The wind blew across the street, carrying loose trash along it. The rattling of trash and whooshing of wind did nothing to disturb the stare down between the two former friends. Both, for the most part, looked calm, yet neutral to be in each other's presence. Liam's fur and Julian's coat swayed with the wind as well. The near silence of the deserted city emphasized the tension in their stares.

It was just them. No one else.

Julian heaved a long-held sigh, then smiled the best he could. "I'll be honest…I wasn't expecting you to come. You only ever attend meetings with me out of obligation."

Liam's expression didn't falter, nor change. His eyes gazed around the city, inspecting the withered buildings and rusted cars. A junkyard of a memory. "You picked quite the place to meet up at. Pretty far from Kanto…and civilization," he muttered under his breath.

Julian spread his arms out. "A trip down memory lane never hurt anyone!" he exclaimed. "I figured the best place to work our troubles out is to turn back to where it all started!" His loud, charismatic voice echoed across the abandoned buildings. "Come on, even I know you've wanted to see the old place before it had to be evacuated."

"…it certainly changed with the lack of care."

Julian held his hips and crossed his upper arms. "A testament to the old days. Best of our life…and the worst." He glared. "So…that begs the question. You going to stay and talk…or are you going to run away like last time?"

Liam focused back on the Machamp, his narrowed eyes deepening a bit into a glare. "…I'm not running away. You want to talk? You have my attention."

Julian clapped his hands together. "Splendid! I've been looking forward to catching up like the old days!"

"Right…" Liam rested his staff over his shoulder and looked around. "So…" Honestly, not much to do when you were currently the only two populants of the whole city.

Fortunately, Julian was way ahead of him. He turned and stepped out onto the street, gesturing the godly ape to follow. "I know you must be tired from flying all the way out here, but how about we take a walk?" Liam didn't object and followed behind, with some distance put between them. Julian rolled his eyes. "Worried I'll do something?"

"Still curious why you would ask me to meet so far out from Grandis City, even if for the view."

"Think of it as a symbolic journey." He crossed his arms and looked up at the sky. "…you know, you never told me."

"Told you what?"

"Where you went after you ran away." He looked over his shoulder. "I was worried about you, you know."

Liam closed his eyes and scoffed. "Why? Because you weren't able to monitor my movements?"

Julian sighed. "Liam…"

The ape's face softened, feeling a little guilty for the comment. "…sorry." He rubbed the back of his head. "I just left, that's all. Not much for someone like me to turn to. Fusions of an Arceus are extremely rare. Counting me, only three ever documented. I wouldn't have survived in public."

"So, you clearly didn't move to the big city," Julian confirmed dryly.

Liam spun his staff as he continued, "So, I did what any rational and sane man would do after going through a personal crisis: I secluded myself in the woods."

Julian closed his eyes and chuckled. "You and I have different definitions of 'sane.'" He scratched behind his head. "By my best guess, you've stayed on your own and learned more about your abilities as a Fusion. Your particular form is quite the powerhouse, so I don't blame you for going into hiding."

Liam held up his fist and stared at it. "It frightened me to see how much I could do. I often fear how strong I could be. Didn't like the idea of having to fight at full strength. Never had a reason to…and I never want to." He dropped his fist to his side. "I had plenty of time to think before I came back to society. I needed to make a bold statement to the world, to express my ambitions for a better future. I need to make something for the Fusions that have been wronged to feel safe."

Julian held his hips. "That's when you rounded up and started your council and came to me."

"At the time, we were unanimous with our goal," Liam quietly stated, just loud enough to be heard. "We should've strived for the better without…so much drama getting in the way." He sighed. "As it is inevitable, different viewpoints turn the tide of conversation."

Julian looked over his shoulder. "I hardly went to the village, but I do remember the details. There used to be seven of you. Seven councilmen to make the big decisions and come to a vote without issue. Then you and your former councilman had a spat with each other." Julian glared. "Probably for the same reason we did…"

Liam clutched his staff tighter. "Perhaps…"

"What was his name, again? Gero, I believe?"

"I rather not talk about him."

"Why? Did you hate him just as much as me?"

"I…don't hate you…" Liam shook his head. "No, Gero was…a good companion. Laidback, kind-hearted, a bit lazy for his own good, but still hardworking. He took an active role in helping the Fusions when they were first adjusting to the village. And he always had that smile on his face that felt so inviting…"

Julian closed his eyes and smirked. "I think I remember a few things about him. If memory serves, he was the second strongest of your whole council. Though, maybe he was stronger than you."

Liam snorted and showed a dry smirk. "Don't be ridiculous…"

Julian slid his hands into his pockets. "Someone by that description doesn't seem like the type to get into arguments. What exactly did you two fight about?"

