Chapter 38

Two Shepherds And Their Unwitting Flock

Swathes of swirling rainbow energy were birthed from the glowing, rose-colored necklace the Aerodactyl wore. They coalesced and formed a brilliant white sphere around the outstretched Pokemon. Plumes of sand were whipped across the scarred battlefield in its wake.

The prison of light encasing the Aerodactyl swelled before shattering as a ferocious and emboldened cry pierced the sweltering air. Long, obsidian-colored spikes adorned the Pokemon's new form. Its jagged wings spread out as it swooped down to face its three foes on the ground.

"Boys! We got another powered-up merc to mop up!" Garchomp bellowed.

Aggron headbutted a Skuntank with his metallic cranium before turning his attention to the Aerodactyl speeding their way. "Aye, lass! Just another notch in our belt!" He turned. "How about ya get him for us, Ty!"

Tyranitar's blank expression turned fierce as he turned to face the newcomer and stomped the ground. Pillars of rock then erupted up from the sands and attempted to strike Aerodactyl as it expertly maneuvered through them. It raced toward Garchomp and gnashed its large jaws at her, merely grazing her scales as she dodged.

The dragoness sneered and slashed at the Rock-type with her talons. It retreated but Garchomp followed, leaping off the leftover columns of rock. Her maw opened to spew out a stream of purplish, draconic energy that battered the Aerodactyl. It grunted and climbed higher to avoid her attacks. Meanwhile, a dozen Rose Clan mercenaries surrounded Aggron and Tyranitar. The hulking duo exchanged looks before they stomped the ground in unison, the earth quaking and groaning from their combined Earthquakes. The already weakened Pokemon collapsed and were unable to move, only twitching.

"SCREEEEEEEEEEAAAAH!"

The echoing shriek of Aerodactyl above resounded as it descended in a spiraling maneuver. Boulders manifested and plummeted from the skies onto Aggron and Tyranitar as they hunkered down and endured the onslaught.

Garchomp zeroed in on the Aerodactyl as purple energy engulfed her form. Flaming Draco Meteors rained down, tearing through falling boulders and smashing into the Aerodactyl. It screeched in pain, its steadfast flying faltering as it dropped to the sands. Still, its fight remained as it tackled Garchomp to the ground. Sets of twisted teeth revealed themselves to her as the Aerodactyl snapped its jaws in a feral frenzy. A well-timed kick punted the Rock-type off her and sent it careening into a felled boulder.

"Hey! Fossil with wings! Over here if ya want a real fight!" Aggron yelled, smacking his chest.

Aerodactyl's eyes narrowed in unrestrained rage. Its wing flapped uncontrollably as it shot toward Aggron and assaulted him with a barrage of bites. The Steel-type crouched low and absorbed the blows with his body - a glint of light appearing from it. Garchomp and Tyranitar immediately recognized what was yet to happen and found natural cover to duck behind.

Aggron's body shone greatly as Aerodactyl continued its onslaught. Mere seconds later, the light expanded before exploding into metallic shrapnel that burst outwards. Boulders were reduced to pebbles, cacti, and thin yuccas shredded, and Aerodactyl was lying across the sands - unconscious. Its body shimmered as its Mega Evolved form faded.

Across the ravaged battlefield, silence reigned. It was cut short when multiple Entercards were thrown to the ground and roared to life. What remained of the Rose Clan escaped into the pillars of orange light, quickly dragging their fallen comrades until they were gone.

Garchomp peeked her head from behind a set of rubble. "Aggron, you sent them scurrying back to their princess with that Metal Burst!"

Aggron gave a proud smile. "Ain't no merc in this world that can stop me, lassie! Remember that!"

Tyranitar rolled his eyes. "Let's focus on what's important here! Make sure Excadrill and his team are safe!"

Garchomp's eyes widened. "Right! Excadrill said he was trapped in the Mystery Dungeon and-"

"And I'm… right here," a new yet familiar, drawling voice chimed in.

Team Drarosteel turned to see a heavily wounded Excadrill slowly making his way over to them. Two Drilburs by his sides kept his shaky legs from collapsing. Blood from the entrances of a bullet wound and other inflictions trickled down his dusty fur and gear. The large mole wheezed in pain as the Drilbur hoisted his body onto an oblong-shaped rock. He laid supine, his breathing slowing.

"Excadrill!" Garchomp cried as she sprinted over, followed by Aggron and Tyranitar.

Oran and Sitrus berries were crushed in the claws of the two Drilbur. Their combined juices dripped on the exposed wounds. A sharp hiss escaped Excadrill as he stared up, caught in a daze. Grit Ruin Excavator workers crowded around the wheezing mole - worried and distraught at their leader's condition.

