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As soon as Luke had read the note from Romulus, he immediately put out the call to his team as well as Volcan's. One by one, they arrived, with Minato and Lashanne - being next door to them, arriving first, followed by Tristan - who volunteered to retrieve Volcan and Sol. With that, Luke's team began to arrive, trickling into the house one after another - except for Doug who had to stay by the door, but like Tristan went to carry the summons to Team Warmachine at the docks at Luke's request.

"It's one thing to call all of us here," said Lashanne, "But you want Team _Warmachine_here, too?"

"That _is_unusual," agreed Serena, having arrived with Katsumoto, "Luke, is something wrong?"

"Not... _wrong_per say, but something that I feel _everyone_should be present for." Luke answered, his expression still as stunned as when he first read the letter.

"And you say the letter came from Romulus of all Pokemon?" Katsu asked for clarification, to which Luke nodded in response. "Then surely it must be of great importance to not just us, but everyone in the Guilds."

"I guess that's why you want Torolf here too, then?" Lashanne asked.

Luke nodded. "The letter itself wasn't directly addressed to just me, but to every_Gold Ranked Rescue Team in the world, and from what I've read so far, it has even _him spooked."

"Romulus? Spooked?" Hank remarked while blinking a few times. "Those two words don't even belong in the same sentence with each other."

"No kidding. Anyone with a pulse is usually the one spooked when he is involved," added Lashanne. "I mean, he didn't earn the moniker 'Hound of Terror' for nothing."

There was a small silence afterward as they waited for Team Warmachine to arrive, with Luke tapping his foot impatiently on the floor. "Damnit, what's taking them so long...?"

Shortly after he spoke, a shadow appeared in the doorway, and Sol stepped into the house, followed quickly by Volcan and Tristan - the latter having to duck his head to clear the doorway as he stepped in. Volcan did a quick head-count until his eyes found Luke, and he stepped over.

"Still waiting on Team Warmachine?" he asked.

"Yea. They're taking unusually long to get here," Luke answered.

Almost as if on cue, another shadow filled the doorway, and Luke heard Doug call out before the bulky form of Torolf appeared, having to turn his body sideways to get through the door. Though he was not as tall as Tristan, he was easily large and broader at the shoulder, making it difficult for the Swampert to enter, but he managed to fit himself inside, and remained standing on all fours.

"Pardon my delay," he said, in his deep rumbling voice. "Doug said something about a letter from Romulus; what's happened?"

"Well, well, the big man finally decides to grace us with his presence," Sol remarked in a snarky tone. "Took you long enough."

"My apologies. I was preoccupied," said Torolf, "I was helping the salvage company lift one of the boats that were sunk in the battle."

"...Was it my boat?" Volcan asked.

"I am unsure. I only saw yours that one time."

Volcan held up his hand and shook it. "Nevermind; priorities first," he said. "Go ahead Luke; what did the letter say?"

So, Luke explained, revealing that the letter, addressed to both his team and Team Phalanx - as it was very unlikely Romulus knew Team Warmachine was currently in Azure. It first mentioned that Romulus had sent the message, via the fastest couriers he could hire, to inform the guild and teams that his life was potentially in danger - that he had it on good authority the Crusade wanted him gone. No attempts had been made at the time he'd written - or had the letter inscribed, but that could soon change.

What got everyone's attention, though, was the second part of the letter. He had found them; through an informant, who was not detailed in the letter, Romulus had found the location of the Dark Crusade's last stronghold. When Luke told them this, the entire room fell silent for a uncomfortably long time.

Eventually, the silence was broken by Volcan. "...So, it's really happening then," he said, in a way that suggested he had expected this.

"Volcan?" Lashanne asked, catching the tone of his voice. "The way you said that... Did you know they were in the west?"

"How could I know?" Volcan countered. "But over the past month or so... I've had this feeling - this sense that something was about to happen. I haven't been able to stop training the whole time, because I couldn't shake the feeling that I had to."

"You felt that as well?" Torolf asked, much to the group's surprise.

"Something tells me most of us, if not all of us, felt something like that," Minato remarked, casting glances around at the rest of the group.

"Aye, I have felt it..." Katsu confirmed.

Kage only nodded in confirmation, but stayed silent nonetheless.

Volcan grimaced. "So, it wasn't just me," he said, "But is this what it meant; that somehow I was sensing this was coming?"

"It is the warrior's instinct," said Torolf, "The sense that a great battle approaches - perhaps the most dangerous and difficult we may ever face."

"Then we better start preparing for it," Luke stated as he slowly stood up from the couch. "We need to rally any and all available teams and start sailing to Gladiator City as soon as possible."

"How the heck are we going to get there, though?" Lashanne asked. "I can't pack _all_of us onto my airship; even if we could all fit we would really have to stretch the supplies to get all the way across the ocean."

"That's assuming we wouldn't drive each other crazy on such a confined space for so long too," Volcan added.

Torolf cleared his throat. "Perhaps I could be of assistance there," he said, "The Kyogre's Rest can easily accommodate all of us, and whoever else we can enlist to the mission."

Everyone perked up upon hearing that, turning their attention to Torolf almost simultaneously. "Wait, wait, we get to hitch a ride on your cruise ship again?" Eagle asked for clarification.

"It is the most practical way for us to cross the ocean," said Torolf, "Overkill, perhaps, but it can accommodate hundreds of people, and the cargo space is more than enough for everything we will need to bring."

"Hey I ain't complaining. If we're gonna travel across the ocean to our biggest fight yet, we may as well travel in luxury, am I right?" Hank remarked with a smirk.

"Just bear in mind that this isn't a pleasure cruise," Kage stated stoically. "As you just said, we're heading for the biggest fight of our lives. We will need to be ready both physically and mentally for when we arrive."

Luke grimaced after hearing that, feeling as if that last part was a jab at his current condition, but said nothing about it; instead changing the topic. "How soon can we depart?"

"I will send Razorwing ahead to tell the crew to begin preparations at once," he said, "Two days, maybe three."

"Three days tops..." Luke muttered softly. "That should be enough time to bring Sickle's team over from Bluegrove."

"In that case, why don't I swing on over to get Big Green and his gang over?" Hank offered without a moment's hesitation.

"And while we're at it, we could use Team Plainsrunner and Team Storm, too," added Volcan. "Having Sickle, Neilla and Ernoul at our back can only improve our chances."

"I'll start composing a letter to them right away," Luke offered. "That way they'll be ready by the time we arrive to pick them up."

