphasized. "Aren't you tired of 'mon having to perish in war? In bloodshed? In meaningless death and diseases and famine? Don't you want it to end?"

Penance gave but a nod, "Of course. I would want my friends to live." He closed his eyes, "... So... if I am to join willingly... then I would fight among the soldiers' sides? To kill those who might be my family? My friends?"

"If they oppose us, then there may be that chance," The Nuzleaf responded. "But we don't fight just for these individual 'mon to live. We fight for the millions in the future, the billions in the future. Do you know how many we can save with this?"

"You have given me a good estimate." He mumured. "... Even though I am here now. What if I were to say no? What if I were to think and come to the conclusion that it is not a choice I wish to go with?"

"Then I pray for your swift exit from here, and a long life away from this war," The Nuzleaf replied. "I pray you don't try rejoining your forces in Valkaria, because if you do, you may perish along with the rest. I also pray you don't run into anyone here who may have something to say about that."

Penance thought for a moment longer, "... I have heard that others have been captured from Valkaria. They were not like I. I.... I yearn to seek the truth. It's sort of been a goal in my life." He smiled a bit weakly, "Every history book I can find, I digest. I was one of the first privileged to read over the accounts that were found in the Gold Tribe's cave. More so in an attempt to quickly write summaries of such texts. Others, I find, don't share my passion. Most find it boring. If I may ask, why did you decide to become a historian?"

"Where I hail from, I was already a historian," The Nuzleaf explained. "A teacher actually. A history teacher. I only came here after hearing the words of another, an Agent who inspired me to action."

Penance gave a weak nod, "I suppose I came for another reason too." He started off, "One was to scratch an itch. As a history teacher you should know the following phase : history is written by the victors. I knew this when I read through the accounts in the cave. I knew this with every book I read which indicated a dynasty change, or of a new leader rising to power. There was always another side. One that was never told. That is indeed my primary reason. My secondary was actually to hope that my friends were safe here." He let out a soft chuckle, "I am unsure why I care so much. But many describe me as caring too much."

"Your friends are here too? Where are they from, Valkarians? We don't get many Valkarians here. Not willing fighters, at least. But there's always some. An Agent for one. Best fighter in the entire army, I heard."

"I see..." Penance began. "Would you know where the captured Valkarians would be then? Or if they are at least living?" He thought for a moment longer, "I am well known among them. You can say I am sort of a local name. I was hoping... that if I can learn more about your side, that I would be able to teach others from my country. That perhaps the truth you know of could be spread to them."

"As I said, we don't get many Valkarians here, most are in our bases back in Valkaria, if there are any," The Nuzleaf shrugged. "As far as I know at least. If there are any, they'd be in the enemy combatant tents. But generally you aren't allowed to go there on your own. The... errr, breaking tents might have them. That's generally where we send prisoners to turn. But we don't do that often. We like volunteers more than anything. Forced fighters make up such a small portion of our army now."

Penance thought on that. "... Breaking tents? Are you meaning techniques like mind control?"

"Eh... I wouldn't call it that necessarily. There is something akin to that maybe but... well I'm not certain of all the specifics. And I ought not to be talking about this. Let's just say there's one among the Agents with a nasty tendency to spread afflictions into the brain and beyond. To make what you know and who you are completely erase."

"... Brainwashing then in a way..." Penance murmured. "That doesn't sound like a good fate at all."

"Not at all," The Nuzleaf responded. "A fate reserved for the fiercest of opposition. Not just in strength but in conviction. Of course, this is all rumor, so to speak. I do not know if I should even be telling you this, to be honest."

Penance just gave simple nod, "Thank you... I don't think I got your name." He said as he held his hand out for a friendly shake.

The Nuzleaf shook his hand. "Uh, don't worry about it. For the information or the name. We historians have given it up. But what is yours?"

Penance gave a nod to Ruiz who helped support him up again, "... I am Penance. It was a pleasure to meet you, historian." With that Ruiz began to help Penance out of the tent, just at a walking pace still.

"Penance... Penance?" The robed historian repeated as he watched the two depart. "Seeker leader Penance? What the-"

 

[Greiger]

The Path of Nations - New Recruits
​

"Where to next?" Ruiz asked him.

"... That was enlightening..." Penance murmured. "Ruiz, if you could ensure your own children could live in peace... would you do it? If the world could live in peace?"

The Weavile frowned, "... I heard his words too. It sounds too true, to be honest. Too good of a deal. If this was the case... why wouldn't Arceus do anything about this? Change it?"

Penance's eyes visibly narrowed, "Due to the reason he's not here now... he no longer cares. I wish to go to the living quarters next."

"As you say, boss." Ruiz adjusted Penance a bit and headed off that way.

The living quarters were packed with all sorts of 'mon in tents, chatting, resting, eating. It was a variety of different Pokemon doing different things. The odd thing was, they didn't seem to originate from any one place. They were a melting pot of culture and variety all mixed in together for one single goal.

Penance looked about, actually admiring the lowered walls here. He hadn't quite seen anything like it, given the way that all the countries treated each other. It was... good to see that there was something that could bond mon. At least, for a while anyways. He nodded to one of the seat and as Ruiz set him down Penance let out a content sigh, "It... feels quite nice here." He murmured to his Seeker softly.

Amid the more casual groups came two mon, a Machoke and a Ursaring. "Penance." The Ursaring began, "You were extended invitations here." He pointed at Ruiz, "He was not. For the sake of everyone's safety in these quarters, your Seeker must wait outside for your return."

Ruiz opened his mouth, about to protest, but Penance held his hand up, "We are guests here. We'll follow their rules." He gave a nod to the bear, "Very well. I shall meet with Ruiz later outside. In the meantime... since my chaperon isn't here to help me around, would you mind in turn asking some of the others here to come and talk with me? My legs are still recovering at the moment, and I doubt any here want to see a crawling Golduck."

The bear thought for a moment, then slowly nodded, "Very well." With that, the fighter, more or less, pushed Ruiz outside as the Ursaring went over to a chattering group, talking to them and pointing over to the duck before he too went outside. The various mon looked over at Penance, and judging by their looks, he could tell that the bad first impressions were already set. He let out a weak sigh and stood up, and used the nearby beds to steadily help him balance over to them. "I presume you know of who I am now, correct?" He asked out. "I do not come here as a leader... but as one who is looking to find truth."

"If you want truth," A Happiny began. "Go talk to a historian. We're restin', don't really wanna talk to you, if you know what I mean."

"Are you captured?" A Sunflora asked interestedly.

"Mace!" The Happiny yelled. "We're not talking to him!"

"It's friggen Penance, though!"

Penance let out a light chuckle, "No, little one. I am not. I came of my own free will." He nodded at the Happiny, "And I have chatted with one of your historians already. He is a very wise man, I will tell you that much." He put his hands together, "Let me ask you all... have you ever made mistakes within your life? I am not only talking about big mistakes, but also about small mistakes too. Words you shouted out in anger but did not mean to say. Thoughts of more negative things, thoughts that you knew were wrong to think, yet you thought them anyways."

"Uh... yeah sure, I guess," The Sunflora replied with a shrug.

"Everyone has," The Happiny muttered. "What's your point, big nose?"

Penance smiled down at the Happiny, "Actually, to correct you, it is a bill. But the point is that all mon make mistakes. For some it is no more than accidentally saying something at the wrong time. For others, it's forgetting to study for an exam and cramming in five weeks worth of material in their head for five hours and failing that exam. And yet... for others, they make bigger mistakes. The ability to make mistakes is what makes us mortals. And... I had to say. From what I have seen so far... I too have made a drastic mistake."

The Happiny glanced at the Golduck with a few silent blinks. He then turned away and walked out of the tent without another word.

"Uh... yeah, I guess. Why are you telling us this now? This is kinda random as hell," One of the other mon, a Makuhita asked.

"It's correctly termed an epiphany." Penance said with a slight chuckle. "I've been realizing more things as I've toured around in this camp of yours. It's refreshing to actually see the other side without fire trying to sear me alive."

"Well to be fair, a lot of 'mon here would probably try to sear you alive for everything you've done to us," The Sunflora replied with a grin.

Penance gave a nod, "I would have said the same if any of you were in my position, but only at a Seeker camp." He looked about, "But... this is nice. I do have to admit that."

The 'mon looked around with him at the camp, then at each other. Eventually, the Makuhita coughed in the silence. "So, uh, do you actually want anything from us? Because we... err.. we have important... important things to do! Darkrai, he has orders... we have orders from him! And stuff!"

Penance chuckled at that, "I can tell you all do want to go. Go ahead, do whatever you wish to do." He shakily stood back up, "It was nice to meet you all." He made his way slowly back to the entrance, "Very good... this is turning out better than expected." He murmured to himself.

"Ah, Ruiz." He said as he did his best to walk out, "We shall next go to the armories, I think. After that, we'll round up the trip and head back to Revoll."

There were many different 'mon inside the armories. Like in the living quarters, they appeared to be from all over the place. 'Mon of various countries were there, identified by their garb (or lack thereof). This appeared to be where they were relinquished of their previous holdings and given up to Darkrai. Two armored soldiers handed out uniforms and confiscated older ones. They also provided branding if wanted, tattoo cover-ups, piercing removals, and alternate bands. It was an entire process, adapted by the culture of the origin country. The two soldier 'mon of Darkrai in charge of handing out these supplies to the new soldiers were a pair of Poliwhirls.