Garchomp threw a determined look at them. "He needs a nurse immediately! A couple of you head out to the nearest village or town and get one! Quick!" she barked.

A few Drilbur dispersed from the gathering and ran across the plains.

"Guess I'm thankin' my lucky stars," Excadrill croaked out. "The best darn exploration team in Celestic… Appearin' like knights in shinin' armor to save my behind." His bloody lips curved into a stained grin. "I want my Ma… to say she ain't proud of me now. But if I die now, then I won't ever be able to."

Garchomp's features softened as she walked up to the still Pokemon. "You're gonna be okay, all right? The Rose Clan is gone." She winced upon scrutinizing the extent of his injuries. A survey of their surroundings revealed the motionless bodies of Excadrill's workers across the scarred sands. Her heart dropped, as she knew them to be the ones who did not make it. "I… I'm sorry we didn't get here quick enough."

"Don't say that. Don't ever apologize to a 'mon for savin' 'em. My workers and I… I reckon we owe our lives to y'all, and don'tcha forget that. But what I don't get… is how y'all knew to come here."

"We were ambushed at our team base by the Rose Clan," she said. "After we took care of them, we tracked some of them back to a hideout they were using in Elysium City and saw a map of your camp here. Didn't take long for us to connect the dots and utilize those Entercards you taught us about."

Excadrill let out a hoarse cough. "Who would've thought trainin' y'all 'bout them would save my life one day…"

"My team and I may have just met you during the expedition, but we protect our allies."

"Remind me to pay y'all back someday then…" Excadrill groaned as his head swiveled to look at Garchomp. "Them Rose Clan buffoons, they… they were a lot more equipped than the last time we tussled with 'em. A lot more bloodthirsty, too."

Garchomp frowned. "This wasn't revenge for what we did during the expedition; someone hired the Rose Clan to assassinate us. And they're using Mega Evolution now. Something we've only seen our toughest rivals out in the field use. I'm positive Serperior didn't go spelunking for them herself."

"Exactly-" he coughed, "-what I think. They must got some fancy, rich client of theirs that can afford to hand off supplies to these chumps like it was nothin'. And this client ain't too happy with either of us bein' alive."

"Clearly not. The boys and I believe that…" She paused, sighing. "You- Have you heard about Jackson and Empyrean City?"

Excadrill's weary expression morphed into sheer anger - a type Garchomp has never seen on the Ground-type before. He grunted as he pushed past the pain he experienced to lean his body up. A scowl remained on his face as he spoke languidly. "That rotten mutt. When I heard what happened in that city, I couldn't believe it. I- I shook his paw after the expedition ended; I helped clear the ruins at Criss-Cross Creek, and he repays that by destroying a city and dooming its citizens to some purgatory." His rage bubbled into a twitching sneer. "I admired him, and he… he played us all for fools, that scoundrel."

Garchomp could feel her own anger rising at the mention of the Lucario. "Couldn't have said it better myself," she murmured. "But the boys and I believe that Jackson is the one behind these attacks on us."

"Aye!" Aggron yelled from behind. "The location of our team base is on an isolated island - home to a bunch of reformed pirates. It was a wee secret between us and our close lads, but Jackson was one of those who knew."

"Not such a 'secret' it is when ya keep mouthin' off about where it is all the time," Tyranitar mumbled.

Garchomp nodded. "Jackson knew about our base, what kind of a threat we are, and all about you, too. It isn't a stretch to say he got the Rose Clan to do this. Scizor, he…" Her heart dropped upon speaking of the Bug-type's name. "He mentioned to me during the expedition that Jackson would take money from the guild on occasion, but he didn't know what he do with it. I knew something was up with Jackson by then. I think he was funneling that into mercenaries, or something to do with whatever plans he has. If not him, then who else? This... doesn't sound crazy, does it?

Excadrill shook his head. "It ain't. But…" He hissed again as he forced himself to stand up one agonizing step at a time. "Why would he go for 'lil' ole me? You'd think there'd be some other 'mons out there on his choppin' block."

Garchomp rested her chin on a talon in thought. A stray thought entering her mind sent a chill down her spine. "Excadrill. You're amazing with Entercards. You know so many things about the ley lines and manipulating them with Entercards. Apart from the guild, you're the only other Pokemon in Celestic with that much know-how about the dungeons."

Excadrill found it painful to adjust his tie but did so with pride. "That I am, ma'am."

"Which makes you the perfect target. Whoever wanted you gone wanted to make sure the Pokémon of Celestic know nothing about the ley lines or Entercards."