The godly ape looked to the street with a self-loathing glare. "Gero may have been a peaceful guy, but he was always one to take action when needed to. I opposed the idea of getting into affairs that weren't our concern. Gappei Village was supposed to be a safe haven. We couldn't risk causing more trouble than it's worth. Gero was against this, though, and…" He sighed and pinched between his eyes. "History repeated itself…"

Julian turned around and walked backwards. "So, you two…?"

"We never got into anything more than a verbal dispute. He called me out for being too passive and unwilling to take the necessary action. Fusions like the Rogues popped up and gave the police trouble, but I chose to stay out of it because I didn't want to concern myself with anymore fighting."

Julian narrowed his eyes. "So, you rather have us handle the problem ourselves?"

"You had the technology developed and, other than the Rogues, it never got out of hand. I saw no point in interfering and making enemies."

The Machamp sighed and ceased walking, which signaled Liam to stop, too. "I know you're not one for violence, but even I have to side with Gero on this one. Look, what you did was a good thing. You brought confused and scared Fusions out of the tough reality there were born into and gave them something to keep hope alive. That was the vision we wanted as kids and we made it a reality, if only on a smaller scale.

"The problem I see is that you were only focusing on saving lives. You take things too lightly. You were solving one problem, but weren't doing anything about the other. You wanted a village secluded from everything, but you never considered tackling the problem directly. You refuse to be the aggressor. Pokémon still feared and despised Fusions for all the problems caused, even though that hate was blinded by centuries of anguish. You focused your efforts on helping Fusions, but never reasoned with the Pokémon."

The godly ape frowned. "Was anyone going to listen to me? I've been through enough shit in my life to bring more trouble to my doorstep. Maybe it was a flawed plan, but it was the best I had. Besides, I was more concerned with helping the Fusions that suffered because of the wrathful and greedy Pokémon that taint this world."

"And I'm not? Look, I get that I threatened to take away your village, but look at the good we've done because of it. You forced me to do things your way, but it wasn't working. I had to step up and take affirmative action. I ended up being right. You were so focused on saving, you haven't been going out of your way to make things better for their lives outside the village. You never considered them leading normal lives until I brought it up."

Liam stared for a moment, then sighed and scratched at his head. "I suppose…"

"Running away and staying out of trouble won't guarantee the victory. That's not always going to be the fallback plan."

The godly ape glared down on him. "But taking action without thinking will?" Julian didn't response. His face was unreadable. "You weren't very trusting of Fusions after what happened to Dad. The things you suggested we do…weren't like the ideas a young Machop told me as kids."

Julian turned away and faced the street. "…Life isn't fair. We have to do what is necessary."

"Right…just like how you went after Dad's killer and tortured him before I found you." Julian clenched his fist, but kept a fixed expression. "If it was your way only, how many kids would've been sent to jail for defending themselves against parents or bystanders who should have been thrown in jail? None of those kids wanted to do the things they do. I get there's laws for a reason, but there has to be a point where we consider the intention. If it was the you I saw before I turned and ran, you would've detained them without a second thought." Liam gripped his staff tightly.

"I have to wonder how much of that is still true…"

"…" Julian closed his eyes and breathed out silently. He turned around and faced the godly ape with a soft glare. "You really want to know what my thoughts on the matter are now?"


Quinn was rushed to the medical hut as quickly, yet carefully as possible. He was resting in one of the beds, with his wound cleansed and bandaged. He hasn't woken up since the blast. Artemis and Ren were sitting off to the side with their heads down, still uneasy after what happened.

Gracelyn stepped back into the room and walked up to his side. She took a washcloth and wiped up some of the dirt on his forehead. "He'll be out for a while, but he's expected to make a full recovery. You have nothing to worry about."

Artemis and Ren breathed out in relief, with the latter stating, "Thank goodness…"

Gracelyn set the cloth down. "Now…maybe one of you can finally tell me what happened." Their bodies went rigid, teeth clenched tightly. Gracelyn narrowed her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Um…well, you see…" Artemis scratched behind her head. "Um…he fell down the stairs?"

Gracelyn raised her brow. "He…fell down the stairs…" She crossed her arms. "And the burn marks?"

"Um…he fell down the stairs…then onto the stove?" If she wasn't so shaken from earlier, she would be telling much better lies than these incompetent excuses.

And Gracelyn clearly wasn't buying it, so she turned to the quivering frog knight. "Ren, what hap-?" she started before the poor frog broke down into tears.

"Alright, I'll talk! Just stop yelling at me!" He covered his face and slouched into his chair. "Quinn overheard you and the council talking about Juniper, so he went directly to her!"

"Talking about…" Her eyes widened in shock. "Oh…Oh dear…" She looked back at Quinn's covered injury with greater detail. "…This was her Force Palm, wasn't it?" The duo weakly nodded. The strong bear narrowed her eyes firmly. "…Where's Juniper?"

Artemis bit her lip. "We don't know…"

Ren continued, "She ran away after she attacked. She looked pretty distraught about it. Wash is looking for her right now."