Penance looked about, giving a few nods, "... Sort of like in the psychology books..." He murmured more to himself. "New life with new possessions. It creates stronger bonds. Not bad adaptation at all..."

"Hey, you're keeping up the line," A voice called out from behind him. There, a Hitmonlee garbed in a dark robe similar to that of the Royal Knights of Tollen, but now with a shining symbol of Darkrai instead, stood off from the side of the line, glaring at the Golduck. "Hmm? You... what are you doing here?"

Penance gave a small nod and stepped away from the line, "Sorry about that." he said with a weak smile. "I am here because... I am thinking of joining up. I have been hearing from the historians, and have come here of my own free will." He frowned, "And... sorry about that whole... 'death ray about to disintegrate you' business. War is war." He gave a meek, apologetic, shrug.

"You? Join up? You have to be joking," The former Royal Knight Hitmonlee crossed his arms. "You're Penance. You're the last 'mon that's supposed to join up with us."

"If you knew my history.." Penance began. "You would know I would be the very first. You never read about how I started a schism in Cape City in Valkaria. About how I managed to kill thirty Gold Tribe with hit and run tactics with as few as a hundred men under my belt. Those who were ordinary civilians and had not even the amount of combat training your group has. Civilians who could easily fall to just one soldier here in one single attack. How I gained the name Mad Man. How I had managed to convince three Gold Tribe my Affiliates had kidnapped to not only swear off their oaths, but also swear to me their loyalty and swear that they would do whatever they could to stop their former comrades from taking complete control of Valkaria. That was some odd years before Darkrai even so much as called the Gold Tribe to him."

He let out a maddening chuckle, "Ah... good times, good times. But if anyone from the opposite side would even think of turning around and joining your side, it would be me. Because I've been there. I've had the lies told about me. I've had the general public despise my every action because I saw the truth. I saw that having the Gold Tribe in its current position in Valkaria would ensure that they would take over and bend all to their wills. So yes, I am seriously considering joining your side."

He huffed a bit to catch his breath, "Hah, that was a mouthful, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I didn't really know about any of that," The Hitmonlee replied. "But as you said, that was some oddy years before Darkrai returned. I'm more talking about what you've been doing for the past thirty years. And yeah, in that context, you're the last 'mon that's supposed to join up with us."

Penance opened his bill and let out a loud, well... maddening bout of laughter. "Oh... oh you don't understand." His eyes glittered, "Madness never leaves. Once the brain cracks in two, it's always there. Like a worm, festering about."

"... uh-huh," The Hitmonlee glanced at the mad duck and looked off to the side. "Well, I'm gonna go do something important now. Good luck making up your mind."

There was almost... satisfaction and humor in the mad duck's eyes, "Cheerio. Make sure the snap doesn't trip." He let out some more maddening laughter, "Oh... this is quite therapeutic..." He grinned at Ruiz, "Which reminds me..." His eyes snapped back to the Hitmonlee, "What other places are there here? Things to see that can make the wheel dribble? I have seen a Historian, the living quarters too! Care to share with a fractured mind the delicacies of true deliverance?" He inquired.

"Uh... you can go to the game tents," The Hitmonlee suggested. "At least, that's what they're called now. Sometimes different games go on there. But really it's just more living quarters. Or if you've the stomach, you can go to the training pits. But... " He looked at the Golduck. "Well, whatever."

"Do explain. What games are shivered. And I suppose training pits... " He frowned, "Naughty things down there? Meat and grind and blood that drenches the plants?" He queried. "I've seen heads being torn from shoulders, and brains dined upon." He grinned, "Minds were eaten a plenty."

The Hitmonlee glanced at the Golduck a bit more, merely staring at him, before he turned abruptly and left without another word.

Penance pointed out dramatically, "To the pits!" He cried out to Ruiz eagerly, "It's sports and games more of course!" He frowned, "You feel like going there? I mean, I wouldn't put it against you if you don't."

Ruiz thought for a moment, then smirked, "I think I'll like it. It's nothing I haven't seen before."

"Correcto!" Penance said eagerly, "Let's go!"

Following a short walk through the camp, the two were greeted by a clearing with less tents surrounding them. There, a large variety of 'mon, dozens upon dozens of them, were standing around, gathered in various circles. They were either watching fighters take on each other, chatting away while taking a break, or training against certain dummies set up. Others practiced in teams, while others appeared to be getting various lessons from higher-ranked minions.

Penance let go of Ruiz as he sat down on the ground and decided to watch for a moment. It was interesting, definitely a set up that he put some Seekers through. Though theirs was more in the mind than in reality. Saved broken bones and allowed training to go for longer periods.

The fighting and training continued across the pits. In one particular group, a Seismitoad instructor was training a group of fresh recruits through a course, including hand to hand exercises, fighting moves, and acrobatics. It became clear the group were tired and out of breath.

"Five minute breather!" The Seismitoad uttered, which caused the group to all relax and collapse in place.

"Dang, sir, you're really riding us hard in these drills!" A Grimer soldier uttered out between pants.

"Gettin' you in the best shape possible," He answered back.

"Aww, come on, sir, when are we gonna fight against some real soldiers, sir?" Another soldier, a Sandile asked with a grin, even though he was also panting heavily. "I'm tired of all these drills. We been drilling for weeks now! I wanna get out there and wreak-a-Seek already!" He exclaimed, which followed with some laughter from others.

"Wreak-a-Seek?" A voice questioned behind the group of soldiers. They turned to see the familiar Sceptile Agent Grett standing there with a curious expression.

"Sir!" The Seismitoad instructor saluted. The other soldiers also saluted as well, some of them doing so cautiously.

"Uh... yeah, just something I made up sir," The Sandile replied to Grett. "Wreak-a-Seek. Get it? Like wreak a Seeker?"

"Or wreck-a-SEC!" The Grimer chimed in with a loud laugh, which the others followed suit.

"Fold-a-Gold!" Another soldier, a Ledyba commented, joining in on the laughter.

"Wreak-a-Seek..." Grett repeated as he proceeded forward to the group of laughing 'mon. He instantly grabbed the Sandile, and shoved his face into the mud below his feet. The group of 'mon instantly went dead quiet. "Wreak-a-Seek," He repeated. "Is this a joke to you?" He asked the Sandile, as he forced his head down in the mud. He looked at the others, whose expressions turned to horror. "Wreak-a-Seek? Do you think these are child games we're playing at? Is that all these factions are to you?"

The Sandile gasped and grunted for air below Grett, who held firm on his grip for a moment longer before he released the 'mon below. "Let me tell you about the factions I know. The Seekers I know, the Seeker soldier, or specialist, has been at their job for much longer than many of you could have possibly been alive. Whatever their field, it's likely they're an expert at it," He explained forcefully to the now-silent group of 'mon. Other groups who have previously been training or fighting or talking have now also gone silent and observed the Agent and his lecture. "SEC has been an innovation since its conception, and it has brilliant people working under it. More intelligent and capable that many of you could ever hope to be at your current pace. And don't forget, they were founded by a former Gold Tribesman."

The Sandile began to get up again out of the mud, when Grett suddenly forced him back down. He held up a finger. "Which brings me to those Gold Tribes'mon. What did you call them again? Fold-a-Gold?" He asked and shook his head. "The Gold Tribe have been warriors all their lives. Any one of them could pick you apart in a heartbeat and use your bones to take out your allies. And this is how you see your enemy?!" His voice suddenly raised to yelling. The entirety of the pits eyes were on him now, and he examined the entirety of the pits in return. Once more, he raised his foot off the Sandile, and this time, helped him up.

"So you feel free to call them whatever you like," Grett continued. "Those Seeks, and SECs, and Golds. But never fail to respect their desire to end you. Do that, and you're already dead," He looked around at the pits. "Clear?!"

"YES, SIR!" A large outpouring of yells came in from across the pits.

"Back at it, boys and girls," He called out and began to depart. The Sandile was left looking at the floor as he seemed to think hard on what was just said. Grett proceeded to walk away from the pits, and activity seemed to slowly pick up again.

"You know, Grett..." Penance called out to the departing Agent. "You never did once attend one of the courses I threw... never once bothered to read our manuals. Do you know WHY my flanks can beat yours?"

The Sceptile General stopped in his tracks, and once more silence slowly erupted in the pits. Although this time, it was balanced by a steady rising of surprised whispers. Traces of 'Penance' and 'Grett' were often heard, as well as 'Seekers'. The Agent Sceptile turned slowly and eyed the Madman without uttering a word.

"It is the same reason how I managed to gather less than one hundred random civilians from Cape City, and over the course of a single year, kill thirty-one Gold Tribe members with them. Not away from the city, but right smack dab within territory that the Gold Tribe knew well. I know you went over that in your history. I know my 'antics', as dubbed by Guardia, was made mandatory in some cases to be studied. Do you know how I managed to get simple civilians able to proudly cut off of the heads of the most decorated warriors in our country?"

He slowly stood up, his eyes upon Grett as well, "The reason why my Seekers could kick any of them around this camp is simple. Because I showed my troops the very thing you scoff at. Fun. If you sit a student in front of a boring teacher who will teach them math the student will refuse to learn. There is no excitement in a monotone voice citing citations and examples of formulas. It doesn't teach them what is needed!"

He placed a hand against his chest, "Deep down we all have a soul. You have to get those you teach energized. You have to let them play their games. You have to equate the job with.... fun. If that connection is never met, then they will fail."

