Hey, guys! I've decided to put my focus onto this story since it is close to being finished! Yay for 'New Divide' fans! I have the last four chapters generally plotted out but am still thinking about what to put down. Some suggestions would be nice. And since I'm so nice, I'll tell you about what the next chapters are about. This chapter is the preparation for the final battle. 38 and 39 are two parts of the battle and 40 will be an epilogue. Keep in mind that there will be possible character deaths in the story so don't be too surprised. It is a war after all.

Also, I'm greatly hoping that SOPA won't be passed. Otherwise this story will never be finished! Fight against the bill for the sake of Fanfiction!

Other than that, enjoy the new chapter.

New Divide

Chapter 37: Prepare For Battle

The last two days have been nothing but absolute hell and strict business with the heroes. After the discovery of Crystal's torture, the heroes refuse to leave the island out of fear of losing her again. Zoroark, Lily, and Violet were especially stubborn about letting her out of their sight. Crystal has woken up from her stressful coma and was almost practically phobic of any kind of touch until she was convinced that she was safe with her friends. In the next day, she refused to get out of her bed and hasn't stopped crying or shaking from betrayal and fear. The commanders were forced to summon their affinities in hopes of soothing their leader's broken soul and it helped very little. She eventually began to eat and sleep but only if someone was beside her (mainly Zoroark).

Crystal was such a strong girl that wasn't afraid to fight for her goals. Now seeing her in such a vulnerable and weak position… It has changed many of the heroes gravely. Most of the childish heroes have turned very strict and didn't joke around as much as they used to. As such, the more mature Pokémon grew even more cautious around whoever they talked with. To make it simple, they were paranoid around even each other.

The worst outcome of all was finally telling Arceus about what has happened to his daughter. The heroes almost feared for their lives when the God's expression turned blank. He looked as if all of the function has died in his body. The Legendaries' reactions were pure anger and rage, but they were nothing compared to Arceus. As soon as the Legendaries returned from their patrol, they were shown Crystal's condition. The site finally made Arceus snap. The storm seemed to grow worse as he let out roars of rage and blasted the meadow below the island with very little restraint. Lily managed to stop Arceus with tearful pleads and the father did stop but only to hug his second child comfortingly. He didn't hide back the tears as he nuzzled Lily and Crystal. After all, they are the only family he has left and he would be damned if he lost his own children. He is grateful that Crystal is still alive, he supposed, but it does not excuse the fact that what Eclipso, the exiles, and Darkstar have done is unforgivable. He has expected more out of the exiles, especially after their banishment. But it seems that they have no control over their own actions (regardless if Terotrey does possess them) and that leaves the God no choice.

He decides to have a public meeting with not only the heroes, but the whole world on the second night.

-ooo-

Arceus' eyes glow as he watches a couple of human reporters setting up various cameras around the cave entrance. A large stand with a large microphone is placed before the God as he stands elegantly before the news crew. The humans occasionally stare at him or at the assisting Legendaries with slight fear or awe before they go back to work.

Arceus has requested his Legendaries to bring together as many Pokémon as possible to witness this important broadcast. He has also sent Darkrai and Ash out to find a nearby human broadcast team and to bring them to the valley so the news will be broadcasted worldwide. The humans were at first bewildered by the request, but not so much as being asked to bring along all the cameras that they had. Their confusion turned into absolute shock and disbelief when they are personally taken to the God and were asked to give an important newsflash that would require everyone's immediate attention. The cost of the power would be astronomical considering how much equipment the small team had, but several of the electric Legendary Pokémon were more than willing to support the electricity. Other than that concern, the team would need help with supporting the various cameras. Fortunately, the Pokémon that are able to talk could understand the situation and only need to carry the cameras and watch as Arceus gives his speech. Thanks to the storm, the grass is exceedingly wet so many blankets were put out to keep the stands and cables dry. The last thing everyone needs is another accident.

Arceus has sent his Legendaries out by morning. The broadcast team has arrived right on noon and has set up the cameras for hours. By nightfall, the humans are checking over the equipment to make sure that they are functioning. It is then that several Pokémon have arrived as soon as Scalene lowers the island's stairs onto Earth. Several of the Pokémon have come far and wide to hear what is going on and rest as they wait for the broadcast to start.

Arceus looks at everyone carefully and raises a brow when he sees a few helicopters hovering over the valley. Obviously the massive number of Pokémon has caught the human attention and so other news teams have come to see what is going on. Well, that is just fine with the God. The more, the better. But the God couldn't help but feel cautious when he sees one helicopter holding a red R on the side.