"I… I see what ya mean, ma'am. A 'mon other than my Ma wantin' to see me buried." He shook a pair of claws at the sky. "How do ya like them apples, Council? Looks I am popular enough, ya Rattatas in suits..."

"A lot of the guild were caught up in the attacks on Empyrean. Scizor and a few others made it out, but the Council arrested them. Excadrill, they're trying to put them on trial for the attack."

"Oh, are they? I've seen how these play out."

"And? What are their chances of beating this? They're completely innocent!"

"Lady, it don't matter what y'all think. The entire continent is in an uproar over this Yveltal business. Empyrean is in ruins, local towns and villages are in lockdown, and 'mons all across are aimin' for the Council to be removed - for a good reason, I might add..."

"And what are you getting at with this?"

"The Council needs approval more than ever, and sendin' the guild to the dungeons is a perfect way to regain that trust. They'll lose no matter what."

Garchomp took a step back in shock. Her mind swirled with thoughts of everyone at the Cosmic Quilt Guild. She thought of Gloria, a pupil whom she trained and hoped would become the next best explorer and hero to grace Celestic. She thought of Scizor and her heart sank again. "No. No, we're not letting that happen. I don't believe the Council would stoop to something like caving into a mob."

Excadrill laughed at her rebuttal, which served only to anger her. "Ya think they won't? Empoleon was one of the most level-headed 'mon there, and he's a statue now. Kommo-o has taken his spot for sure, and from my conversations with him, he's willing to destroy any threats to the Council's existence."

Garchomp's expression soured at another name she had a history with. "And how are we supposed to believe you?"

"'Cause I was once one of them phony politicians, but I was real, ya see. I tried to join the Council before they changed the rules to favor mayors and elders, and 'mons that kiss their behind. I know how these types of 'mons operate," he said bitterly. "But that don't matter, 'cause I know a way the guild can be free."

"Tell me. How?"

"We bust them out of their holdins' before the Torchics come to roost, of course!"

Garchomp was taken back. "What?! Are you saying we break them out of their cells, or is this another silly idiom of yours?"

"This ain't no joke, ma'am. I know where they're holed up, 'cause I was once in that same position after a 'lil' disagreement with Kommo-o back in the day." He smiled fondly in remembrance. "Point is, I know how easy it is to get under that courthouse and into those cells."

"Even if we were to entertain this idea, how would you do it? This is a heavily guarded place."

"Easy!" Excadrill made a digging motion with his claws, producing a groan of pain from him. "My Drilbur will make a tunnel connecting from outside the city to the cells underground. All it takes is one second for us to blast the walls open and get the guild into that tunnel. A quick getaway would be waitin' for them at the end, and then we'd all make like a Ghost-type and vanish before the Council's goons show up."

Tyranitar sniffed. "Crazy as it is to imagine, it seems like a plan as any."

"Exactly! And that's why we're gonna go with it!" Excadrill exclaimed.

"No, we aren't!" Garchomp countered. "Are you nuts? Not only would we be committing a crime, but we would involve the guild as accomplices! If this was to fail, then they'd have no chance of being free! The only move here is to get an audience with the Council and convince them to release the guild. They respect my team; they would hear me out."

"They would never have a chance to begin with, lady. What makes ya think they wanna hear ya when a hundred 'mons are outside and bangin' on them doors for action?"

"They would-"

"They would listen to them 'mons, not you," Excadrill said matter-of-factly.

Garchomp was now visibly growling as she thrust a talon at the mole. "You just want to believe whatever you want to believe! What, because you failed at becoming part of the Council you think they're gonna imprison innocent Pokemon? The Council has stuck out for my team before on many occasions, so why can't you have faith that-"

"THIS AIN'T A GAME!"

Following his explosive comment, Excadrill affixed the dragoness with a flinty glare and stepped forward. "Ya might think you're some bigshot crawlin' around Mystery Dungeons, savin' the occasional 'mon, and bein' seen as heroes, but in the real world, none of that matters! These guild 'mons might be the only chance at ridding this world from the ley lines, and if they get locked away or executed, then there goes our chance!" He reversed his steps. "You're at a crossroads, lady. Ya gotta decide which is more important; protectin' some government backed up into a corner, or fightin' for a better tomorrow."

"I can't allow you to do this," Garchomp said through a repressed snarl. "There has to be another way that isn't pinning a target on us as well. Scizor's smart - I bet he has his own idea on how to free them."

