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With the ending of winter in the forested north, and spring bringing life to the woodlands again, the small community of Port Azure saw its boundaries expanding compliments of its newest residents -Team Phalanx. The winter had been slow for the now Azure-based team -both for themselves and their friends in Team Valiant, as it seemed like work from the guilds had come to an abrupt halt following their victory at Hadleigh only weeks before, and work in Azure was at an all-time low due to the weather.

Having mutually decided that they would make their new home in Azure, the former island-dwelling Rescue Team and their newest member, Lashanne, passed the time where they could by doing research on the topic of building their new homes. They studied construction methods, from laying foundation to the types of homes that they could build with what was available to them. As spring began to roll into the area, guild-approved work had yet to return, and the team members spent the spring thaw taking jobs in and around Azure to make as much money as possible.

Finding street performance was not as profitable in Azure as it was in Princeport, Volcan was soon joining Minato on the fishing boats, helping the town replenish the storage barns with fish that had exhausted over the course of the winter. Tristan worked with Katsu at a lumber mill outside of town, their combined strength all but removing the need for Tauros-powered equipment - which was good as some of the mill's on-site bovid workers were in poor health due to age and the slow winter months.

Serena found work at the town clinic thanks to Mikhail, and although she had to start as a volunteer, she was eventually compensated for her time. Lashanne, much to her own chagrin, worked at the nearby apple orchard a few hours out of town, helping them prepare their next seasonal crop by fertilizing the soil around the trees and chasing off some of the wild birds and bugs trying to nest in them. It wasn't that she didn't like working, but she found such tasks as this to be boring and it made the days long for her.

By the time the dry season approached, there had still been no guild work. At first, they worried that Grom of Team Phalanx was hoarding all of the jobs for himself, which he had been trying to do before the battle of Hadleigh. But Kage, having had a similar suspicion, confirmed they too were at a standstill after spying on Grom. The Emboar checked at the Post Office every day, yet like them he always left empty-handed.

Despite the concern of the dry spell, Team Phalanx had no intention on letting it distract them from their course. They were ready to settle down in Azure, to make their fresh start official. The first step, the construction of their own homes.

The first hole had been dug out by Tristan and a volunteer in the Dugtrio, Doug of Team Valiant, and once the edges had been smoothed out by Volcan and Minato using spades, Lashanne assisted them in laying a gabion of wooden posts in which to cage the dry stone. They received another volunteer in the form of Katsu, who along with Tristan was able to easily spike the poles into the ground with his tremendous strength. The two ended up making a contest of it, seeing who could position the most posts in the least amount of time. Although Katsu won the competition, they had to start more than half of the project over again as Lashanne chewed them out for putting the posts in the wrong spots...

By the end of the first week, they had already started adding the dry stone, bringing it by the wheelbarrow to the hole, while Volcan, Minato, and Lashanne applied a lime mortar the Delphox had mixed together to bind the stones. The tedious task was long and arduous, but promised a solid foundation when the mortar dried and fused the stones together. Tristan further contributed by using his massive bulk, stomping on the stonework before the mortar could dry to make as level a foundation as possible. When the foundation was set, they removed the wooden posts and set them aside for the next project before filling in the holes around their new foundation.

Into the second week, the team was eagerly devoting their time to this project -even Caulin tried to make his own contributions by helping his father carry timbers. The poor Riolu proved too small, however, so his father had him carrying nails instead as they worked on laying out the framework for the house, which had been decided in advance would belong to the Lucario and his son by Volcan. "You have a kid to raise and he deserves a home," had been the Blaziken's argument.

With the skeleton of framework around them, the team was taking a break. The sun was barely above the horizon that morning as the team had started quite early -Caulin was even still yawning as he tried to rub the sleep from his eyes as the adults spoke.

"Seems to be coming along well," Volcan said as he observed the framework they had done so far. "We're doing pretty good, I'd say, considering this is the first time any of us have done this."

"Speak for yerself, Volcan," Tristan piped up. "I was putting up supports in the mines back home - I did my share of construction work back then."

"And knocked down a few of them too," Volcan added teasingly

Tristan whirled around to face him. "Hey, hey! I thought you had amnesia! How'd you remember that?"

"Oh, I had someone give me a few reminders," replied the Blaziken evasively, looking over Tristan's head toward Minato and giving a wink.

Tristan didn't catch the glance between them, oblivious to the grinning Lucario behind him. "Besides, I evolved! The tunnels weren't big enough for me anymore when I became an Aggron," Tristan huffed, crossing his arms. "Had to make them wider when I rebuilt the supports."

"Fair enough," agreed Volcan. "Long as we keep following the instructions we should be okay - we already got the foundation right the first time and that's an achievement. Especially since we only learned how to make lime mortar or a dry stone foundation from a book."

"As long as the instructions are clear, a book is enough. I'm sure Lashanne would attest to that, given her profession," said Serena. Then, she cast a glance around the construction site. "Speaking of, where is she? I haven't seen her since we started this morning."

Minato chimed in. "She said she had to go get something from the airship, but...that was ages ago." He replied, shrugging.

"Think she's okay?" Caulin asked.

"I could go check on her," offered Volcan, but no sooner did he say this did he spot movement from the direction of the airship. Taking a second look, the Blaziken saw the familiar form of the Delphox descending from the deck of the ship, levitating by use of her psychic power, her branch-wand in one hand and the other carrying something he couldn't yet identify. "Nevermind - there she is."

The group turned, following Lashanne's course as she made her way over to them from her airship. Serena looked up at Volcan as she noticed that she was carrying something, and asked, "what does she have there?"

"It looks like a big plate of... something," he said, squinting his eyes as she got closer. "They look like... pancakes?"

"Pancakes?" Serena and Minato echoed simultaneously.

The Delphox reached them, giving a meek smile as she noticed they were all watching her. "Hey. Sorry I took so long," she said. "Anyone hungry?"

As if cued, there was a growl from Volcan's abdomen, and the Blaziken flushed and laid his hands over his stomach as all eyes suddenly turned toward him. He gave a nervous chuckle. "Does... that answer your question?" He returned.

"Perfectly," Lashanne replied, arching a brow. "Did you not eat breakfast or something?"

"Luke was still sleeping," replied Volcan with a helpless shrug. "I didn't want to wake him up."

Serena rolled her eyes as Tristan let out a chuckle. "Volcan," she said in derision.

"I was excited to get started today, okay? We've made such good progress."

"We'll make more if you eat properly," returned Lashanne as she set the platter atop a stack of lumber. "Dig in! Made plenty for everyone."

"What exactly is the occasion here?" Tristan asked curiously as the others moved over to study the platter of pancakes set before them.

"Can't I just do something nice for my new team?" She asked, shrugging.

"Just didn't seem your style," replied Tristan. Volcan wheeled on him and summarily slapped the Aggron's chest with the back of his hand, gawking at him. "What?" Tristan asked.

"A little _tact_goes a long way, Tristan!" The Blaziken scolded.

"No, he has a point," admitted Lashanne, sighing and rubbing the back of her head. "I know I haven't taken much time to bond with anyone, not even over the winter when we worked together on those jobs." She cast a glance at Caulin. "Except you of course, kiddo."

Caulin giggled softly. "Hanging out with you is always fun, Lashanne. You always have a good story to tell~" he replied as he took a plate of pancakes for himself.

"You seem to have taken quite a shine to her, kiddo." Minato pointed out with a soft smile of his own. "This mean you're reconsidering your future goal?"

"Heck no! I'm still gonna try and make my own team when I get older." The Riolu replied proudly. "I'm gonna be the best there ever was. You'll see!"

"I don't deny that in the slightest." His father replied with a pat to Caulin's back.

