FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A few days had passed since the teams had left Hadleigh, drifting through the skies over the sea of trees between the city of art and Port Azure. Everyone enjoyed the time to relax and unwind from the long mission, but it was clear that the desire to be home was present in the minds of nearly everyone aboard.

The teams found ways to pass the time together, to try to make the trip go by faster. For Luke and Volcan, that time was spent bonding with their newly adopted son; it had taken some time to settle him down but a full stomach did wonders and now the Rockruff was fast asleep on Volcan's lap, while the Blaziken lounged on the deck, his back to the railing as Serena and Minato looked on with pride at their Captain.

"I'm so proud of you, Volcan," said Serena. "You're adopting a little boy, giving him the best chance at a good, healthy life."

"Was hard not to fall for the little guy. Have you seen those eyes?" Volcan asked, his hand caressing the Rockruff's back as he slept. "I just hope I'm the right one to do this... Luke has experience as a father but I'm totally green to it." He looked up at Minato. "You lived on Arc around the time I was born, right? Did you ever meet my dad?"

"I think I only saw him once but from a distance, and I was a Riolu at the time." Minato answered with a shrug. "I don't recall much, but I do remember hearing that he... Wasn't exactly the friendliest of men." He added, then rolled his eyes to the side. "Guess we know who Lighris takes after in that regard."

"Lighris is stubborn and hot headed but give him some credit," Volcan spoke up in defense of his sibling. "He isn't malicious, for one."

"And most of the time when he does lose his temper, it's for your sake," Serena added. "Although his zapping Katsu in Azure was definitely uncalled for."

"Yea, I heard about that. I'm honestly surprised Katsu _lived_through a zapping that bad." Minato added with a shudder. "Lighris really lays the pain down when he's pissed..."

"Lighris was heavily malnourished at the time, nowhere near his full power. But Katsu is strong," Serena replied. "Still, I hope Lighris apologizes to him. He could have been seriously hurt if Lighris hadn't been so weakened."

Volcan sighed. "I'll have a word with him about that," he promised, looking back at Ignus. "Right now I hope I'm doing what's right for this little guy."

"You'll do a fine job, man." Minato said encouragingly. "Hell, you've done a hell of a job looking after my boy, when you babysat for Linda and I and when you took care of him before rescuing me. He practically looks up to you as a second father." He then smirked and jabbed Volcan's arm with his elbow. "I'm starting to wonder if I should have just gotten hitched to you instead." He joked.

"You're as straight as an arrow, buddy," Volcan countered, giving Minato an incredulous look. "Besides, don't pretend you've ever regretted having Caulin."

"Not once." Minato answered. "That boy is my pride and joy... I'd give anything for him if it meant he gets to live a long, fruitful life." He then pointed to the Rockruff in Volcan's lap. "Just as I know you'd give anything to see that he lives his best life possible."

"I will certainly try," the Blaziken promised. "At least he'll have a friend when we get there. Not many others in Azure for him or Caulin to hang out with. Hope they can be friends."

"If that little guy's as hyperactive as my boy, I'm sure they'll be fast friends." Minato assured Volcan. "Just make sure to have him burn his energy before his bedtime, or else you'll be in for a loooooong night."

"I remember that much at least, when I looked after Caulin," Volcan said with a chuckle.

"Azure ahead!" Lashanne called over the rumble of the engines. "We'll be there in ten!"

"Oh thank Xerneas," Minato muttered, straightening up and stretching his back a little. "Gah, I feel as stiff as a board. How does anyone manage to sleep properly in those cramped cots?"

"You get used to it," Lashanne called back in answer to his question, making the Lucario go rigid as he realized Lashanne heard him. "Especially as a sailor."

"...That woman's hearing scares me sometimes..." He muttered more quietly, popping his neck as he rolled it back and forth. "We better tell the others we'll be arriving soon. I'll help Tristan unload Doug when we touch down, so that he doesn't rattle him for the millionth time."

"Good idea," said Volcan.

A few moments later, as Volcan finished spreading the word to the others that they were home, a silhouette was seen approaching the ship in the air. When Lashanne called it out, the others came to see what was coming their way, though Minato of course recognized it instantly.

"...Ohhhh no..." The elder Lucario muttered.

"Is that...?" Eagle Eye chirped in confusion.

"IIIIII think we better clear the deck..." Wade remarked as he started backing up toward one of the railings. "Right about now would be good."

