FSE

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It was a rare moment that morning when Volcan awoke before Luke, eyes fluttering open to the darkness of their bedroom, feeling his Lucario lover draped over him, sleeping peacefully beneath the covers and using the Blaziken's chest as his pillow, the only sound in the room the gentle snoring of Luke.

It had been two weeks since they had returned from the West Continent. Yet, to Volcan, it seemed like only yesterday they were waking up to sand falling on their faces -something he certainly did not miss from the extended time they had spent in Princeport. During those two weeks, they had barely left home, wanting only to rest and enjoy life for as long as possible before they returned to the fray of running Rescue Teams. Fortunately, things had been quiet in the area.

He absently stroked Luke's side as he lay there, deep in thought, suddenly feeling some inspiration flow through his mind as his gaze drifted to his acoustic guitar, sitting propped up against the wall where he had left it ever since they returned home. He smiled lightly, before looking down at Luke, seeing if he was still in a deep sleep before he slowly and gently moved out from under the Lucario. 'Let him sleep,' he thought, pulling a pillow down to rest Luke's head upon as the Blaziken left the bed, picking up the guitar and wandering out into the living room, making sure to close the door behind him as he left.

Of course, Luke's keen ears would eventually pick up the sound of music coming from outside his room, causing them to twitch and stir him from his slumber. With a yawn, he forced himself up on his paws and began rubbing his eyes as he scanned his room, finding that Volcan was no longer sleeping at his side. "...Wow. Him rising before me?" He thought out loud to himself. "That's a first." He added, sliding out of bed and grabbing his accessories from the bedside table, putting them on his person before he began to follow the sound of music coming from outside his room.

Peeking through his door once it was slightly ajar, he could hear the sound of strumming coming from his living room. Curious he silently stepped out of his room and made his way to the living room, finding his lover sitting on the couch with his guitar in hand. Smiling, he slowly approached Volcan from behind and stood right behind him, waiting for him to stop playing for just a moment before he would place his paws on his shoulders softly. "You're up early for a change..." He cooed as he leant in closer so that his cheek was pressed against the Blaziken's.

Volcan rolled his eyes to look at Luke as he felt him arrive, smiling and rubbing his cheek against Luke's. "Looks like it. Perhaps I wore you out a bit too much last night, eh?" He asked with a light chuckle before nuzzling Luke's cheek.

"With all the noise we were making, it's a wonder Azure didn't hear us." He jested back, blushing at Volcan's pecks before he gestured to his guitar. "So, just practicing?" He asked.

"Bit more than that," he replied. "I wanted to work on a song for... well, you know. For us." He looked down at the guitar. "I seem to have the melody so far, but the lyrics - if I have any, might take a while."

"Well I'm no musician, but mind if I take a listen to what you have so far?" Luke asked, hopping over the couch and plopping next to Volcan.

"Alright," the Blaziken returned, shifting in his seat a little to get more comfortable before he ran a talon over all of the strings to listen to their sound, and then began playing.

The rhythm and music that generated from the strings was slow and gentle, as was typical for most love songs, though it picked up in tempo after a time, as if dedicated to a more intense moment before it slowed to the previous theme once again. Volcan nodded his head and tapped a foot as he played, content with how the music sounded, and looked over at Luke as he kept going, merely looking at his beloved Lucario seeming to improve how well he played.

Luke smiled happily back up at Volcan as he kept playing, his other paw slowly trailing up to rest on Volcan's chest and pressing in closer to him, gently bobbing his head back and forth to the melody of the tune. He found it incredibly soothing and quite touching that Volcan would want to create a song specifically just for them, which only made it that much more enjoyable to listen to.

Volcan leaned his head over to Luke and pressed it against his forehead as he played on, gently rubbing their foreheads together for a moment until opening his eyes again to stare into Luke's, all the while beaming at him, and moving just a bit closer...

TWANG!

Volcan jumped and let out a yelp as a sudden sharp pain shot through his hand, turning to look at it and finding it had just been whiplashed by one of his guitar strings, which had just broken.

"Fuck you, string! You just killed the mood!" He yelled at the guitar comically, as if it could hear him.

Luke snorted, covering his mouth with his paws to hold it in, but soon he burst out laughing from Volcan's outburst, slapping his knee hysterically.

"That timing could not have been better if it was planned!" He remarked, collecting himself before he took in a breath and turned to Volcan again. "It's beautiful love. I can't wait to hear the completed song when you have lyrics for it..." He whispered back romantically to him, not fazed by the broken mood whatsoever.

Though he should have been disgruntled, having Luke praise his work so far helped Volcan put aside his annoyance, setting the guitar aside as he scooted closer to Luke. "I'm glad you like it," he said, hugging the Lucario tightly. "It'll be my gift to you, as soon as it's done... and after I get another string."

"That shouldn't be too hard to do." Luke whispered back, turning over as he lay himself across Volcan's lap now that the guitar was out of the way. "That aside, what do you want to do today?"

Volcan considered the question for a moment. "You know, maybe it's time we get out of this house for a bit; start getting back into the swing of things. I think we've kept the others waiting long enough."

"I think you're right; two weeks is plenty long for a break," Luke agreed. "Maybe we should swing over to the post office and check the job board."

"Yeah," Volcan agreed. "I want to check in on my team too; they've all been stuck at that inn while they work on ways to start building their own life here." He let out a sigh. "Though, when Tristan swung by yesterday, he mentioned that Minato's not doing any better... I'm worried about him."

Luke's ears lowered, hearing the tone in his lover's voice. "He's still heartbroken huh?" Luke asked, then sighed and lowered his gaze. "I can sympathize with him on that regard; losing a loved one is hard to endure, and it never gets easier." He admitted. "That said though, he can't let his depression control his life. He has to come back from it; he still has people who depend on him."

