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"The Dark Crusade," Romulus read aloud.

His words snappedLuke out of his momentary trance. The Lucario had been lost in his head until the Houndoom had spoken up, bringing him back to attention. He had been lost in reminiscence, thinking back to the council's progress. The shift in opinions had finally put the new council into motion, ending the weeklong stalemate between Romulus and Torolf, and finally the council was taking action against the current crisis. Warnings were being written and sent to all registered Rescue Teams across the land, notifying them of Calhoun and his known affiliates. The warnings included sketches of the renegades provided by the unknown benefactor known as 'Ana' who still wished to remain anonymous.

The benefactor, none other than Jora, had given Aerendyl a detailed description of all of Calhoun's lieutenants - every one she had met in person. Aerendyl gave the list to Luke, and Luke gave it to the council. Many remained skeptical about the mysterious benefactor, but Luke insisted it was for her own safety. Romulus had still not told the other councilmen about the possible mole in their midst, and he understood Luke's reasoning for keeping Jora's identity secret. She was a traitor to the Dark Crusade, and if the mole knew where to find her, word might get back to Calhoun as well.

"This is what they are calling themselves," said Romulus. "A crusade, against the gods themselves and grind the world beneath their heel. This is Calhoun's end goal. It is more than just the work of a fanatic or any other criminal, but the designs of a truly twisted mind."

He read off a list of the crimes committed by the Crusade. A long list, not the least of which included the number of the inhabited landmasses in the West Islands - or, Equatorial Islands as some at the table also called them - which included Arc. But it had not been the only one. Six other island colonies had been raised, every one of them with a statue honouring one of the gods. Based on the time stamps, Calhoun had targeted Arc Island first, out of the hundreds of islands that covered the region, including several between the fortress island - which, according to the report, had not been unoccupied even before Calhoun had moved in, indicating that the previous inhabitants might have been yet more victims of the Crusade.

"This is an outrage!" Mustaf, ever the loudest of the group, exploded. "How can he have caused so much damage - how did we not hear about these atrocities before now?!"

Keirrot nervously rose from his seat, clearing his throat to get the council's attention. "I was informed by my... my guild's late leader, that we were witholding news of the atrocities. We thought it would prevent the spread of panic or discord, while we gathered more intelligence and determined how best to-"

"The guilds _withheld_this information, from their own teams?!" Cedaris interjected, slamming his hoof on the table. "If we had known about all of this when it began, we could have put an end to it from the start! By now, Calhoun has grown too powerful to be stopped!"

"If that were true, Cedaris, than Calhoun would have already won," Torolf returned. "He has made attempts to push his campaign forward and he has an army of followers, but as demonstrated at his own stronghold in the islands, and his failed attack on Hadleigh, he _can_be stopped, and we _will_stop him."

"Indeed, Calhoun has been repelled before," Valorin added. "No enemy is truly insurmountable."

"But we do not even know the extent of his resources," Sorana reminded. "While his ship, the _Oppression,_lays in ruins outside this city, how do we know he does not have another conducting similar raids in the west, or in the south? Or even the islands - can we be sure it is the same ship that raided the islands and not another one?"

"Intelligence of that nature is being brought to us by the day," Torolf reminded them.

"Along with Pokemon who are missing, some even presumed dead," Cedaris cut in. "Gaining intelligence is only half the battle. We need manpower enough to combat this threat. We should start bringing rescue teams together, forming our own special response team. I can think of no better place to start than here at this table."

Mustaf snarled at the Sawsbuck. "My team will not face conscription without _my_say so, plant horn."

"I did not mean to imply they would have no say in the matter," Cedaris returned in as calming a tone he could muster.

With so many voices speaking up, Luke found it hard for any opportunity to put in his own opinion on the matter. To him, it felt like they were back to square one again, albeit to a lesser extent. But he could sense that discord amongst the guild members was looming over them once more, and the stress was starting to make him feel agitated. A couple times he did try to speak up, but his voice was ultimately drowned out by the others arguing about the new topic at hand, and he dared not lash out in a fit of annoyance. For now, all he could do was wait for his opportunity to speak up...whenever it decided to present itself.

Romulus struck the table with his paw a few times until the arguing died down. "Fellow councillors, we will get _nowhere_if we keep doing this. This overwhelming need to have each of our voices heard over each other has gone on long enough. We have made progress these past days. I encourage us to _keep_progressing. I did not read this report to you all to cause more bickering, only to make you understand how widespread this crisis truly is."

Cinnia, at her usual place between Torolf and Romulus, was watching the Houndoom with a stoic face, one that seemed so alien on the beautiful features of the Primarina. Of all the times Luke had met her, even when she disliked the present company she never, ever allowed it to show. Yet it seemed that was becoming a battle in and of itself for the singer. He saw movement under the table, and her gaze drifted to Torolf, the two staring at each other as though having a conversation, though neither spoke.

"For now, this report confirms our message has been sent," Romulus went on. "We have done everything that can be done to spread the word to the rest of the world, giving people time to prepare. The previous guildmasters did what they thought was right, wanting more information before acting, as we are. But, we will make the same mistake if we cannot reach a consensus. I propose a recess - let us all take time to cool our tempers, perhaps grab a bite to eat, and return here within the hour."

The decision was unanimous, with only Meilin and Torolf voting against ending the meeting, though they were outnumbered. The hall soon cleared, until only Luke, Kage, Cinnia and Torolf remained.

The Swampert slumped back in his seat. "Well... we've made _some_headway, but I know we could do more," he stated. "If we keep having to recess whenever we have disagreements we will get nowhere."

"But we will continue to be at a stalemate if everyone cannot keep their heads together," Cinnia added, sighing. "Why is it so hard for them to see this?"

"It's probably because of the damage that's already been done. Perhaps some still think it's beyond repair and have already given up inwardly." Luke proposed. "Everyone has their own subjective personal opinions, and sometimes those opinions blind them from the truth at hand."

"Maybe Cedaris has a point though," Torolf began. "Perhaps we can organize a response, create a strike force dedicated to stopping this 'Dark Crusade'. A team of specialists to carry out a special mission. Our teams are more than capable."

Cinnia's skepticism was apparent "Even if that idea were to work, who would lead this team? And if you build it from the teams of the captains assembled here, they would be forced to work with their own rivals - you need look no further than this room to see how that would fare at first. They would need time."

"And time is a luxury we don't have a lot of." Luke added, humming in thought as he tried to come up with a solution. "If we were to go through with this suggestion though, we would most likely need Pokémon accustomed working from the shadows while behind enemy lines. Either that, or we try the double agent approach."