The figure grew closer and closer, until the group easily recognized the shape of a Salamence rocketing toward the boat. It zeroed in on Minato, who let out a surprised cry as the Salamence whooshed over the railing and slammed into the Lucario, pinning him down and roaring happily as he bumped his snout against Minato frantically.

"O-Okay, okay! Settle down, boy!" Minato chuckled weakly, gasping from the weight of Bellator pinning him down to the deck.

"...Wow, someone missed you." Sol remarked with a snort.

"Someone else too," Lashanne remarked before a familiar blue figure, a petite form akin to Minato himself, leapt off the dragon's back.

"Dad!" Caulin practically screamed as he slid down Bellator's back, making a dash toward his father father and tackling into him just as he managed to push Bellator off of him, sending him back to the deck again. "Yer back! Yer finally back!!"

"Jeez Louise! Can't I catch a break here??" The Lucario bemoaned, though he still smiled and happily embraced his son tightly. "Good to see you too, kiddo." He said as he gave his cheek a firm kiss. "Have you been good for your Grandparents while we were gone?"

"Uh-huh! I've been helping Grandma around the town, and Grampa's been training me since you left! I'm a heckuva lot stronger now!" Caulin boasted. "He even let me ride Bellator's back by myself a couple times!"

"Like when you saw us, apparently," Lashanne piped up as she came over to the two, leaving Toby to steer the ship in her place. "Hi Caulin."

"Hey Mom!" Caulin shouted as he pushed off from Minato and tacked headlong into the Delphox, sending her stumbling as well - though she was more prepared for it and kept her balance

"Heh, still a pup on the inside," Minato remarked softly, then flinched and shivered in disgust when Bellator came in and licked him along his cheek, leaving behind a trail of dragon slobber along his face. "...What did I tell you about licking me like that?" He said in disdain as he frowned at Bellator, who made his guttural laugh at Minato's expense. "Yea, yea. Laugh it up, you flying handbag..."

Volcan, watching the family have their little reunion, looked down at Ignus held in his arms, seeing the Rockruff wagging his tail excitedly. "That's Caulin, son. He's going to be your new friend. You wanna go meet him?" He asked as he set Ignus down.

Ignus barked once he was let down, noticing Caulin and quickly trotting over to see him. The Riolu paused in his affections to his mother when Ignus approached, kneeling in front of the Rockruff and studying him curiously before smiling.

"Hey little guy~" He began as he started petting Ignus' head. "What's your name?"

Ignus only responded with another bark, to which he then jumped into Caulin's arms and bowled him over, licking his face repeatedly with his tail wagging frantically behind him.

"H-Hey, that tickles!" The Riolu exclaimed, giggling as he was assailed by the many licks.

Volcan chuckled and looked at his future husband, happy to see the two already getting along. With the shared smile between them, Volcan approached the two and spoke up when Ignus finally let Caulin sit up and wipe his face. "His name is Ignus," he said as he knelt beside the two. "And he just joined my family. Since you think of me as your uncle, I guess you can call this fella your cousin."

"No way! I have a cousin now??" Caulin exclaimed, his own tail wagging quickly behind him. "That's so cool!! This family's just getting bigger and bigger, huh Ignus?"

The Rockruff barked a few times before jumping off of Caulin, taking off to the other end of the boat as fast as he could. Caulin, giggling like a kid on a sugar high, quickly got back to his feet and gave chase to Ignus, practically running laps around the group with the speedy pup.

"I'm gonna getcha, Ignus!" Caulin shouted with a playful grin as he chased his cousin around.

"Slow it down you two! We don't want one of you going over the side!" Serena called with concern.

"...Cute." Sol remarked, watching the spectacle unfold and feeling his heart warm up a little on the inside. His soft spot for children starting to break through his tough guy exterior.

"Hell yea they are." Hank remarked with a confident smirk, nodding a few times in satisfaction.

When the ship finally touched down in its usual place, the teams began to disembark one after the other. Volcan carries Ignus down to the ground before letting him and Caulin resume their game of tag now that they were safely on solid ground again, smiling proudly as he watched them running together.

He looked up as Tristan, with Doug's tub carried over his head, descended slowly to ground, slowed by a combination of Magnet Rise and Minato using Psychic. The Aggrow touched down with barely a sound, lowering the tub to the grass.

