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Eberon's claws danced ever closer to Luke's chest as the Mega Lucario and the berserk Incineroar traded blows, well-placed Force Palms warding off the latter's forceful blows and sparing Luke certain critical injury from Eberon. When her opportunity came, Neilla would put herself into the path of Eberon's attacks to strike back at him with a counter, and in an impressive coordinated attack even landed a Hi Jump Kick upon Eberon after Luke momentarily stunned him with a Focus Blast.

Yet the gigantic cat kept coming, growing madder and more violent with each passing moment. While they were fighting to catch their second wind, he did not even seem to stop to breath; his Flame Charges had made him fast enough to keep up with them. It was only a matter of time before a decisive blow would land, and that blow soon found Neilla with a fist coated in an orange glow. He struck the Lopunny down, sending her into blackness and leaving Luke to stand alone against the mad titan.

"Sorry Luke..." Neilla whispered as she lost consciousness, her body devolving to that of a regular Lopunny as she hit the ground.

"Neilla!" Luke called, and then rounded on Eberon again, shocked by the sight that awaited him.

The punch had visibly healed what wounds Eberon had suffered in their battle, leading Luke to suspect it had been a Drain Punch, stealing what remained of Neilla's stamina for himself.

"Oh you're kidding me!" Luke exclaimed.

As Eberon rushed at him again, Luke dashed aside, using Extreme Speed to outpace the Incineroar. He dashed to Neilla's side, scooping her up and dashing away again in case Eberon decided to attack while she was down. He made it back to the edge of town and gently laid Neilla against the wall of the first building he'd reached. He looked at her unconscious face, making sure she was still breathing before he rose back to his feet.

His own angry had reached a boiling point. His paws clenched and his shoulders shook, and then he rounded on Eberon again. "Now I'm mad..." he growled, and then raised his voice and declared, "I'm taking you down, you monstrous bastard!!"

A small, sonic boom sounded as Luke dashed at Eberon. Extreme Speed carried him the distance in an instant, and he delivered the strongest Force Palm he could muster. Eberon skidded backward, holding his chest where Luke had hit him. The onslaught did not stop there, as Luke attacked again and again, summoning his Bone Rush and wielding it like a staff, bludgeoning the Incineroar repeatedly. He hit Eberon with everything he had. Force Palm, Close Combat, even Dragon Pulse and Aura Sphere. An onslaught that would have toppled any other opponent.

But not the Black Titan. Eberon, after enduring the attacks, growled with deeper fury than ever. He threw out his arms and an explosion seemed to erupt around him, like all of the pain he had endured had erupted into a single explosive burst. Luke recoiled from the wave of heat, but gawked when he saw Eberon had disappeared. Luke saw a form falling on him from above, and tried to move, but the bulk of the Incineroar crashed upon him like a falling pillar, followed by a searing heat that sent agony rippling through his body.

Luke couldn't move, even as Eberon climbed off him. Then, he screamed as the Incineroar stomped on him, and again when the act was repeated. On the third, Eberon didn't lift his foot, pressing harder into Luke's back and slowly crushing him into the ground. Eberon's snarl widened into a grin, as though delighted to watch the life slowly ebbing out of the Lucario below him...

The sound of hoofbeats filled the air. Eberon scowled and lifted his head, only to roar in pain as a four-legged drop kick slammed into this face. A fang was sent flying from his mouth as he fell back, freeing Luke from his crushing power. The four delicate hooves touched down around him, and Luke looked up at the Sawsbuck standing over him. Even through the bleariness in his eyes, Luke recognized Captain Cedaris, though he didn't stay long as he dashed off Luke, and pranced evasively as he drew closer to the river's edge, as though baiting Eberon...

The river erupted in a fountain of water as Eddresdi burst forth, throwing himself at Eberon, mouth wide open. Eberon lifted his arm instinctively, and mighty jaws clamped around the limb, and Eddresdi wrestled with the Incineroar, the two massive figures stumbling and thrashing about. Eberon slammed his other hand against the Feraligatr's head repeatedly, trying to force him to let go. Last to attack was Keirrot, throwing his head to sling his two flexible horns toward the Black Titan, the two gooey appendages stretching before snapping around Eberon's free arm like a whip and pulling tight.

Luke started to sit up, coughing hoarsely as he fought to catch his breath. He felt something loop under his left shoulder and hoist him up. "On your feet, boy," a familiar voice spoke to him, seeing Romulus' head under his arm as the Houndoom helped him up. "This fight is far from finished."

With Romulus' aid, Luke was back on his feet, still coughing a bit as he struggled to fill his lungs with air again. Despite his condition, he managed a small smile as he looked back at the Houndoom at his side. "Y-You... Certainly took your time." He pointed out. "What kept you?"

Romulus huffed. "You were a fool to engage Eberon without telling us," he scolded. "But, I commend how long you held out until we arrived, something even I could not do at your age." He stood tall, facing Eberon. "I have a plan to defeat him... I've spent years working on it, but I know how to stop him, if you are willing to follow my direction."

Luke sucked in one last breath, finally catching his second wind before he responded. "Well, everything I've tried has gone up in smoke, so at this point I'll take what I can get... I'll follow your lead." He answered.

"Look at the garb that he wears," Romulus pointed at the struggling Eberon with his paw, to the old, worn vest on Eberon's body, open at the front. "That is no mere article of clothing - it is the battle gear his handlers gave him when he was still a gladiator, meant to prolong the fights by weakening the impact of energy projectiles. It's old, but its power still seems to be working."

"Wish I had known about that when I first heard about him." Luke remarked.

"I did not believe he still had it," admitted Romulus. "Now... wait for your opening - do not move too soon. When you have it, use your Metal Claw to slice off that vest." He stepped forward, moving ahead of Luke as Eberon finally managed to throw off Keirrot and went to prying Eddresdi's jaws off his arm. "Black Titan!" He roared.

Eberon looked ahead at him, the teeth in his arm momentarily forgotten as he looked at Romulus. The wild look left his eyes as he focused on the Houndom, contorting to a look of recognition as he focused on Romulus.

"Do you remember me, you_freak_?" Romulus growled at him, raising his head as he lifted his paw to touch the mega stone worn on his own gladiatorial harness on his chest. The stone shone brightly as Romulus threw back his head and howled to the heaven's as the crystalline sphere engulfed him, carrying him beyond evolution to his highest power.