"I fear a double agent would put too much risk in the agent being turned against us," Cinnia replied. "You told us of the dormant shadow essence in your friend, the one you call 'Ana'. What is to say that Calhoun does not place that within everyone who serves him?"

"Agreed. Infiltration may not be an option," returned Torolf. "I would propose the greatest fighters we have on our teams - sans the leaders if they fit that role, and teach them to work together."

"As Luke and I said, Torolf, that requires time," Cinnia reminded. "It isn't a bad idea by any means, but I am not sure we should pick our candidates from groups who already have so much friction between them."

Torolf let out a defeated sigh. "Yes, of course you are right. I need to speak with Leon about this, and see what he thinks." He stood up from his chair, dropping to all fours before turning to Luke. "Take this time to refresh yourself, Luke. Out of everyone here, you've kept a level head - I'd like you to hold onto that, for as long as you can," he said as he started to leave, making his way to the exit.

Luke let out an exasperated sigh. "With everything that's been happening, even my patience will eventually run out. But I'll hold on as long as I can." He assured Torolf, watching as the Swampert left before sliding out of his chair, joined by Kage as he too started to make his exit.

"Luke," Cinnia spoke up. "Would you mind accompanying me to my home? There was something I wanted to discuss with you. I can offer you and your friend some refreshment there as well."

"Oh, uh sure. I'd appreciate that." Luke returned, then looked toward Kage. "Coming?"

"I politely decline..." he returned stoically. "Someone has to keep watch over the streets while you're sorting out political affairs." he added.

Luke groaned audibly. "Would it kill you to lighten up a bit?" He stated to Greninja in protest. "Besides, Team Plainsrunner is already patrolling the streets as we speak. For once in your life, just relax and take a break before you blow a gasket!"

Kage rolled his eyes slightly, but he could see the logic in Luke's statement. "Fine." He relented.

"Thank you!" Luke said before sighing heavily once more.

Cinnia pulled herself out of her seat, and started for the door, pulling herself along with her arms and doing her best to keep pace with Luke and Kage as they headed outside, where her cart waited. "I can tell how stressed you are, Luke," she commented. "I don't believe I have ever heard you talk like that to anyone."

"I just..." Luke trailed off for a moment, choosing his words carefully before proceeding. "I just miss Volcan so damn much... I haven't been apart from him this long before and it's slowly eating me up internally."

They reached Cinnia's cart, climbing aboard where Kage sat at the seat normally reserved for a driver, while Luke and Cinnia sat together in the back as the Tauros pulling it began to trot, starting their trek back to her home.

"I am sure he misses you dearly as well," returned Cinnia, reaching out a flipper to rest on his back comfortingly. "You will see him again, soon. This council will find its way. It must."

"I know it will." Luke returned softly, looking over to Cinnia as she comforted him. "Because I don't know what I'm going to do if it doesn't." He added.

~~~~~

Torolf's venture to clear his head took him beyond the city limits, following the riverbank to the east of town. Traffic was light out there, giving him the quiet place he needed to collect himself as he sat down beside the river, dipping his massive hand into the water and letting the cool liquid flow around it as he stared into his reflection absently.

"It feels like we've been at this for months already, when it's only been days -weeks at most," he muttered to himself, shutting his eyes. "I am out of my element here... What was I thinking, organizing this council? I'm not a politician, I'm a fighter, and a team leader."

Yet, in his mind, he knew it had been the proper course of action. Leaving the guilds without leadership, as Team Storm had already found out, lead to an uptake in criminal activity and even led to teams going rogue, believing a system without leadership was the same as a system without rules. No... the guilds had needed him to do this, and no one else had been bold enough to do it. He had no time for regrets now; he'd come this far, and he'd see it through.

He reopened his eyes, looking down at the reflection again, and noticed something odd about it. A silhouette that didn't look... correct, to him. Like there was someone else standing in-

He snapped to attention as the unknown figure suddenly raised its arm, an action he had not taken. He spun around, arms raised, and blocked the incoming fist dropping at him like a sledgehammer. He came face to face with a cat creature, nearly as large as he was and taller than himself on his hind legs. The impact of their fist shook his arm, yet he held firm. Torolf threw open his arms, pushing his attacker back and getting a better look at the feline form standing before him.

They boasted a heavily muscled upper body covered in gray fur and black stripes forming a double-cross shape on its chest and black fur around the shoulders, separating it from the beefy arms covered in red fur. The creature 'wore' a belt seemingly made of fire condensed into shape, and had rather short legs for its size. It had a feline face, with huge, thick red whiskers, a black face and a red stripe running between its eyes, forming a V at its base that arched over the eyes, jade green in colour with yellow sclera.

"What..." Torolf began, recognizing the figure instantly. "You? But how? What are you-"

The huge cat roared loudly before he could continue, silencing him before they charged at Torolf, forcing him to bring up his arms to protect himself from the punches that the powerfully built feline -an Incineroar, to be precise, hurled at him. He tanked its onslaught, and retaliated with a jab to his chest, following up with a left hook that sent the assailant sprawling.

"I don't know how you got here, Prisoner Zero, but you're going back where you belong!" Torolf growled, reaching for his mega stone. "I'll send you back to that prison myself!"

...His stone. It wasn't there. He ran his hand over his midriff, feeling for his belt, but it was gone. He had not left the inn without it - he had been wearing it through the meeting, he knew he had! He looked around hastily, seeing it lying away from him, open and laying flat out on the grass. No, he realized, not open - it had been cut off, a clean slice through the side. He saw the Gallade standing over it, knowing immediately what had transpired.

The Incineroar charged him again, snapping his attention back to the fight as he blocked an incoming punch, retaliating with one of his own only to see another. The two giant Pokemon pummeled each other, the air seeming to shake each time their fists met mid-swing -a clash of titans with such power that they made the earth tremble just by fighting each other. But Torolf was not in his golden years, already tiring quicker than his opponent as their clash dragged on. Eventually, a right hook to his face sent him reeling into the river with a splash.

The Incineroar walked up to the bank, peering in to look for his opponent, before a blue hand exploded from the water, seizing the Incineroar by his leg before yanking him into the water before he could grab the shore with his clawed hands. He was pulled under, and through water-filled eyes, saw Torolf's fist as it collided with his face, sending him spinning through the water along the current. The Incineroar shook his head to clear it, and then Torolf tackled him, taking him down to the riverbed and slamming the Incineroar into the ground.

The Swampert's heavy punches sent ripples through the water and tremors through the earth as he struck the Incineroar over, and over, and over, pounding on him as if he intended to bury the creature beneath the ground by using his fists as the spade. But the Incineroar's eyes seemed to haze with fury as he caught Torolf's fist mid swing, bubbles rippling around him as he lifted himself from the riverbed, his belt of fire burning hot and causing the water around him to boil as he fought his way to an upright position despite Torolf's efforts.

He threw his arms around the Swampert, bringing his feet under him, and jumped. The Gallade, standing at the shore, instinctively leapt back as the river seemed to explode in front of him, looking up to find the two mighty combatants in the air, turning over, and spinning. He teleported out of the vicinity just in time as the Incineroar drove Torolf into the ground with such force, the resounding quake was felt in Hadleigh.

The Incineroar released Torolf, and the Swampert fell onto his back, groaning in pain and fighting to stop the spinning in his head as he tried to reorient himself. But as his eyes opened to look up at his opponent, the last thing he saw was the cat creature's arms raised high, before coming down on the stunned Swampert like a smithy's hammer, and then Torolf saw only blackness...

_'A perfect first test,'_thought Sash. Torolf, Captain of Team Warmachine - one of the strongest and most seasoned of all of the captains attending the summit. Even beyond his prime he had proven himself a capable opponent. Yet, even with a dual type advantage, the Swampert had been no match for the mighty Eberon without his Mega Stone. Twenty years in stasis it seemed, had not taken the Incineroar's seemingly unnatural might from him.

"A most impressive display." Sash emarked with a devilish grin. "With their leader down for the count, the others will fall quickly to you might." The Gallade openly complimented Eberon. "If you're finished with your prey, let us turn our attention to the denizens of this repugnant city..."

Eberon let out a low growl, and then, much to the dismay of the Gallade, sank to one knee. He moved to stand beside the Incineroar, and saw him struggling to breath. He did not even seem able to lift his arms, yet despite his body's clear exhaustion he never took his eyes off his defeated foe. Behind that look lay a seething rage that was slowly burning away, and then Sash understood. Eberon had been fueled only by his rage, his body already at its limits against Torolf. Pure unbridled aggression had carried that fight from the start.

Sash scoffed irritably once he understood Eberon's condition, narrowing his eyes as he spoke once more. "It seems you still haven't fully regained your strength..." he said softly, realizing he had been presumptuous in assuming that Eberon had not suffered from his long isolation. His body _was_weakened, muscles atrophied and lungs no longer able to supply oxygen fast enough to keep him strong.

Frustrated, Sash closed his eyes and focused his mental prowess, establishing a telepathic link to his master back in Blackcoast. He remained completely still as he focused, until finally he managed to catch the Alakazam's attention.

<Master. We have a problem.> He said with mild hesitance and disdain. <Eberon has successfully dealt with Torolf, but he is not at full power yet. He is already exhausted after one fight.>

<...That is indeed a concern.> Seji's voice echoed in Sash's head, followed by a hum as he thought of a solution to their dilemma. <Take him somewhere secluded and concoct a supplement to help restore his stamina. No doubt a battle with the mighty Torolf will turn some heads, so do whatever is necessary to mask your presence there..>

There was a pause before Seji continued. <And do keep your impulses in check...you don't want any Guild members on your back before you can follow through with your insatiable bloodlust...> He added scornfully.

<You've grown soft over the years, old man. I seem to recall you reveled in the thrill of the hunt just as I did.> Sash retorted before cutting the link. He then took the Swampertite he had swiped before the battle began, then walked over to Eberon and placed his hand atop his shoulder.

"You better recover soon...for I am not here to be your caretaker." He said scornfully before the two disappeared into thin air via Sash's Teleport.

