Dee the Dedenne's Story

Pitch felt the jolt of the floor beneath them with each tug, letting them know they were making progress. He spoke in between tugs, "For one, it's abandoned, so that means the whole place is mind. Two, it's one of the most obscure spots in Nimbasa. Very few people know about it and no one cares to explore it. Three, it's extremely secure. It takes a bit of work to get into the place where I live and until recently, only small Pokemon could access it. You see, it's not actually visible from the ground, but there's a massive hole in the roof where Castol's gang broke in three days ago. Completely bypassed my whole trap system and everything. But luckily, and this is the fourth reason, there's always a back door I can exploit if worst comes to worst."

Finally, the room came into view. Pitch stopped at the sight in front of him. The makeshift sunroof illuminated three Pokemon gathered around, talking and eating. Two of them looked familiar, the Pachirisu and the Emolga, but Pitch had yet to encounter the really tiny mouse-like Pokemon that was with them. The three of them froze when the forms of Pitch and Zap made their way into the room.

"What are you guys doing here?" Pitch demanded, "How did you guys get in?"

The Emolga glanced up at the sunroof before looking back at Pitch with a mischievous grin, "What is this, some sort of trick question? You've got a gaping hole in your roof, bro."

The Pachirisu took a step forward, "What are you guys doing here?" she asked authoritatively.

"This is my home," Pitch replied, "I live here."

Before Siena and Gambit could begin to reply to the Umbreon, the ground began to shake around them. Gambit was hovering, so it was ineffective to him. However, Siena was still in Land Form and began bouncing around like a pinata on a child's birthday.

"What the-" Siena glanced up towards the sky at the sound of the bombs hitting the streets below, "That fight escalated quickly."

Gambit turned to Siena, a look of apprehension accompanying that determined gleam on his face, "What do we do?"

A moment passed. Siena's eyes darkened, the cute Land Form disappearing before everyone's eyes to reveal it's Sky Form to everyone.

"We do what any Crimson Guild member would do," Siena told Gambit, "We fight for our home."

With that, Siena kicked off the ground, shooting up and over the building. Gambit turned towards the Umbreon and her company and shrugged, "Well, you don't have to help us. But it looks like a full scale invasion is going on and we could really use every Pokemon to our advantage."

Meanwhile, Siena landed through the gaping hole in the roof, right in between Lumi, Skyball, Dee, Pitch, and Zap. Pitch reared back in shock while Dee ran forward.

"Siena! Good to see you!" Dee spoke harshly and quickly, with authority, "Any details about what that was? Is there a Ground-Type inbound?"

"Negative, Dee," Siena spoke a similar lingo, "An alien invasion. And we're going to take it down."

"Ooooh, aliens!" said Skyball enthusiastically, "How many guild points will that go towards our team? We can finally dethrone Team Madness!"

"Skyball..."

"THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN! WE SHALL BECOME CHAMPIONS! FIRST THE GUILD, NEXT THE WORLD!" Skyball's mocking tone was enough to send Lumi into a fit of laughter which the Emolga quickly joined.

Dee sighed, "If you could put that much energy into your jobs, I wouldn't have to come rescue you all the time."

"Hey now," Lumi leaned on the tiny head of the Dedenne, "How were we supposed to know a Turf War was going to break out while we got this Nidorina?"

A low growl emitted from deep in the Dedenne's throat, causing Lumi to stand up straight. Dee was not in a mood for nonsense.

Meanwhile, Siena talked with Pitch and Zap, "If you two would like, you are more than willing to help us out. Otherwise, seek shelter. Things could get dicey."

Just then, a large form landed gracefully in the opening on top of the building. The large orange dragon's eyes were like saucers as it described the scene above them, "Holy mother of Arceus...there's a massive revolt going on. Pokemon of all shapes and sizes are fighting these massive machines. What the hell did you guys cause out here?"

"Oh, hey Unix!" Lumi waved cheerfully, "Perfect timing!"

"You know us," Skyball shrugged sheepishly, "Our shenanigans and all."

Dee sighed irritably while Siena raised a brow, "Wait...you said Pokemon are already fighting them?"

"Yeah. Humans are revolting against the invaders. All their Pokemon are out there, fighting back. I've never seen so many in one place. It's massive!"

"Well, then we have to help them!" Siena replied determinedly, staring at Team Volt, "I think it'll be fine if Rubira joins you guys now. No need for secrecy at this point."

Lumi shurgged, "She may have taken the initiative and already joined the fight. She's got a better view than we do."

Siena nodded, "Right. Unix, send word to Crimson. Tell him everything's going haywire in Nimbasa. We may need to pull teams together to join us if necessary. Tell him he may need to join us."

Unix nodded and took off at such intensity that it made the building shake slightly. A few seconds later and he was already en route to the Kalos Region, away from the fighting in Nimbasa.

"Alright, guys," Siena arched her body, "Let's show these guys the full brutality of the Crimson Guild!"

Siena and Skyball flew out the opening above while Dee and Lumi took off through the grate system Pitch and Zap had just come from. For a moment, nothing moved. Then Pitch began to run in the same direction.

"I think I'm going to help them out," Pitch looked at Zap, all serious placated on his face, "Will you help me?"

Zap nodded. "Honestly, this is just getting weird." He follwed behind Pitch.


Glow yelped as the ground began to shake, although Fluff just flew upwards. "What the?" Aurora and Mud seemed to be having similar reactions. "What in the name of arches is going on?" Mud yelled.

The members of the Miso Force took to the sky as the Ground-types approached, all five splitting up to defend against their assailants. Kinoko immediately spoke up. "Alright guys, time to fight! Our lives are more important than the contract, and damn if we don't manage to finish it, even for no reward! Your quota is many to one, but we can take it! Destruction should be kept to a minimum, but if you need to do it to survive, do it! Let's go guys!"

