Chapter 41

The Road To Self-Annihilation

"Sis, just how many of these battle items do you have here?" Corviknight inquired. "I'd say you were preparin' for a war!"

Ponyta continued stuffing the blue-hued saddlebag full of seeds and Wonder Orbs. Once finished, she zipped up its pouches. "All set for ya, Mister Liam!"

The Lucario walked over, bending down to pick up the saddlebag from the grass and slinging its straps over his shoulder. He wore a grateful smile. "I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me, Ponyta."

She beamed at his appreciation. "S'no problem, mister! As long as it helps ya get back to them friends of yours, I'll provide!"

"Are you ready to head off, Liam?" Corviknight asked. "Better now than waitin' for my mates from the village to find you here."

"I'm ready," Liam said, hopping onto the avian's outstretched back. "It's gonna be a long trip, so I hope you're ready."

"Hah! 'Ready'? Us Flying-type guards are trained for endurance when in flight, so don't you worry a bit there."

Ponyta trotted over and placed her front hooves on Corviknight's side. "Y'all come back safe now, ya hear? This whole world-savin' business is mighty dangerous if ya didn't already know."

Liam looked down at her. "It's extremely dangerous, but there's no other choice. If I don't stop Jackson, then no one else will. And it's not just Celestic that he's targeting."

Ponyta initially frowned but warmed up to a smile. "You've come a long way in such a short time, mister. I'm happy for ya. And I hope ya do succeed in stoppin' that dang Lucario!" She glanced over at Corviknight. "And you make sure that happens, all right?"

Liam gripped her hoof with a paw. He squeezed it tightly. "When I return here, Ponyta, this'll be a world free from the claws of evil and reborn. It'll be a world really worth living in - I guarantee that." He let go. "But we'll just have to make it there first."

He wanted so badly to make it there.

The tiny equine backed away. "That's the spirit! Now go out and accomplish it for me and every other 'mon in the world!"

Corviknight grinned as he spread out his wings. "We're off! Wish us luck, sis!"

With his parting words, the Steel-type took into the night. Ponyta waved a hoof at them as they soared well past the Moomoo Hoof Ranch. Liam returned her gesture with a wave of his own until she, too, was gone from his sight.

It was there that the naïve and ignorant Liam had died, and where a capable and resolve-driven Liam was born. He would not give up, nor would he settle for what he had been dealt with. He has to succeed in the tasks he was given, or else his second chance in this world meant nothing.

Corviknight angled his head back. "Now I know I said your friends might head to the snowy mountains way north, but there's a few other places. If we head all the way north of Elysium City, there's Celestial Mountain, and there's probably a few units up there I can check with. But beyond that, there's Cryogonal's Summit and the Glacier Peak Mountains. I can also rendezvous with some other guards headin' that way and see if they can give us some clues on where they went."

"Change of plans; we have to go to Empyrean City first," Liam said coolly.

"Change of- huh?! What do you mean? We don't have the time to make stops here!"

"It's important. There's something I need from the guild first before we can move forward."

"The guild? That place is most likely swarming with guards by now!"

"I'll figure out a way to get past them, okay? Please, I just need to get into that guild," Liam pleaded.

Corviknight was silent for a moment as he flew. "… All right, I'll do it. But no makin' a scene there, got it?"

"Got it."

They continued their flight in silence, occasionally steering clear of roaming patrols of Council guards both in the skies and on the ground. Eventually, the sea of trees below them was replaced by a sprawling field dotted with flowers. Corviknight followed a cobblestone road littered with abandoned wagons and stagecoaches.

Liam held his breath as he stared forward. 'Empyrean City…'

It was eerily quiet as they flew past destroyed building after destroyed building. Twisted steel rose from rubble that piled high on the scarred streets. Entire sections of the city were charred from an out-of-control blaze or were erased by Yveltal's rampage. Few Pokémon were seen below, rummaging through empty buildings and navigating what remained of the city.

Liam's heart sank at what he saw. In just a week, the city he came to know and love, was devastated. Memories of his time spent here flooded his mind. Trading with the Meowstics', reading along with Gloria at the library, and many adventures they had simply exploring its vast landscape.

He knew such destruction was necessary for paradise to be born, but he could still not fathom why exactly.

He wondered if Jackson felt the same.

Liam threw that stray thought away without any hesitation. The man deserved no pity - especially from him.

Empyrean City was now behind them as a ravaged trail led further into the meadow. Liam swallowed thickly at the sight of a familiar, collapsed building in the distance. Corviknight circled the area and descended slowly, allowing the Lucario to see below. Numerous stone statues of Pokemon were lined up near the entrance.

Liam recognized some of them before he looked away and balled up his paws in a fit of rage.

Council guards swarmed the remains of the guild. However, they barely resembled Pokemon at all to Liam. Armored plates adorned sturdy long coats. Menacing-looking masks hid their faces from onlookers. They patrolled the guild's entrance, its garden, and the training grounds. They scanned the skies as Corviknight hovered above, camouflaged in the blackness of the night.

"I know 'mons say us guards are just soldiers of the Council, but the blokes down there are the real soldiers," Corviknight whispered. "Elite rank stuff. I've never seen 'em before; thought they were just rumors, but it looks like I was wrong there..."

Liam hesitantly looked down again. "I need to get inside. Do you think you can distract them somehow?"

"D-distract? These guys?" Corviknight sputtered. "I've never had a word with these types of 'mons before! And who says they'd even listen to anythin' I have to say?"

"Look, just do it. Say anything that'll get their attention. I have to get something inside there if we're gonna continue."

Corviknight appeared to mull it over in his head before grunting. "… Well, guess there's no alternative. Fine. I'll drop you off nearby, make a scene, and then pick you up at the same spot once you're done in there. Got that, mate?"

"Got it."