Then the newscast put on the lights. Arceus nearly stumbles back when the lights are aimed at him. Such brightness could blind a lesser being, but fortunately the God is not vulnerable. He feels relieved when the lights dim enough to a comfortable level and to where he could actually view the crowd before him. Everyone is staring at the magnificent being with curiosity, awe, or confusion.

The time is almost here.

-ooo-

Raikou meekly walks out of the cave entrance to see what is going on outside. He nearly stumbles back when he sees thousands of Pokémon through the bright light. He squints to get a better visual and his surprise turns into bewilderment. The whole valley is almost covered with various species of Pokémon while barely a quarter of the entrance cave is surrounded by lights and cameras.

Raikou barely remembers seeing this many Pokémon the last time a broadcast was called. Then again, last time there were much more humans last time… He is certain that more have come because the God of all Pokémon has called upon them.

Raikou couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. He knows what the God is going to say; the God has arranged a meeting with the Legendaries and heroes about it the night before. And most were in favor of what he has decided. Raikou knows that after the God is finished with his speech, everyone will offer to help in any way possible.

But what Raikou is nervous about is what if their plan fails? What if the world will be doomed forever?

"Having doubts, Raikou?"

The thunder tiger blinks and turns around. He sees Ash and Darkrai standing behind him with arms crossed and eyes bemused. For some reason, their eyes seem different…

Raikou shrugs as he turns to stare at the site. "Nope."

Raikou is a bit surprised when he hears Darkrai hum softly before the phantom and human walk up to him. They stare at the site in long silence and listen to the random chatter of the excited and curious Pokémon.

"So much has happened in very little time…" Darkrai muses to himself. "And things are going to take a different turn…"

"I know…" Raikou murmurs. "For better or worse."

The thunder tiger suddenly feels very anxious. He tries to hide it from the other two as he continues to stare at the crowd.

"Something on your mind, Raikou?" Ash asks.

Raikou hastily shakes his head. "Nope."

"Raikou…" Ash says slowly. "You do not have to lie. A war is coming soon and I think that it's time to push aside all secrets. You have nothing to hide from us."

The thunder tiger couldn't help but raise a brow at the human. Since when has Ash become so philosophical? Then he sighs. "I guess…" He hesitates.

Darkrai then uncharacteristically places a hand on the tiger's shoulder. "Go on."

Raikou hesitates before he sighs and lowers his head. "I'm scared. I have no idea of what will happen to all of us. Of what will happen to the future. Based on everything that has happened, I don't know what to think of anymore. What if we lose? I'm scared that everything we worked for will be lost." The tiger closes his eyes.

There is silence as the boys stare at Raikou's hunched form. The tiger is worried that they will scold him for thinking of such thoughts and insist that they will win. But to his great surprise, Ash pats his back gently. "Raikou, we understand. All we can do is believe, hope, and continue to fight. It is those three things that have gotten you so far into your life."

Raikou stares at the duo in confusion.

"Raikou, remember when you were exiled from the Legendary Council?" Darkrai asks.

Raikou stares at the phantom before he slowly nods.

"You have made many mistakes. You had many ups and downs during your journeys. But you have handled them with great responsibility. They have all led you to this day."

"It was you who have gathered up an army to go against Darkstar in his human disguise." Ash insists with a smile. "It was you who have made amendments with tribes in order to save those who you care for. It was you who have fought against Darkstar solo and have ultimately beaten him at his own game. It was you that has chosen to put faith in Crystal and her team to train you. Overall, it was you that has gotten us all this far. If anyone can beat Darkstar, it would be you."

"You have saved countless lives, Raikou. Your determination and bravery has given you many great victories. Don't give up just yet. We are at the prime of our time. If anything, fight for the many things we still have. Fight for your friends. Fight for your Legendary comrades. Fight for Crystal and Suicune. Fight for our home. Fight for our future."

Raikou couldn't help but look at the boys in absolute awe. He gapes at them for the longest time and thinks hard about their words of wisdom and comfort. He knows that they are right; he must go on. Not for his sake, but for the world.

"There you are, kid! Ash and I have been wondering where you were!"

Raikou blinks many times before he and the boys turn around. The tiger's eyes widen when he sees Ash and Darkrai heading towards them. However, the duo stop and stare at the trio with absolute bewilderment.

Now confused beyond knowledge, Raikou stares at the Ash and Darkrai beside him and at the duo before him. He looks back and forth multiple times and blinks slowly as if he was hallucinating. "What…?"

