Chapter 33

Grim Reminder

Moonlight shined down upon the Cosmic Quilt Guild. Filling the air were the gentle pluckings of a banjo, its twangs carried throughout the plains plunged into ubiquitous darkness. Time passed, and the clumsy melody gradually faded into the night.

Liam laid his banjo on his lap and looked back with a grin. "Better that time, Guildmaster?"

Jackson shook his head. "It's acceptable, but you're failing multiple notes." He walked forward and grabbed the banjo. "Let me show you."

Liam obliged the Shiny Lucario and scooted to the side as Jackson kneeled and gripped the wooden instrument close. As his paws ran across the banjo's strings, a slow tune poured out and immediately entranced the listening Riolu. The song eventually picked up in pace, Jackson's paws briskly strumming the strings as one of his hind paws repeatedly tapped the grass to catch onto the rhythm. Then suddenly the playing ceased, the Lucario now still.

Liam pumped an enclosed paw into the air. "That was so great, Guildmaster!"

"… Thank you." Jackson handed back over the banjo. "It helps to close your eyes and focus solely on your movements. To become one with it."

Liam's amazement was not satiated. "When did you learn how to play so well? You had to have played it for years!"

Jackson went silent as he stared up at the bright moon. "It was my tenth birthday when my mother gifted me a banjo and a telescope. Every night after school I would practice and play songs for her beside our trailer." A smile forming across his muzzle was quickly snuffed out. "… That woman had her demons, but she loved me like a true mother would."

Liam lowered his gaze upon remembering the grizzly details the Lucario shared with him before. "Um, sorry for bringing it up."

"It's fine, kid. I wouldn't want her to be forgotten."

"… For what it's worth, I think she would be proud to see what you've become."

"No. No she wouldn't."

Liam cocked his head. "Why wouldn't she? You're the Guildmaster of the most well-known guild in Celestic! That's something to be proud of, right?"

"If my mother knew who I really was, what I've done, what I've become, she would be disappointed."

Liam moved to rest a paw on Jackson's shoulders. "The past is the past, right? I think I should know that more than anyone."

"Is it?" Jackson stood, his back against the Riolu as he stared beyond the vast grasslands surrounding the guild. "My father was a monster. I was still naive enough back then to think the world was anything but cruel. I believed he was all the evils of this world incarnate. I… I wanted to kill that man, truly. A part of me still does, but I've gone beyond that now."

"Because you became an outlaw?"

"No. A ruthless monster is what I became, what I've become." He turned to face the Riolu. "I am just like my father, if not worse."

"But you're not!" Liam yelled as he stood. He frowned, looking down at the banjo in his grasp. His eyes focused on the drawing of a flower etched into the wood. "You were someone who understood what I was going through. You were there for me, and helped me figure myself out… even if only a little."

"You have much you still need to learn. Or even about me." Jackson's orange paw ring flickered as he stared intensely at Liam, almost through him. "Men… Men do strange things when their desires are obtainable." He trudged toward Liam. "Family is everything, kid. So tell me, what would you do to see them again?"

"I…"

Liam did not have an answer.

The brief flashes of memories he did have only gave him a glimpse into what once was. But despite that, he yearned to know more, to see more, and to feel the feelings he experienced. His thoughts churned up recollections of the latest memory he was given, and how enraged he felt in it. The loss of his family - of his mother, and June. Grief nearly overwhelmed his senses as he brushed away a forming tear.

A 'great capacity of anger' the man in his vision claimed to see within him, and he was finding it hard to dispel that claim.

Jackson gripped Liam's paws. "When the rifle is put in our hands, the only way out is to pull the trigger, to obey our purpose as weapons. I thought that once. I had so many chances to stop this, but it's too late now. I've gone too far to let go now. All of this was destined to happen." Liam could see the restrained emotion even behind his dull, crimson eyes. "It has to happen, or else everything has been for nothing."

Liam's mouth parted. "... What has to happen?"

Jackson hung his head. "I wasn't lying when I told you there was little time left - that the hourglass was almost filled." He backed up. "Get some rest. Our expedition to the Grit Region must be swift and thorough."

As the Lucario moved to make his exit, the voice of Liam made him stop in his tracks.

"Guildmaster… If you ever need someone to talk to, then I'm here." The Riolu smiled earnestly. "I know I'm not good at this deep and emotional stuff, especially with my amnesia, but you can trust me. I'd understand like you understood me if you just opened up."

Jackson remained motionless for a moment. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm still that child from so long ago, staring at this world from a crack in my closet door." His head angled slightly to look back at Liam. "Get some rest."

With his parting words, the Lucario drifted away.

Now by his lonesome, Liam contemplated his final remark but refuted it with a smirk tugging at his lips. He was far too restless about the expedition to give in to sleep. He instead sat down on the cliff's edge, banjo in his grasp. Under the bright glow of the moon, he strummed the instrument's strings per his Guildmaster's advice.

A pleasant melody echoed across the lands surrounding the Cosmic Quilt Guild.

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

Moonlight shined down upon the Sunshine Forest. Numerous Pokemon sprinted through the untamed wilds below. They brushed past shrubbery and frantically vaulted over fallen logs.

"Hey! Let's talk about this first!" Rockruff yapped as he ran. "Why are we running?! What's going on?!"

"Didn't you hear that crazy scream, kid?!" Roark shouted back as he ran alongside the Rock-type, clutching a still-unconscious Gloria in his arms. He looked up and through the canopies of trees as the sky swarmed with fleeing Pokemon. "All these 'mons look like they're flying away from Empyrean City!"

"This is so crazy! I've never seen Scizor act like this before! It must be really serious if-"

"Quit your yapping, Rockruff!" Monferno yelled from the canine's side. "Just focus on getting back to the guild!"

"Scizor!" Braixen called out. "Can you please stop and explain to us what's happening?"

The Bug-type did not respond as another piercing shriek resounded through the forest, becoming louder and louder.

Rockruff grit his teeth. "Is that scream coming from Empyrean?! And is that why the Guildmaster was cut off?" His eyes enlarged. "My team!" He picked up the pace upon this realization.

Liam's heart was pounding in his chest as he sprinted with all his might. Worries for the safety of his friends at the guild, especially his Guildmaster, weighed heavily on his mind. These feelings were exasperated by the painful strikes of rushing memories and the pervasive voice stalking his mind.

'Grim reminder, kid.'