~~~~~

The tea and conversation at Lady Cinnia's home had done wonders for Luke's mood. He returned to the council hall alongside her in better spirits, retaking his seat as the others made their way to their own. Kage took his usual place beside Luke, both of them observing the councillors as they passed the time with casual conversation between one another -thankfully, no arguments were breaking out off the bat, but Luke doubted that would last for long once the meeting began.

But ten minutes into the wait, he saw Romulus getting out of his chair and move over to Lady Cinnia, speaking lowly to her. She shook her head, gesturing to Luke and whispering back to him. The Houndoom narrowed his eyes, and then he started over to Luke as well. As always, Luke felt apprehensive whenever Romulus wanted to talk to him. He didn't fear the Houndoom, but he knew he did not see eye to eye with Romulus on most of their topics of discussion. Thankfully, this did not seem to be Romulus' intent as he approached.

"I don't suppose either of you might know where Torolf is? He hasn't arrived yet," he asked Luke and Kage.

Luke shook his head in response. "I haven't seen him since we left for our recess." He answered truthfully. "Kage can vouch for that. He was with me and has not seen him since."

"At your behest, I might add..." Kage remarked, earning him a scornful look from Luke.

Cinnia looked between the two, her own concern growing. "Maybe he was held up," she suggested, offering the most likely cause as explanation.

"Possibly... But I don't think Torolf would keep us waiting this long. He's usually pretty punctual." Luke replied, sharing the singer's concern.

"Yes... He is," Romulus agreed, his blazing eyes narrowing. "Whatever the case, we cannot begin this is meeting without him. He's the organizer."

"Luke, do you think you could find him?" Cinnia asked the Lucario.

"I can." Luke replied quickly. "I'll search with my Aura Sense." He added, then exhaled softly as he calmed his mind and tuned to his aura sense, scoping out the immediate area around him and broadening his range at a steady pace, so that he didn't accidentally skim over the Swampert's signal during his search.

What he found sent a chill up his spine. He did indeed locate the Swampert's aura signal, but something was wrong. When he last scanned Torolf's aura, his energy was vast - a testament to his incredible might... but now, it was weak, a mere candle to the inferno he knew it to be.

"I found him!" He would announce quickly, his eyes shooting open in alarm as he glanced at the rest of the council. "His energy is very weak though, almost as if... as if he's dying!"

At the word 'dying', suddenly all eyes in the room fell upon Luke, with mixed expressions of curiosity at who he meant, to alarmed - most especially Romulus and Cinnia.

"The meeting is on hold!" Romulus announced. "One of our own is in danger!" He turned back on Luke again. "Can you lead us to him?"

Without a second thought, he quickly stood up from his chair and ran around the table to the doors. "This way!" He shouted before slamming the doors open, gesturing with his paw for the others to follow before he bolted out himself.

Easily faster than most of the captains, Luke was the first to find Torolf, lying on the riverbank outside of the town's eastern gate. A few people were gathered around him - fishermen by the looks of the fishing rods held in their hands, having spotted the unconscious Torolf while making their catch. They backed off as Luke came running over, skidding to a stop right next to the large Swampert and gasping in utter shock as he saw Torolf's condition for himself.