Romulus sprang forth as the Crystalline sphere vanished, revealing his more diabolical Mega Evolved form. He charged Eberon, head lowered as if to skewer him on his new, upright horns. Eberon caught the oncoming attack with his free arm, easily throwing Romulus aside, the Houndoom flipped to land on is feet, but Eberon had bought the second he needed to turn his attention to Eddresdi, still grappling him and biting his arm. With a heave, the Incineroar managed to pull the Feraligatr off his feet, swinging and hurling him off his bleeding arm to nearly land on Keirrot.

Then, Eberon shifted his posture, a dark shroud forming around him as he stood as though he were about to go into a spin. Romulus jerked in recognition, and shouted, "Scatter! Here he comes!"

Eberon swung out his arms into a full spin, whirling toward Keirrot and Eddresdi like a red and black tornado with his arms held out wide. Luke had been behind him when he started, but missed his chance to get at the vest as Eberon spun away from him. Keirrot, reacting purely on instinct, pushed Eddresdi out of the path of the attack, only to take it head on, receiving multiple strikes to his sides and head before the last swing sent him tumbling over the ground.

Yet... Luke noticed he seemed to have a clear, if pained, smile of satisfaction on his face even as that single hit took him down. It took him only seconds to see why.

Eberon was now struggling with a viscous substance clinging to his fur, causing him to stumble about as he tried to wipe it off. Attacking the Goodra had splattered him with the gooey dragon's sticky slime, gumming his limbs and hindering his movements. Keirrot, the timid and gentle survivor of the Westport guild, had taken the hit on purpose to slow Eberon down.

"Luke, go now!" Romulus called.

Needing no further encouragement, Luke sprang into action. He readied his Metal Claw and made a beeline toward Eberon with Extreme Speed. The second he was in range he struck, pulling his claws along until he severed the harness completely in half. Two halves of shredded fabric fell from Eberon's body, and in his struggle with the slime he threw them aside as well, completely oblivious to the danger he was in.

When Luke rejoined the Captains, Romulus spoke. "Now, hit him with everything we have!" He called, already charging a Solarbeam to unleash.

Cedaris lifted his head, a green sphere similar to that of Romulus' forming between his antlers. Eddresdi dropped to all fours, clenching his jaw as his throat bulged noticeably. Luke, for his paw, cupped his paws beside him, conjuring a Focus Blast between them. Romulus fired first, and the others followed him. Two Solarbeams, one Focus Blast, and one Hydro Cannon. Hindered by the slime left by Keirrot, Eberon had no chance to get out of the way...

The attacks came. The two Solarbeams struck first, then the Hydro Cannon and then the Focus Blast, bringing about an explosion that drowned out the Incineroar's screams of pain, and left a trail of destruction stretching over the grasslands.

The four captains subsided their attacks, fighting to catch their breath as they saw the trail of destruction left by their joint attack. Not even Luke had expected such a scar to be left in the earth, yet there it was -blackened grass and soil before him. Keirrot had mercifully been away from the blast when they had attacked, but he still lay unconscious near where Eberon had been before, though the cat was nowhere to be seen now.

"Eddresdi... Cedaris, tend to Keirrot," Romulus instructed. "Luke, with me. Let's find Eberon."

Luke nodded softly. "Yea...on it." He said after he caught his breath, then before he could take one step he froze, and his body suddenly shone for a few moments. When the light faded, he was back in his regular self, making him look at his paws for a moment before rolling his eyes slightly. "Guess I used all I had left for that last attack." He groaned.

"I put everything I had into that Solarbeam as well," Romulus agreed, and Luke noticed that he had devolved as well. "But it was necessary... anything less, and this battle would not be over." He said before he continued onward.

Luke fell into pace with the Houndoom, dreading the moment the adrenaline of this fight abated. He knew some exhaustion was coming his way...

They soon located Eberon. The blast had pushed him nearly a hundred feet away, half-buried in the ground. He lay spread-eagled over what remained of the grass, a massive bruise and first degree burns spread across his torso. His eyes were rolled back in his head, mouth hanging open and his breathing was laboured.

Romulus scowled. "Still alive..." He said, not sounding pleased with the revelation.

"At least he's been incapacitated." Luke remarked. "Let's get something to restrain him with, then put him behind bars until we can relocate him back to the prison."

"I have some siphon chains in my hotel room," replied Romulus. "He should be comatose so hopefully there is no danger of him waking up before we retrieve them."

"One of us should stay and watch over him, just in case he does wake up." Luke suggested. "We can't be too careful."

"Agreed. Eddresdi and Cedaris should be able to," the Houndoom nodded, turning and letting out a low howl to call to the other two. He turned to Luke again. "While I have you here, have you learned anymore about... what we discussed before?"

Luke looked over to the Houndoom, then took a moment to recount his time at the jailhouse. "Not much, unfortunately. Only a vague description of who it might be from one of the assassins." Luke returned.

"What did they say?" He asked curiously.

"He said something along the lines of a long tail...and red clawed feet." Luke answered. "Sadly with a description like that, I can't exactly pinpoint which species of Pokémon that would be. I was hoping you or the others might know."

Romulus hummed in thought, tapping his claws on the ground as he pondered the description. "I know of only one Pokémon like that, and it's a-" he stopped, choking on his words, before he started to turn his head, his gaze drifting to the two approaching captains - particularly, Eddresdi. Luke followed Romulus' gaze over to the coming Feraligatr, wondering why he was staring at him with shock. Did Romulus think it was the Feraligatr? Absurd, he thought, brushing the idea from his mind. Eddresdi could not even speak without his interpretor-

Luke jerked with realization, and slowly his and Romulus' eyes met, and they knew they were thinking of the same Pokemon.

"Council hall. _Go!"_Romulus commanded him.