Liam scowled. 'Guildmaster… What's happening?'

They burst from the tree line, Shaymin and Charizard swooping down from the skies to stick near the group. They ran up a hill that obscured their sights, their jaws dropping once they saw the horrific sight beyond it.

Hundreds, if not thousands of Pokemon were darting across the grasslands.

The source of their desperate fleeing was Empyrean City. Multiple plumes of smoke could be seen rising into the sky from wrecked structures consumed by raging fires. The echoes of cries from Pokemon within the city were occasionally engulfed by loud booms and flashes.

"By Arceus…" Scizor murmured. "Empyrean is under attack!" He was gone before anyone could respond, rushing down the hill.

The rest of the guild, while appalled at what they were seeing, bolted after the Bug-type. They brushed past escaping Pokemon covered in ash with terrified expressions haunting their faces.

"Wait! Are we at war?!" Rockruff cried.

Charizard flew low to the ground, snarling. "I bet it's those Blaze Continent crazies! They've always been itchin' for more beatdowns!"

"Then where the hell are their soldiers?!" Monferno yelled as he ran. "There's only 'mons running away!"

Liam scowled as his horrified gaze bored into the smoldering city. Electrifying pain in his nerves and mind desired to steal his attention from the present. His attempts to resist it now were all but futile.

'But you'd do it too, right?'

Suddenly, he came to a stop, as did the others around him. An eerie silence overcame the grasslands that was swept away by cold winds. An overbearing and sinister pressure formed in the minds of the group. Liam felt the slow thumps of his heart increase to a rapid beating. His aura feelers sent a spark of warning to his senses, yet the danger was not apparent to him. He threw desperate looks around to locate the source of this sensation, to no avail.

Braixen clutched her head. "This feeling… What is it?"

Shaymin shook her head in an attempt to free herself from the choking force. "Agh! The hell is this?!"

Rockruff pointed a shaky paw at the ground. "G-guys…?"

A small puddle of pitch-black shadows manifested among the shuddering strands of grass. Splotches of bloody red were mixed in as it began to swirl and enlarge, the group taking a step back. It became faster and faster until the earth itself caved in and fell under the whims of the distortion now crackling with red energy. The fear-filled eyes glued to the vortex of darkness widened as something began to emerge from it - a Pokemon.

Black horns jutted out from the portal. Piercing blue eyes contrasted them as the large body of an avian-like Pokemon slowly emerged. Its neck bore a gray scruff that billowed behind it. Bright crimson feathers lined its body; obsidian veins branching into two massive, ribbed wings that became outstretched. Golden orangish lines rose from the swirling vortex, looping around and entangling the Pokemon's limbs like chains. The Pokemon then raised its head to the night sky and opened its beak.

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

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

The sheer force of its shriek created a shockwave that blasted much of the guild to the ground. Those that withstood it could only stare in horror at what was before them.

Scizor removed a shielding pincer from his face, his jaw dropping. "This is… Yveltal?!"

The Pokémon flapped its mighty wings and catapulted into the sky. It then turned and shot toward Empyrean City, the flickering orange lines wrapped around its body trailing across the stars. It left behind aghast Pokemon in its wake.

Rockruff lifted his muzzle from the ground, spitting out bits of grass. "T-that's Yveltal?! I thought he died, like, ages ago!"

"I… That can't be real. This…" Scizor was too stunned to finish.

Monferno helped Braixen to her paws, throwing a look at the massive Legendary. "Sure fucking looks like it! But what the hell is it doing here?!"

"Nah, it's gotta be some sort of illusion trick!" Shaymin yelled. "There's no way this bastard is still kickin'!"

"Don't look at me!" Roark countered, holding Gloria even tighter.

Liam pulled himself up and stared at the Legendary as it circled Empyrean City. Never did he imagine he would be witness to a Pokemon hailed as a true god from the books Gloria showed him. He only wondered if it truly was real. Yet, the thought of it being genuine shook him to his core.

'Who are you?' the gruff voice asked.

Hot puffs of steam jettisoned out of Charizard's nostrils. "What are you lot standin' around and gawkin' for?! We're going after that thing!" With a flex of his wings, he rocketed toward the city.

"C-charizard! Wait!" Scizor screamed before breaking off into another sprint.

The startled members of the guild had little else to do but chase after the Bug-type. They weaved through more fleeing Pokemon until arriving at the city's entrance. Rubble was everywhere, small fires lingering on the charred remains of numerous market stands. Entire buildings appeared as if cleaved in two, blackened scars burned into the cobblestone streets beside them.

Rockruff grimaced at the destruction before finding his gaze drawn to the dark skies. "Hey! It's coming back!"

From the gray clouds pierced the spiraling form of Yveltal. It swooped down near their location and suspended itself in the air. The orange lines on its body then began to shine as it spread its wings and tail into a 'Y' formation. Its red feathers lit up in a deathly glow before its limbs were enclosed around its body as it almost cocooned itself mid-air.

The unthinkable then happened.

Yveltal threw open its wings and unleashed a red and black beam of pure destruction. The ray ripped across the city, colliding into houses and other structures that were flattened in an instant. A family of Shinx and Luxray running nearest to the guild were caught up in its indiscriminate attack.

When the clouds of dust parted the area, all that remained of the family were those resembling stone statues.

Scizor's pincers quaked as he took a step back. "This isn't an illusion… This is the real Yveltal!"

"Look out! It's coming back!" Roark yelled.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Yveltal's earsplitting shriek was a warning to all below. It once again dive-bombed and let loose another crimson beam that devastated the city. Screams and loud crashes filled the air in its wake. When the attack petered off, the guild emerged from beyond the cover of crumbling houses as a plume of dust rolled across the streets, choking their breaths and coating their furs in ash.

Monferno coughed into a hand. "What the fuck was that?!"

"Was that-" Braixen struggled to speak through her coughs. "Were those Pokemon turned to stone?!"

"O-Oblivion Wing!" Scizor yelled. "It turns any being hit with it to stone! Only Yveltal is capable of this!"

"So this is the real Yveltal and not a fake?!" Rockruff deduced.

"Your eyes aren't deceiving you, kid!" Roark confirmed. "This sure as shit is happening!"

"Where is Charizard…" Scizor murmured. "Charizard!" he screamed through the thick smoke.