"Well, let's not all stand here with stomachs growling," said Serena, rising onto her hind legs to take a pancake with her paws, Volcan, Tristan and Minato following suit.

Almost in unison, they all took their first bites of the pancakes.

Almost in unison, their expressions soured. Lashanne gauged their reactions, seeing Minato's face contorting, Volcan's eye twitching, and Tristan's mouth hanging open as he let out a low groan and lastly, Serena, who looked ill. They swallowed their first mouthfuls, and all stared in puzzlement at the pancakes in their hands and paws.

"That... is very salty," said Volcan.

Minato was practically gasping after swallowing his morsel. "Ugh....anyone have a _large_pitcher of water on hand?" He wheezed.

"One for me too," agreed Serena.

"Did... I do something wrong?" Lashanne asked.

"What recipe did you use for this?" Volcan asked, holding up his pancake and pointing at it.

"Sweet milk pancakes," she replied.

Minato's ears perked up upon hearing that, glancing over to Lashanne inquisitively. "_Sweet_milk?" He asked, still smacking his lips. "...You..._did_read the label on each ingredient you used, right?"

"I bought all of the ingredients yesterday - transferred them into some labelled containers in the galley," She picked up one of the pancakes herself, taking a bite to taste it. She had barely chewed twice before her face soured and she spat out her mouthful behind her. "Gods! What the-?" She asked, looking at it in bewilderment. "I only used one teaspoon of salt!"

"How much sugar did the recipe call for?" Serena asked.

"Four tealespoons, why?"

"Did you by chance... reverse them by accident?" Volcan asked.

Lashanne's went blank, staring absently at Volcan. "...I... It's entirely possible."

"Yeah, that would do it," said Volcan, setting down the pancake. "But... hey guys, it's nice of her to make us breakfast, right?" He asked, trying to defuse the situation.

"Even though the girl has no idea how to cook?" Tristan muttered, and received a glare from his comrades. "Oh... I said that out loud, didn't I?"

This time it was Minato who walked over and outright _clocked_the Aggron across the back of his head. "Keep making offhand remarks and you'll be a vegetable before you even retire," he commented in a glib tone.

"Mmhhh~ hey this is good stuff!" Caulin stated, wiping his mouth with his arm and walking up to Lashanne with an empty plate in his paws. "Can I have some more, please?" He asked politely.

Everyone watched the Riolu in mild astonishment, surprised to find that out of the six of them he was the one who liked the pancakes, when it had been unanimously agreed they had not turned out well. Tristan looked over at Minato, pointing at Caulin and whispering. "Ya do _feed_him, right?" He asked, though it was meant to be a figure of speech.

Still, Lashanne gave Caulin two more pancakes, letting him take them and sighing as she leaned on the wood pile. "Sorry guys. When it comes to cooking Toby did most of it," she said. "Even then we mostly only had non perishables for those long trips."

"It's understandable," said Volcan, setting down his pancake. "If it's any consolation, forget what Tristan said. They're cooked well -it was just that mixup of ingredients." He reached over to clap her on the shoulder. "So, three out of four. Why don't I go to the market and get us something, then we can get back to work?" He turned to his teammates.

"Sounds fine to me," agreed Serena.

"You know, you _could_have had something hearty if you had just shaken me awake, rather than just leave me hanging." Came a familiar voice that made Volcan flinch and the rest turn to see who had arrived.

There stood Luke, his paws on his hips and looking at the Blaziken with one eyebrow raised, a look of slight disappointment present in his eyes.

"Uh... hi, Luke," said Volcan.

"Don't _hi_me." Luke returned as he approached the Blaziken quickly. "You know you need to have a good serving of breakfast before you start your day, otherwise you'll literally crash and burn yourself out due to lack of energy." He scolded, lifting a paw up to bop the Blaziken's beak.

"I'm enthusiastic about building these houses for my friends," he said with helpless shrug. "Besides, Lashanne..." he gestured to the pancake platter, and paused frowning. "Well... she tried."

"Thanks," the Delphox mumbled, rolling her eyes.

Luke also rolled his eyes and let his arms hang from his sides. "I swear, you are utterly _hopeless_sometimes." He replied in an exasperated tone, before his left paw suddenly shot forward, grabbed at Volcan's harness and yanked him down to his level, where he planted a surprise kiss right on his beak. "...But you're _my_hopeless Blaziken." He added, his tone softening as with his gaze.

Volcan let out a nervous chuckle. "Sorry, love, truly... I just want to make sure my team has a roof of their heads they're not paying for every night."

"...You know what bothers me about you two?" Lashanne asked. "Even when you're displeased with each other, you still look like you want to make like a-" She caught herself, eyes rolling to look in Caulin's direction. "Uh... nevermind."

Luke cast a glance at Lashanne and only shrugged at her. "Well, I guess that just goes to show how much this hot headed rooster means to me." He replied casually.

Caulin tilted his head a bit at Lashanne. "Wait, what were you gonna say Lashanne?"

Minato quickly scooted over and cupped his paw over the Riolu's mouth. "Something not meant for the ears of a child." He answered for Lashanne, looking up and shooting her a small wink.

"Okay so, am I making a list? What does everyone want from the market?" Volcan asked, quickly diverting the subject.

"Since my attempt at cooking bombed, I guess I'll have sausage, and a coffee if they sell them here," replied Lashanne.

"Aw, c'mon Lashanne. I thought your pancakes were good." Caulin whined after pulling his father's paw away from his mouth. "You don't have to be so hard on yourself, ya know."

"Not everyone's got the tastebuds of a Tauros, Caulin," Lashanne remarked with a chuckle, walking over and ruffling the top of Caulin's head with her paw.

The Riolu only giggled and leaned into Lashanne's paw, then leaned gently against her in return. Such a sight brought a smile to his father's face, happy to see his son getting along so well with Team Phalanx's newest member.

"Well if you're doing a breakfast run, I suppose I'll tag along then." Luke offered. "I was going to do a grocery run myself after breakfast. We're getting a bit low in the pantry."

"Sounds like a plan," agreed Volcan, putting an arm around Luke and then looking at his friend, listening to what each of them wanted from the market before bidding them goodbye with a "We'll be back soon," and headed toward town.

Luke wrapped an arm around Volcan's hip as they walked, letting his head rest gently along Volcan's side and sighing in content. "So...you gonna wake me up next time you need some food?" He would ask in an expectant tone.

"Come on, you were sound asleep. How I could I disturb you?" He asked, pulling Luke tight to him. "Besides, you were out fairly late on that job with Hank and Kage. I figured I should let you rest."

"I'm normally an early riser, love. It wouldn't have bothered me that much." He replied, tilting his head up to look at Volcan. "Besides, I can't have my groom-to-be running on empty throughout the day."

"That one's on me, I grant you," admitted Volcan. "I guess my eagerness to get everyone setup here is making me a little impulsive."

At that, Luke sighed. "Well I suppose I can't blame you. Your team has made Azure your new home, and it's only right you guys have your own roofs over your heads." He admitted softly.

The Blaziken nodded. "They need this fresh start, and I want to give it to them."

Luke began to chuckle. "I think my influence is starting to rub off on you. Now _you're_the one willing to go out of your way to help everyone no matter what." He pointed out, nudging Volcan's hip.

"Of course," he replied, smiling at Luke. "Take _all_the credit why don't you," he added in jest, giving Luke a light slap on the back.

They reached the market and Volcan began to browse through the stalls, searching for the items requested by his friends. In his wake, Luke was browsing the stalls for items on his grocery list, keeping it small so as not to burden his lover too much as Volcan insisted on carrying the bags for him. Weaving their way through the crowds, they soon found everything requested by Volcan's team, and Luke found a generous amount of groceries to stock up their house.