Luke was gone in an instant, his pawed feet a blur over the ground as he ran with all speed back to the council hall. "Please let me be in time!" He pleaded as he re-entered Hadleigh.

~~~~~

Jora sat quietly in her seat at the table. She had borrowed the seat normally reserved for Lady Cinnia, stretched out over its elongated frame. Kage stood protectively by her side while Musharoo paced uncomfortably. While Kage and Jora were retaining their composure, the Breloom was nervous, his tail twitching with every subsequent step he took.

Kage watched the Breloom pace back and forth for a while before he spoke up. "You seem tense." He pointed out.

"I'm shocked you're not," Musharoo returned flatly, not looking at the Greninja.

"Steady your nerves. No one will catch our blindspots so long as I am present." He added.

Musharoo looked at him. "It is not for our own safety I am worried," he replied. "Eberon... he's the most dangerous criminal in the world - at least before this Dark Crusade came along. I worry for my Captain, that's all... I'm truly surprised you don't fear for your own captain as well."

Although his words were logical, he did not _sound_as worried as he claimed to be. Certainly, Eddresdi was mighty - Kage had not seen the Feraligatr fight, but he could judge the ability of others fairly well, so he thought. Eddresdi was rival to Torolf at the very least in terms of raw power. If there was anyone among them besides Torolf who could stand up to Eberon, certainly he would be the most obvious choice. But while watching Musharoo pacing, Kage was taking note of the Breloom in detail, noting his most distinguishing features. A long tail.... A roundish figure... and most distinctly of all, red claws. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jora watching him with similar scrutiny. She saw the similarities - she'd been there when the Zangoose had described the envoy that had hired Vlad. She knew the description as well as Kage did...

Suddenly it occurred to Kage... He was certain he had heard Musharoo refer to Jora by name - at that, he cast a glance at the Salazzle, who was keeping her attention on the main doors. Not one of the council besides Luke and perhaps Lady Meilin knew Jora's name, not even Romulus and Torolf. They only knew her as 'Ana', and before that moment... none of them had lain eyes upon the Salazzle. How could Musharoo know her name?"

"Tell me... How long have you been an interpreter to Eddresdi?" He asked, turning to face the Breloom fully.

"Only since his throat was injured, though I was part of his team long before that," the Breloom answered, stopping his pacing to look at Kage. "Why do you ask?"

"Simple curiosity." Kage replied in a dismissive manner. "How exactly did Eddresdi injure his throat? When you first informed the council, you only mentioned he was injured, but never explained how or why."

Musharoo shrugged. "N-Nobody asked," he replied, his eyes looking side to side. "But if you wish to know, it was during a mission. He was battling a rogue Druddigon who managed to get a bite in to his neck. Damaged his vocal cords, though fortunately not beyond repair. He will get his voice back eventually." He squeaked his last response, and then cleared his throat, before weakly chuckling. "While I seem to be losing mine. Pardon me. Is th-there a reason for these questions? You don't seem the small-talking type, if I may say so."

The astute Greninja took everything Musharoo said and did ever so intently, studying every little twitch, every hint of nervousness in his tone as he pressed for information from the Breloom. "...You mentioned to Romulus before he left to assist my captain that you felt you stood a fighting chance against the Gallade we suspect to be assisting the Black Titan." Kage continued to speak. "Though judging from your current composure, I would hardly take you for a warrior... What makes you think you'd stand up to someone that even mine and team Phalanx's captain struggled against?"

"I'm not just an interpreter, sir -I'm a member of Team Steeljaw. I know how to fight. I can't speak for your Captain, but I am confident in my ability to help you protect Lady Jora."

He'd said her name again. This time, Jora also took notice, and Kage heard her eliciting a low hiss from behind Musharoo, who jumped away in fright. He saw the Salazzle glaring at him intently. She had slipped behind him while he was focused on Kage.

"I never told you my name," she stated. "No one on the council knew me by name except for Luke and Captain Meilin. How do you know me?"

Musharoo paled, backing away from the Salazzle. "I-I-I-I must have heard it somewhere! Perhaps he said it," he pointed to Kage. "Or Captain Luke!"

"Luke would never reveal the identity of a confidant so openly to anyone, not even the Council; especially when her own life is in jeopardy." Kage remarked in a low tone, taking a step toward Musharoo, his hand reaching back to grasp the hilt of his blade. "So I'll ask you the same question once more... How did you come across her real name...?"

Musharoo backed further away from the Greninja, blundering over his response. He had no way to refute the claim, and now his eyes searched for a way out.

"So it's true," said Jora. "It's him. He's the traitor Luke has been looking for!"

Musharoo suddenly made a desperate rush at the Greninja, trying to tackle him or perhaps power through him, but he had his blade drawn and flipped into a reverse grip the second he moved, thrusting his arm forward and slamming the hilt of his weapon square into the Breloom's chest. Musharoo stumbled back from the blow, landing against the wall on the verge of panic. He moved aside, trying to find an opening to get by the Greninja, finding none as Kage continued to stay in his path, preparing to subdue the Breloom.

However, before the Greninja could make the attempt, Musharoo suddenly gasped and arched forward as a foreign object pierced through his torso, the spray of blood startling Kage and Jora. The assailant, who had seemingly appeared from nowhere, lifted him as he let out a gurgling death rattle before being cast aside by the Gallade, thrown nonchalant to the floor.

"...You've outlived your usefulness..." Was all the Gallade said, before turning his gaze to the others, specifically Jora.

Jora backed away a step, her expression one of horror as she looked upon the Gallade. "Sash..." she almost whispered.

Kage's expression wavered slightly, clearly not expecting him to appear before them. His expression would quickly harden as he recollected himself and held his blade in front of him. "You finally reveal yourself." He said lowly.

"If you value your pathetic life, you will stand aside, Frog." Sash remarked in a malicious manner. "I have business with that lecherous Traitor..."

"You're not taking a single step toward her," Kage remarked equally as cold and maliciously back at Sash, his gaze never leaving Sash's as he addressed Jora. "You're not safe here. Flee. I will hold him at bay." He commanded.

But Jora did not move. "You and I both know I will not get far," she replied. "The moment I am out of reach of your aid, he will attack." Her eyes narrowed as she flexed her claws. "No... I have run long enough." Her voice turned to a growl as she spoke.

Sash scoffed, a sadistic grin starting to form across his features after he heard Jora's little speech. "You face certain death, and yet you still stand before me, knowing of what I am capable of." He said. "I commend you for your courage."