"That must have been hours ago," Gracelyn muttered under her breath. She held her face and sighed, pacing around in a circle. "This is unlike her…oh my…I knew one of us should've been guarding the outside."

Ren gulped. "Are…we in trouble?"

Gracelyn stopped, then sighed before facing them. "I'm letting you two off with a warning." She glanced at Quinn. "We're going to have a long talk with Quinn when he wakes up, though."

Ren pressed his hands together. "Gracelyn, please don't punish him! He was just as confused as us! He only wanted Juniper to admit the truth to prove she wasn't doing anything bad! He didn't want Juniper's reputation being ruined!"

Gracelyn walked over and patted him on the head. "I admire your concern for your friend, Ren." She held her hips. "I'll speak on behalf of you two. We're not going to punish Quinn, aside from extra chores. I understand his motives were in the right place, but he wasn't qualified to go off on his own and do our jobs. If it was enough to make Juniper retaliate, he should've stopped." She sighed. "Though, I suppose no one would expect such a reaction from her…"

Artemis clenched her teeth worriedly. "Gracelyn…" The strong bear took note of the concern she held in her face. "Did…Did Juniper actually…?"

A gaze of sympathy was given her way. The strong bear pinched between her eyes and sighed. "…We're still trying to get a clearer image of the photos, but…" She walked over to the counter and put supplies away. "From where it stands…"

Ren frowned, eyes teary and sad. "So…she may have actually taken lives…"

"We can't assume self-defense based on the evidence, but we can't assume the worst."

Ren held his hand and tried to hide the tears drizzling down his cheeks. "I…I would never imagine someone as sweet as her…actually…" Artemis patted him in the back the best she could.

Gracelyn folded her arms together and walked to the door. "Now, I have to inform the council about this. We'll have to talk to Juniper once Wash finds her and when she calms down. I'm entrusting you two to keep an eye on Quinn in my absence."

"We will," they stated together.

"I know." She stepped out, leaving the two alone with their sleeping roommate.

Artemis hopped out of her seat and stood by Quinn's bedside. She patted his arm with her feeler. "Oh Spooks…your stubborn heart was in the right place, but not the right mind…" She kissed his cheek. "Get some rest, my wicked nightmare…"

Ren remained in his seat, holding his face in one hand. He was still tearing up, filled with disbelief. "I…I refuse to believe any of this…"

Artemis closed her eyes. "I do, too, but…I've never seen Juniper get so angry before. What Quinn said really hurt her." She looked down. "What happened to her? Is this why she had to turn her life around?"

The frog knight rubbed his eyes and took some breaths, slowly his erratically beating heart. "Even…Even if it is true, Juniper's…not a bad person…no one can fake being that happy…"

"I'm sure Spooks knew that, too…" She rubbed the sleeping lizard's forehead. "All we can do now is look after Quinn and hope Wash brings Juniper back…"

"…yeah…"


While most of the deserted city seemed to be in ruins, it turned out not to be as bad as they initially thought. Some of the stores and buildings, despite being spray painted over and with the occasional broken window, still remained intact inside. The streets themselves were serviceable to drive on, just needed to pave over the few cracks. Though, perhaps it was only nostalgia that told them it was alright. At least it wasn't anything like the residential area.

One area in particular that aged decently was the park. Rusted play equipment, a broken swing, a halved seesaw, a roundabout turned onto its side, etc. The destroyed equipment was one thing, but the area itself still had some charm. Fully grown trees swayed in the wind, patches of grass with a healthy shade of green, and even the recreation part of the playground was useable.

Julian and Liam sat at the picnic tables, sitting across from each other. The godly ape drummed his fingers on the table, observing the park. "It all looks so different."

"Place got overturned days after you left," Julian explained. "It, uh…wasn't a pretty sight."

"I remember coming here when we were kids," Liam brought up. "I used to push you on the swings to see how high you could go."

Julian chuckled. "Yeah…then I flew off and landed on my arm. Got to say though, that cast made me the cool kid on the block," he boasted, pointing at himself.

Liam rolled his eyes and reached over, giving him a light shove. "You were an idiot…"

Julian smirked. "I'm not the one who thought he could hold onto the roundabout while a Machop spun him around. I thought you sent me flying pretty far, but I beat your record by a landslide."

Liam lowered his head and mumbled, "I was stuck in a tree for ten minutes…"

"You were too scared to come down without your disguise tearing off," Julian reminded with a cheeky chuckle.

Liam shot him a glare. "Oh, shut up…" Julian just laughed and pounded his fist on the table. It did get the godly ape to smile, though. "Heh…"

The Machamp immediately halted his laughing and reached into his coat. "Oh, I almost forgot. I made a quick stop before landing here. You'll get a kick out of this." He slid an object over to Liam.

The ape picked it up and read the label with squinted eyes. He recognized it as a candy bar, but more specifically… "Marshmallow Choco Delight." He blinked in awe.

