Chapter 36

Cornered

"Oh, here it is! Lemme see… Yveltal, the God Of Destruction. He is said to be the counterpart to Xerneas, the Goddess Of Life Eternal." A page was turned in the book. "Hey - look what it says here. 'When his plumage glows deathly red, a devastating attack is released that petrifies any Pokémon struck by it into stone'. That must've been what happened to all those Pokemon in that city if it really happened."

Gallade grimaced and lowered his head. "... Please continue."

Heliolisk copied his expression as he flicked through another page of the dusty book splayed on a wide wooden table. "It says here that after Yveltal fought with Xerneas long ago, then turned his body into a cocoon to slumber and regain his strength. But it also says that this was mere speculation, and Yveltal has been considered deceased, along with Xerneas, for more than ten thousand years."

"Until now that is…"

Heliolisk shut the book. "Does this satisfy you now?" he bemoaned.

Gallade rapped his blade-like elbows against the table in thought. "Almost. I believe we have a source of information on Xerneas here if you would please locate it."

Heliolisk crossed his arms and shot him an unamused look. "Do I look like Magearna to you? I'm not the servant around here."

A rich chuckle stirred out of Gallade. "'Knowledge is a very important weapon in one's arsenal.' Do you remember hearing Sergeant Malamar spout those words at every training session?"

"Please… I don't want to live through another one of those stupid, long-winded book clubs he made us do."

"Ah, but 'Accelgor's Resolve' has excellent themes and storytelling! Did you not catch that the third time he made us read it?"

"The only thing it's excellent at is making you fall asleep." Heliolisk rolled his eyes at the extra round of laughter coming from Gallade as he hopped off a rickety, wooden chair.

The Electric-type meandered through the expansive halls of bookshelves, his agitated steps echoing off the black marble flooring. Gallade watched him hesitantly ascend up a tall ladder leaning against a bookshelf with a smile. His eyes then flicked to the other shelves lining the chamber, his amusement now dampened at what he saw.

The shelves were mostly empty, and the Archive itself was almost always barren of new entries. Gallade had even distinctly remembered certain books from the outside that were removed and never brought back. It seemed only content that was written within the city and approved by the Alignment's higher authority was allowed to remain.

'For how much our superiors say that knowledge is important, why do they limit us in such ways?' Gallade questioned in his mind.

Heliolisk was nearing the topmost shelf before the flickering of the ceiling lights stopped him. A second later, the entire room was sundered into complete darkness. The Electric-type shuddered from atop the ladder as his body then lit up in a yellow and illuminated his surroundings. "S-stupid blackouts," he muttered. "It's been happening all the time this past week. Sometimes I envy those above ground. All they have to do is zap a little lightbulb and they have working lights again."

"They must be adjusting the tower per the Allfather's request," Gallade said as he looked around.

Moments passed before the vibrant, orange ceiling lights turned back on. Heliolisk thanked the Allmother under his breath as he rummaged through the few books on the top shelf. He picked up one and briefly opened it.

"Looks like this is it," he said before tossing it behind him.

Gallade effortlessly caught the book mid-air and eagerly cracked it open. He flipped through its pages and stopped at one in particular. He analyzed the rough sketch of a lithe Pokemon with tall rainbow colored antlers. "Here she is - Xerneas. It says here she brings the wealth of life and the growth of flora with each step of her hooves. Before her demise, it says that she inhabited a mystical and abundant forest isolated in a separate reality from our world. Only those worthy of seeing her could find their way into it and be rewarded with eternal life."

Heliolisk scoffed. "You really believe all of this? That these 'Legendary' Pokemon could be so godlike and all-powerful? It's stupid."

"Perhaps not to the extremes we see mentioned in these mythic tales. But after all this destruction that Yveltal has seemingly wrought, there has to be an inkling of truth in these texts."

"Isn't that blasphemy? The only Pokemon in this world that is a god is the Allmother - the only god to ever exist. These other Pokémon can't be like her at all; that would go against everything we've known!"

"You're correct, Heliolisk. It's rather asinine to suggest these things. But…" Gallade closed the book and took a deep breath. "There are so many Pokemon out in this world that we never realized before. They're all so different and believe in things we never could ourselves. You've seen it. It's fascinating in a way how little they know about this world, and how little even we know about it. We're alike in that regard."

"Fascinating that all of them could be so backward?" Heliolisk drolled. "Tch, last time we were up there, we got captured and threatened. The Pokemon of the outside world, they're…" He grit his teeth as his tail thrashed behind him. Gallade knew there was more he wanted to say, but the room remained silent as the Electric-type shook his head. "It's crazy that we even found ourselves in these positions as ambassadors. I never thought I'd see myself talking about the outside world or even seeing it all in my life."

"We're very lucky Pokemon - you and I."

"Yup. We sure are."

Heliolisk began climbing down the ladder but stopped when his gaze crossed a stack of magazines matte paper. Gallade swore he could see stars in the lizard's eyes as Heliolisk swiped them and proceeded to jump off the ladder. He presented them to a thoroughly astonished Gallade.

"Look! It's back after so long! 'The Misadventures Of Team Bolt and Commander Raichu'!" Heliolisk tore his gaze from his comrade to the stack of booklets his claws gripped tightly. He excitedly flipped through pages and pages of illustrated Pokemon and striking text boxes. "Don't you remember? This stuff was worth more than a day's meal to me back then! Oh, man, it's all coming back…"

Gallade smiled upon witnessing his friend's elation. "Of course I do. And I think you remember those pretend plays we did." Noticing Heliolisk's smile morph into a sly grin, he puffed up his chest and raised an arm that swept through the air. "It is I, the illustrious Commander Raichu! Halt your villainy or face the might of my shocking attacks!" he bellowed with an air of bravado.

Heliolisk could contain his laughs as he almost dropped the stack of booklets. "Man, you play him better than the Pokemon in the short films. And I always thought I could play him."

"There's always a chance in the future, you know."

"Yeah, but I'd doubt they'd want to cast someone like me," Heliolisk lamented with a sour expression. He spread out the books he carried onto the wooden table. "Hey! How about we stay here a little while longer and do some more reading? Y'know, like the old days!"

"I thought you hated me dragging you to the Archives?" Gallade inquired.

Heliolisk pouted. "C'mon! I've got the cool stuff right here and not those boring old textbooks."

Gallade stood up from his seat. "As much as I would like to indulge in some nostalgia, we have more important matters for today." He emphasized by tapping the green saddlebag slung across his shoulder. "Let's leave the Archive and get to it before the day's over and curfew kicks in."

"Agh! Really? But yeah… you're right."

"But there's always tomorrow, brother," Gallade said with a jostling of the Electric-type's shoulder.

Heliolisk's smile returned.

Together, they put back the books they had plucked from the shelves and made their way to the entrance of the maze-like library. They gave their hushed farewells to a bored-looking Togedemaru librarian manning an empty desk. The Archive's tall, ornate double doors swung open as Gallade and Heliolisk emerged into a narrow corridor. The buzz of orange ceiling lights dangling above them bounced off the walls forged from riveted, black steel.

"Another reason to hate the Archives; this place gives me the creeps," Heliolisk said. "This place is always really empty and feels abandoned."

"You know why. We're some of the only Pokemon allowed to enter and browse whatever we wish. Not many Pokemon get the chance to experience something so grand, so life-changing, so-"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it - we're lucky and all. But-"

The words in Heliolisk's throat died as the room's humming became mute, the lights shutting off and bringing forth darkness. His body shuddered as he muttered unintelligible curses at their situation. A few seconds passed before the lights turned on again.

"You know, one of these days you will have to conquer your fears about being in the dark," Gallade said. "It'd also save you from an embarrassing conversation later in life."

"Oh, shut up!" Heliolisk blurted as his cheeks burned. "I wouldn't go around telling 'mons about how you're scared of Ghost-types!" A smug smile tugged at Heliolisk's mouth.

Gallade held his head up high in a humorous display. "You wouldn't because that's complete slander of my character."

"Hah! As if! And trust me, I've known you for a loooooong time. There's plenty more stuff I know about the 'honorable and mighty Gallade' that 'mons don't know about."

"Oh, but there's something I know about you that trumps anything you know about me."

"And that is?"