Kinoko swung around in a loop in the air as she evaded bolts of lightning while deflecting some others. She then spread her arms and fired several purple energy spheres that tracked the attacking Pokemon. "You think you stand a chance? We didn't want to fight! But so be it, you forced our hands!"

Hana went back to the ground to face the ground types, jumping over the Dig attempts as she bended and stretched her arms and legs in unnatural ways. "Kee hee hee hee! Kee hee! I'm getting warmed up! You can't hurt me! None of you can, so let's play!" She was attempting a sort of whack-a-mole with the Dig users, issuing punches and kicks, as they emerged, with her stretching limbs.

Mirkan would land elsewhere before Trainers and their Pokemon, flipping his hair aside. "Do we really need to do this? Very well." He would utilize Rapid Movement to approach their Pokemon nearly unseen, and attempt some swift physical attacks in punches and kicks delivered with an uncanny elegance and grace.

Maynace would fight off any Pokemon chasing her as she weaved around buildings, occasionally firing magenta colored energy waves back at the Pokemon. "Right then mates, you think you're tough?! I'll show you what a true rock star elite can do!" She continued her fast and agile weaving and bobbing.

Slale landed on the ground and blocked attempted Dig attacks by firing eye lasers at the trails in the ground the Pokemon left. "Children's tricks won't work on me. You're in for the long haul, so prepare yourselves." He was calm as ever.

Each member of Miso Force made sure they did not attack buildings or Trainers, only the Pokemon. They carried themselves with a certain code of honor, and they weren't going to break that code unless they would die for not doing so.

As the Pokemon and trainers began to rise up and fight for themselves, the Fireknaught definitely needed to change the directions of a few things and try to use this to their advantage. Two of the Fireknaughts were hidden, so it was very unlikely for them to be attacked, and the one that was visible stood there with three pokemon and his weapon slung over his shoulder. This was the first thing the squad leader knew he had going for him, having a bond with pokemon, even if they were the outcast pokemon.

The Razor Leaf would cut the strap holding the rifle under his arm, but there was no tanks, just three Fireknaughts; two hidden and one present. Machamp, Voltorb, and Geodude took positions around the squad leader, protecting him. While protecting him the squad leader would make communications to the other Fireknaughts, and the pokemon to the other Pokemon.

"Land the transport convoy. The Pokemon have the other airships tied up. Someone send message to redirect the Disruptor Missile. Nobody do anything drastic, the Ruulans are our allies.", the squad leader spoke to the few others in the area.

While everyone was doing what little they could, the squad leader tried to connect with the Miso Squad, "Looks like we might want to work together here. If you will get out of this city, I can arrange a temporary shelter to keep you hidden. I can tell now that you're not here to harm or you would be blasting these Pokemon with some kind of power, I hope you can accept an apology for acting out of fear rather than intelligence."

The Pokemon surrounding the squad leader tried to talk with the other pokemon, "Why are you attacking us?! These people share a bond with our planet just as we do! Their hearts are for us! We should worry about the army above us, not the people helping us!" The pokemon pleaded hard for their masters while defending any attacks that further come.

The squad leader would respond back to the man shouting, "We are not the invaders! We have lived beside you and worked with you for some time! Do you not remember the attacks on Castelia City and who was there?! These aliens are capable of blowing us to pieces, but even in their attack, they are defending themselves without harming anyone! Who is the one attacking people with lethal weapons?! Who is the one dropping soldiers on this magnificent city?! You want independence? Let us help you achieve that!..."

The Fireknaught squad leader lifted his hand to the sky, "We can all see who's planet this is, and the Fireknaught accept that. We want to be your brothers and sisters. Never would you see us do such a thing to a city! The only enemy you have here is the one who is willing to risk your lives, the one shooting instead of escorting."

While the Fireknaught spoke, his Pokemon all looked upon the crowds with sadness in their eyes. They felt their masters were being treated how they were treated in the wild or old owners. Even the Pokemon questioned the situation and why they were being attacked, a depression causing thought that was easily seen in the faces. The pokemon knew little on politics, but they knew when someone was trying to help, they knew the Ruulans were trying to help themselves, but couldn't process why they weren't helping them, particularly because the Pokemon knew only people with Ruula's energy within them could bond with Pokemon.

--- THE PAST

Steelfist stood before the group, surrounding them with countless Mankeys. Elder rolled to an unconscious lump in front of Radegast. “Odor Sleuth… Huh…” Radegast crouched down to place a hand on the Ghastly’s head. “Good try, bud,” he said as he recalled the Ghastly into the safety of the modified pokeball. Only unconscious would Elder tolerate the device.

Radegast stood up, towering over the clan that filled most of their vision. The Primeape spat poison-infused saliva, ignoring the Toxic that Elder had managed to apply. “Weak,” Steelfist huffed as he flexed. He was bigger than Rage, even bigger than even Rage remembered.

“Let me get this straight,” Radegast stuffed his hands into his pockets, “Your pride’s hurt and you’re not gonna let bygones be bygones?”

“My rule of the region will be absolute just as soon as I destroy the only one who had beaten me before.” Steelfist jabbed a finger at the human, but kept his eyes on the single Mankey that was not part of the crowd. “This human is your new trainer? He has done little to improve your skills compared to me. I will break him to prove to the world that none can best me.”

“NO!” Rage shrieked, but Steelfist was fast for a Primeape. He burst forward. The fist was sent to Radegast… and just as easily pulled away.