The Steel-type swooped over to the back of the building and flew low to the ground beside the cliff side. Liam jumped off the avian's back and rolled onto the grass. He waited for Corviknight to fly over to the guild's entrance before he stealthily inched forward.

'C'mon, Corviknight. Do your part.'

A cawing noise then broke the silence. Liam could hear shuffling noises from within the guild - presumably the guards inside leaving to investigate the strange sound outside. Liam took advantage of the opportunity and sneaked into the building through a gaping hole in its side.

'I'm inside! Now to find the Guildma- Jackson's quarters…'

Surrounded by mops, brooms, and various cleaning supplies, Liam deduced he was in the storage closet. Opening a door, he emerged into what was once the mess hall. Moonlight came in through breaches in the ceiling, shining down on overturned benches and chairs. A lump formed in his throat as memories rushing back threatened to stall him. He ferociously shook his head to ward off these recollections of the past.

'I can't keep getting stuck like this. I have to keep going.'

Traversing the mess hall, he quietly stepped into the guild's hallway. He occasionally glanced at his surroundings for signs of guards but could see only pure darkness, and hear the sounds of wood creaking beneath his weight. He felt the walls to navigate until his paws slid across the engraved image of a Lucario head on a wooden door.

'This is it.'

The door handle turned as Liam stepped into Jackson's quarters. The desk at the far end of the room was toppled over, the grandfather clock split into two, and fragments of a destroyed banjo scattered all over. But none of that mattered to him as he instantly walked over to a corner of the room and dropped to his knees. He pressed a paw onto one of the floorboards and pushed firmly.

'Right corner. One of these boards…But which one? It has to be around here-'

One of the wooden boards gave in to his pressure. He slid it off to the side, revealing a metal safe wedged in between the gaps of the floor. He then placed a paw over the dial on the safe and began twisting it.

'1… 9… 9… 0-'

Liam heard a 'click' as the safe door popped ajar. He wasted no time in opening it, rifling through the contents inside. He pulled out a piece of parchment and scanned the first few sentences penned at the top.

It was a letter from Jackson directed to him.

A snarl was emitted from his curved lips as he tore the letter to shreds and threw the scraps behind him. He returned his attention to the contents of the safe. There were multiple ELEs and Entercards that were inside. He took them all before grabbing another sheet of parchment. A quick scan of the illustrations, instructions, and intricate symbols on it made his heart stop.

'It's this right here! I've got it!'

Liam quickly rolled up the parchment and popped open his blue saddlebag. He tossed the ELEs, Entercards, and the parchment inside before stepping out of the room. He made his way back to the mess hall before he suddenly stopped. He spun around and went down a different hallway, coming to a set of doors. He threw open one of them, stepping inside a small room and immediately being hit with emotion.

This was Team Requiem's room - his room.

Remarkably, his old quarters were intact and undamaged by the attack. And yet, anything barely resembling it remained. Their motivational posters were ripped off the wall, their bean bag beds were purposefully ripped apart. Their drawers were all open and bare, the contents obviously collected by the guards in their search for evidence against him. Liam remembered collecting each job listing he and Gloria would complete as keepsakes and placing them inside there.

He closed his eye and imagined a regular night in the guild, when he and Gloria would recount their exciting day full of adventure, wonder, and heroism in their beds. Back then, every day seemed to be more thrilling than the last.

But it was all gone now, like most things he came to love.

Liam was ready to turn around and leave before he noticed an object in the far corner of the room - his banjo - just as he left it. He lingered in the doorway before walking over, picking up the instrument, and slinging its straps over his shoulder.

He left the guild for the last time.

Dirt crumbled off a cliff face as Liam slid down it. He crouched low by the spot Corviknight had dropped him off as he waited for the Steel-type to fly overhead. As if on cue, Corviknight appeared above and landed beside him, panting and visibly nervous.

"Bloody hell… I thought I could strike up a nice conversation, y'know? And then they sweated me over everythin' I knew! Even if I was one of 'em, they…" Corviknight trailed off as he narrowed his gaze at the banjo strapped across Liam's back. "Mate, I know that thing might mean a lot to you, but I hope it wasn't what you desperately needed in there."

Liam smiled and tapped his saddlebag. "Nope. I got it right in here, so we can move on to the next place."

"Next place? Is this a grocery trip?" the Steel-type remarked, narrowing his eyes. "Just how many things do you need before we find your friends?"

"Just one more and we'll be ready to find them." Liam stiffened as he heard movement behind him - clearly the Council guards reentering the guild. "We gotta go now; they're gonna know someone was inside."

"You don't have to tell me twice. Hop on!"

Corviknight spread his wings out as Liam jumped onto his back. In mere moments they were airborne and flying away from the guild. Liam glanced back to make sure they were not followed, breathing a sigh of relief when he knew the coast was clear.

"All right, where to next, Liam?"

"Celestial Mountain. There's one last thing I need there."

"Far away and very frustratin' to navigate… Y'know, if you were any other 'mon out there, I'd be chargin' you for these trips!"

"I never said it before, but I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me so far, Corviknight."

"If it means this world doesn't go away, and my sister is safe, then I'll take you anywhere, mate."

Liam looked straight ahead at an imposing mountain range that loomed in the distance. "It won't. I promise that." He turned his attention to his thoughts, relaying his instructions over and over in his mind.

'Celestial Mountain, the World's Eye, and then we can finally begin creating what's rightfully ours…'

image [https://i.imgur.com/vPjuhjP.png]

Freezing, bitter winds whipped across the Glacier Peak Mountain as a gentle snowfall descended upon its treacherous valleys and rocky cliffs. Through the frigid conditions, a pack of Mudsdale galloped across nature's obstacles like it was nothing. Their flurry of stomping hooves carried them further and further up the mountain.

Roark squinted his eyes at what looked like two balls of yellow light flickering in the distance. He loosened his grip on his Mudsdale's reins as it came to a stop. He then turned to the group of Pokemon following behind him. "Hey! Think I see some lights up ahead!" he shouted. "Could be a village or camp up ahead!"