Julian pulled one out for himself and waved it. "You became addicted to these things for the longest time. From kids to our young adult years. You always saved up your allowance just to buy one."

Liam narrowed his eyes softly. "…I haven't had one in ages."

Julian smiled. "Come on, embrace your inner kid."

The godly ape took a second before breathing in and opening the wrapper. A chocolate coated candy bar with marshmallow chunks. Slowly, he brought it to his mouth and took the long-awaited bite from it. He chewed slowly to remember the taste he forgotten. And it came back to him with warm fuzzy feelings.

A nostalgic smile came to him. "Heh…tastes just how I remember them…"

Julian undid his wrapper. "Can't go wrong with a good food." He took a bite from his.

Liam closed his eyes. "…This is really nice of you…thank you…"

Julian shrugged. "It's whatever. I don't want everything to be tainted with harsh memories."

Liam stared at him, eyes narrowed. "Perhaps I'm still hung up on the past…" He shook his head. "Just hard to forget some things when…" He sighed and pinched between his eyes. "The candy's good, but you still owe me an explanation. A real one."

Julian sighed and waved his bar around. "I figured you'd ask about that again, but fine. This is our night to talk things over." He took a second bite and munched quietly. After swallowing, he crossed his lower arms over the table. "…You still remember what happened in the alleyway…"

"Practically scarred me," Liam added. "You've never done anything so vile in your life. If I didn't come sooner, you would've actually killed that guy…"

Julian scratched at the table thoughtlessly. "Look Liam…maybe it's because I was mad, but…" He closed his eyes. "You know better than anyone how powerful and dangerous a Fusion can be. The right combination can make a powerful being. Should I be worried about something like a Dunsparce-Magikarp? Of course not. But what about the rest? A Bisharp-Aegislash? A Snorlax-Hippowdon?" He narrowed his eyes knowingly. "A Sawk-Dialga?"

Liam glared for a moment, but eased up and took another bite of his chocolate bar. "I'm not stupid. I know more than anyone how powerful a Fusion can potentially become."

"You never considered having them harness that power so they wouldn't misuse it…at least until I came along." Julian bit into the bar and chewed on a piece. "That's why I thought monitoring their actions would've worked."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "…But that's not peace. Keep an eye on the public is one thing, but the way you described it to me sounded more like a total invasion of privacy."

"I couldn't be too sure," Julian countered.

"But with you as the warden…that made it worse."

Julian raised his brow. "Meaning?"

Liam folded his arms together and leaned forward. "You were unhinged when Dad died. You rarely smiled and kept yourself locked away in his room because you needed the extra space to yourself. I knew then what you were doing, but still." He glared calmly. "I have a question for you. What would you have done if it wasn't the Arcanine Fusion who killed Dad? What if he was just really drunk and tried to attack a scared kid who was hoping for some extra cash? Or some guy desperate for food?"

"Hardly justifies taking a life."

"No, it doesn't." Liam leaned back. "But how confident are you that you would've done the same thing? A kid who feared being hurt or an innocent, yet desperate Fusion?" This got Julian to look down in deep contemplation. "…that's what I figured."

Julian sighed. "Look…I wasn't right in the head for a while, that's all…" He flinched and held his head. A sharp pain nicking at his brain or something.

"Are any of those thoughts still lingering in the back of your mind?" Liam asked, finishing off the rest of his candy bar.

Julian drummed his fingers on the table, keeping eye contact away from him. "…Nothing violent of that nature…I've grown older…"

"So, you wouldn't want to enact on your old ideas?"

"I didn't say that…"

Liam sighed, then reached over. "Julian…you were my brother. I looked up to you. What reasons could you have to act so brashly?"

The Machamp was silent for a moment, slouched over and deep in thought. He sighed and sat up. "Because I have to start acting on my own whims." He stared at his candy bar. "I have ideas that could change the world. Change the very problems that plagued our society for generations." He glared up. "It's you that doesn't trust me…"

"Julian, I know you better than anyone else. Even when we were kids, you had those tendencies. You're the kind of person who needs to be kept in check. If we let you do whatever you wanted, you might do something you'll eventually regret. I've had time to reflect on things. You don't always give yourself that chance."

Julian glared at the ground. "What are you saying?"

Liam glared down on him. "I'm saying you never know when to stop and think."


Late at night, with a brisk wind flowing across the town. A quiet night with not many walking about. The cover of night made for a most excellent escape for the dastardliest, especially criminals looking for their next meal on the streets.

One such case was the Arcanine-Rotom, who zipped through an alleyway as a streak of electricity before reforming. In his maw was a bag of stolen goods he took from a store. It wouldn't be long before the cops went down there to investigate, but he was long gone.

