Author's Notes: Hello once again! January 8th of this year marks the Third Anniversary of The Phantasmagoria! To celebrate over three years of writing, not only is there a new chapter, but there an important update regarding edits of all previous chapters below!

As of writing this, over 50% of the work on editing all past chapters free of errors, fixing shoddy prose, adding new dialogue and scenes, is complete! Some of these changes will go live across all versions of this story as this chapter goes live! The rest of the edits and changes not included are still being worked on, and will be added in when this arduous process is finally complete. I cannot give a date when it will be complete, but be on a lookout for the next few Author's Notes if this intrigues you. I would recommend waiting a little longer for all of the edits to be added in before deciding to reread the story so far, but this is a mere suggestion.

A big thank you to everyone who has been following this story for the three years it has been chugging along! As always, please enjoy this latest chapter and tell me your thoughts on it in either Discord or in a review! Goodbye.

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Chapter 39

Retaliation

"Would ya stop movin' already? You're makin' this harder than it has to be."

"Sorry, but this just really… hurts- GAH!"

"Quit fussin'! And keep your voice down! I don't want them Miltank or Gogoats to wake up. Lemme touch this area and-"

"That stings!"

"I bet it does, huh? Sheesh, you're dripping wet like a Yamper playin' in the rain. Did ya take a swim out in Swanna Lake or somethin'?"

Liam suppressed the obscenities he wanted to shout in pain, jerking his head at the constant prodding and poking Ponyta subjected his body to with her hooves. With a shimmering noise, her horn lit up as waves of soothing, pink energy washed across the Riolu's cuts and swollen bruises. Liam let out a pleasing sigh as she encircled him, sealing up any small wounds she could find with tiny doses of concentrated Heal Pulse.

"That's about it for what I can heal. For them bigger injuries ya got, your only hope is visiting Doctor Reuniclus in the village," Ponyta said. She winced upon looking at his disfigured right eye. "But that eye… It's all cut up. Can ya see out of it?"

Liam shook his head.

Ponyta lowered her head. "I don't think there's any doctor that can fix that, but ya really need to see one."

"I can't… I can't stop."

"Stop for what? Listen, I've trusted ya enough to heal ya, but who are you really? Are ya an outlaw like them Council guards said ya was?"

Liam hopped off the barrel he sat upon and hobbled over to the sides of the barn. He clambered atop a workbench and peered into a small window above it. His sole usable eye stared out into the vast open fields in search of any potential threats. His bleary gaze locked onto multiple figures patrolling the starry skies, clad in faux leather coats. He sneered at this sighting. "Look, I'll leave your farm as soon as I can, but I need your help in getting me out of here without those guards spotting me."

"Now wait a gosh darn second! Ya haven't even told me who ya are! Are ya an outlaw or not? You just barged into my ranch and into my barn all of a sudden!"

"I don't have the time for this. Please just distract them or-"

Ponyta stamped the ground with a hoof. "I ain't helpin' ya with anythin' unless ya tell me who you are! That's final, mister! Out with it already!"

Liam turned his attention away from the window, wearing a scowl as he stepped off the workbench. "Fine. But we need to make it quick. The guards are gonna find me sooner or later."

"Hmph. I'll decide if that happens or not. Now, who are ya?"

"My name's Liam. I'm a member- was a member of the Cosmic Quilt Guild near Empyrean City. I'm not an outlaw or any kind of criminal; you have to trust me on that."

"Guild… Empyrean City..." Ponyta gasped in realization. "You're from Empyrean?! That big ole city that got destroyed by that Legendary monster?"

Liam's fierce look softened. "I… I was there when it happened. The guild - everyone - ran through the city as Pokemon all around us got turned to stone, and buildings turned to dust. When I ran back to our guild, I saw… the truth, and something changed within me, and I ran. I don't-" He coughed. "I don't know how long I've been running, how many hours it's been, but I can't stop now while he's still out there."

"Who's out there? The Legendary monster?"

"No. The one that's behind this all; the Lucario that's controlling Yveltal - Jackson," he spat with venom.

Ponyta gasped. "Th-that Pokemon? The Lucario in the Celestic Cognizance? So what I saw the other day was…" She stopped herself. "But that attack was days ago, mister. You've been chasin' him that long?"

Liam, too, was stunned at this information. His mouth parted as he slowly nodded. "I have- I still am. And I was so close, but then he just… vanished into some portal." Liam clenched his paws tight as they shook uncontrollably. Rage flooded every fiber of his being as thoughts of the Shiny Lucario flooded his mind; his very presence in this world almost taunting him as he panted raggedly. Soon he was out of breath, stumbling back onto the barrel.

Ponyta approached him with a perturbed expression. "Don't tire yourself out. If what you're sayin' is true, then I understand why you're goin' after him, but what good is that gonna do? If the Council couldn't catch him… Erm, no offense, but what chance do ya got against that 'Eehveltal'?"

"Maybe I have a chance. Maybe I don't. All that matters is that this… monster gets what he deserves." He stood up. "I can't wait any longer. I have to keep-"

"Not right now ya don't!" she exclaimed. "Look at ya. You're injured, shiverin', and can barely walk, as is! Go out there and you'll be on Giratina's doorstep in no time."

"But I can't stay here. They'll find me, and then nobody will be able to stop Jackson! Nobody will-"

"Calm down, mister! And keep your voice down!" she whispered harshly. "Sit back down - please."

"But-"

"Please!"

Liam reluctantly acquiesced to her demands, his frantic look finding the dirty barn floor interesting.

"If what ya said is true, then why are there Council guards chasin' after ya?" she questioned.

"I don't know. I spotted a pair of them near this lake and they just started chasing me. I had no choice but to hide here and wait for them to leave. Please, you gotta believe that I'm telling the truth. You can't turn me in to them."

"Hmm…"

Liam anticipated a further response from the equine, his gaze flicking from the ground to Ponyta as she appeared to be trapped in a deep concentration. Her purplish eyes seemed to bore straight into his soul. "... What are you doing?"

"Shush! My Ma and Pa always said us Ponyta have the ability to see the true contents of a 'mon's heart."

Liam remained still as Ponyta continued her scrutiny of him.

"... All right. I believe ya," she said as Liam breathed a sigh of relief. "Before I go about helpin' ya further, do ya know what village you're in, or even where in the Meadow Region ya are?"

He shook his head.

"Shucks, it ain't much of an introduction, but nearby is Lunanescent Grove. It's a nice and peaceful village… Er, until recently, I guess." A wide and bright smile graced Ponyta's muzzle. "And I run the Moomoo Hoof Ranch here! It's a pleasure to meetcha, Mister Liam! Even if it could've been under better circumstances."

"It's just you in charge, right? Nobody else to worry about?"

"Well… It has been for a few years. All I got is my big brother comin' on occasions to help when he's free from his duties."

"Good. I, uh, I hate to involve you and your ranch in this, but I need your help. Is there a way I can get out of the ranch and the village undetected?"

Ponyta brought a hoof to her chin and tapped it. "It's gonna be mighty difficult with those guards up and about, but I reckon I got an idea."

"Lay it on me, then."

"In a smidge. First thing first - gettin' those guards off my doorstep before they start wonderin' where I am. You stay right here, mister. I'll be right back!"

Pontya turned and trotted out of the barn before he could respond. He cautiously peeked his head through the open doors and watched the Psychic-type enter her abode. His distressed mind stirred with worry that she was going to turn him in to them, that she was only pretending to help him. He scattered these thoughts in an instant.

'She's young, but she wouldn't do that. She… trusts me.'

Now by his lonesome, he was accosted by thoughts he tried to evade his entire journey.

'I trusted that monster all this time … How in the hell is he in this world? This clearly isn't Earth at all. And he was dead! I was there in that basement, and I heard him die! But he's somehow been here over twenty-five years? That can't be right; it's not possible. Its-'

He grunted as his mind seared in agony. He brought both paws to massage his temples as he paced around the barn.

'But if he's dead and still alive here, then that must mean… I died. I died and came to this world. ' He stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes widening. 'How did this even happen? The last thing I remember was that day. I left therapy, I picked up Aunt Chari's medicine, drove home, and-" He paused. "And I took those painkillers I got. I… I must have overdosed on them. I saw these hallucinations in my room and heard a woman's voice speaking to me. Everything was black, and then I woke up in the Sunshine Forest.'

The theory of this world being but a vivid dream was immediately shot down in his mind. This fantastical world of talking creatures was real; he lived in it and contracted real joy and pain from it. But the reason for his arrival here continued to elude him.

'Who was that woman I heard back then - and also during those two visions I had? Did she bring me into this world? Did she bring Jackson here as well? And why are we here? Are there other humans here with us? What is even going on?!'

"GRAH!"