Excadrill pulled his Mudsdale alongside Roark's, exhaling a foggy vapor. "I see 'em, too! Let's just hope these are natives and not Council guards waitin' to pinch us!"

Roark took a deep breath as he gripped the reins again. "We have no choice but to see, right? C'mon!"

As the Mudsdale sprinted after the fulgurating masses of yellow, it soon revealed another cluster of lights attached to lantern poles spread out across a large, flat plane of land. Wooden cottages stretched across long, paved streets. Tall icicles jutted around the homes and encased them in a wall, acting like a perimeter of some sort. Pokemon - mostly Ice-types - could be seen wandering the streets. But their attention was quickly diverted to the loud sounds of the Mudsdale heading toward them.

The Mudsdale slowed their gait upon reaching the small village's entrance. They trotted into the streets before coming to a stop. Roark looked around briefly before slowly clambering down his steed. He then lightly jostled Gloria, who was still cradled in his arms.

"Hey, sis. We're stopping for a moment," he whispered to her. "I'm gonna let you down for a bit while we figure out our next move, okay?"

Gloria hesitantly cracked open her eyes and lifted her head from Roark's chest. She wiped her tear-stained cheeks as she was gently set down upon the snow-covered cobblestone road. She looked around in a daze, observing this new place with a strange feeling settling in her chest.

Something about this village seemed strikingly familiar to her.

Excadrill grunted as he hopped off his Mudsdale and made his way over to Roark, shivering the entire time. "By Landorous' g-great mane, it sure is cold around here." He sneezed. "I ain't used to this…"

Roark sighed. "Yeah, well, I can't say I missed being in the Frost Region again." He turned his sights to the growing crowd of villagers coming out of their abodes to stare wide-eyed at them. "This isn't a Council camp, but we should be careful about our identities; even an isolated village like this could hear the news."

Excadrill followed his gaze. "While we let the Mudsdale rest, why don't you fill me in on what Scizor told you?"

Roark reached into his mane and pulled out the scrap of parchment Scizor handed to him. He unfurled it and let Excadrill take a look at it. "I didn't get to read it, but there's a bunch of information he left behind. Think you can decipher all of this? I've got to admit I got zero clue on this stuff."

The Ground-type took the parchment from his claws, analyzing what was transcribed onto it. "This is all mighty interestin'… These 'artifacts' - y'all found one of them near that place we dug up in the Meadow Region, right?"

Roark nodded. "Apparently. Mercs stole it, but Scizor said we needed to find the rest of them and also reclaim the stolen one. And he said there could be one of them on this mountain, too."

"Did he now? I'm assumin' that's why ya wanted to head off here?"

"Other than this place being a good way to hide from 'mons, yeah. We've got a lot of busy work to do, and it's just us for now."

"Not exactly. That Garchomp lady from Team Drarofear, was it? She's been filled in on what I'm doin'. She was darn stubborn about not attacking the Council, but she eventually came around. I reckon we'll see her team around once we round up all those guild 'mons scattered across the continent." Excadrill folded up the parchment and handed it back to Roark, who stuck it back into his mane. "This'll take a while for me to fully grasp this smarty pants' notes, so why don't we find out who's in charge 'round here and hope they don't know who we are? And-" He grunted in pain as he rubbed his bandages. "Ooh... And I need to find a doctor here to replace these bandages."

"We should, and you're telling me why exactly you're all messed up, too," Roark said. "And hey, if these villagers are nice, maybe we can figure out if they know anything about these shiny hunks of metal." He turned and knelt. "Sis."

Gloria, who was still in a stupor, was brought back into reality by her brother's voice. "Wha- huh?"

"Me, Excadrill, and his workers are gonna stick around town for the time being if we can, all right? We're gonna find who's in charge and see what they know. You're free to go where you want, but please don't wander off, okay?"

"Um… okay, I won't."

Roark leaned in closer to kiss her forehead and ruffle the curly fur atop it. "We're gonna be okay here - I know it. We're gonna find and get everyone back eventually, so don't you worry, all right?"

"O-okay."

He winked. "That's my girl. Get something to eat, rest up, and we'll meet back here."

The Zoroark stood back up as he and Excadrill took down a street, followed by the Ground-type's workers. Gloria watched them depart as she remained still. She eventually mustered the courage to take a few steps forward down an opposite street.

Curious looks were sent her way by the various Pokemon gathered to see their arrival. Gloria soon grew uncomfortable at the attention and hastened her pace down the icy road. She nearly stumbled and lost her footing as she quickly rounded a corner and glanced behind to make sure she wasn't followed.

Fear gripped her heart. Did they think she was an outlaw? Did they even want outsiders in their village? She was beginning to hyperventilate, but she stopped herself from descending further into panic. A calming and steady breath escaped her.

'I'm okay… I'm okay, like Roark said,' she reassured herself, sniffling. 'I'll just walk around for a bit and then go back to the Mudsdale.'

Gloria pushed on through the village. What continued to befuddle her mind was how familiar everything in the village looked to her old home. The cottages were built the same, the street lamps were designed after Lampents, and even a large building in the distance was eerily similar to the library she spent most of her time in as a kit.

The whole village was like a recreation of Kyuris Village.

'But it can't be… It was all destroyed in an avalanche. Everything was gone, and so many Pokemon there were-'

Gloria stopped herself as a lump appeared in her throat. She refused to think about the past, yet the future looked so bleak as well. Her friends were gone - now considered outlaws - and many others were petrified into stone. Was Liam safe or was he captured? Where did Monferno and Braixen go? What will happen to Scizor after he helped them escape? Where do they even go from here when everything is seemingly against them?

These unanswerable questions plagued and tormented her mind. She bit her lip and fiddled with her scarf and necklace. The growling of her stomach accompanied these troubled thoughts.