"Er... One complication," said Volcan, "the River by Hadleigh is way too narrow for the Kyogre's Rest; there's no way it could approach the city that way."

"That's no problem," Lashanne assured him, "We can pick them up with Torolf's boat, or my airship."

"Then we better send someone to Bluegrove to get Sickle, and get him back here quickly," Serena suggested. "Who can reach it the fastest?"

"That'd definitely be Eagle Eye," said Volcan.

"Actually... I think I'm gonna undertake a different task." Eagle Eye answered. "If we're gonna need all hands on deck for this, then I think we're gonna need the help of my Dad's squadron, as well as a few others that come to mind. Besides, Hank's already volunteered to go to Bluegrove, so we're covered there."

Volcan looked at Hank. "Think you can get there quickly and bring them back?" he asked.

"Hey, I may not be as fast as Afterburner here, but I know my way around a forest better than anyone. I'll be there and back before ya know it," Hank remarked confidently.

"I will see to it that what remains of the Kaeru are ready to depart when the time arrives," Kage added with a firm nod. "I will also inform Wade and Hageshi of the upcoming battle. We will need their expertise and their divine connections to increase our odds of victory."

"Good call," agreed Volcan, "We may need Wade to speed this along, if he can manage it."

"He can," Kage assured the Blaziken with another nod.

"It may be a good idea to still take the airship with us too," Volcan added, looking at Lashanne, "We don't know what kind of terrain is waiting for us at the Crusade's base; if we have to cross the desert, I'd rather do it from the sky."

Lashanne nodded. "I'll make sure it's ready," she said.

"Then that is that," concluded Torolf, "I will notify my team and send Razorwing to get the Rest ready."

"And we'll do what we need to in order to pack up and prepare," Luke added, then turned to his team. "You all know what you need to do. Get to it."

"Can do, boss," Eagle Eye chirped before he turned and began hopping toward the front door.

"Yea I know. I'm goin, I'm goin." Hank added, following Eagle Eye to perform his duty.

One after the other, the teams filed out of the house. Last to leave were Sol and Torolf, with the latter taking a second look at the former, studying him.

"...You look like you're doing well," he said to Sol, his tone level, and carrying no hint of disrespect.

"Same to you, old man," Sol shot back, his expression serious, but held no level of malice or hatred toward the Swampert. "Still kicking despite that ass whooping you took a long while ago."

"I have had worse. Before, and since," the Swampert returned, "That being said, it is still a battle I'll not soon forget."

"You just might, considering we're gonna be in for one hell of a doozy," Sol retorted, then stood almost nose to nose with Torolf. "Just do me one favour... Try not to kick the bucket until after I kick your ass."

Torolf chuckled. "I can only promise to try," he said, before he departed the house as well and started lumbering his way down to the docks to meet his team and apprise them of the situation.

Sol cast a brief glance at Volcan before he stepped out, leaving Volcan and Luke alone in the house, and consider what had been discussed. Volcan sat down on the sofa heavily, laying his arms across his knees and letting out his breath.

"...It's really happening," he said, in a barely audible whisper.

"The final battle to end all battles..." Luke added, gently taking a seat next to Volcan and leaning slightly against him. "I can't say I never expected it to happen, but... So soon though..."

"It seems like only yesterday we had our first battle with the Crusade," said Volcan, wrapping an arm around Luke and holding him close. "Out there on the islands, six teams against unknown odds... Now here we are, about to do it all over again, in a different place altogether."

"Only this time, we will succeed in stopping him for good," Luke remarked firmly. "We've had two golden opportunities to stop the Crusade once and for all, and both times Calhoun slipped right out of our grasp..." he added, clenching his paws tightly in his lap. "Not this time... The next time we find Calhoun, he's going down for good."

Volcan heard the resolve in his husband's voice, and felt he shared it. Though deep down, he sensed something darker still... Something he wasn't sure how to put into words yet. "After this, he'll have nowhere left to run," he agreed, "One way or another this will all be over soon."

"And we'll finally be able to come home and give our boy the life he truly deserves..." Luke added, this time with a heartwarming smile. "No more leaving him under his grandparents' care. After this war is over, wherever we go, he goes with us."

At that, Volcan tensed. "...Dammit," he said, a quiver in his voice. "We're going to have to leave him again..."

Luke's smile faded and his ears flattened. "Yea... I know... but this time it'll be the last time," he assured his husband.

"Even so..." the Blaziken returned, his expression souring further. "We've left him alone three other times now... It hurts me so much to just leave him like that; I can't even imagine how he feels whenever we do it... We saved him from the islands, after his pack was wiped out, effectively becoming his new pack - his new family... Yet we keep leaving him."

"I'm sure deep down he understands why..." Luke tried to reassure Volcan, placing his paw over the Blaziken's hand. "He's a smart boy... He's seen what we're up against. I'm sure he'll understand."

Volcan allowed the hint of a smile to grace the corner of his beak. "Yeah... He _is_a smart boy," he agreed, "But he's still just a pup..."

"Don't think about that," Luke said as he lifted both paws to grasp Volcan's cheeks and force him to look at one another. "Think about the life we'll be able to give him once we return... That's what we're fighting for after all, right?"

Volcan took a moment to consider that, and eventually nodded. "Yeah... You're right," he said. "We're not only doing this because it's the right thing, but to secure a future... For him, and everyone else in the world."

"Exactly." Luke concurred. "Now, we should probably follow suit and start our own preparations for when it's time to leave."

Volcan nodded. "Right... Better pack up everything we'll need," he said.

Next door, Minato and Lashanne stepped into the house and got to work packing everything they would need for the long journey ahead. But shortly after they began, Caulin arrived home, entering to find his stepmother filling a canvas bag with non-perishable food items.

"...You guys going on a trip or something?" He asked with mild curiosity as well as some concern. "Lemme guess, you feel the call to treasure hunt once again?"

Lashanne jerked when she heard Caulin speak and looked over her shoulder at him. "Oh, hi Caulin; sorry, I guess my mind was elsewhere and I didn't hear you come in," she said, and then looked at the bag. "And... Well, no. We've got a mission. One that's going to take us pretty far away."

Caulin's eyes narrowed slightly. "...Where exactly?" he asked cautiously.