Liam's paws pounded his skull in frustration. He had so many questions to ask, but no one to demand the answers of. And yet, he knew it never mattered to him deep down. All he wanted in this last gasp of life he was given was to enact vengeance upon the sole being he hated most.

'Jackson. He has to die. That's all that matters. He can't escape what he's done. He-'

"Um… Are you okay, mister? Keep pullin' on your fur and you'll be without it the next mornin', my Pa always said."

Liam turned to the soft voice slicing through his inner monologue and saw Pontya sauntering inside the barn with a greeting smile. Across her back was a light blue saddlebag. "I'm- I'm fine - just fine. Just restless."

She looked at him askance. "Are ya sure ya can't rest up until tomorrow? I got a guest room you could use, and them guards won't search my ranch now."

"No. I have to leave right away. I have to find Jackson and stop him, or no one else will."

"Alrighty then. I've got new bandages for that eye of yours. And trust me, my plan is gonna work, but I need ya to be extra quiet. Er, and I hope ya ain't scared of dark, small places."

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

The vast plains and long fence perimeter of the Moomoo Hoof Ranch faded into the distance with the rumbling motions of the wagon. Glass bottles filled to the brim with milk clinked inside the few cartons stowed away in the back. A chip in the wooden cover beneath the cargo revealed a single red eye shrouded by darkness.

Liam shifted his body around in the cramped space he was given within the wagon. He peered through the small hole into the outside world he was given and kept watch of their surroundings. It was so he could keep alerted of wary guards, and to stave off the feelings of claustrophobia setting in.

'This is silly; it can't work. There's no way we'll get out of the village. But… I have to give it a chance.'

The wagon slowed to a stop as Ponyta angled her head back. "Psst! Quit movin' around back there! You're creatin' too much a ruckus!" she whispered.

Liam reluctantly remained still as the wagon's movement settled down.

"We're enterin' the village proper, so absolutely no noise, mister."

Ponyta's gait picked back up, the wagon being pulled along as she trotted down a cobblestone road. Liam spotted a checkpoint further ahead and went stiff.

'I hope she knows what she's doing.'

Ponyta conversed with the guards stationed at the village entrance. They gave a passing glance at her wagon and its contents before nodding. Ponyta flashed a smile before continuing on her way.

'Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all.'

Moss-covered trees both tall and short shrouded the village's square in their combined canopies - quiet and moody. Grassy foliage and large, bulbous mushrooms dotted the streets. Blue, green, red, and yellow bioluminescent lights hung like vibrant fruits from outstretched vines that illuminated their surroundings in tandem with the twinkling starlight above. Liam gawked at the natural beauty of the village, finding his inner turmoil vanishing when he simply admired and never detested what he observed.

It was like entering a mystical forest.

'This world is so beautiful, but… it's still tainted by evil. Bad peo- Pokemon are everywhere. Even here, I can't ever seem to escape it,' he lamented bitterly. 'But before I remembered everything, it seemed so pure. But that's what tricked me; evil is everywhere, and there's no escape from it...'

As Ponyta and her wagon rolled onto the streets of Lunanescent Grove, Liam noticed the scant amount of regular Pokemon walking the streets that weren't Council guards. The clothed Pokemon seemed to be everywhere; occupying street corners, patrolling the skies, or knocking on the doors of humble log cottages.

'There's so many of them! They can't be all here trying to find me, right? What do they even want from me?!'

His rabid thoughts petered off as he listened to the clip-clops of Ponyta's hooves traversing the once quaint village's stone roads and bridges. Minutes passed until she reached what seemed to be the final checkpoint at the village's rear. There, an ensemble of hardened-looking Council guards scrutinized her as she stopped near their makeshift barriers.

"Excuse me, sirs! I have an important delivery to make!" Ponyta proclaimed.

A massive Bouffalant draped in a brown cloak set down a Perfect Apple he was crunching upon and brushed past a Luxio standing guard to see the commotion. "Hoho, it appears you do, miss, but there has been a strict lockdown in effect over this village. No Pokemon gets in; no Pokemon gets out," his gravelly voice bellowed, the stench of alcohol accompanying it.

Ponya smiled innocently. "I understand, sir, but this here is really important. Mr. Alakazam needs his medicine to keep kickin', and I found a way to get him to take it without any bluster." She motioned to the glasses of milk in the back of the wagon. "I forgot to give him his Moomoo Milk in last month's supply run, and he must be real low on it, I reckon."

Bouffalant chuffed. "This Alakazam… He lives outside of the village?"

"Yup. Well, sorta; he's got a fancy ole cabin overlooking the old village ruins. He's a bit of a hermit, sir, which is why I gotta visit him for this shipment."

Liam could not help but smile at Ponyta's account. She had proven herself more than helpful to him, and he was wondering how - if ever - he could repay her. But his elation was cut short as his gaze wandered and caught the Luxio staring intensely at the wagon. It was as if it was staring straight through it. He felt himself start to sweat but prevented himself from squirming in the increasingly uncomfortable space. He instead clutched the saddlebag full of battle items Ponyta gave him tightly, ready for the moment to strike.

"Feh, civilians and their trite affairs," Boufflant muttered before letting out a long sigh. "I suppose there is not a particular reason you cannot make this shipment. You will return immediately to the village, yes?"

"Yup! Just one delivery and I'll be quicker than an Accelgor with it!"

Bouffalant glanced at the guards beside him as they stepped aside. "I will be holding to your word, young lady. You may proceed."

"Thank ya, sir! I'll be on my way no-"

"Sister! Oi, little sister, is that you?"

Ponyta peered up as the shadowy outline of an avian appeared in the night sky. With a flap of its wings, it descended rapidly, causing the tiny equine to take a step back in shock. Raven-colored feathers drifted in the cold wind as a Corviknight revealed itself with a giant grin curving its beak, hovering a few feet off the ground.

"It is you! I was gonna fly by your ranch early tomorrow, but I guess not. Little sis, what are you doin' up so late for, huh?" the Corviknight asked.

Ponyta paused for a minute as she stared up at him, Liam dreading that she was about to break, but her next words would alleviate those fears. "Big bro! What a surprise! It's nice to see ya again! Um, even if it's only been a few days."

Liam curiously eyed the newly arrived Steel-type. 'A Corviknight? Is this the same one I met in Elysium City back then? And he's Ponyta's… brother?'

Bouffalant exchanged looks at the two conversing Pokemon. "Private Corviknight, this rancher here is your sibling?"

"Yes, squad leader!" Corviknight said, batting his metallic chest with a wing."About six years now." He looked at Ponyta. "A bit crazy when you think about it, innit? But my question's still in the air, sis; you're supposed to be restin', not haulin' goods around, luv."

Ponyta huffed and whipped her mane. "I ain't no lil' girl no more, big bro. If I can run the ranch all by myself, I can run late-night shipments all I want."

"All right, all right, I forgot how independent you are now." Corviknight's coy expression turned serious. "But y'know, tonight is not a good night for this, sis. This village and the surrounding others are on lockdown after that whole mess in Empyrean."

"Er, I hate to ask, but is there a bigger reason why all them guards here are in a fuss?"

"Sorry, sis, why we're here is need-to-know and I don't know if I can…" Corviknight trailed off as he glanced over at Bouffalant, who gave a reluctant nod for him to continue. "Well, turns out after your encounter with Yveltal a few days ago, some blokes near Swanna Lake earlier spotted that Riolu the Council's been all wound-up about. They said he ran and most likely is hiding out here in the village, or close by."

Ponyta's ears folded as she rubbed her fetlocks together. "Uh, is there a reason why y'all wanna capture this Riolu so bad?"

Corviknight looked at Bouffalant again for approval before facing his sister. "Lot of us guards don't know much except what they tell us. But what the Council and our captain say is that this Riolu is in cahoots with that Shiny Lucario and Yveltal behind the attack. Entire northern and eastern areas of the Meadow Region bein' searched for this 'mon. Even weirder is that I've met this Riolu before once; thought he was strange, but never thought he was that kind of 'mon. Crazy stuff, innit?"

A chill raced down Liam's spine. 'Ponyta encountered Jackson and Yveltal? And the Council thinks I'm with them?! How could they even think that?! If they find me, would they even listen to me if I told them the truth?'

He could not take such a risk. He had to keep moving forward. Nothing else mattered more than justice.

"Yes. It's imperative that we bring this Riolu to justice for his crimes against Celestic and the Council. The Lucario and the Yveltal will pay too, in time," Bouffalant said proudly.

"Yeah, so we're not just faffin' about 'round here, sis. Your big brother's got more important duties than standin' around lookin' mean, luv," Corviknight added, raising his head high.

"And these duties you're currently neglecting are surveying from the skies, private…" Bouffalant muttered.

"Er, yes, squad leader! I'll get right back to it! In fact, sis, how 'bout I watch over you as you complete your supply run 'round the village?"

