Gallia began to puff for air. Lucion did the same. The both didn't sleep all night. It was now 0500, the time they were needing to get up and get ready for deployment. Gallia had no idea how she was going to walk for so long without any energy. As for Lucion, He could probably still manage.
"You alright?" He asked between breaths.
"I wish I could have slept," She smiled lazily.
"How much did you even put in?" He asked.
"A whole pouch," She replied.
"Gallia, never do that again," He laughed.
"I'm debating," She jested.
He looked at her seriously, "I'm not drinking tea for a whole year."
He picked himself up and chuckled, "Well, we'd best get ready."
Gallia groaned, "I want to sleep."
"Alright, I'll get what you need, but from this day on you need to learn to wake up early."
"Fine," She sighed.
He did her the favor and made sure his things were put together as well. He came back at 0830 to wake her. She tried to beg for more sleep but the situation was useless. She picked herself up and stretched, trying not to go back into a slumber. She quietly sneaked into each room to say a goodbye to her family. None of them woke up. She met Lucion downstairs next to the door. He gave her a bag with her things in it.
"Umph, this is heavy," She strained.
He helped her put it on and smiled.
"You look good in that," He complimented.
"Thanks, you look like you used to when we met," She smiled.
"I'll take that as compliment," He chuckled.
He opened the door for her; she stopped and whispered, "For the record, I thought you were hot back then."
He chuckled and shook his head, "Go on."
They traveled to the Sojourner's Closet. There they met the rest of the stealth squadron.
"Are we ready?" Zuros asked.
"I've supplied all your needs so far," Miss Fi said, "if there's anything else, then say so or forever hold you peace."
"I'm fine," Glen smiled.
"I'm ready," Denim added.
"Same here," Burns added as well.
Zuros turned and smiled, "I think we're all fine. Ah, Gallia, Lucion, you made it."
Lucion nodded, "She had a bit of a… rough morning, but she's ready for the most part."
"Good to hear."
Gallia turned, "Meloetta?"
The five Hands bowed.
"Rise," She smiled, "Are preparations complete?"
"Yes my lady, I assure you that you will be safe on the journey as well."
"Meloetta? Your coming with us?" Gallia asked confusedly.
"I am; otherwise they won't be able to wake the master. Troops are ready to march soon. We must hurry."
"Alright, let's start," Lucion motioned, "Zuros?"
"Lucion, you're ahead, Burns hangs back, Meloetta and Gallia stay centered, and Denim and Glen can take the sides. I'll be ahead with Lucion, we'll make sure everything is clear."
"Understood," They nodded.
"Be careful out there, dear," Miss Fi said to Zuros.
"Hey, it's me," He smiled.
Miss Fi smiled and kissed him, "I know; but that's exactly why I'm afraid."
"I'll be fine. I promise. Let's get moving."
"I love you."
"I love you too," He waved.
He sighed and looked down.
"You okay?" Gallia smiled.
"Yea, I just got this funny feeling, like I'm never going to see her again," He replied.
"Fear not, friend, you will. You always have," Glen smiled.
"I agree with Glen," Meloetta smiled, "You should not be afraid."
"Sure thing. Alright, positions!" Zuros called.
Lucion and Zuros ran ahead jumping from tree to tree.
Meloetta smiled ag Gallia, "Fancy and adventure, I hope."
"Why of course," Gallia smiled back, "Never dreamt of missing one."
"That's good," Meloetta closed her eyes.
"So, remind me, why are you traveling with us? On foot nonetheless too. Well, not literally on foot but…"
"I understand," Meloetta nodded, "You see, when I sing I'm not only pleasant to hear. My songs carry a mystic power. Some do one thing and others do another. And I'm 'on foot' because anything formal would be too cumbersome. We're faster if we don't carry anything large. Not to worry, I can handle myself well."
Gallia nodded in understanding, "It does make sense that way. Where did you learn to fight?"
"The Master has taught many how to handle their power. Lucion put in a good word for me after rescuing me. It was how I became so open in alliance. It's lasted for longer than I remember."
"How did the rescue come about?" Gallia asked curiously.