"I hope he does, Luke," replied Volcan as he lightly pecked the top of Luke's head again. "If not for my sake, then for Caulin; this can't be good for him either." He let out another huff through his nostrils, leaning back to stare at the ceiling. "But maybe... maybe some time in the field will help him. He's a warrior, body, mind and spirit - some action might at least pull him out of the funk long enough to start pulling himself together."

"It's worth a shot." Luke returned. "Maybe a job that deals with taking down bandits or something will catch his eye. Something that can help him let off some steam."

"As long as it's just steam and not a geyser of hot water," muttered Volcan, grimacing. "Well, we won't find out just sitting here."

Luke nodded, and sat up from Volcan's lap, letting the Blaziken rise to his feet. Both of them took a moment to stretch before Volcan turned to Luke with his next question. "So, what're we having for breakfast today?"

"Sorry, must have slipped my mind. Anything you'd like in particular?" He asked.

"Why don't we go out this time?" He asked. "You've been cooking every day since we got home; we'll call it that last stretch of the break, giving you one from feeding me."

"Alright, fair enough." Luke capitulated, leading the way over to the door. "Let's get to town before the morning rush kicks in."

"Sounds like a plan," replied Volcan. "But first, before we go..." He suddenly lunged for Luke, grabbing him and turning him around to pull him into a passionate kiss, bringing a muffled squeak from the surprised Lucario. "Didn't do that today," Volcan whispered as he pulled back, winking at Luke.

"Oh you sneaky devil." Luke said with a chuckle. "And you call me the sly one?"

"I have my moments," Volcan returned as he followed Luke out of the front door, making sure to close and lock it behind them. "Shall we?" He asked, offering his arm to Luke.

"Let's." He returned, looping his arm around Volcan's free arm and smiling happily up at him before he began to walk forward toward Azure.

They took their time on the way to town, as heading to the Pelipper Post Office would take them through the heart of Azure regardless, giving them plenty of time to decide what to have for their breakfast that morning, as well as ponder what jobs to look for.

"Suppose we should start small to get ourselves back in shape for larger tasks?" Luke asked, glancing up to Volcan.

"After what we faced out west? A pack of Mightyena, a group of hired goons, and a Reggirock? There's nothing we can't handle," Volcan returned confidently.

"Maybe so," Luke returned with a nod. "Yeah. We can handle anything!"

"Hell yes!" Volcan agreed. "But, breakfast first. Can't kick ass on an empty stomach."

"Agreed." Luke returned as they entered town.

While they ventured toward the marketplace, a smell permeating from the village's bakery caught Volcan's nostrils, bringing him to a halt as he took in a deep breath. "I love the smell of freshly baked bread," he said, turning his attention to the bakery.

"Agreed - no better smell in the world," replied Luke.

"How about some bagels?"

"Sounds good to me."

They stepped through the door, greeted by the sight of many delicious looking items in display cases around the room, filled with everything from fresh bread to colourful pastries. Luke was already scanning the display cases and getting ideas for future dishes that he could try out with these ingredients.

Shortly after entering, they were greeted by a familiar face behind the counter; they had previously been hidden behind the display to add an assortment of cookies to the collection, standing up upon seeing the door open a revealing herself to be Degra, Volcan's mother.

She smiled in greeting to the two. "Good morning boys," she said.

"Hey mom," returned Volcan. "They gave you the job?"

"They sure did. Hired me only a few days after I applied," replied Degra.

"That's great! I'm glad you got the job," said Volcan, smiling in praise to his mother.

She nodded, but still sighed. "Just wish they had put me in the bakery. Until I can reopen my diner, at least I would have still done _some_cooking."

"Well if it's any consolation, When you do manage to open up your diner, consider us your first customers." Luke returned with a smile.

She laughed lightly. "That would be excellent," she said with joy. "So, what can I get you boys?"

"We're in the mood for some bagels," replied Volcan. "What have you got?"

"Right over here," the elder Blaziken directed them to the corner of the display case, where an assortment of various, freshly baked round bagels, ranging from the simple plain bagel to fruit filled delights, all organized into rows on metal cooling racks - some were even still steamy with oven freshness.

Luke hummed as he sniffed the delicious aromas from the bagels. "Those smell absolutely divine. You can always count on a bakery to deliver freshly baked pastries..."

"Hell yeah," agreed Volcan. "We'll take a six plate, one from each. I want to try all of them."

"Coming right up," returned Degra, retrieving a plate and tongs before she made her way to the display of bagels, serving up six of them with an array of condiments to cover them with.

When she served the two the plate, Volcan took note of how the bagels were arranged evenly throughout the plate, and the condiments she had selected - butter, jam and cheese spread, placed artfully at the very center of the plate.

Volcan could not help but chuckle. "Still work like a cook too," he said. "Got to make even the placement look appealing."

"Old habits die hard, my son," returned Degra as Luke took the plate. "I'm on break in a few minutes; do you mind if I join you two?"

"Not at all, mom; we'll see you outside."

"Thank you Miss Degra." Luke returned. "C'mon love, let's feast." He bade Volcan as he sought out a table by the window for both of them to eat their breakfast.

"Right with you," the Blaziken returned, making it table first and pulling Luke's chair out for him, waiting until his lover had sat down before the Blaziken took his own seat across from him.

Rubbing his talons together in anticipation, Volcan picked up a butter knife and his first bagel - a cheese, which after cutting in half he began to spread butter over the top. "Want half?" He offered to his lover.

"Sure." Luke returned, licking his lips as he was passed half of the cheese bagel, eyeing the melted butter as it was absorbed by the bread.

He took a bite of the bagel, feeling the butter and cheese flavours mixing in his mouth and letting out a content hum as he savoured the richness of the coalescing flavours.

Volcan took a bite of his own bagel, and leaned back his head in enjoyment. "I don't know why, but it seems like the simplest dishes always appeal to me."