A flap of leathery orange wings scattered the clouds of dust as Charizard hovered before the guild. Pure rage was visible through the dragon's bared teeth. "Sciz, that fuckin' thing is torching everything in the city. All the homes, all the 'mons here…" He emitted a loud snarl. "Someone's gotta put a stop to it, and I'm gonna be just that 'mon!" He whirled around and fanned his wings, but found his attempts at flight stifled by a red pincer latching onto a wing.

"Charizard! Do you realize what Pokemon this is?!" Scizor asked, desperation clinging to his voice. "This is not any enemy we've ever faced before! I can't allow this!"

Charizard angled his neck to stare back at the Bug-type. He flashed a cocky grin. "… Sciz, isn't this what we always thought we would be doing as kids?"

"I…" Scizor grit his teeth as he loosened his grip. "Please think about what you're doing. The danger of this!"

"Danger's always been my preferred name, Sciz. You know that."

"Please… Just-"

"Stand back!" Charizard freed his wings from Scizor's hold. "'Cause you're about to see me knock that thing out of the sky!"

"Wait! Charizard!"

The Fire-type was already gone. He flew upward into the skies wracked by thunderous booms and constant flashes.

Shaymin ground her teeth. "That lug's got the right idea! No fuckin' Legendary is gonna start a massacre when I'm around!" Before any utterance of her to stop came out, she propelled herself into the air and tailed the Charizard.

"C-can they even stop it?" Rockruff wondered. "Isn't that Yveltal thing supposed to be a god or something?!"

Scizor watched the dragon vanish into the gray clouds, shaken by fear and doubt about his closest friend's resolve. "Charizard is the strongest Pokemon I have ever known, but…" A shove from Roark scattered his frenzied thoughts.

"Hey! Focus! If you're still the leader, then you need to tell us what we're doing!"

"We… We-" Scizor's eyes widened. "We need to get to the guild! Everyone there is in grave danger!"

"And go through the entire city to get there?!" Monferno shouted through the constant crashing of noises around them. "We're gonna be like those Luxray and Shinx before that happens!"

"There's no time for arguing!" Roark countered. "We have to make sure they're safe!"

Scizor gave another look above before he sprinted down the chaotic streets ahead. Monferno and Braixen also gave eachother momentary glances before they took off after the Bug-type. Liam stood completely still as he stared at the family of Luxray. The final expressions frozen forever were ones of pure terror - mirrored by his own.

'We are the same.'

"C'mon, kid!" Roark grunted as he pulled Liam away.

Up in the skies above Empyrean City, Charizard flew in the direction of Yveltal as its red feathers glowed and another ray of energy annihilated the structures and Pokemon below. The Fire-type grounded his teeth as he picked up the pace.

"Hey! Don't forget you got back up here, mate!" the scratchy voice of Shaymin called from his behind.

Charizard huffed. "You better head back to Scizor and the rest, short stuff! I got this locked down already!"

"Then ya don't know how much I wanna see some big, strong Legendary on a power trip go down!"

"Little firebrand, huh? Fine! Let's see how you hold up!"

Flocks of Empyrean guards flew alongside the duo, fear visible in their eyes. The sound of a loud caw reverberating through the air alerted the guards as they changed courses and flew toward the source of the noise. Charizard and Shaymin diverted their courses and followed them as they drew near to a congregation of more guards gathering around a sole Braviary. The avian was squawking out commands left and right as small dispatchments formed and shot off after Yveltal. Charizard waited for the group to thin out before he swooped in beside the Braviary.

"Captain Braviary, 'bout time we met! Here's some moral: ya got a veteran working for you now!"

"Don't forget me, mate!" Shaymin piped up.

It took a moment for the overwhelmed Pokemon to react to their arrival. "The Charizard from Team Moonlight? And a Shaymin?" He peered at the black scarves they wore. "Your Guildmaster, we were…" He shook his head. "Now is not the time for this. Empyrean City is under attack by this 'Yveltal' beast!"

"You know where this bastard crawled out of?" Charizard asked.

"Only Arceus knows that…" Braviary muttered. "The attack began ten minutes ago, and out of nowhere! At first, many thought it was a mere illusion prank, but then those dreadful beams came down. The city hall was targeted first, then the barracks of my men. After that, it has been targeting everything." His head hung low. "I am still unaware of Mayor Empoleon's status at this time."

A low growl rolled out of Charizard's throat. "So this Yveltal thing is doing it deliberately, huh? How many aerial guard units do you have left?"

"Only a couple. I had dozens before, but…" Braivary squeezed his eyes shut. "My forces in the city below have no means of stopping it, leaving it only to us. Backup is coming, but I fear it will be too late by then."

"Shit. Looks like you're gonna need all the help you can get," Charizard said as he flexed his wings. "Good thing I'm here to provide the much-needed firepower!"

"... Do you know how to lead an aerial unit?"

"I've taken entire units down before if that helps."

"Good enough." Braviary's gaze found Shaymin. "A Shaymin… And not even you have an idea as to what is happening?"

"Mate, I'm just here to give a Legendary a good thrashin' and save some 'mons close to me while I'm at it!" Shaymin responded.

"Very well."

Braviary emitted another loud squawk and gathered the attention of all nearby guards. "LISTEN UP! There will be no reinforcements coming any time soon! Yes, this means that you and the comrades beside you are the last remaining Pokemon capable of stopping this carnage!" He spread his impressive wingspan outward. "We fight not for the glory of Celestic, or the politicians that use us, but for the very home we swore to protect! Remember your wives and your children! This is what you are fighting for today!"

His heartfelt address bolstered the guards as they gave rallying cries and caws.

"Squad Fierce Gale will support Charizard and the Shaymin! Squad Thunder Beak will be under my command! The beast must be stopped at all costs!" Braviary squawked before he shot off in the direction of the Legendary.

The guards let out more vocal support as they followed their captain.

Charizard was quick to catch up with Braviary, both neck and neck as dozens of Pokemon soared behind, ready for the battle that was soon to happen.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

"It came from the storm clouds!" Braviary yelled, pointing a wingtip above. "Climb!"

Gradually, each Pokemon ascended higher and higher into the skies until they merged into the wall of rumbling, ashen clouds. Veins of blue lightning flashed, a churning vortex disturbed by the large flaps of Yveltal's wings as it hovered in the forming storm's heart. Specks of rain and ice battered the new arrivals, who shrugged off the elements and immediately set off after the Legendary.