"I believe Asya said it best. When a warrior has no way out, they will prefer death to flight," she answered, her tail whipping with anticipation. "I will not die crawling on my belly like most of the people you butchered, Sash."

The Gallade threw his head back to laugh. "When I am finished with you, you are going to beg me to end your pathetic excuse of a-!"

He didn't even get a chance to finish his sentence. Just as he realigned his gaze forward, all he could see was Kage's fist just a second away from impact. Sash didn't even have a chance to teleport before Kage's Power-Up Punch nailed him clean in the face, causing his features to cave in momentarily before he was sent reeling backward from the force of Kage's attack.

"You talk too much." Kage muttered as he formed multiple Water Shurikens, and hurled them at Sash.

The Gallade, now seething with fury, quickly deflected each of the Shuriken with his arm blades, then retaliated with a Psycho Cut, sending blade-shaped waves of energy arcing across the air with each swing of his arms. Kage quickly slammed his offhand into the ground, and right before him, a slab of the floor suddenly flipped vertically and blocked the Psycho Cuts before he could reach him, saving him from any crippling blows and hiding both Kage and Jora from view momentarily.

"Beware - he could appear behind us!" Jora warned.

"I'm counting on that." Kage returned, his cheeks starting to puff outward as he glanced over his shoulder behind him.

Sure enough, the Gallade did teleport as she suspected, appearing right behind Jora with an arm poised to strike. The second he appeared, Kage lurched forward and grabbed Jora's arm, pulling her away from Sash as he exhaled a cloud of black smoke from his mouth, enveloping the Gallade and obscuring his vision while impeding his breathing as well, sending him into a coughing fit.

"Now!" Kage stated, gesturing for Jora to launch an attack of her own while Sash was blinded.

She turned, and with a furious hiss, she launched herself at Sash, spinning into a cartwheel as her tail glowed a fluorescent blue. She retracted her legs and struck Sash in the chest with Dragon Tail. The attack hit its mark, causing Sash to reel back and stumble out the opposite end of the smokescreen, clutching his chest where he was struck. The look in his eyes had now turned from furious to bloodthirsty, his teeth grinding against one another as he seethed in his own rage.

Kage smirked at the Gallade's shift in mood. "We've rattled him." He remarked in a tone that hinted confidence. "He'll start making more and more mistakes as the battle rages on."

"Then he shall taste my venom," Jora hissed again.

A flash of light would interrupt their talk, followed by a shockwave that blew away the smoke obscuring Sash from their view. In his place was the unmistakable crystalline sphere of a Pokémon undergoing Mega Evolution, shattering outward a few seconds later and revealing Sash in his Mega Gallade form.

"The only thing I shall be tasting today, traitor... is your blood." He stated with a malicious grin.

The next thing Kage knew, Sash was right in front of his face, a brief flash of his eyes hinted to the Greninja that he had just launched Trick Room. Sash swung his arm blade at his foe, leaving a large cut along Kage's chest and sent him reeling back. When Kage skidded to a halt, he went limp for a split second before he disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving behind a poke doll in his place. Sash blinked in confusion, and looked around for his quarry. Jora had retreated, and Kage was nowhere to be seen. Yet...

The Mega Gallade turned and deflected a Water Shuriken that had appeared out of nowhere. Another launched from another angle, and he blocked that one as well. A glint caught Sash's attention, directing him to look to his upper right and noticing Kage's blade suddenly speeding right for him. The Mega Gallade scoffed as he deflected the blade, sending it spinning in an arc behind him and landing a few feet away from him point first. Sash then cast Psychic on where the blade was thrown, and within seconds, Kage was suddenly ripped out of his hiding spot and found himself in Sash's telekinetic grasp, strangling his neck and making the Greninja struggle instinctively.

"You think an amateur tactic such as that would work on me...?" He asked, grinning maliciously now that he had his opponent in his grasp. "I'm not as foolish as you think, Frog. Giving up your Dark-typing was foolish - I've studied your tactics and abilities down to the very last detail, including your little Protean trick."

Struggling for breath, Kage still squirmed and clawed instinctively with his webbed hands at Sash's arm, trying to pry himself away from his grasp. "S-So I see..." He rasped, his strugglings becoming less and less prominent as he started to run out of oxygen in his lungs. Despite that, he quickly calmed down and gave the Gallade a stern leer. "Well...I have news for you..." He choked before he started to grin slightly. "...So have I..."

Sash's grin faded for a moment in confusion, then he flinched as he heard the sound of a blade being pulled out of the ground behind him, prompting him to turn and see _another_Kage running at him from behind with his blade in hand. Sash growled, quickly bringing up his free arm to counter Kage's sneak attack. "Fool. You're still in the confines of my Trick Room." He stated, his grin quickly returning.

Their blades clashed, then Sash quickly redirected the blade away and quickly went to counter his assailant. Thanks to the effect of Trick Room, Sash's reaction speed was much faster than the Greninja's. The redirect had left Kage exposed, giving the Gallade an opening to strike the Greninja. However, he never got the chance. The second Sash's blade was about to make contact with Kage's torso, a _third_Kage would suddenly shoot out of the first Kage's Shadow, landing another Power Up Punch on Sash's jaw and sending him airborne from the impact, releasing his grasp on the first Kage.

"Not anymore..." Kage muttered, the Trick Room around him quickly fizzling out of existence after Sash took that sudden crippling blow. "NOW Jora!!"

Jora emerged from hiding and charged into the fray, her head snapping forward as she spat a wad of toxic, splashing the Gallade with her corrosive poison.

Sash felt the effects immediately, a wave of nausea washing over him. His balance was thrown off as he returned to the ground, causing him to falter in his landing and drop instead onto his side instead of landing on his feet like he intended. He lay there groaning, gritting his teeth against the sickness taking hold.

The other two Kages would disappear in plumes of water splashing around the original, leaving the real Kage sighing as he relaxed now that they had some reprieve. "...Good aim." He said to Jora, glancing over his shoulder to her.

"I admit, I was worried I might miss," she replied, though didn't take her eyes from Sash. "But it worked... we have him."

At that moment, the doors to the hall flew open, and a frantic Lucario came running into the room hastily. "Kage! Jora!!" He exclaimed as he burst into the council chamber, only to stop short when he saw the two of them standing over the writhing Sash. "Wait...what's Sash doing here??" He demanded.