"I can respect that, as a self-made chef," Luke returned. "Sometimes the simplest ingredients are all that's needed to make a masterpiece."

Volcan nodded again, and went back to eating his bagel, waiting until he had swallowed his next bite before he spoke again. "When did you start cooking anyway? I don't know if you ever told me."

"I started trying out recipes when I was maybe... two months into my career with Rescue Team Valiant." Luke returned. "Believe it or not, they were the most stressful two months I ever had, with me being new to the whole team leader aspect, so I needed an outlet to vent my stress. My eye caught sight of a cookbook while in town and I figured I'd give it a try." He chuckled. "Next thing I knew, I was a self made cook within six months, and at one point I even considered opening a small diner of my own. Alas though, I had no time to pursue that, and we were facing many a crisis, so I had to shelve that goal."

"Sorry to cut in," Degra chimed as she stepped outside, joining the two of them at the table as Volcan pushed out a chair for her. Seated in the offered chair, she turned to Luke as she spoke. "I couldn't help overhearing, you once entertained the idea of opening a diner?"

"I did," he replied. "I fear my duties as a Rescue Team Captain keep me too busy though."

"Well, if you'd be interested in working part-time," she began, "when I get mine open again, you could come work with me."

"You'd really let me?" Luke asked, his ears perking upright in intrigue.

"Volcan seems to praise your cooking as much as he praises mine. I'd have to test your skill for myself, but if you're as good as he says, then absolutely," she nodded.

"Oh I'd love to!" He called back, smiling wide. "Thank you very much, Miss Degra." Then he chuckled softly for a bit before speaking again.

She smiled warmly at him. "You can stop calling me miss, Luke; with how close you and Volcan have become, we may as well already be family. Simply Degra or 'mom' will suffice."

"Sorry, it's a force of habit." Luke returned with a nod. "Still, thank you Degra. I look forward to the day your diner opens back up again."

"You and me both," she remarked, rolling her eyes. "Which reminds me, I don't think I've actually met your mother yet and I did hear she lives in town. Perhaps I could have the pleasure sometime?"

Luke nodded back. "I'm sure she'd be delighted to meet with you as well." He said back. "Just don't be too shocked when you see her mate... He can be somewhat... overbearing sometimes." He warned.

Degra leaned forward on her arm, eyeing Luke oddly. "You're talking to the Blaziken who married a Zapdos," she reminded him.

"I remember. I'm just saying, Nido makes any legendary look tame in comparison... You'd have to see for yourself." Luke replied.

"He's right mom; I've seen Nido for myself. The guy's a big as a mountain and could probably punch a hole in one if he wanted," added Volcan.

Degra shrugged. "At this point, I doubt anything could surprise me, my son."

Volcan laughed at that. "I said something very similar to that literally minutes before I met him."

Luke snickered as well. "Was quite funny, thinking back on it." He said. "You almost went bleach white when you saw him lifting that mountain."

"I did not!"

"You totally did."

"You were imagining things," Volcan continued to deny it, chomping on the next bagel but still flustered.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Luke returned, still snickering. "Oh wait, never mind, that's my job." He went on before laughing again, this time with Degra joining in on the laugh.

Rather than continue to be flustered though, Volcan's face lit up slightly, eyeing Luke lovingly. "And you do quite well at that," he remarked.

Luke noticed Volcan staring at him in such a way, calming down and smiling warmly back at his Blaziken. "So do you."

After finishing breakfast, the two said goodbye to Degra. They hadn't been able to eat all six bagels as the little round breads proved quite filling, so they had Degra wrap them in parchment to save for later, saying goodbye and leaving the bakery, letting her take the dish back inside to clean up. From there, they followed the street to the Post Office, their steps energetic and lively as they anticipated the work they would find waiting for them.

But much to their chagrin, that was not what they found.

They approached the board to find it devoid of any job listings. Every paper -save the odd-jobs for extra hands on the fishing boats, docks and local plantations, but that was hardly work for a Rescue Team, so they paid those no mind. But the second half of the board, reserved exclusively for guild-sanctioned missions, was completely blank - and not due to a lack of activity, Volcan noted, seeing the scraps of paper still caught in some of the tacks on the board.

"I certainly wasn't expecting this," Volcan stated, crossing his arms and letting out a huff. "Has your team been working overtime or something?"

"Not that I'm aware of." Luke replied, genuinely confused. "Most often we end up taking only two or three each, unless the job requires a full team."

"Well my team certainly hasn't been taking them," added Volcan. "Only Tristan and Serena have been around all that much - the most they'd do are light ones or odd jobs just to keep fed. So who's been taking them all?"

As if cued, a deep, brutish voice sounded from behind them. "Ya ought to know, Volcan, the early Pidgey gets the Caterpie."

They turned, and found themselves looking back at a familiar Emboar standing where they heard the voice. The Emboar was massive, standing almost as tall as Volcan but thrice his girth, with corded muscles that only years of heavy lifting could produce. He wore a wide belt around his middle, with a guild emblem fitted over the buckle and red leather armbands, once for each wrist, with brass studs dotting their surfaces.

Grom.

Luke felt a sense of unease welling up in him, and felt the same from Volcan. He cast a sidelong glance at his lover, seeing a frown darkening Volcan's features. It was no secret that Grom bore a grudge against Volcan; like the Blaziken, Grom was from Arc Island, head of one of the three Rescue Teams that had called the island home.

Until the fateful day, some months ago now, that the island was attacked. Raided in the dead of night, by a ship known as the Oppression.

Since the rescue at the island fortress where the residents of Arc were held captive, Grom had come back with the boats to Port Azure, and it seemed he had restarted his Rescue Team there, as Volcan quickly noticed the larger bundle of papers currently stowed under the Emboar's arm.

"Wait, are those..." Volcan began to ask, but stopped, looking at Grom incredulously. "You took all of them?"