"Surround it!" Braviary yelled. "If it can't fly away, then it can't escape our attacks!"

Squad Thunder Beak was quick to heed their captain's command as they spiraled around the Legendary and encircled it on all sides. Charizard threw a look at the Pokemon behind him and gave a short nod.

"You lot, get a barrage ready before it acts!" the dragon roared.

Squad Fierce Gale swooped in between the other squad of Pokemon, each delivering a payload of powerful attacks. Freezing columns of ice and scorching flames impacted Yveltal's body from all sides. The Legendary seemed unfazed however, its crimson feathers burning with radiance.

"It is soon to attack! Break formation!" Braviary proclaimed.

Braviary's squad obeyed the warning and began to scatter as red energy crackled around Yveltal. The Legendary folded its wings before unleashing an unyielding dark, crimson beam at its foes. Pockets of the night sky were visible as holes were blown through the clouds, and the unfortunate Pokemon incapable of escape turned to chiseled stone. The statues of once lively Pokemon hurtled toward the earth and vanished from the clouds.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Charizard gnashed his teeth. "All right, Fierce Gale! Get up close! Strike it before it can attack again!"

Yvelal was swarmed by ensuing Pokemon that kicked and slashed its massive body in a frenzied manner. The Legendary lifted its head and opened its maw to shake the sky with a horrifying shriek that rivaled the surrounding claps of thunder.

"KYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

The chain-like streaks of orange across its body flickered until its light became blinding to all that gazed upon it. A shockwave of golden energy then burst from Yveltal and blew back all those closest to it. Many Pokemon were knocked unconscious and sent into a freefall. Yveltal did not relent as it folded itself again and struck those falling with an Oblivion Wing, petrifying them instantly.

Shaymin paled at the sight. "W-what was that?! I've ain't ever seen a move like that before!"

Yveltal screeched once more before flying out of the cloud formation. Those able to witness its flight pattern could only stare in horror.

"The beast is going for the Eden Theater!" Braviary called. "We cannot let this monument of progress be destroyed! Even if our wings are clipped, and even if our beaks are clamped shut!" he rallied.

"You heard the man!" Charizard hollered. "Protect that theater at all costs!"

The remaining Pokemon of both squads hastily linked back up with their leaders and flew after Yveltal. The Legendary left behind trails of utter destruction in its wake, firing off multiple Oblivion Wings below as it flew in the direction of the sleek tower overlooking the city.

Charizard's snarling overtook his features as he chased Yveltal, flanked by his squad. "Left-wing! Keep a tail on it!"

Yveltal dove into a spiraling maneuver, and so did the others commanded by Charizard. A whirlwind of slashing talons came from above and sliced the Legendary. It retaliated by wildly firing off another Oblivion Wing, damning many of its pursuers to a stony fate and tearing chunks of steel from the Eden Theater's frame. Yveltal then suddenly diverted its course and began flying after the remaining Pokemon behind it.

"The bastard's comin' right for us!" Charizard bellowed. "Evade it around the tower!"

The guards turned on a dime and fell back as the massive Legendary lurked overhead. Charizard led the dwindling group across the pulsing, neon-blue structure as Yveltal descended. The Fire-type flipped around midair to shoot off a Dragon Pulse from his jaws at Yveltal. Many of the other remaining Pokemon copied his actions as attacks whizzed past or struck the unflinching Legendary, to little avail.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Charizard resumed his laps around the tower. He momentarily glanced back to see another Oblivion Wing rip through the rest of his squad and further damage the building. With no more obstacles in its way, the Legendary focused its attention on Charizard and hastened its wing flaps.

Shaymin swerved around one of the tower's corners and fired a volley of Energy Balls at Yveltal. Those that landed produced a screech of pain from the Legendary as it whirled around to face the much smaller a sight spurred Shaymin to grow a smirk as she followed up with another attack.

"Ya like that, birdbrain?!" she taunted. "'Cause I got another one for ya, mate!"

The air around Shaymin wavered. A green glow overtook the Grass-type's body as particles and other matter were sucked into the ever-growing luminosity. The pink flower around Shaymin's neck also shone until it coalesced and all visible light collapsed in on itself. In the blink of an eye, an explosion of green waves burst from Shaymin's body and crashed into Yveltal, producing a shriek of agony from it.

"We call that a Seed Flare, birdbrain!" Shaymin shouted victoriously.

However, Yveltal was quick to shake off the attack with another cocooning of its limbs. When they spread open, a red and black beam was discharged at Shaymin. She narrowly avoided it as the ray found more flying targets and petrified them.

Braviary scowled at the loss of his men. His cries to those left resounded through the air. "Do not give up hope! We fight to the bitter end! Even if our wings are clipped, and even if-" A stray beam turned him into stone instantly.

The skies above Empyrean City became deathly silent. Filling the void was the wavering hum of Yveltal's flickering lines - the sound of whipping wind and gushing water. It then spread out its wings in a 'Y' formation. Its feathers lit up before the earth was ravaged with another Oblivion Wing.

Shaymin's smirk evaporated as she threw looks around. "Hey! Did it take out everyone?!" Her gaze snapped to Charizard as he emerged from around the damaged Eden Theater. "Big guy! What's the plan now?!"

The dragon in question snarled loudly. "Didn't think it'd have to come to this, but- aw, shit, who am I kidding? It has to come to this! Get a good look, short stuff!"

Charizard raised a claw into the air, revealing to Shaymin a metal bracelet looped around his arm; a rainbow-colored stone was encrusted into it. The stone gleamed with light as a sphere of solid white energy encased the Fire-type entirely. Splintering cracks appeared in the orb before it shattered in a violent unfettering of energy, a strange symbol now grafted upon the dusky stars. The newly Mega Evolved Charizard zoomed toward Yveltal. Three horns protruded from the now sleeker dragon's head, his wings longer with ragged edges. The burning ember at the tip of his tail from before a constantly raging inferno.

"Always wanted to fight a Legendary growin' up!" Charizard hollered. "Guess you earned the privilege of making that wish come true!" Searing hot flames spilled from his jaws as he neared the Legendary.

"LET'S TUSSLE THEN!"

Down in the city below, entire neighborhoods had been reduced to rubble and blanketed in a thick cloud of dust. Districts were smothered in bright flames that burned endlessly and stretched as far as the eye could see. Despite the horrific sights, the guild traversed the city as fast as they could.