The Fusion dropped the bag and sat down to take a breather. "Ugh…can't go anywhere without the cops on my tail. What's a Fusion got to do to get some grub around here?" He lifted the bag and peeked inside. "I better have snagged some decent meals in here."

"…Hey…"

The Fusion shot up with a fright and turned to the alleyway entrance, preparing a Flamethrower. "Stay back, copper!" However, adjusting his eyes to the darkness, he realized it wasn't a cop at all. A Machoke in regular warm clothes. The Fusion nearly allowed himself a sigh of relief, but then took a second look at the Pokémon's posture.

One hand held in his pocket while the other dangled against his side. His stood with more pressure on his left leg, leaning ever so slightly to the side. He had a particular gaze to his eyes. Narrowed, focused, and projecting an aura of bitter winter onto the criminal.

"Remember me?" His tone was emotionless.

Arcanine stepped back and growled defensively, remembering his face all too well. "You! You're the brat who got me arrested last month!"

"I'm surprised you stuck around," Julian brought up. "I wouldn't be caught dead around these parts if I were in your position…" His glare lowered as he took a step forward. "Think you could just get away with taking another man's life? Especially when that man was my pa?"

Arcanine grimaced slightly, but resumed growling to show no fear. "Look…I didn't mean to kill him. I only wanted you and that wimpy brother of yours. That drunk bastard attacked me first. I wouldn't have done anything, but he came at me with a poker and everything!"

Julian gritted his teeth. "You're trying to convince me you accidentally slashed his stomach open?"

"I was in a panic! He would've killed me if I didn't-!"

"Save your crap," Julian interrupted bluntly. He slowly walked towards him. "This is personal…"

The Fusion snarled through his bared teeth, then raised his head. "Tch. What do I have to be so scared for? What are you going to do about it?"

Julian reached into his jacket. "Glad you asked." He pulled out a circular object.

More precisely, it was a metal collar. Crudely fashioned from the looks of it. Wires were unprofessionally exposed over the outer surface. The collar piece itself looked like it was made in a rush, leading not much to well thought out design.

Arcanine eased up and raised his brow. "What the hell is that?"

"A little something I've been working on…just for you." Julian then took the Fusion by surprise by charging and tackling straight into him.

Arcanine growled, then punched him across the face and bit down on his shoulder. "Get! Off me!" After a brief tussle on the ground, he kicked him off and into a group of trash cans. He rose up and prepared to use Flamethrower. "Go back to your dead-end job, loser!"

He unleased the Flamethrower…but not quite in the way he expected. Rather than a scorching streak of flame, he got a puff of smoke and basically a weaker version of Ember to spew. He blinked, then tried again with more force, but got a slightly darker cloud and puff of embers.

He coughed on his own smoke, then rubbed his throat. "What the hell?! What's going on?!" He patted around his neck before tapping on a foreign item. He crooked his neck to get a look, then gasped at the metal collar strapped around him. "WHAT?!"

Julian pressed his hand against the wall and lifted himself up. "Good…all that hard work wasn't a waste."

"What did you do to me?!" He tried to remove it by turning into electricity, but could barely make a spark. He pulled on the collar furiously.

The Machoke cracked his neck, then walked up to him. "I spent countless nights working and perfecting that device. Still a prototype…but it's working just as I hope. You won't be saving yourself any longer."

Realizing he was horribly outmatched, the Fusion tried to make a run out of the alleyway. Julian foresaw this and lunged forward in time to grab hold of his tail. Using his superior strength, he pulled Arcanine off his feet and slammed him into the side of the alley. The dazed canine was then shoved up against the wall by his neck, which Julian gripped with a tight squeeze.

"I didn't say you could leave." The fury in his eyes burned brighter. His muscles were tense and rock solid. The Fusion could feel the weight of his strength just from the death grip he had on him. "You're not leaving until you pay for what you've done."

Getting desperate, the canine flailed his paws and kicked the Machoke relentlessly. Julian took a sharp blow to the side of the head, which nearly made him drop the Fusion. However, he powered on through and steeled his nerves. He pulled his fist back and slammed it into the Arcanine-Rotom's stomach, stunning him and his breathing.

The electrical hound wheezed with a trickle of blood coming from his maw. He clutched the Machoke's arm tightly. "Please…I'm begging you…we can talk about this…" he pleaded fearfully.

Julian's cold stare burrowed deep into the Fusion's mind. He pulled his fist back. A sinister darkness could be felt in the atmosphere, as the Fusion's eyes shrank with impending horror. "Not anymore…"


"Julian?!" Liam called out as he walked along the streets. He pulled on his jacket as a cold wind brushed up on his fur. "Brr…Julian?!"

He remembered wishing Julian a goodnight before heading to bed. He had himself cooped up in their dad's old room working on something. Liam only woke up to grab a glass of water, but ended up discovering Julian fled in the night. He's been walking for hours trying to find the Machoke. He checked their favorite spots, but came up with nothing.