"Team Kopis is back in business - we've set up shop here in Port Azure, and we've been working overtime." He patted the stack of papers. "Just picked up the next work queue for my boys and I."

Luke's brow furrowed, meeting Grom's gaze as he spoke. "Grom, I for one would never turn away the presence of another Rescue team, but taking _every_job for yourself without leaving any for others to look into? We all have to have paying work as well, if you hadn't considered."

"I didn't think it'd be a problem. After all, you and Volcan have been away on a little siesta for, what - two weeks now?" He asked, scoffing.

"You're full of shit Grom, and you know it," Volcan cut in sharply. "Everyone is entitled to a break when they need it."

"Our respite was well earned after everything we went through," the Lucario added. "Among which was springing you from captivity at that island fortress, if you had forgotten."

Grom scoffed. "Make all the excuses you want, small-fry. Fact is, the jobs are mine. Team Kopis is taking this town, one grateful customer at a time. If your team goes out of business, that ain't no problem of mine."

Volcan's knuckles cracked audibly as he clenched his hands into fists. Luke sensed the anger practically radiating from his lover at that moment, and knew only Volcan's restraint was keeping him from launching himself at the Emboar at that moment.

"I told you before, Grom," Volcan began through a clenched beak, a tone of warning leaving his throat as he spoke. "You could say whatever you want about me - do whatever you want to me. I won't protrest. But leave Luke and his team - my friends, out of it! This feud you've started doesn't need to pull everyone else down in the process!"

"You're one to talk about being pulled low, considering you're the only resident of Arc who didn't lose everything he cared about," Grom spat back at Volcan. "Must've been nice, running with your feathers moltin' off, only to find your mom, your brother, and your friends all got to safety! Who else can claim that, huh?"

Luke stood between Volcan and Grom, now furious with the Emboar at this point. "If Volcan hadn't left to find help, you'd still be in chains!" He stated firmly. "He -ah!"

Luke was cut off mid-sentence as the Emboar's massive fist backhanded him across the cheek, sending stars dancing across his eyes and the Lucario sprawling into the job board. Luke managed to catch himself on the flat face of the board, his cheek ablaze with pain as he fought to blink the stars out of his eyes.

Out of the corner of his eye, Grom saw Volcan move. The Blaziken came forward like the snap of a whip, and this time it was Grom who saw stars as Volcan's fist buried itself into his face, crushing his snout beneath its impact and sending Grom stumbling, losing the stack of papers in the process.

"I said you could do whatever you want to me, Grom," Volcan spoke in a menacing tone, his wrists engulfed in flame that crackled violently as if to match his anger, stepping closer to the Emboar as he went on. "Berate me, insult me, slander me in the taven if it pleases you!" He threw out his arms in emphasis.

He stopped as he stood only a single step from the Emboar, the Blaziken's sharp, sky blue eyes staring daggers into the Emboar's red eyes. "But if you lay a hoof on my boyfriend one more time, I'm going to lay you out like a beached Wailord!" His voice rose into a shout on the last two words.

Grom pulled his hand away from his face, his eyes narrowing dangerously despite the blood trickling from his nostrils. "Is that so?" He asked, huffing flames from his bleeding snout. "You want to throw down with me right now?" He asked in a growl of challenge, shifting his stance to the side readily.

The two stood in silence save the crackling of the fires engulfing Volcan's forearms. The Blaziken's eyes were almost glowing with rage, his breathing heavy and muscles tense as his glare matched Grom's, both fighters daring the other to make the first move.

There was a heavy stomp on the path behind Grom. Daringly, he peered over his shoulder, and saw three newcomers standing a few paces behind him, at the head of which stood a scarred Aggron whose gaze was locked squarely on the Emboar. On his back, a Vaporeon stood, front paws on his shoulder as they too watched the Emboar warily.

The third - to the Aggron's left, a Delphox with much of their excess fur cut away for freedom of movement, exposing their legs from the knee down. They wore a leather vest on their torso, laced together in the front, and in their hand was a gnarled branch - their wand, as all Delphox had one, but the shape of this one made it clearly usable as a club, with a thick, solid knot at the top.

Grom relaxed his posture, doing well to hide his trepidation at that moment as he turned to Volcan again and snorted. "You ain't worth my time, coward," he growled before turning his back on the Blaziken.

Grom stopped as he passed the Aggron, who met his glare evenly, a growl eliciting from the stone/steel behemoth as if to dare Grom to fight him instead, though the Vaporeon on his back pulled away warily, ready to jump clear if it came to blows. Grom scoffed at the Aggron, and continued down the path without looking back.

When Grom was gone, Volcan turned immediately to Luke, all hostility vanishing from his features as he strode to Luke's side. "Are you okay?" He asked, concerned.

I-I'll live." He answered with a small nod, pushing off the board. His cheek stung like fire, and he used his tongue to count his teeth, making sure none had been knocked loose from the Emboar's heavy backhand. "That arrogant swine..." He growled.

Serena leapt from Tristan's back and trotted promptly up to Luke. "Let me see," she said, motioning for him to sit down.

He did as she instructed, seating himself on the ground as Serena leaned up to examine his cheek. She lifted a paw, a veil of water forming around it before she lifted it to his cheek; the touch stung briefly, but as the cool waters soaked into his cheek, they soothed the pain of what would surely become a fairly visible bruise.

"I oughta go knock that pig out right out and throw him into the bay," Tristan huffed. "Just say the word Volcan, and I'll do it."

Volcan said nothing, not sure he would even try to stop Tristan if the Aggron were to do just that. The sensible side of him thought better of pursuing conflict, but Grom had hurt his dear Luke; that was not something the Blaziken was going to forgive easily. Still, Tristan did not take his silence as a go-ahead, and stayed put.

Lashanne stepped forward then to say her piece, her bushy tail flicking behind her as she directed her question at Volcan. "Want to explain what that was about?" She asked.