They started back, when something caught Luke's ear. He turned his attention toward the tea shop, hearing a couple talking about a large boat they could see out on the water approaching Azure, and how it was one of the biggest they had ever seen. Curious, he motioned for Volcan to follow him, and stepped over to where they could get a good view of the bay.

Out on the water, they saw a familiar vessel -a sight that met them with a mix of concern and excitement as they saw the metal vessel. A steel ship, long and sleek, with a large, two story cabin built atop. The waves parted into plumes as it approached the dock, clearly looking to make port. But it was the blue lettering on the side, behind the anchors, that truly confirmed their suspicions: ' Peacemaker'.

"Is that who I think it is?" Volcan asked when he saw the ship.

"There's no one else in the world that owns a ship with _that_name." Luke replied, his expression equally as shocked as Volcan's. "What's bringing _him_out here of all places?"

"I'm almost afraid to find out,," the Blaziken replied, but without hesitation he started walking to the pier, intent on meeting the ship when it came into port, with Luke following close behind.

The watched as the mini-yacht vessel slowly cruised into port, approaching the wharf furthest from the shore so as not to risk hitting the shallows, one of the crew aboard lassoing a post as the anchored descended into the water, securing it into place. In time, a gangplank was lowered to the dock, and three figures began to disembark. A Swampert, larger than life - bigger than any other of his kind that the isolated Azure citizens had ever seen and covered in numerous battle scars, led them, accompanied by a Scizor and an Empoleon.

The three turned towards the town, starting on their way up the pier. The Swampert - known as Torolf of Team Warmachine, paused when he saw they had a pair of greeters waiting for them at the end of the boardwalk. His lip curled into a light smile and he continued towards them, his lumbering form supported by his long arms and short, stumpy legs, shaking the pier with each step. Even slouched over as he was, he nearly matched the Blaziken waiting for him in height, making him utterly dwarf the Lucario.

"It's been a while, my young friends," he said in his deep, authoritative voice.

"Hello Torolf." Luke replied in a friendly tone, smiling and nodding respectfully back to the Swampert. "To what do we owe the honour of you stopping by Azure today?" He asked.

"I wish I could say it was a mere visit, but sadly it isn't," replied the Swampert.

"Is it Calhoun again?" Volcan asked without hesitation.

Torolf nodded. "Yes... and this time, it's especially serious. I'd like to meet with your teams - there is much we have to discuss and it involves everyone." He gestured to their groceries. "It is somewhat urgent, but I don't want to interrupt your errands. Tell me where we can meet."

Volcan cast a glance at Luke, the two considering the request in silence before Volcan answered. "My team's gathered over at the west side of town. We just got started on building our new homes here," he explained. "We'll meet there."

Torolf nodded. "Very well. I'll see you two shortly," he said as he walked around them, nodding to the two as he passed. The Scizor -Shamshir, and the Empoleon -Leon, gave the two a respectful salute as they passed, following after their leader quietly -or at least as quiet as steel-types could move.

"I have a bad feeling about this," said Volcan.

"A bad feeling is putting it mildly." Luke answered, still staring off after Torolf. If Torolf had come all the way to Azure, Luke did not have any confidence that he was bringing pleasant news...

Volcan stood silent for a moment, his eyes fixated on the departing members of Team Warmachine, before he turned to Luke. "Call up your team. I'll take our groceries home," he said. "And, can you take everyone their snacks too, since you're heading that way?" He asked.

"Yea, will do." Luke returned, taking the snacks in his paws. "Meet you there." He added quickly, then he turned and quickly trotted off to meet with the others, raising his team as he ran and telling them to meet with Team Phalanx in the woods where they were building their houses.

One by one, Luke's team members arrived at the construction site. Each one, equally surprised to find the familiar Swampert waiting for them there along with Volcan's friends, who could offer no insight to the purpose of Torolf's visit. They watched in amusement as Caulin, having met Torolf once before, barraged him with questions, all of which the Swampert patiently took and answered where he could, with Shamshir and Leon occasionally pitching in for places where they were involved.

Before long, Volcan returned to rejoin the others, and the meeting could truly begin. Or so they thought, as Shamshir moved over to Minato beckoning him aside and whispering to him.

"What we are about to discuss is very severe," he said. "Is your son able to handle such topics?"

"To be honest, a lot of it might fly over his head..." he answered, glancing over his shoulder to his son. "That said, I dare not take the risk... lemme put him back on our airship and we can begin after." He returned.

The Scizor nodded, stepping aside to allow Minato to head over to his son. The Riolu wasn't pleased with being removed from the conversation, but after only a short moment of complaint, he compliantly went with his father back to Lashanne's airship. The others waited for his return, and when he did, Torolf turned to address the two teams, clearing his throat before he began.

"All of you. What I'm about to tell you will be very disturbing, but it must be said so listen closely," he began. "I'm sure you all have noticed the sudden lack of guild-approved work ever since the end of winter."

"We did," confirmed Volcan. "Or, we have, yes. It's not odd for work to cut back in the winter, but I admit we have been worried about the lack of guild jobs on the board."

"Well, brace yourselves," began Torolf. "For the reason for the lack of jobs, is because the guild halls all across the east continent were recently attacked, and the councillors who headed them... many of them have been murdered."

He could not have struck a more decisive blow if he had struck them all with his bare hands. A chill swept over the group as the meaning behind those words sank in, their eyes widening collectively in shock - even Kage, who normally was unfazeable, found himself taken aback by the sudden news. They all remained silent as they took the news in, with Eagle Eye being the first to break the silence, rather abruptly as well.

"You're KIDDING!" He squawked. "PLEASE tell me you're kidding!"

"Those demons!" Katsu roared, even going so far as to draw one of his blades and hold it high in the air. "They have crossed a line that cannot be forgiven!"

"Katsu, enough! Rein it in." Luke firmly commanded the samurott. "You know our oath doesn't allow us to cross the same line! Put away your sword and calm down."

Volcan put a hand to his forehead as he processed the information, as though doing so made him light-headed. "This is out of hand..." he said. "No sooner do we stop his attack on Hadleigh, now he has attacked all Rescue Teams directly by eliminating our leadership." He cursed under his breath. "Katsu's right - he _has_crossed a line. We have to find this guy!"

"I agree! That bastard needs to go down once and for all!" Tristan added.

"But we don't even know where he is," Lashanne cut in. "We can't just go charging off without a direction!"

The exchange escalated until both teams were suddenly embroiled in heated discussion, their voices risen to the point where nothing coherent could be made, until Torolf spoke up. "_Desist!"_With such force that everyone went immediately silent, turning to the Swampert with rapt attention, as though they were his personal platoon.

"I told you this would be a shock, but I have not finished yet," he stated. "I first found out about this a month ago. I first suspected something was amiss when I did not receive any job offers at the start of spring. Within days, I went to Westport to find out why. That is when I discovered what had happened. The hall had been attacked, and everyone inside had been murdered. Only two staff members survived, and they were in a state of shock when we found them. The description of one of the attackers confirms Calhoun is involved - they described a Gallade in a cloak, matching the description of Sash."

At the mention of a Gallade being involved, Luke could almost feel Volcan tensing up beside him, and turned to see his lover, rigid and staring intensely at Torolf as he mentioned the Gallade. The Blaziken shifted, reaching behind him to feel the scar on his back, rubbing it as though it were itching at the very mention of the Gallade who had inflicted it upon him. Luke gently reached over and touched Volcan's arm in an attempt to calm him down, ultimately sliding his paw down until he was gripping the Blaziken's hand.

Luke only took his eyes away from Torolf when Volcan calmed down. "You mentioned he was _one_of the attackers. Were there reports of any others involved in this recent development?" He asked.

"Descriptions are vague, but the real question is that the same attackers were often seen at multiple locations at the same," said Torolf. "Every guild hall from Lindenburg to Valvatna and beyond was hit on the same day, all at once."

