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A few days passed since the end of the contest on Team Warmachine's island. All of the members of Team Valiant returned to their homes back in the vicinity of the secluded town, not the least of which Luke returning to his house with his two guests, Volcan and Serena -the former of whom had to remain bedridden for a time, due to his damaged ribcage needing a little more time to heal. Mikhail's work on realigning his bones, along with the Warmachine healer, the Gardevoir 'Sage', using her powers of healing to accelerate the mending, it still often hurt to draw a breath, move his arms or roll over in his sleep; a few times, when Luke was getting up for a drink of water in the night, he'd hear Volcan turn over in his sleep, only for the Blaziken to grunt in pain when he moved. Meanwhile, Serena had been given the guest room for herself... although she hadn't spent much time there. She spent most of her time out at Katsumoto's house. As a result, the bed was usually left made, waiting for the next guest that would require it. On the morning of the fifth day since the end of the contest, Luke walked out into the living room after a good night's rest, finding Volcan still asleep but... lying rather oddly, like he was holding something. When Luke peered over to the Blaziken's front, he saw that his guest was actually hugging the spare pillow against himself, almost like he would hold a mate, and was still fast asleep. Luke tilted his head as he gazed upon this peculiar sight, blinking a few times to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "Yep... I am not imagining this. Wonder if he has a significant other back in his realm." He muttered softly Suddenly, the Blaziken moved, apparently not as deep in sleep as Luke thought. He raised his head, looking up at the Lucario with a sleepy stare, before he felt the pillow against his chest and looked down at it. "Uh..." He let go of the pillow, letting it fall to the mattress. "This isn't what it looks like." He said. "Sure seemed that way," stated Luke. Volcan sat up, blushing with embarrassment as he scooted up and leaned against the back of the couch. "Was hoping I wouldn't do that while staying here..." He muttered. "Well, why were you doing it in the first place?" He asked. "Sure I've been lonely sometimes, but I've never snuggled with something like a pillow or anything." Volcan swallowed nervously. "Well, you see... my species -phoenixes, rather, have these periods of our lives where we actively feel the urge to seek companionship. I'm at the age where I'm in that for the first time. I guess my muscle memory is still haunting me even in a new body." "So, you feel the need to seek a mate and settle down with one?" He asked, crossing his arms. "I guess I can relate there...though I settled down with my mate because we actively fell in love with each other, not because we needed someone to mate with." "Well, it's mostly an instinct drilled into us because our females only conceive once or twice per century," stated Volcan. "It's just part of our genetics, but the choice is still always ours." He sighed. "Honestly, just by my 'sleep-cuddling' with a pillow, I think I'm starting to want to meet someone anyway." He suddenly went blank, blinking softly before he shook his head. "Oookay, better stop this conversation before it gets awkward." "Probably... Though I'm curious; have you ever met anyone you were interested in?" He asked, taking a seat next to him. "There've been a few, yes," replied Volcan. "But... honestly, I'm afraid to let anyone get that close to me." "Why?" He asked. "I mean, look at myself and my team. I have a wife and three sons, two of them are adopted and one is my actual child. Hank has a boyfriend and even Kage has a family as well." "I have enemies, Luke," stated the Blaziken. "People more dangerous than you would ever possibly believe... people who wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone in their way to get to me; to target people I care about just to break my spirit." He looked at his hand. "Every time I consider it -every time I feel myself wanting to be with someone... I'm afraid for them. Will I be able to protect them? Could they protect themselves, even with me knowing what they're up against? Would I be able to live with myself if I failed them -would there ever be a time I'd have to choose between them, my best friends, my family, or the lives of the people I vowed to protect?"

He clenched his hand into a fist. "There's just too much that could happen to them... With the people I face, I can't leave them with something that leaves me so vulnerable... even if it breaks my heart, until they're defeated I have to keep anyone from getting too deep in my life." "Well, why not find someone who can fend for themselves whenever you're not around?" Luke suggested. "Would that offer some solace?" "With the people I face, Luke, I wouldn't even know if such a person exists," stated Volcan. "There's one among them, one who knows me far too well... he already targeted someone I cared about once before; he attacked her in her home." His fist tightened. "And he..." His muscles were tensing, a painful memory forcing its way to the fore of his mind, giving him a torturous reminder of his past. "He molested her... and then corrupted her; she almost became a demon because of him. I almost had to kill her!" The tension in his muscles was leaving his arms so tight, his biceps were as hard as rock. "It was a damn miracle we were able to save her, but before we could, we had to fight her -to stop her. She nearly died because of that." "O-Oh..." Luke returned, suddenly feeling rather guilty for bringing up such a sensitive subject. "I'm sorry...I-I had no idea." "It's okay... you... had no way of knowing," said Volcan, slowly starting to calm down. Luke let out a sigh and flattened his ears, averting his gaze a little as an awkward silence fell over the two of them. Volcan looked at Luke. "But you understand my hesitation now." Luke nodded slowly, still keeping his ears flattened and scratching the back of his head. "Regardless... I hope you do find that special someone before your time is up." At those words, completely out of the blue Volcan suddenly laughed. "I've got a LONG time before I need to be worried about that, Luke," he reminded him. "But... I appreciate it." "Even so, the sooner the better, right?" He returned, smiling back a bit at him. "True enough," he admitted, and leaned back against the couch, gaze drifting to the ceiling for a moment before he swung legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching his arms over his head. He rubbed his ribcage, rolling his shoulder a little. "Still somewhat sore, but... I think I'm pretty much healed." "Don't push yourself too hard Volcan; you don't want Mikhail all up in your face again." Luke warned. "He does take his future career very seriously." "Don't worry; I won't do anything outside of my abilities," assured Volcan. "I was just saying, I can breathe again without my ribs hurting." "Well that's good then. Though I think we should wait a little