His shock lasted only seconds, shaking it off and kneeling beside the Swampert. He checked Torolf's vitals. As he did, Kage shouted for one of the fishermen to find medical assistance - one of them replied that another of their own had already run ahead to the hospital. Luke looked up as he saw a shadow beside him - Cedaris. The Sawsbuck dropped to his belly beside Torolf and, as Luke had, checked him, put an ear to the Swampert's chest as the others circled and watched.

"He's breathing, but barely," he informed, pulling back his head and looking at the ground. "The ground around him... looks like an impact crater, as if he fell out of the sky." He leaned closer. "But these bruises, they cannot be from impact. He was in a battle. A _fierce_one."

"Fierce? This is Torolf!" Valorin exclaimed from his perch on a lamp post, his wings spread for emphasis. "Who in creation could do this to him?!"

"We'll worry about that later! Right now we need to stabilize him!" Luke interjected, then curse silently to himself. "_Really_wish I knew Heal Pulse right now..."

"Move." Kage commanded, practically shoving Luke aside as he reached into his belt and pulled out some berries from a pound. Carefully, he lifted Torolf's head, placing the rejuvenating berries into his mouth and closing it, waiting for Torolf's senses to detect the berries.

But there was no response from him. Romulus, seeing what Kage was trying to do, turned to look behind him. He motioned for Eddresdi to sept forward, and explained what he needed him to. The Feraligator stepped forward, and took Torolf from Kage to sit him up a little higher. Propping Torolf against his leg, he put both of his large claws on Torolf's face, working his jaw to grind the berries in his mouth with his teeth before turning his head and plugging his nostrils, which caused Torolf to reflexively swallow the berries.

The Swampert's breathing soon strengthened as the healing effects of the berries kicked in, and only then did the Feraligatr set Torolf back down. Meilin moved to join the Feraligatr captain and began examining Torolf's damaged body carefully.

"Two broken ribs... one cracked... collapsed lung," she moved her paw to his face, over his mouth and then up to his head. "No fractures, but the trauma to his head is grave. He's comatose, but he may yet live." She looked at Eddresdi. "We must get him aboard Lady Cinnia's cart - we cannot wait for the medical crews to come for him. Sorana, I need your help."

The Jynx stepped forward at the call of her name. She held out her hands, wrapping Torolf in a Psychic hold and lifted him off the ground. She let Meilin guide the floating body over to the cart where Lady Cinnia was waiting, pulling herself aside to make room as they slowly and gently placed Torolf into the cart, where she promptly moved to his side and ordered the Tauros to head to the hospital hastily. Cedaris and Valorin travelled alongside the cart as it turned about and headed back into the city at a brisk pace, the two ordering people aside to make room and expedite their journey.

Romulus stared after the cart with an unreadable expression. Luke could not tell whether it was shock, genuine concern, horror or a mix of the three. None were emotions the Lucario ever imagined he would see on Romulus' face, not since their encounter with Mewtwo, and that had been the only time he had ever seen beyond the Houndoom's usual mask of power and ruthlessness. But there was one emotion he and Kage could both see clearly in his eyes. Recognition...

Meilin seemed to catch this as well, casting a sidelong glance at Romulus. "I sense your thoughts, Captain Romulus, even though I do not hear them," she said. "You know who did this, don't you?"

Luke's heart felt like it had skipped a beat as the realization dawned on him. "...He's here, isn't he?" He would ask quietly.

"Of all the Pokemon I have ever encountered, there are few I could name that could be a match for Torolf in physical combat, even aged as he is," answered Romulus. "There's no mistaking it - Prisoner Zero, Eberon the Black Titan, is here."

"Impossible!" Mustaf protested. "How could he have escaped the prison, let alone travel so far? It must have been someone else!" He turned immediately on the fishermen. "You there! Did you see who did this - who attacked Torolf? Answer!"

They backed away from the Pyroar in fear at his aggressiveness, nearly stumbling into the river as the went, until Luke stepped in and stood between the fishermen and Mustaf.

"That's enough! Scaring then half to death won't get us the answers we need. Calm down and let me handle this." He firmly scolded the Pyroar.

Mustaf growled, and opened his mouth as if to berate the Lucario, but a snarl from Eddresdi immediately silenced any retort the Pyroar might have had. The fishermen calmed as Mustaf backed away, leaving Luke to speak to them. A Quagsire and a Diggersby the two were, the latter whom answered Mustaf's earlier question, but offered it to the Lucario instead.

"We din't see the fight or nothin'. We was up the river, makin' our catch, spotted 'im as we came back this way," the rabbit Pokemon explained.

"I thought I saw someone standing over him as we approached," the Quagsire added. "But we were too far away for me to see much, and they vanished in this flash of blue light before we got close enough to identify them."

"A teleportation," Meilin stated. "So our assailant was a Psychic-type?"

"If it was Eberon, it couldn't be," replied Romulus. "Eberon is an Incineroar - a Fire and Dark-type like myself."

"So there was someone with him," Sorana added.

Immediately, an image flashed across Luke and Kage's mind, of a Gallade in a cloak stained by the blood of countless past victims, bearing a bloodthirsty glare that took pleasure in the deaths of others. "It was Sash!" He suddenly blurted out, earning the attention of the others around him. "It had to be! He's the only one of Calhoun's members that fits the bill. I've seen his abilites firsthand and I can say for certain Teleport is part of his repertoire."

"Sash... the Gallade?" Romulus asked for confirmation.

"The very same." Luke confirmed. "Volcan and I fought him once in Azure, and again during the siege of their fortress. He's a dangerous foe with an insatiable thirst for blood."

"He likes to teleport and strike his opponent from behind," Kage added.

Luke's mind flashed briefly to his beloved Volcan, remembering the scar on his back. Luke had met Volcan only days after the Blaziken had received that scar, and even Mikhail had said it was a miracle that Volcan's spine had not been hit by the slash. With one cut, Sash had permanently left his mark on Volcan, haunting his dreams for many nights to come...

"This is all happening so fast!" Sorana wailed, hands grabbing the sides of her head. "What do we do?" She asked, calmer.

Romulus huffed, and glanced at Luke as he spoke again. "It is not enough that our mole has not yet been found, now we must fear Eberon and that murderous Gallade... Even I am not sure where to begin."

"I hate to say it, but there isn't much we can do at the moment. With Sash aiding Eberon, he can make strikes when we least expect it, then be gone before we respond. He could be miles away at this point..." Luke whispered back.