Heliolisk nearly shrieked as Gallade began tickling the collar of black frills along his neck. Involuntary laughter bubbled out of the Electric-type's chest as he thrashed and attempted to relinquish himself from Gallade's nonstop barrage.

"Haha! Stop! P-please! Ha- Stop!"

In a bid to put a stop to his friend's antics, Heliolisk reached a claw outward and clasped the red crest on Gallade's chest. The Psychic-type clenched up and spasmed slightly as his nerves were jolted by the sudden sensation.

But more importantly to Heliolisk, the madness was over. He playfully shoved Gallade. 'Don't do that ever again! And here I thought you were supposed to be the older and more mature one here…"

"By only a year, brother. And sometimes you forget I am still the same Pokemon you knew all the way back then. Teasing and all, of course."

"Well, you manage to hide it well during trips. Speaking of which, what's so important that we have to do today?"

"We're going to the Alabaster Floret Palace and speaking to the Allfather," Gallade said. He popped open a pouch of his saddlebag and looked at the glossy Projection Crystal tucked inside. "I believe we have much to discuss with him after recent events."

Heliolisk soured at the mention of the Pokemon. "The Allfather, huh? What is there to talk about - the Yveltal thing? You know there are whispers from the other soldiers that the Eden Theater was destroyed in the attack. If that attack even happened at all."

"It's mere conjecture for now. I would like to hear it from the Allfather himself. But no, there's something else we need to discuss with him. I think you know what I'm talking about."

The Electric-type frowned. "Yeah… I remember. And I have a lot of other things to ask him as well," he said, his tone laced with venom.

Gallade scowled at him as they both jogged up a flight of stairs at the end of the hallway. "Keep your antagonism of our glorious Allfather sealed behind your lips. We will be there to discuss and not accuse."

"Whatever…"

Breaching another set of doors, they stepped out into the city. They were immediately assaulted by the combined luminosity of pulsating neon lights built into surrounding structures and tall street lamps. Gallade narrowed his eyes at the overwhelming display and swept their surroundings with his gaze. Pockets of misty fog rolled across the streets and obscured the few clothed Pokemon that walked it. They were silent and kept their heads low as they walked, entering tall abodes constructed from steel. The cavern walls encasing the district in were dark as can be, apart from the occasional spikes of glowing, aqua-blue crystals jutting out like stalactites. Beyond the darkness, a cluster of lights belonging to the greater city was visible.

Gallade's ears could pick up the faint thrums of a violin through the stillness - a street performer, he deduced. He drank in these familiar sights with a sigh and took a breath of the artificial air. The more he looked, the more he realized the stark differences between the cities Celestic and his own. There was no hawking of goods on bustling marketplaces here, no joyous moments, or friendly connections that spread to the crowds like a contagion. But he understood that it was always like this.

This was his home. A place he was born and lived all his life in. The recognition of this always stirred feelings of melancholy within him.

Heliolisk slapped his shoulders with a claw. "C'mon. You can daydream about the rain later."

"Oh, I will," Gallade responded, smirking. "But since you brought it up, I have learned a few more facts about rain during our time above ground. Did you know the rainiest place on our planet is a jungle within Celestic called the Dewfall Vineha-"

"Agh!" Heliolisk covered his ears. "Please stop! I don't wanna hear anymore!"

Gallade laughed cheerfully.

Not long into their journey, Gallade noticed the way Pokemon in their path would scatter when they caught sight of them. It had been something he had witnessed ever since his promotion from mere soldier to an ambassador of their entire cause. Many Pokemon in the city spoke to him differently, treated him differently, and generally tried to avoid him.

'It has to be because of that. I thought they were jealous once, but now I know the real reason.'

Gallade looked down at the armband looped around his arm that concealed his Mega Bracelet. The once golden-lined insignia he donned was now a prominent white. It signified his rank and importance to all who saw it. He remembered the days when he and Heliolisk did all they could to not cross paths with Pokemon wearing these armbands to avoid potential punishments.

'They fear me. They fear us.'

It disturbed him greatly.

A glance over at his partner showed that Heliolisk felt the opposite. The Electric-type appeared to revel in the feelings he got when the Pokemon that caught his gaze shrank and tried to make themselves not visible. Gallade could feel the pride emanating from his toothy smile.

He was unsure of how to feel about this.

"Yoo-hoooooo! Misters Gallade and Heliolisk!" a female voice called out to them from the shadows.

Gallade turned and felt a chill run down his spine as he saw a Mismagius and Misdreavus floating over. Of all the Pokemon that feared their status in the city, Mismagius was one whose brazenness and mirth never swayed her from engaging. She never appeared frightened of getting punished for her boldness. It was a trait he admired of her, even if she did scare the living daylights out of him on most occasions. After all, she did know both of them before they were inducted as soldiers of the Alignment.

Mismagius hovered just a few feet away from the both of them; the Misdreavus hid behind its older guardian. Mismagius wore a fancy dress of vivid orange colors and splotches of light purple that draped off her ghostly form. She twirled in the air and showcased the sparkling, golden ribbons, purple bows, and other flashy accessories displayed upon her attire.

"I look simply ravishing, don't I?" she asked haughtily. A hint of amusement seemed to always lurk in her tone.

Gallade's nerves were still shot. "Uh, I…"

"Oh, Sir Gallade, so stiff and chivalrous. Where's your chutzpah now?"

"You look extremely beautiful today, uh, Mismagius," a heavily blushing Heliolisk said.

Mismagius smiled widely and spun again in place. "My oh my, thank you for your kind words, Sir Heliolisk. At least someone here has the courtesy to compliment a lady…" She looked at Gallade and stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner.

Gallade crossed his arms. "Is there something we can do for you, Mismagius?"

"Can a woman not broach a dialogue with her closest friends anymore? Oh, the horror of such a thought!" Mismagius cried out before growing a warm smile. "Actually, my dears, I wish to know more about this recent "expedition" you two embarked upon! If I am allowed to know, of course."

Heliolisk raised a brow. "Well, we can't talk about any political junk going on, but what did you want to know?"

"Everything! I've always been meaning to ask about your excursions, but I've sadly never had the chance." She gasped. "Like the 'sun'! The gigantic fireball that hangs in the sky and provides light and warmth to the world. You must have seen it with your very eyes - and they aren't burnt off! Tell me, is it really that gargantuan? And does it burn those who anger it?"

Gallade shook his head. "In some textbooks above ground, they say the sun is a star that is actually very far away from the planet. There is even a Legendary Pokemon called Solgaleo that is said to be an emissary of the sun itself. It's very imposing."

"Yeah, Gallade here can tell you all about how he couldn't stand the heat whenever it was out. But I totally loved it!" Heliolisk said, smiling. "The captain of our first expedition told us to not stare up at it, 'cause it's very bright and can hurt your eyes."

Mismagius cackled loudly. "I imagine it would be a hundred times worse than staring at the gaudy lights all over the city." Her expression softened. "Ah, but I wish to learn more! The wonderful magnagates, do they exist above ground as well?"

Gallade nodded. "The Pokemon of the outside world don't refer to them as magnagates anymore, but 'Mystery Dungeons'. They are all over Celestic from what we observed, and many Pokemon fear them or even explore them for fun. It's very bizarre to witness."

"So very strange... But the outside world - what is it truly like?"

Gallade collected his stray thoughts before responding. "The outside world is… majestic. I had always wanted to see it for myself, but experiencing it is another thing entirely. It's very overwhelming at first, but I got used to it. So many sights, feelings, and smells. I don't understand much of it, but the Pokemon there are much like us, and it saddens me. I hope one day we can save those souls along with the souls here."

Mismagius turned to Heliolisk. "And you, Sir Heliolisk?"

Heliolisk scoffed. "It's big, it's confusing, and it's full of evil and desperate Pokemon. So yeah, just like here."

Mismagius hummed at their responses. "My, it sounds rather fascinating. I wonder what kind of fashion sense they have, or…" She trailed off as she noticed Misdreavus looking up at her with pleading eyes.

"Can we ever go see the sun one day?" the petite Ghost-type asked.

Mismagius smiled fondly and patted her head with an ethereal appendage. "Beloved sister of mine, I hope so. Whether it is this sun of the outside world or the one present in our fantastical paradise. This world of darkness we inhabit is just a stopping point for us. I promise that to you."