longer until you're completely healed before we set off to Spear Pillar." Volcan frowned at that. "I don't know how much longer we can wait, Luke," he said. "Remember what Serena said when we found her? About how six days had passed in my world when I had only been here for one? If you add those up, I've been here almost ten days now, and in my world's time that'll be over two months. At this point, someone might've declared her and I dead." He looked at the floor. "If I'm fit to travel... then I think it's time we get started." Luke paused for a moment, and then sighed and closed his eyes. Volcan was right; the time difference between their two worlds was a complication that was hard to ignore. Getting Volcan and Serena home was a priority now; if they didn't, it would be even harder to return. "Alright then... then we'll set out as soon as possible." Volcan nodded, sadly. He didn't want to say it again... but he truly wished he could stay longer... there was so much more to see in this strange new world he had entered, and he had made great friends he wasn't sure he was ready to leave yet... but he didn't belong in this world; not he, nor Serena, and their world would not wait long for them. "I'll go get Serena," he offered, and began making his way over to the door. Luke nodded. "I'll let the others know as well." He returned as he headed off to find his friends after Volcan left to find Serena. ~~~~~ Back at Katsumoto's shack, he was going about his usual routine of heavy lifting huge trees that he had cut down and used as weights before he cut them up into smaller logs to use as firewood when he was finished. He brought the last stack of wood he had cut up next to his place, then grabbed two small logs and brought them inside to add to his little fireplace, then sat back and let out a small sigh as he relaxed after his workout. Serena was still sleeping soundly in his bed. She had been spending so much time with him lately, she had pretty much become a full-time guest at his house; the two of them spent every night together, sleeping next to one another as they had on the boat ride home. With the possibility of her and Volcan leaving sometime soon, they wanted to have every moment possible together. Katsu then glanced back and smiled a little, gently approaching his bed and walking around so he could gently hop up and lay down next to her. Gently he wrapped both his arms around her and pressed his nose against her cheek, nuzzling lightly and purring gently as he shuffled closer to Serena. She began to stir at his touch, and slowly her eyes fluttered open. With a sleepy stare, she turned and looked at the Samurott, giving him a warm smile. "Good morning," she said. "Good morning to you as well." He whispered to her, stroking her form gently. "I take it you enjoyed your sleep?" The Vaporeon nodded in reply. "Very much," she replied. "I always sleep so well with you nearby." She nuzzled his cheek with her own, basking in his presence. He chuckled. "You flatter me," he returned. "Though I could say the same about you in regards to how well I sleep in your presence." She giggled. "Well, I only speak honestly, and from my heart," she said, turning over to lie on her belly, resting her paws in front of herself. "As do I," he returned, sliding his nose along and nuzzling her right on hers. "You are an amazing woman, Serena. I've never felt so...content...so at peace before I met you." "That makes two of us," she returned. Then, she slowly stood up, stretching herself out much like a cat and yawning, licking her lips slightly. "Mm... could use something to drink. I'll be right back." She said before hopping down from the bed and walking over to the door. "Just going to get some water from the lake." "Take your time." Katsu returned. "Perhaps you'd like a small morsel afterward?" "Certainly," she replied. He nodded. "Then I shall have something ready for you when you return." He said as he hopped off and headed for his fireplace, taking a small pot and adding some ingredients from a nearby pantry into it before setting the pot over the fireplace. Serena padded down to the lakeshore, dipping her head into the water and taking a long drink, though pulled back briefly as she saw a Poliwag swim past, waving her tail in greeting to it, to which it returned by waving its own tail back to her, and let her go back to her drink. When she was satisfied, she took a brief dip into the lake, swimming around and letting her body be properly hydrated before she climbed back out and shook herself dry, walking back up to Katsu's house. As she walked, though, something caught her eye; she turned her attention to the side, and saw a figure walking towards the house. She narrowed her eyes, squinting in the sunlight as she tried to determine who it was, and promptly recognized the red body of a Blaziken. "Is that Volcan?" She whispered to herself, but it was too far to tell. She headed back up to the house, poking her head inside. "Katsu?" She called. "Are you expecting anyone today?" "Hmm?" He turned back to face her. "Not that I am aware of...why do you ask?" "There's someone coming this way; I think it's a Blaziken. Might be Volcan but I can't tell; they're too far away." Katsu narrowed his eyes a little and stopped what he was doing. "Let's be sure it is him." He said as he approached the door and stood at the doorstep. He had a feeling it was Volcan, but regardless he kept his guard up in case this Blaziken was an intruder. Sure enough though, as the figure got close enough to identify, he recognized Volcan; the Blaziken, having been bedridden the last few days, was finally back on his feet after suffering numerous rib fractures at the hands of Team Warmachine's leader and strongest member, Torolf the Swampert, who had effortlessly beaten Volcan without even trying -or so Serena had told Katsumoto, as he had been in the infirmary when Volcan was beaten. But, now, the promising young fighter seemed back to normal, able to move on his own without his chest hurting. Volcan waved to them as he saw them. "Good morning, guys! How's it going?" He asked. "Fairly well. We were about to indulge in some breakfast." Katsu returned, lowering his guard when he saw it was indeed Volcan. "Ah, nice." He returned. "Do you... mind if I join you? I actually left Luke's without grabbing a bite myself." He rubbed the back of his head in mild embarrassment. "Not at all," he replied, stepping aside to allow Volcan inside his hut. The Blaziken had to duck a little as he stepped through the door, as it wasn't designed for someone his height, and found a place to seat himself, with Serena choosing one across from him. "So, how was your night?" "Very good," returned Serena. "At first I didn't sleep so well when we first came here but, I think I'm starting to adjust." That remark made Volcan flinch a little, but he kept a straight face. "Good to hear," he said, and looked at Katsumoto. "How about you big guy?" "Well...in all honesty, things have been much more content as of late." He returned with a soft smile, gently setting down a small bowl of rice and miso before each of them. "I've