That snapped Volcan out of his entrancement, looking at Torolf questioningly. "The same day? It'd take at least twelve days to travel between Lindenburg and Valvatna even if you went by boat. Even Sash can't possibly teleport _that_far."

"No, but lest you forget that you and Luke were subjected to the power of one who can," Leon piped up.

Now it was Luke's turn to suddenly freeze up, his eyes widening in shock, understanding who exactly Leon was talking about all too well. "...Mewtwo." He whispered.

"Yes. Although he was not witnessed by the survivors, it would stand to reason he could teleport them all to these locations as easily as he sent you and Volcan to the other side of the world," said Leon.

"...We've been trying to forget that experience." Luke replied with a shudder, gripping Volcan's hand a little tighter.

"So where does this leave us?" Minato asked matter-of-factly. "They've hit us hard. Taken out our leaders and left us with a ship without a rudder. Where do we go from here?"

"Hopefully to hit those fuckers back twice as hard." Hank growled, flexing his claws.

"Hank," Luke firmly stated to the Zoroark, who quickly relaxed and lowered his arms to his sides with a sigh.

"As this has never happened before, I took it upon myself to organize a contingency. Atemporary council, to take over the duties of the guilds from a new center in Hadleigh," explained Torolf. "This temporary council will consist of current Gold-ranked Rescue Team captains." His eyes drifted to Luke upon saying this. "And, as I learned recently, Team Valiant acquired such a rank after your efforts in Hadleigh."

Luke stiffened a little, his ears perking up a bit as Torolf addressed him directly. "...Wait." He began, his mind processing what was happening before him. "...You want me to... to be a part of the new Guild Council?" He asked.

Torolf nodded. "I do."

"...Well this is unexpected," said Lashanne, arching a brow as she looked at Luke. "I think you've been promoted again."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," said Torolf, holding up a hand. "This is his choice. It will be a big responsibility, of that there is no question, but I will let him decide."

Luke's gaze fell slightly. Indeed this _was_a huge responsibility to undertake. He was going to be part of the elite _above_the elite; a seasoned veteran with the highest authority among the Guilds, and Torolf trusting him with such a position was a huge honour in of itself.

On the other hand, he felt conflicted internally. While he was honoured to be offered the position, his gaze would then turn to Volcan, looking up at him with unsure eyes. If he did decide to take it upon himself to be among the leaders of the Guilds...he might not see his beloved Blaziken for a long time. The thought alone was already tearing his heart a little, making him clutch the area around his chest spike instinctively.

"While we let him think on that," began Torolf. "Volcan... I also have a mission for you."

"Me? What kind?" Volcan asked.

"Due to Calhoun having lost so many forces in Hadleigh, we know he is currently recruiting - though he has had little success, especially in the south. Word of his misdeeds has spread, so he has resorted instead to seeking new recruits from among convicts," explained Torolf. "To that end, he has broken into several jails to free prisoners that might be sympathetic to his cause. Prisons all across the land have reported such. No doubt also seeking to cause more chaos across the continent to keep _us_distracted. But recently, he attempted to breach the Siphon Prison and that, we _cannot_ignore."

Luke was brought out of his train of thought when the Siphon Prison was brought up, looking to Torolf in alarm. "Wait what??" He blurted out. "Isn't that where you sent Sol after his rampage at the tournament??"

"That is correct," Torolf answered.

"You want me to douse ourselves in oil too?" Volcan asked in mock jest.

"Look," Torolf began, his tone matching the seriousness of his expression. "I know this is a lot to ask. I should be going myself, and taking Romulus with me even." He let out a sigh. "Especially because... there is someone far worse than Sol at that prison."

At that, Hank rolled his eyes and laughed a little. "Psh, oh please...who could _possibly_be any worse than that anger induced porcupine? 'Cept maybe Calhoun, I guess." He asked in a tone of disbelief.

"Did you ever wonder why a prison like that was built?" Leon asked, straight to the point as he directed the question at Hank. "Who the first inmate considered dangerous enough to be put within those walls could have been?"

Torolf proceeded to answer after letting the question sink in. "Before his incarceration, he was known as Eberon by his given name." He cast a glance at Tristan as he continued. "In the arena, he was called The Black Titan."

There was a rattle of metal from the back of the group, and a sharp gasp from Volcan's left. The first was Tristan, standing tall, eyes wide and jaw hanging open, his body so rigid he could have passed for a statue. Lashanne was similarly entraced, her red-orange eyes as round as dinner plates as she stared at the Swampert.

"I see there are two among you who know of him," Shamshir remarked.

Torolf resumed. "This will be a race against the clock," he said. "I don't know if Calhoun has sprung the prisoners yet, but even if he has, Eberon in particular has been kept in a form of stasis since his incarceration. The only way to stop him now is to detain him again before he regains his strength. The other prisoners, I am confident Team Phalanx can handle, including Sol."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Torolf, but how do you expect us to take on Sol?" Volcan asked. "Even you were barely able to stop him."

"If there is one thing I have come to expect from you, Volcan," began Torolf, "it's that the bigger the challenge, the bigger your victory. You did defeat Team Drake's heaviest fighters, _and_you bested Romulus and his team at my tournament."

"I'm pretty sure Sol is at _least_as powerful as Romulus," muttered Volcan, before turning to Torolf again. "You really think we're up to this?"

"I do," replied Torolf. "Believe me, I wanted to take this mission myself, but I've dug myself in too deep with the temporary guild. If I walk out now, the whole thing will fall apart. They need me, and I trust you, Volcan, you and your team, to get the job done."

Luke's gaze fell to the ground in thought while Volcan and Torolf talked, his mind travelling back to being asked to become part of the new Guild Council. Under normal circumstances, he might have declined the offer. He had always been a warrior first and a politician second. He _belonged_on the front lines, leading his team to a swift victory with his skills and tactics. Yet,on the other hand, he was also smart enough to understand the gravity of the situation at hand. Torolf was not only counting on him to help bring stability to the Guilds, but on his lover to keep possibly the most dangerous criminals known in the world behind bars. No matter how he analyzed the situation, it would seem he would be apart from Volcan for quite some time, and that tore at his heartstrings...

...Alas, he knew what he had to do, and after a lot of consideration, he finally was ready to give his answer.

He turned to Volcan and gently touched his arm. "If Torolf believes you can do it, then I do too." He added with a soft nod. "Go to the prison, love. They'll need your unconventional way of thinking to keep those criminals in check."

Volcan turned to look at Luke, studying his expression and letting his words sink in. "You've decided then," he said softly, knowing that in Luke's encouragement, the Lucario had also made his own choice.

Torolf, having not heard Volcan, spoke up then as the two stared at each other. "I can give you both time to think on it, if you need it," he said. "I know it is a lot to take in all at once."

Luke nodded to Torolf. "We'd appreciate that, thank you." He returned with a soft smile.

But at that moment, another familiar voice - though far less welcome, sounded over the group. "A prison breakout, is it?"

All eyes turned toward the owner of the voice, where the group found an Emboar stepping over to them from the trees, followed by two other equally large Pokemon -a Seismitoad whose face seemed permanently contorted into a smug grin that he wore even as he followed the Emboar, and a Tyranitar who stood taller than either of them -bigger even than Tristan or Torolf and eyed all of them the way one might eye an insect he wanted to step on for annoying him.

"Grom?!" Volcan demanded. "How long have been eavesdropping?"

"Long enough to know this sounds like quite a dangerous mission," replied the Emboar. "So much so, it sounds like the great Team Warmachine needs someone capable to handle it."

"And who are you?" Leon asked, not sounding convinced.