The boys beside the tiger smile before their forms begin to fade and shrink. Suddenly they take two small forms of glowing black and white orbs. Raikou blinks before realization hits him. "Reshiram and Zekrom…"

The duo float around the tiger slowly while Darkrai and Ash slowly walk up to them with confusion written on their faces.

"Good to know that you still remember us…" Reshiram says softly. When the tiger only stares, he hums again. "We took the disguises of your closest allies so no other being could catch us."

"Imagine the drama that would lurk!" Zekrom chuckles. But when the boys don't so much as smile, he grows silent. "Right… Now is not the time. Anyways, remember what we have said, Legendary Raikou. And follow the words with you as you go into battle."

Raikou suddenly frowns. "But what about you two? Won't you be in the battlefield with us?"

"I'm afraid not." Raikou could sense a sad smile from Reshiram. "Zekrom and I can only do so much, but we cannot take sides with either the good or bad. It goes against our nature. We can only watch and accept what happens in the past, present, and future."

Suddenly Darkrai narrows his eyes. "You knew that all of this would happen. The exile, Crystal's past and present life, the battles, everything."

"Yes, we knew." Zekrom says quietly. "But like we said, we had no control to alter it or to fix it. It goes against our vows to never interfere with life."

"Then why are you here?" Ash asks quietly. The Gods are silent before they sigh.

"We are here because the prophesy is about to be fulfilled. We need to know for certain that no matter what happens, you will never quit and fulfill your destiny."

"Wait a moment… The prophesy?" Raikou blinks before he frowns. "Crystal and Darkstar mentioned something about a prophesy, but they have never gotten around to telling us about the full details. Can you please elaborate on that?"

"The prophesy states that three chosen beings are destined to save Earth from being cast by eternal darkness. But only one out of those three chosen ones has the true power to stop the threat by finding something inside him that he has yet to discover."

"The three chosen ones are us? How do you know that they are us?" Darkrai asks cautiously.

"The prophesy has stated that 'a tiger with the electric affinity, a phantom with a dark affinity, and a human with a pure aura' would protect Earth."Zekrom's answer is blank.

The boys look sheepish. "Oh…"

Suddenly Darkrai looks suspicious again. "But again, how do you know so much about this prophesy? Crystal and Darkstar themselves didn't get the full details about the prophesy until several years later. Hell, who even made the prophesy?"

The Gods are silent for a very long time. When they say nothing, realization hits the boys and they stumble back from shock. "No… You mean…"

"Yes, it was us that have made the prophesy." Reshiram sighs. "From the beginning of time itself, we have known that this day would come. But the prophesy is so old that it was eventually forgotten by the original ones that used to roam Earth. As much as there is good on Earth, there must be evil in it too. It is what makes us all equal."

The boys are silent as they take in the information. To think that the Gods have known that everything would lead up to this, it makes the heroes think of the worst. "And you won't tell us who will win the fight?"

"We cannot." Zekrom sighs sadly. "That is against our vow as well."

"Can I have an honest answer about one thing?" Raikou says unexpectedly. Everyone glances at him in surprise. Raikou looks surprisingly calm even though his eyes display nervousness as he stares at the orbs.

"Is this my destiny? Is this what I was born for?"

The boys blink in confusion while the Gods remain unaffected. Then Reshiram speaks. "That is solely dependent on you, Legendary Raikou. Zekrom and I have no control over one's choices. Only you can decide on what your destiny is. Would you be forever known as Legendary Raikou, the savior of Earth? The Legendary that has died to protect Earth? The joker of the Legendary Council?" Raikou flushes at the comment. "Either way, it is what you want to be and not what someone else expects you to be. It is your call."

The boys are silent as they stare at Alpha and Omega for the longest time. Suddenly the crowd goes quiet and the boys look outside. "It is almost time for the broadcast." Reshiram murmurs quietly. "Zekrom and I must take our leave."

"Wait!" Raikou holds up a paw. "I still have so many questions to ask!"

"Questions that you will have the answer to in time, my boy." Zekrom chuckles softly. He floats closely to the thunder tiger. Raikou could feel a soothing aura radiating from the dark orb. "Think about what we have said and make your choice soon. Many Pokémon before you have taken their calls; it's about time that you make yours."

"But-" Raikou pauses when Darkrai holds him back and shakes his head. The boys watch as the glowing orbs disappear in midair. Some mist lingers before it also disappears.