"That's rich, coming from you Penance," Grett smiled. "Look at where you're standing now. By all accounts, you're the one who's already failed. And you may think fun is important, but it seems your failure knows no bounds. My lesson I just made isn't between being strict and being fun. It's between being aloof and being prepared. If they went into war thinking our enemy is buck-toothed cartoons, they would meet an early fate. This is one lesson any soldier should understand and abide by: Respect your enemy."

Penance giggled a bit, "Oh, failure is suddenly turning to your side?" He asked gleefully, "So, you are the losing side then? Sheesh, and here I was about to lay caution to the wind and ensure I join on up. Psssst, in case you don't get the joke, I'm purposefully misinterpreting your words to make me seem like the winner in this argument." He gave a very obvious sly wink to the Sceptile.

The Sceptile stared coldly at the Golduck, before his face once more formed into a smile. "Are you aware of the dueling customs of Karn, Penance?" Grett asked the Seeker leader.

Penance proudly shook his head, "Nope! And given that Karn would slice my head off the moment I entered, can you expect any different? Unless you've been there or know of them." He gave a cheery smile, "Are you asking for a duel? Because in case you haven't noticed, I"m not in the best of health. Of course if you want to boast about beating a Golduck who was hacking about, wasn't at full strength, and needed his Weavile assistant to help him walk around the camp given that his legs were weak, then sure. We can duel. And you can get all the more respect from beating up a temporary cripple."

"Ah... but you misunderstand," Grett explained as he removed his General's overcoat from his shoulders. He tossed it over to the Seismitoad to the side. The Sceptile had nothing much underneath, save for a rucksack on his back, which he also reached for. "You see, in Karn, they look down upon the weak. The injured, the weary, the old, the disabled, the sick. They are all trash to the Karnians, trash which needs to be exposed," The Sceptile continued to say as he moved his rucksack to the front of his body. "In that sense, it would be a service to Karn to rid the world of you. But I am not of Karn. In Beatruce, however," Grett continued. "The angry 'mon could turn to their principles of equivalence to cancel out the insults and injuries you paid to me earlier as an excuse to initiate a duel," Grett shrugged again. "But then again, I'm not Beatrucian." He raised a finger.

"The Anatellians and Tollenians!" He exclaimed. "See insults cast upon their deity or leader, respectively, and you can earn yourself a quick sentencing to death. And yet again," Grett shook his head. "I am not Anatellian. Nor am I of Tollen. No, Penance, I am of Valkaria, a former General there, and a General now of the free 'mon of the world. I have but one main reason to request this duel against you."

He reached into the rucksack on his front, and pulled out a small, circular orb from it. A Mega Stone. "You are Penance the Seeker. My enemy. And I respect that enemy enough to know that killing you now is not only advantageous, it is easy," He declared as he threw the rucksack to the side.

Penance let out a yawn as Grett went on and on about the various cultures, even seemingly to fall asleep. He watied a moment, then opened one eye, looking about, "You done?" He asked. "Man, you really are boring. Just... that monotone, you know?" He gave a firm nod, "Indeed, you are right. So if you feel that way... kill me. I won't do anything to stop you. You are a free mon, able to do whatever you please. I don't think Revoll will be too pleased, but whatever floats your boat." He said as he calmly sat down.

"If you say so," General Greet rushed forward to the Golduck and tackled the Golduck to the ground in a rapid speed. He reached up to the Golduck, and bore down on him. He reached up and prepared to plant his foot on the 'mon's chest, and looked up at the 'mon around, to make sure they were watching. "This is what must be done with our enemies. Watch closely." He reached his claw into the air, with leaves forming across it in preparation for his attack.

"Grett!" The familiar voice of Revoll yelled. He was there, accompanied by several tough-looking 'mon, some of which were familiar, including the Hitmonlee Royal Knight and other Royal Knights and stronger 'mon. "Stand down!"

"This doesn't concern you, Revoll," Grett uttered. "You have no idea how foolish it is to keep this cancer alive. End it now while many of you are still breathing."

"He is our guest here, Grett, and this is my call, same as it is Gabriel's," Revoll bellowed. "Stand down now," He ordered in front of all of the 'mon in the pits, who anxiously stared at the confrontation.

Grett backed off slightly off the Golduck and cocked an eyebrow at Revoll. "Who are you to think you can give me orders, Revoll?" He inquired coldly. Revoll stood firm, as did the others around him, but it can be seen from them, and even Revoll himself, that small beads of sweat poured down their faces. They were, all of them, to some extent afraid of what the Sceptile was capable of.

"I would like to think you respect my and Gabriel's authority enough to steady yourself, Grett," Revoll replied. "You have always trusted my judgment, now trust it now as well. He is our guest. Not our enemy now."

Grett looked back down at Penance, and then toward the Heracross General. "You'll regret this someday, Revoll. He's never going to assimilate," He declared, before the Sceptile stormed off. Many 'mon sighed breaths of relief when he finally left. Revoll approached Penance and offered him a hand up.

"Are you well?"

Penance smiled wider, eagerly gripping the hand and hopping to his feet... well, as best a mon in his condition could hop, "Drama? Excitement? Almost death?" He chuckled a bit, "Oh, this is turning out to be the best trip ever!" He patted Revoll happily on his shoulder, "So, where do I sign up?"

"Are you serious?" Revoll inquired as he cocked an eyebrow incredulously at the Golduck.

"Are you kidding?" He smirked and began to count off on his fingers, "For starters, you have a dedicated education department of historians who at least seem to be following the story that Victini told us at Anatellia, you have not only gathered a cluster of various nationalities, but have them in the SAME place at the SAME time, all working together, you're working for a like-minded goal which is much more nobler than my efforts with the Seekers, and you are honestly a really nice guy. That last one weighs more than the others, just saying. So, I don't have a fifty page agreement to sign filled with legislative and legal loopholes, do I? Cause that might make me a bit suspicious. But... this looks good. Really good. Stupendous even."

Revoll continued to eye the Golduck in slight disbelief. "Follow me," He eventually said, as he led the 'mon back to his large tent. As soon as he was there with him, he dismissed everyone else and invited the Golduck to sit down again.

Penance sat on down with a smirk, giving a nod as Ruiz sat in his own seat, "So..." Penance began, "I do like it. Honestly, I do. It's all nice, but before I do agree I do have three things I want to discuss. The first is simple. While I am here I will be calling out a message to all Seekers. With me on your side, I can guarantee you at the bare minimum, that ninety-eight percent of my remaining Seekers will flock to your side. Willing volunteers. Any Seekers in the camps are my responsibility. I'll oversee them, but I will also lend them out to other areas if they are needed. Second, any Seekers you have locked up here as prisoners or the like, I would like released and allowed to enter in as soldiers. Third, I would like to see any former Seekers you have who do not wish to rejoin up with me. That way I can be sure as to which names to erase off of the Dead lists going around." He thought for a moment, "Other than that... I hope you have plenty of empty tents, cause things might get packed around here."

Revoll smirked. "How very odd," The Heracross stated. "It seems that Gabriel was wrong."

"Wrong in that I wouldn't take your invitation? Or join up?" He asked as he tilted his head, "Or wrong in a different matter?"

"The first matter," He replied as he shook his head. "When Gabriel first informed me you would be coming, I will be honest with you, I protested with him that it was useless. That it would be a waste of time and it would be dangerous, as you may learn something you shouldn't have. Oddly enough, he agreed. Or well, partially. He stated he fully expected that you would not be joining. In fact, he told me that he would rather you didn't join at all."

Penance gave a small nod at that, "And you know what that is? I know a bit of it... remember what I told you before?" He inquired of the Heracross, "Of the books that the Gold Tribe had hidden away?" The Heracross nodded silently in reply. "The reason why Gabriel would want us to not join up... well, it depends on how you look at it." He held up one hand, "On the one hand, if we join up your ranks get a increase with experienced soldiers and a large organization. However, from what I read in Valkaria..." he held up his second hand, "That can be a bit harmful, personally, to Gabriel. According to the accounts we discovered, our ancestors figured out that as Darkrai he feeds on chaos. Any kind of chaos. It's why he's so powerful now. While other legendaries were dying out and being rebirthed he was stuck in a crystal, slowly siphoning chaos from the numerous wars or... really, anything going on in the world. If my organization were to remain separate and continue fighting against your side, it would stir up tons of chaos. In that effect, granting him boons of power. I do know by now... if I were to go back. If I were to go back and try to oppose you all... that chaos wouldn't flow."

He let out a sigh along with a shrug, "I see your side. I see your arguments. I agree with them. I see the passion, the understanding that your side has, and I agree with it. In such a case I know if I stepped on back I would purposefully lose many engagements, that I would pull Seekers back when they didn't need to be pulled back. With such reactions Guardia and many others would easily catch on and from there I wouldn't be of any help any longer. I want to help."

"Then I guess there's not much left to say," Revoll stated with another shrug. He extended his hand. "I welcome you, to the army of Darkrai."

Penance shook the hand, then he chuckled loudly, "Very good!" He said with a few nods, "As I said before you'll need to expand a bit. I don't want to overwhelm the camp with such an influx." He tapped at his chin, "From this point I think we would need to figure out a means to send out a message to all Seekers. Being able to inform them of where to go in order to arrive in camp. Hopefully without alerting anyone else. I know that sealed letters sent through network points could do.... that might be the best way in fact...." He murmured to himself. "Yes... yes. It could work." He grinned, well, maddeningly, "I think it'll work. I think it'll be stupendous!" He giggled to himself, "Oh yes. Very very nice. I can see the plans formulating already. Nice juicy steaks, you could say."