Misdreavus appeared to brighten up.

Mismagius cleared her throat. "Well, I would have you dears go along your merry way, but there is something else I needed to ask. I-"

The sound of crackling static overtook her voice and drowned out the entire district. Oddly shaped speakers attached to various buildings emitted this cacophony for a while until a disembodied and authoritative voice echoed throughout the streets.

"Citizens of the Inflorescence District, please attend the afternoon announcements."

The strange voice vanished as all the Pokemon in the streets dropped whatever they were doing and began following one another down a single street, including Gallade and the others. Flanked by guards, over a hundred Pokemon were slowly filed into a plaza in the heart of the district. A pattern of intersecting, orange lines that blinked and pulsed was imprinted on the stony floor. One by one, Pokemon dropped to their knees on segments of the line. Guards keenly observed their efforts as they patrolled. Gallade and Heliolisk were positioned side-by-side as they patiently awaited for the voice to return.

Once all the Pokemon were seated on the pattern, a nearby speaker crackled to life. "Please begin your appeals to our glorious Allfather and Allmother."

The plaza fell into silence as Pokemon did as instructed. They bowed their heads and uttered phrases that grew into a chant of combined voices. Their prayers eventually petered off as the voice boomed again.

"We will now begin the afternoon announcements." The sounds of shuffling paper could be heard through the speakers. "The locomotive between Inflorescence and surrounding districts will be temporarily shut down for maintenance." More paper was shuffled. "There is a special bulletin that must be remembered. Rumors have been spread of a recent attack on the continent of Celestic. If you have heard these claims from a soldier or other expedition member, please report this to the local authority figure in your district. This concludes the afternoon announcements. Glory to the Allfather!"

"Glory to the Allmother!" the crowd chanted in unison.

"Eden unto you all."

The speakers then died as Pokemon picked themselves up and went back to their daily occurrences. Mismagius huffed as she and Misdreavus grouped back with Gallade and Heliolisk.

"As I was saying before we were rudely interrupted, there is something I require of you - well, Sir Heliolisk," she said. "As you may know, there will be a gala at the Bouquet Chateau later tonight, and one may wonder why I am dressed for such an occasion." Mismagius tittered endlessly as she twirled. "That is because I have been graciously invited!"

"That's amazing!" Gallade proclaimed.

"Y-yeah, what he said," Heliolisk added.

Mismagius nodded as she turned to the Electric-type. "Yes. But since I will be absent for the majority of the day, I was curious if Misdreavus could have another playdate with your little brother for today."

Heliolisk appeared to mull it over. "Well, Growlithe is always itching for more toys and more 'mons to play with, so I don't see why not." He smirked and elbowed Gallade. "He doesn't like playing with stick in the mud 'mons like this guy over here."

Gallade frowned.

Misdreavus giggled. "Growlithe is soooo much fun to play with! But he's really silly sometimes!"

"Please be careful with him, though," Gallade warned. "He very much likes to bite and I have the marks to prove-" His heart jumped a beat as Mismagius vanished before him. In a split second, the Ghost-type was behind him and tickling his neck with her breath. "Gah! Please don't do that again!" he shrieked.

Mismagius cackled at his reaction. "Many apologies, Sir Gallade, but I could not resist. Don't fret; my dearest sister can handle herself with that spry pup." She floated over to Heliolisk and got very close, causing him to smile nervously. "Ah, right! I was given a tad bit more information on this gala." She leaned in closer. "I could bring along a single friend."

"Oh, that's r-really cool!" Heliolisk exclaimed before realization struck him. "Wait! Do you mean…"

She sprung back as a wry grin crept on her face. "I would like to formally invite you, Sir Heliolisk, to the gala. Call it a gift!"

Heliolisk's cheeks flushed with a red glow as his next words came out shaky. "O-oh, you mean… you would really want to take me?"

"Why not, dear? It could be a little opportunity to catch up on lost time, yes?"

"Well, uh… s-sure! I would love to go with you!"

"Marvelous! I will have to prepare some proper apparel for the event that matches your scales. But…" She hovered inches from him and quickly pecked a burning cheek with her lips. "We shall see the details later tonight. Let's call it a date - hmm?"

Heliolisk squirmed in place. "Yes," he squeaked.

"Excellent!"

Mismagius and Misdreavus began floating away from the pair, the former whirling around with a fluttering of her dress and a tip of her 'hat'. "I hope to scare you another time, Sir Gallade! And I shall definitely see you later, Sir Heliolisk! Ta-ta!" she ended with a wink.

"G-goodbye!" Heliolisk hastily yelled as they departed.

As soon as the sisters were out of earshot, Gallade lightly punched a completely still Heliolisk in the shoulder. Heliolisk quivered as he stared at his partner with an ecstatic expression.

"Dude!" he uttered.

Gallade simply smiled at him.

"She- she-"

"I know. I couldn't believe it either."

The lizard burst into a fit of joyous laughter, Gallade joining in as they hugged in recognition of this feat. Heliolisk broke away as his next words slipped right out.

"Maybe in a few years, we could be like you and Gothorita!"

The Electric-type immediately realized his mistake as Gallade dipped his head and said nothing. Heliolisk took a step back and adopted a mournful look that radiated shame. Through the silence, he could only say one thing.

"… Sorry."

The trip to the palace was quiet.

The bright, neon streets of the Inflorescence District were far behind them. Chilling fog shrouded their pitch-black surroundings. The rock walls of the cavern formed a natural corridor that led them to a shining structure in the distance. They were the only souls that trekked this pathway.

Heliolisk took small glances at Gallade. The Psychic-type looked straight ahead with a stern look that dissuaded discussion. Heliolisk tried to find the courage to speak, yet failed. He slinked behind Gallade and smoothed his frayed frills.

As they got closer to their destination, the rocky floor beneath their feet transitioned into smooth, black marble. Threads of spiraling, orange light splintered throughout sections of the floor that their feet touched. Through the thick fog and darkness now repelled by the intense luminosity beneath them, they stood before the Alabaster Floret Palace in all of its glory.

They had remembered tales told through whispers in their youth that the Allfather's palace was 'a flower blossoming among dead weeds'. They were then astonished when they first laid eyes upon it and realized the tale was more literal than initially perceived.

Built amid the barren, dark wasteland was the construct of near-transparent white crystals modeled in the shape of a blooming flower. Its multiple entrances were built into its glossy 'root's that curled and burrowed into its surroundings. The 'stalk' rose hundreds of feet into the air, almost reaching the cavern ceilings with its imposing presence. Fanned-out 'petals' spread far and wide, each big enough to contain a chamber within that was connected via stems. Golden rays from spotlights hidden behind the veil of darkness cast the palace in luster. The crystalline flower sparkled and shined in all of its ineffable glory.

It was always breathtaking to them.

"Hold your tongue throughout this meeting, brother," Gallade said sternly. "We are now entering our glorious Allfather's sanctum, and we must respect it greatly."

"Tch. You think I'm gonna blab about how I don't like him? Here of all places?" Heliolisk countered.

Approaching the main doorway, dozens of guard Pokemon clad in reflective, prismatic armor from head to toe spilled out and surrounded the pair. Two metallic spear handles clanged together in front of them and put a halt to their progress. Gallade felt his heart swell as he stared at them, Heliolisk much the same. These were some of the most dedicated Pokemon to the Alignment, and fiercely loyal to the Allfather.

"Stop! State your business for being here!" an Azumarill guard shouted.

Gallade and Heliolisk raised an arm to show the white Alignment armbands they wore. The spears that blocked their path were immediately withdrawn.

"The reason for this visit, ambassadors?" the Azumarill inquired as she tapped the ground with the butt of her spear.

"We wish to have a small chat with the Allfather regarding our recent excursion," Gallade said, "Is he currently available?"

Azumarill nodded. "The Allfather has just finished the afternoon proceedings with the district heralds. You may enter and speak with him now."

"Thank you. Eden unto you, sister."

"Eden unto you as well, brother."

Gallade and Heliolisk were trailed by numerous guards as they finally entered the palace. As impressively bright and glittery as it was on the inside, the foyer they walked into lacked much of anything. The sole thing of interest was an elevator built out of steel and crystal at the far end of the room.

