A/N:

Sorry for the wait. Much of my spare time this past month has been devoted to the recent one-shot. While it was being edited, I was able to get this chapter out.

One other thing that's worth mentioning is that I was informed that a particular paragraph towards the end is one that's uncomfortable to read. I would advise everyone to tread with caution when reading from Bale's perspective. At least, in this chapter.

Anyways, hope you all enjoy!

"…" - Spoken dialogue

Italics - Character thoughts

'Italics' - Telepathic dialogue

/\/\/\ - Lemon Scene

Chapter 19

— — — — —

Eleanor

— — — — —

The cresselia sighed to herself, hoping that the situation would be resolved. It wasn't that large of a problem yet, but it was one that had brought uneasiness to everyone who knew of it. The nation had grown far quicker than its ability to protect itself, even with the better training that the police had received. Outlaws had caught on to the newly established trading routes, some of whom had decided to ambush unsuspecting travelers. It was an issue that needed to be dealt with sooner than later. Of course, that had presented the difficulty.

Tristan wasn't exactly sure how to go about fixing this at first. Many suggestions had been offered, and he and the elders had considered them all, but the one conclusion that they reached seemed to be the only thing that Valmor lacked as a nation: a true military.

The cresselia was saddened that it needed to be this way, but the fact of the matter was that there were bad people out there willing to harm others. They needed to ensure that those people were not able to threaten the citizens of these various settlements. The luxray had begrudgingly agreed to this, though nobody really knew where to start. He had the news spread amongst each of the five settlements: Valmor was offering to pay people for protection. He and Aiden had crunched the numbers, and they had figured that it would be something that they could fit into the budget, though it would be a never-ending expense. They needed people, though, and that was what he was currently occupied with. Tristan had just left earlier that day to head for Amp Plains.

His intention was to try and persuade the uncivilized within the area to join Valmor. If they did so, rather than pay taxes like the rest of the settlements, they would receive the full benefits of the new nation in exchange for their service. There were many electric packs that roamed the area, several of which were of his own species, and if anyone would have luck in convincing the population, it would be him. They were expecting this to take a month or two, seeing as to how the luxray would need to track down all the local leaders.

That left her in charge once again, this time for awhile. Eleanor did not despise the fact, but she was always hesitant to accept the role. It was no secret that the legendaries were of holy origin, and she found it far more preferable for someone of her prominence to lead by example, not by status. It was frowned upon within their community to engage in affairs such as this, but she wasn't left with much of a choice. She was the most powerful member of Retribution, and likely the most trusted person within Treasure City. No doubt Arceus would understand the position she found herself in, but she still wished for Tristan to return soon.

This is so strange, she found herself thinking. Only months ago, they were worrying about saving the town from an upcoming disaster - a relentless criminal who brought ruin and despair wherever he went. Even Liam - who had ensured them that this outcome would occur - would hardly believe how far things had progressed in his absence. They should be back in a few days… The cresselia laughed, knowing that he of all people would be in complete disbelief. After all, he had left when this place was called Treasure Town, and Valmor wasn't even a thought at the time.

But speaking of the lucario, she had not let him off the hook yet. She had begun to wonder if the rumors were true, and despite the fact that he had assured her he'd keep his influence out of politics back when he'd been caught during the election, she wasn't so sure if he wasn't still hiding something. It pained her to distrust her friend, but she knew him to be a fickle person, and she didn't doubt that he had some ulterior motive. He always does. She just desperately wished that he would be more open about it. Liam had a good heart - that much was clear. Eleanor had been able to sense that from day one. But he was over his head in certain matters, and the stubborn lucario felt that he always knew what was best.

With the morning sun to her back, Eleanor looked out over the newly-named city, watching as the construction took place from the mountain. The settlement had become far more active than anything she'd been able to imagine, and she had mixed feelings about that. On one hand, it was nice to see Treasure City thriving, and certainly not having to be concerned with necessities such as food. But part of her felt like the area had lost some of what made it unique. The quaint feel of what once was a docile maritime village had been replaced with the bustling crowds that she'd expect in only a few other places in the continent. It was a change for sure, though she wasn't quite certain if it was a welcome one. The citizens were all seemingly happy with it, though, so she supposed that she shouldn't really dwell on it too much.

"Miss Eleanor?" Aidan asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Is something the matter?"

"Not at all," she replied with a smile. "I was simply thinking."

"Oh. You were kinda staring off into space," he said. "Anyways, how do you feel about all this?" He motioned out to the city.

"It is a lot to take in, that much is certain. Tristan has taken to the role of Advisor quite well." Of that, the entire team could be most proud. He had really stepped up and taken charge, even when many of them had their doubts that he'd be a suitable candidate in the first place. Eleanor was sincerely glad that he had proved them wrong.

"Yeah. I've seen a lot of powerful people in my day, but… I've never seen one that doesn't consider himself above the average person. He speaks to everyone as an equal. That's… not something you see a lot."

"From what I have witnessed in my lifetime, it is exactly those types who make the best leaders," Eleanor stated. "I worry about him, though. He seems so eager to prove himself… but I doubt anyone needs convincing of his level of dedication to the position at this point."