Liam slid his freezing hands into his jacket and placed his back against a building, shivering. "Where'd he run off to?"

He had no idea what persuaded the Machoke to leave without telling. All Liam could guess was it had something to do with his mood. Julian has been quiet for weeks. Barely speaking a word and showing little emotion outside of a cold disposition.

Liam slid onto his rear and took a moment to warm himself up. He wanted to go back to bed, but he couldn't stop searching now. Perhaps closing his eyes for a couple minutes wouldn't be so bad.

His eyes fluttered shut and his body eased. He sighed a cold breath before leaning his head back. Just a few minutes of silence to get his head straight…

then he heard it.

Liam's eyes shot open and turned down the street, where the sound originated from. Muffled and vague, but it sounded like something was being pounded. Nothing metallic or incredibly hard by his best guess. He stood up and quietly followed the recurring beating.

He drew closer and pinpointed the sound from within an alleyway. The sound was much more definite. This, however, frightened Liam. He heard grumbles of pain and quiet whimpers. Did he just come across a mugging or something?

He peeked his head around the corner and saw the two dark figures, one standing over a fallen form. The standing figure threw his fist down without remorse, striking the defenseless individual who looked unable to lift a limb.

Liam wanted to turn and run, but he took a closer look at the former figure. Humanoid body type and muscular. The godly sloth stepped a bit closer as his eyes gradually adjusted to the lack of light.

He saw who it was.

Julian standing over the Arcanine-Rotom, thrashing his fist down on the mutt's face. A prominent scowl plastered over his face, striking with a tenacious fury with sluggish demeanor, likely from hours without rest. His knuckles, face, and jacket were splattered with blood from the Fusion he had pinned down.

The Fusion himself? The same one that Julian and Liam arrested? No longer the high and mighty criminal he acted as. Now he laid on the ground, breathing weakly. Numb to the punches he took, only barely acknowledging them. Dark bruises over his body, large and purplish. Blood dripping from his face. His swollen, reddened face. Two of his legs looked like they were broken. Patches of fur were missing, like they were torn off.

Liam's hands shot up to his mouth, hiding the horror he felt. He nearly tripped backwards over his feet. This…This was Julian, right?

"Julian?!"

The sound of his surrogate brother caused Julian to cease his actions, halfway between landing another blow. His scowl lessened into the emotionless expression he carried with him in recent days. His fist uncurled, but he kept a tight hold on the mutt, who seemed to be having trouble breathing correctly. Weak, heavy breaths.

"…Liam…" Julian released the Fusion, then stood up.

Liam's eyes were shrunken in horror. "What…What are you…?"

Julian shot a glare at him, then grunted and walked away from the beaten Fusion. "We're going home…"

"B-But…"

"Now," he ordered with a firmer tone. He stepped around Liam and walked out of the alleyway.

Liam watched him leave, then looked back at the beaten Fusion in utter disgust and horror. "W…Why would you…?"


Liam gritted his teeth, clutched down hard on the table. "Even after seeing that, I still went home with you. But you…you were nothing like the Julian I grew up with. You showed no shame in what you did…not an ounce of it for weeks…"

Julian lowered his head and stared down at the table. "Justice had to be dealt. I couldn't let that guy get away with what he did. He needed to pay."

"I don't disagree…but you…you went down the path we refused to take. Violence is necessary in moderation…but that wasn't violence. That was torture." Liam growled. "You almost killed that guy." Julian clenched his hand, refusing to meet his eyes. "That's not the attitude we wanted to bring to our unity. Using fear and strength for revenge…that's not peace."

Julian grumbled under his breath, then slammed his fist on the table. "Who are you to talk about peace? You only cared about the wellbeing of the Fusions over everyone else. You weren't solving the problem. You thought moving all the Fusions into a single area could bring peace. You would've isolated them forever if I didn't suggest my ideas. If feuding can last for a millennium, relocation wouldn't have done anything.

"My plan was to monitor their actions to prevent any attacks from happening. In case you've forgotten what has been going on recently, Fusions have been going wild!"

Liam shot up from his seat. "I don't believe for a second what's been happening was of natural decision. Many of those Fusions come from good families from what I've heard."

"And now other innocent lives have to suffer for it!" Julian huffed. "Face it, Liam, action needs to be taken to keep the world at peace. You can't just offer a safe haven and expect all our problems to go away. That's not a cure, it's a bandage!"

Julian sighed, then pinched between his eyes. "You've always been a pacifist, but never like this. You're too cowardly to make your own decisions. It's like you have trust issues against Pokémon." He glared up at the godly ape. "Is that it?"

Liam gritted his teeth. He turned away and gripped his staff. "…You were the only Pokémon I ever trusted. I looked up to you as a symbol of hope and change. All my young life, I saw you as my idol. My big brother. The guiding light to my future. Everything you did, I followed behind because I took your judgment as the shining future. I thought you were the epitome of goodwill and hope. You inspired me to be a good man. I lived and breathed your idealistic passion.