"Or, hiding under our very noses," Romulus added, and then spoke up as he continued. "I must find my team. We must prepare for Eberon's inevitable emergence."

"Can you even prepare for a being of such might?" Sorana asked, doubtfully.

"If you have an alternative suggestion, Miss Sorana, I would hear it," Romulus returned as he walked past her. "If you do not, then I advise you return to the hall. We must all prepare."

Eddressdi and Keirrot, the Goodra having not said a word throughout the ordeal and looking quite afraid at what was to come, followed after Romulus as the Houndoom departed. Shortly after, Sorana hurried after him, her hair tossling in the breeze as she strode, leaving only Kage and Meilin with Luke outside the city walls as the fishermen also went to return to their business.

"I fear the fault of this calamity lies with me," said Meilin, suddenly.

Luke and Kage looked at her quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"Mere days after I purged the shadow essence from your friend, Jora," Meilin explained, "Calhoun sends a murderer and a destroyer to Hadleigh. Torolf is attacked, nearly killed. This does not seem like a coincidence to me."

"But how could Calhoun find out so quickly?" Luke asked. "Unless.. Unless he's here! Could he be in Hadleigh?"

"Consider that for a moment, Luke," said Kage, chiding. "You have searched this city with your Aura Sense several times, such as when we fought the assassins. Do you doubt your abilities so much that you think you would not notice Calhoun's corrupted essence?"

Luke grimaced. "You're right... There's no way I wouldn't have noticed that. It would stand out so easily, even with the thousands of people here."

At that, Luke remembered Jora mentioning that she had already been in Hadleigh when Torolf had announced the summit, and wondered... could she have been the mole Romulus had him looking for, without even knowing it? He wondered if the assassins, led by the Zoroark, Vlad, might have been after her from the beginning, but when the summit was announced, they were reassigned to begin targeting the council members instead.

There was only one way for him to be certain. So far, he and Kage had been unsuccessful in getting Vlad's henchmen to talk, and though it's unlikely they would know Jora to have been the mole, he could know for sure if he could just make one of them speak. Maybe trying to make them spill their secrets through negotiation or, in Kage's case, intimidation hadn't been enough.

"There's something we need to do," Luke told Meilin. "I will see you later, Miss Meilin."