"There. Was that cozy enough for you, ya three-headed baby?" He asked the Dugtrio, in a tone like he was talking to a kid.

"Much more cozy, actually!" Doug spitefully retorted, waiting for Tristan to tilt the tub over so he could dig back into the dirt again. "Ahhh... Home sweet Azure soil, how I've missed your cool, crisp embrace."

"You know he does have a point, big guy. With the way you fall and hit the ground, it's no wonder he gets rattled." Minato pointed out as he touched down himself. "I've heard that thing vibrate from all the way up on the deck sometimes."

"It's faster if I just jump off," said Tristan. "He wants to go around smoother, he ought to get himself some legs."

"He can't, you dumbass," Lashanne pointed out as she descended to the ground with Serena riding on her back. "Dugtrio are physically incapable of leaving the ground - they're almost completely subterranean. Their bodies just aren't made to walk on land."

"Yea, what she said." Doug remarked, turning on Tristan and flicking his headlamps in the Aggron's face a few times. "You've worked in a mine before, surely you've seen other Dugtrio or Diglett to know that at least."

"Actually most of the crew were Drilbur and Excadril," he replied, shrugging. "But hey, you can move the earth around you right. Ever thought about seeing if you can sprout limbs with it?"

At that moment, Doug didn't know whether that was a stupid suggestion... or the most brilliant idea he'd ever heard. He was silent for so long that Tristan briefly thought he'd said something offensive when the Dugtrio didn't respond. "Uh... Doug? Did I say something wrong?"

"...I dunno, actually." The Dugtrio answered, his eyes gazing at the dirt around his three bodies inquisitively. "...Lemme get back to ya on that one."

Luke joined Volcan on the ground then, in time to see Caulin and Ignus running past while Volcan watched them. The Lucario couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the two race around the open area together, sometimes with Ignus in the lead, others with Caulin at the front, but ultimately the two would collide into each other and roll along the ground together, giggling and yipping in pure joy.

"They sure bonded quickly." Luke muttered with a smile.

"They sure did," said Volcan. "For Caulin I think he's just glad to have someone to hang out with. He has to have been lonely with no one else his age here in Azure."

"Well, Ignus might not be his age, buuuut...He does have his hyperactiveness if anything." Luke pointed out with a helpless shrug. "We're really going to have to find ways to burn him out before his bedtime."

"Yeah. Plus we still have to figure out how to... Well, I don't know another word for it - domesticate?" Volcan asked, but then shook his head briskly when he caught Luke's frown. "No no no, that makes him sound like a pet. Help him adjust to life here in civilization."

Luke nodded in agreement. "Yea, that sounds much better." He said softly, then he glanced toward Azure itself for a moment. "...Love, can you do me a favour and have everyone meet at our place? I need to take care of something really quick in town."

"Oh right. Sure thing," replied Volcan. "I'll see you in a bit."

Luke gave Volcan a quick peck on his cheek. "Love you." He said as he turned and darted off toward Azure.

"Hey, where's he going?" Hank asked, only just noticing Luke departing toward town.

"He just said he had something to take care of in town," replied Volcan. "But he wants everyone for a meeting. For that matter actually, so do I - there's something very important we need to discuss."

Hank caught the seriousness of both Volcan's tone and the expression on his face, nodding back in understanding. "I gotcha... Time and place?"

"Outside our house, in about - let's say - fifteen minutes," replied Volcan.

Hank nodded. "Aight. I'll go let the others know." He said, then lifted his claw and placed it on Volcan's shoulder gently. "And hey... thanks fer taking the pup, Legs. I knew if anyone could give that little rascal a proper chance at life, it'd be you and Luke." He added gently.

"I'll try to live up to the faith you've put in me, Hank," Volcan promised.

"You already have, man." The Zoroark answered, leaning in and smooching Volcan's cheek fondly before patting his shoulder and turning to the others and informing them of the impromptu meeting they'd be having, telling them to meet at Volcan and Luke's house in fifteen minutes.

As Volcan had requested, on Luke's behalf, the teams gathered outside the Blaziken and Lucario's house after taking a few moments to enjoy their return home to Azure. When Luke came back, everyone had their eyes on him as he finished fumbling with his scarf a little, straightening it out and quickly trotting around the others so that he stood alongside his lover, facing everyone that had been involved with the rescue mission. He took a quick headcount to ensure everyone was present, then glanced at Volcan briefly before he cleared his throat, ready to say what he had to say.