Lashanne let out a breath. "There's no point trying to dance around it; you'll find out either way," she muttered to herself before turn to face Caulin. "We got a letter from Romulus, if you remember who that is?" Caulin nodded to her, and she continued. "He said he found the last bastion of the Dark Crusade; he knows where Calhoun has run to. It's on the West Continent, and he's called on us - as well as Team Valiant and Team Warmachine, to join him to take them down once and for all."

Caulin stared back at Lashanne for a long moment in silence, then he nodded and then turned toward the stairs leading up to his room. "Guess I better start packing too." He remarked.

"W-Wait, hold on..." Lashanne began, but trailed off, unsure what else to say.

However, before Caulin could climb the stairs, he was suddenly grabbed by the shoulder from behind. The young Lucario knew who it was without even sensing his presence, keeping his stern gaze forward even as he spoke.

"Don't try to stop me, Dad. I've already made up my mind," Caulin stated.

"Caulin, listen to me," the elder Lucario shot back. "You aren't ready for a conflict of this scale."

Those words triggered Caulin, his expression going from stern to furious in less than a second. "Not ready...?" he asked as he slowly turned his head to look at his father over his shoulder. "Like hell I'm not ready!!" he suddenly exclaimed as he threw Minato's paw off his shoulder forcefully as he fully faced him. "Stop coddling me like a kid already, Dad! I'm a fully evolved Lucario now! I can handle myself in a fight!"

"A _freshly_evolved Lucario," Minato clarified in an equally firm tone. "One that has yet to master his own body and control his own power."

"Sol's been helping me get used to it! And I do have control over my own power!" Caulin retorted.

"Those sparks say otherwise," Minato said, noticing the sparks surging around Caulin the angrier he got. "You're stronger, there's no denying that, but you're still too reckless. The last time you rushed headfirst into a fight, you almost got killed!"

"_You're_one to talk! You rush into every battle that comes your way!" Caulin countered. "And in case you forgot, I beat Sash without him even touching me!"

"By using a power that resulted in you going on a killing spree!" Minato finally shouted at his son, making the younger Lucario flinch as he remembered that moment in time. "You let your rage control your actions in the heat of the moment. You behaved almost exactly like Eberon during that fight. You. Aren't. Ready."

"I know what I did!" Caulin managed to respond after taking a moment to recollect his thoughts. "Why do you think I've been training with Sol these past weeks? He's helping me control that rage so that it never happens again!"

Both father and son stared intently at one another for a while, then Caulin broke the silence as he took a step closer to Minato, almost nose to nose with him. "I'm not a kid anymore, Dad... and I'm tired of watching everyone I love die and not doing a damn thing about it. Like I told Mama Bird, I'm getting involved in this fight, and not even you, or Mom, or Uncle Volcan's gonna stop me," he stated in a calm, yet still frustrated tone.

Minato felt a sense of familiarity as he looked at Caulin, seeing in him the same resolve Minato had shown to Victor before, when he had set his resolve to thrive under his own power, and rely on nothing else - not even Mega Stones. That conflict had brought him and Victor to disagreement, and eventually to come to blows; in his son, Minato could see that Caulin was ready to do the same... Even if Minato kept trying to stop him from joining them on their mission, Caulin would not take no for an answer; he would fight for his right to accompany them, even if that meant fighting his own father...

Minato let out a long sigh and rubbed his forehead slightly, shaking his head from side to side. "...Degra was right..." He muttered. "Were you not my son, you may as well be my clone," he added before slumping his shoulders and looking up toward the ceiling, then nodded once to Caulin. That was all the incentive the young Lucario needed to turn and rush upstairs to his room while his father stumbled back into a wall and leaned against it.

"He's growing up way too fast..." he said with a hint of regret in his tone.

"Time always marches on, hun," Lashanne offered, coming to stand beside Minato, "He's old enough now we can't really stop him from making his own choices. And, we've seen before just how stubborn he can be when he makes up his mind, like when he snuck on my ship..."

Minato gave another sigh before he gently leaned his head into Lashanne's. "I'm just scared I'm going to lose him," he replied in a whisper. "I don't doubt his strength and his accomplishments, but... I just want him to be better than I am, not just physically, but up here too..." he added while poking his head with his paw.

"He isn't going to accomplish that if we hold him back, though," said Lashanne, "And, as I told Degra, if he hadn't stepped in when he did, Sash probably would have killed me." She looked at him, speaking somberly. "I think we at least owe it to him to let him decide for himself what he can handle and offer him guidance along the way."

Minato nodded in agreement. "Yea... you're right," he reluctantly concurred before gently sliding his arm along her side and holding her against him. "We do owe him that much at least..."

Lashanne nodded to him and looked up the stairs as she continued. "I only just met the boy... But I feel proud of him, and the man he's shaping up to be," she said. "I can see his potential... He definitely has it in him to surpass all of us, so long as he never lets it go to his head."

"Good thing we'll be close by to make sure that doesn't happen." Minato said with a more lighthearted smile, giving her a small peck on the cheek afterward. "We better keep packing. Don't want our boy to finish before us," he added jokingly.

"Right, and I still have to go check the airship," Lashanne added, nodding in agreement.

"Well, no time like the present," Minato added, playfully swatting her hip with his paw to usher her forward.

Lashanne cast him a wry smirk, before she went back to packing as she was doing before, giving Minato the chance to do the same...

Elsewhere, Katsumoto and Serena returned to his home by the lake, outside of Azure. He gently held the door open for her to enter first before stepping in himself, putting the latch on the door before turning and looking around his small, quaint house.

"I... Suppose we ought to begin packing what we deem necessary for the journey," Katsu said, "We will be out at sea for a long time, after all."

Serena, seated on the floor, gave a half-hearted "Yes..." in reply, her tail flicking absently as she stared off into space.

Katsu noticed her response and tilted his head curiously at her, then gently approached her from behind and lay one of his paws atop her shoulder. "My dear? Is something the matter?" he asked softly.

Serena tensed as Katsu's paw rested on her, and she spun around sharply. "Oh... I'm sorry, Katsumoto. My mind was... Elsewhere," she said, seemingly having trouble looking him in the eye as she spoke, her emerald eyes lowering.

She almost looked... Ashamed, or afraid? It seemed to be a mix of the two. Katsu gently moved around so he was in front of her, slowly sliding his paw from her shoulder to her chin and gently lifting her head so they were looking at one another.

"Serena..." he whispered calmly to her. "What is on your mind, my dear?"

Serena looked at him for a moment, and then took a deep, deep breath, her body shuddering as she tried to summon her courage. Managing to settle her gaze upon him, she began to speak.