Volcan let out a sigh. "You remember my home, Arc Island - the one Luke and I told you about?" He asked. "Grom's from there too, and hes had a grudge against me for leaving during the attack ever since we came back to Azure."

"It's not like you ran away!" Tristan stated, throwing his arms out in exasperation. "Minato made you leave to find help! And half the island's populace would be Palkia-knows where in the world if he hadn't! It ain't your fault you lost your memory when ya crashed here."

"Tristan," Serena said scornfully, looking at the Aggron.

"Er... sorry -I guess that ain't helpin' much."

Lashanne rolled her eyes. "So instead of blaming the slimeballs who actually destroyed the island he blames you?" She asked, raising her wand to direct a psychic veil around the papers littering the path. "Seems like he just wants a scapegoat. But why you - you came back with a whole task force, right?"

"I did. But that apparently doesn't make up for my leaving to save my own neck, as he puts it." The Blaziken shook his head, his voice somber as he continued. "I don't know... maybe he's right, in some ways. I-"

But Luke cut him off when the Lucario rose sharply to his feet "Don't you dare..." He said sternly to the Blaziken, looking him dead in the eye. "None of what happened on Arc Island is your fault. You did what you had to do in order to save as many lives as you could. No one could have asked for anymore of you than that."

"He's right," Serena added, moving to Volcan and rubbing her head against his knee. "Do not take Grom's words to heart, Volcan."

"I know I shouldn't," he admitted, sighing as he reached for his lover and put his arms around him in a gentle embrace. "Still... I can't help but wonder if I could've done more."

"Volc, I ain't the sharpest tool in the field," Tristan piped up. "But even I saw the hopelessness of that battle. There was no winnin' it." He walked over and bumped his fist against Volcan's shoulder. "Live to fight another day. If you'd perished on that island, it'd have been fer nothin'."

Volcan sighed again, holding Luke a little tighter, but feeling better for the comforting words his lover and friends shared with him. "Thanks, everyone," he said, allowing himself a light smile. "One thing's for sure, I couldn't have done it without all of you." He added as he pulled back from Luke, smiling a little wider as he peered down at him. "Especially you."

Luke smiled back happily at Volcan as they stared at one another, idly rubbing his paws along his back as he spoke. "I was more than happy to help, and I'll keep doing so as long as I still draw breath." He replied softly.

Volcan nodded to him, and then turned to the stack of papers now sitting on the board's shelf. "Well, if nothing else, we can pick some jobs now," he said, and then looked back at Luke again, his eyes drifting to his cheek where he was struck, the frown returning as he noted a slight bruise visible beneath the fur. Serena had managed to null the pain but the blemish remained, and not even her powers could mend it quickly. "Damn that Grom..."

"Ya looked ready to kill him until we stepped in," Tristan remarked.

"If you hadn't I just might have," Volcan returned, scoffing as they turned to the stack, reaching out to pick up a few to look through. "I mean it's one thing to diss me but striking Luke just for speaking out? That was too far."

"I have to ask, was he always like this even before your home was attacked?" Luke asked, directing the question at Volcan, Serena and Tristan equally.

Volcan struggled to recollect any information about Grom, aside from their few encounters since they had released the Emboar from his cell. Thankfully, though, Tristan piped up to fill in the blanks left by Volcan's memory.

"He was always a creep, but never like this," the Aggron explained. "He was respected enough; arrogant, but he got results. Always willing to lend his muscle where it was needed, but always make fun of those weaker than him. Ever since we sprung him though, now he's just become an asshole - not really an improvement from the arrogant pig he was before."

"His teammates are little better," Serena added in. "Morganth and Quake are both bullies in their own right, always looking for a fight. When they walked with Grom through town, people always had to scramble to get out their way. Not so for Zashi; he at least didn't make a point to look down on anyone."

"Wait, Zashi?" Volcan asked. "They had a fourth member?"

Serena nodded. "A Scyther. He was... a little like Kage; quiet and distant. He rarely ever spoke but to see him in a duel was something else. Unfortunately, it seems even his skill did not survive the siege of our home."

"What a waste... Zashi at least had some respect for others," Tristan remarked, grunting.

Luke let out a sigh. "Tragic," he said.

After standing in silence for a while, Luke turned his attention to the job postings Grom had left behind, picking them up from where Lashanne had left them and going over them one after another, with Volcan coming to stand behind him and join him.

They leafed through the job options with little interest; an escort mission for a forager to the woods, security duty at the docks - apparently there had been a theft the night before, and other solo positions that they didn't really see as the challenge they wanted - they were eager to get back into the swing of Guild work now that they had had their break.

But as Luke was about to flip to the last page, Volcan stopped him, and picked the second-last piece of paper from the stack, lifting it away from the board into the sun's light to read it.

"'Investigate lack of communication and activity from south regions'," he read aloud. "'Mail travel to and from the city of Hadleigh have ceased; postmen are missing from their workplaces and the number has grown to an alarming amount. Information regarding this strange lapse in activity is to be brought immediately to the Guild Hall in Westport City as soon as possible. Potential threat level: Unknown. Advise extreme caution to any investigating Rescue Teams'."

"Unknown?" Serena repeated. "Has that ever happened before?"

"It's a first for me," Luke answered, narrowing his eyes curiously at the job description. "No threat level... usually those turn out to be nothing, but from that description this sounds very serious." He added, glancing to Volcan to see what he thought of it.

The gears were turning in Volcan's mind, already running various scenarios and simulations through his mind as he considered the options. "Winter's closing in, but that wouldn't cause the number of delays they describe in here." He looked at Luke, sharing his expression.

The Lucario started to smirk a bit. "Sounds like the perfect kind of job to take after a two week sabbatical, eh love?" He asked.

The Blaziken chuckled. "Seems to take us out of town again. Can't seem to hang around, can we?" His smile faded. "Though, if we might have to look for lost Pokemon, we'll need trackers and sensory-types to find them. Aside from Minato, my team has none... I'll have to go talk to him."