been able to sleep much more soundly..." Volcan smiled and nodded in thanks to Katsumoto. "I'm glad to hear it," he said, and looked around. "Uh... don't suppose you keep utensils around, do you?" "Ah of course." He returned and quickly got back up, rummaging around his pantry for some utensils for Volcan to eat with. He pulled out some chopsticks and passed them to Volcan, then grabbed a pair for himself and sat back down next to Serena. "Was never very good with these," Volcan muttered, but accepted the chopsticks and did his best to use them for his meal. "So, you guys have any plans for today?" "Not at the moment no. Serena just woke up and I finished my workout regime not too long ago." Katsu returned. "Ah, I see," the Blaziken returned. Serena dug into her food; she didn't have any way to use utensils with her lack of opposable thumbs or actual hands, so she had to eat as any quadriped would, though she stayed quiet in the process. "So what brings you here today?" Katsu asked Volcan as they all dug into their breakfasts "Well..." Volcan began, but paused, and then shook his head. "It's nothing major; we can finish eating first. We..." "It's about the journey home, isn't it?" Serena said suddenly, her words once more making Volcan flinch; his reaction alone was enough to tell them she was right... Katsu also flinched, glancing back to Serena for a moment, then back to Volcan for a moment. "Are you feeling well enough for the journey? From what I was told you were injured badly..." "Normally, I'd probably still be down for another week... but between Mikhail and Sage pitching in, I think I'm at least travel-ready. Just have to avoid battles if we can, and I'll be fine." "That will be difficult; we will most likely run into battles with wild Pokémon along the way Volcan." Katsu warned him. "Don't worry about me," the Blaziken assured him. "I'm well enough I could at least defend myself. Just don't let me have a wrestling match with another big Swampert." He chuckled at that. Katsu glanced back to Serena for a moment, wondering what she thought about this current change of pace. Her expression was unreadable, though. She clearly was uncertain -either for Volcan, or for her own readiness... but she said nothing. "Katsu," began Volcan. "There's another reason why I feel it's time for us to leave. Not only because we're needed back home, but to help solve the mystery of what's happening here in your world." "And you believe the gods of Space and Time might hold the answers." Katsu finished, then closed his eyes and let out a small sigh. "When do you plan on leaving...?" "Not for a little while yet. Luke's informing the rest of the team," replied Volcan. "Furthermore, whatever is happening here, in your world, it's not just Palkia and Dialga who I believe will have answers; there's someone back on my world who I believe may be able to find out as well." "You mean Izrail?" Serena asked. Volcan nodded. "As the Servant of Anubis he's pretty up-to-date with stuff like this. If he doesn't know what's going on he'll know who will, and maybe, somehow, they can work on repairing the damage on their end too -whatever's happening on this world, it's coming from our end. If we can stop it there, then this world will be safe from further danger." "I do not know of this...Anubis you speak of...but if you're sure he may have the answers then I will help you reach him any way I can..." "Well not so much Anubis himself," replied Volcan. "Anubis is the God of Death in our world; he may know about what's happening, but he'll have no control over it. Travelling between worlds is no problem for him but mending damages in space and/or time is beyond his power. There are other gods above him who do that." Katsu nodded. "This sounds like it just got rather complicated; I'm not sure I understand it all." "Well, let's just say that, if I'm right, whoever is causing these anomalies, they're going through Serena and I's world to do it," said Volcan. "And in doing so, they're bringing Demons to your world -beings normally not seen here, and if they're set loose, they could destroy every living thing here. Therefore, we have to find out who's doing it on our end, and stop them. But to do that, we have to go back to our own world, otherwise, if the problem is solved before we can go home..." He hung his head. "Then we'll be permanently trapped here." "I see..." Katsu lowered his head as well. "Perhaps we better get moving then; I'm sure Luke has gathered the rest of the team by now." Volcan stood up and walked over to Katsu, putting a hand on the back of his neck; when the Samurott looked up at him, he saw honest reluctance in Volcan's face. "I'm sorry," he said to Katsumoto. "I don't want to pull you two apart either..." Serena looked at Volcan. "You... know?" The Blaziken chuckled. "Not to be blunt but, you're both bad at hiding it if you were trying to do so," he said. "I've been able to tell since you two came back from your first training day there'd been some chemistry. If it were up to me, Serena, if it were truly what you wanted and if it were possible to do... I wouldn't stop you from staying with Katsu." Serena's ears lowered and her expression soured, but she could not find words to express what she felt. "I'll leave you two alone for now; you can come whenever you're ready," said Volcan. "Thank you for the meal, Katsu." "I-It was my pleasure," he returned, stuttering a little as he glanced away for a moment, completely caught off guard by that last remark. With that, Volcan gathered up his bowl, taking it over to the washtub to rinse it out before he left the house, looking back at the two only once before he left the house. Serena sat silently, still unable to find words even as she looked at Katsu. "Serena..." He said as he broke the silence, gently grasping her paw in his. "I understand this must be hard on you; it is hard on me as well." He added. "After meeting you, I finally found someone I'm completely happy with, and yet...even though I know you must return to your world," He paused for a moment before continuing. "I... I do not want you to go." He admitted. "As much as I know you must, I don't want you to." She moved closer to him, leaning on his shoulder. "I know, Katsu... I feel the same way." She said. "But my presence in this world could cause gradual damage to the fabric of reality itself; I was not meant for this place, no matter how much I wish I were." She kissed his cheek, a tear falling from her eye. "D-Don't say that!" He said softly to her, wiping away her tear and looking deeply into her eyes. "We do not know that yet, for all we know, it could very well be something else...! Something Volcan forgot to mention." He said as he struggled to contain himself. "Whatever is happening here is not your fault, and it never will be your fault." She smiled weakly at him. "I'm not referring to anomalies, Katsumoto," she said. "What's happening now, I know isn't our doing. But by being in this world, the damage to space itself could continue; this is only a theory of many, but the potential risks are too great to ignore." Her face soured again; despite