"I say this all the time because I know how much you distrust this Allfather," Gallade said in a hushed voice. "You've made it clear these past few years."

"For good reason…" Heliolisk grumbled.

Gallade affixed him with a flinty glare. "Do not disrespect our glorious Allfather. You understand the rules and the respect you must give. I know you do, so please."

They walked over and stepped inside the elevator. A latch on the side panel was pulled, and the automatic doors closed on them. The lift shook as it slowly ascended up the palace.

"We have to follow the rules. All of us." Gallade's voice was coarse and slightly cracking. "Or else Pokemon get hurt. I can't allow that to happen to you too, brother."

"…"

A humming noise resounded within the elevator as it came to a sudden stop and the doors opened. They then emerged into a grand antechamber fit for the Allfather.

Rows of more guards in prism-like armor stood like statues on opposite sides of the room. Pokemon fitted in strange, fanciful clothes observed Heliolisk and Gallade enter from a gallery above, their blathering reduced to hushed whispers. Spiraling pillars of crystal marked the way forward as they walked. Orangish yellow lights flared beneath them and split into curls and lines that all crossed at a single point in the center of the room - a throne.

Seated on the throne was a hunched-over and young-looking Frogadier. Its baggy eyes were glued to the transparent floors. Gallade noticed the lack of attire the Water-type usually wore, only golden-orange regalia visible. Still, he took a knee before the throne as he did so many times before. Heliolisk copied him, yet barely tried to stop the scowl forming on his face.

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Gallade bowed his head. "Oh, glorious Allfather. We have come here today in your presence to recount the information we have gathered during our expedition."

Frogadier nearly jumped as his head shot up. He blinked wearily before shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "I- uh…" a nasally, warbling voice blurted out. "I mean, it's great to see you again, Ambassadors Gallade and Heliolisk. We had spoken briefly upon your return, but I'm glad you came here today."

Gallade nodded. "Yes, Allfather. My partner and I have much to discuss before you and the gallery here if it does not inconvenience you."

Frogadier stood up from his throne. "It doesn't at all, Ambassador Gallade. But please, let's go somewhere more private to go over your findings."

Gallade clutched his saddlebag tightly.

----------------------------------------

"I've seen enough. You can turn it off now."

Gallade obliged his Allfather's request and pressed an indentation on the Projection Crystal. The figures of a Grumpig and Marshtomp vanished into bright dust as it and the holographic bubble encasing the room were sucked back into the glossy orb.

"After we recovered this Projection Crystal, Heliolisk defeated the Absols' in a surprise attack. I then used our Entercard I stole back from the Weavile's saddlebag and returned here. That is everything that happened throughout our mission in the Grit Region," Gallade said.

"Thanks for the recounting, Gallade."

"Of course, Allfather, I-"

Frogadier shook his head. "Please. While we are in private, just call me Frogadier." He groaned as he began pulling off his bulky regalia and throwing it onto the crystalline table. "I, er, understand you two have questions, and I have no choice but to answer them, it seems. I'll answer whatever I can." He reached for a teacup on the table. "I also apologize for the, um, poor quality tea I have prepared. Magearna is currently charging at her station."

Heliolisk opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it as he slinked to the back of the room. Gallade could sense his close friend's reticence as he cleared his throat.

"Well, All- Frogadier, if it's something you can tell us, then we would like to know the truth of what we saw; behind what happened at Regi Castle so long ago. How we saw the very first Allfather make contact with the Legendaries there, and how we once stormed the fortress for our own gain."

Frogadier gazed at the floor for a long while as he took a sip of his tea. "Yes, I figured you would want to know. And the truth is…" He looked up. "Everything that you saw and heard of that place is true. It happened once."

Gallade felt his vision fluctuate as he took a step back. He took a deep breath as he slowly absorbed this admittance. "So… We have attacked innocent Pokemon from the outside world before - Legendaries, even. And this occurred thousands of years ago?" He felt bile build up in his throat.

Frogadier sighed. "Yes. The Alignment has been around for multiple millennia, not for only seven hundred years as our public archives would suggest."

"I don't understand… Why? Why were we misled into believing such a thing?"

"It wasn't a lie I wished to continue, Gallade - but it's one necessary to keep this city and the Pokemon in it safe. Please understand that the previous Allfathers were worried about what the Pokemon could learn of."

"What do you mean?"

"That they would ask questions. They would have ideas of turning against the Alignment and the Allmother. It was then decided that certain information about the Alignment and our past would be withheld and altered for future generations. If the Pokemon didn't know our extensive history, they would commit themselves more to our goal."

"And you continued to feed us this lie," Heliolisk suddenly said as he clenched his claws tight. "Every Allfather is supposed to light the path to paradise for us. So why have we all been so stagnant all this time? Why haven't we followed what the Allmother has told us and find what's needed to reach paradise?"

Frogadier shook his head. "I never wish to lie to you all. But I never had a choice in the matter. What's really necessary is keeping the Pokemon here protected and safe."

Gallade opened and closed his mouth several times. "And the Entercards… We didn't invent them ourselves."

"No. The Allmother led the first Allfather from his town to that Legendary group. The Entercards we stole allowed us to settle this place, and their research gave way to our goal of reaching paradise. All of this… It's so long ago. But we have wronged so many Pokemon, and that is the truth behind it all."

Gallade turned his head away. He wanted to assure himself that there was a rationality for these actions. He had refused to believe what was in front of him, but now that his Allfather had said it himself, he was dumbstruck. The thought of the Alignment's existence stretching thousands of years boggled his mind.

And worse yet, it made his actions feel small and insignificant.

Heliolisk scowled. "The mercenary captain that captured us - a Weavile - she said so many nasty things about the Alignment that it made my blood boil. Other Pokemon above ground just think we're weird, but she… she's an enemy that wants to destroy us!"

Frogadier collapsed into a plush chair. "We don't have enemies - only victims. She's one of many that we have hurt throughout our long existence. We have created so much evil in the process of doing good for all. The Allmother has reasoned this to me and past Allfathers in many visions, but I… I don't feel this to be the case."

Heliolisk's sour expression deepened.

Gallade approached the fatigued Water-type. "This 'attack' on Empyrean City by Yveltal - did it really happen?"

Frogadier rubbed his eyes. "It was horrific, Gallade. The entire city was destroyed by that beast. Men, women, and children were all petrified. I tried. I did what little I could to try and prevent it, but it was too late. I should've done more than acting upon my desperation."

Realization struck Gallade as he remembered the night before the attack. 'The Allfather penned a letter to the Council. Then after reading it, they sought to arrest the Lucario of a guild. Did the Allfather know something?'

"I've been up for days," Frogadier continued. "Trying to get new information, fearing what comes next. I feel cornered on this matter."

"Has the Allmother spoken to you recently regarding this?" Gallade asked.

"No. She has remained silent for a month. For the time being, I must look elsewhere for answers."

"Why would the Allmother be quiet?" Heliolisk questioned. "She chooses only one Pokemon to speak to! And that's you! Why would she not speak to you? Does she not trust you or something?"

Frogadier winced at his tone. "Heliolisk, please. Our situation right now is, um, very…"

"Tenuous?" Gallade assisted.

"Yes, tenuous, that's the word. Currently, I'm most worried about keeping the city safe - from Yveltal or other threats. We need hope."

"What about the Pokemon of the outside world? Shouldn't they need hope the most right now? We should give that to them and tell them about the city, about the Alignment, and our goal of paradise!" Heliolisk exclaimed.

"I must agree with Heliolisk. Is it not wise to send missionaries up to the surface and advise the Pokemon there of our pursuit of paradise? We have remained hidden and secretive for so long. We could save so many lost souls if we opened up…"

Frogadier stood up from his chair and lumbered to the far side of the lavishly decorated room. He nervously fiddled with his bubble scarf. "I can't have knowledge of this place spread. I won't allow it. This is a place of protection and safety for us. We have committed so many grave mistakes, and if the Pokemon of the outside world were to know, they would want vengeance. They know next to nothing of what we truly are, and that is how I want it to remain."

Heliolisk was about to retort but Gallade stifled his words with glare and a shake of his head. The Electric-type growled under his breath as he stormed out of the room. Gallade sighed as Frogadier wilted under his sorrow-filled gaze.