"Don't stop!" Scizor exclaimed. "We must get to the guild!"

"I-it's coming back!" Rockruff warned.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

Liam's heart pounded in his chest. Desperate Pokémon pushed past him as he sprinted forward. He looked up to witness a crimson ray slam down into the cobblestone street, petrifying a crowd of Pokemon before him. Guards positioned on the rooftops of houses rushed to the very tops to fire their rifles at Yveltal as it flew overhead, only for them to tumble off the now-razed structures as stone statues themselves. It took everything in Liam's willpower to not look back as he ran past the terror-stricken statues. The gruff voice in his mind, however, was there to catch up with him.

'You will have to pay for your father's mistakes, just like I did.'

"Don't look back!" Roark shouted over the chaos. "Don't look back! We… Oh shit." He came grinding to a halt as he looked back, his gaze connecting with something - something that shook him to his core. "Everyone, wait!"

Monferno only stopped to shove the Zoroark forward. "The hell are you stopping for?! We gotta move!"

"WAIT!" Roark asserted as he pointed a claw to their left. "The Lopunny Orphanage - it's collapsed! There's Pokemon in the rubble! I can hear them!"

Braixen paled, "Mrs. Lopunny's place?!"

Roark gave a grim nod. "There's a tunnel system to our right! The Yveltal's attacks can't reach them there!" He repositioned Gloria over his shoulders. "C'mon! We don't have a lot of time left before-"

Monferno's palm stopped the fox before he could move and yanked him back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! We have to get to the guild!"

Roark pried the hand off him, baring his teeth. "Monferno. You better not be suggesting that we let children become victims here."

"Don't you fucking think I meant that at all! What I'm suggesting is that we'll all be victims with that thing still out there!"

"Charizard and Shaymin are busy distracting it! That should give us all enough time to get them into the tunnels!"

"Why are you so eager for us to play heroes? Weren't you just saying that Scizor has to make a decision? So now you're calling the shots?"

"I know how much you wanna run to the guild like a coward and hide, Monferno, but this is bigger than that! We can't run when the lives of Pokemon are at stake here!"

Rockruff bit his lip and looked to the group's leader for guidance. "Scizor! What do we do?!"

Scizor's eyes flicked to the two arguing Pokemon, then to the battle being raged in the skies above. They briefly lingered in the heavens before returning to the group - hesitant and afraid. "I… We should…" His voice quivered from trepidation.

Liam had already made his decision as he made a beeline for the ruined building.

The shouts of his name faded into the sounds of annihilation occurring all around him. He could see what remained of the wooden building; its Lopunny-like ears jutting out from a pile of collapsed and fractured timber. Small Pokemon were trapped under logs and chunks of stone, their tiny cries and sobs reaching his ears as he got closer.

All of the guild was quick to catch up with him. They quickly gathered around the building's remains to move pieces of wood out of the way. Liam wanted to assist but found any movement in his limbs stifled by what he saw emerging from the piles of debris.

The stone statue of a Lopunny and Buneary embracing in what appeared to be their final moments.

The Riolu took a step back, his vacant gaze sweeping the city as blood-curdling screams and loud quakes that rocked the earth whittled away into an idle heartbeat in his chest that pounded faster and faster. He could see everything around him but felt himself getting dragged deeper into his mind. Pain was inflicted upon his nerves, memories of past visions and voices resurfacing.

'Look at your old house, the old you… burning away.'

This was a nightmare. He knew no other conclusion. He wanted to wake up.

A pair of red claws jostling his shoulder snapped him back into the real world. "No time to daydream!" Roark shouted. "Help us get these kids outta here and into safety!"

This was reality. He knew that now. And there was no escaping this.

Liam clenched his teeth as he rushed to aid the others. He built up Force Palms and smashed stones that pinned a Lillipup beneath the rubble. He extended a paw for the crying child to grab, freeing them from their prison and hoisting them into his arms. Monferno and Braixen helped one another clear the wood with controlled bursts of flame, while Rockruff grabbed the exposed infants by the scruff of their necks and placed them on his back.

"Don't you little guys worry! I got you," the Rock-type said calmly as he attempted to console them. "Soon this'll all be over, so think about the good stuff! Like eating yummy Pokepuffs, or going out on cool adventures!"

Roark could see the final child - an Eevee buried deep within the rubble, only visible through small gaps. His claws sliced through wood with ease but were of little use against the tough stone that encased the Pokémon. "Scizor!" he called to the Bug-type beside him, "I need a controlled Bullet Punch on these slabs right here!" Not getting an answer or action, his look intensified. "Scizor! Focus here!"

Scizor reluctantly lowered his stare down to the earth. "Y-yes! I will help!" He positioned his shaky pincer over the stone slab. The red coloration of it morphed into a glossy gray as he rapidly tapped against the rock. Cracks appeared in the stone as it slightly gave way. "That should be enough!"

Roark tested his words and attempted to gently pry the stone into two pieces. It was a success, but another web of twisted wood and pieces of stone blocked him from the Eevee. "Fuck! This is gonna take a bit! Don't you worry, kid, we're gonna get you out!" he reassured the infant.

Monferno held two Phanpy's in both arms as he scowled at the Zoroark, taking glances at the sky. "You need to hurry it up, Roark! We don't know how much longer Charizard and Shaymin can stall it!"

"I know what I'm doing here!" the fox barked back. "Someone grab that wooden plank right there and pull it! All of you help!"

Up in the skies, Charizard easily outmaneuvered the crimson rays that Yveltal blasted. Scorching flames spewed forth from his maw that chased the Legendary. Shaymin assisted by occasionally unleashing Energy Balls from afar. Yet, her exhaustion was slowly catching up with her.

"Big guy! You still think you can take it? I hate to admit it, but I don't got much left in my tank, mate!"

"Just keep yourself airborne, short stuff!" Charizard answered as his hungry stare bored into Yveltal. "Been so long since I've had an opponent worthy of me Mega Evolving! And some 'god' at that!" He tsked. "Laying the beatdown on this bastard will look great for my legacy!"

A horrendous screech emitted from Yveltal as it circled the sky to face Charizard. The flaps of its wings magnified as sharp currents of wind sliced through gray clouds and toward the dragon.

Charizard responded by wrapping his leathery wings around his nimble frame as a forceful gale battered them. When the Air Slash died down, Charizard threw open his wings to reveal a toothy grin - his body undamaged. "That all you got, bastard?! 'Cause I got somethin' for you, too!" The Fire-type let loose a deafening roar as he shot after the Legendary.