"Over the last few missions we've had together... There has been tremendous danger," she said, "And each time... You were always at the front of it, which I'd always expect you would do; it is who you are..."

She lowered her gaze slightly. "But once... I almost lost you," she said, "during our mission to the islands. Then, at the Battle of Azure, we were all in more danger than ever. I could have lost you then, as well... Just as a few of us did lose someone close."

She was of course referring to Victor, felled while protecting his grandson, and Gex - Hank's late husband, who died protecting the citizens of Azure. Of those two, one of them had not been a dedicated combatant, yet danger had found them just the same.

Katsu let out a long sigh. "I understand your worry, my fair maiden..." He said softly before lightly embracing her into his chest. "Alas, it is as you said... I am a warrior first and foremost, and as a warrior, it falls to me to fight until my very last breath to protect everything and everyone I cherish... which of course, puts you at the top of that list..."

He then looked away slightly, "I do not fear death. I enter every battle with the thought that it may very well be my last... But with that said, there was one time that I was truly afraid to die, and the thought of it still haunts me to this day..."

"And I'd never ask you to change," she said, lifting her paw to rub against his chest, "But this mission we're going into... It is going to be the most dangerous task we have all yet faced. It is very possible that not all of us will make it back..." she narrowed her eyes, leaning her head against his chest, causing her fin collar to be pressed flat as she listened to his heartbeat. "That thought... Terrifies me... We've only been together for a little while, yet... I just wish we could have more time."

Katsu lifted his other paw to fully embrace her. "I cannot promise that we will return unscathed... but I can assure you that we will defeat Calhoun and the threat he presents to us. Then we will be able to have the lives we want without any worries." He assured her softly. "I know you are afraid, my dear... frankly, I am too... but that fear does not stem from death, rather... from the fear of never seeing you again..."

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes, and took another steadying breath. "...I know we haven't had the chance to become married," she said, "And had you asked me... I would have said yes... As a healer, my place will be behind the front lines, caring for the others. They will need me there far more than they will need me in battle..." she sniffed, "If the worst should happen... If you should go to battle and not return... I want to have this chance while I still can..."

Katsu tilted his head a little in confusion. "You... wish to have a ceremony? Just as Luke had his with Volcan?" he asked, gently stroking her cheek.

"I fear there is no time for that," she said, shaking her head as she looked at him hopefully. "Katsumoto... Will you grant me the honour of..." She leaned in close to whisper to him, even though there was no one around to hear her. "...Of bearing your child?"

The Samurott's eyes widened upon hearing such a request, pulling away from her enough to look at her square in the eyes, blinking as he registered what she had just said. "S...Serena." He muttered back in shock. "You... you want to be a mother... to our offspring?" He asked for clarification.

Serena swallowed nervously, looking as though she were trying not to lose herself to her own timidity. "Y-Yes... Yes, Katsumoto," she replied, shakily.

"Serena... I..." he paused, trying to find the words to say what he felt, "I am... Honoured you would even consider such a decision. However... We are heading into our most difficult battle... would it not make sense to wait until afterward?" he asked.

She shook her head. "If you do not return from battle... Then I will never get another chance," she said, "Katsu... I want to do this..."

Sensing her determination to go through with this, the Samurott soon relented and let out a sigh, slowly reaching up and taking off his Shellmet and setting it aside to let his long white hair fall over his shoulders. "...Very well, then," he said softly. "Tonight... We consummate for the purpose of raising our future child..."

The words seemed to give Serena a surge of courage, and she immediately lifted herself to meet Katsu's lips in a loving kiss, a whimper or joy escaping her throat. He met her kiss with zero hesitation, tilting his head to immediately deepen it, then he scooped her up into his arms and stood upright on his hind legs, cradling Serena in his arms while he made out with her, stepping through the house toward their shared bedroom.

Once inside, he slowly lay Serena down on her back, then began to slide out of his own clothing and place them gently on the side before he crawled onto the bed and loomed over her, blushing profusely as he stared down at her. She met his eyes, staring back at him lovingly, but fearfully. She was so small compared to Katusmoto, and it was here that it was most apparent at just how much smaller she was, lying below his bulky form...

"Are you... sure this is what you want, my dear maiden?" Katsu asked one more time, using a digit to caress her cheek while he waited for her answer.

She hesitated to answer, but she eventually nodded. "I'm sure," she replied, lifting her paw to caress his cheek in return.

With that, Katsu leaned in to kiss her again, and she met him halfway, giving in to her longing...

The following day...

Throughout the night, Volcan had difficulty letting Ignus out of his sight, spending the better part of the evening with his adopted son. After eating dinner, the Blaziken took the little Rockruff out for a walk, meeting Jora's clan in the woods outside of Azure, where he filled the Salazzle in on the upcoming mission before excusing himself and starting for home again. Unknown to the Blaziken, Jora went into deep thought following his departure, a plan of her own forming in her mind...

When Volcan returned home that night, Luke was already relaxing in bed waiting for him, but Volcan didn't join him immediately. He first went with Ignus into his room, tucking the Rockruff in and reading to him until he fell asleep. That was when Volcan joined Luke in bed, the two talking for a while before eventually managing to sleep as well...

The next morning, the airship and the Peacemaker were both prepared and ready to depart. The two teams began loading their belongings on the airship, making use of its cargo space, while Volcan and Luke took care of some business remaining in town, starting with their most difficult task.

With Ignus cradled protectively in his arms, Volcan led the way up the sidewalk to Degra's house, taking one arm away to knock on the door. He waited, and soon it opened, but it was not Degra who answered; standing in the doorway was an elderly Gardevoir, and Volcan could not hide his surprise at seeing her.

"Claire?" Volcan asked.

"Volcan, good morning," Claire answered with the warmest of smiles.

"Morning. Sorry, I didn't realize you were visiting," the Blaziken replied.

"She isn't," Degra's voice came from inside the house, and the older Blaziken female came to stand beside Claire, "I invited her to live with me."

"Is that so?" Luke asked, tilting his head as he looked past Claire to Degra, then looked back at Claire and flattened his ears. "...Are you two...?"

Claire laughed. "Oh no, no. Degra was just kind enough to offer to let me to live under her roof, and I accepted," the Gardevoir clarified. "Besides, it's... Too soon to consider that..."

Volcan nodded in understanding and felt a pang of guilt washing over him as he regarded Claire. Out of everyone who had suffered since the Crusade's emergence, Claire had, out of everyone he knew, suffered the most. The death of her daughter at Arc Island still haunted Volcan, having not been able to protect her, and most recently the battle of Azure had claimed her husband; something he had not been able to be there to prevent.