"Take care, Luke," Meilin returned, bowing respectfully to Luke as he excused himself.

~~~~~

"You think Calhoun may have found out about the summit... because I was there when it was announced?" Jora concluded as she walked with Luke and Kage toward the jailhouse, after hearing Luke's explanation in detail. "That the assassins may have actually been after me?"

"It's the only plausible answer I can think of, as I've still yet to find any leads about a mole in the council," Luke answered, keeping his voice low. "Everyone has cause to be involved in action against the crisis - I can't think of a single one of the captains who would betray the guilds. After we found Torolf had been attacked, Meilin thought it might have been because Calhoun sensed her purging the dormant shadow essence from you. He's so bound to it now he felt her snuff it out, and send Eberon here to continue his work."

"But, you want to be sure, and the only ones who can confirm it are the assassins themselves," Jora concluded.

"If we can even get them to talk," Luke remarked. "Not even Kage's intimidation tactics have worked." He added, making Kage scoff in irritation.

"Then it may be well you are bringing me along," she replied with a wry smirk.

"I sought you out more out of concern for your safety." Luke answered, leaning in close to her. "We have reason to believe Sash is closeby, and he's brought someone truly terrifying with him. There's no doubt in my mind if he knows you're here, he _will_seek you out for betraying Calhoun."

She hesitated at that, well aware of Sash and his ruthlessness, but she continued on. "Even so... as long as I am here, I may as well make myself useful," she replied. "I may be able to make one of the mercenaries tell us what we wish to know. Where reason and intimidation have failed, another way yet remains."

"...You mean your pheromones?" Luke asked, lowering his gaze to avoid hers. "Well... I suppose it is worth a try. Nothing else has worked up till this point."

"It is not something I take any pleasure in doing," Jora assured him. "But, I will do what must be done." The way she said it sounded almost resigned...

With her decision made, They proceeded to the cells in the jailhouse, where the three assassins were engaged, each doing different things in an effort to pass the time -the Zangoose, seated on the floor scratched shapes into the stone in front of him, the Pangoro was stretched out over the bunk, tapping his feet as he stared at the ceiling The Barbaracle did not share their cell, having to be put into a water-filled encapsulation that sat in the next cell over, where he swam about annoyedly at the confined space.

At the cell door, Jora looked between the two land-dwellers, taking only a moment before she pointed to the Zangoose. "Him. Have a guard bring him out," she suggested.

"You're certain?" Kage asked, his skepticism obvious in his tone. "That one was the easiest to intimidate, and even he was adamant he knew nothing..."

"Let's put our faith in Jora right now," Luke said. If she's certain she can get him to talk, then I trust her to do so. Now go fetch a guard."

Kage narrowed his eyes, but complied nonetheless, turning and walking off to find a guard to unlock the cell the three assassins were residing in. He came back moments later, the guard not looking too pleased with the idea of letting out one of the assassins, but as Luke was a member of the guild council, he did as instructed, unlocking the cell and motioning the Zangoose to come out. The Pangoro sat up, seeing the open cell door, but paused when he saw Luke and Kage watching him, both shooting him a warning look. He stayed where he was while the Zangoose, trepidatiously, stepped out of the cell.

Jora moved to stand before him, looming over him imposingly. On her hind legs, she stood a head taller than him, yet she was close enough that if he had the will to do so, he could have slashed her with his claws. Yet, she showed no fear to him, and Luke saw that fiery aura coming from the pink underside of her tail, as though it were ablaze in fire that matched its colour.

"You seem rather tense, little one," she said alluringly to the Zangoose, turning and lowering herself to all fours as she started to circle him, slowly. "You need not be afraid."

"I-I'm not scared," the Zangoose returned. "I'm... I'm just cold. And angry - yeah! Got ditched by my own boss. I'm ticked off."

"It doesn't sound like you owe your employer any loyalty, with him having abandoned you so," Jora went on, coming around the Zangoose's left, with most of her elongated body still behind him as she moved in closer. "What if you could pay him back for how he deserted you?"

"H-How?" The Zangoose asked, his face flushing as he breathed in the small amount, yet still potent pheromones that emanated from the Salazzle, fogging his mind. "What's in it for... well... what do you have in mind?" His eyes rolled, as if he were intoxicated and barely awake.

Kage and Luke had to step back to avoid the pheromones - even though Jora had only used a little, they were still permeating. The guard had not stepped back, and they could see him eyeing the Salazzle longingly as well, and the Pangoro seemed to be feeling the effects too as his expression shifted from disgusted to envious.

"We're still looking for him," Jora went on. "We're well on his trail. But we still don't know who he works for. We believe your employer may be sheltering him." It was a bluff, and not one she really tried to hide, but the Zangoose was so lost in her intoxicating pheromones that he could not see beyond his growing desires.

"I-I never... saw the guy," the Zangoose replied, tensing as Jora's tail brushed over his chest, working its way up to touch his cheek. "Only... saw part of him, when Vlad brought him in for a meeting."

"Can you describe him?" She pressed, moving to stand before him, tantalizingly close.

"...He had... a long tail," he replied, leaning in closer to Jora. "And... red-clawed... feet... That's all I remember. I only saw through the crack of a door." His lips parted, desperate for the kiss that was so readily available to him.

"And your target... who was it?"

"...The... Council," replied the Zangoose in almost a whisper. "We were sent here... to pick off the members of the council. That was our job... We got here just before the summit was announced."

"Then what were you doing in the house of Captain Neilla?" Luke asked. "She is not of the council."

The Zangoose ignored Luke entirely, his half-lidded gaze fixed solely upon Jora. Hearing Luke's question though, Jora repeated it, and the Zangoose compliantly answered. "Boss... Vlad... thought she might get in our way. He told me to take her out, quietly... I messed up though."

"And were you ever given orders to kill me?" Jora asked, remembering that it was possible the assassins had been after her from the beginning...

"Never in a million years. Boss didn't even mention you," the Zangoose replied, going in for the kiss this time, his lips meeting Jora's longingly.

She allowed the Zangoose the kiss briefly, before pulling gently away from him and smiling. "Thank you. That is all we needed to know. Now, go rest, won't you? You look so tired."

"Y-Yeah... suppose I am. Don't suppose you might... join me?" He asked, his eyes crossed and ears hanging low.

"Perhaps later," she returned, before she motioned for the guard. "Open the cell, please," she bade.

The guard snapped out of his intoxicated state, and after clearing his throat he dashed over to unlock the cell, pulling it open quickly as Jora ushered the Zangoose to go back in, and then slamming it shut as the Pangoro started coming over, though he didn't pause, even trying to reach through the bars toward her.

"A lovely little thing like you... I could show you a good time..."

An audible _thwack_filled the corridor as Luke's bone rush struck his paw, causing the Pangoro to snap out of his own lovesick state and reel back in pain, clenching his paw painfully and glaring at Luke. "Little blue bitch!" He growled at the Lucario before storming back over to his bunk, still grumbling while the Zangoose sat on the floor again, lost in whatever fantasy his pheromone-fueled mind was conjuring.

"We're finished here," Jora concluded.

The three of them, started on their way out of the jailhouse while the guard returned to his shift. Luke caught him sneaking a glance at Jora on their way out, still drawn to her by the spell of her pheromones. It shocked him, truly, that even with such mild exposure, that anyone could be so easily put under by Salazzle's captivating power.

Kage spoke up when they were halfway out. "Unfortunately, this new information debunks your theory, Luke. The assassins were never after Jora at all."

"Therefore, Romulus' belief that there's a mole on the council is true," said Luke, sighing. "Especially after what that Zangoose said just now. They were already after the council before the summit was even announced."

"Thus, we are back to square one," Kage added, scowling.

"We have a description now, at least," Luke offered. "We at least have an idea who their client was, and I still bet it is the mole as well."

"A long tail... red clawed feet," Kage repeated. "That is very little to go on, but it is a start."

Luke turned to Jora as they stepped outside, reaching out to rest his paw on her back. "Thank you for all your help, Jora. I appreciate it."

She nodded. "I was glad to-"

But she paused, noticing a sudden shadow falling over them, immediately noticed by Luke and Kage as all three turned their gaze toward the sun, to see a dark silhouette spinning in the sun's rays, casting the shadow... and growing steadily larger.

Reacting on instinct, Luke grabbed Jora and threw both of them out of the way of the incoming projectile. Kage disappeared into his shadow via Shadow Sneak, sinking below the trajectory. The large object hit the ground with a thunderous crash, rolling into the doors of the jailhouse and breaking them from their hinges as it stopped where the trio had been only seconds before.

Luke nearly jumped out of his fur as something rolled over to him to lay at his feet, and he saw what at first looked like the head of Torolf staring up at him. But upon taking a second look, he realized the head was made of marble. It was the statue, from the park at the bottom of the hill, where the sculptures of famous figures were neatly displayed for all to see. But that area was nearly half a kilometer downhill from their current position... something had _thrown_this statue all the way up there.