how much she understood why she could not stay... clearly it was the one thing she wished she could do. He slowly lowered his gaze and grit his teeth for a moment, then slowly he brought both his arms around her and pulled her in close, keeping her against his form as he clung to Serena tightly, resting his head on her shoulder after a while and shuddering a little in anxiety. She wrapped her forelegs around him as much as she could, tears streaming from her eyes. "It will be alright, Katsu," she said. "For now, let us simply enjoy the time we have left... Spear Pillar is far, and there is more we could share in that time." "Y-Yes indeed..." He returned, holding her tightly in his powerful forelegs and then slowly pulled back and looked in her eyes. At first glance she could see what looked like tear stains along his cheeks as well...he had been shedding tears himself as he leaned on her. She reached up with a paw and stroked his cheek, brushing what remained of the tear away as she peered into his eyes. "Whatever happens, Katsu... no matter how far apart we may be, there'll always be a place in my heart for you." "As there will be a place in mine for you..." He returned, pressing his nose against hers once more before he spoke those life changing words. "Serena... I love you." He finally admitted. "And I... love you too, Katsu," she said, leaning into him once more, just wanting to feel his warmth. At first he snuck a small lick on her nose, then after a brief moment he pressed right in and kissed her deeply, emmiting a soft purr from his throat as he poured all his emotion and passion into the kiss, once again shuddering as he held the incredibly passionate moment with her. A moment which she happily shared with him, pressing their lips together and holding the kiss for a fairly long time, just not wanting to pull apart... ~~~~~ Volcan arrived back at Luke's house, his heart feeling heavy... no matter how much he himself wanted to go home, he was not happy that Serena would have to leave the first male she had ever grown so attatched to behind as well... he had little doubt the two were exchanging words they had little time left to be sharing, and the least he could've done was give them that chance, so he declared he would wait for them at Luke's, whenever they were ready. Sure enough, Luke was there with the rest of his team, waiting for Volcan, Serena and Katsu to arrive so they could discuss their plans. Luke looked over to Volcan as he approached. "You found them I take it?" "I did," he replied. "They'll be along soon." The Blaziken looked among the group to see who had shown up for Luke's meeting. Luke had summoned all of his members to the meeting, though some of them had some disgruntled looks on the faces, like they were disappointed about something. "You guys okay?" Volcan asked, reading the dismayed expressions they had. "Yea just peachy." Hank returned. "You can stop lying..." Kage stated plainly. "Oh bite me froggie..." Hank retorted. Luke sighed and rubbed his forehead. "We were discussing who should come with you and who should stay behind to look after the town." "And, who'd you pick?" Volcan asked. "Kage." Luke returned. "Just Kage?" Volcan asked. "Well, a small group would travel quickest." He added, nodding. "And I know the quickest way to Spear Pillar that will offer minimal resistance from wild Pokémon..." Kage returned. Volcan nodded again. "That sounds like a plan," he agreed, and looked at Hank. "I'm guessing you wanted to come?" "Damn fuckin straight I did." He growled. "But meh... guess not this time." Volcan chuckled. "You'll get another shot, buddy," he said. "Yea, yea whatever..." He returned, crossing his arms and sighing irritably Volcan looked at Luke. "It's likely Katsu will want to come to," he stated. "Indeed... which is why three of us will accompany you, while the other three will stay behind and keep things in order." Luke stated. His ear flicked and he looked behind him. "Speak of the devil." He said as he saw Katsu walking toward the group with Serena. Volcan looked over with mild surprise, having expected the two would wait a little longer. He turned back to the others, and addressed them. "Now... guys," he said to the remaining members of Team Valiant. "You all remember what I said about the demons if they show up here?" "Yea. If the corruption makes 'em too far gone or something then we gotta off them, right?" Eagle Eye stated. Volcan nodded. "Right. But, for that reason, you may need help from Luke's brothers, Mikhail and Rigel. I assume they can manipulate Aura like you can?" Volcan asked, looking at Luke. "Yes they can..." Luke returned. "Though they're not quite as proficient at it as I am..." "But you told them how to extract the corruption?" Volcan inquired further. "Long as they know how to do that, they may be able to save at least some of the corrupted." "I told them yes." Luke returned. "I just hope they're strong enough in mind to do it." "Best case scenario, they won't have to," said Volcan. "The anomalies don't seem to be happening as often around here lately; they might be in the clear, but they always have to be ready nonetheless. As long as they can see some of the corrupted Pokémon's own aura still in them, there's a chance." He looked at Eagle Eye, Hank and Doug. "But whatever you guys do, if one of those things are coming at you, don't hesitate; you give them even a second, they will tear out your throats. The best you can do for them at that point is end their suffering... I know that's not how you all do things here, but if everything I have in mind works out then you won't have to do it for long." "Yea... frankly I'd rather NOT go on a killing spree," Doug said, all three of his head sighing in unison. Volcan nodded to them, and then added sadly. "It's... been great meeting all of you. Just in case Serena and I don't come back with the others; I wish you all the best." "Heh yea...been one hell of a time hasn't it?" Eagle Eye stated as he smiled a bit and averted his gaze. "Erm...you guys will come back and visit every so often, right?" "Don't be foolish Eagle Eye," Kage stated to him. "If they return to their own world, we may never see them again..." Eagle Eye scowled at Kage. "Jeez...ever hear of a thing called hope? Or are you just that cold?" Volcan chuckled. "If the opportunity ever presents itself, I will definitely come back," he promised. "Heh, sweet. I'll look forward to it." Eagle Eye stated and flapped his wings a bit. "Now..." Volcan looked at Kage and Katsu. "Either of you guys need some prep time before we get going?" He asked. "I am ready...." Kage stated. "I've already gathered what I need for the journey..." Katsu also added in. Volcan nodded. "I guess that's all then... except one thing." He suddenly removed his shoulder strap that carried his mega stone. "I won't be needing this anymore..." He said. "Keep it, Volcan." Luke bade him before he could let it go. "Think of it as a souvenir of your time here." But he shook his head. "A stone with that kind of power would be dangerous in my world, and I doubt I'd be able to use it," he said. "Better I just