"Thanks for coming to this impromptu meeting, everyone." He started, nodding to his friends before him. "There are a few things I'd like to address that have either been brought to my attention by some... Or that I've discovered on my own. I apologize in advance if I seem long winded, but there's no other way I can explain myself, so... Here goes."

Luke sucked in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he held it for a few seconds before slowly exhaling, his eyes opening to a more somber expression. "First and foremost... I owe each and every one of you an apology both for how I behaved during the rescue mission, and for recklessly endangering you all." He began. "The truth of the matter is...when Romulus came to my Mother's house that day, he was looking to offer his assistance in rescuing Kage and his infiltration team from Calhoun's clutches. My resentment toward him blinded me to what he was offering, and as a result I blew him off and made the call to save Kage on our own. Had I put aside my differences, I would have known about the Palossand trap Calhoun had in store for us, and we wouldn't have come as close to death as we did when we broke into the castle."

His expression grew more somber as he spoke. "I'm truly... deeply sorry, everyone. What I did to you all was reckless and unnecessary. I promise from this point on to be a better Captain to you all, and I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me for this egregious transgression..." He concluded, lowering his head shamefully and expecting to be called out by his peers.

There was a silence over the group as they took in Luke's words, hearing the guilt in his voice as he expressed his regret over the recent mission. They shared looks between one another, but nobody seemed to know what to say - which didn't really help Luke's guilt. Surprisingly, Tristan was the first one to speak.

"Take it from someone who's used to diving in head first and brains last," the Aggron said with a shrug, as though it were no big deal. "What doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger, right?"

His choice of words earned him a club on the head from Sol's fist, a resounding clang to follow as the Typhlosion scolded him. "REALLY poor choice of words... Fuck's sake man, you really are all brawn and no brains... "

"He is not wrong though." Katsumoto added, earning him some looks from the others as he stepped forward. "Strength is not just about brute force and power. A strong body requires a strong mind to keep such strength tempered, but even the mightiest of warriors can fall victim to arrogance and hubris." He said. "Yes, you did fail us Luke, but I know what kind of man you are at your core. All we ask is that you learn from this admittedly grave mistake, which I am confident you will."

"Not to mention working on your impulsiveness and keeping your emotions in check when logic is required..." Kage added stoically, to which Hageshi also nodded in agreement. Wade shot both of them stern looks, but sighed in defeat before shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head.

"You two are never going to change, are you...?" He asked helplessly.

Hank piped up next. "Don't sweat it, Luke. We still got yer back, man." He stated encouragingly. "I mean, c'mon. Yer the glue that holds us all together. We wouldn't be who we all are if it weren't for you." He said with a wink and a smirk.

"What Hank said!" Eagle Eye and Doug piped up simultaneously.

Finally there were words from the rest of Volcan's team. "Mistakes can happen, Luke - even I made a few blunders that got me in serious trouble when I was still a treasure hunter," Lashanne added. "The best case scenario happened this time - we all came back. But don't just take that as good fortune - it's a second chance, an opportunity to learn, because the next time is going to be something you need to be ready for."

"You're saying that, as though something is steering our fate, Lashanne," Serena remarked.

"The universe has this way of giving you only one warning, and then bringing the hammer down the second time it decides to mess with you," Lashanne explained. "If you haven't learned from the first time, the second is when all hell breaks loose."

"Well said, honey." Minato said firmly, nodding to her in approval before shifting his gaze to Luke. "Like with what Katsumoto said, you gave into ignorance and hubris this time around. Learn from this experience so that you never fall victim to those kinds of emotions again... for all our sakes."

Luke started to smile softly, hearing their kind, yet critical words. He was glad they all forgave him for what happened, and he knew now to never fall victim to his own hubris again. "...Thank you, everyone." He said, placing his paw over his chest. "You all have my word that this kind of event will never happen again, or I'll hang up my medal and retire from the Guilds."

"Leeeet's not get too far ahead, cap." Eagle Eye chirped, fanning his wings.

Luke nodded, then his smile faded to a stern gaze as he addressed his friends once more. "On the topic of self improvement, there's another issue I need to bring up with you all." He stated. "This mission has also opened my eyes to another glaring issue that we need to correct... Every time we engage with Calhoun's forces, we are always pressed on the backfoot, and barely manage to escape by the skin of our teeth. Our encounter with Mewtwo is a prime example of that. Had it not been for Sol reconnecting with Reshiram and earning his Blessing back, we would not have gotten as far as we did. Mewtwo would have destroyed the ship, and we'd be left at the mercy of the ocean below."