None saw what happened mere microseconds before, but before they knew it, the Fletchling was shredding the Primeape. Terrible pecks were delivered with the rapidity of a minigun. Clumps of fur were sent in all directions, barely doing anything to muffle the screaming. The surrounding clan of Mankeys grew pale and stiff like marble as even blood spurt and lashed the ground with crimson.

“Suros! Dude!” Radegast called as he just then realised what just happened.

Just as quickly as she began, she darted back to the human’s shoulder. The Primeape lay, broken and bleeding… but still breathing. Steelfist rolled to his side with a pained groan.

“Holy shit dude!” Radegast’s hand automatically reached for a potion.

“NO!” Rage bellowed.

“Dude, he’s hurt!” Radegast held up the potion as Rage limped between him and Steelfist. “He’s…”

“CRIPPLED,” Rage replied. He indicate the Primeape’s legs. They bent the other way in a gross fashion, “NO POTION CAN HELP HIM. WE NEED TO LEAVE NOW!”

Radegast felt the eyes of the terrified Mankey surrounding them. Slowly, that fear turned into hate, and their eyes began to twitch.

“NOW!” Rage tugged at Radegast’s cargo pants to pull him along. “BEFORE MOB MENTALITY STRIKES!”

Radegast clenched his teeth, cursed, and pocketed the potion once more. He then began to run. Suros yawned as the furious cries of an entire clan emitted behind them. They shouted wordless cries of hate and curses.

None could catch up to Radegast’s longer stride, nor Rage’s superior speed. If there were any who could, they would’ve contended with Suros.

“Suros,” Radegast panted as the cries shifted from anger to mourning. After an hour of running, the Mankeys had given up, far far behind. “You okay?”

“Steelfist wanted to harm you,” Suros simply replied as she buried her head under a wing to roost.

“Doesn’t mean you should cripple a dude,” Radegast replied, “Remember when we met Rage?”

“I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU DID IT,” Rage harrumphed, “BUT IT WAS TERRIBLE, WHAT YOU DID!”

“Eh, that’s fair,” Suros shrugged, “So long as the Lord-Regent is safe…”

Radegast pursed his lips together, “Don’t worry so much about me, buddy. I can handle myself,” he lied.

--- IN THE SUBWAY, THE PRESENT

“Half-lied, you mean,” Elder quipped. “Now that the dam’s no longer classified.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Radegast chuckled.

“Sucks that I missed it, though,” Elder rolled his eyes, “Being knocked-out and all,”

“Well, that’s why you asked for the story while we waited for all this to deal with itself, isn’t it?” Radegast asked. Suros sighed while roosting on Radegast’s shoulder. “So long as you don’t cripple any more,” the fifteen-year-old added.

“I don’t feel like crippling things most of the time anyway,” the Fletchinder whistled.

“I see you’ve been practicing your Pokespeak,” Margriet noted.

“I honestly have no idea what they’re saying,” Radegast replied without looking up.

“It’s more about reading intention,” Margriet said, “That’s something Daddy and Uncle Tarma always knew.”

“Pops and Tarma do know Pokespeak, though.”

“That also helps.”

Logan produced his phone as he directed late evacuees into the subway. He called Marcus. “It’s Logan, are you-“ he paused for a moment, “Yes, I’m aware of what’s happening in Nimba- … Yes, they’re safe. They’re in the subway… Hang on,” he put Marcus on speaker phone and brought the phone to the siblings.

“I’m glad you didn’t join the fight,” Marcus replied, “There is a lot of political mumbo jumbo and miscommunication that’s made the entire situation incredibly confusing. If you had gone in, you might have been arrested.”

“Are you doing anything about it?” Margriet asked.

“I’m no official of any political standing, so my place is ensuring the safety of my family, even if they’re runaways.” Margriet stole a knowing glance at her younger brother.

Radegast couldn’t help but look at the Sandslash, Sabre, still tied up and under Rage’s and Elder’s watchful eye. The Haunter even licked the Sandslash before the story to ensure paralysis prevented any attempt to break the binds. “Just a precaution. You did try to kill the Lord-Regent,” Elder had smirked.

“You sure you don’t want to come home after this?” Margriet asked Radegast, “After this travelling? It hasn’t been the same for five years.”

“I’d have been happy to have vanished, to be honest,” Radegast crossed his arms, “With friends like these, I’m already the greatest I need to be.”

Margriet did not smile. “Still don’t agree, eh?”

Marcus added, “Even Tarma agrees, you need to-“

“What’s that?” Radegast rose from his seated position. The ground rumbled, but the incredibly sturdy architecture of the subway held. “Damn, must be some intense fighting out there.”

“Stay safe,” Marcus said, “Stay in the subway unless it’s compromised, and follow government instructions if there are any broadcasted. You got an electric-type with you?”

“Sir!” the Operative was out and about, patrolling the area.

“Yo Op, you able to catch radio signals down here?” Radegast asked.

“I would be an embarrassment to the unit if I couldn’t!” the Galvantula saluted.

“Thanks buddy,” Radegast smirked.

“Good, keep an ear out for broadcast signals from Ruulan government or police. Stay safe.” Marcus then hanged up.

Radegast and Logan exchanged glances. “That Primeape’s pretty strong,” Logan said, “Took out Marth in one punch.”

“Is Marth gonna be another grudge-holder?” Radegast joked.

“Nah, he knows about you and Palkia,” Logan smirked, “It’s no big deal.”

“Five years,” Margriet hummed thoughtfully as she fully registered what Radegast said, “You’ve made a lot of enemies, haven’t you?”

“Lotta friends too,” Radegast shrugged, “Can’t expect the world to love you.”

“Speak for yourself,” Margriet huffed in a very diva-like fashion.

“I will, Marge,” Radegast smirked.