Serena stiffened. "I'm... not sure about that, Volcan," she said. "He has not shown any improvement over the past two weeks."

"Maybe a little action is what he needs," Tristan offered. "Minato's a warrior through an' through - this could snap him out of his funk, right?"

Volcan sighed. "It's worth a try." He looked at Luke. "But this might be Team Valiant's ideal mission."

"Be that as it may, nothing says our teams can't work together." Luke answered back. "We can make it a join mission. Eagle Eye could watch the skies from above, and Hank has some extensive knowledge on the wilderness."

Volcan nodded in agreement. "Doug might be helpful too. If some others have been coming back injured, he may be able to scout out some potential danger spots in advance."

"You'll need some muscle though," Tristan pointed out. "If someone's attacking people out there, there could be a fight. So, me or Katsu?"

"If it comes down to muscle, Tristan, I think I should go," Volcan returned. "I'm a little more familiar working with Luke's team."

"Seems logical," Lashanne added her opinion. "I may not know much about this rescue team stuff but that seems to cover all the bases."

Tristan huffed. "Rats."

"Sorry big guy. Next one's you, though," Volcan promised. "And you know if we need help I'll call you."

"Will you need me?" Serena asked.

"Having a healer along is never unwise," Volcan returned. "But, you're as close to Minato and Caulin as I am. Whether Minato comes with more or not, one of us needs to look after his little munchkin."

Serena nodded in understanding.

"I'll go talk to Kage while you go check on Minato.; we may need his skill." Luke said with a nod. "Good luck, hon."

Volcan nodded. "I'll meet you back at the house with the others," he said.