"It does seem appropriate for that story. Let's see, where to begin… He was freshly evolved, I think. No, wait, he evolved during the fight. You see, not every legendary takes Kalos' side on the war. Groudon is one to remember. The one responsible for attacking me is named Axe. He is… was… a Kanto officer specializing in assassinations and infiltrations. Lucion was only a simple corporal who lost his garrison to this officer. In return, he tore down his ranks. Only his most skilled were left. The force was meant for me, but Lucion's people were just accidentally stumbled upon. Axe had underestimated the Kalosion stealth forces."
"So how did you come into play?"
"Well, at this time I was quite foolish, traveling alone. I can turn invisible when scared, but these men were clever. They had captured me before I could even think. Lucion, meanwhile, was following them. They thought he ran away to tell report them, which was something they wanted. However Lucion was merely trying to outsmart them. My capture, fortunately, was their chance. One of the most important recorded rules of the Hands is to never take too long in a capture. Kill the ranks, get the target, and get out. It'll all one motion. It gives no chance for a n enemy to counter."
"So what happened to you?"
Meloetta stared at Lucion, "He was biding his time. Lucarios have an advantage over their enemy. Aura, he always knows where they are because of it. He was so much of a distance that they never knew he was following them."
Galila giggled, "So, that was the first time they've ever faced a Lucario then."
"It was, and they never lived to tell the tale. You see, Gallia, Lucarios have their weakness, but they are rarely ever caught off guard to use it. I'll reveal this: the story has no epic battle. Axe was slain in his sleep along with all his other men. Lucion was far too quiet for their own advantages to count for anything. He got me out not saying a word even when I ask it of him. He was his silent self. The story I tell you is actually made up half way. He did all this as a Riolu. It was when I kissed his forehead that he evolved. Riolus can still use aura. I just thought you would want to know both versions."
"Well, what is the version of him being a Riolu?" Gallia asked.
"It was nearly the same, he wasn't a corporal. This was only to encourage others to join the army. He was merely being taken care of by a soldier who volunteered to do the job. He evolved late: about twenty-three to four years old I think. He always looked like a child, but surprised everyone with his amazing intellect. He even surprised me."
"Why not tell everyone that?" Gallia asked, "Wouldn't it be more of an encouragement."
"For children, yes. They are the only ones open minded enough to except the fact that a Pokémon can hold off their own evolution process. Those in the Village of Lucarios have been known to do that. They believed a hard life meant being stronger in the future. This was partly true to be sure, but everyone has their own opinion."
"What is the story after he helped you?"
Meloetta closed her eyes, "Well, I didn't want to travel alone after that. Especially after all the talk of how they were going to torcher me and eventually kill me. Lucion pitied me when I begged and accompanied me. Little did I know that he was on a mission leading him the opposite direction. Because of me, he completed it late. The solders already delayed him enough. I made it worse. When I finally saw the gates of the capital I had revealed that I was the queen. He talked to me instantly, apologizing for whatever he felt was wrong. I never remembered him wronging me in any way."
"It sounds like Lucion," Gallia chuckled.
"He is a humble one. Tell me, how did you meet him?" Meloetta smiled.
Gallia giggled and replied, "Oh, it was a while ago. I was just ten."
"Oh? He's quite the senior to you then," Meloetta said surprised.
"Yeah," Gallia nodded, "He is but the relationship just… happened. As you may know, Lucion doesn't speak to anyone he's not close with. At first, I was afraid him. He was silent all the time and snuck up on me every time I tried to get Miss Fi to tell me about him. I wasn't comfortable around him at all."
"Oh? What changed?" Meloetta asked curiously.
"Lucion saved me from a Pokémon named Cypher. He had many problems he wouldn't face, and a wild temper. He was going to hit me before Lucion stopped him and loosed me away from him."
"He must have been scary for you at ten years old."
Gallia laughed, "Oh, yes. He was the worst. 'The meanest Pokémon alive,' we called him. After saving me from him about...mmm… twice I tried to get to know him. That's when we started getting comfortable with each other."
"Hmm, how did you make advances?" Meloetta asked her interest becoming fascination.
Gallia thought a moment, "Well, first, I started waiting at the town entrance for him. I told him stories, said my helloes, asked questions, and then left him to his day. Eventually I came to say hello to him whenever I saw him. Then he became curious over me. Our time together was spent more frequently. Then, I found out he was married. It killed me at first, and I became very jealous. However, meeting Penelope let it all leave. Penelope was so right for him. I tried my best never to get so close to him again. But I'm skipping the best part. That was probably a year or two. Before that time, during October, I had invited Lucion to the harvest festival. He made my outfit for that, by the way."