Ponyta blinked after absorbing the copious amount of information. She realized her brother's intentions and shook her head furiously. "Nah, nah! I, uh, I'm headin' out of the village actually for this last delivery. Yuuuup," she spoke nervously. "So, uh, ya don't need to follow me or nothin'."

"As if I would allow such wastes of resources," Bouffalant jeered. "Young lady. Complete your business and return to this village swiftly and stay within your ranch."

"Yup! I better- better get goin' before Mr. Alakazam gets all cranky. S-see y'all when I come back! Yup!"

Ponyta hastily began to pull on the reins of the wagon as she passed the checkpoint and went further down the cobblestone road. Corviknight swooped right behind the wagon and saluted the Psychic-type as she trotted away. "Seeya later, sis! Don't break those bottles again!" he squawked.

Liam waited for the wagon to roll a few yards away from the checkpoint before he moved to look back. None of the guards seemed to follow after them and returned to their usual routines. A long sigh of relief followed suit as he allowed his body to relax.

The village was now behind them, replaced by open plains and dense pockets of forest with a single trail to follow. It was not long into their journey until the wagon stopped. Liam tensed up at this before he saw Ponyta break out into a giddy giggle, her hooves dancing in place.

"Wow! Did ya see that, mister? All of those guards, my big brother, and I managed to keep my cool! Aw shucks, I was like one of them 'mons in those fancy films!" she gushed. "I rarely ever get to do somethin' that excitin' 'round here."

Liam blinked. "Uh, sure? Are you okay after that?"

Ponyta smiled as she returned to pulling the wagon with a spring in her step. "Yup! As I said, I ain't no lil' girl; I'm made of sterner stuff, like my Pa said!"

Liam did not feel compelled for their conversation to end like that. "Your brother said that Yveltal landed on your ranch. Is that true?"

The wagon's movement slowed as Ponyta's smile faded. She looked up in thought, her tail flicking in discomfort. "... Yeah, um, it did. I know I should've said something, but… it's not something I want to remember."

"Did you see him? The Shiny Lucario."

"I- I did." He could see Ponyta clench up. "I remember that night. I heard a loud noise and went to investigate and- and that 'Eehveltal' thing was sprawled out on the fields. Was breathin' real heavy; looked tired or somethin'. I was scared stiff, but that Lucario hopped off that thing's back and walked over toward me. He… I remember him saying just one thing to me."

"What did he say?"

"He was cryin' and stuff. He grabbed me and he said, 'I'm sorry'. He mumbled it a few more times before he flew off with that thing. I still, um, have nightmares about the whole situation…"

"Sorry. He's… sorry?"

Liam was barely able to contain his rage after hearing about her encounter. 'What is he sorry about? For destroying an entire city and turning all the Pokémon there to stone?! Is he sorry about taking everything from me?! My mom, dad, and June?! Why is he sorry now and not before?!'

"I'm sorry, but that's all that happened, mister. I never saw them again." Ponyta frowned and lowered her head. "If ya don't mind, can we talk about somethin' else? I don't like recallin' what happened that night too much."

"… What those guards said back there. I'm not with that Lucario and Yveltal. You have to trust me that I'm-"

"I already said I looked into your heart, didn't I? I know you're not a bad Pokemon. But… can ya tell me somethin', mister?"

"What?"

"My big brother told me that guild near Empyrean was famous when he went there once. Somethin' about removin' the dungeons from the world and all that junk. Sounds real noble."

"It is - or was - our goal. Destroying these things called ley lines that create the Mystery Dungeons. Or at least, that's what we were told our goal was the entire time."

'But it wasn't. No, Jackson was playing all of us the entire time. We can't take anything he said as true. Are the ley lines and the Mystery Dungeons even a threat? Scizor thought so. But what was real and what was a lie?'

"Wow. That sounds amazin'! If I didn't have to run a ranch, I'd join one of them guilds. So, did ya have a team there?"

"Yeah. Me and another Pokemon I met before we joined - a Vulpix - she-" Liam's heart sank when he recalled his partner and the last time he had spoken to her. "She goes by Gloria. Sweet, caring, anxious, and a bit heroic at times. Team Requiem, we were."

'We were… Were. Why does it hurt so much every time I think about that?'

"She seems real nice, mister." Ponyta glanced back. "Even if the guild is, um, gone, why'd you run off on her like that? You're still partners, aintcha? Shucks, I bet she's worried sick 'bout you."

"I-"

"If ya want my opinion, I think you should go back, mister. Family and friends are important, and ya can't accomplish everythin' alone."

Liam paused to think. The moment he woke up in the guild, he was too consumed by shock and rage to act coherently. He fled in a daze, and Gloria ran after him. She begged him to come back, but he never listened; he told her to go away. Never once did he consider how devastated she was as well after what had transpired. The lump in his throat only grew the more he thought about her, about Roark and all the others he left behind.

'What am I even doing here? If it's really been days since I ran off, then what are the others doing? Are they safe at the guild? Are they trying to find Jackson like I am? Are they trying to find me?'

The more he thought about it, the worse he felt.

'But I can't. The others, they don't know me - the real me. They know this Riolu I took the shape of, but not the real me that's so… gone.'

"There's some ruins up ahead. I'll let ya out of the wagon there, and then I guess you're free to go, mister."

"... All right."

Bioluminescent bulbs adorning the choking vegetation gradually transitioned into decayed wooden hostels and crumbling stone structures. Moss covered almost every inch of the unnatural terrain. A rolling fog shrouded the abandoned village surrounded by pine trees.

Liam observed this new environment. "What is this place?"

"It's the Lunanescent Grove- um, well, the old part of it, that is," Ponyta quickly added. "Old folk speak of a tale; they say that thousands of years ago, the mayor of the village heard a voice speak to him. He convinced the villagers it was a sign from Arceus or some other greater power. Then one day, the mayor and all them villagers mysteriously left their homes - belongin's and all. Folk say they all went off on some religious excursion, leaving the village behind. Others say they got snatched up by some Ghost-types and went to a spirit world run by Giratina. Place is mighty creepy if ya ask me, which is why no 'mon comes 'round here much."

Other than the gentle rumblings of the wagon, the ghost town remained silent as they moved along. Suddenly, the wagon came to a stop. Ponyta quickly threw a look around. "All right. I don't see any guards, so it looks like ya can get out now."

A reply never came.

'I can't go back to the others - I just can't. But as much as I hate to admit it… Ponyta's right. I can't find or face Jackson and Yveltal alone. But do I just give up now after all I've done to get this far? Why? Why am I even pushing myself toward this goal? Is this really all I have left?'

Ponyta unhooked the reins off her back. "I'll help get those bottles and cover-"

"Young lady! Stop where you are!"

Liam froze as he instantly recognized the rough voice of Bouffalant. He made not a sound from within the wagon as he listened to the muffled sounds of footsteps coming from behind. The jostling of metal could be heard - undoubtedly rifles now pointed at them, the Riolu deduced.

'Damn! They did follow us here! That Luxio had to have seen me somehow!'

"Private Luxio over here has alerted me that he had seen what looked like a stowaway within your wagon. Before you go any further, this carriage will need to be checked."

Liam could hear the trembling words of Ponyta. "U-uh, are ya sure he saw somethin'? I swear there's no Pokemon inside! I filled the wagon myself!" she defended.

The footsteps came closer as Liam clutched his paws tight. He maneuvered the saddlebag's strap across his shoulder and laid supine, anticipating sudden movement.

"I don't doubt your claims, young lady. These types of wagons have hollow spaces inside with covers for extra cargo, yes?"

"That- that's true, but there ain't no Pokemon inside-"

"If that's true, then you have no objection to a quick search, correct?" Bouffalant did not wait for a response to form from Ponyta's sputtering as he spoke again. "Private Luxio!"

"Yes, sir?" a new voice chimed in.

"Clear the wagon of those crates and open the cover beneath them."

Purplish, crackling energy began to build up in Liam's now-splayed paws.

"Got it, sir!"

Another set of footsteps grew near the wagon. Crates were shoved to the sides as rays of moonlight seeped in from the revealed chips in the wooden planks, shining down on the form of a Pokemon.

"I do see a Pokemon in there, sir!"

The wagon's cover was suddenly blown off as Liam surged out from within and slammed the Luxio's muzzle with a devastating Force Palm. The powerful attack sent the Electric-type careening across the area before it slammed into a tree - unconscious. Before the other guards could react, Liam withdrew a Blast Seed from the saddlebag and tossed it behind the wagon. The resulting explosion and cloud of smoke gave him ample time to leap off the carriage.

"Ponyta! Find some cover!" he yelled.

Ponyta looked at the Riolu with wide eyes. "But-"

"Don't argue! Just do it!"