It was then he noticed the screams. He looked around, and he saw townsfolk running up the street off to the left of the jailhouse, fleeing from whatever terror lay behind them at the bottom of the hill. A passing Smeargle noticed Luke, and pointed frantically back down the hill, screaming "monster!" repeatedly as he kept running, nearly tripping as he ran.

Confused, and alarmed, Luke left Jora and rose to his feet, running over to the edge of the street to a handrail. He looked down to the lower part of the city, and it was there he could see what could only be described as some sort of battle, but he couldn't make out who the combatants were. Nevertheless, he knew whatever it was, it couldn't be good news.

"Kage, take Jora and get her someplace safe!" He commanded the Greninja, then sped off toward the battleground before either he or Jora could make a reply.

Moving and dodging the crowds of fleeing Pokemon, he reached the bottom of the hill, and found the cause of the commotion quickly, being one of the few left in the area.

The giant felinoid, standing taller than even Volcan and built like a Machamp, smashed one of the marble statues with the ease of glass, as he attacked the Absol who maneuvered around it for cover. Azrael narrowly avoided the falling debris as the statue crumbled under the force of the blow. A Flygon soared down to attack the feline from behind, clawing at his back several times and veering away as the giant tiger-like Pokemon swung his arm out. Sarth didn't manage to get far enough away before the titan seized his tail, jerking him back and slamming him brutally on the payment. Sarth screamed in agony as he hit the ground, and his cries grew louder as he was swung around repeatedly, stopping as he hit one of the statues with a dull _crack_that Luke dearly hoped was the stone and not Sarth, before the Flygon was thrown nonchalantly to the ground, unmoving.

Screaming angrily, Neilla leapt at Eberon and delivered a powerful kick to his jaw, sending him reeling. Powered by the rage of what had happened to her friend, she struck Eberon again and again, delivering multiple hard kicks in a flurry that would have toppled any other opponent but barely staggered the giant. He retaliated by landing a solid uppercut straight to her chest. She heaved, and flew through the air, landing dully almost ten feet away.

Luke saw her go limp very suddenly, her legs twitching. Instinct told him something was wrong, and he ran over to her immediately, dropping to her side. She was clutching her chest, her eyes rolled back in her head as her mouth hung open, but she wasn't taking in a breath.

"Hang on Neilla!" Luke exclaimed, trying to remember a bit of first aid his brother Mikhail instilled upon him during his apprenticeship, of using ones aura to defibrillate a person's heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Mikhail had shown him how to do it many times, though this was his own first time doing it with a living Pokemon... But Neilla had only seconds before the damage was permanent.

_'Please work,'_he silently prayed.

Luke sent a pulse of aura through her, She jerked, a choke escaping her mouth before she took in a deep, ragged breath, rolling onto her side and entering a fit of hoarse coughing, clutching her chest. Luke gently picked her up, letting her sit up and supporting her in his arms as she caught her breath.

"He's... so... powerful..." Neilla managed to say, defying her body's burning agony. "We... couldn't... stop him..."

Luke looked back over to Eberon, watching as the Incineroar battled Azrael. Luke had seen Azrael fight before, and knew the Absol was strong, butnone of his attacks seemed to have any effect on Eberon at all. The fight wouldn't last, Luke knew that, and stood up from Neilla and moved aside as he prepared an Aura Sphere, hurling it at Eberon's back. The sphere burst as it hit the Incineroar, who only slightly flinched upon impact. The giant cat turned to glare at his assailant, his green eyes fixing upon the Lucario before he turned and charged at him, the ground shaking as the massive cat approached.

"That's it, come and get me..." Luke muttered, waiting for the right moment.

He sprang as Eberon drew close, and Luke drove a Force Palm into his chest. Eberon stumbled back, and Luke followed his attack with Close Combat, unleashing an onslaught of heavy fisted strikes on the Incineroar. The tiger-like Pokemon snarled with pain at every hit, but at the end of it, he smacked Luke hard with his paw, sending him careening through the air. He managed to collect himself and land on his feet, feeling his bones rattled from that single hit.

"That... hurt..." He said through gritted teeth.

Eberon charged him again. Using Extreme Speed, Luke dashed out of the way of his attack, retaliating with an Aura Sphere that struck him square in the face. They traded multiple attacks, with most of the aggression of the battle coming from Eberon. The Incineroar had no technique, no strategy, no goal. He just pursued, destroying everything in his path, and swung at his target the moment they were in reach. Worse yet, although Luke's distance attacks did seem to _hurt_him, the enraged feline was powering through everything as though the pain was only giving him fuel, and every attack he launched - every punch, every swipe of his claws, everything he threw, just kept getting stronger.

This creature was pure embodied rage, and his anger just kept growing...

Luke had to use Extreme Speed to get behind Eberon, hitting him with a Force Palm powered by both paws, stumbling him. He laid his paws on his knees, panting harsh. 'Romulus fought this guy and_lived?!'_He thought in disbelief.

A shadow fell over him, and Luke looked up in horror. Eberon was already attacking again. His back to the sun, he was truly a horrifying sight, his eyes practically glowing as he drew back one massive paw to swipe at Luke. The Lucario had barely time to register the incoming attack, or what happened next as the Mega Lopunny appeared in the path of the attack. He knew the stance she was in before, however, as the Lucario had been on the receiving end of Neilla's near-perfect Counter-stance before.

Her left paw caught Eberon's blow, and through her right paw she sent back all of the power of his own strike straight back. Her paw blurred as it struck his chest, and Luke felt his ears ringing from the sheer sound of the impact as Neilla turned Eberon's own power back on him. The Incineroar went flying backward, roaring in surprise before tumbling across the ground.

Neilla turned to look at Luke. "Not even you can take this guy alone, Luke," she said. "I don't know how much help I can be, but I'm with you."

"Well with that counter, you pretty much saved me from a death blow, so there's that at least." Luke returned, looking back to where Eberon was sent flying. "If we continue using flanking maneuvers, we might be able to make him use up all his stamina. Even a berserker like him has to have limits."

Neilla nodded, and then turned to Azrael as the Absol came over. He was panting, and though he did not seem to have more than superficial wounds on him it was clear he was at his limit of his stamina. "Azrael, you need to try to help Sarth and the others. We'll lead this big kitty away and get you an opening."

Azrael leered angrily at his captain. "You can't ask me to stand aside, not after what he did to Sarth!" He protested.

"Nothing you have works on him," Neilla told him firmly. "Sarth needs your help now, and so do your wife and brother-in-law." Her look was pleading. "Please, get them away from here while we hold him off."

Azrael clearly wanted to argue, but his lack of words proved he had nothing to refute Neilla's claims. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement, stepping aside to let them work -and not a moment too soon. Eberon was getting back up again, rising slowly on his hands as his breathing, deep and laboured, slowly intensified as he fixed his rage-filled gaze upon Luke and Neilla again. Azrael backed away, but did not take his eyes from Eberon as Neilla told Luke her plan.

"We need to get across the river," said Neilla. "Open ground, no civilians. Just need to draw him there."

"Somehow, I don't think he'll be hesitant to chase us," Luke remarked dryly, cocking an eyebrow at the Lopunny. Then, he shouted, "Go!"

They broke into a run, both of them dashing across the paved street toward Eberon, and banked apart at the last moment as Eberon swiped at them, his claw missing both. Then, he turned and saw them still running, making a beeline for the nearest bridge. He roared, and dropped to all fours before charging after them, his body bursting into flame as he ran after them.

"He has Flame Charge!" Neilla exclaimed, looking over her shoulder.

"Speed it up!" Luke shouted.

One Agility and one Extreme Speed later, they dashed ahead of Eberon, seconds before he would have caught up with them. They raced over the high, arching bridge, and left the city limits before skidding to a stop out on the open grass, all the while Eberon pursued. They had infuriated him now, and become the sole targets of his endless rage.

"Good... nothing for him to throw out here, no people or buildings to become collateral damage. Just us, and the open ground," said Neilla, her feet shuffling uneasily as they watched the red and black monster approach "And a ways from any help... maybe I didn't think this through?" She added, feigning nervousness.

"We'll figure something out." Luke assured her. "Besides, destruction like that is bound to catch the council's attention. If we're lucky, we won't have to hold Eberon off ourselves for very long."

"If we're going to hold him at all," she glanced at his scarf. "I don't think we're going to take this guy down if we hold anything back."

"My thoughts exactly." Luke concurred, tugging aside his scarf and touching the Lucarionite beneath it.

With a brilliant flash and an explosion of crystalline energy, he was now clad in his Mega Evolved form, and immediately after ascending, he brought forth his Red Aura Surge to further amp up his power. Eberon grinned at the sight of the Mega Lucario, as though relishing the idea facing him now. He pounded his fists together before making a dash toward them in another Flame Charge. Luke and Neilla charged in unison, and the battle was back on...