'M-maybe there's a Pokepuff bakery around here somewhere?'

She scolded her inner self. She had since promised Roark she would not stress eat, but she was nearing a complete nervous breakdown.

'Heeeey! Vulpix!'

Gloria flinched at an unseen, baritone yet feminine voice seemingly calling out to her. She looked around for the culprit, shaking her head after seeing nothing but passersby Pokemon.

'They're probably talking about another Vulpix.'

Her paws were shaky as she trudged forward, ears swiveling around to catch another stray comment.

'Vulpix! I'm talking to you! Hey!'

Her pace quickened, her heart thrumming in her chest. But before she could take another step, a pair of fuzzy, white arms matched around her waist. She let out an involuntary squeak as she was lifted into the chest of an imposing Beartic.

'Oh wow! It has to be you, right?" the tall stranger asked, squeezing the Vulpix into an unwilling hug. "But if you aren't, then this is, um, a bit awkward."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Who-" Gloria croaked out. "Who are you talking about, ma'am?"

Her heart fell as she realized this Pokemon might know who she was.

"You're that Vulpix from Kyuris Village, right? I remember you! It has to be you, right?" Beartic exclaimed, sniffling the small bit of frozen mucus that dripped from her snout.

Gloria's jaw dropped. It couldn't be. "C-cubchoo? Is that really you?"

Beartic giggled gleefully and tightened her embrace, much to Gloria's chagrin. "It is you! Yep, that's me, all right!"

"You- you evolved!"

"I sure did. And you…" Beartic trailed off as she took a good look at Gloria. "You're still a Vulpix after all this time? I sure thought you'd be a Ninetales."

"Well, I guess it's because... "

How could she tell her that she did not believe in herself to be worthy of evolution?

"Oh phooey, I'm so bad at this greeting thing. Why don't you come to my house and we can catch up!"

"Uh, sure!"

The door to a large lodging was thrown open as Beartic carried Gloria inside. She then gently set the Vulpix down on the velvet-carpeted floor. Gloria's head was still spinning after the sheer amount of speed her old friend used to run here.

She found herself staring at everything within the home. An expansive living room, ornate furniture, and full bookshelves that lined the lavishly decorated walls. While a simple house to the naked eye outside, inside was like a mansion to her.

Beartic knelt to retrieve a bundle of firewood off the floor and threw it into a crackling fireplace. "Feel free to relax your paws and sit down. There's some Perfect Apples on the table if you're hungry. You're, um, my guest and all."

Gloria wordlessly obliged, sinking into a couch and sighing. After sleeping on nothing but rock for a week, she melted into its soft cushions. "Cub- I mean Beartic, it's been a long time since we've seen each other. Ten years, exactly." She smiled earnestly. "It's- It's so good to see someone from Kyuris again."

Beartic wiped her runny nose. "It's good to see you too, Vulpix."

"Oh, um, I go by Gloria now."

"Gloria? Pokemon with names are really rare around here. But I guess it's normal where you are."

"A lot's changed since the avalanche happened. I've got a brother now, and I'm living- was living in Empyrean City before Yveltal showed up. Everything since that happened has been so… so-"

Defeating.

Gloria's ears splayed against her skull. "Sorry, I don't wanna dump all my problems on you. You, um, haven't heard anything in the Celestic Cognizance about the Cosmic Quilt Guild, have you?"

"No, we rarely get clippings up here," Beartic said. "Just like the old Kyuris Village, we're very remote. In fact, we've been living in the same spot since the avalanche!"

"Wha- huh? Wait." Her heart stopped. "This village, what's it called?"

Beartic laughed merrily. "It's Kyuris Village! We rebuilt it and have been thriving since!"

Gloria's mouth was agape upon hearing this revelation. How could she not have realized? All the familiar structures and sights, but she could not put it together. Perhaps it was because she pushed away memories of it deep down, or perhaps it was because she did not have recognizable faces anymore to look at. Her heart was happy that Kyuris lived, but she was heartbroken that it was not the village she knew deep down.

It was a bittersweet feeling.

"Yep! The Rescue Society, or what remained of it, helped us establish a new village over what was left. They're still around here and helping us nowadays," Beartic further explained. "We've been steadily growing since, and I'm even the leader of the Glacier Guiders now!"

"The Glacier Guiders…" Gloria mouthed before her eyes grew wide. "Y-you're the leader of them now? I thought your dad was-" She stopped herself. "Is he okay?"

Beartic adopted a mournful look. "Yeah, he's still around, but he's not as active as he used to be. He got hurt real bad in the avalanche, so he stepped down. And I figured, 'why not follow his big footsteps and take his place?'" She gestured to everything around her before awkwardly clacking her claws together. "So yeah, that's what I've been up to since that day."

"That's… I'm very happy for you, Beartic. You've accomplished a lot."

Though her words were genuine, her emotions were conflicted. Cubchoo had evolved, had become the leader of the Glacier Guiders, and had moved on from the past. But she could relate very little to her growth. She spent ten years in Empyrean City, too scared and unsure of her abilities to bring glory to her name and accomplish her goals.

It was not until Liam arrived that she had no choice but to take a chance. It was Roark who gave her the extra push and comfort in doing so. It was only because of others that she made it this far, and realizing that only highlighted her worst qualities.

She could not let go of them. They stained and smothered her lofty desires. Was she simply doomed to sulk forever in her pain?

Beartic noticed Gloria's crestfallen expression and walked over. "Vul- Gloria, is something the matter? I know about the Yveltal stuff, but if you want to talk about it, you'll always be that friend I had before and could say anything on my mind."

Gloria fought back the tears that threatened to spill over. "I just- Things have been so rough lately. The guild I was a part of - everyone from it is gone from the Yveltal attack or missing. I don't have my partner anymore, and he ran away. And the Council-" She sniffled, letting a few tears slip through. "That's a whole other issue. I'm here- well, we're here for a reason. I wish I was strong enough like you to pull through, but I know I'm not - not alone I am."