Revoll nodded. "We'll sort out the details about it soon. But," He held up one hand. "First, I must ensure something. A sort of... test of loyalty, if you would."

Penance sat back in his seat, "I can understand." He stated, "I did the same back in my Affiliate days. What do you ask?"

"I would like to know..." Revoll began, as he placed his elbows on the table, and overlapped his fingers together. "About the group you've been traveling with..."

 

[SV]

The Finale of Anatellia

"That's not an escort, that's a damn army," Guardia muttered to the others. The Sons of Arceus had arrived first to the meeting spot, an isolated area east of the Sons territory. They were meeting in an abandoned tower, known once as the Tower of Destiny a long time ago. They arrived in force, expecting anything to go down. And they weren't disappointed. The Reverse Kings arrived soon after, also sporting a similarly-sized group of 'mon. When the Dark Moons arrived, they didn't disappoint either.

"Good thing we came prepared," Abel muttered as he looked on at the three sides gathered around the tower.

"Roxanna and Fen are coming," Gaiyo stated as he pointed out to the smaller group of 'mon coming toward the tower from each party. "I'll be going forward too, with Guardia, I presume," He said as he turned to the Zangoose, who nodded toward him. "Snype will scout ahead and watch from a distance, and the rest of you will listen in through one of our Psychics. If anything goes wrong, the Gambler will teleport you in."

"I do believe I should be there too." Ben stated, "If anyone here has a fraction of a chance talking Roxanna down, it is I."

"Then how would the others teleport in?" Guardia asked Ben. "You have to stay back so that the rest of them could come in, in case things go wrong."

Ben frowned at that, "... I know... just... fine. I'll stay behind. When she starts blasting at you all, it ain't my fault that I'm not there."

"They're almost here, I'll go inside," Gaiyo stated as he proceeded in. Guardia followed suit.

"Good luck in there," Abel commented to Guardia, who turned back and nodded to the Medicham.

One of the Sons of Arceus, a Grumpig, began to psychically project what was happening inside to the others who remaining hiding by the tower outside. Thus far, Gaiyo was alone with Guardia and about a dozen Sons with them. The room was dark and dirty, and the tower creaked with each step. It was how they were made aware that others were coming, as they heard extended creeping down the corridors.

From one side, Fen Driar and his High Priests walked through behind him. From another, Roxanna came forward with her Dark Moons followers in tow. Both arrived and met the Sons in the middle. Roxanna seemed rather angry, especially upon seeing Guardia there.

"This should be fun," Razathiel murmured.

"It's going to be a slaughter." Ben stated.

Outside, despite the fact that both the action and what he was about to say made him feel sick, Cal approached Ben and put a hand on his shoulder. "I tell you what, you've kept to your word pretty well. When things do go south, after we've worn Roxanna out I'll give you a chance to talk her down. If you can get her to surrender, we'll spare her. I wish I could say she'll be treated kindly if we do, but honestly I'll have a hell of a time convincing anybody to even let her live considering how maliciously she's acted every time we've seen her."

"Wha-" Raz turned to the Dragonite, one eyebrow raised impressively. "Are you fucking serious? You can't be fucking serious. You just can't-" The wizard shook his head and turned back. "It's fine. Good joke. I laughed."

Ben was silent for a bit longer, "I tell you this here and now..." He said as he looked up at Cal sadly, "She will die before she gives up. She's... very prideful, same as you. If you were in her position... and you were offered a chance to kneel before your enemy and claim that you were but a weakling, would you not too slice your own throat?" He closed his eyes, "When the time to battle comes... I need my distance. I will be forced to draw a card, and it might either go well... or disastrous."

"I don't see Roxanna as someone that'd slice her own throat," James replied with a shrug. "But I can see her fighting until she can't. One thing's for sure, this doesn't end without blood. Not while she's alive."

The group focused back on the meeting inside the tower. Roxanna and Fen arrived with their posse and the three sides momentarily squared off in silence, before Roxanna spoke.

"You dare bring this Gold foreigner to our meeting, Gaiyo?" She questioned vehemently. "Have you no respect for our traditions or for yourself?"

"She's merely here as an observer and to protect me," Gaiyo responded. "We are not here to fight."

"That's rich," Fen interjected. "They're known for war and fighting, ain't they? Where they're from? And here you are with the full accountin' of Sons and those foreign bastards behind ya and you're saying you're not here to fight? Did you just lure us here to some trap, Gaiyo?"

"No! This meeting was done so we could avoid fighting, not start it!" Gaiyo replied in an imploring voice. "Everything that's happened... it's all happened to pit us against each other."

"Oh, really?" Asked Fen Driar in disbelief. "Yeah, I heard something like this before. Sure, Gaiyo. And who is behind this all, then?"

"The same one who broke your statue," Gaiyo replied.

Roxanna rolled her eyes. "Tell me, foolish monkey, what possible purpose would we have in embroiling ourselves in this war? I'd rather have you both kill each other than risk my own forces. They are far too superior to die by the likes of your ilk."

"Maybe you're right, maybe you didn't do it," Gaiyo stated back. "Maybe... but if not you, then tell me, do you know who can be behind it?"

"Obviously you are webbing this all together," Roxanna retorted with a snort. "It is easily feasible that you can have your dirty palms tied in this web of atrocities, so that you can claim ownership of ours with the help of your paltry foreign companions." She declared as she shot a nasty look at Guardia. Guardia clenched her jaw in response.

"Enough politics and cheap shots, Queen of Darkness," Gaiyo declared with a serious expression. "I know you know what I mean. I don't know if you haven't had your hands tied in these events, but I'm guessing you actually aren't linked to everything. Most especially this statue business. So tell me, do you know who it might be? Do you know who could be behind this?"

Abel placed his hand on his chin and pondered the same question on the outside, while Roxanna took a moment inside to ponder the question. James shook his head and rolled his eyes. "This is pointless. If I were you, I'd go in there while your friend is still alive and remove Roxanna's head," He muttered.

"We can't betray Gaiyo's trust like that." Cal muttered. "We have to do this his way for now, as long as we're ready."

"... It must not have been an Anatellian, and the pull some'mon must have in order to accomplish this," Roxanna began. "It must have been someone else. Maybe even one of the others. Not Ben. He wouldn't. Neither would Alai. And the three of us make up the three in Anatellia..."

"Come on Rox..." Ben murmured. "You're smart... put it together.... you can do this."

"We're wasting time," James declared again as he shook his head. "Give me an order to carry out already, while I'm still interested."

"I order you to shut up." Ben muttered out.

"There were only two other Agents that came to Anatellia in that time," Roxanna continued. "It couldn't be Grett. I don't see the 'mon being capable of doing something like this... he is far too loyal..."

"Hey, Sableye, can ya give a poor, one-eyed Blaziken a break and let me kill her already?" James murmured through the psychic connection. "While you still can."

"Patience James." Snype said as he shook his head. "We've made it through odd situations like this before... if there really is someone else working behind the scenes then you can bet you'll get plenty of action on him or her...that's why I'm the scout. Kehe" Snype said as he continued searching for anything or anyone suspicious.

"Yeah, well, it may get odder..." The Blaziken murmured.

"Which means, there's only one other Agent it could possibly be," Roxanna concluded. "That blasted mercenary, James!"

Snype glanced back at James as if wanting some kind of confirmation. Just to be safe.

"Of course," James muttered again with a sigh. "Blame the merc, like ya always do."

"Tsk. I can already tell it wasn't you. Call it a hunch. Someone else is involved. Either she's hiding it or she still has no clue." Snype added. "You know anyone else who could be here Jam-"

"ROXANNA!" Ben called out, his psychic powers amplifying his voice, "YOU'RE SMARTER THAN THAT! YOU KNOW THE ANSWER! HELL, I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA! THINK!"

James shook his head. "Idiot," He whispered.

"Wha- Ben?" Roxanna glanced across the tower. "Where are you?" Her eyes trailed to Guardia and Gaiyo. "Where is he? He's here, isn't he?! I demand his immediate return, now!" She clenched her fists. "And if he is here, that means the others of the group is also here. And that includes James, doesn't it? He didn't report back to camp, I can only assume he has turned coat! And I was right!" She pointed violently at Gaiyo. "This was a trap concocted by you! Consider any peace conversations officially dead! I will kill you, then kill the foreigners, and then I shall reclaim my friend!"

"Wait, Ro-" Gaiyo began, but the Zoroark fired off a Dark Pulse at the Ambipom. Guardia shoved the Sons leader out of the line of fire.

"BRING ME HIS HEAD!" Roxanna commanded her Dark Moon followers. "BRING ME ALL OF THEIR HEADS!"

"Blast..." Snype gritted his teeth. "We need to settle this down. James, go down there and defend them."

"With pleasure," The Blaziken nodded and headed down the tower.

"Ben, Roxanna will listen to you. Maybe you have a shot at calming her down... and if you know who it really was, that'd be great info for us to know Ben!" Snype told him.

Ben narrowed his eyes, "It's the same one who cheated in my game." He muttered. "I need to get to her. I'm the only one capable of calming her down. I know that much." He held out a single hand, his eyes flashing once. A second later they were right where they needed to be. "There." He simply stated, "We are here now."

As the group appeared, Roxanna glared angrily, particularly at a few of the 'mon that she recognized before. "You! You will not get away this time, none of you will!" She then saw Ben among the enemy. "Ben! Come over here, so that I don't blast you with the rest!"