~~~~~

Kage pushed open the doors to the council hall, leading Jora inside hastily before he shut them behind him once more, following her into the main chamber. The council had reconvened, but not all of their members were present in the chamber as the two walked in. Aside from Torolf, incapacitated at the hospital, Lady Cinnia had also not yet returned and Captain Meilin was nowhere to be seen. Yet, heated discussion was clear even before Kage and Jora had walked in, but the scene unfolding before them proved that much more how out of control things were getting.

Mustaf and Cedaris were both standing on the table, facing each other, and both looking ready to begin fighting at any second. Eddresdi was watching the unfolding conflict with distaste, unable to speak out against the two, and his interpreter stood behind him fearful of the wrath of the Pyroar especially. Sorana and Valorin were in heated discussion with Romulus -apparently situated between them and Keirrot who cowered behind the Houndoom; something had caused the two to suddenly gang up on the Goodra, prompting Romulus to come to his defense, though clearly his attention was on the fight about to erupt on the table.

"...This place was supposed to be the safer option?" Jora asked Kage rhetorically.

"The options were here, or someplace far less fortified." Kage replied plainly. "Given the information you've obtained, I cannot allow any harm to befall you."

"I don't think I am the one in danger of coming to harm at this moment," Jora reminded, her attention drawn to Mustaf and Cedaris.

"Your plan is_madness,_Mustaf! You would lock down the whole city and turn the people of Hadleigh into prisoners!" Cedaris shouted.

"If we are to find this Gallade and the Black Titan, there is no better way!" Mustaf countered. "We'll scour the city and force them out!"

"I will not allow such an atrocity on innocent people!" The Sawsbuck retaliated, digging his left forehoof into the table.

Next, their attention shifted to Sorana as her shrill voice split the air. She was in a tirade, directed at the Goodra, Keirrot, who Romulus had put himself in front of, between the Goodra and the Jynx. "If your imbecilic council had warned us of these happenings before, we could have stopped all of this!" Sorana shrieked. "This is all their fault, yet you continue to defend them!"

"Sorana, I warn you, back away!" Romulus snarled at the Jynx, teeth bared.

Kage decided at that moment that it was time to step in, and he took a step forward to do just that, but stopped in his tracks as Eddresdi suddenly shot to his feet. The room became filled with a deafening roar from the Feraligatr, who raised his fists high over his head before bringing them down on the table, hard. At most, Kage expected it to shake, or given the Feraligatr's size, maybe break in two.

The legs of the table disintegrated into woodchips as Eddresdi's fists struck it, and the two halves of the table shot up. Mustaf and Cedaris were catapulted into into the air to collide with each other before both fell to the center break mere inches in front of the furious Feraligatr. Then, as though time itself had paused, the room fell silent, all eyes on the Feraligatr as he raised his head and glared at each of them individually.

"_Incompetents..."_He growled, his voice was deep, rumbling with such depth it seemed to come from deep below ground. It was difficult to even understand what he said, but he had said it slowly and made it that much easier to understand. He then lifted a claw to rub the scars on his throat, grimacing in pain.

"Sir, you must not talk yet!" Musharoo protested, moving to stand beside his captain. "Your throat has still not healed!"

"But he is right," Romulus spoke up.

The Houndoom's head was hung in shame, his brow furrowed with anger. Soon, he lifted his head again, the scowl never leaving his features. "Why are we all arguing like this? Torolf is not removed from our midst for two hours and we've already reverted back to petty squabbling!" He shook his head. "It is a small wonder Meilin walked out when she did. We should _all_be ashamed." He hadn't exempted himself from that proclamation either. "We'll never locate Eberon if we can't stop fighting each other!"

Kage took the silence to follow as his moment to speak up. He stepped forward and leapt onto the shattered table, looking square at Romulus. "I know where he is... Luke is currently engaging him as we speak elsewhere in the city." He said firmly and with authority.

Romulus jerked, the scowl turning immediately to alarm. "Luke... engaged Eberon,_alone?!"_He demanded. "Has he lost his mind? Eberon will kill him!"

"And yet here you all stand, safe in your little sanctuary, reverting back to primal beasts, while the Black Titan wreaks havoc on the innocent lives you all swore to protect." Kage retorted aggressively, shooting a leer back at the Houndoom. "I side with the Feraligatr... you're all incompetent idiots. If you _truly_were the most elite of the elite, you would have followed my captain's example and charged into battle the second Eberon attacked."

He scoffed as his gaze once again shifted to each council member. "As it stands, I see not the best the world has to offer, but a pack of snivelling cowards putting their own lives before anything else...you don't deserve your ranks as far as I'm concerned..." he concluded, his gaze shifting to look over at Mustaf specifically after he finished speaking.

The Pyroar elicited a low growl in response to Kage's stare, but it was drowned out by Romulus' voice.

"We have talked long enough," he stated. "Eberon is loose... and the youngest among us has taken it upon himself to face him while we sit here, but no more!" He looked up. "Eddresdi, Cedaris, Keirrot - all of you are with me. We are moving out. Mustaf, Sorana, Valorin, you will proceed to the hospital and watch over Torolf and Lady Cinnia there."

Mustaf scoffed and rounded on the Houndoom. "And who put you in charge, Rom-"

The Houndoom was on him in an instant, head-butting the Pyroar with his ram-like horns and sending him reeling onto his back. Then, Romulus was on top of him, the Pyroar pinned down and looking up at the Houndoom's snarling features.

"I_did," he growled. "Because no one presently in this room knows more about Eberon or the Dark Crusade than _I_do. You are to protect Torolf, because you, Sorana and Valorin will be useless against the Black Titan and that is _all." He stepped off of him. "Musharoo," he turned to the interpreter. "I fear you would be of no help against Eberon either. Will you join the others?"

The Breloom considered the question for a moment. "Well... if it makes any difference, I could stay here with Master Kage and Lady Jora," he offered. "To help watch over them - the Gallade is still out there as well."

"Do you think your skills sufficient to challenge him?" Romulus asked.

"I would try even if I did not," he answered confidently with a nod.

Romulus nodded. "Very well. We will return soon. Now, to mission, Captains - we go to battle!"