“You want me to throw you out of the subway entrance, bro?”

Glow looked at the others. "We should wait for Pitch and Zap to come out." Aurora nodded. "We shouldn't leave them behind."

While Peacekeepers began to land inside Nimbasa, several heavy transports were following suit to keep the people from open revolt against the men who were landing.

They flew over the city, dropping massive showers of leaflets, the leaflets printed in bold easy to read text.

"We are here to help! We are AXIS Peacekeepers!" Along with. "This is not an invasion! Please flee to shelter! We will protect you!"

On the streets, the Peacekeepers moved to quickly corral the fleeing people to their shelters, while moving quickly to set up defensive lines from looters, and rioters.

They made no hostile moves against the Pokemon or their trainers, instead they held position, acting only if they were attacked.

The plea from the Fireknaughts placed logic and reason within the defending citizens as they slowly receded from assaulting them. Those who held grudges against their presence were quelled by others who knew better. The Fireknaughts had been here for a couple of years. Had they wished to seek the destruction of Ruula, they would've attempted to do so years ago. For now, they were pure in heart and pure in intention.

The Peacekeepers also made through to the citizens of Nimbasa City, but not that easily. Unlike the Fireknaughts, these arrivals were new and seemingly threatening. Even with the bold text, they still held their suspicions. The people would glance up at the sky nervously as the massive ships continued to deploy blue helmet after blue helmet. These people, like the Fireknaughts, didn't command them. For now, they would trust their peaceful intention. However, they would not run. They had no need to seek shelter and they certainly weren't going to listen to foreigners until they could earn their trust. They stayed put, but relinquished the assault on the Peacekeepers.

Which left the Miso Force, who was going to town on the Pokemon that came for them. They seemed to be holding their own fairly well against the massive swarm of Pokemon. But that would change instantly. They had purposefully gotten the weaker trainers to concentrate efforts on what seemed to be the bigger threat. Now that the leaflets revealed the Peacekeeper's intentions and the Fireknaughts held their own, this was the only threat to be dealt with.

All trainers focused their fight towards the Miso Force, small and powerful Pokemon alike. However, rather than go for full power moves, the trainers worked tactically, throwing attacks from certain angles to corral them together, but blatantly missing. As they did so, the wall of Pokemon gathering to rush them thickened with more and more numbers. They pressed against the Sayain led crew, pushing them closer and closer towards the exit.

---

Meanwhile, a small crowd of Pokemon had gathered on a particularly large building, noticing the sky becoming rather clear of Pokemon. They seemed to be leaving the big ships alone, at least for the moment.

"What happened now?" Siena questioned, an apprehensive glance upward shortly following, "Did these guys already wipe them out?"

"Not from the looks of it," Dee reassured, "They all seem to be concentrating efforts over there!"

Everyone looked towards the massive crowd shoving the Miso Force further and further towards the outskirts. Pitch was the first to look down on the ground and read the leaflet.

"We are here to help. We are AXIS Peacekeepers," the Eevee read aloud before looking at the ships once more, "You think those are the blue helmet wearing humans?"

"They have to be," Dee agreed, "Those guys on the ground have occupied the planet for some time, according to our records. And I don't think those guys could spread these leaflets across the entire city so quickly...especially with that assault they're dealing with."

"Should we join in?" Lumi clenched her tiny Pachirisu fists, ready for a fight.

"No," came Siena's answer, "At least not yet. The people seem to be doing a great job coming together and ushering out the threats. If it starts to look bad on that end, then maybe. For now, let's just watch and see what happens."

"Uh..." Gambit looked around them, "Where's Sabre? And Radegast?"

Noticing the increased aggression towards them, Kinoko quickly contacted her team. "So, they're all on us now! We cannot afford to break contract, so regroup at the landing point! The city is no place to fight!"

At her insistence, the group flew even higher into the air, far beyond most Flying type capabilities as they flew to each other and south out of the city.

Zap said nervously "I don't have good feeling about this"


Glow and the other three arrived at the battle rather quickly. She ran over to the first Pokemon she saw. "What can we do to help?" She said, her paws trembling nervously.


When the ground had shook, beginning the battle, Ivy immediately knew something was wrong. She quickly scrambled her her cage that had been left open after a flood of panicking humans ran out the door. She quickly made her way to the first floor. A flood of panicked Pokemon shoved her put the door before she was fully out. She made her way to the battle.

The Fireknaught squad leader caught one of the pamphlets and laughed at it as he crumpled it up after he read it, "Maybe not right now..."

The squad leader then turned to watch the Miso Force fly off, "Those bastards.

"Squad, it's time to go after those aliens again. I hope you two aren't afraid to fly." The squad spoke into his communications.

The other two Fireknaught revealed themselves and walked over to the squad leader, "And why would be scared to fly?"

At that moment, the squad leader smirked beneath his helm. At that moment, Machamp grabbed the two soldiers and their two Pokemon. All four were in complete surprise and shocked, knowing exactly what was about to happen. Fireknaughts had done a lot of things, but there has been none thrown into the horizon by a pokemon yet.

"Sir! Please! Can't we just....AAAAAAHHH", before the soldiers could get their words out, Machamp had slung them into the sky to follow the Miso Squad.

Machamp then took hold of the squad leader and focused all his power into this throw to make sure he caught up with the others. As the Machamp fully released the squad leader, he made a split second retrieval of Machamp while flying off. It wasn't even seconds before the three Fireknaughts were hurling so fast through the air that everything felt normal.

"Sir, i'm sure we could have gotten a ride."

"Too late for that. I have no clue how we're going to stick this landing, but we should be fine, our bodies are much stronger than most. Might be flesh, but I still feel like stone!"