Beartic moved closer. "You must've gone through a lot to get here. But I remember how you were, Gloria. You're stronger than you look, and I'm not saying that because you're, um, small. Hehe."

Gloria smiled through the tears that ran down her cheeks. "I should be happy, though. I should be happy that Kyuris Village is still here, and I should be happy you're still here - but I'm not." The Vulpix was brought into another hug by Beartic; this one she fully accepted as she buried her muzzle into her friend's shoulder and cried hard. "Everything's so... broken," she mumbled, her voice muffled, "and I don't know how to fix it. I don't know how to fix me."

Beartic patted her back. "Do you remember when you pulled me from the rubble of that avalanche? Everyone was scared; I was scared I wouldn't ever see my dad again. But you and that Zoroark came, and you helped me escape. I'm, um, not the best at these sorts of things, but maybe you're trapped, and you need a 'mon to pull you out. And that 'mon is yourself."

"Yeah…"

It seemed so simple for Beartic to say, but was deemed impossible in her mind.

"I'm happy to see you again, Gloria. Even if we've gone down different paths, we're still-"

A knock upon the entrance doors stole their attention. A second later, a male voice could be heard speaking.

"Beartic! Are you in there? We've got some new arrivals to Kyuris, and… there's a lot to take in. Come outside when you can!"

The hug was broken as Beartic gasped. "Oh! You can meet the Rescue Society's leader, too! I did say they were still around and all." She ambled over to the door as Gloria wiped her bleary eyes.

"Um, okay. Just give me a second."

The door opened as Beartic bowed her head under the doorframe and left, soon followed by Gloria. But what the Vulpix saw standing in the middle of the village's street made her stop dead in her tracks.

It was a Zoroark. Red and white; its flowing mane cascaded into ghostly wisps and tendrils. It stared at her, yellow eyes full of curiosity and friendliness. Gloria glanced to its sides to see Roark and Excadrill. Her brother looked at her with a worried expression that signaled a wordless message.

'Be calm'. She was anything but.

"Beartic. I see you've already met one of our visitors. Did he- er, she inform you of their situation?" the Zoroark inquired.

"Sort of," Beartic said. "It was, um, more so just catching up with an old friend."

"Ah, an 'old friend'?" Zoroark returned his gaze to Gloria, who was beginning to tremble. She hated the way he was looking at her - like he was mocking her. "Roark mentioned he had a Vulpix as a little sister. You are Gloria, correct?"

Gloria said nothing and took a hesitant step forward. "You- You're-" She stopped. "Who are you?"

The Ghost-type held a claw over his heart. "I'm Zoroark, head of the Rescue Society. We've held a position here in Kyuris Village for more than eleven years. It's nice to meet you, Gloria."

She scowled when he said her name, taking another step forward. Her teeth were bared as she muttered her next words. "Are you that same Zoroark from eleven years ago?"

Zoroark's prideful expression waned as a pregnant pause followed. He inhaled and exhaled slowly. "... Yes, I am. I am that same Zoroark."

Gloria froze again as did the blood in her veins. Her fur stood up on end, bristling like sharp icicles.

"You…"

All she saw was blinding red.

Gloria charged after Zoroark and tackled him into a snowbank. Her claws extended from her paws as she slashed his face over and over. Zoroark attempted to shield himself to no avail. Her cries were guttural and pained, her cold-laced blows rage-driven.

"GLORIA!"

"Little missy! Stop what you're doin'!"

A pair of red claws yanked Gloria off Zoroark as Roark attempted to keep his sister still. She thrashed wildly in his grasp, hot tears streaming down her snarling face. She glared daggers at Zoroark, who was bleeding from multiple long, deep gashes across his muzzle.

"I HATE YOU! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME!" Gloria screamed. "I HATE… YOU!" she wheezed out one last time before being overcome by tears.

"Bring her inside!" Beartic shouted before rushing over to Zoroark. "C'mon, Zoroark, let's go get the doctor."

Gloria continued to fight against Roark as he and Excadrill dragged her into Beartic's home. She tried to get loose, to continue her onslaught against a monster, but she eventually gave up. Her limbs slackened as she closed her eyes and sobbed, wanting this day to just be another nightmare like the previous ones she endured.

The door slammed shut behind her.

image [https://i.imgur.com/vPjuhjP.png]

Gallade had long since finished his tasks for the day and was walking down the streets of the Inflorescence District.

It was another day of exercising his duties across the city to multiple districts and the heralds he found most distasteful. Dealing with their colorful personalities and flagrant disrespect of him was rough, and yet it all boiled down to paperwork in the end. As much as he loved a good novel to meld his mind with, paperwork was a sworn enemy of his.

'My duties as a soldier but also an ambassador and advisor; I respect these titles, but where do the lines cross? If I'm to become a member of Commander Blaziken's elite squad, do my loyalties go solely to him, or remain with the Allfather?'

After his talk with Heliolisk the other day, he was beginning to question if the life of a soldier was his calling. He had the experience, and his best friend advised him to do so, so why should he not? And yet, the murkiness that was Blaziken's demeanor in recent years concerned him at best, and at worst - what he feared at the darkest reaches of his mind would be true.

Gallade scattered these thoughts immediately. If he were to speak his mind, it would be labeled treason. He was utterly devoted to the Alignment, the Allfather, and even Commander Blaziken.

'Come, citizens! Listen to what we have to say!'

The staticky voice coming from the speakers across the district caught Gallade's attention. He and many other Pokemon on the street moved closer to the source of the disruption, rounding a corner and surveying the district square.

'The afternoon announcement was already given, so what is this?'

Soldiers dressed in garb he could only identify as belonging to Commander Blaziken's regiment stood like statues on a black steel platform. They brandished their rifles and attempted to look menacing to the gathering crowd of Pokemon. Another soldier - an Obstagoon - would stand at a microphone and stage and speak into it.