"I'm trying, Gallade. You know this wasn't a position I took willingly."

"I understand, Frogadier. I know you have been doing all that you can in your father's stead. Heliolisk is very… frustrated at recent events. It's very disrespectful and I apolo-"

"He can dislike me or my actions all he wants; I would never punish him. I know many others in the ranks of the Alignment are just as upset with my status as Allfather like Heliolisk is." Frogadier moved forward and placed his hands on Gallade's shoulders. "I'd like to talk to you later - just you and me. There's so many things that I know, that I wish I didn't, or that I could change. I know I can trust you to be on my side, Gallade. I know that you're different from so many others surrounding me."

Gallade beamed with pride. "Understood, Frogadier. I'll be available whenever you need me."

"Thank you. I am needed soon, so this is goodbye for now."

Gallade gave his farewells, exiting the chamber and emerging into a hallway of blinding white crystalline walls and floors. With no sign of the Electric-type, he assumed Heliolisk had exited the palace in a fit of rage.

He did not hold it against him.

As he approached and opened the doors to the elevator, he stopped. A stray thought nagged at the edges of his mind.

'There's something I need to ask of the commander.'

Spinning on his heels, Gallade marched down the transparent halls again and turned corner after corner. Eventually, he ended up at a closed door and gave it a few brisk knocks. He waited patiently before the door suddenly swung open, his heart jumping a beat. There looming before him was the heavily scarred yet smiling visage of Commander Blaziken.

"Ambassador Gallade! It is a surprise to see you in the palace today!"

Gallade bowed. "Commander Blaziken. I am not intruding on your personal time, am I?"

"Of course not! Please, step inside!"

Gallade obliged the request and stepped into Blaziken's quarters. It was a room dominated by sturdy black steel walls. Racks of blunt and edged weapons were hung on racks. The disassembled components of rifles rested on tables or within baskets, which seemed to have been recently tinkered with.

Gallade had known the commander in his youth when he was just an enlisting Combusken in his squad. He knew the Fire-type to be a resourceful Pokemon with a gallant spirit even before his rise as the new commander. And yet, Gallade always sensed something odd after his promotion. The zealous nature his commander came to adopt, and the skin he purposefully flayed with scars and words. Even more peculiar was his attitude toward Gallade ever since their graduation.

It was as if Blaziken felt sorry for him, and he was unsure why.

Blaziken walked over to a mess of papers haphazardly strewn about on a desk and picked a few pages up. "I am merely going over the backgrounds of my most elite soldiers, and also checking up on their assigned weaponry for possible malfunctionry."

Gallade arched an eyebrow. "Apologies for asking, but is this necessary? Are they not the most trusted and devoted members of the Alignment?"

"Of course they are, Gallade! But one must remain ever so vigilant of possible treachery."

"Treachery?"

Gallade could never consider such a thing.

"None of those who wait for you will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed." Blaziken puffed his chest. "Those who do not believe in the Allmother cannot be trusted. They are among us, I am certain; they hide in plain sight." He noticed the perturbed look crossing Gallade's face and smiled warmly. "But fear not, Gallade. We have known each other long enough that I know you to be a very faithful Pokemon."

"T-thank you, commander. I've come here today to ask something that I didn't want to bring up to the Allfather in respect for his current situation."

"What kind of question?"

"It's about the attack that happened in Empyrean City. This Lucario 'guildmaster' that supposedly perpetuated this attack, who is he?"

Blaziken crossed his talons behind his back as he threw Gallade a curious look, almost analyzing his features. "And where do you suppose this question came from?"

"Er, well, I would like to know if this Lucario is a threat to our cause. The Allfather is restless and worried over this. If he is worried, then I am too, and we all are."

"And he has a reason to be, Gallade. Our enemies are vast and monstrous. An entire city of Pokemon petrified by a devil and his heretic beast." Blaziken threw out a pair of talons and clenched them. "But now is the time for us to fight back! Soon we will cast aside our reservations and step out of the shadows and into this errant world to correct it in the Allmother's vision. The Pokemon of Celestic, eventually the world, will know who we are, and will follow what we have followed for hundreds of years."

"The Allfather thinks differently. He believes we should stick to what we've always done."

Blaziken lowered his head. "A seal has been opened by this Lucario's actions. One that cannot be closed anymore. We cannot afford to be so indecisive when the opportunity is present. The Allfather come to reason and guide this flock to their rightful home in paradise." He looked back up, his arms now raised high. "My soldiers will see that the Allmother's promise to us all is seen through. And that extends to you as well, Gallade."

"Me?"

Blaziken marched over to a wall on the right side of the room. He pulled off an armored suit-like piece of apparel from a rack and walked back over to a stunned Gallade. The piece of clothing was neatly folded before being presented with a proud expression on the Fire-type's face. "Gallade. I have known you for so long. We were once mere trainees - side by side in our squad to protect the glory of the Alignment together. We have gone down separate paths, yes, but we never strayed too far."

"Commander, I-"

"I know that your heart has been left empty for so long after a great tragedy befell you. But today I present an opportunity to fill that vacancy in your heart with the Allmother's love. Gallade. I wish for you to join the most elite rank of the Alignment's guard."

"I-I don't get it," Gallade stuttered out. "Shouldn't Heliolisk get this opportunity? He's always wanted this role…" A sense of guilt shrouded his voice. "Y-you should really give this to him instead. He's been working so hard and"

Blaziken latched a talon onto his shoulder and sighed. "Yes, Heliolisk is a very talented and dutiful Pokemon. But he still has room to grow and mature. I want to see more from him like I have seen from you. You held your ground against the mercenaries in the Grit Region. You protected the secrets and honor of the many Pokemon here, and that takes immense faith."

"I don't know what to say, Commander. It's a great honor, but… doesn't this mean I will not see the Allfather anymore?"

"Not as much, no. I understand you have become accustomed to seeing the Allfather in your ambassador position, but the Allmother requires the finest of Pokemon to protect our flock. You are that Pokemon, Gallade. You may not see it now, but are one of us. You will be the heart of the Alignment itself when you wear this."

Gallade looked at the presented garb and then up at the hardened yet passionate face of Blaziken. He peered into the Fire-type's eyes piercing blue eyes and saw something in them had seen so many times before in the commander. Pity and well-hidden guilt. He reluctantly grabbed the attire from Blaziken.

"Thank you so much, commander. Must I make a decision now?"

Blaziken shook his head. "Please. Rest on this choice. Come back to me when you have decided your path. "

"I... I will."

"But remember, Gallade. With the opening of a seal, others will now be opened. Decide which path you follow that will be safe."

Gallade took a deep breath.

----------------------------------------

The door to Commander Blaziken's quarters closed as Gallade stepped into the palace's halls. He unraveled the folded clothes he held and overlaid them over his form.

The 'suit' consisted of a firm polymer material that could cover him from head to toe in solid black. Steel fittings were interwoven around the shoulders, knee joints, and other sections. Stripes of orangish yellow lines streaked through the black colors of the armor. Connected to the top of the suit was a grayish bandana that could run up his neck and conceal most of his face.

'The most elite and devoted soldiers of the Alignment…' he repeated in his mind. Despite the mix of emotions he currently felt, pride seemed to swamp most of them. 'If I accept this offer then-'

"Are you kidding me?!" a loud voice shattered his thoughts.

Gallade looked up to see a furious Heliolisk glaring at him. The Electric-type pointed a claw at the armor he held and growled. "Commander Blaziken gives you the chance to join his ranks? Not me?! Why?! You asked him, didn't you?! Tell me!" Heliolisk demanded.

"Heliolisk, I never-"

"I've done all my training, and attended so many teachings and ceremonies! I took down those Absols' and saved us, and it still wasn't enough?!"

"Brother, please calm down and let me explain-"

"Shut up! I'm tired of hearing your pity!"

Before Gallade could say another word, Heliolisk was stomping through the translucent, crystal halls and heading down a stairwell. Gallade silently cursed to himself as his body hunched over. He took a single step forward in the direction Heliolisk went before a tinny, female voice stopped him.

"It would be unwise to follow him at this moment, Gallade."

Gallade turned. "M-magearna?"