Ben frowned, "... A bet was made." He replied softly, "You know the drill. Roxanna.... you know who is going behind our backs. You just have to think about it."

"I do!" Roxanna yelled. "It's that accursed James!"

"Wouldn't James have killed all there? Why would he sneak around to break a statue?"

"Not if he was ordered otherwise!" Roxanna replied with a yell. "Who knows who else could have paid him off!"

Ben frowned, "You're smarter than this. You beat me in chess for crying out loud. Think."

"She beat you in chess?" Raz asked with an amused smirk.

Ben let out a groan, "Oh haha, yes, psychic losing to a dark type. Very humorous, I'm sure, to your lot."

"No, I mean an Alakazam with ridiculous potential intelligence losing to a fucking moron," The wizard paused for a moment to re-evaluate his situation, clearing his throat. "Carry on. Do your thing."

"I grow weary of your guessing game, Benjamin," Roxanna replied as she rolled her eyes. "Tell me which Agent was responsible for this, then. So that I may eliminate him after I eliminate all of these other pathetic mongrels here."

Ben just stared silently at her, "Another who could pass off the attack on James. Who knew we would pass the attack off of the mercenary."

"Your puzzles bore me, Ben. I have had enough!" Roxanna yelled. "I will destroy these ingrates now, and reclaim you. And then I will figure out who did this after they are dead!" The Zoroark wasted no more time on talk, as she commanded her group of Dark Moons forward, and also fired off a Dark Pulse, which was slightly angled, at the group of newcomers.

Snype ended up taking the hit from the Dark Pulse and held up his arms, nearly stumbling over. "Ugh... g-geez..." Snype certainly felt the force of the attack. He almost forgot he was facing against an agent. He couldn't afford to be careless.

Ben's hand snapped out as amid his cards one flew out. "The fool..." He muttered as there was a flash of bright light. "Your puzzles bore me, Ben. I have had enough!" Roxanna yelled. "I will destroy these ingrates now, and reclaim you. And then I will figure out who did this after they are dead!" I suggest you dodge this time. Ben communicated to Snype.

Roxanna, however wasn't even left a chance to complete her attack this time thanks to a shiny green shape crashing into her and rolling with her across the floor. "Not this time bitch!" Cal shouted, releasing a large amount of energy from his body, then suddenly wrapping his arms around Roxanna instead of attacking her immediately.

"Wha-" Roxanna tumbled along with the Dragonite, taken by surprise that he had not only predicted her attack before she began it, but also managed to decipher her location from the illusions before she launched anything. "Unhand me, you corpulent Swinub!" She yelled as she struggled to break free. The Zoroark tried to Crunch at the Dragonite in his grasp.

Cal fought through the pain of Roxanna's bite, and squeezed her tighter. He felt more energy drain from his body and spun a one-eighty to fling Roxanna up into the air. When she was turned she got to see the sphere of black energy coated in blue flames, she was sailing right towards the core of an unreleased Draco Meteor. The Zoroark opened her eyes wide and fired off a Dark Pulse on the attack before it was released in an effort to explode it prematurely. In a flash of dazzling light, however, the shadowy blast was violently torn asunder; the attack dissipated to reveal the Draco Meteor behind it, and sitting atop it was the form of a hooded Ralts.

"Hi!" Razathiel exclaimed with a villainous cackle, flipping off of the meteor and sending it hurtling, unhindered, in the Zoroark's direction. The Zoroark opened her eyes wide in surprise and held out her hands in the hopes of somehow cushioning the blow of the attack. But the Draco Meteor was sent hurdling at her in full force, and she flew back down toward the ground at a rapid, destructive speed. The crash sent temple debris and smoke fluttering across the area.

Roxanna's form slowly emerged from among the fallen rocks. "You..." She struggled to balance herself on her feet. "You pathetic..." She stumbled once. "You pathetic miscreants!" She cried as she released a Night Daze across the ruined temple floor in the hopes of causing enough of a distraction to hide away in an illusion once more.

"Oh no you don't Heads up!!" Snype said as he moved in toward Roxanna and leapt toward her. His eyes gave off a sharp glimmer and then suddenly gave off a bright flash.

"Argh!" Roxanna covered her eyes at the intense glow from the flash, but still managed to fire off her Night Daze. In the attack, she managed to once more shimmer and move swiftly across the room in the confusion, though she did not immediately attack following the flash unleashed on her.

Ben's own cards swirled about again as one flipped about and floated above him. Number eight, the strength. With a grunt, Ben's body underwent quite a metamorphosis. His muscles quickly expanded in volume as he gained a bit of height. The muscular psychic looked about, "Rox... I know you can hear me. You don't have to go at it this way. For the love of the dark one, just screw your head back on! Stop taking things so personal!!"

Snype landed on back on the ground and stood firm. "Ugh, I'm usually the cheer up kinda guy but this looks like kind of a special case... hmm..." Snype looked around to keep an eye on any possible illusions.

Roxanna was already moving around, running across the room in a circular motion. Guardia and Abel barely were keeping track of her, however, as they were engaged with fighting some of the other Dark Moon elites, who were much stronger than they anticipated.

"Don't have to go at it this way?!" Roxanna repeated with disgust. "For once in your life, do me a favor and silence yourself and await rescue, Ben! I will deal with them soon enough!" She yelled and fired off a Dark Pulse again at the group. However, from another part of the room, a second Dark Pulse fired seemingly from thin air toward them.

When Snype temporarily blinded Roxanna Cal was reminded of the way Voltaire's brightest attacks effected her illusions in their last battle. He flew straight up so the Dark pulse wouldn't hit him, regardless of which one was real, and shouted. "Snype! Give us another Flash!"

"Right!" Snype said as his eyes gave off another shimmer and gave off a bright flash ones more! The illuminated light caused the illusion Roxanna to blur and vanish in the light. A light yell erupted from behind the group, approximately in the location the Dark Pulse was fired off from. As the illusion dropped, the Zoroark was seen shielding her eyes.

"Bah... worthless...!" She fired off a Dark Pulse in a random direction, hoping to hit one of them. "Pathetic!" She did so again, and fired off another. "Fools!" She fired off a third one, again without any direction in mind.

"Whoah!" The very first Dark Pulse Roxanna blind-fired managed to go right for Cal, and thanks to it's upward angle he had to go down to really avoid it. Everyone looking in that direction was treated to the sight of Cal leaning so far backwards it looked like he was playing air limbo as his wings struggled beneath him to keep him aloft. He didn't want to get close while she was like that, and it was too soon to use Draco Meteor again, so Cal soared into the crowd of fighters and scooped a Dark Moon Hitmonlee out by his leg. Once he had a bit of breathing room the Dragonite spun and hurled his target at Roxanna while she raged.

Roxanna's eyes had begun to slowly recover, and she was able to focus enough to see the incoming Hitmonlee racing toward her. She tried to sidestep him, but the target crashed onto her and caused her to tumble. The Zoroark groaned on the ground, but quickly crunched the Dark Moon off of her and threw him aside.

"Get off me, you imbecile!" Angrily and with her eyes still stinging, Roxanna fired off another, more powerful Dark Pulse directly in front of her, aiming for all in her path.

Snype was asking to be attacked if he kept on using flash... but so far it was proving to be effective at dealing with Roaxanna. No use fixing what isn't broken! Those Dark Pulses were really cutting it close though. Just one more for Cal to get in close and personal! Snype once again used flash, making a small glimmer once more, and releasing a blinding flash.

The Zoroark this time partially shielded her eyes before the flash went off. "Is that the only trick you know, whelp?!" She cried as she countered at the Sableye with another Dark Pulse.

Snype was blasted away by the Dark Pulse! He figured she'd start catching on but she hasn't caught onto his warning sign... "A-argh!" Snype shouted in pain. as he was blown back by the powerful move. He could use this to his advantage though. using Flash would annoy Roxanna enough to quickly target him... she worked off of impulse. He just had to take advantage of this strategically.

Razathiel had a bit of difficulty in attacking frequently in a mosh-pit such as this, what with so many potential targets that he most certainly didn't want to hit. That wasn't particularly a problem for the mage, however; being ignored gave him ample time to ramp up power and save useful energy, and with plentiful power to spare for levitation, staying away from most of the danger was practically a cakewalk. If he wanted to be useful, however, he of course had to do something sometime, so he turned his attention to something that appeared incredibly easy: taunting Roxanna.

"You keep falling for the only trick he knows?" The wizard laughed. "Now that's just humiliating - I remember upon meeting you I said that you dying like a fucking bitch would be a real shame, but honestly at this point it seems relatively merciful!"

"Relatively merciful?!" She repeated angrily as she shrugged off the effects of Flash, this time she had gotten used to it's effects well enough to avoid another direct blow. "Your death is the only mercy you would receive! But I won't give you that LUXURY!" She boomed as she fired a Dark Pulse at the direction of the Ralts mage.

"You're saying you won't kill me? As if I didn't know?" The Dreadmage snickered, firing a psychic pulse from his right hand to propel him to the left. He countered immediately, spinning in the air and flinging a dazzling bolt of magical energy from the tip of his staff at the Zoroark.

The Queen of Darkness opened her eyes wide as the Ralts skillfully maneuvered around her Dark Pulse, and fired off his own wave of energy at her. Roxanna also attempted to move toward the side, and possibly fire back just as Raz did. But she found his attack coming in faster than her own, and ended up having to make a more forceful roll to the side, with the Dazzling Gleam still hitting part of her leg. She rolled sideways and ended up tumbling, but quickly tried getting up before anyone could take advantage. "... You... silence fool!"