"Headquarters, focus on the aliens we're flying after. We're out of Nimbasa City and heading for the desert." The squad leader spoke.

"Flying?! How?!" The dispatcher spoke while setting a sensor that would follow the Miso Force from space.

"I'll explain if we survive this landing. Not much time to talk about it."

"Aye, sir. I've set the sensors and they've switched to scanning. Systems have locked on the Miso Force. Scanning their trajectory. Be careful sir, their ship is not too far ahead." The dispatcher returned.

A voice could be heard in the background of the dispatchers side, "Lower into the atmosphere and activate the High-Grav lift..." The rest of the orders were mumbled.

The dispatcher returned message, "Your squad is on to something, the Pharaoh is getting involved. Keep them busy, we have a plan!"

The communication was cut short and the squad leader mumbled over the comm system with his squad members, "If we land successfully, we have our orders. Do not let them leave the landing zone!"

Behind the Miso Force, the three Fireknaught, a Voltorb, and a Geodude were hurling forward. This entourage of sentient missiles remained far enough behind the Miso Force to not be seen. With no plan in mind, they just enjoyed the flight and would figure out what was next if they survived.

"I hope they don't expect us to clean up the mess," Touko grumbled as propaganda fliers came raining down over the stadium. They had to call off the baseball game...man, and just when it was getting good, too. 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth with Gurdurr up to bat and the bases loaded with one out.

"Alder was right. Everyone thinks theirs is the best way forward. That's exactly why we have to have these discussions with people, to open our minds to new ideas and possibly reach a better answer. But who the hell are these savages that think they have to settle their problems with...whatever the fuck this is? Did we learn nothing from the great Kalos war? Or the time the Musketeers showed up...that's it! Let's go, Dweller!"

The mighty Terrakion took one look at the scene and shook his broad head before letting out a mournful cry...or was it calling for its brothers in arms? Maybe Pokemon could come up with a solution where the humans had clearly failed.

The citizens of Nimbasa City cheered as the Miso Force was literally drove out of town. Many a trainer pumped a fist in the air and many a Pokemon followed suit in the miniature celebration. They did it. They banded together and saved their home.

As the massive group of people began to divide into large packs to discuss what had just happened, many a Pokemon was recalled into their Pokeballs. However, a surprising numerous amount of Pokemon stayed out. The AXIS Peacekeepers ship still loomed above them. Now that the threat dissipated from the entertainment hub of Unova, the fleet should at the very least follow suit towards the Miso Force and the Fireknaughts, who had proceeded to the desert. In all honesty, the Ruulans were hoping that the big scary ships would at least go away with hope that they would never be seen again. Until the sky was clear and blue once more, many a trainer was reluctant to call the fight over yet, although no one was attacking.

Overlooking the spectacle, the group of Pokemon continued to bicker among themselves.

"Where did they go?" Siena was looking down the path they had come from, "Didn't they follow us?"

"Do I even need to comment on how silly that statement sounds?" Skyball leaned against the wall of a building laxly. Lumi chuckled a bit. Siena shot daggers at the two of them.

"No, I mean where could they have changed direction? And why? And why did they bring Sabre with them?"

"Cause they offered to carry Sabre before," Gambit offered as an explanation, "And I don't see Radegast letting him go anytime soon...not after what we saw from him in the desert."

"Yeah, that was a break from the calm exterior he always wears," Siena muttered under it's breath before a large galloping sound began to make it's way closer to them.

The next thing anyone knew, a large Rapidash was running in blazing circles around them. Pitch cowered in fear instantly, but the others recognized this Pokemon immediately, especially the two electric fuzzballs.

"RUBIRA!" Lumi and Skyball cried in unison as they both ran towards the fire horse and proceeded to hug it. Rubira reared back a little bit.

"Hey, watch it!" she exclaimed, "Don't you dare accidentally Nuzzle me again!"

Siena approached, a coy smile on the Shaymin's face, "Hey Ruby. Haven't seen you in a little bit, huh? I see you're keeping the hooligans in line." She added that last bit with a tiny smudge of sarcasm in her tone.

Rubira caught onto it immediately, "It's not my fault! I don't know if you knew this or not, but wild Rapidashes running rampid through a city doesn't exactly help out an incognito mission. I've been looping around the outskirts the whole time."

"Speaking of the incognito mission," Dee looked towards Lumi and Skyball accusingly, "They let the Nidorina escape."

"Dee!" Lumi's jaw dropped open in protest, "You weren't supposed to tell them that!"

Dee just shrugged in response.

Lumi let her eyes drop. "Yeah, she ended up getting away," she admitted, "But how was I supposed to know she's protected by some friggin' gang who set up camp in Nimbasa?"

"Wait, hold up," Gambit hovered lower, brows furrowed, "Gangs? Human run gangs?"

"No, Pokemon run gangs," Skyball replied, "We stumbled onto an all-out Turf War. Lumi got knocked out and I got poisoned, but I did end up defeating the Nidorina. I just had to save Lumi. She was my priority to me."

Siena nodded understandingly, "I am grateful you two made it out okay. And we can always deal with the Nidorina later. For right now-"

A mournful cry erupted through the conversation, shaking every wild Pokemon present to their core. Everyone looked out near the baseball fields where the sound seemed to come from. It was a call...a summoning for them.

"W-who do you think made that call?" Pitch backed towards Glow, apprehension settled in his gaze.

"I don't know," Siena answered, "But we need to strategize and formulate a game plan here."

And then Radegast appeared, apologizing for bailing towards the sewer tunnels and following orders and the like.

"It's alright," Siena answered back, hoping Radegast could understand well enough to know what the Shayin was saying, "So long as you came back safe and sound...and with our little prickly friend in tow. We kind of need him."