"It ain't nice… It ain't nice - I know that. But we don't got a choice, do we? If Jackson is really behind what ya say, then we can't stand by as the guild gets convicted; that's what that mutt wants. We free 'em, combine our smarts to figure a way out of this mess, and the Council will see that we did the right thing. It's not perfect. It may not even work. But doin' somethin' is better than hopin' and doin' nothin' at all."

Pink, floppy ears appeared over the crest of a sandy hill as an Audino wearing a red nurse's cap revealed itself, flanked by two Drilbur. Excadrill noticed its arrival and began limping toward the Audino. He glanced back at Garchomp. "Some of my workers need to be buried or sent back to their families, and I need to heal. I'll… I'll give y'all some time to think over what I said. But y'all should go with my workers to Elysium City; maybe ya could still talk some reason with the Council, but I doubt it."

Garchomp watched the mole be led away by the nurse in a mix of anger and disbelief. She observed her surroundings and the carnage that was left behind. Her legs wobbled as she walked over to a cracked boulder and slumped against it. Aggron and Tyranitar followed her, looking down at the dragoness with looks of bemusement. She peered up, looking at their faces as well as the cloudless skies. "... I sounded like my mother back there. Back there and the whole expedition." She grit her teeth. "Nagging my dad, wanting everything her way. I hated her for that, but I learned everything from her, even her negative traits."

Aggron sighed and knelt in front of her. "Lass, ya ain't gonna accomplish anythin' in this world by always comparin' yourself to your flesh and blood. You're not your mother; you're you, and that's all that matters."

"I wish it were that easy for me to feel that way, Ag. I didn't want Team Moonlight to fall apart like it did; they were heroes to me growing up. And I don't want to go against the Council when the whole continent seems like it's falling apart. I just- I wanted things to be perfect… My mom wanted our lives in the village to be perfect. She and dad would argue about what was really important; what was real, what was fake. And now I feel like a little runt again - lost and confused on what actually matters."

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Tyranitar snorted. "As much as motormouth here and I told ya to stay out of the Council's business before, we can't overlook it now. So get up and stop being such a wuss, boss lady."

"To put it more delicately, you're stronger than this, lass. All three of us are as tough on the inside as we are on the outside," Aggron said with a prideful strike to his chest. "But ask yourself this; what is important right? Reality or fiction? I think ya know the answer to that…"

Tyranitar added his own knowing stare at the dragoness.

Garchomp bit her lip in response. A pregnant pause followed before she stood to her full height, holding her head up high. "I've decided, boys."

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

Gloria blinked, uncertain if the words she heard uttered were indeed true and not hallucinations of her already rattled mind.

"W-what?!"

"Are you crazy?"

"Scizor, you can't be serious!"

Scizor stood up from the far corner of the dingy cell. He took in a deep breath before exhaling. "I'm afraid I'm not. It's the only way for the Council to free you all. If their ire was directed all on me, then I can make a deal and promise your freedom."

Braixen's jaw almost dropped. "S-scizor, doing that will get you imprisoned for a very long time! Or even worse!"

"And you're gonna take the blame for what that bastard did?!" Monferno yelled, almost offended.

The Bug-type said nothing.

Gloria shivered and pressed up against Braixen's body. Her eyes watered at what she heard. She threw a desperate look Roark's way as the Zoroark paced around the cell. "Roark! Please say something! Tell him he shouldn't do that!"

Roark stopped. "Scizor. Are you trying to pin it all on you to save us, or are you doing it because you feel guilty?"

"Can it not be both?" Scizor asked, an unreadable expression on his face. "This isn't a trial, only mob justice. But I promise to spare you all from this injustice and focus their hate on me. It's the least I could do putting you all into this terrible situation…"

Roark scoffed. "None of us came into the guild by being forced in, y'know. We all chose this. We need to get through this together - not forfeiting anything along the way."

"It doesn't matter. The guild's goal - our goal - is bigger than this; it's bigger than all of us. I have to see it realized. After everything we've been through, that's all that matters in my mind, even if it means I see it from within a cell."

"But you're the best of us, Scizor!" Gloria cried. "If we lose you, then who else do we have to lead the guild?"

A red pincer pointed at Roark, who seized up when he saw it. "Roark will. He has the most experience of leading out of us all. His experience in the Rescue Society shows he has what it takes. And despite his personality, I have no doubt he can lead what remains of the guild and its allies to victory against the ley lines and Jackson."

Roark pointed a claw at himself. "Me? You'd really think I'd fit the bill?" His mouth parted seeing Scizor nod in confirmation, backing up and hitting the bars of the cell. "Look, that's…" His claws scratched the rusty metal behind him. "I appreciate you thinking that, Sciz, but I'm not the right guy for the job. I already passed up on leadership before; it's not something that's my purpose, y'know."