"What he always does," Jora replied grimly, casting a glance at the fallen Breloom. "But he was a fool to remove a potential ally, it would seem."

Luke's gaze shifted to the now deceased Musharoo, causing him to gasp and cover his mouth with one of his paws. "Oh Arceus..." he muttered softly, his expression saddening a little as he gazed on at Breloom.

"Save your tears...He chose the path that lay before him and ultimately paid the price for his treason." Kage remarked coldly as he stepped toward Sash. "Right now, we have one of Calhoun's most elite lieutenants laying in defeat before us. I suggest we restrain him before he tries to escape."

"We need those chains to lock out his powers, and an antidote for my poison," Jora added. "He'll die without one."

"I... didn't think to bring either with me." Luke admitted. "When I figured out you two were in danger, I rushed back here as fast as I could."

At that, Kage rolled his eyes. "Always thinking with your emotions..." He muttered as he reached into his belt and pulled out a Pecha Berry. "You two. Hold him down." He commanded as he approached Sash.

Jora hesitated to step forward, her wary eyes telling them that even when he was down and poisoned she did not feel safe around the Gallade. She knew as much as any of them what he was capable of, and had seen it too many times. Luke was equally hesitant, but did as Kage directed, kneeling down next to the Mega Gallade and restraining his arms while Jora held his legs, making sure his grip was firm before nodding to Kage. The Greninja then stepped forward and lifted Sash's head up in his hand, practically shoving the berry into Sash's mouth with the other and forcing him to chew and swallow the berry.

The second he felt the poison being cured however, Sash's eyes shot wide open, and then he threw his head back and headbutt Luke square on his nose. The Lucario yelped and instinctively clutched his paws over his nose after releasing the Gallade, then with a grunt, Sash quickly kicked Luke away from him and vanished via teleport before either Jora or Kage could move to intercept.

"Damnit...!" Kage cursed, quickly sheathing his blade behind him.

"Where did he go?!" Jora demanded, turning nervously in search of the Gallade.

"Most likely he's vacated the building..." Kage returned, looking to his captain. "Search for his Aura."

"Y-yea, on it." Luke returned, wiping his nose and quickly tuning to his Aura Sense. He broadened his range as wide as he could, but Sash's signal was nowhere to be found. He cursed under his breath and was about to turn off his sense, but when he glanced over to where Romulus and the other guild members were, his heart almost skipped a beat.

There was no sign of Eberon's Aura either.

"...Oh no." Luke whispered as he opened his eyes. "Eberon's gone too!"

Jora relaxed slightly, knowing that Sash was not about to attack again, and turned to Luke. "Sash's work again, I do not doubt... they would never give up such an asset."

"At the very least, we've driven them off. Hadleigh is safe..." Kage remarked, turning his glance over to the window overlooking the town. "...For now."

Romulus had _not_been pleased with Luke when he and the other captains had returned to the council hall, and he was not alone in his displeasure. Many of the captains had scrutinized Luke throughout his explanation, and it was clear that most of them had thought his judgment to cure Sash before restraining him had been a poor choice. A thought that echoed when Luke's explanation finished, and Romulus began his summarization.

"Not only did you fail to capture the murderer known as Sash, but he also took from us our best lead on locating Calhoun by eliminating the mole - I cannot blame you for that as it was by Sash's hand Musharoo perished, prior to your arrival. Still, your choice to save Sash's life before he was properly detained, knowing what he was capable of, also cost us our chance to restrain Eberon as well."

After his tangent, Romulus let out a sigh. "Well... Nothing can be done now," the Houndoom clarified. "But we must do better if we are going to quell this threat."

Luke could only nod in agreement. Romulus' words and the scrutiny of his fellow councilmen really hit him right where it hurt. For the first time in ages, he felt that his actions, while they had the best of intentions in mind, had only further jeopardized their mission to quell Calhoun's Dark Crusade.

"That is not the last of questions I have for this council," Romulus went on, turning his gaze to Meilin, who had returned to her seat despite being missing in action during the crisis. "Captain Meilin, you will explain where you were during Eberon's attack. You would have been of great assistance against such a being yet I saw hide nor hair of you after you walked out of the hall during our previous discussion."

"I was at the hospital, guarding Torolf," she answered. "Valorin and Sorana can vouch for me. I wanted to be certain if Eberon got further into the city, I would be in place to defend Team Warmachine's captain from further harm."

"I assigned Mustaf to that task. Which, on that note, why has he also not returned to the council?" The Houndoom gestured to the vacant seat beside him.

"Because he has left Hadleigh," Sorana answered. "Before Meilin arrived, Mustaf spoke ill of your 'seizing of authority' so he put it, Captain Romulus. He decided he tired of being confined here and has left the city, stating he has no intention of returning."

Romulus slammed a paw on the table in anger. "Damn him!" He bellowed. "At such a time as this he still puts himself above all else!"

"All the more reason why we're better off without him." Kage stated on behalf of Luke. "He was unworthy of being part of this council the moment he arrived and made his intentions clear. If this council is to function properly, we cannot afford the likes of selfish, narrow minded bigots such as him to impede our progress."

"Be that as it may." Luke spoke up. "We still need all the help we can get. Today we were lucky. Eberon wasn't at full power when the attack started, but that won't be the issue the next time he shows up." He further explained. "They'll find some way to restore him to his maximum potential, and when that day comes, I fear none of us will be able to stop him."

"They may have already attempted such," Cedaris spoke up. "In the aftermath of our battle with him, I examined a stain that saw on the corner of his mouth. It was not blood, but some other liquid I assume he ingested. The colour and smell were strange, but I could not be sure of what it was without a sample. Sadly, we did not have time to collect one before Sash appeared and took him away."

"You are suggesting chemical enhancement?" Sorana asked.

"It could explain how Eberon was able to overcome his weakened body," Cedaris went on. "Twenty years in stasis, atrophied muscles and simply being out of shape aside, he would be long in recovery. I don't think such a thing would be possible without such assistance. It is not uncommon for certain herbal remedies to be used to enhance performance." He cast a glance at Meilin.

"I know of what you speak, Cedaris. My order uses these remedies for medicinal purposes only," Meilin countered. "Still, with the right mixture a performance enhancement would be a mere trifle to make. Any chemist worth their certification would know how to make them, and the risks that go with them."