'The time has come, citizens! The gates to paradise will soon be open, but there are devils above that block the entrance! The Alignment and the Allmother demand all of your support for our efforts going forward!'

The statue-like soldiers stomped their feet and struck a pose. Rolled-up parchment was being handed out to various Pokemon in the audience

'Speak to our recruiting officers and find a position in our ranks! Prove your worth to the Allmother, and you may find yourself in our most elite ranks helmed by Commander Blaziken! You may even see the outside world for yourself!'

Gallade sighed as he watched Pokemon feverishly listen to the soldier's speech. While enlistment was forced upon some city districts, recruitment was still openly encouraged across all districts. It was how he and Heliolisk ended up in the places they are now. He was mixed on the matter. It felt insidious, but they were all proud to serve the Alignment and its cause. They wanted to protect the city and its Pokemon from harm. But it also promised security.

A bed to sleep on at night, a hot meal, and comrades to share it with. It was a good deal for homeless Pokemon like he and Heliolisk once.

'The commander is pushing more of these speeches lately. Is he preparing for something?'

Before he could think about it further, Gallade forced himself to look away as he returned to his regular path. Pokemon in his way saw his armband and quickly stepped to the side, giving him a wide berth. He said nothing to them, offering only a polite smile.

Fear was always rampant in the city.

Soon he was in his neighborhood, and he ascended the steps to his apartment. But when he neared his home, he noticed something peculiar. The door to his apartment was ajar, and the lights were on inside.

Gallade knew this was no evidence of theft, as thieves knew full well the consequences of robbing Pokemon in higher positions. This had to have been the work of patrolling guards. Every week they would stop at a particular house to search it for any potential offenses. He knew this because he had participated in these searches many times in his training to be a soldier.

It was a regular occurrence for many.

'But they left the door open… Why? I never brought any books home from the Archives.'

Preparing himself for a possible confrontation with a guard inside, Gallade stepped inside his home. He scoured his kitchen and living room before hurrying up a flight of stairs. He braced himself before opening the door to his bedroom and stepping inside. He did a double-take at what he saw. Flickering candlelight from his nightstand illuminated two figures within the small room.

"A-allfather? And Magearna? What are you both doing here?"

Magearna was hovering in the left corner of his bedroom, silently staring at him and wearing a blank expression. Frogadier sat on his bed, lacking his usual regalia, and his head held low before he looked up at Gallade. The Psychic-type could sense barely restrained emotion behind his baggy eyes.

"I said before in the palace that I wanted us to talk, and, um, I figured here would be more private than there," Frogadier said.

Gallade opened and closed his mouth several times. "Well… Of course we can talk, Allfather! I'd be more than happy to do so."

"Please, just Frogadier in private."

"Ah, my apologies; I always forget."

"Please, sit."

Gallade walked over and took a seat on the bed next to Frogadier. "Is this referring to the discussion Heliolisk and I had with you at the palace?"

Frogadier slowly shook his head. "… I don't have many friends, Gallade. Definitely not many that I can trust. Besides Magearna here, I think I can trust you with my true feelings." He paused. "At least, that's what my heart says. But tell me, do you think of me as a friend?"

"Why, yes. I like to think everyone in the city considers you their close friend."

"No, not that. Not someone who is worshiped, but a real, genuine friend. Am I that to you?"

Gallade stopped to think. He had known Frogadier for many years after he took over after his father as Allfather. He came to know the Pokemon past the reverted title. They were both young and new to their respective roles when they met, and there was a sense of respect between them. But could he consider him a friend as he did Heliolisk? One could be imprisoned for making such an unabashed claim of friendship, but could he?

It was difficult to say.

"I… I don't know, Frogadier. I would like to think so, as well."

"Thank you for saying that," Frogadier said. "Do you remember what you were not meant to uncover at Regi Castle? What that Projection Crystal showed you? There's been multiple millennia of lies passed down from generation to generation. Things I can't even… I can't even imagine how deep it goes."

Gallade could not fathom it either. He thought it was a lie itself at first, but the Allfather was there to confirm the painful truth. To know their extensive history was obfuscated was hard to accept; it made him feel small, made their accomplishments feel small.

"I don't like lying," Frogadier continued. "Certainly not to you or Heliolisk, but I had no choice but to. All Allfathers of the past had to hold up this lie to keep the Pokemon of the Alignment steady and focused on their goal; I upheld it as well until you and Heliolisk found out. And I guess, er, well… if it were any other Allfather in charge, the next course of action I would have to take is-," he gulped, "-eliminating you two so this knowledge doesn't spread."

Gallade froze.

Frogadier noticed his shock and held up his webbed hands. "But- but- but I would never do that, okay? You have to believe me on that, all right? Do you believe me?" A slow nod from Gallade released a sigh of relief from him. "Oh, good! By the Allmother, I was worried for a second there."

Gallade relaxed his muscles. "Is that really what they would have done? Getting rid of Pokemon to conceal these secrets? Is it that important for us to be ignorant all the time?"

"To the Allfathers of the past, yes. But I never wanted that. I want the Pokemon here to thrive, to see the sun for the first time in their lives. Do you want to know something about myself, Gallade?"

"What?"

"I've never been to the outside world."

"Y-you haven't?!"

Frogadier shook his head, sighing. "I am far too busy, and the district heralds would forbid me to do so regardless. For all intents and purposes, I'm trapped here. The closest connection I have to the outside world is our shaky relationship with Celestic's government. But even that is deteriorating after recent events."

"With Yveltal and that Lucario…"

"Yeah, and who that Lucario is and what he knows about us frightens me the most. He could destroy everything we have built. And there is much that I know, but can't share. I wish I could tell you, but-"

"Why not tell me?!" Gallade suddenly interrupted, furious. His mind scolded him for disrespecting his leader, but his desire for the truth burned brighter. "If this Lucario is such a threat to our existence, then why leave us in the dark? Aren't we all embroiled in this, too?" He slammed his bedding. "We deserve to know the truth! So why don't we?"