"Well... up until Mewtwo showed up, we were doing fine, right?" Tristan offered. "I mean... We were winning that fight."

"They weren't expecting us, at least not to show up there," Volcan put in. "We caught them on the backfoot this time but that won't happen twice. The point is... We've been lucky, every time we fought them. The Fortress was the first time - Mewtwo regained consciousness just long enough to save Luke and I from himself. The odds of that happening were slim to say the least. Then at Hadleigh, we outmaneuvered Lugia long enough to save it, but even that could've gone awry. The fight at Blackcoast, another example."

"We weren't ready for Calhoun himself to be there, and he mopped the floor with us," Volcan went on, looking at Minato as he spoke. "Me, Minato, Sickle, Kaen, Lashanne - we all engaged him and he beat every single one of us, by himself. Minato scored a lucky hit with that Reversal that nearly took Calhoun out, but as we've seen he's still very much alive and we know he won't fall for that a second time."

Luke took over then. "The point we're making here is that this is no longer a skirmish against a madman who just wants to watch the world burn for his own pleasure," he stated. "Calhoun has a mission, a purpose, and if he succeeds in that mission, it'll be the end of the world as we know it. As of this moment, we are at _war_with the Dark Crusade... A war that we are nowhere _near_ready to partake in..."

"...So what's the plan then, boss?" Hank asked.

"The only way we're going to be ready for the next encounter is if we push beyond our limits, and I mean really push beyond them." Luke answered. "We're going to take time off from our work to train. Not just individually, but also as a group. We need to be better than we are now, develop new tactics and techniques, and improve what we know already, if we're going to stand a chance against Calhoun."

"No more depending on luck to protect us. No more divine interventions by Guardians," Volcan added. "When we next face the Crusade, we fight them on our terms. We are all going to get stronger and prepare ourselves for the next encounter - and let's be frank... There will be a next time."

Volcan crossed his arms before continuing. "So let's go over what we know," he said. "The Crusade is led not only by Calhoun but a few lieutenants and elites. Asya, who we know is a rather skillful strategist. Seji, as knowledgeable in ancient lore as Lashanne and trained in the same swordplay Minato is - he's old, but he's experienced. Tory, a Decidueye and a master assassin - we know very little about his species but so far none of us have even come close to taking him down ourselves."

He frowned before continuing. "And Sash, Seji's apprentice, an absolutely ruthless killer who's not above taking his target out from behind... As I well know," he reached behind him to rub his back, reminded again of the scar he'd carry for the rest of his life.

Lashanne took over then. "We know they pick their recruits from among the desperate," added Lashanne. "Towns like Blackcoast and Marilogne are prime examples, but even our island friend Jora was a target of this. Somehow, they're getting recruits from all around the world, so it stands to reason that even though we destroyed their ship in Hadleigh they definitely have another one somewhere."

"One that might be bigger than even the Oppression was." Luke added. "With that in mind, it also stands to reason that Calhoun could also target Port Azure because of our involvement in trying to stop his plans. We'll need to prepare contingency plans to ensure that the damage is kept to a minimum, and the townsfolk are safely evacuated should he attempt to bombard our home as he has with several other locations."

"I think we may have time before that," Serena piped up, clearly mustering her courage to speak in front of everyone. "We saw his numbers were limited when we met him in the islands. It may be safe to assume he's still replenishing his forces," Serena added. "We stopped their operations in Blackcoast, and Marilogne is known to the guilds now thanks to our actions there to rescue Volcan. It is only a matter of time before they begin watching for the presence of the Crusade there and put a stop to their recruitment."

"Which means he'll have to cross the sea to find more troops for his depleted army," Lashanne added, sharing a nod with Serena. "Assuming the ship is at least the size of the Oppression and factoring in the type of engine needed to move a vessel that size..." She trailed off, running calculations in her mind. "That'll take at least month, both ways, with the added factor of the days they'll spend at various locations looking for recruits. And," she added, lifting a paw and sticking out one digit as another thought occured to her.

"They can't really quicken the proess with teleportation. Not even Mewtwo could possibly be able to teleport a ship that size, let along with a full passenger capacity. The strain of that alone would fry his brain and then, Shadow Pokémon or not, he'd be useless to Calhoun. So they have no choice but to travel the old-fashioned way."