He felt like a heavy weight hung over his shoulders and fought hard to hide it. He cleared his throat and regarded his mother. "Well... I wish I could say this was a social call," he began, "but we have a favour to ask. May we come inside?"

"Of course," Degra replied, "Claire was just making some tea; would you boys like a cup?"

"Yes please," Volcan replied, feeling some herbal tea might help relax him.

Inside, they sat in the living room while Claire fetched the teapot and four cups, pouring a cup for each of them, and giving Ignus a bowl of sweet milk that the Rockruff happily lapped up. Making themselves comfortable, Volcan explained the situation to his mother, starting with the letter Luke had received from Romulus.

Degra's expression grew serious the longer she listened to her son, and by the time his explanation was over, her face darkened. "So, you're going to put an end to this," she said. It was not a question.

Volcan nodded. "We are," he affirmed. "This has been a long time coming... Romulus needs our help, and even if he hadn't called on Luke and I... I want to see this through. See it done."

Degra nodded. "I knew you would," she said, setting down her cup. "It would not be very motherly of me if I didn't say I'm scared for you, son... This will be the most dangerous fight you have ever faced." She looked at Luke. "You as well. Have you spoken to your family yet?"

"Not yet." Luke admitted. "I'll probably let them know after we've concluded our business here. Knowing Rigel, he'll want a piece of the action, but sometimes he forgets that he also has a wife and child to look after..."

Degra nodded again. "Just the same..." she looked at Volcan again, "Are you taking Lighris with you?"

"I... Hadn't considered it," Volcan admitted, "I'd thought he should stay here. You know... In case Azure is in trouble again."

"Azure will be fine," Degra assured him. "You drove off the Crusade; the danger to this town has passed. Besides, as much as it scares me to send both of you into such a dangerous battle, I know you two will look out for each other."

Volcan hummed in thought, and then gave a nod. "I'll ask him," he promised.

With that, Volcan looked at Ignus, who had just finished the last of the bowl of milk. He called the Rockruff over, and Ignus diligently came to his call. Volcan picked him up, setting Ignus on his lap, and meeting his eyes as Ignus looked up at him. The Rockruff could sense that his father was sad, able to see the start of a tear leaking from the corner of his eye.

Ignus tilted his head a little, then he let out a small whine as he leaned up and proceeded to lick at the corner of Volcan's eye, trying to stop that one tear from running down his cheek while his paws pressed into Volcan's chest. "D...Daddy... Sad?"

"Yeah... I am a little sad," he admitted, smiling weakly at Ignus. "Daddy and Papa have to go away for a while, son... Grandma is going to look after you while we're gone. Can you be good for her until we get back?"

Ignus frowned, understanding what Volcan was saying and not liking it. "...Wanna go with," He managed to say, pawing at Volcan's chest a few times.

Volcan shook his head. "Where we're going, son, it's far too dangerous," he said, "I couldn't live with myself if I let anything happen to you. You must stay here, where it's safe," he lifted his hand to rest on Ignus' head. "I wish it didn't have to be this way, Ignus. But this is something papa and I have to do."

"Don't worry, Ignus. I promise we'll be back once this is all over." Luke said softly, leaning over and gently stroking atop the Rockruff's head. "And when we do, we'll all go on a long trip together. Just you, me and Volcan, all as a happy family," he added with a smile.

"And you know we'll always come back to you," added Volcan, moving his hands to Ignus' sides, supporting him as they continued. "You mean the world to us, son, and we want to make sure this is a safe world for you to grow up in. The bad people who attacked our home some time back... They're still out there, and it's up to us to stop them before they hurt anyone else. Do you understand?"

Again, Ignus whined softly, but he lowered his gaze to Volcan's chest and pressed his face into his feathers for some measure of comfort while trying to hide his own sadness. Volcan, without hesitation, wrapped his arms around Ignus, holding him tightly and sniffing as the tear finally escaped his eye.

"I love you so much, Ignus," Volcan said softly to the Rockruff.

"Love... Daddy too," Ignus replied, then turned and looked at Luke. "Love... Papa too," he added.

Luke felt a tear of his own run down his cheek as he leaned close to Ignus and hugged him gently. "I love you too, son... I always will..." He whispered shakily to him.

The three of them held each other for a moment, until Volcan had to reluctantly pull away, taking Ignus in his arms again. Degra stood up, coming over, and Volcan looked up at her briefly before looking at Ignus one more time.

"Letting you go right now is the hardest thing I've ever had to do..." he whispered, before he stood up and gently passed Ignus to Degra. The female Blaziken cradled the Rockruff in her arms, letting him rest against her chest while he looked at his father. "You have our promise, Ignus... We will come back to you," he said.

Claire watched the exchange silently on the side, smiling despite the wave of emotions taking place between fathers and son. She then spoke up once Ignus was in Degra's hands. "Linda was right about you, Volcan..." she said, melancholic. "You did become a fantastic father... She'd be so proud of you."

Volcan looked over at Claire as she spoke, feeling the guilt returning. He walked over to her, taking her hand gently and holding it. "Claire... I promise you, we will stop them... For her, for Victor, and for everyone else they've made suffer, we will put an end to this once and for all."

Though he didn't say them, Claire could almost hear the words he held back. Another promise he didn't say aloud, but it was implied nonetheless. 'I won't fail you again...'

The elder Gardevoir only smiled sadly back on return, almost as if to say 'I know...,' then leaned up and lightly kissed his cheek and patted his shoulder in reassurance before stepping back. "Go on now... You two have a world to save."

Volcan nodded, and turned to look at his mother, leaning his head down to let her peck his forehead in a final goodbye. "I love you so much, son... And I am proud of you," she said softly to him, "Never forget that..."

Volcan nodded to his mother, and lowered his eyes to look at Ignus one more time, cradled in his mother's arms and reaching out to rub his head. "We'll be back as soon as we can, son," he promised again.

Ignus nodded, but he was still sad to see them leave, even going so far as to whimper and squirm against Degra's grasp as his father slowly moved toward the front door. Degra held Ignus tightly to her chest, gently shushing him as she caressed his side, trying to calm him, though she shared his sadness as she watched her son trudging toward the door, knowing in her heart that it may be the last she ever saw her precious boy...

With hearts heavy, Volcan and Luke left the house, and headed next to meet with Luke's family to share the news with them...