The Psychic-type quickly heeded his words and galloped away from the scene. When the smoke settled, Liam saw multiple Council guards encircling his position. Bouffalant narrowed his gaze at him before letting out a supercilious guffaw and stomping the ground with a hoof.

"What a find! I knew you would be here somewhere, wretch! Bringing you in would no doubt fetch me quite a promotion!"

'There's no use trying to bring them to reason!'

Liam adopted a fighting stance.

'I have to fight back! It's my only option!'

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

Roark fought off the clutches of sleep as he rested up against the rough, stony walls of their cell. While he listened to the list of important information Scizor was prattling on about, his cluttered mind wandered.

'That 'captain', what a jackoff,' he thought.

Earlier, the Houndoom that briefly interrogated Gloria returned to warn them of their fates if they did not relinquish information of Liam's whereabouts, or admitted to their crimes for the chance of a lesser sentence. But to Roark, his threats were hollow; though he knew they had little chance of escaping without some type of punishment.

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'But no one's gonna touch you, sis. I don't care if I have to break out of this damn jail to make sure that happens.'

Roark looked down at the sleeping Vulpix cradled in his arms, her cheeks stained with past tears as her tiny chest rose and fell. He combed a crimson claw through her soft fur and lightly jostled the tuft atop her head, getting a hum of delight from the Ice-type. He smiled weakly at his efforts to comfort her.

'Gloria. I know you feel weak right now. And it feels like there's no hope left. I felt the same before, y'know? But like you showed me without even knowing, I wanna show you that this isn't the end of the rope.'

He paused as if awaiting a response.

'I know what you're gonna say. But we'll get out of this dump; you'll become stronger than ever. I promise that. And Liam… that kid will see how much of a big dummy he's being and come back. I just hope he realizes how much danger he's in right now.'

Roark swiveled his head to the corners of the cell, where Braixen and Monferno were huddled. They looked tired and defeated; he scowled at this.

'They really wanna throw away everything they've done at the guild to just run away? I get it, but… I don't. Did Monferno convince Braixen to give up like that? Or did she finally crack under the pressure? That girl always seemed so prof-'

"Roark. Are you listening? This is vital information," Scizor said.

"Shit. Sorry, Scizor. Can you repeat what you said?"

Truth be told, his attention was elsewhere. Over the past few hours, Roark could hear movement around them. Vibrations under their feet, pieces of rock crumbling off the walls. And the Zoroark swore he could see an eye peeking at them through a hole in the wall of a cell opposite to theirs. He waved a pair of claws in front of his eyes, believing he was seeing things.

'I'm not going crazy this soon, am I? I've been behind bars before, but not this long.'

Scizor resumed jotting down words onto the scraps of parchment he found lying around. "This right here is everything you need to know about these artifacts and where they are."

"Okay, lay it on me."

"There appears to be four of them in total. There are three locations that I'm certain may or may not house the remaining artifacts. Rainbow Reef Trench is one in the Shore Region. Rumblecrag Volcano in the Mountain Region. And the Glacier Peak Mountains in the Frost Region. I have also noted other similar locations to these in case they are wrong."

"The Glacier Peak Mountains? That place has one of those shiny things?"

Scizor nodded. "It could. Any of these locations might, and you need to acquire them before anyone else does. Those mercenaries stole the one we had found, but we don't know who they're working for, or if they're tracking down the others like we are."

"We never had the time to talk about that. Who are those clowns? How are we supposed to get it back from them, anyway?"

"I don't know - truthfully. I have my suspicions on who they work for, and I have written them down for you as well, but there's nothing concrete. You'll have to find out and possibly take it back from them."

"Find out? Scizor, all of this seems so vague and-"

"Please! You have to go through with this!" Scizor beseeched, tapping the parchment with a pincer. He squeezed his eyes shut. "I don't… I don't know everything, Roark. I wish I knew, but there's no time. I know the pieces to understanding the bigger picture are out there. You just have to take my word and follow with it."

"All right, all right. But what you said earlier about Yveltal; you actually think Jackson is using those ley lines to control it?"

Scizor went silent.

"Could he do that? I mean, I admit I wasn't paying much attention when you were always jabbering about 'em."

"… There are many things not even I know about the ley lines. It's entirely possible Jackson obtained the ability to manipulate them if he was also able to somehow resurrect Yveltal. Jackson may even desire those artifacts we sought out for himself if his behavior I noticed during the last expedition is a sign. There's-" Scizor winced. "There's so many things we do not know. But I am entrusting you with my resolve - the resolve of Team Moonlight - to do what we could not."

"I-"

"Please."

Roark rubbed his muzzle and sighed. "Scizor, you're placing too much faith in me. I mean… me? Sure, I've got seniority, but I'm not the right guy for this spot." He forced out a laugh. "You always reprimanded me for goofing off in the guild, and now you want this old man in charge? Besides, what I pulled off in Empyrean that got Rockruff-" He prevented himself from saying more, scowling. He saw Monferno flick his gaze to him, an uncertain yet guilty look in his eye.

The Zoroark was unsure what to think of that; if it was more anger directed at him, or something else entirely.

"You fail to realize that I ordered us to do that. I understand what you're saying, Roark, but I'm sure you know by now that I'm a very observant Pokemon. After the many years you've been with the guild, I know you're capable of this if you're devoted enough to the task. Please. Please do this for me if it's the last time I can help you all."

Roark contemplated his request. He could recall a time when Bisharp used to step him aside and try to persuade him to accept leadership of the Rescue Society when the time came. And he always remembered shooting his desires down, saying that he was too irresponsible and young to be able to take up the mantle.

'This is the second time I'm being offered this. Maybe it's a sign from that four-legged jerk upstairs, or maybe it's time I grow up for once. The boys back then would never believe it. ' Roark chuckled sadly to himself. 'But maybe Scizor's right in what he sees in me. I can't say I see it as well, or that I'd be a great leader, but what else is there? What else is there for me in this life?' He gazed down at Gloria again. 'Once you're able to go down this road alone, why would you need another?'

"Roark? Do you accept this responsibility?"

"… Yeah. I promise I'll take over what's left. Might as well, right?"

Scizor slid over the pieces of parchment. Written down were entire pages of notes, diagrams, and mappings. "This is a collection of everything I have remembered from my research. All other pre-existing research was destroyed by Jackson in the attack. Take it with you and create copies if you must. Once Shaymin recovers wherever she is, hopefully she will regroup with you all. And Garchomp…" His tone was feeble when he spoke her name, appearing to find his next words hard to say. "I hope she learns from my journey what I could not. She and her team will no doubt assist you all in whatever endeavors you face."

Roark rolled up the sheets of parchment and stuffed them into his mane. "Do you really think your attempt to shift all the blame onto you will work in the courts?"

"There's no guarantee," Scizor said. "But I know that the Council will no doubt seek any punishment it can onto whomever they deem is an accomplice. I… I would be the most suitable candidate if my long history beside Jackson says anything."

Roark shook his head dejectedly. "You don't have to do this, man. Hell, you're innocent! You have to give up this guilt junk. We can't play by their rules; there has to be another way."

Scizor looked away. "No, there isn't. Even if we were to escape now through other means, they would still pursue us if the Pokemon of Celestic demanded it. Someone has to take responsibility for all of us, and that Pokemon will be myself."

"That's-"

"What is that noise?" Monferno suddenly said as he looked around.

Roark's ears twitched as he could hear a faint tapping noise behind him. He turned to see more bits of stone from the walls clattering to the ground. The tapping increased in volume as the hushed chatter of two individuals seemingly within the walls of the cell.

'This is the one!'

'I told ya!' another voice added.

'Take it down fast!'

Roark cocked an eyebrow. "Call me nuts, but I just heard some voices talking behind that wall. Did anyone else?"

Braixen stretched her arms and yawned. "Mhm, yeah. I heard it, too."

"Me too," Monferno said as he slowly stood, taking Braixen's paw and pulling her up as well. "Who are they? Guards?"

Gloria awoke and rubbed her weary eyes, leaping out of Roark's grasp. "What- What's going on? What is that noise?"

The infrequent clicking stopped as the cell grew quiet. Loud drilling could then be heard as chunks of rock and clumps of dirt crumpled off the wall.

"Someone is tunneling into this cell!" Scizor alerted. "But who?!"

"Everyone back up!" Roark yelled as he moved away from the deteriorating wall, the group following suit.

"Roark! What's going on?!" Gloria screamed, backing up.

"I don't know, sis! But we're about to find out!"

Mere seconds later, the entire back wall of the cell collapsed, shaking the antechamber in the process. A plume of dust and a flood of freshly dug dirt rushed in as a large burrow was visible. Two Drilbur emerged from the dust and motioned to the hole.

"Rescue has arrived! Everyone get into the tunnel!" one Drilbur squeaked.

"T-the hell?!" Monferno said in disbelief, his jaw hanging loose. "You two just managed to break into our cell?! Are you nuts?"