Sabre said nothing. He just continued to glare and sulk.

"I see he may have stumbled across some old friends," Gambit whispered to the Shaymin, looking towards Margriet and Logan nervously. The last time the three of them crossed paths, a fairly decent sized fight broke out. Siena recognized them too, but held a blank face.

"If they were acting hostile, I don't think they would've come with Radegast," Siena reasoned. Gambit nodded in agreement.

"Okay, new plan!" Siena seemed to work like a commander amongst the group, "We have three interest points. Follow up on that call near the baseball field, follow up on the alien invaders who went off into the desert, and taking Sabre back to the rendezvous point. To do this, we're going to have to split into groups."

"Rubira," the Shaymin looked at the Rapidash first, "Because you're the fastest here, I want you to go after the ones that were driven out of town. Do not engage unless they attack first. Keep an eye on them and make sure they leave for good. Any odd behavior they exhibit or action they take while on the planet must be made note of. Hopefully, they're heading towards a space ship of their own to leave. If not, record their behavior and report back."

"Coolio, more running," she grumbled before turning around and galloping towards the desert with incredible speed. The citizens wouldn't notice or even care about a wild Rapidash running out of the town, not after they day they had.

"Next, Lumi, Skyball, and Dee. I want you three to head towards the baseball field and discover the source of that call. Find out why it was called in and figure out how we can help them." Siena turned towards Glow and the company she led. "If you guys want to help out, you can join those three on that expedition. If not, I understand. If you'd like, we can introduce ourselves later." Siena turned it's head to rest it's eyes on Sabre.

"And finally you. Gambit, you and I are going to take this little rascal back to the rendezvous point so we can get it out of Radegast's hands and he can move on with his own quest."

"Sounds like a plan," Gambit began to circle the troublemaker, realizing a patch of wet fur on the Sandslash's front, "Were...were you licked?"

"Alright team, let's do this!" Siena shouted before leading Radegast back to the warehouse building from where they had come from, Gambit taking the rear while Siena took the lead. Lumi, Skyball, and Dee all bounded with incredible speed towards the baseball fields to answer the call. Pitch stepped forward and looked back to Glow, "I think we should help them. They seem to be doing something important."

---

Rubira had made her way just to the outskirts of the city and was now looking for the aliens in the open when he spotted another figure running not too far up ahead. Curious, she galloped harder and caught up to the other Pokemon running. It appeared to be a Meganium...not the fastest creature to walk the land, but certainly determined.

"Hey!" Rubira called up to the Meganium, "You after these aliens too?"

Skyva walked into what she thought was Nimbasa city. All her pokemon in their balls, she stood at the entrance and looked around. It looked more like a war zone, but despite her gut feeling she kept on walking. Some of the streets were messed up and the deeper she went in the more she saw flyers on the ground. "What the hell happened here?" She thought and she made her way down an okay street. She found where the flyers were coming from, they were raining down from the sky. "Good gosh.." She sighed. The town seemed abandoned and a sense of fear made her go tensed.

"What if I just walked into a damn war?" She thought. Skyva scrambled to grab a flyer. It read:

We are here to help! We are AXIS Peacekeepers! This is not an invasion! Please flee to shelter! We will protect you!

Gripping the flyer in her hand she looked around to where she could hide. "Buildings would be stupid...and I have no idea what they have here! Bomb shelters?!" She frantically thought. She ran around town looking for something that could resemble an entrance to underground. It was when she got to the last street that Skyva heard voices, lots of voices. Without thinking she ran towards them. Just past a large building she saw them, a guy bent over picking up the flyers and the rest seemed happy.

"Hey! HEY! Can you he-FUH!" She ran and shouted at the same time, not looking around or being careful. Her foot slipped on one of the flyers and she fell face first.

Ivy nodded "Uh, yeah." She just wanted to get away from the crowd, from the loud noises, to see what those strange aliens were up to. She glanced at the Rapidash. "Where are you from?"

Glow sighed. "I really don't know, Pitch. But whatever it is, must mean trouble. And I've had so much more than my share of that for the last few days to last me a year." She smiled after that. "But I'm glad I have you guys to help me get through it."

Aurora sighed. "Glow, I think we all have" He paused. "I do wonder what that sound was though."

Zap's tail swished back and fourth as he added "All of this is kinda weird for me. Where did those aliens come from anyways?" He shook a paper off of his paw. "And why the HECK did they have to leave these freaking papers everywhere?"

Fluff looked at the group, a sad sigh held in her mind. "Well, um, I guess I'll see you around" She said as she stretched her wings out, about to take off.

Glow glanced at Fluff. "Don't go!" She said quickly, before she had a chance to think. "I'm sorry!"

Fluff paused. And let her wing fall back to her sides. "I-it's okay."

An awkward silence arose between the two.

Zap glanced from Glow to the altaria. He said "Is there something I missed while Pitch and I were in the vents?

Lumi, Skyball, and Dee all began to head towards the sound of the call. Dee glanced back towards the large group of Pokemon that still hung around. Perhaps they would catch up after they find out who that Altaria is in relation to them. For right now, they needed to focus.

"I still don't get it, by the way," Dee called to Lumi and Skyball. Lumi was running right beside the Dedenne and Skyball was hovering overhead. They both turned towards her.

"Get what?" Lumi asked curiously.

"Team Volt. Why did you guys pick that name if you chose Rubira to be on your team?" Dee rounded a corner, leaping over the Pachirisu in the process. The acrobatics were more functional than for show. "She's a Fire-Type. Hell, us three make up a more suitable Team Volt than you three. We're all Electric-Types."