Fortunately, when Luke and Volcan arrived at Luminara's house, Rigel and Mikhail were already there. The two glanced over when they saw them approach and turned to greet their brother and brother-in-law with open arms.

"Hello brother," Mikhail said first as he and Luke shared a warm embrace.

"Sup, broski," Rigel added, fistbumping Volcan afterward.

"Good to see you, guys," Volcan replied, "How's it going?"

"We're doing alright. We were just waiting here for Mother to return," Mikhail answered.

"Yea, apparently she had somethin' really important to tell us," Rigel added with a shrug.

"Something important?" Volcan echoed, sharing a look with Luke, to see if he knew anything about it. Luke shook his head in response, unsure of what it was she wanted to say.

"Where did she say it was, and where'd she go?" Luke asked his brothers.

"Hell if I know. She just said she'd be right back," Rigel returned with a shrug, then his ears pricked, and he looked past Luke and Volcan. "Oh, speak of the devil."

Turning around, they saw Luminara returning with a small bag hanging over her shoulders, smiling warmly at her boys as she approached. "Sorry for taking so long," she stated, turning to Volcan and Luke. "Good morning, you two."

"Good morning, Luminara," said Volcan, tilting his head as he looked at the bag. "What's that for; you going on a trip?"

"As a matter of fact, I am," She answered with a nod. "It's a good thing you showed up when you did. What I have to say concerns all of you," she added before gesturing to her door. "Please, come inside."

At her request, the four of them entered Luminara's household and took a seat in the living room, with Luminara shutting the door behind them. She then took her place in the living room and glanced at each of her sons for a second before clearing her throat.

"I realize this will most likely come as a shock to you all, but I am not one to belabor a point. I will say this as bluntly as I can." She began before she turned to Luke and Volcan. "I'm coming with you to Gladiator City."

Luke's eyes widened and his ears perked up immediately after hearing that, blinking a few times before he spoke up. "M-Mother, you... you're serious?"

She nodded in return. "I am. I've sat aside on the sidelines and let you endanger yourselves long enough. It's time I became more involved in the defeat of Calhoun and his Crusade..."

"But... Why now?" Volcan asked. "I mean, I certainly can't say we don't need the help; we do. But why do you want to come?"

"It's just as I said. I've sat by and let this continue for far too long," Luminara answered. "Your friend was right. The times that you have endangered yourselves are times that I could have easily gotten involved and possibly ended this conflict before it ever got this far... It's too late to rectify that mistake, but I can at least own up to it by becoming an active participant in this war."

Volcan and Luke shared a glance, the Blaziken giving his husband a questioning look, wondering what he thought of this. Luke wore a look of concern on his face as he gazed back at Volcan, but even he couldn't deny that they needed all the help they could get for the upcoming battle. With a reluctant sigh, he turned back to his mother and nodded once to her.

"Alright," he relented. "If that's what you want then I can't stop you."

"Hey, if she's going, then I'm going too." Rigel stated firmly.

"Uh, no you're not," Mikhail spoke up.

"Yea, I am. What, are you gonna stop me?" Rigel shot back.

"No... But I imagine Trish will have some choice words for you if you went off to fight in a battle at the risk of your son living his life without his father." Mikhail countered.

"He's right, Rigel," Volcan offered, "Besides... If the worst should happen, you're going to be the only one left to protect Azure. As it is, you and the Shifu Brothers will be all Azure has left to count on for defense until we come back."

"But-" Rigel was ready to protest, but a stern look from both his brothers and his mother made him roll his eyes and groan in irritation. "Why do you have to make so much sense?" he bemoaned.

"One of us has to," Mikhail remarked with a chuckle.

"I guess... This is it then," said Volcan, looking at his two brothers-in-law, sadly.

"I guess so..." Mikhail answered, looking as if he were about to cry.

"Hey... Just do us a favour and come back alive, alright?" Rigel asked, still trying to sound tough.

"We plan to," Luke answered with a firm nod. "Either way, we're ending this war no matter what."

With their final goodbyes said, Volcan, Luke and Luminara left the house and made their way back to Azure. "I guess that takes care of everyone," said Volcan, "Sickle will be here before we set out, and then we just need to get down to Hadleigh and get Neilla and Ernoul's teams."

Even as he spoke, Volcan still sounded sad. Luke knew it was likely because he couldn't get Ignus out of his mind. He put an arm around Volcan, leaning into him and trying to comfort him as they continued toward town...

At Azure's docks, Lashanne's airship hung low above the Peacemaker, as the teams distributed themselves and their cargo between both ships. Torolf and Tristan were moving a very large tub, filled to the brim with soil, and Doug poked his heads out over the side. He looked displeased, but he understood the necessity; even with his ability to make earthly constructs now, he couldn't maintain them indefinitely. At least this one would be bigger than the one he'd been forced to use before.

Meanwhile, Caulin was holding the rope ladder for Lashanne as she came down from the airship, taking a rag from her pocket to wipe her paws. "She's good to go," the Delphox reported, and then looked past Caulin. "And so are we, apparently - wait, what's she doing here?"

Caulin followed where Lashanne was looking and saw Luke and Volcan coming down the pier. But there was a third Pokémon with them; one he recognized immediately.

"Hey, isn't that Uncle Luke's mom?" he asked suddenly.

Minato, standing further down the pier, narrowed his eyes slightly upon looking at her, still feeling some level of contempt toward her for her lack of involvement after hearing she was Arceus' Blessed, but for now he remained silent, knowing better than to start a ruckus's out in the open. He'd get his chance later when they were alone.

As the three approached, Lashanne looked at her captain. "What's going on here; is Luminara coming to see you off?" she asked.

"No, actually," replied Volcan, "She wants to come with us."

"Wait what?" Caulin asked in surprise.

Minato kept his narrowed gaze even after that reveal, then sniffed and rubbed his nose with his paw. "Better late than never, I suppose," he remarked with a hint of passive-aggression in his tone.

"Minato," Lashanne chided him, looking over her shoulder briefly before looking at Luminara again. "I suppose we can't pass up having another Blessed along," she said, before pointing up to the airship. "There should still be another bunk up there if you want it."

"Thank you, miss. I'll take you up on that offer," Luminara answered.

"Is everyone else here?" Volcan asked.