"We are Team Kopis, formerly of Arc Island. We were there when it was hit and we fought to the end to protect it. Lost one of our own in the process," the Emboar answered, before levelling a glare at Volcan. "More than can be said for _some_people here."

"Arceus, not _this_again..." Luke bemoaned, rolling his eyes and slapping his forehead.

Minato shot a leer right back at Grom. "...I'd choose your next words wisely, Grom." The Lucario warned, his paws clenching tight at his sides so tight, they cracked audibly. "Lest we make a scene in front of our visitors."

But Grom was quick to retort. "I would think you of all people would get where I am coming from, Minato," he stated. "I seem to notice someone missing from this happy little group."

His words set Minato's fur on end, the tension from him so great it was nearly palpable. But his reaction did not come as quickly as Tristan's, the Aggron digging his feet into the ground, already lowering his head to charge. "You are gonna _pay_for that one, Grom!" The Aggron declared, starting forward toward the Emboar but was stopped by an outstretched arm from Torolf.

"You talk big for someone I have never heard of," the Swampert said in a deep, warning tone that sent a chill creeping up a few spines as he turned fully to the Emboar. "Tell me, by what right do you claim to be better suited for this mission than Team Phalanx?"

Grom predictably did not pass up the chance to express more of his condescending quips. "Besides the obvious, that their leader is a coward?" He asked. "I've faced my fair share of dangerous criminals. Wouldn't surprise me if some of them ended up in that prison themselves. Team Kopis can handle anything and we'll never back down, no matter the odds."

"Admirable, but all I am hearing is words," the Swampert returned, stepping toward Grom. "I have seen Volcan fight. I see not this coward you speak of. I have heard from reliable sources about his team's heroics, and I have witnessed first hand his abilities as a tactician." He rose up on his hind legs, now standing somewhat taller than Grom. "So what is your claim against him. Your strength? Or perhaps you want to tell me you can coordinate a stealth op and direct a siege while also fighting on the front lines like the men and women behind me have?"

For the first time, the boastful Grom was silent, meeting Torolf's gaze but visibly shaken by the imposing Swampert. Torolf was aged, but if anything that only made him more intimidating, even to a Pokemon as large as Grom. Years of experience and hardship was written across Torolf's features and physique as clear as words on paper.

"Well, are you going to prove yourself or not?" Torolf asked. "Go on. Try it. Punch me as hard as you can - prove to me you're as strong as you are boasting and maybe I'll give you the mission."

"I only take jobs that pay," Grom returned defiantly.

"What about one-thousand Poks?" Torolf asked. "_If._You prove you're right for the job."

"Surely you jest!" Katsu would exclaim to Torolf. "Thou cannot be seriously allowing these miscreants the opportunity to partake in this mission??"

"Agreed..." Kage piped up, shooting Grom a dangerous leer. "His claims are all hot air and no substance. He may have tried to defend his home, but that is not what defines a hero, let alone a Rescue Team."

The Tyranitar cast a dangerous look in Kage's direction. "Shall I squash the frog?" He asked Grom, but the Emboar waved it off, not giving in to Kage's provocation.

"Relax, my friends," said Shamshir in a low voice. "Torolf has no intention of giving this mission to them."

"He's just going to let this narcissistic swine know he is not what he boasts,"added Leon, a confident smile stretched across his beak.

"All I gotta do is knock you down, and I get the job?" Grom asked. "Seems a little too easy, doesn't it?"

"Well then you have no excuse to fail it," Torolf growled. "Now stop talking and do it!" He slammed his fists on the ground impatiently, causing the earth to shake with the force of his huge hands.

Grom backed up slightly, having not expected the outburst, but collected himself quickly and took in a breath. He lunged forward, throwing a powerful left hook to Torolf's face, the three-fingered fist burying itself in Torolf's cheek with force that would surely have knocked out even the hardiest of Pokemon.

But not the captain of Team Warmachine. Torolf had done little more than turn his head in reaction to the blow, scowling at the Emboar with disappointment and disgust before he clenched one of his huge hands into a fist, and struck. Grom was lifted off the ground as Torolf delivered the mighty uppercut to his gut, sending Grom soaring six feet into the air and exhaling a lungful of oxygen before he fell heavily back to the ground, landing dully and barely moving an inch. His teammates dropped to his side supporting him as they sat him up while Torolf looked onward.

"If I had been one of the people I am sending Volcan against in this mission, that punch would not have been so gentle," Torolf growled. "You would have every rib broken, some of which might puncture your heart, and then you would be dead. If you can't even stand against me, sending you on this mission would be a foolish mistake." He turned his back on Grom, scoffing. "You are not _half_the warrior Volcan or his friends are."

Grom opened his mouth to protest, but managed little more than a squeal before falling into a coughing fit as he clutched his stomach. His teammates helped him up and started to carry him away. A wet sound indicated he had just lost his breakfast as Torolf rejoined the group, and the Emboar soon vanished back into town. Most of Team Valiant stood with their mouths hung open in shock at how easily Grom was trounced by Torolf.

"...WHOOF!" Hank exclaimed, clutching his stomach as though he had felt some of that pain Grom had experienced. "Gonna need a whole LOT of Sitrus Berries to help walk _that_off."

"You can say that again. I almost feel sorry for the bastard." Doug piped up.

Minato let out a scoff. "Grom had that and a _whole_lot more coming to him." He added, a large amount of venom in his tone. "Had things been left to me, I wouldn't have been as nice... but then again, I suppose it's a good thing I'm not the one in charge."

"On a scale of one to a hundred, what would you say that punch was?" Leon asked Torolf.

"An eighty," admitted Torolf. "That one is strong of body, that much is true, but weak of mind and too absorbed in his own self-importance." He looked at Minato. "Seventy would've been enough, but he struck a low blow and I made him answer for it." Torolf scoffed, looking over his shoulder. "He reminded me of Timber, really... not the first time I've had to show a narcissistic type he is not what he thinks he is."

A moment of silence, then, "Minato," Volcan spoke up. "Grom said he lost one of his own at Arc... did he have a fourth team member?"

The Lucario took a small breath to calm his temper. "There _was_a fourth... but he was killed during the initial siege on Arc." Minato returned in a softer tone. "His name was Zashi, a Scyther. Quite skilled too. His blade work was almost as potent as my own." He then smirked as he looked to Volcan. "Out of Team Kopis, he was the most level headed among them. Confident, but humble." He sighed and lowered his gaze slightly. "I respected him the most because of his demeanour..."

"Oh... I had forgotten about Zashi," said Serena, her earfins lowering as she peered at the ground. "I saw him so little - probably because he wasn't injured as much as the other three... I had no idea he didn't survive the battle."

"Neither did I," agreed Tristan. "Poor kid... he had a lot going for him."

Volcan sighed. "Once again it seems like I was the only one who did not lose anyone on Arc," he said with a hint of regret. "It's no wonder Grom wants to hate me so much - he lost his friend."

"Don't you start." Minato snapped firmly at the Blaziken. "We _all_lost something precious to us when those monsters threw Draco Meteors at us, some of us more than others, but that's beside the point." He clasped his paw firmly on Volcan's shoulder. "We're alive, and we're still kicking. At this point, all we can do is move forward. What's done is done, no sense moping about it."

"....There's a hypocrisy joke to be had there, buuuuuut I'm just gonna keep my beak shut." Eagle Eye commented off-handedly.

"Arguably the smartest thing you've done yet..." Kage muttered.

"Okay, what the hell crawled up _your_ass and died??" The Talonflame squawked in protest at the Greninja, who said nothing more on the matter.

Volcan looked at Minato briefly, and then to Luke, letting his beloved Lucario see the look in his eyes, and hoping he understood the decision the Blaziken was making. "Torolf," he spoke up, looking at the Swampert. "We will take the mission. We'll go to the Siphon Prison and stop Calhoun from getting away with the prisoners."