"You're one to talk!" Blasted right in Roxanna's ear as a Superpower-charged fist sailed right for her face. Cal had been trying to position himself so for once Roxanna couldn't hide behind an illusion when he attacked, and when she dodged the Dazzling Gleam she'd rolled right for his waiting arm.

Roxanna was struck directly by the superpowered fist, and was sent sailing to the far end of the room with a painful yelp. She crashed into the side of the tower, near one of the exits. She observed the room briefly. Her Dark Moons were squared off against the other members of the group, but they were getting dismantled by the superior fighters there, including Abel, Guardia, Silence, Zai, and the others. The Reverse Kings seemed to also depart at some point, while Gaiyo and his crew observed in the background.

"Grah... this is foolish..!" The Queen of Darkness uttered as she began to limp toward the exit of the tower. She was about to proceed toward the winding hallway out to the safety of her armies... but her path was blocked. The Zoroark stared on at the familiar Blaziken in her way.

"... You!" She called out, as she glanced from between the one-eyed mercenary and the group behind.

"Why the hell did you teleport without me?" James demanded of the rest of the group.

"Hey I didn't think I'd teleport so soon! Someone didn't give me a warning beforehand!" Snype called out to him. Razathiel, on the other hand, flung himself across the ceiling, coming to a stop directly above Roxanna.

"Are you actually fleeing?" The wizard asked in surprise, a wide grin visible even beneath the mage's hood. "My, my - I thought this couldn't get any better!"

Roxanna glanced up to the hooded mage, a small look of panic on her face. She looked at the others behind as well, and then hesitantly glanced back forward to James. "You have a contract with them now, yes?" She asked. The moment the words left her mouth, a Dazzling Gleam shot down at the Zoroark from above. The Blaziken looked toward her, but before he could answer, Roxanna continued again, desperately aware of the attack now spiraling down toward her. "Kill them, and I will double whateve-!" The Zoroark was suddenly cut off as the Dazzling Gleam impacted her directly, causing her to collapse onto the floor in front of James. The power fairy move tore her apart and caused her to scream out in pain. When it was finished, she was bleeding heavily, with steam coming off of a new set of fresh wounds.

James glanced down at her as she panted heavily and stared at the Ralts furiously, but also with some fear. "D-double..." She whispered, as this was all she could manage now.

"Double?" James repeated with a slight chuckle. "Do you have double of one-hundred thousand?" He asked curiously. Roxanna managed a nod from the floor.

"Comon theres no way she has that kinda cash." Snype said with a huff, not really liking where this was going.

James briefly looked at Snype, and then down to Roxanna. "Alright, I accept," He declared with a nod, as another Dazzling Gleam prepared to come down from Raz. The Zoroark smiled mischievously despite her pain. James leaned down at extended his hand. "Give me my money then. Plus what you owe me for the Altar," The Blaziken demanded. Roxanna's smile vanished. "Right now," James emphasized. He tilted his head. "You don't have it?" He asked, and watched as Raz's attacks were on an intercepting course. The Blaziken shrugged and stepped out of the way of the attacks.

"W-wai-!"

"Rox!" Ben cried out, "Don't do this! Please!" He begged to Cal. "I'll take on any debt! Honest! Just don't!"

Snype looked back at Ben and to Roxanna. He wasn't too comfortable about this either. "...I'd say she's calmed down now. She's on the brink of death. Unless she's really that stubborn... well..." Snype sighed and crossed his arms. He wasn't exactly comfortable with the situation at all. Perhaps because he was in a situation like this as well... he was absolutely twisted almost beyond control yet, he was left alive to change. Maybe he was just too nice... but he wasn't comfortable killing someone's friend right in front of them.

In a rare act of intentional drama the Dazzling Gleam clashed against an intrusion of green. There was a loud groan as Callimer was forced to kneel in pain, even uninjured and prepared for the hit, a fairy attack from the Dreadmage himself was no mere scrape for a dragon type.

"Cal?!" The Dreadmage cried out in dismay. "What the fuck?"

The Emerald Sentinel managed to hold his arm out with a pronounced grimace towards the Zoroark on the ground in front of him. "We aren't like your allies, or your boss. We aren't murderers and I won't see even you slain in cold blood. I ask you once, and only once as the second-in-command of the Gold Tribe, even if I am overstepping my bounds. Roxanna, Queen of Darkness and leader of the Dark Moons, do you surrender?"

The beaten Zoroark glanced at the Dragonite with surprise, but she didn't hide her disgust. However, her initial gaze was broken as she found herself unable to look the 'mon in the eye anymore. A small nod was all she managed to do.

"Kehe... geez Cal, if it wasn't you it would have been me." Snype commented.

"You can't be fucking serious," Razathiel complained, marching about from left to right as if trying to get a better line of sight to fire past the Emerald Sentinel. "You can't just let her fucking live!"

Following the Dark Moons Leader's surprising surrender, the remaining fighters of the Dark Moons abruptly retreated from their fighting positions, whether of cowardice, anger, or surprise at Roxanna's actions. Guardia and Abel, who had been among the ones fighting those Dark Moons, debated whether to pursue, but ultimately decided to take the victory. Guardia walked over to the situation at hand and observed the fallen Roxanna and the others.

"I think this was the right call for now, Sentinel," She stated, with a forceful slap on the Dragonite's back. "Good work, you guys brought another Agent down!" She yelled happily.

"This is a terrible idea, keeping her alive," Abel muttered soon after.

"It's a horrible idea!" Raz reluctantly agreed with the Medicham.

"Well if she doesn't keep her head she won't be." Cal muttered grimly, hoping Abel and Raz were wrong while his own doubts nagged at him.

Ben had already rushed over and had gripped the Zoroark in a tight hug, shaking a bit from seemingly crying as he hugged her tightly. "N-Name it..." He croaked out, "What debt do I have?"

Snype was a bit concerned with how good of an idea it was to keep her alive... but he was happy with the outcome nonetheless. "Keheh... maybe not trying to kill us in the future would be pretty good." Snype commented.

"Why is this even being discussed?!" The Ralts finally cried, snapping. "Are you fucking stupid?! Roxanna has lived past two confrontations, and both times she's come back with yet more general annoyance that was supposed to kill us- you honestly think that this Zoroark, who has been by all accounts the most deceptive bitch in the known world, deserves not only a second chance, but a fucking fourth?!"

"Raz is right," Abel agreed. "If we let her live, she'll come back later and try to kill us again. And if not us, then someone else allied with us. If we decide to imprison her, how long do you think that'll hold? How long did it hold for that one?" He asked, pointing to Ben. "His buddies busted him out within a day, and they could do the same for Roxanna. By keeping her alive, we're asking for trouble. Finish the job, like we did with Tyren."

"I didn't ask your opinion- fuck off!" The Ralts snapped, before adding: "He's right though."

Cal let out a deep sigh and spoke over his shoulder, refusing to look away from Roxanna just in case. "Have you noticed how the Agents have all been given piece-meal information? Now we have three, they can all tell us different things, and another one of our agents is much more valuable to us if she's alive. Besides, whatever ends up happening. I need to speak to Roxanna and Ben alone, later once everything's calmed down. I have some very important questions for both of them."

"Questions like what?" Anna asked completely out of gosh goddamn nowhere. She wasn't skeptical that Cal could handle himself alone with the two but what did he have to ask that was in private? Especially with Ben who for the most part didn't try to kill them like Roxanna had a time or two. "That need to be said privately, that is."

"I just figure any talk with Roxanna shouldn't have more 'mon there than necessary, do you expect her to be forthcoming if she isn't given a damn good reason? We can bring someone else in if she agrees, but I have something I have to know and I'd rather stack the odds in my favor as heavily as possible." He shook his head and looked down. "It's a perfectly valid question, but it just feels necessary if I'm being honest."

"Are you fucking-?!" The Dreadmage let out a wail of anger, thrusting his staff to the side and letting loose a pent-up Dazzling Gleam that tore through a nearby window with an impressive crash. "I don't expect her to be forthcoming at all! The bitch is nearly as spiteful as me, for fuck's sake! Need I remind you that the last thing she tried to do was lie to James - and don't even get me fucking started on James - to get him to turncoat and kill us all?! It'd be ludicrous to think she'd survive that kind of situation- she just wanted at least some of us dead, in any way she could possibly manage! Roxanna must die! There is no workaround! There is nothing about her that gives us incentive to keep her alive! Why is this even fucking being discussed?!"

"The only reason it's being discussed is because this crybaby," Abel explained as he gestured to Ben, "doesn't want us to kill her. And he's an Agent. If he weren't here, we would have done it already. Why are you all so blind that you can't see the mistake you're making?"

Guardia sighed and looked over to the side, to see Gaiyo and his Sons of Arceus approaching. "Any opinion on this, Gaiyo?" She asked the Ambipom.

"I'd rather see her dead than not, to be honest," Gaiyo replied with a shrug. "But as long as she's out of my hair, that's fine enough with me."

"Why are only the pricks agreeing with me?" Razathiel muttered to himself.

"Quit your whining Raz." Cal countered. "If she ends up being trouble or tries to hurt anyone we'll end her, but I think we can avoid that this time around. Tell you what, if it comes to that, I'll make sure you get to do it."