Then the boys hear footsteps behind them and turn to see several of their close allies walking out of the cave. Judging by the blank look on their faces, they haven't seen or overheard what just transpired. They greet the boys with brave smiles or nods as they walk out of the cave.

When they are alone again, Darkrai and Ash give Raikou a long stare before they nod and join their allies. Raikou remains behind and stares at the entrance as the Gods' words flow through his mind.

How will he handle his decision?

Raikou is silent for several minutes until he hears the crowd begin to grow even more quiet. He looks outside and sees his Legendary comrades and closest allies watching Arceus with tentative eyes.

Suicune…

Darkrai…

Crystal's friends…

Jeff and Skyler…

Mewtwo and Deoxys…

All of his dear friends. The Pokémon that he has grown so fond of over the last month and a half. The Pokémon that are close enough for him to consider family. The Pokémon that have always been by his side no matter what happened.

They will rely on him as much as he will rely on them. He cannot abandon them, not after all that has happened. They have come so far and they can only go forward. Together.

Raikou's eyes narrow in determination. He's made his decision.

Without another thought, he rushes forward and steps up to Arceus with a request in mind.

-ooo-

Everything grows quiet as everyone watches Raikou whispering something to the God. Arceus raises a brow at the thunder tiger before he slowly nods. Raikou smiles a bit before he runs off to avoid being seen by the cameras. As soon as he is with his allies, Arceus turns to the cameramen and nods. Instantly all the cameras are activated and are carefully handled by both humans and Pokémon. After a few mutters of the leading cameraman, he gives Arceus a thumbs up. The sign to begin.

Arceus straightens up and stares directly at the crowd as he begins his speech.

"Fellow humans and Pokémon alike, I am calling you in this broadcast for a very important statement. This may or may not be my last statement to the world. As you all know, a catastrophe has struck upon our world. Darkstar has committed unspeakable horrors upon all of us in some way. Upon our friends, acquaintances, and loved ones. He has left so many permanent marks upon our home that history itself would never forget. I wish I could tell you that the Legendaries could handle Darkstar and stop his tyranny, but I cannot. Today, we are all no longer strangers amongst each other. Today, we are one as family and as an army standing up to protect what we hold dearest. We will stand in the darkness together and fight until either we, or Darkstar, or neither shall win. We shall fight for the end or for the beginning."

Arceus pauses to let the message sink into the crowd's minds. Several Pokémon look a bit uneasy and unnerved by the news but say nothing. Arceus sighs quietly before he continues. "By nightfall tomorrow, we will all be prepared for the final war that will take place in Darkstar's Realm. There is no guarantee that many of us will survive from the ambush so cherish this evening before coming to armor yourself tomorrow. If necessary, bring all the weapons and armor you have to assist our equipment. But if we are to die, then we will all die with honor and integrity."

Arceus sighs as he steps back. Then he glances at Raikou and nods at the tiger. Raikou winces when several cameras turn to him and almost loses his confidence when everyone is staring at him. But he isn't going to back down so soon. However, he isn't going to go without some help.

The tiger turns to a baffled Darkrai. "I am going to speak my terms, Darkrai. You would honor me by translating for the humans."

The phantom's eyes widen and he stares at the tiger incredulously. "But-"

"I don't have my translator collar on. It's been broken after that storm." Raikou points at his neck. "Please, Darkrai. As my best friend, do me this honor."

Darkrai doesn't say anything but looks incredibly hesitant. He glances at the staring crowd before he stares at the allies beside them. Several of the heroes are smiling and nodding at the phantom. Cresselia nuzzles Darkrai and murmurs, "Go."

Darkrai says nothing before he slowly sighs and curtly nods to Raikou. With a small smile on his snout, Raikou nods and leads them towards the stand. Arceus steps aside and raises a brow as Darkrai and Raikou stand before the pedestal and face the cameras.

After the phantom and tiger exchange glances, Raikou clears his throat and speaks to the Pokémon while Darkrai uses his collar to translate for the humans.

"Darkstar has sent us a message. A message that says that he thinks he has full control over everything and that he can take whatever he wants. And that by displaying terror and hate, he can do whatever he wants however he pleases. He believes that no one and nothing can stop him from his world domination."

Raikou's eyes grow stern when he sees the Pokémon grow curious. He notices his allies tilting their heads curiously as they listen.

"Well, we are gonna send him a clear message." Raikou narrows his eyes as he firmly places his paw against the most grass. "We are gonna show Darkstar that he will not take whatever he wants. We will show him that we will not back down because he has an army of cybertronic robots. We will show him that we are not scared of what he is capable of. We will show him that we will fight him with honor and integrity!"