"…then I saw you brutalizing a Fusion. A Fusion that killed our father." Liam clenched his fist. "I'm not going to lie…I was angry and wanted that monster to pay for taking his life. Chase him down, then slug him for a minute for much needed catharsis. But you…you held him down for four to five hours, breaking him…

"Weeks after that, you weren't the same man I called 'brother.' You were obsessed with order and justice. You wanted to make the world a better place, but your ideals went from wholesome to almost extreme authoritarian. I didn't like what you were becoming." He sighed. "And now look at you. The main provider in Fusion capture equipment."

Julian clenched his teeth. "Don't go acting like-!"

"I know, I know…we have equipment like that for Pokémon nowadays, but…still, it feels like you haven't forgotten…"

Julian huffed, then threw the rest of his candy bar on the ground. Liam raised his brow as the Machamp rose. "Regardless of what you believe, Fusions are powerful and potentially dangerous. No matter what your moral justice says, you can't guarantee another Fusion won't go rogue."

Liam glared. "And you think treating them all like monsters would've solved anything?"

"The violent ones are my main concern?"

"Just the violent ones?" Liam scoffed and pointed at him accusingly. "And where does that fall into place? I assume any Fusion who commits a horrible crime is on your list, but what about the Pokémon who are just as guilty? The bigots who take their anger out on them?" He bared his teeth. "Then again, most wouldn't bat an eye at such a scene, would they?"

Julian crossed his arms. "This is different."

"How? If you were still anything like how you were all those years ago, you would've turned half the village into the Fusion Hunters!"

"What do you expect me to do?!" Julian growled. "Bend the rules for every single Fusion who commits a misdemeanor or felony?! I was given a lot of crap for letting Tamara and Emily get away with what they did, especially Emily! I let it slide because it technically filed under self-defense! Not that I know of any Fusions in your village that did it of their own fun and cheer! I bend the laws because you FORCE me to!" Julian exhaled a sharp breath, then looked away. "Typical…"

Liam glared. "What?"

"You used to be so cowardly and meek back in our day. Now look at you. Just because you have the ultra-rare blood of Arceus, you think you can push and order me around. You think you can get away with whatever you want just because no one's stupid enough to pick a fight with you."

The godly ape slammed his foot down, shaking the ground. "I don't misuse my status for such a petty reason!"

The Machamp scoffed. "Right…and I'm the exception, apparently."

Liam growled, then stepped away from him. "…Spill it. What's the real reason you brought me here?"

Julian lowered his head, hiding his face in a dark shade. "Caught onto that rather easily, didn't you? I told you…we're here to settle the tension between us." He lifted his face a bit, revealing the red gleam in his eyes. "Once and for all."

Liam eased up and stared at the Machamp suspiciously. That…doesn't look normal. Are his eyes actually…? Liam rested his staff over his shoulder. "You called me all the way out here just for a fight?"

"That's the idea." Julian cracked his knuckles and bounced on his toes. "We never got to finish our last bout. We're settling the score from last time. Only difference…you aren't running away."

Liam crossed his arms, more focused on his eyes than his declaration for battle. Something's definitely not what it seems. Deciding to play along, the godly ape crossed his arms and sighed. "Oh dear, whatever shall I do? I have no choice but to stay and fight." He glared. "It'll take more than a petty threat to deter me. What do you plan to take away from this?"

"Satisfaction." Julian clenched his fist and held it up. "I'm not letting you pull the strings anymore. From now on, we're doing things my way. The right way. I will protect this world without your help. I will bring in order and justice to this feuding world. Everyone will be safe!"

Liam rolled his eyes and started walking away. "And you think fighting me will do you any good? Preposterous."

Julian growled. "Always have to be the smug one…you good for nothing bastard!"

The ape halted. His eyes were wide in surprise, having never expected such an insult from the man. They weren't on the best terms, but…Julian never acted so uncivilized with him…only once in his anger years ago.

Liam looked over his shoulder and stared at the Machamp with…concerned eyes. "Julian…are you okay?"

"I don't need your pity!" Julian shouted. The red glow in his eyes was far more noticeable. "I've worked too hard to get to where I am now and let it fall apart! Taking you out of the picture will ensure that our dreams become reality!"

"Our dreams? I don't want this!" Liam shouted.

"I'm not talking about you…" Julian grumbled.

Now Liam was getting worried and suspicious. He glared and pointed his staff at Julian. "What…did you do?"

Julian smirked, then straightened up. "Like it'll matter to you. By the end of this, the world will be seeing a brand-new change. A new vision was given to me. A world where Fusions and Pokémon won't fight among differences! A world where Fusions can prosper! This world shall be destroyed and reborn into the homeland of the hybrids!"

Liam narrowed his eyes. Why does that sound familiar? The world destroyed…reborn into…the homeland of the hybrids…

Everything came crashing down for the ape.