"Time is on our side for now, then," Minato added, crossing his arms.

"We also need more information on these Nexuses that Calhoun is searching for." Luke pointed out. "Before we departed Hadleigh, Volcan and I visited Aerendyl's Library with Neilla, and we uncovered a potential clue as to where one of the Nexuses might be located, specifically the Eastern Nexus." He said, glancing at Kage in particular for a moment before continuing. "A journal entry from an explorer known as Professor Ling documented him discovering a temple somewhere deep in a swampland, but when he tried to get closer to it, a group of assassins, specifically Greninja, attacked and drove him away."

All heads turned to Hageshi and Kage, who looked back at everyone in silence. Hageshi dared not to speak, but Kage eventually broke the silence. "The temple he encountered was the home of a group known as the Brotherhood of the Kaeru Assassins... I used to be among their ranks until I decided to turn my back on them, and start a new life twenty years later here in Port Azure..."

"You guys think the same group - these Kaeru Assassins, know where the Nexus is?" Lashanne asked.

"It's a bit of a stretch. But in Dr. Ling's journal, he mentioned when he encountered them also seeing a Pokémon he couldn't identify which had power over the very woodlands around them," Volcan explained. "Not so unlike Koa - we saw he's powerful enough that storms form overhead while he's fighting. Aside from Zapdos or Lugia I don't know any other Pokémon powerful enough to do that. Well, maybe Zekrom but otherwise it's still a short list."

"In other words, if we find the Kaeru Assassins, we find the Guardian Pokémon. We find the Guardian, then we find the Nexus." Luke explained concisely. "The problem is getting there..."

"Well if Kage was part of them, shouldn't he know where they are?" Tristan asked.

"It's been more than twenty years since I abandoned them," Kage retorted firmly. "My memory of their location is foggy at best. I would need to retrace my steps down to the letter in order to find my old clan's temple."

"...Your old clan?" Wade piped up. "You make it sound as if you owned them."

"Father wasn't just another Assassin among their ranks, Wade." Hageshi remarked stoically. "He is the Meishu's son, the next in line to take over when he perishes."

"...So, what - like the Prince of Thieves?" Lashanne asked, arching an eyebrow. "Or in this case, Prince of Assassins?"

"That's one way of putting it, yes." Hageshi answered.

"We're getting too far ahead of ourselves." Kage sharply stated. "Our first priority is Azure's protection and our own personal growth."

"Kage's right. We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Luke concurred with a nod. "Our home and its people come first. Once we have something more concrete, we'll follow up on it before we go looking out for the Nexus."

"We'll start working out a plan, but just as importantly, we _need_to get stronger. Starting tomorrow, we're all going to train harder than ever," Volcan said with affirmation. "You guys ready for that?"

"Aye!" Katsu hollered, raising his arm into the air.

"Hell yea, man!" Hank added.

"I'm not sure if I can get stronger... but I can always get_faster_. I'm in!" Eagle Eye remarked.

Doug cast a glance at Tristan before he made his claim. "I think I may have an idea on what I can do to be more helpful to you guys, so I'm on board."

"If there's fightin' to be had, don't even think I'll sit it out," Tristan added, punching his fists together.

Kage only nodded in acknowledgment, staying ever silent and stoic despite his teammates enthusiasm to improve on their abilities. Hageshi however, had his own statement to say.

"I will improve on my own terms..." He said, slowly turning his gaze over to Sol. "And I know exactly what I must do in order to achieve more power..."

Sol looked back at Hageshi, confused as to what he meant at first. His ears pricked up a bit as the realization hit him and he shot the Greninja a firm glare. "Buddy... I couldn't care less what you do, but I'm tellin' you now... You do not wanna go through with it. It ain't worth the risk."

"It is when the entire world is at stake." Hageshi firmly stated. "As I said, I will improve on my own terms, and I will do whatever I must to ensure I gain more power to finish Calhoun off for good."

"It ain't about doin' whatever you gotta do to get stronger. Being a Blessed ain't all it's cracked up to be." Sol retorted angrily, then snorted and turned his gaze away from the Greninja. "But I know that won't stop you from trying, so go ahead then. Don't come cryin' to me when you're suddenly erased from existence."

"Can that... Really happen?" Serena asked, frightened by the implications.