Several of the Pokémon look intrigued as they nod their heads. Several of the creatures have glints in their eyes to show their approval.

"Run through the land as fast as you can. Fly as far as the wind can carry you. Swim as deep as you can possibly go. Tell all capable fighters to come. Tell them that the Legendaries are calling out to them. We are all equal and we will march into this war together!"

By this point, several of the Pokémon are letting out shouts of approval as they fidget in their spots. Excitement and pride fills the air as Raikou continues with his speech.

"My comrades, brothers, and sisters! Be proud to serve! Be brave and protect those who are dear to you! We will show Darkstar that this planet is our home! WE WILL FIGHT FOR OUR FUTURE!"

With that shout said, everyone in the valley let out cheers and echo Raikou's final statement. Several Pokémon roar and hold fists in the air as they yell out their excitement. Raikou's allies, especially Darkrai, were impressed by the tiger's mature speech and join in on the cheering. The cheering echoes out from the large valley. Raikou lets out a roar of dignity and holds his paw up triumphantly. As soon as the newscast turn off the broadcast, the humans begin to clap loudly and whistle as they cheer along with the Pokémon.

It looks like Raikou's speech has improved everyone's hope for survival.

Feeling quite proud of himself, Raikou smiles and lets out a sigh of content. He glances beside him and sees Darkrai's eyes glowing softly. The phantom smiles at him and nods approvingly as they float back to the cheering comrades. Raikou takes the chance to look back and sees Arceus smiling proudly at the tiger with glowing gold eyes. He nods at the tiger and Raikou nods back at him.

Raikou is startled when all of his comrades tackle him and envelop him in a huge group hug. They chatter excitedly while Suicune places kisses all over his face. Raikou notices that some of the Legendaries are leaving to go search for more capable warriors in the world. Several Pokémon let out excited thrills and cries as they fly/run out of the valley after the Legendaries. The helicopters turn away and disappear over the cliffs.

"Well done, Raikou…" A voice in the tiger's head murmurs softly. Raikou smiles when he sees two glowing orbs in the sky before they disappear. Then he joins in hugging his friends and begins discussions as to what their plans for the ambush will be.

-ooo-

In the medical lab, Crystal smiles weakly from behind her breathing mask. She closes her eyes, rests her head against the pillow, and sighs deeply as she presses a remote to turn off the TV before her. On either side of her, Lily and Zoroark's eyes glow in pride.

"Such big words from that tiger," Lily muses as he leans against the bed from her chair. "I didn't think that Raikou was such a philosophical person."

"He usually isn't." Zoroark chuckles softly. His paw caresses one of Crystal's hands that doesn't have an IV. "He's really laid back and somewhat of a goofball. But a good kid overall."

"I'm so proud of him." Crystal murmurs softly. The duo look at her and see her eyes glistening brightly. "He has done so much for us. He has been so responsible for the past several weeks. He has the purest intentions that I have ever seen in any Legendary. I know that Mom and my grandparents feel the same way."

"Crys, you helped train him." Lily smiles as she soothingly rubs her hand over Crystal's forehead. "You are just as good as he is."

Crystal smiles and shakes her head. "No. It was Raikou's decision to go through with all of this. I only helped him by giving him choices of what to do. It is the choices that Raikou has made that makes him who he is. He is the chosen one after all."

Crystal lets out a deep breath and closes her eyes. "In order to fulfill the prophesy, Raikou needs to fulfill one last task before he can truly defeat Darkstar."

"And what is that?" Zoroark leans his head closely to Crystal.

"Find inner peace."

When the duo raise their brows in confusion, Crystal elaborates. "Raikou has insisted that everyone should forgive themselves for all their mistakes and that they must go on. However, he has yet to realize that he hasn't forgiven himself for his past mistakes. He can never truly activate his full power without letting go of the past and looking forward to the future."

"How are you sure that that's the case?" Lily asks.

"I didn't know for sure at first," Crystal admits truthfully. "But I noticed that Raikou had a bad tendency to feel guilty about many things that are not even his fault. As such, the guilt overwhelms him to where he can't even focus on his tasks. It is why he occasionally gets paranoid or puts up a childish act; he doesn't want anyone to think of him being so easily dismayed."

"Is that why you insisted having him and the other two train to activate their affinities?" Zoroark asks quietly.

Crystal smiles sadly. "It is. Activating an affinity not only has a tiring but powerful effect, but it's an incredibly stress-relieving technique. The commanders and I have found out about this not too long ago."