"Almost; Katsu and Serena both got here just before you guys," Lashanne explained, "Torolf and Tristan are loading Doug on board, so we're just waiting on Kage and Hank to come back with Sickle and-"

Lashanne's last word came out as a choking gasp as, in the middle of her explanation, a flash of blue light followed by a figure materializing from seemingly nothing erupted between them, levitating in midair. A tall, pale figure, with a long purple tail sent all of them stumbling backward in alarm, with Volcan nearly jumping a foot into the air as he squawked in alarm.

The sound of Volcan's cry reached the ship, and on the deck, Torolf, Tristan and Dough turned their heads to see what was going on. "What the-?!" Torolf demanded.

"Where'd he come from?!" Tristan added, dropping the tub containing Doug and jolting the Dugtrio when it hit the deck.

"OW!! The hell, man??" Doug demanded up after he was dropped, looking angrily at Tristan. When he saw what he was looking at, however, the mole Pokémon let out a triple shriek before ducking back into the soil as deep as the tub would allow.

Mewtwo did not respond to the alarmed voices shouting behind them. He looked between the five closest, apathetic to their stares. Then, they all fell a mild sensation in their mind, like a prod, before a voice spoke to all of them simultaneously.

'Which of you is the one that freed me from the darkness?' he asked.

Minato stiffened slightly as he heard Mewtwo call out to him telepathically, but he squared his shoulders and dared to step forward, so he was standing before the legendary psychic type.

"That would be me," he announced. "Though I'm not the only one you should be thanking," he added while gesturing to Luke.

Mewtwo turned his head to look at Luke, regarding the younger, shorter Lucario with the same stoic expression. Volcan, on instinct - whether by knowing how dangerous Mewtwo was or by Luke's handicapped condition, stepped protectively in front of his husband - though Luke put his paw on Volcan's side and gently reassured before taking a step forward.

'...We fought, when I was corrupted,' he said, 'I can see it in your memories... And,' he looked at Minato, 'You purified me when I was incapacitated. In the end, both of you saved me.'

Then, he bowed his head deeply. 'I can offer little more than thanks... But as I now find myself indebted to you; I wish to offer my services to you both for the coming battle.'

"You want to help us fight?" Lashanne asked.

'I cannot,' Mewtwo replied, 'Though I stand before you now, my body is weak. But the power of my mind remains. I cannot help you fight, but with more recovery time, my teleportation power can be an asset to you all. I can take any of you anywhere in the world; distance is irrelevant.'

"Teleportation..." Volcan repeated, intrigued. "That might just be what we need!"

"Oh man, we'd be able to get to Gladiator City in like... Seconds with Mewtwo's help!" Caulin added, already on board with the idea. "We won't even need the boats or the airship!"

"Except," Lashanne piped up, "Mewtwo said he still needs more recovery time. We shouldn't push him too far yet."

'Indeed, sending you all to the other side of the world at present would be difficult,' Mewtwo added, 'I should have been more specific... At my peak, I could go anywhere in the world in an instant but moving all of you would be especially strenuous in my present condition.'

"Oh... well, crap. So much for that idea." Caulin remarked, dejected.

"But, he could possibly help us gather our friends more quickly," Lashanne added, making Caulin's face brighten with the idea.

"It's probably better that way," Luke chimed in. "The journey overseas gives us time to get ourselves ready for what's to come... That, and I still haven't fully recovered yet."

Mewtwo looked at Luke again. 'We are, how do you say... 'In the same boat', then?'

"...I can't tell if he meant that as a metaphor, or a pun," Lashanne said out of the corner of her mouth, raising an eyebrow.

Luke nodded back to Mewtwo. "In order for Minato to purify you, I had to push far beyond my limits in order to incapacitate you. While I was successful, my body paid a hefty price for my recklessness." He explained. "Erm... No hard feelings, I hope."

'None whatsoever,' Mewtwo replied, levitating closer to Luke and lowering himself back to his feet to stand in front of him, 'Had you not, I'd still be a puppet to the corrupted one.'

Mewtwo was as tall as Volcan, and despite not being physically imposing to the eye, he still cast an intimidating figure - if only for how alien he appeared, yet his body language showed no sign of hostile intent, despite Volcan's continued apprehension.

Then, Mewtwo extended his hand to Luke, offering it to him. Luke looked at his hand briefly before slowly raising his own paw, gently placing it in Mewtwo's hand and began shaking gently.

"...Sheesh, this guy just keeps making friends everywhere he goes," Minato muttered to Lashanne. "What's next, he going to befriend Rayquaza, or Solgaleo even?"

"Well... Lugia already owes him a favour," Lashanne remarked, looking at her boyfriend with a smirk.

"Yea, and that'll probably land Luke with him being blessed by Lugia," he replied while rolling his eyes to the side.

Then, Mewtwo's gaze drifted away from Luke, looking at something behind him. 'Are these friends of yours?' he asked.

Luke turned around to see who Mewtwo was looking at and was surprised to see two figures coming down the pier. One of them was Jora, the Salazzle walking on all fours, and at her side, the startling yellow form of Koa, the Zeraora, walking tall and proudly beside the Salazzle who had taken him in.

"Jora? Koa?" Luke called out as they approached the Peacemaker, stunned to see the former more than the latter. "What are you two doing here?"

Jora stood on her hind legs as she answered, wearing a determined expression on her face. "We wish to come with you," she replied, "to the final battle against the Crusade."

"Wait, why?" Volcan asked. "You made no mention of this when I saw you earlier..."

"I had not decided then," replied Jora, "But after thinking about it, I made my decision, and Koa would not allow me to go without him."

In reply, Koa put one of his large paws over his chest, thumping his clenched paw against the pectoral above his heart. "Guardian," he said, in his heavily accented voice.

Before anyone else could reply, Caulin stepped up and spoke. "Hey I say let 'em come! Koa's proven he's good in a fight and Miss Jora could offer some support with her poison attacks!" he said with a grin, his paws resting on his hips.

Volcan opened his mouth to speak, but Lashanne beat him to it. "I saw Koa in action first-hand," she said, "The guy's faster than a blink of an eye, and he's got some power in those big paws; he took down a Tyrantrum all by himself. That's worth something."

Volcan grimaced and looked at Jora. "You're sure about this?"

"Absolutely," she replied, without hesitation. "My time with the Crusade... I did terrible things for them. But if I can help bring them down, then maybe I can be redeemed. I know I am not a very strong fighter; I was not even able to protect the townsfolk when Azure was attacked. But if there is anything I can do... I will."