"Rubira knows an Electric-Type move," Skyball answered from above, "So it's all good."

"Yeah and NO ONE IS TAKING MY RAPIDASH AWAY FROM ME!" Lumi added, "She's mine!"

"She's not a possession, y'know?" Dee smirked.

"Yeah, well she wanted to be on Team Volt, so we let her," Skyball shot back, "We like her."

"Is that-" Dee stopped short as the baseball field came into view...and the person standing in front of it, "Touko?"

Sure enough, the brunette the three of them had heard a lot about was standing in front, the Terrakion by her side. From what they had heard from Crimson's tale, Touko was the one who had actually fought Zane and held her own...even when she lost control of her legendary Pokemon Zekrom to the will of Zane's amulet. A strong willed and stubborn individual, Touko was a hero in her own right, saving the planet Ruula of many a threat in the past, the Psychic Rebellion included in that tier of triumphs. She seemed to be looking around, searching for something...or someone. Lumi was actually the first to put together what his deal was and she didn't hesitate sharing this information.

"It was the Terrakion," she replied, "It made the call. She wanted to call as many wildings to her as possible."

"But why?" Dee wondered, "Isn't the threat on Nimbasa over?"

"It's possible...or maybe it's possible that it's only beginning..." Lumi gulped at her own words.

"Well, regardless," Skyball flew past them, "I'm going to say hi!"

"Wait, Skyball!" Dee called to him, "Remember Crimson's warning? We don't know what she thinks of the Crimson Guild yet!"

"It doesn't matter," the Emolga said, "She called for help. Someone's gotta answer it! It might as well be us."

Skyball was right, of course. Lumi and Dee took hesitant steps towards the massive Terrakion while Skyball literally landed in front of it, waving at Touko encouragingly.

"As members of the Crimson Guild, we're here to help!" Skyball announced, knowing full well that Touko may not understand Pokespeak. But hopefully, she would get the gist of the words.

Approaching Touko and the Terrakion, a Malamar silently floated forward, its fins that functioned as legs only inches above the ground. At its side, a young girl, no older than thirteen or fourteen (though definitely a newer Trainer), accompanied him. She had two Basic Poke Balls and a single Luxury Ball with purple and glowing yellow stripes replacing the typical red and gold. The Malamar appeared as a Malamar would, the squid-like creature being unsettling as always. The Trainer wore an Inkay inspired getup, and seemed nervous to be in Touko's presence, though there was something seriously off with how she carried herself.

Chilling more was when the Malamar spoke first in PokeSpeak that would register telepathically as English in Touko's mind. "Well, now. I must say, this is quite a find! A gathering of Pokemon responding to the call of Terrakion itself. There no doubt must be malicious dealings going on in town if we're needed for battle."

The Trainer nodded and, stiff as a board, bowed to Touko for a brief moment. "U-Um, yes, Touko! Ahh! I mean, Ms. Touko! N-no, uh, great and powerful Touko! It is your pleasure to meet finally me! No! I mean, it is finally your pleasure to meet me! No, no, no! It is my pleasure to meet you in person!"

The girl spoke with some distance in her voice, even with her nervous excitement and genuine terror both at speaking to Touko. Behind them, a Meowstic that was in a costume also came forward, but was silent, moving to stand beside the Malamar, though it didn't seem related. The Meowstic then spoke up. "You are annoying me, youngster. It is merely Touko. She isn't anything particularly special."

"Gosh, kid, thanks. I'm not sure why Dweller here made the call, but it sure seemed to get a lot of people's attention. You, uh, want an autograph or something?" She pulled a pen from her bag, the one she usually used to record events in her diary, as Dweller the Terrakion didn't pull his punches with the things he had to say.

"Listen to me, young ones. Our world has been discovered by forces we are just beginning to understand. Too many of them are savages that do not understand our codes and ethics, so you get what we saw in the desert. They maim and kill each other instead of agreeing to a civilized sport duel as we do. We Pokemon may be a so-called proud warrior race, but there are still rules that we all abide by because we know what happens when they are violated."

The grizzled veteran, champion of his kind, wasn't done lecturing the others. "I myself have seen the folly and the horror of unrestricted warfare between humans. I fought to make sure that our kind did not suffer unduly. It is up to you and your kind to make sure that all who visit our realm acknowledge our power. Let us never forget that those such as my Trainer are our most valuable allies, with numerous innovations that make lives easier and battling more varied. But for every one such as her, there is one that sees us as nothing more than tools, means to the end of power over others. Be very careful who you reveal yourself to in the wild."

As Terrakion was lecturing... "There ya go, kid. Got time for a quick battle before you go?" Touko flashed a huge smile at the fangirl.

The trio turned towards the sound of the Malamar's words, the floating form of the squid-like Pokemon a chilling sight indeed. It wasn't just the sight of him, although none of the trio had ever seen a Malamar before now. It was the way he seemed to present himself. The way Dee would describe it, it was just too polite...too official. Lumi and Skyball would see it as a front for something darker. Clearly, this wasn't a Pokemon to be on the wrong side of.

The trainer accompanying him seemed unsure and unprepared, almost like a lost fawn in a forest. She seemed awestruck by the mere sight of Touko, who carried quite a bit of fame to her name. The Meowstic, on the other hand, caused a reaction. Skyball immediately steeled himself at the sight of her while Lumi leaned towards Dee and whispered in her ear.

"Is that...Sonya?" she asked incredulously, a tiny bit of apprehension lay quivering in her eyes.

"Can't be," Dee reassured her, "Sonya wouldn't dare wear clothing of any kind. Although I can tell she's not much better. Keep your guard up, both of you."