"Nope! And it ain't just us! Now quick! Everyone into the tunnel!" the other Drilbur barked.

"But-"

A loud metallic shriek resounded as the door in the hallway between the cells slammed open. A dozen Council guards stormed into the dark halls and crowded the entrance to their cells.

"They're escaping! Does no one have the keys?!"

"Alert Captain Houndoom immediately!"

"It's a tunnel! Get the Ground-type squads into action!"

Roark grit his teeth. "Everyone! No time to think - get into that tunnel and book it!"

"Wait! Us escaping is going to make things worse!" Braixen protested. "We can't go in there or else-"

BOOM!

The metal bars of their cage began to warp as guards tackled the cell door. Those in the back charged up attacks in their open maws and outstretched claws.

"It's too late! We have to go! NOW!" Roark hollered as he scooped up a stunned Gloria and ran into the exposed hole.

Monferno and Braixen exchanged looks between themselves, then at the tunnel and the encroaching guards. A split-second decision was made simultaneously by them as they sprinted into the tunnels. Roark made it only a few feet before he turned and noticed Scizor standing perfectly still in the cell.

"Scizor! What are you doing?! C'mon!" he yelled.

Scizor remained where he was. "No! I will hold them off and give you all time to escape!"

The cell bars creaked from the combined weight of bodies piling onto it.

"What?! Scizor! You don't have to go through with your plan!"

"I have already accepted my fate, Roark! From the very beginnings of Team Moonlight, I have accepted it! I shall pay for my countless mistakes soon!"

"Fuck, just forget the guilt and go with us already!"

"Scizor, please!" Gloria cried as tears streamed down her cheeks.

The metal bars gave in with a crack as countless guards poured into the cell. They surrounded Scizor as the Bug-type stood his ground. His pincers snapped at any Pokemon that got close, his sturdy frame being battered with arrays of multicolored attacks as a result.

"JUST GO!" Scizor screamed as he landed a Bullet Punch on an encroaching Ariados.

"Damnit, Scizor!"

Gloria stretched a paw out. "Scizor!"

Roark whirled around and ran as fast as he could through the narrow tunnel. He only briefly looked behind him to see Scizor being overwhelmed by the guards and dragged away. His vision was then consumed by darkness. Only a small glimmer of light could be seen at the very end. For the next few minutes, all he could hear were the pitter-patter of his footsteps and the muffled shouts of Pokemon from behind that grew closer each second.

"How long is this damn tunnel!" Monferno exclaimed as he gasped for air.

"Don't… stop!" Roark wheezed out. "We're almost there, I think!"

With one final push, the escapees emerged out the other side of the tunnel and were hit with a blast of nippy wind that coursed through the vast and hilly grasslands. A full moon was visible, illuminating a nearby group of equine Pokemon standing on a hilltop in the moonlight. They were clad with saddles and reins, their steely looks staring ahead with no caution or fear visible in their eyes.

"It's- It's the Mudsdale!" Braixen yelled. "They're helping us?"

Scattered around the area were a multitude of Grit Ruin Excavator workers. A heavily bandaged Excadrill grunted in pain as he hobbled onto the back of a Mudsdale. He grinned cockily at the group running toward him.

"I bet ya thought no 'mon was comin' to bust ya out of that pen? Consider yourselves wrong!" the mole retorted. "Well, no time to gab! Get on one of these Mudsdale before the calvary comes!"

No one stopped to argue.

Monferno and Braixen chose to ride together as did Roark and Gloria on another Mudsdale. Drilbur, Gurrdurr, and other worker Pokemon also found themselves on the backs of a Mudsdale. Excadrill threw a look behind to make sure they were situated before he lightly kicked the side of his steed with a foot.

'C'mon! Git!"

In just a second, the Mudsdale were steaming forward in a single column across the prairie.

"We're just outside that Elysium place!" Excadrill spoke loudly through the gale. "Goin' north with no destination in mind! Tell them Mudsdale where ya wanna go and they'll take ya there!"

"A-anywhere?" Monferno questioned.

"I said that, didn't I?"

Roark knew exactly where this was going and whipped his gaze to his left. "Monferno! Don't stray away from us! The Council and their guards will be looking for you all across the continent!"

"You think we don't know that?" Monferno countered. "Face it, Roark! The guild's done for! We're not putting our lives on the line for it any longer!"

Roark glanced at the other occupant on Monferno's Mudsdale. "Braixen! Say something!"

The Fire-type averted his gaze and remained silent. She wrapped her arms around Monferno's torso as he leaned in to whisper something into their Mudsdale's ears. They split off from the pack in an instant, heading off in the opposite direction. Roark scowled at this and returned his attention to what lie ahead. Gloria could only watch in disbelief and horror as Monferno and Braixen drifted further and further away.

"They'll come back… Don't worry, sis, they will," he murmured and held Gloria tightly against his chest. "Excadrill! We're heading north, right? Then let's go all the way to the Glacier Peak Mountains!"

"That chilly ole place? What kinda business ya got there? Besides, wasn't Scizor with y'all back there?"

Roark frowned. "It's just me and Gloria for now! He decided to play hero and stay back to help us escape with you! He gave me everything we needed to know, and I gotta stick with the mission he gave us!"

"Ah, I knew there was some fire in that shy bug's armor! I'll fill y'all in on what's been happenin' when we reach this mountain! Then maybe we could get everyone together again!"

"Got it!"

Gloria tried to wipe away the tears that trickled down her cheeks to no avail. "Braixen and M-monferno, they're- we're all alone now… Everyone's gone," she muttered.

"That's not true, sis," Roark whispered gently. "Please. They'll come back. We're safe now and you need to hold onto hope!"

"We're going to the Glacier Peak Mountains? To home…?" she croaked out as more tears flowed.

"Yeah. It looks like that, sis. Be strong. Be brave for me."

'As if this new responsibility wasn't hard enough. Now this? Now another glimpse into the past? And more pain for Gloria… for me. Scizor. I hope you made the best damn decision of your life.'

The cluster of Mudsdale continued their endless gallop across the plains, kicking up dust in their wake that scattered to the billowing winds.

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"Out of the way, citizens!"

An impatient Heatmor in a brown coat pushed past and even stepped over scores of Pokemon that blocked his way. His fellow guards assisted in keeping Pokemon back as he strode up the marble steps of the Council's headquarters.

The Fire-type marched through hallways and ascended multiple staircases before he was able to knock upon the oak-stained double doors leading into the conference room. A guard from within opened it and allowed him to enter into a heated meeting that was currently taking place. Kommo-o was seated at the head of the oval-shaped table with his face forever twisted into a scowl.

"Give me details! Have there been any new sightings of the Lucario and that Yveltal beast?" the elderly dragon barked.

Pyroar shook her head. "Nay. Aside from one incident with a rancher - nary a trace of them on the whole continent."

"Not exactly true," Manectric said. "A few petrified Pokemon were found near the ruins of an old church. Couldn't have been taken from Empyrean; they were armed with rifles and looked like mercenaries of some sort. No exact details on which clan or what transpired, but we have a team conducting a wide sweep of the area."

"So these terrorists are still within our borders!" Kommo-o slammed the table with a fist. "There will be another attack soon - here, I bet! There has to be! I want the best dragons we can pull from the villages of the Mountain Region and within the guard ranks here and patrolling Elysium City nonstop! I will use my influence there if I have to!"

"I concur with your foresight, Elder Kommo-o. Very wise decision," Carracosta chimed in.

"I also want more lockdowns on cities and towns across the continent. That Riolu mentioned in the letter to Empoleon is an accessory to the attack. He is a threat and is still out there; he is to be captured on sight."

"Already a wide search of the Meadow Region happenin'," Pyroar said. "Few days till we see the results of that."

Kommo-o balled a fist. "Now if only we could secure this damnable city from these rioters! I'm one step away from simply removing them from the square by force!"

Heatmor made his way over to Kommo-o and whispered into his ear. "Sir, Primarina and the rest of the Council have requested to leave their hotel and join this meeting."

"Bah! This meeting does not concern them. We do not need to be bogged down by their hesitancy! We need strength - action! You are dismissed, guard."

A nod was given as Heatmor moved to exit the room, only to flinch in shock as the double doors flew open. Three Pokémon marched into the room and stared at the shocked members of the Council - all three members of Team Drarosteel. The guards in the room immediately drew their rifles upon them or charged up attacks ready to fire off at a minute's notice.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Kommo-o yelled. "This is a private meeting! Who allowed you Pokemon entry?"

Garchomp took a single step forward. "Quite easily; we let ourselves in."

On cue, more guards rushed into the room and surrounded the trio with rifles raised. Aggron and Tyranitar gave them nasty looks in return.

"Are you fools? What business do you have here?"