Yveltal's tactics changed as it went into a dive, Charizard following hot on its trail of flickering, orange lines. The Legendary flew low to the ground as it attempted to evade the pursuing dragon, weaving through collapsed and burning buildings, through narrow strips of alleyways until Yveltal began to climb higher above the city.

Charizard saw his opportunity as sparks of blue fire built up in his jaws. He fired a blast of compressed, screaming flames that formed a strange symbol and zoomed toward Yveltal. The Fire Blast landed in a massive combustion across Yveltal's feathers, resulting in a pained roar from the Legendary.

"Short stuff! Give it hell!"

A glowing Shaymin descended from the skies, waves of green energy discharging from Shaymin and bathing Yveltal in a burning sensation that devoured the oxygen around it. Once the Seed Flare wore off, the Legendary tore through the skies once more, flying toward the mangled but still-standing Eden Theater.

Charizard chuffed, "Bastard takes everything! But that sure as shit doesn't mean we'll stop!"

"As long it means I get to cause 'em more pain!"

"I like your spunk, short stuff! Now let's go finish this!"

Charizard and Shaymin prepared themselves for what they hoped would be the final encounter with Yveltal as they chased it down. Yveltal was quick to act, emerging from a corner of the structure and blasting an erratic Oblivion Wing at them. The beam nearly grazed them as they split their flight paths, Charizard opting to charge the Legendary head-on as Shaymin hovered close, trying to conserve energy.

"Up close and personal! Just how I like it!" Charizard bellowed.

Another crimson ray of certain doom triggered Charizard's instincts as he dived to avoid it. His maneuver served double as a distraction, the dragon ascending directly below Yveltal as it searched for Charizard. A cocked arm and well-timed Fire Punch then nailed the Legendary square in its chest, faltering its flight.

Yveltal screeched and dug its large talons into the dragon, greatly slicing Charizard in the process. Yet, he did not relinquish his hold on the Legendary. He endured the onslaught and landed blow after blow of flaming punches, his fury and savagery subsequently rising. Yveltal attempted to flee the entanglement and beat its wings. It succeeded for a single moment, but an orange claw latched onto its tail would deny its endeavor. Charizard summoned all the strength he had left as he pulled the Legendary back, who shrieked and roared at him.

"You're not getting away… BASTARD!"

With all of his might, Charizard spun around, whipping Yveltal back and sending it careening into the Eden Theater behind him with a thundering boom accompanying it. The Legendary smashed windows and warped the black steel around its spread form - completely frozen as it stared at Charizard, the golden chain-like lines across its body flickering.

Charizard was quick to capitalize on Yveltal's plight and put himself between it and possible freedom. His starving look from before was now voracious. He failed to notice the shimmering of Yveltal's lines grow brighter and brighter as he cocked an arm back, flames consuming his enclosed claws.

"KYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

Charizard's eyes widened, but it was too late.

A humongous explosion of orange light burst from Yveltal's lines, engulfing Charizard and Shaymin, along with a large portion of the Eden Theater into a blinding fireball.

Down in the city below, Scizor dropped a wooden plank as his horrified gaze was drawn to the sphere of utter destruction in the sky. "No… No!" he cried. He was powerless to do anything but watch, his hope hanging by a thread.

When the implosion of light faded, Yveltal emerged from a wall of smoke churning out of the crumbling Eden Theater - unfazed. Shaymin slowly glided her way out of the choking dust - weak and littered with bruises and deep gashes. Her breaths were shallow, her consciousness fading in and out. She locked eyes with the sinister and barren ones of Yveltal as it stared back, its lines glowing again. A shiver traversed her spine as a sense of primal fear and powerlessness overwhelmed her - a feeling she had experienced before.

She was going to die.

A rumbling trill crawled out of Yveltal's throat as three golden, spear-like objects manifested from its lines. They zoomed toward Shaymin and locked onto her with ease despite her feeble attempts of dodging them. They impaled her body and then vanished into tiny motes of energy, the Grass-type falling unconscious as she dropped from the sky.

With the vanquishing of its foe, Yveltal turned its attention to what remained of the Eden Theater. The weighted flaps of wings could be heard as they fanned the plume of smoke away, a heavily injured and profusely bleeding Charizard becoming visible.

A reddish glow of pure rage appeared in Charizard's eyes, his orange scales catching fire. Yveltal reacted as its red feathers began to light up, its limbs creating a 'Y' formation. Charizard mustered the strongest Flamethrower he could, breathing a stream of solid blue flames that surged forward. Yveltal's Oblivion Wing met the Flamethrower halfway before it could reach the Legendary. It was as though time had stopped as those below observed the attacks stop one another, both sides seemingly equal to them.

Yveltal was stronger.

The crimson beam pieced through the cobalt flames and struck Charizard. The dragon went stiff, his fierce gaze frozen in time; once burning, orange scales now a cold, stony gray. Charizard fell as Yveltal's Oblivion Wing then slammed into the Eden Theater before petering off.

Scizor watched the statue of his closest friend plummet, overcome by terror. "CHARIZAAAAAAAAAAARD!" he screamed into the night.

But it was not over yet.

The creaking of the Eden Theater could be heard echoing across all of Empyrean City. The upper half of the swaying tower hung over huge chunks of missing structure, its weight hinging on a few exposed support beams. The creaking grew louder, the noise of tearing metal resounding through the air.

The supports failed.

The beams buckled as the entire top portion of the Eden Theater came crashing down and toppled the other half in an instant.

Roark was finally able to pull the Eevee from the rubble just as he and the rest of the guild were thrown to their feet by a shockwave, a deafening noise shaking the sky following it. They threw looks around, noticing a massive wall of smoke beginning to envelop the city from where the Eden Theater once proudly stood.

Roark's instincts took over. "WE NEED TO GET TO THE TUNNELS! NOW!"

The Zoroark threw the Eevee over his other shoulder and ran, pulling along a distraught Scizor with him. The others quickly followed him, grabbing all the children they could carry as they raced to a hatch located across the shattered street.

With nothing left to stop it, a screeching Yveltal descended into the city now being assaulted by a choking cloud and fired Oblivion Wings at anything in its sights. The shockwave resulting from the collapse swept across the city, obliterating nearby homes and blasting off twisted pieces of steel that severed anything in its path. Debris ripped across the streets and houses near the guild, narrowly missing as they endured a violent wind.