With that, the group dispersed, heading their separate ways back into town as they went to go about their business...

~~~~~

Volcan had to confirm at the office which room Minato was staying in, and proceeded there after find out the number. He ascended the stairs to the second level of the inn and followed the catwalk to the door with the correct number. Knocking gently, he waited for a response.

There was silence at first that lasted for a few moments after Volcan had knocked, then the sound of the door slowly unlocking could be heard, and the door opened inward to reveal said Lucario standing behind it. Volcan felt his heart sinking at the very sight of his friend and the state he was in.

He could barely make out the dark circles beneath his eyes, hidden by the Lucario's black facial markings, but the swell of the bags still caught Volcan's studious gaze. His fur was matted and unkempt, and by the smell Volcan was certain he had not even bathed himself in some time either. When his gaze fell upon Volcan's, his eyes seemed to light up just a tiny bit, but otherwise they were almost completely dull and void of any life in them.

"...What do you want?" Was all Minato asked.

"Just wanted to speak with you for a bit," replied Volcan, looking over Minato's face and trying to hide his grief at the sight of him. "How uh... how're you doing?"

Minato's sour look was enough to tell Volcan that was a stupid question. "You came here for a reason so what is it?" He pressed, leaning on the door with his arms crossed.

"Never could keep a secret," Volcan commented in mild jest, but when he saw Minato didn't even react, he let out a sigh, and began to explain. "Okay. A town way down south has called for aid; we just found the posting a few minutes ago. I think we should respond, and we need to get down there fast. I thought maybe-"

But Minato cut him off. "I'm not interested..." He said softly, lifting a paw up and closing his eyes. "You don't need me for this, or any other mission for that matter."

"But Minato, it's urgent. They need..."

Once again the Blaziken didn't get to finish his plead. "I said... no," he said in a firmer tone. "...I've nothing left to offer for Team Phalanx anymore...As far as I'm concerned, I'm used goods..."

With that, Minato turned and shut the door, not even giving Volcan a chance to speak again. He even heard the click of the door lock.

"Minato!" Volcan called after him desperately, but the Lucario didn't return to the door. He considered knocking on it again, but he held back his hand, and swore under his breath. "Come on..."

With a sigh, the Blaziken turned to leave, disappointed at the turn of events. But he froze, when he saw the Riolu standing just meters away along the catwalk. "C-Caulin?" He asked, startled, and then frowned. "How long have you been there?"

"Long enough," the Riolu replied, the bitterness almost palpable in his tone. "So he's going so far as to just....give up, is that it?"

"No, no, it's not like that, Caulin," Volcan returned. He stepped closer to Caulin and knelt before him to put himself at eye level with the young Riolu "He's heartbroken, and sometimes the heart is slower to heal than the body." He gently reached out to hold Caulin's shoulder. "He'll come back... in time."

Unfortunately, the Blaziken didn't sound very certain, and Caulin could easily hear it in his voice. The Riolu's frown deepened, and he gave a brisk shake of his head. "If even you can't convince him to get back into the game, then he may as well just stay in that room forever!" He exclaimed. "He's not the only one who's in pain, Uncle Volcan, but unlike him I'm not letting it get me down!"

"Hey, now -settle down," Volcan urged him gently, gesturing with his hands for Caulin to lower his voice. "Vengeance is not going to solve anything, Caulin - you know better than that. Those guys will be brought to justice sooner or later - they can't run forever. But don't go letting thoughts like that go to your head; that's how poor decisions are made."

He looked over his shoulder towards Minato's room again, before looking back at Caulin. "I might just have the chance to do so," he added. "This mission I came to see your dad about - it may be connected. We're heading there to find out and hopefully put a stop to their crimes if it is them."

"Then let me come too!" Caulin pleaded. "I can help! I've been training hard since I got out of that clinic!"

"Out of the question," Volcan returned firmly. "If I brought you along, your dad would surely_kill_ me, and you'd be in constant danger. You're not experienced enough to handle a mission like this yet and I can't be focused on you and the enemy at the same time."

"Rescue Teams are always facing danger, aren't they? If I'm to ever try and lead one in the future, I gotta start somewhere!" Caulin returned.

"You are twelve years old, and this is an A-level mission at least - even if you were to join or form a team now, you can't just jump into the fray like that - that's how Pokemon get themselves killed," Volcan argued. "I can't risk your life like that. I'd never forgive myself and I doubt your father would either."

Caulin held his determined stare on Volcan's unwavering gaze for a moment, but his resolve quickly lessened and his expression turned to sadness. "...But I wanna help..." He whimpered.

"I know you do," Volcan said softly, placing both talons on Caulin's shoulders now. "But you're just not ready for this yet. Someday, I'll be glad to have you along - don't you doubt that for a moment, but I need you to leave this to me for now."

The Riolu nodded softly back to Volcan, sniffling before he gave a weak smile. "Please come back safely Uncle Volcan," He said softly. "I don't wanna lose anyone else."

"Aw, c'mere sport," Volcan whispered, gently pulling Caulin into a warm and loving embrace, letting the Riolu rest his head against the warm feathers of his chest.

Caulin nuzzled his head against the Blaziken, taking comfort in the warmth radiating from his uncle's body and the softness of his feathers. He wrapped his arms around Volcan's middle and hugged him tightly, prompting the Blaziken to do the same.

"I'll always come back for my best little buddy," he replied encouragingly. "Stay strong for me while I'm gone. And hey, Tristan has to stay behind; you can always go train with him, and Serena and my mom are around as well. You won't be alone."

"Why aren't they going with you?"

"We don't know the full situation down south yet, so we're loathe to leave the town unprotected. I'll be going with Luke's team - I've gotten used to working with them, but not all of them are going either - Katsumoto will be here in town too; you remember him?"

Caulin nodded, wiping his nose with the back of his paw, and then gave Volcan a warm smile. "Okay uncle. I'll keep working while you're gone, and when you get back I'll show you the fruits of my training!" He said, flexing his arm and slapping over the bicep with his other paw.

"I look forward to it," replied Volcan, and then his eyes rolled to the side as he had an idea. "In fact, I may have a job for you too."

"Really??" Caulin asked, his face lighting up and tail wagging in excitement "What do I have to do?"

"When you're not training," Volcan asked, turning Caulin toward the sea and pointing to the lighthouse on the cliff overlooking the bay. "I want you up in that lighthouse, monitoring activity out on the water; try to memorize the local fishing boats so you can recognize when a new one comes into port and keep an eye on any you don't recognize. Report any activity you deem suspicious to Katsu, Tristan or Serena - whoever you can find first."

"I will be honest, this is watchman position - it'll be pretty boring at first," Volcan went on. "Consider it a test of your patience and observation. You can borrow a telescope from Lashanne - the Delphox who brought Luke and I home. Let her know I'll compensate her if she needs me to."

"Okay, I'll ask her. Maybe she can come up and keep watch with me." He offered optimistically. "Either way, I won't let you down! I'll keep this town safe even if it's the last thing I do!"

"Oye; don't make your uncle worried with that kind of talk now," Volcan said in a mock, stern tone as he began tickling the Riolu's sides.

Caulin tensed immediately when he felt his sides being tickled. "ACK! Heeey!!" Caulin hollered, trying to squirm away from Volcan, holding his sides in an effort to hold back his laughter and ward off Volcan's fingers. "Stop! Hahah! You can't tickle me!"

"Oh can't I?" Volcan returned before he started tickling him harder. "You're going to keep yourself safe too, you got that?"

"Okay okay! I'll be safe!" He pleaded, trying to escape Volcan's tickling attack, still laughing hysterically.

Only then when Caulin made that promise did Volcan stop, smiling smugly down at him. "There's a good lad," he said, chuckling at Caulin's pouting when the Riolu turned to face him again.

"Just remember." He stated, in a tone that suggested he was being serious again, and Caulin gave him his full attention. "The most important thing you can do is think before acting; don't let impulse push you to a rash decision. Use your mind," he pointing at Caulin's forehead, "before using your heart," he added, moving the same finger to his chest. "Understand?"

"I understand." Caulin returned, then he snapped forward and hugged Volcan again "So long as you promise you'll come back alive, uncle."

Volcan nodded to him. "I will do my best," he replied, returning Caulin's embrace. "I love you, kiddo. Try to keep your chin up; things will be back to normal soon enough."

"I love you too, Uncle..." Caulin returned, pulling back from the hug and raising his paw. "Kick their butts!"

Volcan nodded and tapped his fist against Caulin's outstretched paw. "They'll never know what hit them," he stated, before standing back up. "Take care, Caulin. I'll be back as soon as I can. Just remember, even with your dad in his current state, you're never alone. Serena, my mom and Tristan are all here for you."

"I will!" He returned, more fired up than before. "Go and help everyone like you always do! I got a town to keep watch over!" He exclaimed, and then hurried to the stairs.

Volcan held his smile as he watched Caulin sprinting off into town, glad that he was able to at least console the Riolu where he had failed with his father. At that thought, Volcan frowned, and turned to look back at Minato's room, frowning deeply.

"You better find a way to pull yourself back, Minato," he said in a low tone. "If not for your team, do it for your son."

~~~~~

Luke and the team he had gathered for the mission stood waiting outside of his house for Volcan and, he hoped, Minato to arrive to join them. Standing with him were Hank, Eagle eye - perched on the Zoroark's outstretched arm, and Doug at his feet. Standing off to the side was a Greninja, but not one Volcan would know when he arrived.

Luke had just finished filling in the team on the mission when he saw movement in his peripheral, turning to see Volcan coming out of the woods from the direction of town. To his disappointment, which he could see etched on his lover's face as well, the Blaziken had come alone.

"He didn't want to come?" Luke asked.

"Barely even acknowledged me," Volcan returned, sighing in defeat. "I've never seen anyone so broken. To make matters worse, Caulin overheard us too. The poor kid..." He rubbed his eyes in frustration. "I'm at a loss. This whole thing is hurting Caulin, but I don't know what to do about it," he threw up his arms. "What I even can do about it."