leave it where it'll be safe." "And how do you know it will even work in your world?" Kage plainly asked. "If your world is different from ours, then your Blazikenite will just be a stone. Nothing more." "After seeing these in action, that's not a chance I can take..." Volcan said, but hesitated. "But... I may need it on the journey if nothing else..." And with that, he put the strap back on. "I guess I'll decide when we get to Spear Pillar." "A good idea." Katsu concurred. Luke nodded as well. "Alright then....everyone ready...?" "Ready," Volcan returned. "A-as am I," agreed Serena. "Then let's head out..." Luke stated as he turned to face the direction of Spear Pillar. "Stay close and stay alert..." He stated firmly before he started trotting off toward the direction of Spear Pillar. Katsu gently lowered himself down so Serena could climb on before he trotted after Luke, while Kage quickly leapt for a nearby tree branch and began hopping from one tree to teh next. "Is the Spear Pillar inland?" Serena asked, looking at Katsu. "Couldn't we just use the boat to get there?" "The Spear Pillar is atop a large mountain that is inaccessible by boat. We have to climb to the top by foot, and even then the route there is far from any body of water." She nodded to him in understanding. "I see," she said. Volcan walked alongside Luke as they began their journey into the unknown, looking back towards Luke's home briefly; he had enjoyed his stay there, despite knowing it wouldn't last. He stopped and waved to the other members of Team Valiant before for a moment before resuming his trek, sprinting to catch up to Luke and once more travelling alongside him. Luke glanced beside him as Volcan caught up to him. "I'll be honest....it'll be sad to see you leave." "I know... I feel the same way," he agreed, looking at Luke. "We just met... but I would've loved to really get to know you and your whole team." He looked over his shoulder at Serena and Katsu. "And my heart aches knowing they'll be pulled apart." "Yeah..." Luke returned, glancing back toward them. "I don't need to sense their auras to tell they're in love; honestly I'm happy for them, but at the same time..." He trailed off and moved his gaze forward again. "I know," said Volcan. "If it were possible, and if it's what she really wanted, I would leave Serena here so she could be with him... but there are many unforeseen consequences that would have, and I'm not referring to my team. She's a being from another dimension, as am I; our presence here may actually be causing damage. I can't say for sure; I'm no scientist on the theory of multi-dimensions... but if it's at all true, then we could end up destroying this world instead of living in it." He let his gaze fall at that. "For that reason, I have to take her back with me; even if it isn't what's best for her, I can't let our personal attachments cause any danger." "I understand." Luke agreed. "I just hope THEY understand as well..." "So do I, Luke... so do I..." ~~~~~ Three days later... "'West, Bluegrove village'," narrated Volcan, reading the signpost at the fork in the road they had come to as they stopped for a rest. During his downtime at Luke's with his ribs broken, Volcan had decided to learn how to read the languages of this world, just in case he wound up staying longer. He caught on to it rather fast, surprisingly. "North... Blackcoast City." They had entered a forest, and the road they had been following cut straight through the woods, rather than going around; these deep woods went on for so many kilometers, going around would take days. However, this was the part of the journey where Kage's safe path was not 'quite' as safe as the rest. They had avoided incident thus far, but with so much forestation around them, anything could be waiting out in the shadows. "Bluegrove... isn't that where Sickle was from?" Volcan asked, looking back at Luke. "And wasn't Blackcoast where Torolf was born?" Serena inquired. "Probably best if we took the route to Bluegrove then...Torolf did mention Blackcoast was a haven for criminals and gangs..." Luke stated. "And hey, if we're lucky, we'll run into Sickle and his team on the way." "Yeah; that'd be nice," agreed Volcan. "We've barely seen anyone on this road at all since we left; it'd do us some good to see a friendly face." He looked at the sky. "Plus, looks like we might need shelter soon anyway; I can smell some rain in the air. Storm's coming our way." "Indeed. It should arrive in about half an hour or so," Kage returned, also looking up at the sky. "In that case, let's double time it." Luke said, and then he trotted off toward the direction of Bluegrove town. "Right with you," agreed Volcan, not wanting to be caught out in the rain. They travelled up the road for a while keeping a brisk pace as they desperately tried to keep ahead of the storm they could sense moving their way, until coming to a second fork leading off in two directions, but this time there was no signpost; just a stake of broken wood resembling what might've been one, with the top piece nowhere to be seen. "Which way now?" Serena asked. Volcan peered up both directions, before something caught his eye beyond the trees, down the road to the left. "Hey, I think I see house over there; that might be the village. If it isn't, maybe they can tell us where to go." "Let's not dawdle then." Katsu urged as he trotted ahead toward the house. Luke and Kage followed close behind; though they had a feeling in their guts something was amiss... They stepped out of the trees into the small clearing, revealing a fenced property around the house. Stepping through the open gate, they saw what appeared to be a playground off to their left, along with a shed, a greenhouse and a flower garden all rowed along the fence, while off to the right was the house Volcan had seen, which was a lone-standing, large but not quite a mansion-sized home, built with a symmetrical layout and with two floors. The building was wide, stretching all across the property and equally deep from the front to the back; Luke and Volcan agreed that it would probably support a family of more than two dozen. Above the door to the house was a sign, reading 'Bluegrove Daycare and Orhanage'. "An orphanage this far out of town?" Luke asked out loud, rubbing his chin a bit. "Maybe the town's not that far away; this place could just be in the vicinity of it," Volcan remarked. "I guess we should just..." He suddenly recoiled as something hit his head. "Ah! Hey, what the...?" He asked, looking around as he rubbed the spot where the object -a pebble, from what Luke saw, had struck him. Luke then turned toward the direction the pebble came from. "Who's there?" He asked, stepping forward. And then, someone ran out from behind the playground equipment; three small figures, dashing across the yard and ducking behind the shed. Luke let out a small sigh and shook his head. "Just children..." He muttered, and then looked back to Volcan. "You ok?" "Yeah; just a stone," he replied. "Although whoever threw it either had a slingshot or a heck of an arm." Almost as if on cue, another one came flying