"...What kind of risks are we talking about?" Luke asked warily.

"Assuming he took something to subvert his fatigue and the weakness of his body, the most common risk is that if taken in too large of a dose, it could overwhelm the heart and cause it to fail," replied Meilin. "Even in smaller doses, that risk is present if the applicant is put under too much duress."

Romulus huffed. "Given Eberon's rampage today it is a wonder that did not happen to him during our battle," he remarked.

"If Calhoun is wise he will not subject Eberon to such things again if he wishes to make use of the Black Titan's power. His heart may already be compromised by its use today," Meilin stated. "It also limits our options to subdue him, as we cannot use tranquilizers if there are any sort of chemicals in his system. The two could conflict with one another and kill him."

"Eberon is a class-S threat," Romulus reminded, and pointedly looked at Luke as he added, "and was one long before Calhoun had him. His death warrant was already signed by the guilds, in the event of his escape from the prison. Killing him would be justified."

Luke grimaced softly at that. "Even so..." He began. "Capturing him should be priority number one. Killing him should remain an absolute last resort."

"Given what we've seen today, Luke..." Kage would point out, his expression turning grim. "This might be the one time where we'll have to break our code..."

Luke quickly looked to his Team Shadow with utmost shock. "_You_of all pokemon admitting we might have to stoop to our enemy's level!?" He blurted out. "You were the first to openly support our sworn promise when we first formed Team Valiant! Don't tell me you're really considering going back on your word!"

"I am viewing the situation realistically, Luke..." Kage replied calmly. "...I suggest you do the same. I don't want it to come down to us taking a life either, but we created that rule during a time of relative peace. Now that we are at war, we must accept the possibility of casualties on both sides, either by our hands or by other outside parameters..."

A silence fell over the council for a moment, the rift between Kage and Luke at that moment almost tangible to the captains watching them. Feeling uncomfortable, Cedaris spoke up. "I see this as a good time to bring up my suggestion earlier," he said, tapping a hoof on the table. "About a response team, made specifically to act against the Dark Crusade."

Romulus sighed, and gave the Sawsbuck his attention. "If we were to consider it, Cedaris, who would you even suggest for it?" He asked.

"I have already taken the liberty of preparing a list," the Sawsbuck returned with a hint of pride, turning about to lean down and pick up something in his teeth - a sheet of paper, which he placed on the table and slid over to Romulus.

The Houndoom caught the paper under his paw, turning it to look at the contents written on it, reading it carefully with his eyes narrowing. "You have Voltner, a member of my own team on here," he said.

"Swift, and able to hinder enemies greatly with his electric webbing," Cedaris replied.

"Shamshir of Team Warmachine as well."

"One of the greatest fighters on the Eastern Continent."

Romulus's eyes then drifted to Kage. "He has also written your name here, Kage of Valiant."

The faintest features of a smirk could be seen under the Greninja's tongue scarf. "There is no one that can match my infiltration expertise," He stated with utmost confidence. "I am in favour of this strike team."

"You are not of the council, but the decision is yours if you would join it - should we unanimously agree to it," reminded Romulus. "This team would need time to train together, to learn how to work in unison - most especially Voltner and Shamshir. I don't think I need to remind any of you you of Team Warmachine and Team Phobia's long rivalry." He read over the list again. "I'm noticing you haven't chosen any Captains to head this team."

"That is a decision I did not believe my own to make," Cedaris answered honestly. "All present here, Captains one and all - save for Lady Cinnia and Master Keirrot, have their own teams to lead. The one who would be chosen to lead this response team would have to likewise be chosen by the council, as this would be a team that would work directly under the guild itself. A sort of special force."

Romulus looked at each of the captains in turn. "What do the rest of you make of this, and would anyone else care to see this list?" He asked.

Sorana raised a hand, and Romulus let the Jynx bring the list of nominees over to her psychically while also gauging the reactions of the other leaders, including Luke, who glanced over to Kage for a moment before he would look back and nod in approval, gesturing with his paw to see the list once the others had seen it.

After looking through the list, he started thinking about other possible candidates to this team of special forces they were putting together. He couldn't spare too many from his own team...but a few others did come to mind as he handed the list back to Cedaris. "I think I can safely say that I'm in full agreement to this special forces team." He stated.

"The nominees are all strictly voluntary of course. This is not a conscription or a command from the council itself," Cedaris added as he took his list back, nodding in thanks to Luke. "If any of those I've listed here do not wish to join or cannot due to obligation to their current teams, we can seek out suitable substitutes to take their place."

"That we will have to discuss at length," Romulus clarified. "With Torolf still in hospital, we cannot well start taking members from his team without his approval, especially without hearing his say. For now, shall make note that the majority of this council supports the idea, and we will bring it forth again at the next opportunity. It is getting late now - does anyone have more to add before we conclude for the night?"

No one spoke up. With that, the meeting - perhaps the first one Luke had attended that had not been called to conclusion following an argument, was adjourned. The captains began to vacate the building, with Romulus the last to leave after Luke and Kage helped Cinnia to her cart, all while the three considered the recent, promising occurrences.

Eberon's attack had done them a favour it seemed. Now the council had an idea of just how significant the threathreat presented by the Dark Crusade was, and Mustaf -by far the most toxic voice among the council, had left when Romulus -one who had supported on more than one occasion, had turned on him and forced him to silence. The Pyroar had now abandoned the council, leaving them without his distasteful influence.

Yet, Cinnia still looked troubled, and it was easy to see on her beautiful face. The recent days had taken the normally heart melting smile from her, something she rarely showed anymore, and her mind seemed to be adrift in the stars as she stared up at the sky, not even ordering the Tauros hitched to it to take her home as they sat there in her cart.

"Erm...Lady Cinnia?" Luke said, gently placing a paw atop her flipper to get her attention. "Is everything alright?"

She turned to him, surprisingly sharply as though he has startled her. "Oh. Forgive me," she replied. "It has... been a long day. I fear for Torolf, of course, though I know him to be strong and likely to recover soon enough. But I cannot help but question the council's sudden shift to actions against the crusade. The guilds still need leadership - we should not spread ourselves so thin."