"Yep." Sol answered grimly, casting a glance down at Serena. "I was the exception because my Blessing was an artificial one at first, but in order to really become a Blessed, you gotta be completely in sync with the Legendary that chooses ya. If even one little bit of you isn't in complete sync, well..." Sol made a slashing motion across his neck with his pointer finger. "Ya don't just die. You get completely erased. No afterlife or nuthin."

"That seems a heavy risk," said Volcan, turning his gaze to the younger Greninja. "Hageshi, are you sure you want to do that? We know Blessed can't be corrupted but you already have that covered."

Hageshi shook his head. "My ability can work against me, as can my Father's." he explained. "By nature, I may be a Dark Type, but Protean changes my typing mid battle, making me a full typing of the technique I use. Once I use anything but a Dark Type move, I am vulnerable to corruption." He spoke in a firmer tone as he continued. "I have made my decision and I will not be swayed. Tomorrow, I pack my things and depart on a quest to find a Legendary Pokémon , and earn the right to wield their power."

Wade glanced at his rival out of the corner of his eye, finding his determination both inspiring and concerning. Wade too knew the risks of bonding with a Blessed, as he knew of another Blessed that lived in Azure, and the process that they had to go through in order to achieve such power... The risk was steep, but reaped huge rewards if performed correctly.

With a sigh, he rolled his head along his shoulders and straightened up. "Then I guess that makes two of us," He declared, making everyone look toward Wade in shock. "I too will seek out and earn a Legendary's trust. To earn for myself, the right to wield their power."

Kage immediately stood before him, staring sternly into his eyes. "You will do no such thing." He said in a defensive manner. "You have obligations here in Azure, specifically your mate and your-"

Wade cut him off. "You didn't speak up when Hageshi declared his decision," he pointed out just as sternly. "As his _true_father, I would have thought you'd be equally as opposed to his decision as you are of mine."

"You have a family, Wade..."

"As do you, and how many times have you left them off to the side for the sake of the mission?" Wade further countered.

Several in the group let out an "Ooooh," as Wade called out his teacher's hypocrisy, earning glares from Kage, but no one backed down. Least of all Wade himself. He stood his ground despite his master's glare, matching it with his species trademark squabble-quelling glare, and only then did Kage finally close his eyes and slump his shoulders gently.

"...You've grown considerably since I took you under my wing..." He relented. "And you've turned into a far better man than I could hope for..." He opened his eyes and looked at the Samurott with a more relaxed gaze. "For your sake, I hope your wife understands your intentions as much as we do..."

"I've seen what she's like when she's angry, Shishio... I can weather it." Wade assured him.

"Colour me impressed." Hageshi piped up, shooting Wade a slight smirk under his tongue scarf. "And here I thought you were too soft to stand up for yourself...It's good to see that some of Father's teachings are shining through."

"I'm not like the timid Dewott I used to be, Hageshi." Wade responded with a smirk of his own.

"Then while you two embark on your quest to seek a Legendary Pokémon to bond with," said Volcan. "The rest of us will remain here in Azure, and make all the preparations we can.."

"I wish you both luck, guys... Odds are, you're going to need it." Luke added.

"Thank you, Luke. And good luck to you as well." Wade answered.

"Luck has nothing to do with our intentions... And I do not leave anything to chance..." Hageshi answered as well.

"Of course. Like father, like son." Luke remarked as he rolled his eyes to the side. He then lifted his paw to lightly touch his scarf, feeling slightly nervous as he began to bring up his final point of the meeting. "On an unrelated topic... I have an announcement to make."

"More?" Lashanne asked as she and everyone else focused on Luke.

Luke took a moment to collect himself, his paw still touching his scarf as he spoke. "...As you all know, Volcan and I have been dating for quite some time now." He began, slowly turning to glance at the Blaziken next to him. "However, while we did have plans to get married at some point, we figured it was best to hold off on the wedding until after the Dark Crusade was vanquished, and Calhoun had been defeated. However, the night before we arrived at the Castle, after what happened on Kia He... We decided that we're done waiting."

Luke then dug into his scarf and pulled out a small box, then turned to Volcan and took one of his hands into his paw. He sucked in a breath to calm himself down. He had already done this before when they were lost in the West Continent, but they were fighting to survive and the proposal was rushed. He wanted to make the proposal properly now that they were home, and there was no better time to do so than during this very moment.