their way, this one hitting Luke in the shoulder; it pinged off of his steel skin harmlessly, but hard enough he felt it, and another two came at Serena and Katsu. The children Luke had spotted weren't throwing those stones playfully; the force they were hitting was aggressive. "Go away!" One of the young Pokémon yelled, still hiding just out of sight. "Yeah! Leave Kima and all of us alone!" A second, unseen one shouted before Volcan was hit by another one, this time in the chest. "Ow! Mother...!" Volcan grunted, but controlled his profanity. "Why are they throwing rocks at us?" Serena asked. Luke sighed and approached the children, ignoring the stones being thrown at them before he stopped and crouched down to their level. "It's ok...we're not here to hurt any of you; you can stop throwing pebbles at us." The child he was closest to -a Torchic, incidentally, responded by leaping out of its hiding place and spitting an Ember at him. "Foo!" It chirped as the little fireball shot from its beak. "HEY!" Luke yelped and quickly tilted out of the way of the attack, feeling the heat run past hsi face as he dodged. He then glanced back at the two and had a bit of a scowl on his face. "That was rude..." "Luke! Look out!" Serena called, but she was too late. The Lucario saw darkness, and something heavy landed on his head, clanging with the unmistakable sound of a bucket; the handle fell down and dropped below his chin, making him unable to pull it off -especially since something was sitting on the bucket, drumming away at the top and sending an irritating banging into his ears. At that moment, something hit his legs, causing him to stumble forward, landing with the bucket still on his head and ringing audibly as he struck the ground, and the figure on his head jumped off. The three young Pokémon -A Torchic, a Riolu and a Chespin- turned and ran away from Luke after knocking him down, trying to make a beeline for the house, but as they did, Volcan stepped in their path, though kept low so as not to look imposing. "Hey, come on now!" Volcan urged. "We're not here to cause trouble; you don't have to attack us!" "Liar! You're probably with those meanies who keep coming and stealing our food and Kima's money!" The Riolu shot. "Yeah! We don't want you here, so get out!" The Chespin shouted at Volcan. "Uh... who's Kima?" Volcan asked, looking at Katsu and Kage. They both shook their heads, though Kage did speak up. "I had a feeling this was the case...I think we've taken a wrong turn somewhere." "Gee, you think?" Volcan asked sarcastically. Suddenly, the Chespin leapt on Volcan's head, catching the Blaziken off guard and starting to punch him in the forehead. "Ha! Not so tough, are you?!" The Chespin shouted. "Ow! Hey, come on you little munchkin; give me a break!" Volcan pleaded, trying not to swing his head around so that he didn't throw the poor Chespin, but he still made grabs for him, trying lift him off of his head. When Volcan finally got a hold of the Chespin and lifted him away, holding him out to look at him, something flew across his field of vision -a solid, pale bone, whirling through the air, which came back and hit Volcan in his legs, smacking them out from under him and bowled him over. He dropped the Chespin, who landed on his feet easily, and rejoined his friends as they ran for the house. "Okay, that smart," said Volcan holding his head as he sat back up. "Who's throwing bones anyway? I didn't hear anyone yell fetch." "I did," a threatening, female voice called from the direction of the house. The group turned, and there stood a short but sturdy-looking reptilian figure with what appeared to be a smoothed-out skull resting upon its head, and a thick bone held in her hand; she stared through the sockets of the skull mask with irritated, Amber-coloured eyes as the three children hid behind her, the bone in her hand held as if to throw it again. Serena looked at Katsu. "I've never seen that Pokémon before; what is she?" She asked. "That's a Marowak; a Ground type Pokémon." Katsu responded. He approached the Marowak and lowered his head to her respectfully. "I believe there's been some mistake; these children believe we are here to cause harm to them and presumably you. I can assure you that is not the case. We are but simple travellers looking to seek shelter from the coming storm." "And how do I know I can trust you?" She asked. "Lately the only ones who come to visit this orphanage are those thugs from Blackcoast, wanting their 'protection money'." She glared at him. "What proof have I you're not with them?" "It's okay, Kima," a familiar voice called from the door of the house; a voice that caught the ears of both Volcan and Luke -once the Lucario got the bucket off of his head. They turned, looking past the Marowak -now confirmed to be 'Kima', and saw the face of a Grovyle they knew well standing at the top of the short stairway leading up to the door. "I know these people," Sickle informed the Marowak, who was apparently Kima -the one mentioned by the children before. "They're friends of mine." "Sickle??" Luke exclaimed in surprise. "Hey, Sickle!" Volcan called out happily, waiting as the Grovyle approached him and the two shook hands. "Didn't expect to see you here." He looked at the orphange. "This where you live?" Sickle laughed at the question. "Oh no, not usually; my house is in the village," he replied. "I'm a volunteer here; Kima is an old friend of my mother's, so I come here when I'm home to help her with the chores." He looked back towards Kima, or rather at the three children still hiding behind her. "And I see you've been acquainted with our rambunctious 'Terrible Trio'." "We didn't know they were friends of yours, Sickle," the Riolu pleaded. "We're sorry." "You should be telling Luke that," said Sickle. "I saw you jump off the roof of the shed and stick that bucket over his head; you could've hurt him if he'd been standing near anything sharp." "It's alright." Luke said. "They were acting in defense, not knowing we meant them no harm." He said as he knelt down and gently pet the Riolu on his forehead. "Frankly he reminds me of myself when I was a Riolu." The Riolu giggled as Luke petted him. "And who're these little ones?" Serena asked, looking at the Torchic and Chespin. "I'm Pyra!" The Torchic peeped, hopping around happily. "And I'm Iggy!" The Chespin chimed in. Sickle laughed as he saw the moods change so suddenly on the kids. "Ah, to be little again," he muttered before turning to Luke. "So what brings you guys to my neck of the woods?" "Well right now, looking for a roof between us and that rainstorm coming," said Volcan, pointing up at the sky. "Don't suppose we could?" "Oh sure," agreed Sickle, before looking at Kima. "If that's okay with you?" "If they're friends of yours, Sickle, they're friends of mine," returned the Marowak, tucking her bone under her arm and using it like a crutch as she turned towards the house. "Come on in; I'll make you all some hot soup," she offered as she walked back to the house, the little Riolu -who Sickle introduced as Zackie, holding her free hand as they approached the door. "We