"And you think there's the slightest chance she won't be?" The wizard snapped. "You think it's worth the chance she might succeed?"

"No, I don't think she has a chance to succeed." Cal replied grimly. "Besides, have you forgotten all of the agents have staggered information? Each one knows different things we can use. And besides I'm sure between all the sharp minds on our side and the wide array of psychic, mental, and magic power we have on our side we can cobble together an illusion proof prison, or at least an illusion proof guard to watch her. So we're taking her, for now, got it?" He finished with a note of finality, making it clear he'd have no further debating at that moment.

"No! Not at all! It's all well and good to assume we have all these wonderful resources and such an abundance of time on our hands - and besides! I've said it before, I'll say it again: Roxanna is a sly, deceptive bitch who will more than likely lead us into some form of a trap or a trick or whatever; we gain nothing from her continued existence!"

Ben gave a weak nod, "I can promise you all this. You keep her alive... and I will make it worth it." He said with a meek bow of his head, "Honest."

Guardia glanced skeptically at Ben and crossed her arms. "Yeah... uh-huh, well we'll take her with us for now, and talk it over again later if we have to, since we have some disagreement," She explained as she glanced over to Gaiyo. "So... what exactly happens now? Does taking Roxanna out of the picture stop any of this?"

Gaiyo's eyes shot to the floor and he shook his head. "No, I don't think so. The Dark Moons aren't like the Seekers, a one-'mon-control all group. If you take out the leader, another one will rise up. Thankfully not as villainous, but still..." He looked back up. "This civil war is happening now. And I don't mean to be rude, but it's an Anatellian matter. That's how it started, and that's how it should be solved. So as of now, we can't help you in your fight... but maybe we can reconsider if we're still standing at the end of this. It'll be the least we can do for how you've helped out around here."

Guardia shook her head. "I guess I understand, even though I don't quite like it... what do you think are your chances?" She asked.

Gaiyo crossed his arms. "Well... winning the under-race was a good thing. We've gained respect, and some minor sects to join up with us as a result. Taking the Gambler out of the picture was good, too. It stopped him from shipping off our recruits. I'm also glad we managed to stop the Earth Dweller bomb from setting off. If it had, a lot of Sons would be dead now, which would have definitely lowered our chances," He explained, but then his expression formed into a frown.

"I wish your Weavile and Absol friends could have been successful in recruiting Just Root," Gaiyo continued. "Having an old, knowledgeable sect like that on our side could have gained us a lot of respectability, maybe some more smaller sects could have seen us in a better light and jumped aboard. I'm also upset that we lost our allied sect Shaymin's Riders. Having them defect and then be taken out... not a good thing. It'll hurt our chances. Having Francis die in the trial was a huge blow too. He was well liked, and a good leader. Could be a blow to morale. But... in the end, we did take Roxanna out of the picture too, which was a big win. Having her at the head of the Dark Moons could have proved disastrous. Overall..." Gaiyo placed a hand to his chin and pondered. "... it'll be a tough road, but I think we can pull this off. It won't be without casualties, though."

"Yeah, I hear you," Guardia nodded. "Good luck. It looks like you'll need it."

Gaiyo nodded. "Yeah, you too. Keep the fight going on the outside. Oh, and before I forget, I have something for you," He motioned to one of the Sons beside him, who brought him a set of books, as well as a small pouch. "A few parting gifts. The books are something you requested a while ago. I should have given it then but... well, you know, things aren't as they are now with us. They should have some info on the Guardians you were looking for, as well as other things that might be useful. In the pouch..." He reached in and grabbed something out of it, a Mega Stone. "something given to us by a pair of concerned citizens. A Minccino and Croconaw. What were their names again? Gage? Yeep? Yorp?" Gaiyo shrugged. "Anyway, they found it, so I figure one of you may need it more than us."

Guardia extended her hands and accepted the gifts. "Thanks, Gaiyo. This'll be a big help!"

The Ambipom nodded again. "We best get to this warring business. Safe travels, foreigners."

 

[SV]

Raz, Guardia, Abel, Silence, Cal, and Snype - Back in Fort Ferrol

The Network Point in Fort Ferrol shined brightly, and a few seconds later, the group from Anatellia teleported there. Their journey through Anatellia was mostly uneventful, save for Raz's constant protesting of bringing Roxanna along. His wasn't the only voice of doubt about this decision. It was clear to Guardia this was something that needed to be discussed, and discussed right away.

"Alright, alright!" Guardia cried out as they made it through back to Ferrol. "We're obviously not going to get past this until we make a decision. Clearly some of you have a problem with Roxanna being here, so let's hear it all now."

"She can't be allowed to live!" Razathiel continued, having barely paused throughout the entire journey. "We're jeopardising all of our lives and the entire mission! It's ludicrous!"

"I agree," Abel chimed in with his arms crossed. "There is no good enough or reasonable reason to keep her alive. There are too many variables we can't account for."

Snype didn't seem to have a comment on anything. In fact, the Sableye was reading through the new book that Guardia had obtained on the way back. Once he finished skimming through it, Snype was quick to suddenly separate from the group. He didn't seem to care about the situation at the moment.

Guardia glanced curiously at the departing Snype, then once more focused on the situation at hand. "One sec," Guardia waved over to the familiar Gold Tribe Dusknoir Wraith, who was patrolling not too far away.

"Hmm? Oh, Guardia," The Dusknoir Gold Tribes'mon greeted. "You're back? It's good to see you again. I was wondering if you were going to be back later, or perhaps if yo-"

"Not now, Wraith," Guardia interrupted the talkative Dusknoir. "I need you to take this prisoner to holding. Take Reign with you, and also take a few Alpha Alliance soldiers and SEC members to help with the escort. Find someone who knows foresight or odor sleuth, preferably both, and cast it too. Keep her alive, and isolated. Understood?"

Wraith looked over the damaged Zoroark Agent, and nodded. He quickly left with her in tow.

"There, now that we have that sorted, we can talk more freely," Guardia continued.

Razathiel began hopping in place, pointing in the direction of the leaving group and making impatient noises, clearly distressed that the Zoroark was being taken away in a very much alive state.

"I think it's rather simple, she has information, she surrendered. She's useful and we have ways to keep her at our mercy if we really can't get anything out of her and if she tries to escape." Cal jumped in. He wasn't too comfortable saying anything about his plan in case it ended up being all for naught, but he figured he had to. "And Roxanna isn't like Ben or James, she truly seemed loyal to Darkrai. That may make it harder to get anything out of her, but it also means she may know things neither of them would ever be told. And maybe, just maybe, there's some way we can sever her connection to Darkrai, make it safe to leave her alive so we don't have to corrupt a valuable asset like Ben by hurting her. I just need to sit down with Ben and Roxanna and talk."

James snorted from behind the Dragonite. Guardia and Abel looked over to the Blaziken. "Hmm? Sorry, did you want me to go or something? Not sure since no one really asked me to do anything. Although it is technically the Sableye's call... " He looked around briefly then pointed his thumb in the other direction. "I can just go if you don't want to hear anything out of me. I mean, what do I know? I was only an Agent," He added with a shrug.

"Uuuggghhh..." Razathiel groaned, his shoulders slumped. "And to think, I'd forgotten for a moment that you goody-two-shoes hero prick-faces always default to believing there's good in everyone..." The wizard sighed in defeat. "I tried my best. If this all goes horribly wrong, feel free to come crawling for my aid. Hopefully it won't come to that."

"Noted," Guardia commented toward the Ralts. "But this was my second-in-command's decision, and I'll respect it. For now, we keep her. But we'll monitor. And if anything changes, then we'll change with it. Anything else anyone has to bring up immediately?" She asked as she looked around. "Because if not, I'd say we've all earned a little break."

"Eeehhh... I guess that's my cue," James stated with a stretch. "If anyone wants to spar, I'll be by the river somewhere."

"Break?" Raz grumbled. "I can't 'break'. I'll be on edge for every second Roxanna remains alive. And I'm usually on edge - but in the sense that makes being this on edge bothering, because I'm never usually this on edge. And I'm always on edge. I'm- fuck it..." The wizard shook his head and began to stomp away. "Can't even get a proper sentence out, that's how fucking on edge I am."

Cal simply watched the others, trying to be content with having said his piece. He wanted to go spar with James, relieve some stress, but this was something he couldn't risk being worn out for. So he clenched his fists and followed the path Wraith had taken.

Silence eyed the Emerald Sentinel as he left, before turning to Guardia. "If the big green guy fails to get this done peacefully, there are still other... methods available to us." The Weavile raised a claw to hold off any comments as she continued. "I know, I know, torture and all that fun stuff probably isn't your thing, and you don't wanna resort to that, blah blah blah." She rolled her eyes. "But if it comes down to it and nothing else works, do ya really wanna just let her loose with all that good info she's got in that noggin of hers? Let me do my thing, and once we get all we can outta her, we end her so she can't escape and rejoin her Dark One."

Guardia waited for the Weavile to finish before she responded. "... I don't like it, but if she may know something and Cal can't get it out of her, we might consider it. But we're gonna try everything else first. I definitely don't wanna open with this. Clear?"

"Yeah, yeah, you're the boss," Silence responded with a wave of her hand.