"Made it?" Meloetta checked.
"Yes, by who-knows-what means. My mother and I couldn't get it finished for the life of us, yet he did it in one day."
"He had a large family; I'm not too surprised."
"Being my age, I was. It went well for only so long though. Near the end, Cypher's brother got violent and, again, I was attacked. Lucion jumped to my protection, but… it went too far."
"No, not again," Meloetta put her hands to her mouth.
"Yes, I heard that story too. He shut himself away for months. During that time, that's when Penelope visited. She and I became close. When she left she had such in impression in me that I felt exposed, unsafe. Cypher fought with my father and Miss Fi but was left infuriated. That was during my first days with Lucion. He started snooping around. I thought he was after me. Surly enough, on Christmas Eve, he attacked me. If it weren't for Lucion, I would have been killed."
"Jumped to better conclusions, I hope," Meloetta smiled.
"Not exactly, but, in a way, it was best for all of Placid."
"Oh, he…"
Gallia nodded, "He didn't even have much of a choice. That night almost feels like a necessary evil. If it weren't that, he wouldn't have finally talked to me."
"That's quite a story. You could write a book, Gallia."
The words dug deep in Gallia. She said that to Penelope once.
"Maybe, but I have a family to take care of and no time to spare anymore. This was beneficial to me, Meloetta, I thank you for taking your time to talk with me."
"It was worth it," Meloetta smiled, "And I agree, it is very beneficial. I do love stories."
Gallia giggled and thought to herself. This conversation was just like hers and Penelope's. The responses were almost the same.
"Hold up!" Zuros whispered loudly.
Gallia stopped with Meloetta.
"There's something up ahead," He warned.
Meloetta looked ahead, "I see nothing, what do you mean?"
"Lucion can, he told me to warn you. We may have to pick up the pace too," Zuros scratched his chin.
Lucion came back, "It's Sinnoh, but not friendly."
"Alright, pick up Gallia, and I'll let the other's know were bolting. Don't' stop till you meat the Hoenn boarder."
"Alright, let's go," Lucion nodded.
Without warning he swept Gallia off her feet and carried her away. Meloetta followed. The other four followed.
"Why are we in such a hurry?" Gallia asked.
"Well, if we have unfriendly Sinnoan forces then that means we're losing our foot hold. We have to pull of the plan faster. If we get to Hoenn today we can pull the plan off three days early."
"Will you have the energy to fight still if it calls for it?"
"Don't worry, Hoenn has no opposition against us. If anything they'll help. They'd have to."
A fire blast passed over his head.
"Dang, I thought we could pass fast enough for them not to notice," Lucion growled.
Meloetta dodged a Shadow Ball and accelerated her speed. Denim jumped to her protection, sending himself over with hydro pump. He cut the entire group in half. Burns used fire spin to trap them. Zuros closed his eyes and created an illusion for them to chase. With the distraction, they group got away safely. As ordered, the group made their stop a good forty miles after the Hoenn border.
"Evreyone alright?" Zuros asked.
"A little tired," Meloetta replied.
"We should stop, Zuros. There's no way they can tale us," Burns said looking back.
"Alright. Denim, if you're not too tired, make sure were clear behind; I'm going ahead to make sure there's nothing for us to worry. Burn's you take a separate direction and we'll compare paths."
"Lucion is the fastest member and we can count on his mapping skills, right?" Gallia asked.
"As far as anyone's concerned, " Zuros shrugged.
"They maybe you two should stay here while he maps the area," Gallia pointed out, "Besides, it's what he does. He's been trained in orientation better than anyone I know. If there's a new path best used then he can make it."
Zuros nodded, "If it's not too much trouble, Lucion."
"I'll be back in five minutes," Lucon winked at Gallia.
Zuros nodded, "Take your time. Burns, stay with them; I don't like sitting around. I'm going to make a few rounds around the perimeter at least."
Burns nodded and started a fire. The night was already setting in. Gallia sat in place in deep thought. Burns looked around once in a while but his focus was on the fire. Meloetta however only had her focus on the fire. Gallia looked up at Burns. She was a curious type of Pokémon, always wondering what others were thinking.