"You have to. I don't have what it takes. I'm a researcher and advisor by heart. I'm not Jackson and I'm not Charizard. But the only way the guild will survive is if there's a strong leader."

"What 'guild'?!" Monferno shouted. "Everyone at the guild is either stone or gone like Shaymin and that Riolu! We're all that's left! And Braix and I aren't gonna throw our lives away when this is none of our business now!" He glanced over at the fire fox in question. "Right? Back me up here!"

Braixen lifted her head from her arms and sighed. "... He's right, Scizor. I don't want to seem like a coward, or that I'm afraid, but I have a family back home. I know they miss me, and I miss them a lot. I-I thought staying for the expedition was the right thing, but this is just too much now. I can't take it," she admitted, pulling on her shoulders as Gloria brought her into a much-needed embrace. The Ice-type felt relieved she could relate to her words.

"I sympathize with you, Braixen - I do," Scizor said. "But if you truly miss your family, then you want them to live. With Jackson, Yveltal, and the ley lines, there's no guarantee of anything anymore." His voice dropped an octave. "My home village and family were erased in the blink of an eye. I wish I had the chance to save them before, but I didn't - no one did. Braixen, the same could happen to your own family and town. But now we have the chance to stop that from ever happening again. Do you really want to give up now, or hide forever from danger and hope it never happens?"

Braixen sniffled. "I… No, I don't-"

"Don't try to manipulate her to stay!" Monferno interrupted with a snarl.

"I'm not manipulating anyone to do anything, Monferno. I only ask that you all realize what we lose if what remains of the guild disbands," Scizor argued. "We are so close. And we need to stick together instead of falling apart. If I do what's needed, I need to make sure my- our dream of a world without ley lines is realized."

"You don't need to be some martyr for us," Monferno said. "Without everyone else? With everyone thinking we're a part of the attack? And taking down Yveltal? What chance do we have at that? Face it, Scizor, this isn't our battle anymore." He plopped himself next to Braixen. His partner nestled into his side and rubbed her puffy eyes. "Me and Braixen realized that already. And if we get out of here as free 'mons, we're going home."

Roark hung his head, frowning at what the primate said. "I can't agree with what Scizor is proposing he do to help our case, but you two can't just leave this, y'know. Things are harder than they've ever been, I know that. But you two? I know you're stronger than this."

Scizor nodded and closed his eyes. His limbs trembled. "I can't expect you to fully grasp what I feel. I feel the guilt weighing on my consciousness. Even if I didn't lift a pincer myself, that was the reason why it's come to this point - my inability. Just… Please, I have tried to propel the careers of everyone in the guild before. I failed to do that. Now let me try and accomplish my duty one last time so every struggle of the last twenty-five years was not for nothing…"

The jail cell fell deathly silent. Monferno shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, but closed it upon hearing something from beyond the iron bars. The screeching noise of a creaky, metal door opening bounced off the walls. Soon followed the pitter-patter of multiple footsteps and the flickering, orange light of a flame hovering in the darkness.

The Poliwrath from before emerged wielding a lantern and a stern expression. Another Pokemon was right beside it, clad in a ragged, amber-colored cloak - a Houndoom. The Poliwrath fished for something in the pocket of his faux leather coat. He produced a set of keys and jostled to find the right one before inserting it into the cell's lock. The doorway flew open as the Houndoom stepped in, settling his fiery gaze upon Gloria.

"Vulpix of Team Requiem! You are required for questioning!" he barked.

Gloria shrank under the hound's glower. Her paws shook as she hesitantly removed herself from Braixen's grasp, who was also reluctant to do so. Before she could walk over to Houndoom, Roark bent a knee and whispered into her ear.

"Don't say anything that could incriminate us, sis. Keep your cool; stay tough, all right?"

"A-all right," she whispered back.

The Dark-type gave her a brief hug before retreating to the cell's corners. Gloria stepped near to the Houndoom as the Poliwrath slammed the cell's door behind them.

"Follow," Houndoom said simply.

Gloria felt like her head was spinning after the amount of winding corridors they went down. She could not push down the lump in her throat as she dutifully followed, nor could she stop the endless flow of terrible thoughts in her mind.

'What is this about? Is it about me? Roark? All of us?'

Despite the advice she got, she was scared out of her mind.

Another door whined as it opened. Houndoom stepped inside and puffed a short ember into a torch on the wall, illuminating the small room. Inside was just a wooden table and a single chair.

"Sit down," the Fire-type commanded.