"...Volcan." Luke began softly. "If there's one good thing that this conflict has brought into my life, it's you. As weird as it is to say this, were it not for the attack on your home, chances are we never would have met. I'd probably still be stuck wallowing in my depression and my abstinence after my last failed relationship."

"But then, your boat crashed into Azure's docks, and practically threw you into my arms. From that day forward, you changed me - slowly but surely you opened up my heart again, and with the help of both Sickle and Hank..." He added, quickly shooting a wink to the Zoroark. "I was finally able to fully embrace the feelings that had been building up inside of me. Feelings I had struggled to suppress out of fear I would have my heart broken again."

Luke slowly lowered himself to one knee and popped the lid of the box open to reveal a brass ring inside of it. "You've been a loyal friend to me. You've been a valuable partner, and you've been a doting boyfriend ever since we came forward with our feelings. Now, I want to push the envelope further and cross the final threshold in our relationship." He gave a pause for dramatic effect, fighting back the tears starting to form in his eyes. "Volcan... Captain of Team Phalanx, Survivor of Arc Island, Defender of Port Azure. Will you grant me the honour of taking your hand in marriage, and becoming my one and only husband,?"

Volcan smiled and took Luke into his arms as he answered. "I gave you my answer when you first proposed to me out west," he said. "My mind hasn't changed. You've given me so much, Luke of Port Azure. A new home, a new life, and by extension my friends and family as well. You've been there beside me through the hardest days of my life, from a fragmented soul all the way to when I became whole again."

He embraced Luke tightly as he continued. "You mean everything to me, Luke, and I'm ready to give everything I am to you and you alone. So I once again accept your proposal, with a full heart."

Even though he knew Volcan's answer, Luke still couldn't stop himself from shedding tears of joy after hearing Volcan accept his proposal. He gently took the ring out of its box and began sliding it along Volcan's finger, then threw his arms around the Blaziken and started kissing him with wild abandon.

Everyone witnessing the proposal started giving their cheers and applause in celebration of their Captains' official declaration of marriage, the more eccentric viewers giving cheers and whistles as they congratulated the two of them.

"Ya see that??" Hank hollered with pride. "I fucking _made_that happen, ladies and gents!"

As the group cheered, Serena stepped closer to Katsu, resting her head and the weight of her body against his side. All the while wearing a proud, happy smile on her face as she watched Luke and Volcan. Katsu smiled equally as happily as she felt her weight against him, gently lifting his arm and wrapping it around her back, dragging her in gently to kiss her cheek before returning his gaze back to Luke and Volcan once again,

Lashanne looked at Minato with a raised eyebrow. "So... Is that how most marriage proposals go out here?" She asked. "It was kinda corny but... Sweet, overall."

"Luke handled his proposal better than I did when I proposed to Linda..." Minato remarked, averting his gaze slightly. "His was longer-winded, perhaps. But he was cognizant throughout. I was a nervous wreck the whole way through, stumbling over all my words and even almost dropped the ring once when I fumbled for it."

Lashanne snickered at that. "Here's hoping you don't drop the next one~" She hinted to him with a wink.

Minato's ears pricked up at that, his eyes widening as he registered the hint she dropped and turning to look right at Lashanne in astonishment.

"Merely my way of saying, I think this is working pretty well so far," she added with another smile.

"Alright then," Volcan spoke up, still holding Luke against him. "So... You've all heard our announcements. Does anyone have anything else to add?"

"Nothing that hasn't been said already." Katsumoto answered. "However, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we should return to our homes for the night and get as much rest as possible." He stated. "We have much work to do starting tomorrow."

"Don't gotta tell me twice." Sol added with a huff, already turning and heading toward the forest behind him. "I'll make sure not to sleep in."

One by one, the group parted, returning to their homes. Minato called out to Caulin who was still spending time with Ignus until his name was heard. As the Riolu said goodbye to his new cousin, Volcan waved Ignus over to him and Luke, and the pup came over diligently, as though he had already accepted the two as his new caretakers. Volcan knelt to pick him up, cradling the Rockruff in his arms as he turned toward the house, letting Ignus see the cabin for himself - alien to him, but a sight he would grow accustomed to in time.

"Welcome home, son," Volcan said.

"And welcome to your new life." Luke added.

With that, they approached the door, opening it and stepping inside, finally home to stay for what felt like the first time in months - and with a new boy to share the space with them.