Excess steam jettisoned from the bottom of a metallic-looking Pokemon as it slightly hovered above the ground. Two golden-colored rabbit-like ears sprouted from a gear with a face, its neutral expression twisting with a clanging noise into a small smile. A pulsating orange and yellow 'core' was the centerpiece of the Pokemon's upper body and was connected to two claw-shaped arms. The Pokemon's bottom half was a 'gown' that draped over its pointy legs. Emblazoned on the gown were multiple bending and criss-crossing golden lines overlapping a faded orange background.

[https://i.imgur.com/AQJB0tF.png]

The noise of turning sprockets and twisting servos resounded throughout the hallway as Magearna made her way over to Gallade. He could not believe his eyes when he had first laid eyes upon her. The rumors of the palace having a servant not made of flesh, but of steel, mechanical gears, and combined Pokemon energy were true. He thought of her as a close friend and mentor.

"It is a pleasure to see you once again," Magearna's voice emitted from a speaker within her 'mouth'.

Gallade eventually found his tongue. "The Allfather said you were still charging in your bay."

A staticky hum flowed through the speakers. "It seems the Allfather still has not fully grasped my rather speedy recharges." Magearna's silvery eyelids flicked, her golden eyes dimming as a more robotic voice came out. "My current battery module has an energy surplus of up to two hundred percent more than my original model. This is a fact."

Gallade had always noticed this quirk within Magearna. He had assumed it was due to her original personality being overwritten through time by a personality full of sisterly wisdom and occasional snark that he came to know as the real Magearna. Occasionally, this older personality would attempt to claw its way back but always remained tucked away.

"The pleasure goes both ways, Magearna, but…" Gallade sighed. "It appears I have unintentionally upset Heliolisk by receiving-" he held up the armored suit for her to see, "-this. I know how much he desired to be a part of the commander's squad. He really looks up to Blaziken. But-"

The shimmer in Magearna's eyes returned. "But that does not excuse his abhorrent behavior recently. If Commander Blaziken believes he is not, then he is not ready."

"I know. I want to say he is because I can feel his compassion for our cause. I just wish I could push him down the right path to achieve that goal…"

Magearna's eyes dimmed. "My emotion detectors are picking up on feelings of poignancy, Ambassador Gallade. Shall I fetch some tea and begin some enrichment activities?" Her eyes glowed as she crossed her arms over her dress in a rigid manner. "Apologies for that, Gallade. Perhaps your partner requires a stern talking to. You are the oldest, after all."

"It feels like I've done that so many times before with no success."

"Or a firm smack upon his head."

"Magearna!" Gallade squinted his gaze. "I would never do such a thing. Even if I'd like to sometimes..."

"Because you are friends - closest of friends. You care for him, you understand his desires. Paradise is what all Pokemon desire in the deepest reaches of their heart, yet we have different beliefs and ways of reaching it. Heliolisk is much like that. "

"He believes the Allfather isn't doing what's necessary to guide us to paradise. So many times I tried to convince him that the Allfather was doing what was needed for us all, but he wouldn't hear it. He keeps fighting me on this. And I…"

"And what of you, Gallade? How are you feeling after these recent experiences?" What sounded like choppy laughter made her metal chassis vibrate. "You are not a machine like I am, and yet you try to act like one. How quaint."

"I…" Gallade squeezed his eyes shut and exhaled through clenched teeth. "To be truthful, I feel trapped. With what the Allfather revealed about our history, the attack on Celestic, and Heliolisk being so…"

"Bratty?"

Gallade let out a sad chuckle. "I guess. And now Commander Blaziken wishes for me to join his elite regiment and quit being an ambassador. I've been pulled in so many directions recently that I don't know what path to follow, or who to stick by. My zeal remains strong, but like the Allfather, I too worry for the future."

"Gallade, I have roamed and tended to the halls of this palace since it was first built. I have advised and stood by the Allfathers of multiple generations. One principal is consistent throughout this epoch of ours - hope." Her chassis twitched as a monotone voice crackled out of the speakers. "You were a homeless Pokemon turned into a soldier who became an ambassador of our glorious cause. You are strong. This is not a true fact, but considered one by my memory banks of you."

Gallade smiled softly at her flat yet encouraging words. "Thanks for the pep talk, Magearna."

"It is what I am best at," her true voice chimed.

"I need to find Heliolisk and talk to him. A real talk that I've neglected to have with him for so long…"

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[https://i.imgur.com/UYBkklN.png]

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A shovel was wedged into a mound of dirt as a heaping pile of it was scooped up and tossed into a shallow opening in the earth. A grunt echoed throughout the chilly night as a clawed foot was pressed onto the blunt metal end of the shovel. More dirt was hefted up and shoveled into the hole before it was completely filled. The filled hole was then patted with the shovel and flattened.

Weavile caught her breath as she slammed the shovel into the ground beside her. She smirked at her work and flicked dirt off of her fur. She stood in front of three weathered gravestones.

"There. Nice and safe now. You three will take good care of our little prize, ya hear?" She turned her back on the tombs and started descending the hill. She stopped once at the bottom and glanced back. "At least it's where it truly belongs now - with you guys."

Weavile made the slow walk back to her clan's base, thoughts and wayward emotions swarming her mind. As the pristine, purple-stained building came into view, she wore a proud smile at what was her faux guild that continued to trick the Council for years. Yet, every ounce of pride came with a tinge of sadness. Oftentimes, the base reminded her of the past. She pushed back these intrusive thoughts more times than she could count.

'What a dump, but it's my dump, at least,' she thought.

Before Weavile could take another step, the sound of muffled static resounded from her black saddlebag. Realizing what this was, she quickly popped open a pouch and grabbed the vibrating Minun-shaped device from within. She flicked on a switch and positioned its speaker in front of her mouth.

"This is Weavile. Speak."

The device spat out more harsh static as a gruff voice pierced through. "Captain Weavile, your clan's services are needed once more. The payment for this job will be generous and enough to satisfy you."

Weavile felt her heart soar. She knew this was her chance. "If it's a job that doesn't go to the Rose Clan, then it's a job we can certainly take."

"Good. You will meet me here tonight in three hours at our usual location to discuss the details. You will also bring along your co-captain for this job to be accepted."

"Pretty specific, huh?"

"You will do it or there will be no job. Goodbye."

The voice faded after its parting words. Weavile rolled her eyes and switched off the device, throwing it back into her saddlebag. A devilish smile then worked its way onto her face.

'Bishy's gonna get a kick out of this…'

The door to her clan's home base flew open as Weavile sauntered inside. She wandered the halls before standing in the open entrance to the Lounge and peering inside. The atmosphere of despair and unease was palpable. Her mercenaries drank, ate, and laughed all the same, yet lacked the boisterous enthusiasm of before.

While her ears welcomed this change of pace, her heart hated it with a passion.

Sucking in these feelings, she stepped inside and made a beeline toward the bar at the far side of the room. Taking a seat, she raised a claw and shouted. "Hey! One of you lugs go fetch me a drink! Dealer's choice!"

An Octillery immediately got out of his seat and slinked behind the counter to begin crafting a concoction, utilizing his many limbs to do so. Weavile watched him work with great amusement before she glanced over to look at a Pokemon sitting right beside her.

It was Bisharp, his face obscured by a newspaper he looked completely engrossed in.

Weavile leaned over and yanked the newspaper out of the Steel-type's gauntlets. She read off the bold headline at the top of the print. "Celestic Cognizance… yadda yadda… Empyrean destroyed… Mayor Empoleon and thousands feared lost… yadda yadda." A tearing noise filled the air as Weavile sliced the newspaper into shreds of paper. She held up a claw again. "Octillery! Make it two drinks!"

"On it, ma'am!"

A thoroughly vexed Bisharp gave her a deadpan expression. "You've never been a fan of hearing news, haven't you?"

"When was I ever? All the news I wanna hear is good news."

"Well, this is all bad news. Empyrean has been turned into rubble, refugees are scattered across the continent; somehow Yveltal is back and is probably gonna hit another city - Elysium, I'm guessing." He sighed. "Whole thing's a mess."

"Think about the positives here, Bishy. The Council is missing its daddy and is up against the wall after everything that's gone down. And now we have the very thing we wanted to find in the first place! Bet those cultist fucks are gonna feel that."