"I think you know why, High Elder Kommo-o," Garchomp said with distaste. "It's about your recent actions of imprisoning the remaining members of the Cosmic Quilt Guild. You need to stop pursuing charges on them."

"Hah, an act of sheer folly! Why would I allow such a thing? The Alignment has already warned us of the attack and one accomplice in their ranks, and I am positive there are more."

"But you're wrong! Jackson is the true enemy here - not the guild. They- we were all fooled by him; the members of the guild, my team, and even the Council. My team has stood by and assisted the Council many times over the years, but I won't stand by as the Council tries to imprison them all for actions they've never committed!"

"Aye! This is what they call a 'travesty of justice'!" Aggron added as Tyranitar huffed in approval.

"And why should I believe you? What is it that Celestic gains from their freedom? The populace will not accept our weakness!"

Garchomp glared at him. "The members of the guild are the only Pokemon with the knowledge of how to save this world from destruction. I admit, I didn't see it at first, but now I do. I don't care what you say, High Elder. I've opposed you before, and I will do it again to assure their freedom by any means necessary."

Kommo-o's eyes narrowed at the dragoness as he stood up from his chair. "... I remember now. It is you. I did not believe that rebellious Gabite from the village would truly form an exploration team so famous as she claimed she would. That look in your eye - it's exactly the same as that blasted mother of yours." He shuffled around the table. "But it means nothing as it did then! I brought the Thornhide Tribes to their knees! I bested The Scourge and rose to become the most respected dragon in the Mountain Region! You may be a Garchomp, but in my eyes, you are still a runtish Gible with no authority to challenge my decisions!"

"Then it's a shame... because we are directly challenging you."

Following her words, a wheezing Ambipom sprinted into the room. "Elder Kommo-o! There's been a breach in the jails beneath the courthouse! The guild members - aside from their researcher - have escaped!"

A series of gasps resounded throughout the room.

Kommo-o's eyes twitched as he shook in apparent rage. "You… You knew of this, didn't you?!"

Garchomp raised her head high. "I can't say we're involved directly, but we did know. The only reason we're here is to convince you to stand down, High Elder. Do you wanna know why?"

"... Humor me," he said through a barely contained snarl.

"It's because I respect you as the once elder of my village, just like my mother taught me to. I still respect the Council, even after all of its failures. I've even helped the Council many times when they required my team's assistance. But... this world is changing fast, and I'm also struggling to adapt to it. You need to get past your old ways like I need to if this world is to be saved. You still have the opportunity to make that choice now. So, what is it?"

Kommo-o remained silent as his stern gaze swept the room. He spoke not a second later. "Guards! Arrest these traitors of Celestic!"

Disappointment flashed across Garchomp's face as she raised her talons before they could enact the elderly dragon's command. "Don't worry, we'll go without a fight."

Aggron scowled. "Ma'am, ya can't let them just do this!"

"Goin' without a fight? Really?" Tyranitar questioned. "A reality check this eejit needs!"

"We're going." Garchomp turned and stomped away. She stopped briefly to glance behind her. "I'm disappointed in you, High Elder; you haven't changed one bit. And that's gonna bring the Council down with you. C'mon, boys."

Aggron and Tyranitar glanced at one another in shock. But a look of understanding flashed across their faces before they reluctantly followed behind Garchomp. The guards escorted them outside and shut the double doors behind them.

Kommo-o grit his teeth as he slowly sat down. "I want half of the guards tracking down this Riolu moved to find where these guild members have run off to," he said in a growling tone. "Two terrorists are enough. And I want files on this 'Team Drarosteel' and their connection with that guild on this table before the night is over. If the Pokemon of Celestic want justice for Empyrean City, then they shall get it."

"I shall alert them as of now, Elder Kommo-o!" Manectric barked as he jumped from his chair and headed to the door.

Kommo-o leaned back in his chair and sighed. Empoleon had left him a terrible mess to sort out, and he had to pick up the pieces. But he knew he had to take it in stride if the Council was to live past these trying times.

Celestic had to live - by any means necessary - and be stronger than ever.

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'Should I wait a little longer? No… I have to speak to him now before things get worse.'

Gallade stood by his lonesome in the dark, dingy alleyways between the outer stretches of the city. The buzzing noise of the flickering neon lights festered in his ears and disrupted his thoughts. He fiddled nervously with his armband and Mega Bracelet before mustering up enough courage to place a knock on the door to the apartment.

To his surprise, the door creaked open once he made contact with it, a sliver of yellow light visible through the crack. Gallade paid it no mind as he stepped inside and was immediately assaulted by what looked like a war zone.

Chairs and furniture were toppled over; stuffed toys of various Pokémon were scattered over the messy room. Childish giggling could be heard bouncing off the walls as Gallade searched for the source behind it. He found it when Misdreavous suddenly materialized in the kitchen. She laughed merrily and vanished again before a playful Growlithe could tackle her.

Gallade cleared his throat. "Ahem. Growlithe?"

Growlithe turned to face him, a joyous expression visible on his muzzle as he chewed on a Wooloo plush. "Gwuhlade?" the puppy said with a full mouth. He then bounded over to the Psychic-type and jumped up and down. "Pway! Come pway!"

Gallade bent his knees and petted Growlithe on his head. "Another time. Where is your brother right now? Is he here?"

"Big brofther isch Upstrairsch."

"Thanks. You can continue playing."

Growlithe returned to scanning the room with a predatory glare. He waited for Misdreavous to reappear in a new location before he charged after her, only to trip over a large Girafarig toy as she disappeared again. Gallade laughed heartily at their antics before he walked over to the staircase and began to climb it.

With a twist of the door handle, Gallade emerged onto the roof of the apartment. He could see Heliolisk at the far end, his claws gripping the metal railing as he looked toward the greater city. The Electric-type was dressed in a somewhat fancy suit - a clean black with yellow cuffs. Gallade considered kneeling for a prayer to the Allmother to find strength, but he instead took in a deep breath before he approached.

"I assume you went to the gala," he said.

Heliolisk turned his head. "Yeah, just got back from it. It was stuffy and full of snobs, but man I've never seen so much food on a table before! They called it a 'buffet'; must be some outside world tradition, 'cause it was real fancy."

"I imagine it was better than our regular rations in the mess hall were. Did they have those Baked Tamato Fritters?"

"Yeah, they were nice and, uh…" Heliolisk scoffed. "Look, you know I hate this small talk stuff. The only thing I really enjoyed was Mismagius spooking some of the guests with her freaky ghost vanishing trick."

Gallade chuckled as he stopped beside him. "I didn't want to spoil the surprise of them being boring to you. Even the Allfather has admitted to me he despises attending them."

"Meh, I knew it'd be a borefest for someone like me. But with Mismagius there, it made it all the much better."

"Hmm. You know, you're a very lucky Pokemon. Mismagius is quite the looker, and she's taken quite a shine to you."

"I… I don't know, man. It feels like- like she's way too good for someone like me. She deserves one of those strong soldier types from our old unit. I want to be like that for her, but she just says that I'm 'cute when I'm jealous' and she gets me all flustered and everything." Claws scratched the railing as he let out a huff of frustration. "Girls are just so annoying to figure out! I still don't know why she likes me; I ask her and she just laughs and floats away!"

"I felt the same with Gothorita."

Heliolisk blinked in shock as he glanced over. "You… You were? Dude, you were always so confident with her! And, uh, does that mean you're ready to speak about her again?"

Gallade was unsure why he spoke of her name, but he continued. "... I don't know. Perhaps a little. But yes, I hid it well, but being with her was petrifying, to say the least. Her charm and charisma to my own back then made me feel unworthy of her presence. She was smooth - and I was rigid - like water flowing across a stone. She was…" He trailed off as Heliolisk could not contain his nasally laughter. "What is so funny?"

"Stop- stop talking like that, dude!" the Electric-type said between his laughter. "Seriously, you've been reading too many books from the Archive."

Gallade's cheeks burned as he looked away. "Fine. But Gothorita though… I was always confused about why she chose someone like me - a Pokemon from the streets - nothing. She was even from a richer district than ours at the time I met her."

"Well, she was very smart. Smarter than you by a lot."

"Haha. That she was."

"I remember seeing her atop her apartment some days when we would leave training. She would be exactly where I'm standing and just… daydreaming, I think. She looked like she was thinking a lot, but never had someone to talk to about."

Gallade felt an unbearable sadness fog up his senses as his arms hung over the railing. "She had me. Only for a while, she did..."

'The time we had. It was so amazing; like a fairytale from a novel. We could go anywhere. We could leave this place.'

Heliolisk seemed to sense his friend's somber mood and changed the topic. "I'm, um, guessing you wanted to talk to me about earlier in the palace."

A pregnant pause followed before Gallade nodded. "I did. I wanted to give you space, but I couldn't wait longer."