"Because I'm afraid of what you'll think of me."

"..."

"I'm afraid of what the Pokemon here will think of me. Though they don't show it, they've lost faith in my abilities already. I know you hear what they think of me; that I'm unfit to lead the Alignment. And it's true - I don't deserve this position. But I have to keep trying, don't I?"

Gallade was taken aback, but it was a belief that was retorted by many around him. 'Everyone from my old squad… and Heliolisk, too. They're all frustrated, and even I'm frustrated. But it's not all on the shoulders of Frogadier - It can't be.'

"The truth is, Gallade, that I'm losing control. Commander Blaziken, the district heralds, and so many others in the party's higher positions are trying to strip my authority. They want to steer the Alignment in their direction, not mine."

"But what is your direction?"

Frogadier said nothing as he averted Gallade's narrowed gaze.

"What is it, Frogadier? Do they want the best for the Alignment, or do you? Every Allfather is supposed to guide us to paradise through the voice of the Allmother; that's what's needed."

"... What they want - what everyone wants - will lead us straight into destruction. I want us safe in this city, I want us protected, and they want to risk all of it." Frogadier looked at a nearby dresser and saw an article of clothing that was folded on it. He frowned upon seeing it. "Commander Blaziken, he wants you involved in it."

"The commander? Is this about my invitation to his squad?"

A simple nod was his answer.

"I don't know if I'm going to accept it or not. I love my job as an ambassador and advisor to you, but sometimes I miss the life of a soldier."

"I get it, Gallade. And if you want to take up that role again, I won't stop you. But know this… Blaziken is planning something. He wants a war that we have no chance of winning. He thinks I don't know, but I do, and it worries me."

"War? A war with whom?" Gallade questioned, disturbed by the prospect. "The Lucario?"

"Myself, the Council, those Razor Claw mercenaries, and anything that opposes the Alignment or the Allmother. After I mishandled the Rose Clan, he hasn't obeyed a single order from me that I've given him. I understand you've known him since you've trained as a solider, but he's lost so much of himself since he became the next commander after Nidoking."

That sent a chill down Gallade's spine. He knew how popular Commander Blaziken was in the ranks of the Alignment's soldiers. And what if they refused to take orders from the Allfather, too? It would spell disaster for them all.

'It's true that Blaziken changed ever since his promotion. His devotion to our cause turned to fanaticism. He flayed his skin just to prove his faih. But not even listening to our Allfather - the most important Pokemon in the Alignment? Has he truly gone off the deep end?'

Frogadier pointed at the suit of armor. "If you put that on, he expects you to follow him, and only him. It's a path of destruction, Gallade. To be in those elite ranks, your entire being and sense of self must be annihilated to fully serve Blaziken and the Allmother. You are only dedicated to destroying the Alignment's enemies. They're zealots, truly."

"And you believe he would want the same from me?"

Gallade could never think of dissolving himself or anyone of their character. It was a crime against the very idea of living. But where could he draw the line between Blaziken's practices and the Aligment's very code since the beginning?

It was a very thin line.

"I do. And I don't want to lose someone I believe is a friend to an existence like that. Please, don't take his offer." Frogadier stood up, ambling toward the doorway. "I have to leave now. Just know whatever happens next, I want nothing more than for the Pokemon of the Alignment to be safe from harm."

Gallade bowed his head. "... Eden unto you, Frogadier."

"Eden unto you, Gallade."

The Water-type left as Magearna floated over and turned to face Gallade. Her mechanical features twisted into a smile, the gears in her body turning as she offered him a small wave of goodbye. "Farewell, Ambassador Gallade," she said in a dull tone.

As Magearna turned again to leave, Gallade called out to her. "Wait, Magearna!" He pushed himself off the bed and swiped the armored suit off his dresser, extending it to her. "Please, take this to Commander Blaziken. Say that I was grateful for the offer, but I must stick with my position beside the Allfather."

Magearna bowed slightly. "Of course, I will deliver this to him as soon as I return to the Alabaster Floret Palace."

"Thank you. But I have to ask; you know how troubled the Allfather is lately, and he says that Commander Blaziken and the district heralds are plotting against him. But you also serve the commander! I just-" He grit his teeth. "I want to know… What do you think of all this?"

A glint appeared in Magearna's eyes. "Oh, Gallade, you're always thinking about something," she said, her voice more lively. "Believe me, I know this is a lot to take in. But understand that this situation is not easy for anyone involved. We will always find a way through, so realize that and continue your duties as normal. I also live to serve, don't I? And serve I shall, until the day you Pokemon step into paradise, and my purpose here is fulfilled."

"I-I suppose you're right. Thank you for saying that."

"Goodbye now."

The door closed as Gallade was finally alone with only his jumbled thoughts to keep him company. His back hit the bed as he sighed heavily. What could he make of all this himself? Magearna seemed unconcerned by it, but he could not let it go from his mind.

'What shall I do now? Do I simply continue with my work like Magearna said? The Allfa- Frogadier said they'd lead us straight to destruction. But what does that even mean? We only want the path to paradise. And the commander wants a war with our enemies?! It's insane! That can't be true!'

So many questions, yet so few answers.

Gallade rolled his head over to stare at his nightstand. His tired gaze fell upon the framed black-and-white photograph standing on it. He reached an arm over and grabbed it, placing it in front of his face.

It felt so long ago when he and Gothorita had taken this picture. He was still a Kirlia at his age, going through training, and growing up. She was there by his side, giving him insight into the outside world that he wanted to see so badly. She stood next to him in the photo as he smiled at the camera. Her features were blank, but he knew deep down she was smiling in this photo, too.

Her death still ripped him apart to this day.