Luke stepped up to his lover and placed a reassuring paw on his chest. "You've done all you can for now," He assured Volcan softly. "Let's just focus on the task at hand for now, and hope things are better when we come back. Okay?"

Volcan nodded sadly, taking in another breath to steady himself before he addressed the others, starting with Hank. "Another mission together, eh buddy?" He asked, holding out his clenched fist to the Zoroark.

"You bet! Glad to have you aboard again, Chicken Legs." The Zoroark returned, clenching his paw and tapping it against Volcan's fist.

"Yea same!" Doug piped, all three of his heads speaking in unison and spinning excitedly in place. "Finally, a mission on land so that I can come along!

"Hopefully next time our missions take us off to another island we'll find a way to bring you along," Volcan remarked, chuckling, then looked at Eagle Eye. "And how about you, fly boy?"

Eagle Eye gave a salute with his left wing. "All fired up and ready to fly!" He squawked with pride.

"Excellent," replied Volcan, then looked around, noticing the lone individual standing in the shadow of the house, recognizing from their barely visible legs that it was a Greninja, but they were wearing a cloak with a hood over their head, hiding most of their features. "Is that Kage? Why's he standing back there?"

Luke rubbed the back of his head. "That's... actually not Kage." He answered, and the Greninja looked up, showing a face similar to the Greninja Volcan knew, but younger. "When I asked him to join us, Kage said he had other business to attend to. Instead he sent his son, Hageshi, to join us for this mission."

Volcan leaned close to Luke. "Why is he brooding back there and not part of the briefing?" He asked in a low voice.

Hank rolled his eyes and responded in place of Luke. "Man, if you think Froggie's bad at keeping his distance, his kid's even worse." He said in an annoyed tone. "It's like the kid's the polar opposite of his dad. He's colder, both literally and figuratively and doesn't give a shit about anything else other than the mission outcome."

"How can he if he's not even aware of what the mission is?" Volcan asked, this time enough for the Greninja to hear, trying to get his attention.

As if on cue, Hageshi turned his head slightly to look back at Volcan, his eyes partially hidden within the hood of his cloak, but all the same they were as cold and calculating as his father's. "...I'm aware of what we're doing." He answered. "Though unlike my father, I don't allow petty attachments to distract me from what's important."

"Yea, and ya wonder why you don't have any friends." Eagle Eye muttered under his breath. "A real charmer, ain't he?"

"Dealt with someone about as charming earlier, didn't we?" Volcan asked, looking at Luke, eyeing the bruise on his cheek that had become visible through his thin fur.

Hank followed Volcan's gaze, only just now noticing the purple mark. His eyes widened a bit and he leaned in closer to get a look at it. "Whoa, who did that to ya?" He asked.

Luke sighed and rubbed his bruised cheek softly. "It was Grom. We had an altercation." He replied.

"Oh no, he fuckin didn't..." Hank growled. "Oh when I see that walking slab of self cooking bacon, I'm gonna make him WISH he were back on that fortress!"

"....Case in point." Hageshi muttered.

"We've got bigger things to worry about," Volcan stated before Eagle Eye or Doug could add in their own displeasure. "So, I'm guessing Luke filled you in. Our mission is largely investigation - we're to find out why all traffic from the south regions, near the city of Hadleigh, have ceased. The job descriptions mentioned some who went to check it out have come back injured or scared out of their wits, but there are even more missing as well. We haven't a clue what's waiting for us out there so we need to be especially vigilant."

"With my eyes watching from above, we'll be right as rain." Eagle Eye chirped confidently.

"Be that as it may, we still need to be careful." Luke reminded the Talonflame. "We're going up against an unknown threat in this mission, so if we're going to succeed, teamwork is absolutely vital." He added, then his gaze travelled to Hageshi. "That means all of us..."

The Greninja scoffed in a dismissive tone, but soon nodded ever so slightly to let Luke know he understood.

"Alright. Let's all go gather some supplies," said Volcan. "It's winter and going to be pretty cold, so make sure you all grab some warm clothes and any food you can carry. Luke and I will procure a map to show us the way to Hadleigh - since it seems to be the biggest town in that region we'll start our search from there. Hopefully some locals might be able to tell us what's going on. Once we're ready we'll head to Westport first to check with the Guild Hall there to let them know we're on this mission and inquire about any more information on the disappearances and anything else they might have heard."

The rest of the team nodded in understanding, and with a wave of Luke's arm the team dispersed to gather up any supplies they were going to need for the journey to come.

When they were gone, Luke tugged at his scarf lightly as he turned to look at Volcan. "I guess I'm going to need more than a scarf to keep me warm while we're out there." He joked. "Once we're out of the woodlands we'll be completely open to the elements.

"Always have me to keep you warm," Volcan remarked with a sly smirk, wrapping an arm around Luke's shoulders.

He laughed softly and leaned slightly into the Blaziken. "Okay I'll give you that. But that kind of talk will have to wait until after we can get a room to ourselves while we're at Hadleigh."

"Fair enough," Volcan returned, leaning down to nuzzle Luke on top of his head. "Well, I guess this our holiday is officially over - time to get back in the game."

The Lucario nodded back in agreement. "Guess that means no more late nights for the time being." He would add as he began to walk over to the house with Volcan back to their place to gear up themselves.

"Oh, I'm sure we'll still find time," he returned with a chuckle as they opened the door and entered the house.

They spent the next half hour gathering their supplies and going back into town to procure a map from the local stores before regrouping with the others at Luke's house once again, with ample provisions gathered by the rest of the team - including some taken from Luke and Volcan's home. From there, forming a two-by-two line -minus Eagle Eye flying above and Doug travelling underground, they broke a brisk jog and cut through the woods to make it to the south road out of Azure, turning their course south to Westport city.