"I'm guessing you didn't hear. The guild was arrested."

Weavile gave him a bewildered look. "What?"

"You remember our Guildmaster? That stern son of a bitch - the Shiny Lucario? They're saying that he was behind this thing with Yveltal. Whole continent is in a frenzy over this. Those of the guild left who weren't petrified got taken in by Council guards. Looks like there's gonna be a trial - and not one particularly in the guild's favor."

She rubbed her face slowly. "… I never liked the guild, but the 'mons there didn't deserve that. And after we robbed them of that artifact thing. But that hardass Lucario? Yeah, I could tell back then there was something wrong with him. Arceus, I need a drink right now." She slammed her claws. "Octillery! Hurry it up!"

Two glasses filled to the brim with alcoholic contents slid across the bartop.

"That's a lie, Weav's. I know you liked being in the guild."

Weavile snatched her glass and took a long swig. "I liked being with my team. They liked the guild, not me. So don't start with this."

Bisharp snorted and took a small sip from his glass. "No need to be so defensive. I still remember seeing that smile of yours in the guild's halls. You know, you were quite an explorer when you weren't so temperamental."

"Is this your way of flirting, tin man?" She grew a wry smile. "'Cause I've seen it all. And getting me liquored up isn't gonna work, either."

"No. I just don't get it."

"Get what?"

Bisharp rested his head on a gauntlet. "With what we know now, with all we've accomplished, do you really see yourself still leading a group of mercenaries in ten years? Taking the same jobs, drinking the same alcohol, and sulking day in and day out? You can't run an illegal operation for that long without being caught."

"Maybe I will, Bishy. You got a problem with that?" She laughed. "Oh, right, 'cause you don't care about the clan. You're gonna leave it and me someday, ain'tcha? Please, I've done this for ten years and I can do it without you..."

"Maybe I will, Weav's. Do you have a problem with that?"

"Yeah, maybe I do. Maybe I like hearing your stupid earfuls all day." Weavile glanced over. "I told you already in that castle - I'm just a mercenary. Even before the guild I was terrorizing the streets. Like the snake says, I'm a street Rattata. Wasn't until those three showed up and filled my head with stupid ideas of exploring the world and saving it from Mystery Dungeons and all that junk."

"They were both right and wrong. The guild was never the way, but there is always another path."

Weavile glared at him. "There isn't. It's just more nothingness. And I'm not gonna allow my ambitions to be crushed again by listening to more dreamers. Like they were, and like you are..." she murmured.

Bisharp narrowed his gaze. "And what are your ambitions, Weav's? Being the self-proclaimed 'Queen Of All Mercenaries'-"

"Which I still am," she interrupted with a smirk.

"-Or is it your revenge on the Alignment? What is it really that keeps you going?"

Weavile downed more of her drink. "... You know, after we stole that artifact from the guild, I was really happy at first. This is what my team was supposed to find all those years back, and now it's finally in its rightful claws. But… that feeling is gone now. To tell you the truth, now that I have it, I feel more lost than ever."

"I think I know why."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, do tell, doctor."

"I think you're realizing this mercenary thing isn't you, Weav's. I knew you long enough in your guild days to see how curious and passionate you were about the world."

"I was until those cultists stole that part of me," she spat.

Bisharp pointed a gauntlet at her and winked. "And that's another lie right there. I still see it in you. It's just buried and it needs to resurface more."

"What needs to be buried is that fucking Nidoking. Only when his lights are snuffed out will I finally be happy."

"Will you really?" he asked earnestly.

His words stung Weavile to her core. Her claws raked against the glass she gripped tightly. "What do you want me to do, huh? Do you want me to dissolve the clan and start a dinky little exploration team with you? Is that it? You want me to be a Pokemon I can't be anymore?!" She sneered at him. "Besides, why do you even care? I'm not like you! And maybe I do want to suffer and sulk here for another ten years - twenty even! Did you and your big brain ever consider that?!" she finished with a loud snarl before gulping down the rest of her drink and slamming the glass onto the bartop.

Bisharp responded by picking up his drink and chugging the contents of it in mere seconds, greatly shocking Weavile. He placed the glass down gently. "I admire true resolve. I hate frauds. I hate phonies. I hate the overbearing and rule-abundant society Pokemon have come to create. I want to know the truth of this world, but the guilds and governments of this world are ultimately superficial. My father's death, your team's demise, I learned that by seeing you." He looked over. "Weavile. You're the most confident and honest Pokemon I know, and yet you still lie to yourself. You need to accept the part of you that wants to know more about this world." He smirked. "And smile more, too."

"Smile?"

"Yeah, like you when you were grinning ear-to-ear holding that artifact. Speaking of which…" Bisharp leaned closer to her ear. "Where did that thing go? I know it didn't just sprout legs and walk away. Unless some clown here got the idea of pawning it off."

Weavile cackled. "Don't worry about it. It's safe. Nobody is gonna come looking for it. Well, except one 'mon."

"And who is that exactly?"

"Remember our little anonymous client from before? He's returned, and it looks like he's caught wind of our sleight of hand."

Bisharp's interest seemed to peak as he rested his arms on the bartop. "He knew before the Alignment? Unless he's part of them which means…" He shook his head. "What else did he say?"

"He wants us to meet him in a few hours at the spot and he wants you to be there, too. It's got the word 'trap' written all over it. He wants back whatever we nabbed at Criss-Cross Creek."

The Steel-type rolled his eyes. "No shit. But…" He trailed off as he noticed the assured look on Weavile's face. "Weav's, don't tell me you're thinking of going."

"You bet I am, tinman. Think about it! It's a trap, but if we go there with the clan in tow, this guy's forces won't expect such a thing. We could overwhelm them and drag this 'anonymous' Pokemon out and see who he really is!"

"I don't know about this, Weav's. Your plans are usually stupid as is, but this guy… We have no idea what he's capable of."

Weavile scoffed at his hesitancy. "Are you kidding me? He's a guy behind a wall! Probably just a few guards with him, too." She jabbed the table with a claw. "We're the fucking Razor Claw clan! We're the best and most lethal mercenary clan on the whole continent! We don't take shit from no one! And that's why you and I are going there to confront and capture him!"

"I don't remember consenting to this."

"Yeah, well, I'm doing it anyway." She jabbed his arm with a shoulder. "C'mon! You're gonna sit here and preach to me about learning the truth of this world without possibly wanting to know it? This guy has to know something about this shiny piece of junk if he, the Alignment, and the guild wanted it so badly!" Weavile swore she could see a gleam appear in Bisharp's eye as he listened to her. "See! I know that look when I see it! You wanna know what he knows as much as I do!"

"Maybe it's the booze kicking in early because I can't believe I'm saying this…" Bisharp sighed as he slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think it would be beneficial for us to capture him."

Weavile leaped from her stool. "I knew it! So get ready because we're gonna reel ourselves in another victory!"

He smiled. "I hope you don't forget what I said. This could be the next step to something bigger and beyond this clan."

"You can hope, Bishy! But for this one time, you've got no choice but to admit that we need the clan."

"Just this once, Weav's."

Spurred by his agreement, Weavile rushed over to an empty table within the Lounge and clambered atop it. A drunken giggle escaped her as she raised her claws high. "Hey! Listen up! Listen up! Got some important news that goes for all of you slackers!"

"Oh boy…" Bisharp mumbled to himself.

"In a few hours, I'll need everyone who's sober enough to accompany Captain Bisharp and I on a little protection job!" A series of grumblings and groans came from the already downtrodden mercenaries around the room. Weavile smirked at their aversion and shouted again, "But here's the kicker! For this little forced job? You're gonna be paid triple of what's in your contracts!"

Almost immediately the room exploded in cheers and the clinking of glasses together.

"Now you'll think twice about switching over to Serperior, eh? We're the Razor Claw clan! And don't you slackers ever forget that!" she boomed.

"YEAH!" her mercenaries cried in unison

At this very moment, Weavile felt her spirits rise higher and higher as she watched her rejuvenated mercenaries spring themselves into action. There was a warmth within her chest that could not be snuffed out by her cold exterior. Deep within her heart, she could feel that yearning for the truth eclipsing her desire for revenge.