apologize for the intrusion, Ms. Kima," Katsu said as they entered the house. "But we do appreciate your hospitality." "I should be the one apologizing for assuming you were more of those gangsters from Blackcoast," she said. "Or those strange Pokémon I've seen wandering the property at night. I have no regrets telling you, whenever Sickle isn't here, I'm often afraid for the safety of the children here." She hung her bone on a pair of hooks over the fireplace, where a simmering pot of soup waited. She put on a glove, and lifted off the lid, stirring the water in the pot. "What kind of strange Pokémon?" Volcan asked. "It's hard to describe them; was always too dark for me to get a clear look," replied Kima. "But they were strange ones indeed; some of them looked familiar but... different somehow, like deformed, and they behaved like mindless, rabid animals. It was unnerving, and the way they howled and bellowed at each other; many children have woken up in the night and come screaming down the stairs. Thankfully none of them have come near the house; they seem to be staying out in the woods." Upon closer inspection, Katsu, who was standing closest to Kima, could see her eyelids beneath her skull mask were dark; she had not slept properly in quite a while, if she had at all. "It's because of all that I've been staying here most of the time," said Sickle. "I know a lot of the kids here, and I adore 'em like little siblings. I couldn't bear the thought if something attacked them." Kage uncrossed his arms. "Deformed black Pokémon... sounds an awful lot like those demons you mentioned Volcan." Kage said as he glanced to the Blaziken. "Also, the fact we're closer to Blackcoast can only mean we took a wrong turn at that broken sign, or someone purposefully switched the sign around." "Oh no, you came the right way," Sickle replied. "Blackcoast just isn't very far away from here. If you were following a sign post, you came the right way if Bluegrove is where you were heading, but if you went left at that second fork, that's where you went wrong; you should've gone right, and that would have taken you to Bluegrove." "But we caught sight this orphanage and thought it best to see if we could stay here until the storm passes." Luke returned. "However, if you are receiving trouble from thugs from Blackcoast, then we'll have to help anyway we can." Kima sighed. "Much as I appreciate that, I doubt you can stay long enough to deal with them," she said. "They come at the end of each week -day after tomorrow, usually. Though they only show up if Sickle's not here; they're afraid of him, and won't come near us as long as he's around." "Another reason I'm here as often as possible," added Sickle. "I've chased those thugs off before but they always seem to know when I'm here." "Where's your team?" Serena asked. "Maybe you could rotate shifts?" Sickle shook his head. "They're away on another job right now," he replied. "If taking out the thugs will not work then take out the source of the problem." Kage said matter of factly. Katsu glanced to the Greninja. "You're not suggesting..." "I am." "Go to Blackcoast?" Volcan asked. "Torolf said that whole place is a den of thieves; where would we even start looking for their boss?" "A fearful heart will crack with the right presuasion." Kage returned, narrowing his eyes in a menacing manner. Luke sighed. "Perhaps I should have brought Hank along then; he's our go to guy for interrogations." "Am I chopped liver?" Kage queried as he glanced at Luke. "I have my ways of gaining vital information." "So do I," agreed Volcan. "Back home we call it the 'good cop, bad cop' routine." He smiled. "Two of us interrogate them; one appears as a brute, the other as a friend; the trick behind that is to make the prisoner open more to the friendly guy out of fear of the brutish one." "A reputable tactic, but I do have my ways of making someone talk without much assistance." Katsu sighed. "Always the lone Houndoom..." "And what's your solution for the corrupted Pokémon wandering around here?" Volcan asked Kage. "If they are able to be saved, then Luke will suffice... otherwise, we'll have no choice. As you aptly put, we'll have to end their suffering." Kage returned quickly and without hesitation. "Not quite that simple," Volcan remarked. "They're hanging around here in this general area, meaning there's something here drawing their attention." Serena perked up at that. "You think there's something out there that's attracting them?" "Has to be, or they'd have wandered off by now, or attacked this house looking for victims, but something out there is holding their interest," said Volcan. "Honestly, I'm more afraid of what that something might be." "What do you think it could be that's keeping them here?" Katsu asked Volcan. "Demons are drawn to sources of energy -in their case, negative energy. It could be some embodiment of dark matter, or some nexus of magic, or even someone who's fostering a lot of dark emotions -strong enough for them to sense." "It could be that they're drawn to all the negativity of Blackcoast itself. After all it IS a city teeming with gangs and violence." Luke suggested. "Exactly," said Volcan. "So, the only way to deal with them is to track down each one of them, or they won't go away. Sooner or later they'll lose interest and come right at this house looking for something to kill; the kids here won't stand a chance." "Sounds like you guys know what to do," said Sickle. "Any way I can help?" "Can you call the rest of your team?" Luke asked Sickle. "If we can infiltrate the city, we'll need an extra team here to protect the children and Kira in case they come here" "I can try, but it could take them a while to get here," said Sickle. "Howler can get here in less than an hour, though. He can help you track them too." "I can stay here with Kima and help her," offered Serena. "As can I," agreed Katsu. "Which leaves the rest of us to enter Blackcoast and take out the demons..." Luke finished. Volcan nodded in agreement. "Alright. I'm used to dealing with demons and thugs alike, so I can go either way." "I'll go with Kage," offered Sickle. "I've got a bone to pick with those thugs for going after Kima, and I know that city fairly well; I've had to go there a few times." "Alright. When Howler gets here, Luke and I will head out to the forest with him and find the demons," said Volcan. "Leaving Kage and Sickle to navigate the town and locate the gang leaders;" Luke concluded. "It's a plan. Not a great one, but it's a plan nonetheless." "Oh finding the gang leaders won't be hard," stated Sickle. "Just making sure we spot the right gangsters will be the trick." "Then I'll leave that part to you." Kage returned. Sickle nodded. "Alright. I'll call for a friend of mine to take a message to Howler and the others; if we're lucky they're already on their way back, so they'll be here even sooner. For now, you guys can just hunker down in here." Kima had finished making the soup, and was laying out bowls to serve it to the group. "Yes. You all are welcome to stay here as long as you need to; I have some spare rooms you can use." "Again