"Burns, I don't hear much about you," She started, "What about yourself are you willing to share?"
Burns chuckled and asked, "You're curious about me? I see, I'll humor you. What specifically do you want me to tell you?"
"How did you become a Hand?" Gallia respond.
"I started at a young age," He replied, "All of us Hands have. My first time in service after training with the master was apart from the others. All of us split after our training was complete. I'm best known for the battle in Hoenn called The Battle of Spire. Spire was a fort that Johto made invincible. It's only called a battle because my nick name is the Blazkin of One Hundred Units. It's a stupid name, but it was the only thing that stuck. I was alone, and I took the fort. Shortly after, I was called back to the master. You know the rest: we became the Hands."
"Alright, but what about your family?" Gallia asked.
Burns was silent.
"Burns?" Gallia asked.
She had heard rumors, but she was curious to hear it from him. Unfortunatly, burns never said anything until a twig snapped.
"Stay down," He ordered.
He crept up to the sound and nearly hit Zuros with a flame punch.
"Whoa, hey, friendly, I'm a friendly," Zuros said with a hint of a chuckle, "At least I know your alert."
Denim appeared and reported, "No followers."
"Good, now we wait for Lucion," Zuros smiled.
Gallia took a stick and messed with the fire. The ashes danced with the fire.
"It's been more than five minutes," She sighed.
"Be patient," Meloetta smiled.
They finally heard some rustling. Lucion pulled himself out of the brush and took short breaths.
"You okay?" Gallia asked.
He nodded and sat down, "Just ran into a bit of trouble. Johto isn't the problem here. The quickest route is more hazardous than we are."
Lucion laid out his map. The thing was full of warnings.
"I… don't see very many options here," Zuros sighed.
"That's because there's only one," Lucion grumbled.
Zuros looked at where his paw was pointed.
"Ech, that doesn't look good," He scrunched his face."
"It's the only way," Lucion turned his gaze over to Zuros, "Unless you want to make this trip longer."
"Can't afford that," Zuros shook his head.
"I didn't think we could," Lucion sighed.
Gallia looked at the map.
"What about if we take this path and use psychic? I mean, it will shorten time too. It's much smaller and the danger of it is a little less than going into a canyon that promises to drop on you. Besides, what could possibly happen that take focus away? There's already two of us who can use psychic."
Lucion dropped his head on the stump. Zuros scratched his head.
"That's not such a bad idea," Zuros blew out, "Alright, we'll try that. Gallia, I hope that works."
Lucion turned his head, still resting on the stump, "Three days and without training and your already a better strategist."
"It's not strategy, it's wit," She giggled, "Something you don't use very often. We're not trying to fight an army yet; we're trying to move through terrain. Think, I know you can do that."
She pat his head and kissed it. Lucion thought a moment to himself before folding his map.
Gallia and Meloetta shared a tent. One of the Hands would keep a watch out until the next one's shift. Otherwise everyone was asleep except three: the Hand who watched, Meloetta, and Gallia.
"You seem to have a skill in strategy," Meloetta smiled, "I knew it was right to support you."
"Thank you very much," Gallia smiled, "But why did you support me?"
Meloetta smiled, "I saw something in you. It was something like I've never seen before. A different level of kindness."
"But what does kindness have to do with strategy?" Gallia asked.
"Kindness has to do with the safety of the solders. My dear Gallia, didn't you see? You saved forty thousand solder's lives if not more. Now they don't have to go to war. You utilized the forces we had in more conservative ways. Everyone there, even Felicity, is filled with malice against the Johtoans. It appears that all we needed was one who dwelled with them."
Galila took in what she said. Forty thousand! Her?
"I still don't seem to understand why being kind is so important," Gallia sighed.
Meloetta giggled, "My dearest Gallia, you don't have to understand. You just have to do. And you already have a talent for that."
Gallia laid on her back.
"'You just have to do'," She echoed.
"Or don't," Meloetta added, "But that's why decision exist. It's no matter of maybe. So what do you choose to do?"
Gallia turned around, her back facing Meloetta. She thought hard and remembered Lucion's words. Would they even qualify to her at this moment? Yes, if she was an officer, she was a solder now. She, a solder? It felt strange, almost a impossible.
Nonetheless she answered her question, "I choose to do what I'm told."