Torolf smiled. "Glad to hear it," he said. "On another note, you may not have to take the mission alone. The road that will take you closest to the prison as it happens, will take you straight through Bluegrove."

"Aha! Perhaps young Sickle would be willing to lend you his assistance on this endeavour." Katsu proclaimed.

"Maybe, but he also has his own town to watch over and he doesn't exactly have a back up team to watch Bluegrove while his is away." Luke answered realistically.

"Technically, neither do we," remarked Lashanne, speaking up at last. "Unless you want to entrust it to those three stooges that just left."

"To quote a certain Blaziken." Luke answered with a chuckle. "I trust that hot headed swine and his cronies as far as I can throw them."

"Which Blaziken said that?" Tristan asked, then caught the blank looks from his friends. "Oh."

"Doofus," muttered Lashanne.

A small laugh erupted from most of Team Valiant's ranks at Tristan's blunder for the umpteenth time, though it was quick to die down as Luke continued on the topic. "Well... it's just _me_Torolf is looking to recruit. Azure should still be safe with the rest of my team watching over it while you're off on your mission."

"You don't think some might better serve alongside Volcan, or accompany you as your protectors or advisors?" Torolf asked as he gestured to Shamshir and Leon respectively.

"Hmm." Luke rubbed his chin in thought. "...Perhaps Hank could go with them, maybe Eagle Eye. But I can't spread my numbers too thin, and whenever I'm away, Kage most often takes command."

"Not this time." The Greninja replied firmly , taking a step toward Luke and standing at his side. "I will accompany you to the Guild. _Someone_has to make sure you don't make decisions purely on impulse."

"Whoa! Low blow, Froggie." Hank commented.

"The truth is a bitter pill." Kage plainly replied. "In regards to protecting Azure while we're away, I'll have my pupil, Wade, stationed on patrol routes throughout the streets and around our borders. The boy has been pining for something to do as of late anyway..."

"Well, knowing we might be up against Sol makes me want as many water types as possible," said Volcan, looking at Katsu and Kage. "But Katsu's needed here, and Kage's made his intentions clear I suppose if we can recruit Team Kama, we'll be able to count on Blaster and Serena." He turned to look at Doug. "A ground-type too... and, if the prisoners get out, might need a trapper."

Doug's three heads suddenly beamed. "Wait, you wanna take _me_with you to this place???" He asked.

"Hank can subdue them with his illusions but we need to catch them first, and it's always good to keep your options open," the Blaziken replied.

"An excellent plan," agreed Leon.

"So I'm goin too eh?" Hank asked with a grin. "Welp, certainly sounds better than doing routine patrols, so I'm in."

"Aw this is gonna be SO much fun!" Doug exclaimed gleefully. "Walls, pitfalls and other traps galore! I'm in HEAVEN baby!"

"I will leave Aegis here in Azure, to guard the community while you are away," offered Torolf to Luke. "I will ensure he follows the lead of whomever you leave in charge."

Luke nodded softly, though now it fell to him to choose a leader to keep Azure's defenses in check while both he _and_Kage were away. He looked among his ranks for a moment, silently gauging who among the two that remained would be the most suitable candidate, before he would step forward and stand in front of Katsu.

"I nominate you to be the one in charge while I'm gone, Katsu." Luke stated with a firm nod.

The large Samurott gave him a low, respectful bow in return. "You honour me with such a privilege." He replied as he raised his head. "I will not fail you. Azure's borders shall be kept safe under our watch."

"I know." Luke replied with a smile. "I'm counting on you."

"Then we'll set out tomorrow," stated Torolf. "I'll give everyone a chance to make your arrangements. Luke and those with him can join us aboard the Peacemaker in the morning. It'll be faster to get to Hadleigh by boat."

"I guess I better let Caulin know he'll have to stay with either Luminara or Degra while we're away." Minato said with a shrug.

"Same with my Gatr. Poor bastard's gonna-" Hank stopped mid sentence. "...Oh wait...never mind, he's outta town right now... Fuck."

"Leave a note," suggested Lashanne.

"I shall inform Wade of his duties..." Kage would utter, then within a flash he was gone, leaving only a plume of water in his place where he last stood.

"Must he be so dramatic in his departure?" Leon asked incredulously, looking at Luke.

Luke rolled his eyes. "I think deep down, he likes to show off. He'll just never admit it."

"He should have tea with Kari," Shamshir added dryly, arching an eye.

Luke chuckled. "He might actually enjoy that." He remarked.

Torolf cleared his throat. "If we are finished here, let us leave our friends some time to prepare," he said, and turned to leave, nodding to Luke and Volcan as he passed, followed by Shamshir and Leon.

"See you on the morrow, Luke," said Shamshir.

"We will draw up a map to the prison for you, Volcan," Leon promised the Blaziken.

Luke waved Torolf and his teammates off as they departed back to town, then when they were fully out of sight, he finally let his composure slip and he let out a long, heavy sigh; his shoulders slumping slightly as a result. "...What have we gotten ourselves into...?" He muttered softly.

"Luke?" Volcan asked, putting his arm around his lover gently. "Are you okay?"

"Honestly? No. I'm a wreck right now." Luke answered, looking up to Volcan as he hugged his shoulders with his arm. "We've just been dealt a critical blow, and now I'm expected to live up to the expectations of past seasoned veterans of the Guild Council. Adding to the fact Grom's presence didn't help make things easier, I'm... For the first time in ages, I'm not sure I can really do this." He explained.

"Of course you can," said Volcan. "You think Torolf would choose you if he didn't think you were up to the task?"

"Well, no, but..." He trailed off, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his paw. "This is all so much to take in. We've only _just_been promoted to Gold rank, and now I've basically been given the highest honour any Rescue Team Captain could be granted, but I never signed up for this line of work for the fame or recognition." He returned. "I just did what I felt was the right thing, and now I'm not sure if what I'm doing right now _is_the right thing to do...I'm a warrior, not a politician. I belong on the front lines, not cooped up in a boardroom bogged down in debates."

"Just think of it as temporary," said Lashanne, moving over to say her piece. "You're being called on to lead the guilds until they can be reestablished, and think of it this way - you might be able to influence how the new guilds run in a way. Surely there are plenty of ideas up there you could put forward." She poked the side of his head for emphasis.

"I suppose..." Luke replied, wincing a little from the poke to his head. "Well, either way I said I'd go... guess I better pack up a few things for tomorrow." He said softly.

"Ey, chin up boss. Like the lady said, you got this." Hank commented. "That big noggin of yers is why yer our captain after all. Honestly if it weren't for Chicken Legs, you'd be the best strategist in the world."

Luke managed a small, half-hearted chuckle. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hank."

"And if you're worried about Sol, don't be," said Volcan. "We'll find a way to stop him if he gets loose. Best case scenario though he'll still be locked behind bars when we get there and our only job will be to make sure he stays put."

Again, Luke gave a small nod in response before he turned to the direction of his house. "I'm gonna go pack." He said as he walked off, trying to keep his head held high with the support his team and his beloved gave him.

"I'll join you shortly," promised Volcan, letting Luke go on his way, watching him leave before turning to his teammates. "I guess building our new homes will have to wait."

"Well, work before pleasure." Minato said with a small shrug. "Frankly I can't wait to get started. After that stunt Grom pulled, I'm eager to start busting some heads." He added, slamming his left fist into his right paw.

"Now you're speakin' my lingo!" Tristan returned, laughing heartily. "This mission sounds like it'll be fun, even if we might run into someone like Eberon!"

"I am not sure I share the sentiment, but I am ready to begin," said Serena, nodding. "Our first mission since Hadleigh. I can only hope we have not lost our touch."