'It's time I figure out what was worth the death of my comrades. And I won't let this opportunity slip past.'

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He was getting close to his target.

Liam's face was forever twisted in an expression of pure rage as he tore through the dense forest. Thorny thickets were brushed past, and wet foliage was stomped beneath his paws. His fur was heavily lacerated and littered with purple bruises. Small amounts of blood trickled from his bandaged right eye. He lifted his gaze from the path forward to the traces of the night sky visible through the forest's canopy. A blurry figure shot past his vision, increasing the snarling noises he emitted.

While the avian guards of the Council quit their pursuit long ago, Liam still remained. For what seemed like days, he chased the shadow of it with barely any stops. He was starved, dehydrated, tired, and wounded, but he refused to give up.

"JACKSON!" he roared.

His speed increased as he smacked branches blocking his way and shot occasional glances above to locate the Legendary again. Scaling a rugged hill, he failed to notice the vines wrapped around his body ensnaring a hind paw. He tried to take a step forward but was yanked back. He stumbled in a panic before losing his balance and tumbling down the hill as more thorns and rocky edges pricked his body.

"Urk! GAH!"

Liam eventually reached the hill's bottom as his body flopped onto the tall grass. He let out a hoarse wheeze before pulling himself up and continuing his drained sprint. Seeing a shimmering of moonlight in the distance, he ran toward it. The Riolu burst from the treeline and emerged into a clearing. He ran up a shaky outcropping of land that overlooked a lake in the middle of the forest. His gaze was drawn to the starry skies in search of his foe. It was right then and there that he caught sight of it for the very first time.

Yveltal and its glittering orange lines trailing behind it, with a Shiny Lucario riding it.

"There you are! JACKSON!" he screamed at the figures.

Yveltal flapped its mighty wings as an earsplitting screech rattled the sky. The Legendary whirled around and its body shimmered as it went into a sudden dive over the lake. Liam watched in horror as the once calm waters now rippled intensely. Swirls of black and red formed atop the lake and birthed an inky whirlpool. Yveltal flew straight into the vortex and vanished. In a split second, the portal was gone as well, the lake now still and the night sky hushed.

"... No. No, this can't be happening. You can't- You can't keep getting away… I won't allow it. No! I..."

But as much as Liam yelled, he knew deep down that he had failed. There was no catching him. His body quaked as the feelings of bitter defeat replaced anger. He collapsed to his knees and peered out toward the lake. Before he could move another muscle, the unsteady ground beneath him gave way. He fell a great length and plunged into the icy cold depths of the lake. His eyes were wide, his breaths escaping as bubbles as the water pulled him under. The darkness beneath the shimmering lake slowly swallowed him as he felt compelled to swim up.

But he made no effort to resurface as he sank deeper and deeper.

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"Here we are, Bishy. This is where it all ends."

"Or begins," Bisharp said. "The knowledge this guy might have could be the real game changer." Excitement crept into his voice. "Big enough for us to move past the merc business."

Weavile cackled. "Now don't get your hopes up that much, tin man."

"Well, I still don't think this is the right move."

"Hey, you got to plan our last theft. It's my turn now. And kidnapping 'mons is my specialty."

"Let's hope so."

Weavile bent down on a knee, her black cape billowing in the crisp air of the night. She turned and raised an enclosed claw into the air. The dozens of hardened Pokemon trailing behind her heeded the silent command and crouched. Others emerged from the tops of hills and stalked through the tall grass. They disguised themselves within bushes or hid behind crumbled pillars littering the clearing.

"Looks like everyone's in position. Time to finish this," Weavile said as she walked on ahead. Bisharp would keep a close distance behind her as a few mercenaries accompanied him.

Weavile strolled through the moss-covered ruins, her eyes scanning each potential hiding spot for an enemy to appear from. The area was dead quiet, apart from the howling of wind. She approached a still-standing structure deep within the ruins - a destroyed church constructed of gray bricks. She felt a rush of memories flood her mind as she stared at it. So many jobs conducted by her clan were found through talking to the voice behind the building's walls. Bisharp had crafted a grand web of mysteries linking so many details based on this one anonymous client of theirs. Weavile herself had come to realize how much of this mysterious world she failed to understand through this man.

And now she was going to capture him.

'This is it, then. No going back from here,' she said in her mind.

As she leaned against the church's brick wall, she felt an incredible sense of dread swamp her senses. She fought back these alien feelings with a heavy inhale and exhale motion. She lifted a claw and knocked it against the brick.

"Hey! You in there?"

Scraping noises could be heard behind the wall as a gruff voice came through the numerous cracks. "Yes. I assume you're ready to hear my offer of payment first?"

"Actually, I'm here for a different reason. A reason you're likely also here for." Weavile grew a smug grin. She watched as Bisharp planted himself a few yards away, many of her mercenaries lurking behind him as they got into attacking positions. "You probably thought you were gonna catch us off guard with a little ambush, huh? You said we were surrounded before, but I think it's you that's surrounded now."

The voice went silent. "… Is this really what you want to happen?"

"Looks like I didn't have a choice if you knew what we did. So, why don't you come out now, mystery man? Or do I have to drag you out myself?"

"You fail to understand that this is exactly what I desired!"

A piercing screech shattered the calm night sky. Weavile peered up in confusion, her features then contorting into absolute horror. She brought her gaze down and screamed at the top of her lungs.

"BISHARP! EVERYONE! ABOVE YOU!"

Bisharp looked up to see a beam of red and black energy racing toward him. He reacted on instinct and threw himself to the ground as the ray of destruction ripped across fields of grass and mossy stone, striking multiple mercenaries in its warpath.

When the dust settled, petrified stone statues of Pokemon littered the clearing.

BOOM!

The brick wall of the church came crumbling down as a golden-colored paw emerged from the darkness and latched itself around Weavile's neck. Her protests came out as choked gasps, her claws attempting to pry the paw off her as she was raised into the air. Her assailant revealed himself as he stepped out into the outside and ferociously glared at her with his crimson irises - a Shiny Lucario. Weavile was then flung from his grasp and landed beside a fallen Bisharp as a shimmering sound echoed.

Pillars of blinding, golden orange light sprouted in a circular pattern around the ruins and encircled the area entirely. Rose Clan mercenaries clad in red-stained iron armor stormed out of manifesting Entercards and surrounded the unwary Pokemon. They raised their rifles and jagged greatswords, building up energy attacks that were ready to fire off at a moment's notice. Yveltal broke through dark clouds in the sky and descended toward the ground. Its razor-sharp talons dug into the earth before Weavile and Bisharp and created a shockwave that swept across the lands. Its mighty wings were then laid out on the grass as it eyed the pair coolly.

Weavile and Bisharp cast frantic looks at their surroundings. They were witnesses to the signs of surrender from their mercenaries as the Rose Clan - almost a hundred strong - encroached on them without a single attack thrown. They winced as the cold steels of swords and the barrels of rifles pressed up against their necks. Forced onto their knees, they looked up to see the Shiny Lucario marching his way over to him.

Jackson raised a paw as the golden ring wrapped around it flickered. The orangish-yellow, chain-like lines wrapped around Yveltal gleamed in response. Yveltal heeded the wordless command and backed up slightly, allowing the Lucario to stand before the two captains'. He momentarily glanced down at them before raising his head high and shouting loudly.

"Mercenaries of the Razor Claw clan! Those who have surrendered and those who are still in hiding - you are cornered! You have three options as of now! Sign new contracts with the Rose Clan and work under them, flee from here and never look back, or fight me and lose a battle you have no chance of winning!"

The clearing was deathly silent.

Jackson returned to stare at the captains'. They looked up at him in a mix of bewilderment and horror. "Your clan is finished," the Lucario spat. He slowly knelt and regarded them with a vicious glower. "And you two… are mine."

Yveltal's glowing orange lines flared again. Its massive wings unfurled and its maw opened to utter a blood-curdling cry.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

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Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring. Submerge yourself in shallow knowledge, and find yourself sinking deeper and deeper and deeper and…

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Author's Note: A little learning is a dangerous thing. The water is now welling; it's bleeding and seething under the surface. Drowning in it.

Magearna Character Art: imgur DOT com/a/ck3cSwq

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Next Time:Deeper And Deeper