'You were always pushing boundaries, pushing for something greater for us. You knew something that no one else did - not I even knew it. Was it the truth? And if I questioned why you vanished, why you left me, would I disappear, too?

He kissed the photograph before he set it back down.

'I want to know. I want to know what we've really been fighting for these thousands of years down here. But if I begin to understand like Frogadier has, will my faith be stripped away? Were all our sacrifices thus far for naught?'

Forbidden fruit always tasted the sweetest, he remembered she used to say. And how sweet it was whenever he got a taste.

image [https://i.imgur.com/VHmif5e.png]

Scizor held his breath.

He pressed up against the steel walls of his cell as he listened to the footsteps of patrolling Council guards. He spat out some blood as he stood on trembling legs. The injuries he sustained during his fight with the guards were barely healed - done on purpose. They wanted him weak and unfit to fight again.

'It has to be soon. Either my trial, or my execution.'

It was a terrible thing to deduce, but his fate was already decided.

'But even knowing it, it doesn't make it easier.'

Scizor grunted in pain as he attempted to open up the wings on his back. He momentarily lifted himself off the ground before he plummeted to the rocky floor. After a few more attempts, he was able to successfully propel himself to the window at the very top of the jail cell.

It was small, but it was his only glimpse of the outside world and a view of a rapidly destabilizing Elysium City. His eyes darted to protestors and rioters that sprinted past; crowds of Pokemon that swamped the streets, chanting and shouting their grievances with the Council. Columns of smoke rose in the sky as buildings were ablaze. A perimeter of armored guards formed a ring around the courthouse and prevented anyone from getting near the structure.

It was utterly horrific to witness. To see a Celestic he fought so hard to keep safe, reduced to fear and revolt.

'All of this chaos you've caused in so little time, Jackson… Why? And how did I contribute to this through these long years?'

Guilt struck his very core. To think that his best friend would betray not just him and Charizard but everything they stood for was inconceivable to him once. But it was the painful truth he had to accept. If he were any other Pokemon, he might have given up just there, but his resolve was greater and bigger than him.

'They had to have escaped… Roark, Garchomp, and everyone else, I know you can inherit what I've left behind. There's no doubt in my mind. Even if this is the end for me, you all can still save this world from the ley lines for me and Charizard. For Areos Village, for my mother and father, and for so many Pokemon that have had their lives ripped apart from this plague.'

His journey was now over, but theirs was from it.

Scizor's ears picked up the sounds of metal jingling as his wings finally gave out and he descended to the ground. The cloak-wearing Houndoom from before had returned, glaring intensely at him as two heavily armored and masked guardsmen opened his cell door.

"You are ready to stand trial for your crimes against Celestic and her Pokemon," the canine spat. "I hope you are prepared to face justice today, vermin."

"Very well. I will come without incident."

Despite his peaceful intentions, sturdy, metal cuffs were latched around Scizor's scuffed pincers and bruised legs. Houndoom slowly led him down a dark hallway as the two guards behind followed. They occasionally pushed him forward when he was too weak to continue. They came to a series of immensely tall and gilded double doors. Houndoom opened them as Scizor shielded his face from the bright light that poured through.

"Get in there," Houndoom barked.

The Bug-type was forced to limp alone into a spacious antechamber with benches filled with Pokemon that gave him leery and heated stares. Sunlight peeked through gaps of large windows that were draped over by large banners of a setting sun. His footsteps on the white ceramic flooring resounded through the silent room as he came to a stop and looked up.

A Skuntank seated at the large podium overlooking the room glanced around before looking down at Scizor. "If the prisoner is fit to stand trial, then the court shall proceed," it addressed

Scizor wetted his lips as hope filled his chest. 'If this is a genuine trial, then I can defend myself. I can still open their eyes!'

He had one last chance to show them the truth.

image [https://i.imgur.com/VHmif5e.png]

"Wait! Wait! Circle back and land in that clearing you just saw!"

Corviknight sighed. "All right, mate, but I'm taking a break to rest my wings when we land!"

"Take as much time as you need; this is it right here!"

Grass met Corviknight's talons as the avian landed in a grove surrounded by sheer cliffs and tall trees. Liam jumped off his back and surveyed the land. A dense mist rolled across the numerous valleys in the distance. Geysers were going off, spraying the night sky with scalding water.

Celestial Mountain was just as beautiful as he remembered it.

Liam pointed a paw at a large fissure splintering off a cliff face that revealed an entrance to a cave. White wallflowers were spread out around the entrance. "There. I need to head into that cave. What I need is inside."

"This is Celestial Mountain, so there's bound to be dungeons galore in there," Corviknight said as he flexed his wings and warmed himself up. "Give me a minute and I'll be ready to head in there with you."

"I'm going alone. It's the only way it can work."

Corviknight cocked his head. "Positive, mate? I know you've been here before, but this mountain is no joke for explorers."

Liam jostled his saddlebag, flashing a smile. "I'll be fine. Besides, your sister gave me everything I needed to get my way through."

"Ah, she does know how to prepare for the worst, that one. Just be safe in there, all right? I'll rest up before I see if I can find a Council patrol around here to prod for some info."

Liam stopped mere feet from the cavern's gaping maw. He could not see anything on the inside - like it was a dark void of nothingness. He was here once before with Jackson beside him. But the Shiny Lucario prevented him from entering, intent on leaving him ignorant and unaware of what its purpose truly was.

He was done being ignorant. He was done being a fool.

'The World's Eye… that's what you called it, huh, Jackson? And if I reach the very end of it, I can reach her, and she can reach me. This must be how you felt twenty years ago when you came here.'

Liam steeled his nerves as he took a step forward.

'But you never knew what you were here in this world for before you entered. I do.'

The Lucario vanished into the darkness.

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Take a bite of the forbidden fruit. Walk a road that leads to inner destruction and devastation, fully convinced it was salvation.

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Next Time: The Lucario At The Crux Of A New Dawn