"If our performance in Hadleigh is any indication, I'd say we've improved since then." Minato replied confidently. "And now that we have a designated Javelin, our battle formation is as close to perfection as it can get." He added with a gesture to Lashanne.

"Thanks for the praise," she returned, smirking.

"I need to go speak with Torolf - try to get as much information as possible," said Volcan. "I need to know more about this 'Eberon' character if I'm going to work out a plan to take him down."

"I can tell you," Tristan spoke up, all eyes turning to him. "I was there, to see him fight for a few years. I also saw what he did to the city - the act that resulted in his incarceration, after he broke out of the arena."

"If he's as powerful as Torolf claims, how'd they manage to nail him?" Minato asked.

"They didn't," replied Tristan. "Romulus and Revane tried, to be sure but Eberon crushed 'em both. It was three other Pokemon who arrived that stopped him - can't remember their names, but they went by some moniker..."

"The Swords of Justice," Lashanne spoke up. "Sir Cobalian, Sir Terrakion and Lady Virizion. They stopped the Black Titan."

"The Swords of Justice, eh?" Minato asked. "...Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a fourth among them?"

"They have a protégé they are training, yes," replied Lashanne. "Keldeo. But he wasn't with them back then."

"Ah. Fair enough." The Lucario nodded. "Would like to one day meet these individuals. They seem like the kind of pokemon I could get along with."

"The world's a big place, so, good luck," said Lashanne with a shrug.

"Tristan," interjected Volcan. "What can you tell us about Eberon. Is he that strong?"

"Oh, yes," he replied. "He was one of the most vicious gladiators there. I don't know what kind of Pokemon he was - a huge feline of some kind, red fur with black stripes, gray torso. He tore through anyone put before him, and might have been even angrier than Romulus. I don't know much beyond that but I can definitely say we'll have a challenge with this one, to say the least."

Volcan shared a brief glance with Minato, considering the description, before turning to look at Tristan again. "We'll have to isolate that one, then - if we can," said Volcan, huffing. "As if Sol's not bad enough, now we have someone it took three Legendary Pokemon to stop..."

"In the event he does get free, we'll just have to stop him before he fully recovers." Minato replied. "Besides, raw power isn't the only factor in a fight. Chances are we'll be able to overwhelm him with our teamwork."

"I may have some ideas about that," Volcan muttered, mostly to himself. "Alright. Let's clean up - get the lumber covered with some tarp and then meet up tomorrow morning."

Tristan, Serena, Lashanne and Minato nodded in agreement, and they got to work gathering their tools and covering their building materials until they could come back. When the site was sufficiently cleaned up, they went their separate ways to start making their preparations.

Volcan strode into the woods as he made his way home to the burrow-like house in the little hill outside of Azure. Created long before Volcan had ever met Luke by the Lucario's oldest friend, Nido, the Blaziken still marvelled at how he had gone to living on a sunny island to a literal hole in the ground. Yet, it was his home, because it was where his new life began, and would hopefully continue for some time.

Opening the front door, Volcan descended into the house, shutting the door behind him and entering the dimly lit living area, looking for Luke. The Lucario was standing in the living room, a large partially packed bag sitting on the sofa behind him. He was holding a photo that he had taken off the shelf, sighing heavily as he stared down at it, completely oblivious to the Blaziken entering his home.

"Hey," Volcan said softly as he came up behind his lover, resting a hand on his shoulder and looking past him at the photo.

Luke gently lifted a paw to touch Volcan's hand. "Hey..." He said in a whisper, never taking his eyes off the photo in his paw. The image within the frame consisted of five Lucario, four of which Volcan recognized as Luke himself, his brothers Rigel and Mikhail, and his mother Luminara. The fifth Lucario looked unfamiliar to Volcan, but judging that he stood next to Luminara in the photo, one could easily deduce he was Luminara's husband, and in turn, Luke's father.

"Don't think I've ever seen that before," said Volcan. "Is that your father, next to Luminara?"

He nodded in return. "My birth father, Matthias." Luke answered softly. "He wasn't like most Lucario...He was kind of a coward and never really liked combat. I guess Mikhail got a lot from him." He explained with a soft chuckle. "Despite that, he was a good man...Always did his best for our family and...was surprisingly wise. Even as a kid, I remember he had some pretty solid advice for us about making good choices and being the best we could be..." He let out a long sigh and lowered the photo slightly. "...I could really use his advice right about now..."

"What happened to him? I haven't seen him before."

At that, Luke's heart sank in his chest, causing his shoulders to slump and his expression to sadden. "He was... He was murdered." Luke said softly, biting his bottom lip a little.

"And my foot is in my mouth," said Volcan, guiltily. "Sorry..."

"It's alright..." Luke answered softly, letting himself lean back against the Blaziken's chest for comfort.

Volcan put his arms around Luke gently, leaning against the back of the couch as he considered the picture in Luke's paw, until he had an idea. "Well... you still have other family you can ask." He said. "Your mother, your brothers... me. We're all here." He pressed his cheek gently to Luke's. "And we'll all tell you the same thing... you can do this. It's your chance, to help make the guilds better than they were before. A chance to help people on a grander scale than you ever did."

He pulled back slightly, looking at Luke. "And I know you. Helping people is what you do best." He leaned in. "I see that little twitch at the corner of your mouth there - don't try to hold back that smile now." He nuzzled Luke's cheek with his beak, trying to coax the smile from him.

Try as he might, Luke couldn't deny his natural reflex to smile in Volcan's presence, especially when there was truth to his words. Slowly his smile grew as he leaned up closer to Volcan in return. "...Damn you and your way with words." He said in jest.

"I have no 'way with words'," he said, hugging Luke tighter. "I just know how to get a reaction out of you."

Luke gently put the photo down on the table before he would lean fully into Volcan's embrace. "Can say the same about you, ya know...All those times I've worked a reaction out of you when _you've_been feeling down in the dumps...~"

"Well consider this returning the favour then," the Blaziken replied, pecking Luke's cheek.

"One out of many." Luke pointed out with a small chuckle, his cheeks turning red from the peck to his cheek.

"If we're keeping count of things, I still hold the lead in chess victories," he said, pressing his beak in a little harder, nuzzling the nape of Luke's neck. "And in all the times I've made you _howl_in delight."

Luke began to chuckle even more, twisting in Volcan's embrace until he was facing him completely and slid his arms around his back. "One of these days, I'll be the one making _you_screech in passion." He replied, lifting a paw up from his embrace to bop Volcan's nose playfully, then sighed as he lowered his gaze slightly. "...I'm _really_going to miss you while we're away..."

"Yeah," he said softly, never letting Luke go as he replied. "This will be the first time we've been apart in quite a while." He flashed a warm smile. "But look at it this way. Apart or not, we're technically on the same mission. Calhoun's creating chaos, we're out to stop it. He attacked the guilds, you're putting them back together, and the crooks he's setting loose, I'm putting them right back where they belong."

"True enough." Luke returned softly. "It just won't be the same without you physically being at my side..."

"But we'll still be together in spirit," the Blaziken said, sliding one of his hands down to Luke's paw to grasp it. "And as soon as I'm done at the prison, I'll be heading to Hadleigh to join you. You can bet on that."

Luke's paw gripped Volcan's hand firmly, lifting it up between them. "I'm going to hold you to that." He warned with a playful wink.

Volcan smiled, leaning into Luke again in silence for a moment before he spoke up again, his smile lessening somewhat. "There is one thing I need first before we part," he said.

"What's that, love?" Luke whispered back as he leaned in as well, his nose bumping into the Blaziken's beak slightly.

"Sol," he said, pulling back from Luke to let the Lucario look up at him curiously. "Much as I dare to hope it's still possibleI'mgoing to have to deal with him. If I have to fight him, I intend to win. So I need to know all I can about him in advance. How he was trained, his strengths, possible weaknesses -n o matter how small. I need to know, so I can take him down."