Gloria obeyed and sat down on the uncomfortable piece of furniture. Houndoom then began to pace around the table, like he was about to strike. His movements only served to increase the anxiety she felt.

"You were present during the attacks on Empyrean City, weren't you?" he asked.

"Um… yes, I was. Y-you were there. You arrested us at the guild."

"Indeed I did. Were you present when your guildmates were… dealt with by Yveltal?"

Gloria's heart panged with sympathy at the mention of her friends. "No. We were, um, we were getting back from an expedition when Yveltal must've appeared. I was unconscious during the attack itself."

"Unconscious? Might I ask why?"

She froze. "Er, it was a dungeon Pokemon that did that. I got careless and took a Flamethrower from behind."

Gloria felt horrible lying to anyone, but she knew she could not risk a single detail.

Houndoom nodded as he continued to encircle her. "Your partner, the Riolu - Liam. What is he like?"

Gloria sank into her chair upon recalling her close friend. "He's… He's my best friend. He can be stubborn, reckless, and a bit of a fool like my brother, but…" She allowed her muzzle one smile. "But he's very brave and adventurous. He's helped me come out of my shell a lot after we partnered up. I care for him a lot; he's like family to me."

Expelling her thoughts on her partner only seemed to exacerbate the pain she was experiencing inside.

"I see. When did you meet Liam?"

"Over a year ago, in the Sunshine Forest near Empyrean City. He had am-" She remembered her vow and shook her head. "He, uh, came from the Shore Region and was new to the mainland. I showed him around the city and we became friends. Then my brother helped us get into the Cosmic Quilt Guild."

"Was there any time throughout your partnership that he acted rather odd?"

"W-what?"

"Answer the question."

Gloria gulped. "Well, he daydreamed sometimes, but I thought it was always because he was enamored by everything he saw around Celestic. It was, um, cute to me, not odd."

"He was rather close with Jackson - the Guildmaster - wasn't he? Training with him, exploring together, practicing instruments."

"He was. They always-" She tilted her head. "How do you know about this?"

"During the attack, what was Liam doing when he ran back to the guild?"

"He- Everyone said he ran off to the guild and saw Jackson controlling Yveltal there. Then the both of them fought and Liam lost consciousness." She held a paw to her chest. "If I may ask, sir, what does this have to do with anything?"

"I'll get to that in a second. And once Liam 'awoke', what happened to him?"

"I remember waking up at the guild moments before he did. I don't fully understand what happened, but he was acting very differently than the last time we spoke. Then he ran out the door and I chased him and…" She paused as her eyes welled up with tears. "He, um, he t-told me to go away, that he- he doesn't know me and I don't know him. Afterward, Roark gave me his scarf and said he left to chase after the Guildmaster and Yveltal." She wiped her wet face upon finishing.

Houndoom halted his steps and bored into Gloria with an emotionless stare. "Thank you for your retelling. Let me get to the exact reason I am speaking with you. Currently, your partner is the third most hunted Pokemon in Celestic after the Shiny Lucario and Yveltal. The Council and its allies have evidence to believe he is an accomplice in the attack on Empyrean City and its citizens."

"...W-what?"

The ebony canine placed his paws on the table and narrowed his red eyes at her. "A letter was delivered for Empoleon's eyes only that claimed your partner was heavily involved with Jackson's plots from his entrance into the guild to its demise. While I can not disclose this evidence as of now, from what I have seen, it is very concrete in its assessment."

Gloria's heart sank, thumping erratically in her chest as she processed what she heard. He was claiming her trusted partner was actually an outlaw plotting the destruction of her home city. It was unthinkable, numbing, and something she could never come to the conclusion of. She was angry that this Pokemon could even suggest such a thing.

"... No! He's not! He had nothing to do with the attack or anything else!" the Ice-type exploded.

"Really? Has your partner ever spoken to you about what exactly he and your Guildmaster have been up to in their talks together?"

Her anger wilted. "N-no, he hasn't. But that doesn't mean anything!"

"To you, it doesn't. But with the evidence we have at our disposal, it's easy to determine what was discussed."

"No… Stop that. Liam would never, ever do something like this! He loves Celestic; he doesn't want to destroy it like you think!"

Houndoom leaned further over the table. "Tell me, where is he exactly? We have searched all north of Empyrean City and have not found him. You would not lie to a captain, would you?"

"N-no, I wouldn't! I'm telling you the truth! He ran away from the city and we have no idea where he is if he's even safe at all!"