"I get it. I was… acting real stupid back there. I was already angry after we met with the Allfather and heard what he said. Then I saw you with those clothes and just lost it. It felt humiliating, y'know?"

"I understand as well, brother. I feel you have a right to be angry after how much work you have put in as the Allfather's ambassador; especially during our situation with the Razor Claw mercenaries. You have proven yourself worthy enough to enlist in Commander Blaziken's ranks."

"But… No!" Heliolisk grounded his teeth, his tail thrashing wildly behind him. "I shouldn't have blown up like that. Commander Blaziken doesn't want Pokemon like that in his elite ranks. He wants strong, efficient, and capable soldiers. But I'm not any of those traits. Compared to you, compared to everyone else-"

"Don't compare yourself to others."

"But it's true! I'm just- I'm tired of feeling so weak and useless. I was the runt of the unit, the one nobody could depend on." Heliolisk threw a claw out and clenched it. "I want to be strong. I want to be powerful. I want to defeat the devils! I want a paradise for my little brother, just like everyone else here. I want to show the whole world the vision the Allmother has! And joining the commander's ranks would maybe help me see all of that."

'Devils... Our enemies. Who would they even be?'

Gallade shook his head. "You always say you're weak, but your heart and mind are very strong. You have a warrior's spirit. I know the commander is watching your progress, and I bet he's waiting for the right time to give you that position. Hey-" He waited until Heliolisk looked at him. "Mismagius thought you were a catch, so who's to say the commander won't think so, too?" he joked.

"... You really think that?"

"I know that."

Heliolisk's embittered expression eventually contorted into a genuine smile. He and Gallade's gazes returned to the spectacular view they were given. Beyond the plethora of similar apartment buildings, they could see the city and its blinding beauty.

Dotting the background were tall towers of black steel and concrete that rose high. Interspersed were long sections of housing and wide factories between them. But none were more amazing than the thin tower in the very center of the city that dwarfed everything in height. Gallade found the twinkling and flickering of the city's many technicolored lights almost mesmerizing to stare at. He found it especially hard to talk his eyes off the radiant tower in the middle, as was Heliolisk when his eyes wandered to his friend.

Heliolisk let out a sigh. "Y'know, I used to look up at Zenith Tower a lot when I was a Helioptile. It was so bright and felt so warm to look at. Man, I wanted to absorb all that light for myself and just… bask in it. Is that weird to admit?"

Gallade laughed. "Not any weirder than the first time you saw the sun and you shirked your duties by sunbathing for hours. I and the rest of the unit had to literally drag you back into the Entercard."

"Yeah, you did. But as nice as the sun is, everything here feels much more inviting. This is home to me, and once paradise comes, I hope it looks like this. And everyone gets to be happy living here - safe and secure under the Allmother's guidance."

Gallade could not agree with his friend's desires. As he looked out toward their city - their home - he could only see the streets and the slums, and the vast amount of Pokemon that struggled to get by day-to-day. Only once did he dream of a world akin to theirs, and that was before he met the love of his life. And despite her being gone, her dream was his, and that was something he could never let go of.

A world of freedom and no sorrow; of joys and exuberant life.

"Hey, uh, have you accepted Commander Blaziken's offer to join his ranks yet?"

"... No. I asked for some time to think."

"You should. Really. It's not a position he gives out to anyone."

"I don't know, brother. I have already accepted my spot beside the Allfather as his ambassador. And to leave you behind would-"

Heliolisk's claw landed on Gallade's shoulder as he jostled the Psychic-type. "Don't think for a moment we'd ever grow apart if you took another role. You're my best friend - my brother - and nothing's gonna change that. Got it?"

"Affirmative."

"Tch. There you go with that fancy schmancy talk. Talk like a normal 'mon!"

"I shall not," Gallade said with a smirk.

"Nerd."

Gallade's thoughts drifted until Commander Blaziken and his offer washed ashore in his mind. For some inexplicable reason, he felt himself twitch in anger. The fiery eyes of his superior would fall upon him and he would grow uncomfortable as they stared at him with pity and guilt.

'Why? Why does he look at me like that?'

And yet the deeper he searched in his mind, he could find only one reason that he buried deep within to avoid.

'Ever since that day she vanished from my life, he's changed. Changed toward everyone… toward me.'

There was something he did not fully know or understand about that was hidden from him. But he knew that was something distinctly familiar to everyone who had lived and died in the city.

"I don't know how things are gonna turn out above ground," Heliolisk said, "but I want to know when we'll finally have our chance to fight back. Commander Blaziken says we'll have that chance soon; I hope he's right."

Gallade remained silent, strangely unnerved by that statement.

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

Liam took a step back as he assessed his situation and the Pokemon encircling him.

'There's five of them - minus the one I knocked out. Two Galvantula, a Simipour, and that Bouffalant. This is gonna be-'

"Surround and capture him!" Bouffalant suddenly commanded.

His thoughts were abandoned as he darted down the streets of the ghostly village. He did not get far as his hind paws refused to budge. He looked down to see his paws encased in a spider web. A hastily thrown Blast Seed exploded behind him and shrouded the streets in smoke before the guards could catch up.

"He's trying to run away! After him!"

Liam knelt and bit the webs off him before he bolted once more. He ran aimlessly through a sea of rotted cottages before he skidded to a halt and dove into one. But the Galvantula were hot on his trail as they scurried inside through gaping holes in the home's structure.

He was able to dodge another silky strand but was then struck in the chest and glued to a wall by another cobweb. The string binding his limbs jolted with electricity as he was stunned mercilessly by the Electroweb. He screamed in anguish before tearing the webbing off him.

'These Galvantula! Gotta get rid of 'em first before I can run!'

Liam ducked under one Galvantula that lunged at him. He then slammed its exposed underbelly with a Force Palm before it crashed into a wall. The other Galvantula scurried up onto the ceiling, spewing web after web at Liam.

The Riolu leaped over wooden tables and chairs to avoid the sticky traps. But a well-timed shot from the Bug-type snared him in another cobweb; this one more durable than the others. He struggled and began to panic as the two Galvantula crept toward him, their sharp fangs glistening. His instincts called and he answered, slashing the strings that pinned his limbs down. With only one option racing through his mind, he reached into his saddlebag and procured a Knockback Orb, smashing it against himself with zero hesitation. A shockwave of pink energy exploded from the shattered orb and sent him and the Galvantula hurtling in different directions.

Liam's body blasted through the walls of the home, his body tumbling onto the grass. He quickly pulled himself up and looked around. He spotted Bouffalant and Simipour observing him from the street.

"Ready your rifle, private! The Council may want him alive, but a crippled limb is fair game for this wretch," Bouffalant said, glaring daggers at Liam.

As the Simipour unstrapped the rifle across its back and took aim, Liam climbed a bridge of twisted vines and wooden planks that brought him to the house's roof. He sprinted across as gunfire rang out, bits of tile exploding beneath his quick paws. He jumped from house to house, occasionally ducking behind mossy chimneys that crumbled to dust when shot.

The shattering of glass stole Liam's attention as he noticed the pair of Galvantula skittering out of broken windows and onto the roof. A set of fangs then latched onto his fur and bit down hard. Beyond the initial pain, a paralyzing sensation claimed his left arm. He slammed his other paw wildly onto the Galvantula attached to him. He did not cease until the arachnid crumpled and its fangs unhooked from his now numb arm.

Liam jumped to another house's roof before the second Galvantula could pounce him. It pursued him until it was suddenly bathed in orangish-red flames from a bitten Blast Seed. The Bug-type shrieked in pain as Liam took the opportunity to kick the flaming spider off the roof. He then immediately found cover behind a chimney as the crack of gunfire resounded behind him.

'Now it's this Simipour and the Bouffalant!'

Liam waited for the Simipour to begin the long process of reloading before he slipped through one of the openings in the roof and into the home. Bouffalant harrumphed at his action and threw a hoof at the house.

"He's a feisty little wretch, isn't he?"

"S-should we call for reinforcements, sir?"

"Nonsense! I will not let another squad leader steal my capture and glory! After him, private!"

Simipour nodded before ambling off to the abode. All was silent as it poked its head through a broken window and peeked inside, finding no sight of the Riolu in the dark interior. Simipour failed to react to the Stun Seed being lobbed at its face as the seed burst and locked its muscles in place. The Water-type could only watch in horror as Liam revealed himself, an enclosed paw crackling with electricity.

The charged up Thunder Punch then connected and sent Simipour flying backward. Its electrified body rolled across the street before stopping at the hooves of Bouffalant, who scoffed.

"Grah! Incompetents! Must I do everything around here?"

Liam's ears perked up as he heard what sounded like a raging bull charging behind him. His aura senses flared up and he scrambled to safety just as Bouffalant came crashing through a moldy wall. Menacing yellow eyes narrowed at him as the buffalo raised its hooves.