"…No…"

Julian crossed his arms and laughed. "Now you're getting the picture. You have no idea how much stress I was under when you found out the news."

Liam growled and stamped his foot down furiously. "What did he do to you?! Julian!"

"You won't be around to find out! This is payback for turning your back on me!"

There's no way he held a grudge like this for so long! These aren't his thoughts! Liam growled again, then turned on his heel. "You can't stop me from fleeing!"

Julian glared. "Oh, I believe I can!" He flicked his wrist and revealed a handheld remote from his sleeve. "I'm not letting anything get in the way of this!" He pressed the button.

Liam was seconds away from taking off, but then the unthinkable happened. In a state of shock, the ape watched as a flash of blue light casted over the sky before taking the shape of a bubble, encompassing the entirety of the city in a manner of seconds. The night sky was now mixed with the blue energy barrier, giving the atmosphere within a blue tint.

Julian squeezed the remote and crushed it into pieces. He dusted his hands off. "Why else would I have you come by so late? I need time to have some hired help set up for the big surprise. No one gets in…and no one gets out."

Liam clenched his teeth, then faced the Machamp in anger. "This is the Fusion Hunters' trap…"

"They owed me one, so they were more than willing to spare a few of their traps to encompass this whole space. Plenty of room for one big epic brawl." Julian cracked his knuckles. "Feel free to cut loose. No worries about casualties around here."

Liam, however, continued to protest. "Julian, what has gotten into you?! I may not trust you, but I would never go as far as take your life!"

Julian sneered. "You said some choice words earlier. Somehow, I doubt that…"

Liam faltered with worry and stepped back farther from him. "Look Julian, I couldn't find it in my heart to trust you again, but even I see the good you've been doing for us lately. I was angry and let the past get the better of my attitude. But please, you need to get a grip! You're not yourself!"

Julian ignored his pleas and just smirked. "You're wrong. I've never felt more me." Steam came through his jacket and off his face, feet, and hands. "For the first time in a long while, I don't need to listen to you anymore. You've put me in a bad mood, old friend. Let's rectify that."

Liam glared as sweat dripped down his face. Steam? Tamara mentioned something like this a while ago…those superpowered Pokémon…

Julian clenched his fists and teeth. "Justice…is order! Even if I have to take it into my hand, even if I have to be the scum of the earth, justice will be served! I'll bring order and make sure no one ever loses a loved one ever again!"

Liam growled, then tried once again to reach him. "Julian, stop! Let's talk this out! Something's not right with you-!"

"Too late for talk!" Julian yelled with noticeable strain. "You had your chance and all you did was order me around! Just to accomplish nothing! You can't save everyone with peace, Liam! Action must be taken!"

He can't hear me. He's not thinking rationally. Liam clenched his teeth. Has Data actually been hiding under our noses this whole time? If so, whatever he did to Julian, he's thinking purely off anger. He…He's not acting like himself.

Liam tightened his fist, angered to see the Machamp in such a state. But mostly, he was starting to hate himself. What was I doing? I should've seen through it. I should've went to Julian directly when he started acting secretive. I just ignored him because…I couldn't trust him. Have I been letting my own feelings blind me, too?

Liam gripped his staff tightly. I can't let him do this to himself! "Julian, please! Listen to me! You're not well!"

Julian sneered. "I'm done talking to you…" He spaced out his legs and held up his arms. He took a deep breath, then roared a ferocious battle cry into the sky. Steam blasted from his body in jets.

With the steam came a wispy aura. An aura of heat, red in color. Julian's muscles tensed and even expanded. The force of the steam firing off his body crumbled the ground under him. The asphalt bubbled from the intense heat being emitted under his soles.

Liam covered his face as the steam hit him. "Julian!"

A surge of pain went through Julian, but he powered through it. His pupils shrank as he reached the peak of his power-up, then let loose one final, might roar. One final blast of steam erupted from his body, blowing his trench coat off into pieces. Liam held his arms up as the steam came at him with more force. It felt like standing inside a sauna…one being heated by fire.

Once the steam cleared, Julian panted from the forceful power-up. He shook it off, then stood up straight. His blue skin was now reddened by the immense heat trapped inside him. Steam billowed off his body. All of this was shocking, but it's not what caught Liam's attention first.

It was the long scar across the Machamp's body.

Liam grimaced and faltered back. He actually felt teary eyed looking at it. "No…"

Julian raised his foot, then slammed it down in a manner similar to Liam. And like Liam, the street shook and cracked from his strength. Liam could sense that Julian has grown stronger. The real question is…by how much?

Julian panted a bit more, than punched his fists together and flashed a confident smirk. "Let's go!" he shouted before lunging straight for the godly ape, who raised his staff in defense.

Their glares were locked on each other as the distance closed.

One filled with fury. One filled with regret.