"Gloria, Celestic is in chaos. The Council has lost Emploeon, lost its respect and trust, and Pokemon are desperate for action and strength. Now listen - things can go very well for you and your friends if you cooperate and tell us anything that can lead to his arrest." He bared his wicked sharp teeth at her. "But if you do not, then I promise we will find out if any others from the guild were involved in this scheme to undermine Celestic and the Council."

"We're not with the Guildmaster! Liam's not either! We're innocent! We're-" She broke. Tears streamed down her face as she winced and averted his harsh look, shivering. "Please… Don't h-hurt him if you f-find him. He's a good Pokemon! We- I just wanted to have a successful exploration team together! Not whatever you're saying!"

Houndoom withdrew himself from her space. "I cannot guarantee his safety until he is captured. It would be ideal to prosecute him instead of you and your friends, but until he is found, matters stay the same. I do not know if all of you are truly innocent, but we will find out very soon."

Gloria whimpered.

'Why won't he listen? Why… Why us? Liam… Where are you? Please be safe!'

The barred door to the group's cell slammed closed as Houndoom walked back into the darkness. Gloria wasted no time in throwing herself into Roark's arms, matting his dark fur with tears. Her nerves were shot, her fur frazzled and unkempt. Her muscles gave out once Roark secured her hug with an arm across her back.

"What's wrong, sis? What happened?" he asked sincerely.

"L-liam," she muttered. "They t-think he and the Guildmaster are working together, and they're- they're hunting him down!"

Braixen covered her mouth. "Why would they do that? "

Roark inhaled sharply, deepening his embrace. "It's okay - you're okay, sis. Did they say anything else?" Her attempts to speak were muffled and incoherent. "Calm down. Deep breaths, okay?"

Gloria nodded and collected herself. "They're… they want us to help them arrest him, and we can be freed if he's prosecuted."

Monferno snorted. "As if we even know where that country bumpkin went! He could be in an entirely different continent by now for all we know!"

"For the Council to want him so badly, they must have something on him," Roark said. His eyes widened when he saw everyone's eyes upon him. "I'm not saying he did anything; I know he didn't. But something's definitely up, and I got a bad feeling about it."

Scizor wetted his lips. "There's also something more concerning, if I may interject. Does everyone here remember seeing those orange, chain-like ribbons of energy wrapped around Yveltal's body?"

Monferno nodded. "Yeah, it's probably some freaky magic move controlling that thing. Do you know what it is?"

"No - not a hundred percent. But when I gazed up at them and saw the raw amount of power they exuded, they reminded me of… ley lines."

The jail cell fell silent again.

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

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Ponyta's purple and light-blue eyes cracked open. Her ears swiveled to the sounds of harsh pounding on her home's main entrance. She groaned lightly, stirring in her bed and pawing at the pink blanket atop her. She hoped deep down that whoever was disturbing her sleep would eventually leave and let her rest, but those hopes were dashed away by another round of knocks.

She huffed and threw the blanket off her, glancing at her bedroom smothered in moonlight pouring in from an open window. Her mind eventually caught up with her eyes as she adopted a confused look across her muzzle.

'Someone bangin' on the door at this time of day?'

With a heavy sigh, Ponyta crawled out of her comfy bed. She blew a strand of hair from her fuzzy, periwinkle-colored mane off her face and ambled to the open doorway.

'At least it pulled me outta that darn nightmare… Urk, Lunala, give me strength, ma'am.'

Ponyta descended the creaky stairs of her home, wincing at the continued pounding her sensitive ears had the displeasure of hearing.

'Better not be miss spoiled Miltank and her posse wantin' more feed. I'll gladly show 'em I ain't no 'lil' girl and kick 'em out. Golly, I'd love to do that…'

She cast away these wayward desires as she reached the entrance door and pulled on the handle with her teeth. When it opened, she froze up upon seeing two Pokemon standing on her ranch's porch. It was an Electabuzz and a Seviper, both wearing faux leather coats with rifles on their backs; they smiled at her, the Electric-type taking the initiative to speak.

"Hello, miss! Apologies for the visit this late at night, but we have a disturbance in the area that may concern you."

Pontya blinked away traces of sleep, wondering if she was still dreaming. "Huh? Disturbance? Nothin' much happens 'round here, 'specially 'round this here ranch. Sure ya ain't mistaken?" She hoped they were so that she could go to bed.

"Yes, we're sure. To be frank, miss, this village is currently under lockdown by the Council. We have been sent to patrol the streets and investigate any occurrences."

Ponyta poked her head outside, her jaw dropping as she saw entire squads of Council guards roaming the streets and keeping a sharp eye on anything that moved among the forest.

"I hope I don't seem rude or anything, miss, but you seem rather young. Is your mother or father around? Can we speak to them?"