Luke nodded in understanding. "I know, and you're right. We can't afford to spread ourselves too thin..." He concurred. "Which is why I'm considering asking for some outside help when I next get the chance."

"From who?" She asked. "From Neilla? Or Team Storm?"

"They did come to mind." Luke returned. "Though I was thinking more of outside help from my hometown." He added. "Those not connected to the guild."

Cinnia nodded. "Speaking of Neilla... how do she and her team fare? I understand they engaged Eberon initially," she inquired. "I hope they were not too badly hurt..."

"From what I saw, Sarth was knocked out just as I arrived. Neilla sent Azrael to get Sarth to safety, along with the twins who had already fallen as well." He explained with a sigh. "She was ultimately knocked out when Eberon caught her with a Drain Punch..."

"Give them my regards, if you should see them," Lady Cinnia requested. "I should get home now - my children will be waiting."

"I plan to stop by the hospital on my way back to my room." Luke assured Lady Cinnia with a nod. "Sleep well when you do."

"You too, Luke," she replied with a nod, and finally gave the order to her driver to take her home.

The Tauros started forward, leaving Luke and Kage to watch after her before they too made their departure from the council hall's front yard, heading for the hospital.

Once they had arrived, they would ask the nurse at the desk if Torolf had recovered from his coma. They were informed that he had woken up not too long ago, although he was resting now and wished not to be disturbed. Luke insisted, claiming that they held information that he needed to know about the council, admittedly having to use his authority as a Guild Councilman to demand entry which was something he didn't feel comfortable doing. The nurse eventually relented and allowed the two of them to see Torolf, informing them of which room he was resting in before they went on their way.

But the nurse was not the only one to bar their way. When they reached his room, they found a familiar Scizor standing guard outside of his door, arms crossed and eyes shut as though he were asleep, though he stood tall and his feet were spread at shoulder-width. He did not lean on anything, simply stood there, seemingly oblivious to the wary looks he received from passers.

Luke couldn't exactly tell whether he was asleep or awake once they saw him guarding the door. He cautiously approached the Scizor and cleared his throat once he stood before him. "...Shamshir?" He asked.

The Scizor's eyes opened, finding Luke immediately. "Hello Luke," he said, his eyes rolling as he looked the Lucario over. "You've seen battle recently."

"That obvious, huh?" Luke asked, looking down at his injury riddled body. "Yea, I erm...maaay have gone up against a foe I couldn't take on my own." He said while scratching the back of his head. "Anyway. Is Torolf awake? I need to speak to him."

"He is currently resting, but I can pass along your message if you wish," He offered.

"With all due respect, I'd much rather tell him in person." Luke answered politely. "It involves information he missed at our last session after we drove off a couple of Calhoun's elites."

"Even if I were to let you in, Luke, I fear Torolf is not coherent enough to receive your message," Shamshir answered solemnly. "The trauma he endured was extensive - he suffered a serious concussion and is barely able to speak to anyone. He can hardly even remember where he is. Gallia is watching over him and administering healing to keep him comfortable until he recovers, but as it stands, you would be wasting your time." He shook his head.

"You're kidding," Luke whispered in shock. "He suffered _that_much damage?"

"His opponent was the Black Titan, Luke. Don't tell me you're so surprised." Kage retorted quickly. "Besides, it's safe to assume that disregarding the fact it was a sneak attack, Torolf wouldn't have fared much better than you did."

"Kage!" Luke hissed back at the Greninja, who merely shrugged and rolled his eyes.

Shamshir spoke up again. "Leon will taking Torolf's place on the council until he recovers. Seek him out if you wish. But for now, I implore you to allow Torolf to rest."

Luke sighed and nodded back to Shamshir. "Alright... do you know where he is now?" He asked.

"He is likely aboard the Peacemaker right now, preparing for tomorrow," replied Shamshir.

"Thank you Shamshir." Luke returned, nodding his head cordially before turning on his heel and walking back the way he came.

Along the way, he practically grabbed Kage by his tongue scarf and yanked him down to eye level with him, giving him a very stern leer.

"You and I are going to have a talk about your lack of tact later on," he growled before releasing the Greninja.

"As I've said before, Luke. The truth is a bitter pill to swallow, and you know I never pull my punches when it comes to the truth." He replied, seemingly unshaken by Luke's threat.

As they rounded a corner, heading back to the entrance, Luke once more spotted two familiar figures ahead. Azrael and his Umbreon wife, Breenelle, standing outside another room. Breenelle was wiping her eyes with the back of her paw while Azrael leaned comfortingly against her, letting her tears wet his fur as she lay her head against him.

'Uh oh...' Luke thought to himself as he approached Azrael and Breenelle, stopping just beside them and waited for them to notice he was there before he spoke up. They didn't, and he announced his presence "Azrael. Breenelle." He said softly, looking between the two. "Is...everything okay?"

They looked up, hearing him speak. "Oh. Luke," the Absol said, nodding in greeting. "Were you... Here to see Sarth as well?"

Luke noted the window behind them, and through it, he saw the Flygon stretched out across an elevated bed. His eyes were shut, and his head encased in a cage like construction that was keeping his neck straight. There were surgical marks on his chest, recently stitched. The bruises that dotted the Flygon's body left his normally green flesh a sickly colour, the worst seeming to be around his back - no doubt from when Eberon had swung him around and slammed him into the statue. Luke remembered the sickening crack he had heard when that happened, and it made his stomach twist uncomfortably, fearing he knew the purpose of the neck support.

"Oh Arceus, no..." Luke whispered softly, covering his mouth after seeing the condition Sarth was in. Even Kage closed his eyes and lowered his head in remorse.

Luke would turn back to face the husband and wife before him. "Is he... will he...?" He couldn't ask the question, feeling his throat constricting at the very idea.

"Thank Arceus, no," replied Azrael. "He has a dislocated spinal ring... but it's not fractured. The doctors had him in surgury and were able to successfully correct it. They are confident he'll be able to walk again, but for now he cannot move or do anything that could agitate it, or he may become permanently paralyzed. For that reason they are keeping him asleep for now."

Breenelle sniffed before letting out a growl. "Poor sap didn't deserve this," she said angrily. "I don't know who that big cat was but I hope he rots for what he did to Sarth." She looked up at Luke. "You did stop him, didn't you?" She asked, hopefully. "You took him down?"