 

[Sephear]

CalRoxBen: The 'Interrogation' Part I​

Wraith and the other guards watching Roxanna hadn't been easy to persuade, but after ten minutes of constantly cutting off the Dusknoir's tendency to drone on about a single thing, he'd managed to get them to give him some space without having to pull rank on them. Cal now sat in the isolation room in a spot across from Roxanna, allowing her a chair of her own, and decided to start without waiting for Ben to show up. "Now Roxanna, I know this is going to be hard to believe, but I'm mainly acting out of my own curiosity, specifically about you. I'd never insult your intelligence by pretending I don't hope to strengthen our position, but I also want to see if we can get out of this without anyone else being hurt. If you want, I'll stay quiet until Ben shows up, I want him here with you for this, but if I may I have a few questions to start with that don't necessarily need him."

Roxanna made no comment other than to shift in her cell, and glare at the Dragonite angrily. She seemed to have no intention of cooperating. But she also seemed to not be her usual, talkative self either. Perhaps her defeat had somewhat grounded her for the moment.

Ben just looked over at Cal, "First off... treat her like she is supposed to be treated. Like a worthy combatant. It took all of you to take her down, after all."

Cal glared daggers at Ben and began to wonder if he had been too generous so far. "No Ben, first off, I have already given Roxanna more respect than anybody would ever expect an enemy who's caused so much trouble with the express intent of murdering everyone I care about to get! Second off I argued against people who despise her to keep her alive when they have every right to want her death, I did all of that because I thought it was right, and so you didn't have to watch your friend die in front of you. And even though I did all of that, with nothing personally to gain from either of you, you have the balls to tell me I should treat her more respectfully? You may want to think very carefully about how much respect you show, I thought better of you."

Ben just stared at him, "You won't get any answers this way, Cal. You know it, I know it. She responds to certain stimuli. Which means you can spend a year and get nothing... or you can tweak your words a bit and get what you need. You're a very smart dragon, so you do the math. Do you have a year to get what you need from her? That's the question right now."

"Actually." Cal intoned. "I'm just treating Roxanna like an intelligent 'mon, one who can see that I'm not out to ruin her life, or it would have ended, I took a super-effective attack to save her life. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Like an equal, despite the fact that I feel like if our positions were reversed she would slit my sister's throat and force me to watch the life drain out of her eyes before she killed me too." He finished grimly. "Besides, this isn't an interrogation truly, not unless it has to be. My first question for Roxanna is a very simple one, with no way for me to profit off of it. I think you'll agree it's a fair one."

Ben shook his head, "... She might not be able to answer it." He stated sadly, "There are some queries I cannot answer either. It's... it's how we work. Look, the big head has a lot of potential for plans, but he barely tells us anything. It's far different from how you Valkarians operate. We all have our own patches of land. If you were to tie me to a table, and use a Scyther to slice my legs off while screaming at me to tell you what is happening in... say, Tollen, I couldn't. I don't have any knowledge of what Tyren and Gabe did there. To us, that was their own business. We have some general knowledge, but most of the Agents stick to their own territory and their own business. So, asking anything specific about them won't get you much. Hell, I only know half of them personally. The others I only know the name and that's it." He gave a helpless shrug.

"That's why we have more than one agent." Cal began. "And that was one of my main arguments for keeping Roxanna alive in the first place. I'm not here to talk about any of the other agents, I'm here to talk about the two of you. And I don't think that Roxanna is quite as compelled as you are, considering her genuine loyalty to Darkrai. But on to the question, I'm sure you'll agree it's a passable one. Roxanna, how did you come to serve Darkrai? I don't need any damning details, I just want your personal take on how you came to know of him, and how he earned your loyalty. I hope that you are under no oath to keep from me such a simple, personal story."

"... If you believe I will reveal anything that will jeopardize my allies or followers, you are mistaken," Roxanna muttered. "But I will play your little game enough to answer your one question. As with most Agents, I was approached to join. It is usually one of two Agents who recruit others: either Revoll or Gabriel. At the time, I did not know he was the Dark One himself, but it was Gabriel who approached me when I was the leader of the Dark Moons, a third-tier sect with barely any power at the time. He told us of the rise of Darkrai in Valkaria, and gave us the opportunity to meet him in person. After that, our crusade had begun, and the Dark Moons had arisen from the slums to the top of Anatellia's sects!"

Ben let out a weak sigh, "Look... Cal, this is going to be difficult for her. Rox is very prideful. She won't let anything too important slip out."

Without responding to Ben Cal nodded slowly at Roxanna and leaned forward with interest. "Good, that leads perfectly into my next question. If I may Roxanna, how did the Dark Moons come to be?"

Roxanna leaned back against the wall with a bit of a struggle and scoffed. "Pah... that's a ridiculous question! The Dark Moons have been around for thousands of years, as have most of the other sects. But it was only recently that they arose to their current reputable status. All thanks to me! And I had done so with the graces of the Destruction Saint!"

"I see, glad to hear it." Cal replied softly. "How did you become the leader of the Dark Moons?"

"I clawed my way to the top," Roxanna hissed, then fell silent. "And that is all I will say on that matter."

"You don't want to know anymore.." Ben murmured out, "Trust me."

"Ok, what about how you joined?" Cal asked next.

Ben thought for a moment, "I've always been a gambler." he started off. "I usually gambled for coin, or for items. Then, out of the blue, Gabe appeared. The wager was far steeper. If he won, I would work for him. If he lost, he would have to overturn all of his worldly possessions to myself." He gave a weak shrug, "You can see how that turned out."

Cal nodded at Ben. "Every gamble has risks, but rarely can someone see them all before they come to pass...What about you Roxanna? How did you become a member of the Dark Moons to begin with?"

"I was born into the sect," She replied with the familiar hint of disdain in her voice. "As were my parents, and those before me. We are born of Darkrai's blood."

"I am one of the few who joined up early who wasn't born in their sect." Ben explained. "I was actually cast out of my own sect when I had met Gabe. They saw my powers as... unnatural. Being against the gods. So, they cast me out. The Dark Moons basically became my true home."

"Ok this amount of cooperation is good. I have another question, if it's not too invasive. "How did you two become friends? More specifically, how did you get as close as you are now?" Cal tipped his head with the new question, he felt he was making progress, but he still wasn't sure if he'd ever get what he wanted out of it.

"That's none of your business," Roxanna snapped. "Our history is our own, Dragonite."

Ben let out an amused chuckle, "Really, Rox? You don't want to tell the nice fellow about how we... met eyes... and how we found ourselves so... drawn to each other?" He waited for a moment, before he chuckled, "Sorry, I couldn't resist." His smirk faded, "And if Rox isn't telling, I'm not telling either. There's a secret to getting Rox to at least not insult you, and I'm not shedding it. I figured it out on my own, so you should start figuring it out yourself." He gave a small bow of his head, "And if I figured it out, well, it won't take you much time until you figure it out too."

"Stop talking about me as if I'm not here!" Roxanna snapped to the Alakazam. "You're pretentious sometimes yourself, fool. Claiming you know of me and my own thoughts. You may know me well, more than most, but even you don't know me as well as you think!"

Ben just closed his eyes, a small smirk on his face, "If you say so. I'll remain quiet for now. Sorry for my earlier comments." He replied cordially.

Cal nodded again, looking back and forth between the two. It was a story he genuinely wanted to hear if he got the chance, but for the moment he had more important concerns. "My next question may or may not be the last one depending on your answer Roxanna. First, however, I'd like to say you were a very worthy opponent. I'm not sure how our fight would have gone if I'd been alone, even without your Rhyperior." A genuine smile graced Cal's face as he recalled the exhilaration that only finds him in the midst of a hard fight and he stood up and offered Roxanna his hand.

"Save me your pitiful displays and get on with your question," The Zoroark muttered grumpily. "So that I may enjoy my imprisonment in peace."

"First let me make one thing clear." Cal added "I'm here to try and help you get out of this alright first and foremost Roxanna, I'm not trying to manipulate you." He sat back down and sighed, unsurprised about the results, but still disappointed. "This will probably seems a bit pointless to ask, and I have a feeling I already know the response I'll get but let's see if I'm surprised. After the times we've clashed, Roxanna, how would you rate me as an opponent? As a matter of logic I mean, what would you honestly say if you could keep your disdain for me out of the matter?"

"Really? That is it? All of this build up and you ask that of me?" Roxanna shook her head. "You are an odd one. I am not sure whether it is simple foolishness, or pride. What do you want me to say to you? Hmm? Why do you keep pressing? Do you wish me to state you are a worthy fighter? A strong opponent? Are you that arrogant of yourself? Yes, yes, you are decent. Not the best I have seen, but a decent fighter."

"Nope." Cal stood up and stretched, as uncomfortable in chairs as he ever was. "This isn't about me Roxanna, it's about you. You're the star of the show as it stands and still the Queen of Darkness, I'm just trying to learn a bit more about you. For my own curiosity, and for Ben's sake because I'd prefer not to hurt either of you if I can avoid it. Believe it or not, I'm the one who told him that you'd be allowed to live if you surrendered. He didn't have to ask. Think about what I've said, and whatever else you feel you should for now. I'll be back to speak with you again later, it's actually been nice getting to know you a bit better so far."

"You... you impudent... bah," The Zoroark threw her arms up and turned around in her cell as she muttered under her breath and shook her head.

"Remember, Rox." Ben replied calmly, "Deep breathing."

"Silence yourself!"

Ben just smirked at that, "As you say."

"Come, Ben, I'm afraid I can't leave you here with Roxanna, and even if I could I think she should be alone for the moment." Cal held the door open for the Alakazam and called "Two coming out!" To Wraith and the 'mon he'd brought with him to watch Roxanna.