The hatch was within their sights.

Roark was the first to reach it, pulling it open and dropping himself and Scizor inside, keeping the top open so the others could reach it. Braixen, Monferno, and Liam followed shortly after and let go of the infants they carried from within.

Rockruff, however, lagged behind - hampered by the weight of multiple children on his back.

Monferno lingered on the hatch's ladder as he looked back. "Rockruff! Hurry up already!"

The Rock-type grunted, "I-I'm trying!" He tried to shift the weight that was bogging him down. "You little guys are soooo heavy, but in a healthy way, y'know!"

Monferno wanted to help, but as he moved, he felt his limbs seize up at the sight of Yveltal entering his peripherals. It was closing in on their location. "Rockruff! COME ON!"

As Rockruff slowly got further to the hatch, a tremor shook the earth and knocked an Igglybuff off his back. He stopped to help it back up.

"KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM"

"ROCKRUFF!"

Rockruff peered up to see a beam of crimson rip across the street and race his way. His eyes widened as he made a split decision. He shook all the children off his back and forcefully pushed them into the open hatch.

The Oblivion Wing petrified him into stone instantaneously.

Monferno froze, "Hey, Rockruff… You-" His mumblings were cut short as Roark yanked him back into the tunnel and slammed the hatch down before the mass of smoke rolling across the street could pour in.

Silence accompanied darkness.

The hissing of a lantern resting on wooden boxes was suffocated by soft sobbing and hushed words said by the dozens of Pokemon taking refuge within the cramped, stony corridors of the tunnel system. As soon as Roark gently laid Eevee and the unconscious form of Gloria upon the ground, he was shoved against a wall. The culprit was revealed to be Monferno as a hand was latched around the fox's throat and squeezed until Roark let out a choked gasp.

"What the fuck were you thinking?!" Monferno screamed, tears welling in his eyes. "YOU DID THIS! This is your fucking fault!"

The Fire-type tightened a fist in his free hand and pulled it back.

"Monferno, stop!" Braixen had tears streaming down her face as she tugged at his raised arm. "Please! Stop it!"

"Get off of me, Braixen! If this bastard hadn't made us stop, then Rockruff wouldn't have-"

"Please… Just stop."

Monferno's furious gaze connected with her pleading one. He then looked at Roark, whose sorrow-filled eyes relayed the same information. His fist unclenched as he relinquished his grasp on the Zoroark. He fell to his knees and shook his head.

"What the hell are we supposed to do?" he croaked. "That thing… It's gonna destroy everything. There's nothing we can do. Charizard and Shaymin couldn't even stop it. And I…."

A quaking of the tunnel followed his words.

"... There is something we can do," Roark said. He nursed his throat with one claw while he pointed the other at the earthy ceiling. "There's nothing we can do to stop Yveltal or whatever it is, but we can help any Pokemon we come across. Pokemon that can't get away, just like the children we saved."

Monferno sneered, "And you mean?"

"We have to go back out there. We can't stay here."

"What you're saying is just suicide! You want us to throw our lives away for this?!"

Roark went silent but slowly nodded. "... I don't know about you, Monferno, but I know one thing about this guild - all guilds across the world. They share one thing in common - helping Pokemon at any cost. My- our purpose as members of the guild is to do exactly that." He lowered his gaze. "I'm willing to put my own life on the line if that means achieving that goal. And all of you should as well." His expression darkened. "Rockruff, he… These are the consequences of what we do."

"You're fucking crazy… This isn't some heroic game like you think it is."

Roark glared, "I'm more serious than I ever have been before. This is life or death for many out there."

"And you want us killed," Monferno spat. "Was Rockruff not enough for you?"

Roark stumbled over to the hatch and lifted it, looking up to see an orange haze of dust whipping across the barren streets filled with stone statues of Pokemon. The terrified visage of a stony Rockruff stared at him, his paw still outstretched. He grimaced as it threatened to break his composure.

"Do what you want, Monferno. Stay here forever if that's what you really want, but I'm not going to." Roark returned his gaze to the inside of the tunnel, eyeing Braixen. "You shouldn't either. Not with your talents."

Braixen wrung her paws together. She looked over her shoulder to see the infants they rescued and other wounded Pokemon being attended to and healed by nurses. She recognized many of them as the medical professionals of Empyrean that helped teach her what she knows. She touched her red armband, then wiped away her tears as she marched over to the hatch's ladder.

"Braixen, what are you doing?!" Monferno yelled.

Braixen clambered up the ladder, sniffling. "I have to go. There's Pokemon that need me out there."

"Braixen, don't! Don't listen to-"

But she was gone before he could finish.

"Damn't!" Monferno's limbs shook in place before he, too, began to ascend the ladder. "Braixen, wait up!" He only stopped to shoot Roark a sharp glare before he bolted off in the direction of his partner.

"Liam."

The aforementioned Riolu snapped out of his stupor and walked over to Roark - despondent and very much afraid - almost hyperventilating. The Zoroark gripped his shoulders, the fox's somber stare boring into his eyes.

"I need you to do something for me. Something very important," Roark said.

"What?! Tell me!"

"I need you to head to the guild. I need you to make sure everyone there is okay, you got that?"

Liam steadied his breaths as he gave hasty nods. "Yeah, yeah I do!"

"You're gonna come back okay, right?"

"I will!"

"You're gonna come back and be safe with your partner here, okay?"

"I will!"

Roark tackled the Riolu into a brief hug before shoving him off. "Then go!"

Liam wasted no time in climbing the ladder and running down the dust and debris-ridden streets.

Roark also put a claw onto the ladder but faltered before he could fully commit. He turned to see Gloria lying beside an unresponsive Scizor staring into a wall. He rushed over and knelt to cradle the sleeping Vulpix in his arms. He smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead before placing her back down. He then returned to the ladder and climbed up it, giving her one last hopeful look.

The hatch came down.

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

'I wonder what kind of person you are?'

Liam sprinted across the grasslands surrounding Empyrean City as fast as he could. A layer of dust and ash coated his fur from journeying through the ruined city. But his condition mattered not to him, only the guarantee that his comrades were safe. The assailant in his mind closed the gap with each step he took.

'What were you before all of this… happened?'