we appreciate your hospitality," Katsu returned, bowing humbly to Kima as she served the soup to him and the rest of his allies. "It's my pleasure," she replied. Sickle looked at Luke. "You mind if I speak to you for a sec?" He asked, cocking his head towards the nearby living room. "Of course," he returned, excusing himself before he stood up from his chair and followed Sickle toward the living room so they could talk privately. "What's on your mind?" The Grovyle sighed, and turned to Luke, a look of gratitude on his face. "I appreciate you guys offering to help out here," he said. "To be honest, I've been a little afraid for old Kima." He looked back into the dining hall, his yellow eyes on the Marowak with an expression of concern. "She's a tough old nut, but she's not as strong as she used to be; between those thugs and... demons, was it? I've been afraid to be away from here at all. "But I couldn't tackle these problems on my own; Howler's the only other one who actually lives here in Bluegrove besides myself -he actually grew up in this very orphanage. Blaster lives in the next village west of here and Kaen's staying with him now; they can't always get here to help out. So... thank you, very much, for offering to help out. I really appreciate it." Luke nodded in return, gently placing his paw on Sickle's shoulder. "It's what we do Sickle; we stick our necks out for others when they need it the most." He then smiled more. "Especially when it's a friend in need." "I know. I'm damn lucky you're here, too," he added. "But I'm also curious; I doubt you guys came this far just for a visit. Where you heading?" "To Spear Pillar." Luke returned. "We need to speak with Palkia and Dialga about sending Volcan and Serena back to their own dimension..." Very suddenly, the Grovyle's mood changed from grateful to looking as if he'd seen a ghost. Sickle gawked at Luke, and nearly sputtered as he tried to come up with a response. "S-S-Spear Pillar; are you nuts?! Haven't you heard what's going on out there?" Luke tilted his head curiously, mildly disturbed by the very sudden change of mannerisms in Sickle. "No...What's the matter?" "There have been numerous disappearances around the pillar over the last week," replied Sickle. "There's trouble on Spear Pillar??" Luke almost blurted that response out before he collected himself. The Grovyle nodded. "At first there were just some hikers or travellers going missing, but then an entire village went dark; a Rescue Team went in to check it out, but they never came back. Furthermore -though this is only a rumor- some have said they can hear someone roaring up the mountain. A lot of people think it's Palkia, wailing in pain -as if something is attacking him. Whatever that sound is a lot of Pokémon have fled that area." He shook his head. "Luke... you don't want to go there. I don't know what you mean about sending Volcan and Serena to their own dimension, but whatever you want to go there for it's not worth it." "I see..." Luke returned. Sickle wasn't aware of Volcan and Serena's true origins, but the Lucario had come to trust him enough that he believed he could know the truth. "Sickle, there's something you have to understand. Volcan and Serena...they're not actually a Blaziken and a Vaporeon. They came to this dimension through tears in the fabric of space, and their bodies transformed from their usual forms into what you see now." He said, nudging his head toward the two of them as they watched Kima serve soup to the many children that had gathered in the dining room. "I swore to them I'd help them return home, and I never go back on my word Sickle; I have to go to Spear Pillar with them." "Well I don't know about that dimensional stuff," said Sickle. "But... if you're going to that Pillar, stay on the roads; don't leave them even for a moment, and whatever you do don't stop for anything. If you do... I don't know; something will probably come after you." "Noted. Thank you." Luke returned. "For now, let's enjoy our meal until we're ready to move." Sickle nodded in agreement, and walked with Luke back out to the dining room. Numerous kids by now had come down to join in the meal as well; Pokémon of various species, all in their youngest and cutest stages. When Luke sat down, Volcan, who was seated next to him, chuckled in disbelief. "That little Pyra girl mentioned she'd one day be a Blaziken too; is that really how this species starts out, as that cute little thing?" "Yes. Torchic is the first form of the Blaziken line." Luke returned, smiling at him. "She'll evolve first into a Combusken, and then when she matures even further, she'll eventually evolve into a Blaziken." "Wow; talk about a growth spurt," remarked Volcan. "Growing from a ten-inch tall little chick to a six-foot tall kickboxer. No matter how many days I stay here I keep getting surprised." "The world is full of surprises Volcan; some of them just pop out of nowhere, others you discover on your own." He said as he took a sip of his soup. "Mmm... quite tasty." Volcan too sipped a spoonful of the soup. "Oh wow, that IS good," he said. "Nothing like a home cooked meal, eh?" "Indeed. This is even better than any soup I make at home." He returned. "I could learn a few things from Kima." "I think I could too," agreed Volcan. "Of course in my real body I can't eat soup; the water hurts me. Still, least I can enjoy it now." He chuckled. "Yanno I might miss this form with that in mind." "Well. Perhaps after this all boils over, there might be ways you could come back and visit occasionally." "I don't know how... but if there is a way you can bet I'll make use of it," promised Volcan. Luke smiled more. "I'm sure a lot of my friends would appreciate that," he returned as he sipped more of his soup. "I'd love for you to meet some of mine as well," agreed Volcan, taking a few more spoonfuls of the soup before he looked at Luke. "So what were you and Sickle discussing? I wasn't eavesdropping but I thought I overheard you guys talking about Spear Pillar." Luke flattened his ears a little. "Well... it turns out there's trouble atop Spear Pillar..." Luke returned. "Apparently Pokémon have been disappearing at random and there have even been rumours that they hear Palkia crying out in pain." "Palkia in pain?" Volcan asked, but then his eyes narrowed. "The anomalies... could they be involved somehow? Maybe he's trying to prevent them but they're straining him, or something from the Demon Realms has found its way to him." "Whatever the case, we have to be extremely careful now." Luke returned. "If Palkia is indeed in pain, we have to find a way to relieve it of its suffering and return him to normal." Volcan nodded. "Hopefully he hasn't been corrupted," he said. "No matter how tough we are I don't think we're ready to fight a Deity." "I agree." Luke said, gulping down the last of his soup and setting the bowl aside. "The last time I fought a legendary, well...things escalated rather quickly." Volcan sighed, and spoke low. "Either way we may be running out of time," he said, more to himself as he stared at his reflection in his half-empty bowl in front of him.