"Nah, my Ma and Pa ain't 'round no more - bless their hearts. I've got a guardian who's in the guard like y'all; he's a Corviknight, but he ain't 'round either most days." She withdrew her head inside and cocked it. "Um, is this about that whole… Legendary monster I saw the other day? 'Cause I already told everythin' I knew to Corviknight."

Even reliving what she experienced that day sent shivers down her spine. She still had nightmares where things went horribly wrong instead.

Electabuzz crossed his arms. "No, miss. We're here for a different reason. You see, there's a very important criminal that we're looking for."

"I respect ya work, and I would help if I could, but I ain't see nothin' suspicious in the village."

"That's fine. But my partner and I had an encounter with this suspect not far from the village. Unfortunately, he managed to slip away." Electabuzz exchanged looks with Seviper. "We believe he may have fled into your ranch, miss, and we'd like to have permission to check if that's okay with you."

"... Y'all are sure ya seen him run off into my ranch?"

Electabuzz and Seviper gave curt nods.

Ponyta let out a long drawn-out sigh. "Ugh, well… Do ya mind if I check instead? Some of the Miltank get real ornery when a 'mon they don't recognize comes snoopin' around."

"That's fine with us, miss. But please alert us before engaging with the suspect if you are to spot or hear him," Electabuzz said.

"Sure, sure, I'll be back, sirs."

Ponyta shut the door on them and turned to trot toward the door leading into the fields behind her home. Opening it, she sauntered out into the open ranch that was barren of the usual gaggle of Miltank and Gogoats lazing about. Cold winds billowed against the dark green grasslands and coursed through her fur, earning a shiver out of the tiny equine.

Ever so committed to a task, she scoured the fields in search of a Pokemon she did not recognize. She searched sheds, the stables, and even the storage, finding nothing. She listened to her surroundings for the sounds of footsteps but caught only the sounds of nature at nightfall.

'Dagnabbit! I'd sooner take listening to them Miltanks gab than play hunt an outlaw!'

Ponyta was about to give up and return to the house when a loud crashing noise came from the barn she just finished searching. She turned around and stared at the large, red building. She debated running back and telling the guards, but shot that idea down in an instant.

'That dang outlaw could run before they arrive. And I bet he's tryin' to steal from me! Pa ain't raised no coward either!'

Now fired up, she marched back into the barn and stood in the center of the vast building. Her spiraled horn lit up, a sparkling pink luster appearing above it and illuminating her pitch-black surroundings. She took a second look at the assortment of objects around the room, pursing her lips in concentration.

BANG!

Her attention snapped to her left as a rake clattered to the ground and a blue blur zipped past her vision. She swallowed and stepped back, her fear almost overwhelming her. But she pushed past it and walked over to investigate.

"H-hey! Whoever's in here, come on out! There's guards outside an-" Another noise, much louder and nearer to her, caused her to let out an instinctual scream. "EEEE-MMMPH!"

The blue paw latched itself around her muzzle and gagged her from screaming. Her body reacted faster than her mind as her rear rose and her hind legs bucked. The stranger from behind was sent sailing into a wall, taking down a wooden shelf full of things with it.

Ponyta whirled around, catching her breath and stamping the ground with a hoof. She could not see the Pokemon shrouded by darkness and scattered objects, but she could hear it groaning in pain. "L-listen here, ya no good outlaw! We don't appreciate your kind 'round here! Show yourself, or I'll get the guards over 'ere!"

A minute passed before the strange Pokemon said anything, his voice inflicted with a drawl much like hers.

"Please, don't. I'm… I'm sorry for startling you. I don't mean any harm, but I can't let them find me."

Ponyta sniffed. "Uhuh. That's what they all say. I ain't stupid."

"I'm not an outlaw, I'm-" The stranger coughed, then gasped for air. "Please, tell me you won't alert those guards I'm here."

"I don't even know who or what ya are. If you ain't an outlaw, then who are ya?"

The mysterious Pokemon said nothing as he stood up from where he laid, Ponyta backing up in response. She recoiled in shock as the Pokemon shuffled over and revealed himself in the moonlight pouring in from the open door.

He was a Riolu, injured and bleeding from numerous cuts and bruises all across his frayed fur. His right eye was badly mangled; the wet, blood-soaked bandage covering it drooped across the Riolu's face. Water dripped from his drenched body and onto the floor as he limped closer to her. He stopped, his breaths ragged and uneven.

"I need your help."

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The blind sheep of all creation, witnessing angels in the sky, filing into the flock of two shepherds deftly leading them to their slaughter and rebirth.

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Next Time: Retaliation