At that, Luke shook his head slowly. "We were able to render him unconscious, but... he wasn't alone. One of Calhoun's lieutenants, Sash, was sighted at the Guild Hall, and we almost had him too." Luke's ears flattened a bit. "I made a poor judgement call, and both he and Eberon escaped as a result..."

Bree's ears shot up, and her red eyes seemed to ignite with fury. "He escaped?!" She snapped, taking a step toward the Lucario, teeth bared and voice raised. "After what he did to Sarth you're telling me you let him get away - how could you?!"

"Breenelle!" Azrael hissed, coming up beside her and rubbing his head against Bree's side to calm her. "We are in a hospital," he reminded her. "I am sure Luke did everything he could. Nobody could ask for more from him."

Bree looked away from Luke then, keeping her gaze on the floor as tears filled her eyes again, but the scowl never left her face...

Luke felt his heart breaking as he watched Breenelle weep, unable to keep himself from feeling responsible "I know there's nothing I can say or do that can express how sorry I am..." Luke said softly as he crouched down to Breenelle's level. "But I promise you, they won't get away with this... Calhoun and his crusade _will_be taken down, no matter what."

She didn't lift her gaze, but he saw it soften, just slightly, but enough to know she was at least listening. Azrael put his paw over her, returning to comforting her as Luke stood and took his leave along with Kage...

Once they were outside, Luke no longer had the strength to go see Leon. He laid his paw over his eyes, his eyes feeling heavy. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night," Luke said to Kage. "We've been through a lot today."

"Understood..." Kage returned in understanding. "We'll speak to Leon tomorrow then." He added before he gently pat Luke's shoulder as he walked past him. "Rest well."

It was rare that Kage did not make a dramatic exit, and Luke knew the Greninja had likely been as stung by Breenelle's words as Luke had. Kage was blaming himself, Luke knew, for letting Sash escape their custody. Luke chose not to speak though, as he and Kage parted ways, the Lucario walking slowly back to Aerendyl's library...

Luke made sure the door was closed and locked behind him as he entered. He was heading for the stairs when he heard a yelp, causing his ears to prick up in response. He headed into the main room, and his gaze drifted to the couch where to his surprise, he found Jora standing over Aerendyl, her claws working a dressing on his leg. The Espeon was stretched out and squirming uncomfortably, making Jora's work difficult.

"This would go much quicker if you would stop moving," she scolded him.

"I'm trying, but it hurts!" Aerendyl replied through clenched teeth.

"You're the one who refused to go to the hospital with a broken leg," Neilla berated the Espeon from her seat on the other couch.

"It's only a sprain, not a break," Aerendyl replied. "Besides, you know I hate hospitals. They smell awful."

Neilla rolled her eyes in exasperation, and then looked up as she saw Luke entering the room. "Hey, Luke's back," she told the others, though Jora did not look up from her work. The Lopunny stood up and walked over to him, looking him over. "Looks like you took a beating in that fight too."

"If Romulus and the rest of the council hadn't arrived, Eberon would have killed me... he was damned close to as well." Luke admitted. "What about you? Are you alright?" He asked with great concern.

She lifted a paw to her chest, around which some bandages had been wrapped, securing a cold press to her left side. "A couple of cracked ribs," she replied. "Not broken, thankfully. I think if I hadn't been Mega Evolved, I'd be way worse off." Her gaze darkened. "I was lucky, unlike Sarth..." The whimper that he heard in her voice made Neilla seem so vulnerable at that moment, something Luke had never imagined in Neilla. One of her closest friends had nearly been killed by an enemy that she and her team, a team she led proudly, had been all but powerless against. He could only imagine the turmoil she felt...

Luke lifted his paws and rested them on her shoulders. "He's... not looking good at the moment, but I saw Bree and Azrael outside his room on my way out. Judging from what the doctors told them, I think he'll be okay..."

She nodded, showing that she already suspected as such, lifting a paw to wipe a tear that had found its way to her eye. "The guy's an even bigger softie than you are under that draconian exterior... he didn't deserve this."

"I know...none of us did." Luke said sympathetically. "But we can't let this bring our morale down. We managed to stop Eberon today, but he could be back anytime," Luke said firmness in his tone. "If we're to stand any chance of bringing him down, we need to be at our absolute best."

She nodded again, and sucked in a deep breath before letting it out slowly to steady herself, finding her resolve once more. But before she did, she lifted her gaze to meet Luke's and held out her arms, inviting him over. She looked like she needed it, and without even thinking, the Lucario quickly stepped closer and threw his arms around her, holding onto the Lopunny firmly and sighing to himself. She held him just as tightly, resting her head on his shoulder and welcoming his comfort.

"I'm glad you're safe..." He whispered to her.

"Same to you," she whispered back. "Thanks for having my back today. I might not be here if you hadn't."

"I wasn't about to let anyone die today because of that demon." He assured her, pulling back slowly and offering her a warm smile. "Besides, haven't I always had your back?" He asked with a bit of a smirk.

She gave a lighthearted laugh then. "For as long as we've known each other, at least," she returned. "Oh, also. Jora's going to be staying with us here at the library," she gestured to the Salazzle, who was now finished putting the binding on Aerendyl's hurt foot. "Aerendyl can't get up the stairs very well, so she's taking his bed for now and he'll be sleeping down here."

"It's fine with me," Aerendyl assured. "If I need something to read, I don't even need to get up," he added in jest, a book levitating over from one of the shelves in emphasis, which he placed on the table beside him.

At the mention of bed, Luke remembered immediately how much he needed his, a yawn finding its way to his mouth at that moment. "Guh... Speaking of beds, I think I should retire to mine." He remarked as he slowly released Neilla. "Got another long day tomorrow at the Council Hall." He added while rolling his eyes.

Neilla nodded. "Okay," she said. "Try to have a good rest, Luke. You've certainly earned it."

"We all have." Luke reminded her, then nodded and turned toward the stairway, ascending them and quickly shutting himself in his room.

Once inside, he took a few steps toward his bed before flopping face first on top of it, sighing heavily. He lay there for a long moment, mustering the strength to climb into the bed proper, pulling the extra pillow to his chest and clinging to it while laying his head on the other. It was a painful reminder that his beloved wasn't there for him when he held that pillow to his chest, but he needed some measure of comfort. He had to continue to be strong, at least until he was reunited with his dearly beloved Blaziken...