All of them turned towards the Terrakion when he started speaking of the civility of the planet's way of life in comparison to that of the foreigners that had invaded recently. They all kept straight faces, but inside they were grimacing and cringing with every word of honor he spoke.

If only he knew what went on in the wilderness of Ruula...

But that is why they were here. That was why they joined the Crimson Guild to begin with. They were dedicated individuals who sought out peace and prosperity by ridding the world of nefarious evildoers. And while they did so on a Pokemon related scale, if the world really needed it they'd help stop any kind of criminal, human and Pokemon alike, Ruulan or otherwise. It was the lifestyle they chose to adopt.

At the warning the Terrakion placed before them, Skyball seemed surprisingly distant towards the conversation. It was like he was caught up with memories in his mind that the Terrakion's words triggered. Lumi looked towards her teammate, concerned. Oh, don't you get all self-destructive around me... she thought as she stepped towards him and tapped his shoulder. The Emolga turned to find Lumi's reassuring smile in front of him. He smiled back.

Dee spoke directly to Dweller, "It is our duty to defend the peace we strive to keep untarnished, by any means necessary." She pulled out a badge and presented it to the Terrakion, "We live by and fight with this badge because it means a better world for everyone to live in. You and Touko have already helped us out once before. For that, your Trainer has achieved a legendary status within the Crimson Guild. Any time you need our help, give us a call. We'll always be around to help."

The young Trainer remained at attention, stiff as a board. "Um, a-a battle!? I would be honored!" She was clearly green and nervous, but still somehow seemed distant all the same. Perhaps it was the timidity shining through as she accepted the autograph with all the glee of a scared and excited fangirl. "Eeeee! Zoltan! I got Touko's autograph! I'm going to battle her! I-I'm so excited!"

At her reply, the Malamar, apparently named, "Zoltan", turned to look at her. "Oh, but Lammy, do remember we have business to finish. I suppose I can allow it for this one time however. I will fight as you see fit; not even someone of her legend can withstand my power. Another victory will be yours!"

Zoltan began glowing with a black psychic energy as it prepared itself to fight. Lammy would stand behind him and try and steady herself. "Zoltan and I h-haven't lost yet since w-we started! Even if it's T-Touko...I'll win!"

--

The three lesser Pokemon, when turning to look at Temperance, earned a stoic glance back. "What are you three looking at? It isn't wise to be so focused. You could lose something you know." Her voice was pretty feminine and flat in her PokeSpeak. Temperance would give an aside glance at a nearby Trainer using his Pokedex. "Just like he is about to."

Temperance would swiftly turn and walk up to the Trainer, tugging at his pants. "Meow? Stistic!" It was clear she had a scheme, but no Trainer would ever realize it, though Dee, Lumi, and Skyball certainly would.

"All right...Zoltan, was it? How about it? Your squid thingy against my Terrakion? Keep it nice and quick-like, you know? But I won't lose...I was Champion once, and darn it, after what happened today I'm totally going to take back that crown. Katsu zo!"

Touko leaped back and got ready to throw down. "Let's go, Dweller! Use Substitute!" The Terrakion closed its eyes and grunted a bit, sparing some of its energy to make a decoy that would take hits for it while Touko fished out her Pokedex. "Ugh...hypnosis powers? Wow, good thing I decided to scout first instead of going right on the attack."

Zoltan channeled more dark energy around himself as he floated, narrowing his eyes at the Substitute being attempted. "I will admit, in any other situation, a Substitute would be advantageous! Bravo! But Lammy knows plenty better, don't you Lammy?"

Lammy seemed unsure at the Substitute, but smiled nervously at Zoltan giving her a look. "U-Um, right! Z-Zoltan! Infiltrate past the Substitute! U-Use your Superpower!"

Zoltan would rush forward, using a sort of falsified double image of himself to strike past the decoy; his fake self attacking the decoy only proved an illusion as the real him appeared before the Terrakion, all the while raising a fin. "Now witness my superior power!" The attack was aimed with force, and intent on striking hard if not true, and it was fast, very much so. If it connected, though Zoltan was quite sure it would, he would seem to grow stronger as his dark aura intensified slightly, and the blow would have a significant impact increase thanks to the nature of the elemental types. Maybe Lammy knew some stuff after all? Or so it seemed until Lammy shielded herself at the level of force Zoltan was putting into the blow, and it was then made clear he wasn't a newly evolved Inkay, but rather, a Pokemon at a Level far beyond what its Trainer should probably be attempting to control, a level that would definitely be limited in a facility like the Battle Institute. It was definitely an incredibly strong and well-trained Pokemon for a novice Trainer to have.

"G-Great strength, Zoltan! Y-You're definitely stronger than, than even T-Touko's Pokemon! Fighting T-Touko... It has just started, and it's s-so exhilarating!"

Praise being given to the Malamar being what it was, Lammy at least also had an idea of the relationships between Pokemon and Trainer.

Touko grunted in surprise as the Malamar got right through, striking hard with a massive blow that left the legendary Musketeer reeling. "Come on, I'm not sure if we can take another hit like that! Dweller! He's wide open, get him with a Sacred Sword!"

He roared in pain and anger. "You are strong! But let's see you TAKE a hit!" Terrakion charged forward with glowing horns, but it wasn't a straight on ramming attack. Instead, he did a head fake to try to misdirect Zoltan's guard at the last moment, like a hockey player trying to deke a goalie, before delivering the actual attack which was more like a powerful slash than a stab.

"Come here you little Squirtle!" Screamed Jason, determined to catch it, Floss was watching from behind Jason's back. She didn't want him to catch it, she wanted to be his main priority forever!

"One bump, second bump, third bump!"
"Yay!"

Jason danced around the street, floss had an opposite feeling.

"I will, call you Sali!"