At that, Luke gave him a small nod. "Where should I begin?"

~~~~~

The two teams set out the following morning, saying their final goodbyes at the docks as Luke and Kage followed Shamshir toward the Peacemaker. At the head of the pier stood Volcan and the rest of Luke's team and family to see them off. Their parting was sour, but Luke stayed strong through it, all the way until he was on the deck, and looked back at the precious friends and family he was leaving behind.

He took a few moments to look on at his friends and family, feeling a pang in his heart as he knew he wouldn't be seeing them for quite a while. He would then remember Volcan's words from the previous night and suck in a deep breath, then he'd allow himself a smile and gave them all a confident nod and a quick salute, as if to say he'd be back before they knew it.

They returned his wave, Volcan the last to raise his hand. Luke could see the sadness in his eyes, as it sank in he'd be away from Luke for longer than he thought he ever would be again. But he still wore a brave smile as he waved with the others even as the Peacemaker's engines roared to life and began to depart.

Lighris hopped up to Volcan's side, standing by him as the Blaziken stared longingly out to sea, watching as the Peacemaker grew smaller and smaller in the distance. He put a wing over him, getting his brother's attention. "You alright, little bro?" He asked.

"I will be," replied Volcan, nodding to him. "I'll see him again soon."

Lighris nodded. "Sure you don't want me tagging along?" He asked.

"You proved you're capable, Lighris," said Volcan. "But I need my team for this - we're coordinated and work well together. You're still a solo act. Besides, Hank and Doug are coming too, and I'll have Team Kama with me as well - once we get to Bluegrove anyway. So I already have lots of backup."

"I know, I just... I hate to let my little brother out of my sight," he said.

"You think Luke's brothers there feel any different?" He asked, pointing past Lighris to Rigel and Mikhail, still standing by their mother as they watched Luke leaving Azure. "That they don't wish they could go with him too?"

"Why don't they?" Lighris asked. "They guy with the bandages on his arms looks like he could handle himself too."

"Oh, he can. But he's got responsibilities of his own here," replied Volcan. "Rigel just recently became a father. Mik is one of the town doctors." He gave Lighris a light tap on the chest. "You should meet with them - you're all in the same boat now, after all." He looked out to sea. "No pun intended."

Lighris huffed. "Maybe. You just be careful out there, okay bro?" He asked.

"I will. It's my job, Lighris, but I'll make it through," he stated as Lighris pulled back his wing. "Take care of mom until I get back."

"You know I will," replied Lighris, watching as Volcan went to rejoin his team.

Picking up the bag he'd left by the docks as he rejoined his teammates, Volcan cast one more look to Katsu and Eagle Eye, as well as Aegis standing behind them. "I hope to still find this place standing when I get back," he said in jest to the Samurott.

"Hah!" The Samurott laughed, pounding his chest firmly with his arm. "They will need to send an entire army if they hope to raze this town to the ground!" He proclaimed proudly.

Volcan smiled at them, nodding, and looking to Aegis. "Glad you have their backs," he said.

"It is an honour and a privilege," the noble Chesnaught replied, bowing slightly.

With that, Volcan turned to his team, eyeing each of them individually before he spoke. "We ready to do this?" He asked.

"You know it!" Tristan barked, pounding his fists together.

"Airship ready to go?" Volcan asked Lashanne.

"Toby's giving it the once-over," she answered. "It hasn't flown in a few months so we have to make sure nothing has rusted or it could be a really short trip. We should know by the time we get over there."

Volcan nodded, falling in with his team and walking with them to the airship, followed by Hank and Doug. "I admit, I'm looking forward to seeing Sickle again."

"Who's that again?" Lashanne asked. "I know you mentioned the name before."

"He's the captain of Team Kama," replied Volcan. "And, probably one of the friendliest fellows you could ever meet."

"Yet he's the leader of a team charged with undertaking dangerous missions?" Lashanne asked skeptically. "He's not a pushover I hope."

Hank chuckled softly. "Why not take him on and find out?" He challenged the Delphox. "Guy was nimble enough to give Luke a challenge when they were fighting at Warmachine's tournament way back when."

"Having seen Luke fight myself, that _is_something," admitted Lashanne.

"Not to mention he was right beside Kage when he infiltrated Calhoun's fortress," Serena added.

Volcan nodded. "He's skilled and cunning. You'll see for yourself when we get to Bluegrove."

"Do any of us even know _how_to get there?" Lashanne asked. "Have any one of us been to this hometown of his? Bluegrove, was it?"

"Hank knows the woods around this region," replied Volcan, looking at the Zoroark. "You been there before?"

"Ehhhh... once or twice." The Zoroark returned, rolling his eyes a bit while failing to hide a wry smirk on his face.

Lashanne caught the smirk, as did Volcan, but only the Blaziken ground to a halt. "Wait, when?"

"When you guys were out West still, trying to get back home." The Zoroark answered, still holding his grin. "We had a _lot_of free time on our hands while you were away, ya know."

"I can only _imagine_the crap you got into while you were there..." Doug piped up, all three heads rolling their eyes in unison.

Volcan blinked, watching Hank for a moment. "Do I even want to know?" He asked.

"Yer more than welcome to ask~" Hank retorted with a wink, and the Blaziken gawked.

"You and... him?" He asked. "You guys?"

"Damnit... I SO called it." Doug muttered. If he had hands, he would most certainly be facepalming at that moment.

"Hey, c'mon! It was a one time thing! We were both stressed and worried sick about you and Luke and we needed _some_way to ease the tension!" Hank protested, dropping his smirk for that moment. "Besides...guy's kinda cute. Definitely would be dating him if I weren't already spoken for." He admitted.

Lashanne put up her paws and walked ahead of the others. "And I'm out. Don't need to hear _this_part," she said.

"With you," agreed Serena, sprinting to catch up with the Delphox.

"...Am I missing something here?" Tristan asked Minato, who rolled his eyes.

"Dude, when are you_not?_" The Lucario asked, tapping his head with his paw. "...One day we_seriously_need to get you checked out. This level of dimwittedness can't be normal."

"No seriously, I know Sickle made a pass at Luke once, but the-" Minato could almost hear the 'ping' of realization as Tristan's expression shifted to blank. "...Oh... NOW I get it."

"Arceus give me strength..." Minato moaned, facepawing his forehead hard and shaking his head in disappointment.

As the group carried on, they were unaware of the three pairs of eyes watching them on their trek to Lashanne's airship, following them until each of them had climbed over the side -or in Doug's case, been scooped up in a large metal tub so that he would not have to leave the ground. They stayed silent as the airship's engines started, and the vessel's anchors were raised, allowing it to lift itself above the trees before starting forward on its path north.

"What a sick sight," said Morganth, the Tyranitar shaking his head. "Goofing around while that scum sucker who burned our home to the ground is still out there. Why are we even here, Grom, in this lousy backwater town?"

"Yeah, it should be_us_heading up there to stop that prison break! Fuck what that big Swampert said - it could be our one shot at getting the guy who killed Zashi!" The Seismitoad, Quake, added.

"I don't disagree with you guys," replied Grom, crossing his arms. "Believe me, I want to... but Volcan's going to get there first even if we did go. Doesn't mean our chances of gettin' to that bastard are less, though."

"Whaddya mean?" Quake asked.

"I've been listenin' around," replied Grom. "Any smart captain knows to keep a few thugs on his payroll and I found some with good dirt on Calhoun over in Westport the other week."

Morganth narrowed his eyes. "What're you thinking, Grom?" He asked.

"I'm thinking its time Volcan paid us back for bailing out on us," he said. "Soon as he or his little blue boo come back... one of them is going to help us settle a debt"