The cobblestone paved path he and Gloria had embarked upon so many times in past missions was now ruptured and broken, blackened marks scorched into the surrounding flowery meadow. Curls of blue and yellow invaded his vision like growing antlers, strikes of acute pain lashing his nerves. It was so great that he spasmed and crumpled to the ground.

'What will you become now that it has?'

Liam immediately pulled himself up. He ran up the hill that overlooked the Cosmic Quilt Guild and stopped at the very top to stare.

His heart sank.

The roof of the starry-sky-themed structure had caved inward, the large telescope in the observatory that once observed the stars broken in two - its lens cracked.

"No, no, no, no, no, no," Liam muttered to himself as he took off in the direction of his guild.

'Family is everything we have, kid,' the gruff voice echoed. 'Without them by our side, how do we continue this painful world alone? How do we let go? Your father… he only understood that before it was too late.'

As he got closer, he noticed numerous stone statues of Council guards littering the structure's surroundings. The rifles some held were pointed to the sky, aiming at an enemy that was once present. The Riolu skidded to a halt near the double doors of the guild. He tried to swing them open, only to find resistance as debris blocked the entrance. A hazy fog shrouded his burning mind as a different but familiar voice spoke to him - a voice he recognized as his father.

'I'm sorry, Liam. I'm sorry for everything. All of this was my fault. I told you I wanted to avenge Angelica, but that's not the whole truth. I did this for my soul. I can't let go, Liam. This has to happen until you're safe.'

Liam grunted as his attempts to pull the rubble out were futile. He resorted to kicking the doors - hard and desperately. Another familiar, female voice chimed in, one that brought ease to his frayed nerves, if only momentarily.

'Loss is always a difficult thing, Liam. It's something that we humans and even all life go through. But my mother and her mother passed down knowledge of a place - a poem - 'the 'Forest of Vanishing Sorrows'. Would you like to hear it?'

He could hear the shattering of wood as his kicks intensified. He was getting closer. A new voice emerged from his mind's reaches, female and silky. It resonated with him.

'Your mother spoke of the 'Forest of Vanishing Sorrows'. The place where you see everyone you've ever lost, and learn to let go of them. But… Who would want such a thing? To never see your loved ones again? Liam, could you see yourself ever entering that forest and thinking that?'

The double doors came crashing down with one last jolt. Liam stepped inside the eerily quiet and pitch-black guild, throwing his frightened gaze around the foyer.

"Guys! Where are you?!"

But as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, they landed upon something - someone. Moonlight peaked in through craters dotting the ceiling, shining down on a stone statue of a Leafeon peering up at the visible night sky.

"No…"

Liam turned. He came face-to-face with the petrified form of Mightyena.

'Grim reminder,' the gruff voice said.

He turned. Purrloin. Staravia. Joltik. Stiff, stone statues.

'Grim reminder.'

He turned again. Minun. Hatterene. Indeedee.

'Grim reminder.'

The world around Liam began to spin and spin. He clutched his head and shut his eyes to close off the reality around him that he refused to accept. So many incomprehensible visions whizzed past his searing mind, a growing ache now rattling his body from within.

But through it all, the sounds of faint sobbing could be heard overlapping his ragged pants.

Liam's absent gaze swiveled over to a large opening in the walls that led to the far end of the guild. He trudged over to it, walking through the breach and toward a Pokemon standing on the cliffs that overlooked the grasslands - crying into their paws.

"Guildmaster…"

An ear-piercing screech resounded throughout the night sky as Yveltal suddenly appeared overhead. It swooped down near the guild and slowly descended near the edges of the cliffside, blocking the pale moon with its size.

Liam wanted to shout, to scream at his unresponsive Guildmaster to run or hide, but those words died in his throat as he saw the Shiny Lucario raise an arm. The orange paw ring the Lucario wore shimmered as Yveltal's golden lines flickered in response. The Legendary obeyed and hovered itself in front of the Pokemon - stationary and pacified.

Jackson turned his head to look at Liam, tears staining his cheeks. "Didn't I tell you?"

At that very moment, Liam felt something trigger within.

Memories began to meld together - both new and old. His pain flourished into a sense of overwhelming revelation. It all came flashing through his mind in the blink of an eye.

He remembered everything.

Everything that he was. His life. His childhood. His adulthood. His death. All the years of constant torment, complete misery, and total despair were now fully realized.

And yet, as he stared at the Lucario before him, one prominent memory was conjured up from the deepest pits of his mind. It burned itself into his vision as the blue and yellow antler-like curls danced across it one final time to show him.

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Liam's murderous scowl remained on the man as the stomp of his boots on the gray concrete reverberated around the room like thunder.

The man stopped inches from the young boy, who thrashed against his iron chains. His arms dropped as the body of another man in his grasp fell to the floor, a pool of blood forming by the head, where there was a visible bullet wound. The man glanced down at the corpse with a sympathetic look before stepping into a ray of light and making himself visible to the appalled young boy.

Sinister hazel eyes, swept-back black hair, and a matching beard; the man spoke in a gruff tone.

"First time we ever properly been introduced, isn't it?" The man lowered his removed gaze to meet the boy. "Name's Jackson Lachaise. But you probably already knew that."

Liam reacted with an almost animalistic snarl as spittle spewed from his mouth. He yanked at his bindings, trying to break free and attack the man looming over him.

"Now that you know who I am…"

The man took a few steps forward before he kneeled in front of the boy, regarding his young reflection with a lengthy stare.

"Who are you?"

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A blue sphere of solidified aura energy built up in Jackson's paws.

Liam's eyes widened. A long since forgotten and extinguished fire within him was now reignited into a raging blaze. His distraught expression slowly began to twist and contort into a murderous scowl of gritting teeth. He recognized the Pokemon before him, the monster behind all of his life's anguish. All the evils he believed of any world incarnate.

The man behind the killing of his mother, and the man who murdered his father.

The Aura Sphere within Jackson's paws swelled as the Lucario threw it. It sped toward its motionless target and sent the Riolu sailing into a wall behind him, collapsing it completely. Before Liam could even move, Jackson was atop him and pummeling his face and torso with frenzied punches.

"THAT WE ARE THE SAME?!" the Lucario screamed at him. "AND WILL BE THE SAME FOREVER!"

Liam slipped in and out of consciousness. He felt tired and weak. And that was when everything went black.

Darkness.

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And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

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Discord: z2h2z

Next Time: Vendetta