Liam ducked underneath a table as a hoof pierced through it and nearly struck him. He scooted away before another hoof came down that dismantled the table completely.

"You may have bested those green rookies, but you stand no chance in battle against me!" Bouffalant bellowed.

Rolling onto his hind paws, Liam went on the offensive and shot toward Bouffalant with a burst of Quick Attack. He inflicted multiple Force Palms across the Normal-type's form. But to his horror, none of his attacks seemed to phase Bouffalant as the buffalo's nostrils flared.

A headbutt sent Liam launching across the room. Bouffalant spiraled into a mad tantrum, stomping after the Riolu and destroying anything caught in his warpath. Liam dodged rotten planks tumbling off the walls and ceiling as the home shook violently. With a burst of speed from Quick Attack, he was able to land consecutive Force Palms on Bouffalant as he raged blindly.

Yet, his pitiful actions seemed to only anger him more.

"You shall be vanquished, wretch!"

As Bouffalant went into another frenzied attack, Liam ducked and weaved as the house collapsed around him. His paws then latched onto the horns of Bouffalant in an attempt to stop his rampaging. He was swung around, the buffalo bucking and whipping his head to get Liam off of him.

The house was obliterated; piles of mossy wood and a cloud of kicked-up dust were the only remains of it left.

Bouffalant snorted before pawing the ground and surging forward. Liam was forced to grip onto Bouffalant's hair as the buffalo dashed through multiple cottages. Everything was a blur as Liam's was smashed through wall after wall.

'Can't… take this much longer!'

Bouffalant came to a sudden stop as Liam was thrown like a rag doll, his body landing on the cobblestone streets. He spat out some blood and cracked open his good eye to see Bouffalant charging again. Too weak to move, he could only hope to endure it.

"Take this, wretch!"

Liam felt the wind knocked out of his chest as the Normal-type collided into him. His body was flung and demolished a nearby stone well. A shaky paw reached into his saddlebag and rifled through its contents before pulling out a purplish One-Shot Orb. Bouffalant trotted over and knocked it out of Liam's grasp; he laughed at the Riolu's attempt.

"There's nothing you can do to stop me from capturing you!"

A hoof was directed at Liam's head, which his aura helped him dodge, then caught another hoof sent his way. Deftly, he maneuvered his other paw to pull a Blast Seed from his saddlebag and wedged it into his mouth, biting down. A sea of flames enveloped Bouffalant as he reeled back in pain. Liam saw his opportunity and used up all of his strength to pummel the buffalo with multiple Force Palms and Thunder Punches from under.

'He has to go down!' He growled as his foe remained standing. 'But how come it's never enough?! I'm so... tired.'

"GRAH! ENOUGH!"

Bouffalant whirled around and bucked Liam with his hind legs. The sheer force behind the attack sent the Riolu careening through the walls of a cottage and out the other side. His hind paws were able to catch the ground before he fell, skidding to a halt. Splinters dug deep into his blood-caked fur, his stance shaky as he breathed raggedly. His saddlebag was nowhere in sight.

'I'm gonna lose… I can't... I can't keep fighting like this.'

Bouffalant emerged from the gaping hole he created in the house, only mildly injured by the looks of it as he casually trotted over. "Hohoho! You may have inflicted some scratches on me, but I shall leave you with some scars for your slights. Consider it justice for the lives you've taken, wretch!"

Liam stumbled backward; he felt light-headed. His vision fluctuated and his heart palpitated as a strange sensation overwhelmed him. His aura senses were pounding - screaming at him - unlike any warning sensation he had before.

"This is the end for you! You will be captured!"

A switch flicked on in Liam's mind.

'... No! I won't lose! I won't… I can't! I didn't come this far just to lose!'

Liam's aura tassels lifted in an invisible wind as he felt compelled to hunch over slightly. He planted himself firmly and brought his paws together behind him, staring daggers at Bouffalant. The buffalo snorted out derisively and pawed the earth, readying another charge.

'I won't… I'm not losing again!'

A sphere of clear, blue, sparking energy manifested between his shaking paws.

Bouffalant roared before he galloped forward.

'This strange feeling right now! What is it?!'

Gusts of air whipped around the Riolu as the blue orb he created swelled and his feelers swayed in the wind. A feral snarl spilled from his lips as he bared and grit his teeth so hard they might shatter from the pressure.

[https://i.imgur.com/zb2pEly.jpg]

'No... I'm not losing! I'M NOT LOSING! NOT NOW!'

Bouffalant was close.

Liam let out an animalistic roar as the orb expanded even more. Bouffalant's eyes widened in apparent fear as Liam lobbed the supercharged sphere directly at him.

They collided spectacularly.

A burst of white light briefly blinded Riolu as Bouffalant was blown away completely from the surrounding area. He smashed through houses, fences, and carriages until his form finally came to a stop and was covered by piles of debris - unmoving.

A stillness resided in the air.

All that could be heard was the heavy panting of Liam as he stared in the direction Bouffalant was sent sailing. He gazed down at his paws in bewilderment before the sounds of flapping wings above stole his attention.

"I knew I never should have trusted ya!"

Corviknight had appeared in the skies with a vicious look directed at Liam. He immediately swooped down with his sharp talons outstretched, aiming to slice the Riolu where he stood.

Ponyta's gaze snapped between Liam and a quickly descending Corviknight in a panicked state. She made a split-second decision and sprinted out from cover toward a motionless Liam. She skidded to a halt in front of the Riolu and looked up.

"Big brother! Stop!"

Corviknight quickly stopped his dive-bombing mere seconds before he made contact. "L-little sis? What are ya doin'?! Get out of the way! That 'mon right there is the Riolu we're lookin' for!"

"He's not a bad Pokemon! Just hear me out!"

"I was followin' ya and saw the whole thing! He was hidin' out in your carriage! And he took out all of these guards 'ere!"

Ponyta stamped the ground with a hoof. "That's 'cause I was helpin' him! And he fought 'em to protect himself! I ain't lettin' you capture an innocent 'mon!"

Corviknight looked stunned. "You've- you've been helpin' him, sis?! Ponyta… What kind of mess have ya gotten yourself into?" he questioned in clear disappointment.

"... Ma and Pa always told me to do the right thing, and ya said the same thing when ya joined the guard. And I promised to follow those words; I'm only doin' just that."

"Sis, this isn't anythin' like that! This guy, he's-"

"Mister Liam! That's his name! And he wants to save the world - not destroy it like they said he was! He told me the truth, and I looked into his heart!" she added with another stomp.

"You don't really expect me to believe…" Corviknight trailed off as he noticed Ponyta's steely look. He snapped his beak open and closed a few times. "Ah, what the hell. I know how stubborn you get, and I can't arrest my little sister."

Ponyta's features softened as she smiled. "So you're not gonna tell on us?"

He shook his head. "But for cryin' out loud - this is a bit much, innit?" He flapped his wings, black feathers flying everywhere. "I know you've been bored recently, but harborin' a fugitive all of a sudden?!"

"It's more complicated than that! I can explain everythin'!"

"Explain it later! We have to get out of here before the other guards come to investigate this mess!"

Ponyta opened her mouth to speak but gasped as Liam suddenly collapsed behind her, twitching. "Mister Liam! He got hurt badly in that fight! C'mon, he's got to heal before he can leave here safely!"

Corviknight glanced around before muttering a few curses to himself. "... Fine. I'll take him outta here - you too. But we can't go to the village hospital."

"Take us to my ranch! We'll figure out somethin' there."

"What a kerfuffle… I hope ya know what you're doin', little sis!"

Corviknight landed on the ground, plucking an unconscious Liam up and placing him on his back. Ponyta climbed on as well before the Steel-type stretched his wings and took off.

"Hold onto him! I'm goin' up!"

Ponyta heeded his advice and gripped Liam tightly as Corviknight climbed higher in the sky. He eventually broke through a layer of dusky clouds and soared above them in complete cover from prying eyes. He slowed down, glancing behind him.

"So, uh, you saw that move he unleashed back there, huh? An Aura Sphere, they call it? I thought only Lucario could pull those off."

A cold breeze coursed through Ponyta's sparkly mane as she sighed. "He's a strange Riolu, this one."

"Heh, and you're a strange little sister I got. We're almost there, so make sure he's not spotted."

Corviknight continued to silently glide through the night sky. A light gale jostled Liam's aura tassels as he mumbled and twitched in his sleep.

"When he wakes up, he's got a lot of explaining to do."

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Like an animal backed into a corner, there's only one option, and that's to fight back! Fight back until a better tomorrow exists!

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Want to discuss anything related to The Phantasmagoria with the author himself? If so, send a friend request to my Discord linked below!

Discord: z2h2z

Next Time: 10,000 Years, A Message Intercepted In The Present