At that, Luke stepped over to Jora and smiled. "I'd say you've already redeemed yourself, Jora," he said in a kind tone. "You've already helped us so many times, and you've found a new home for your clan to start fresh. I won't say no to you helping us, but I think you're being a bit hard on yourself."

She smiled weakly at him. "Let me be the judge of that," she replied, and then looked at Koa, nodding to him. With that, the two stepped past Luke and the others, proceeding to the Peacemaker.

"Well... Our forces are growing, it seems," said Volcan. "Now all we need to do is wait for Hank and Kage."

'I can help with that,' said Mewtwo, 'If you allow it, I can link your minds directly to theirs, so that you can communicate.'

"Even though they're both Dark-types?" Volcan asked.

'Dark-typing protects them from being harmed by Psychic-type attacks,' Mewtwo corrected, 'It does not close their minds from telepathic communication, so long as they do not close themselves to it. Furthermore, you do not need to wait for them to get underway; I can bring them to us when the time comes.'

"...Talk about convenience," Luke stated, looking at the others with a shrug before he nodded back to Mewtwo. "Do it."

Mewtwo shut his eyes, and Luke once more felt a telepathic throb in his mind, followed shortly by the alarmed voice of Hank, sounding distant, when the Zoroark was brought into the communication.

'Whoa what the?? Who's there?? What's happening??'

"Easy Hank, it's just me," Luke said, trying not to chuckle at Hank's tomfoolery.

'Wha-Luke??'_The Zoroark exclaimed. _'Wha... How the fuck are you talkin' to me right now? What, did you go and learn telepathy all of a sudden?'

"Actually... I have help with that," Luke replied. "Turns out we're getting some much-needed help from Mewtwo himself."

There was silence on the other end for a few moments before Hank spoke up again. 'Ha! Haha... yea, real funny boss,' he stated, incredulous. But after a short silence, he spoke again. '...Oh fuck, yer serious, aren't you?'

"You really think I'd joke about something this big?" Luke asked before changing the subject. "How close are you from Bluegrove? Did you manage to find Sickle and his team?"

'Yea, we're about halfway there. Should be back in Azure's borders by sundown.' Hank responded. 'Why do ya ask?'

Luke then had an idea, and he looked at Mewtwo for a moment before giving him a nod and a grin. Mewtwo nodded back, and with a wave of his hand, the whole of Team Kama - plus Hank, was brought forth. A Sceptile, Charmeleon, Arcanine and Blastoise - all bearing bewildered expressions, materialized on the pier.

"...That was... Weird," Kaen remarked, the Charmeleon tilting his head to one side, eyes crossed.

"What... the FUCK just happened?" Hank asked.

"Welcome aboard, guys," Luke said with a smug grin, expecting their reactions to be as such.

Sickle turned his head to look at Luke, blinking twice before he spoke. "Always good to see ya," he said, "But... Maybe more of a heads-up next time?" he seemed to be talking as much to Mewtwo as he was to Luke.

"Agreed," Blaster put in, lifting one of his arms to rub his head. "Never been teleported before... Makes me dizzy."

Volcan chuckled. "Well, you can't argue with the convenience," he said.

"No... Certainly can't at that," the Blastoise agreed.

Satisfied, Luke turned back to Mewtwo again. "Alright. Next try to contact Kage. Let's find out if he's ready to go."

Mewtwo nodded again, and shut his eyes once more. Then, he opened them again. 'Hm... He immediately tried to block me. He must think I am hostile,' he said, 'But the connection has been established now.'

Luke had to speak quickly to let Kage know it was only him. "Kage relax; it's just me. I'm communicating to you telepathically through Mewtwo." He stated.

'...So, he's decided to work with us then.' The Greninja answered plainly.

"Uhm... Yeah, actually," Luke asked. "Are you just about ready? Sickle's team is here and we're waiting for you."

'That's im-' he paused for a moment. '...You had Mewtwo teleport them here, didn't you?'

"Right again," Luke answered. "He can teleport you here too if you're ready."

'There have been some... Complications, but I'm as ready as I can be,' Kage answered. 'Bring us over.'

Luke nodded. "You heard the man," He said to Mewtwo.

Mewtwo shut his eyes once more. '...He is not alone,' he commented, 'There are multiple others with him... Too many for me to bring all at once. I will have to do it in increments or wait until I have rested for a little while before I can bring the remaining party.'

Luke nodded. "We'll do it in increments. Then we'll give you a chance to rest."

"It might be better that way. Torolf's boat and my airship are already getting pretty full by now," Lashanne put in.

With that, Mewtwo brought Kage to them, along with five other Greninja - all members of the Kaeru Assassins. Luke noticed the number of other Greninja and at first chalked it up to Mewtwo not being able to teleport them all at once, but a glance at Kage's facial expression revealed that he was troubled about something. Before he could even ask, Kage spoke up.

"Some of the brotherhood have decided to go their own way, and will not be joining this mission." He stated bluntly. "Out of the twenty or so left, only ten agreed to help..."

"Still ten more than we had," Volcan offered. "What about Wade and Hageshi; were they with you?"

"Yes. They're with the remaining assassins," Kage answered with a nod.

"Then we'll have to bring them with the next group," said Volcan, looking at the slouching, fatigued Mewtwo, "We've already pushed Mewtwo beyond his limit. We need to let him rest."

'I... Think I did overestimate how much I recovered,' Mewtwo replied, 'But I will be fine. I just need time.'

"Take as long as you need to. Don't push yourself," Luke offered. "...Why don't I take you to the Peacemaker's lounge and I'll whip up something rejuvenating for you?"

'...You would cook for me?' Mewtwo asked, his mental voice sounding genuinely surprised.

"Sure. I've cooked for just about everyone here on this ship. Trust me, I guarantee after you've had some of my food, you'll be as right as rain," he answered confidently.

With that, Luke led Mewtwo toward the Peacemaker, and the others - seeing that it was time to go, boarded their respective transportation. Volcan was the last one to start toward the Peacemaker, stopping to look back at Azure one last time to bid a silent goodbye to the place that had become his home. Along the shoreline, he spotted three figures watching them, and squinted his eyes until he recognized them as the Shifu brothers, along with Qiang, sitting on his uncle's shoulder.

Zheng and Chen both lifted their paws in a slow wave to him, bidding him goodbye. Volcan, unsure when he would ever see his teachers again, waved back. Then, hesitantly, he began to walk up the gangplank to the Peacemaker.

Soon, both ships left Azure behind, to begin their long journey to the west...