"Still deep into your theories, dear sister?" Lily smirks.

Crystal smirks back. "As always."

Zoroark chuckles and shakes his head. He runs his paw through Crystal's bandaged head. Then Lily decides to go find Raven and leaves the lovers alone.

When they are alone, Zoroark turns to Crystal. He smiles tenderly at her and places a gentle kiss on her cheek. Crystal smiles at him and nuzzles against him as he leans over the bed to lie next to her. Crystal cuddles against his form, careful to not let any of the medical wires get messed up.

Crystal gently nuzzles against his chest and Zoroark responds by rubbing his paw up and down her side. Crystal sighs in content. Just as she is about to doze off, she feels Zoroark's arms twitching tensely. She frowns as she looks up. "Z? Something on your mind?"

Zoroark says nothing as he stares off at space for a while. Then he looks down at Crystal with a stern expression. "Crystal, I don't want you to go to the battlefield tomorrow night."

Crystal sits up and stares at Zoroark as if he has just said blasphemy. The duo exchange a staring contest before the Grovyle shakes her head. "I'm going to that fight, Zoroark. No exceptions."

"Crystalline, listen to yourself!" Zoroark gestures to the Grovyle's form. His voice has a hint of a warning in it. "You are still healing from Darkstar's last attack! You are not well enough to even walk!"

"Regardless if I am well or not, this is still my fight! Besides, I can fight even if I am greatly injured! I've done it for the past millennium and now is no different!"

"Crystalline…" Zoroark's voice grows low as he narrows his eyes at her. "I said no. I've lost you once; I won't lose you again."

"Z-"

Zoroark places a finger over Crystal's lips. Crystal's glare turns into a bewildered look when Zoroark holds a very sad expression on his face. Zoroark cradles Crystal's head and neck as he makes her look up at him.

"Crystalline… I don't think you understand how much pain I was in when I found out you were hurt two nights ago." The fox says gently. "I felt like a failure as a guardian and as a mate for not being able to protect you."

"Z, you had no idea of what could have happened. I didn't foresee it either." Crystal shakes her head.

"You're missing my point. Crystal, I thought that you might never recover from this. Ever. Just thinking about losing you again was too much to bear. I seriously thought that if you died, I shortly would follow after."

Crystal's eyes widen. "You mean you considered-"

"Killing myself afterwards? Yes." Zoroark's eyes glow slightly. "I am serious when I said that my life was meaningless without you. I have searched for your soul in the afterlife for centuries and haven't been with you for the better part of my life. We are mates for life. I will have no one else, Crystalline. Just you and only you. I might as well be as good as dead if I don't commit suicide; you being gone would leave me lost and in pain."

Crystal suddenly feels so guilty knowing that her lover has gone through so much just to be with her. And he is still going to risk much just to be with her. But then realization struck her; this might be their last night together.

"What about you? Do you think that I'll be fine with you going into battle knowing that this may be our last moment together?"

Zoroark glances down at her tenderly. "That is why we should cherish this last night together." Crystal's eyes widen and Zoroark gently smiles. "Crystal, you're still healing. I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. All I wish is just to hold you into my arms. That is all. I promise."

Crystal's eyes reflect relief and she sighs. "Nothing I say will change your mind about going to the war?"

"Nothing." Zoroark's eyes flash as he nuzzles Crystal's neck.

"But-"

"Shh…" The fox whispers. "Just rest and we will talk more in the morning. Right now I just want to relax with my mate and sleep knowing that she is safe in my arms."

Crystal says nothing as Zoroark curls his body protectively but carefully around her. He continues to nuzzle her neck and this action makes Crystal relax. Curse mates and their way of knowing how to make their partners comfortable.

Crystal then lets out a sigh as she rests against her lover. Arguing with him at the moment is the last thing she wants. A few minutes after they relax, Crystal could hear Zoroark's soft snores. Her mind is debating with her heart. Her common sense is telling her that she should do what Zoroark says and stay behind to rest. But deep in her heart, she really wants to go into the battle and fight for the cause she has been aiming for all of her life.

What should she do?

Crystal decides to push aside the question and rests happily against her mate's firm form. She will have her answer by morning, whether her friends like it or not.

Phew! Finally done! I must say that this chapter was pretty good! I like how it was revolved around Raikou; pretty deep speech too! Just three more chapters to go!

Please leave a comment. The first part of the battle will come next! But be warned; several character deaths are coming soon!