"I know," Aidan said. "He doesn't eat like he should - I know that much. Or sleep, or even take time out of the day to really enjoy anything. He concerns me, too." The typhlosion looked back at the campsite, seeing nobody watching them. Most of the elders likely weren't even awake at this time. "I just wish he'd tone it down a bit. He knows it's not good for him, but… well, I'm just looking forward to when he'll have a few more people under him so that he won't need to run around all the time."

"I agree. I am always willing to help, but you of course know my reason for wanting to stay out of politics as much as possible," she said.

"Of course, Miss - and it's a respectable reason at that. It would be nice if everyone out there were half as noble as you."

"Oh, you give me far too much credit," she said with a grin. "Of course, legendary or not, I am far from perfect. All of us are, really. All that there is to do is be as good a person as you can - for Arceus, for others, and even yourself. I try, but… I make mistakes at times, just like everyone else."

"Really?" Aidan asked. "If you don't mind me asking… what do you mean?"

"Not at all," the cresselia replied. "I fear that I lose my temper, particularly around a certain someone… It is not that I mean to. I love him dearly - as one would their own kin - but we argue a lot. I feel that our relationship is good, but I wish that we could see eye to eye on more things…" Aidan nodded in understanding. "I think that part of him knows that his ways are wrong. But he's far too stubborn to back down, and… so am I."

"You must mean Liam," he said quietly.

"Yes. And I am aware of what the two of you did back during the election," she stated. He looked down, clearly ashamed that she was aware of his intervention - all for the sake of a little money. "I understand why he felt he had the need to act, but… there had to have been other ways."

"…I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely audible. "I… it wasn't right, no… He happened to find me when I needed money. I… I'm sorry, Eleanor." She placed her hand on his shoulder, responding with a heartfelt smile.

"You're a good person, Aidan - and Liam is too. I do not want you to think badly of him. We all fall short from time to time."

"I guess so," the typhlosion said. "It felt… wrong. Kraven was evil - that much is clear. But… what if he hadn't been? What if Liam had been wrong about it? We… I would have just helped rig a debate against someone innocent."

"Then you see why I am opposed to his methods," she said. "Liam is incredibly complicated, even for one of my age. I have never seen one who can behave in such contradictory manners."

"How so?" Aidan asked.

"I've seen him give unconditionally to those in need, and save countless people in rescues. He's personally donated vast sums of money to ensure that Treasure City thrives, and yet… he rigs elections and mercilessly kills outlaws. He can act one way for a moment, and then flip to something else entirely. I often wonder if he has split personalities. He has a good heart, but he shuts it away at times - for what reason, I am not sure."

"O-oh…"

"It is only against those that deserve it, in his mind. Of course, those tend to be murderers and other vile individuals, but it is not for anyone to feel that they are above the law." She shook her head - that was enough of that. "Anyways, I feel we've talked enough about grim topics. What is on the agenda for today?"

— — — — —

Liam

— — — — —

4th of Colored Trees, 1572

The time has nearly come for us to leave the island. Lapras should be here within a few days, and the two of us will have quite the story to tell him, and he will likely come bearing news of his own. The wellbeing of Treasure Town and the others have both been on my mind this past month. As I do each year, I miss the team and cannot wait for our reunion.

I have worried over Tristan's position, though. I keep wondering if the allotted amounts were enough to provide for the town. We both knew that the current tax rates would not be sufficient for the causes he had in mind. But maybe what I left him wasn't enough either. I guess we will find out one way or another.

Aside from that concern, though, this has been undoubtedly the best month of my life. All the fame and wealth that I have accumulated over the years pales in comparison to what Selina is worth to me. One thing that I am greatly anticipating is the adjustments to our home that we have planned - mainly a bed for the two of us. I will readily admit that will likely be the most welcome change upon our departure. Of course, that hardly compares to what we eventually have in mind. The talks of expanding our family have become increasingly more numerous during our return from Temporal Tower. Marvin might just end up getting that brother he wanted.

This entire trip has felt like a dream, and if it is, I do not wish to wake up. I know I have made many mistakes in the past, but Selina has always been understanding and kind. From the very start, she has had some sort of power over me, and I cannot help but abandon any possibility of doing wrong around her. Perhaps that is another reason I need her. I'm sure Eleanor would feel similarly.

I feel like this is enough for now. I will likely make more entries in the near future. Not like there will be much to do on the ride home, anyways.

Setting the journal in his satchel, Liam was sitting up, though he was contemplating resting with the umbreon for another hour or so. It wasn't like they had anywhere to be today, after all - they were already near the southeast corner of the island. He hadn't realized it, but her eyes had slowly opened while he had written the entry, and she was currently blinking sleepily. "Good morning."

"I was wondering what happened to my pillow," she joked.

"Yeah, well we can get back to it if you'd like. Not like there's much else to do anyways."

"Nah, I think I'm up for good now," Selina said, rolling over onto her belly. "So what's the plan?"

"I dunno, you tell me. Aside from sitting there and looking cute." He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, receiving a gentle nuzzle in response. "I feel like we probably should do something since we're about to leave and all."

"I think getting back will be the best thing for us," she stated. "Look at us, lazing about…"

"I know," he said with a laugh. "A job or two would do us a lot of good right about now."

"You're telling me," the umbreon replied.

"But then again, this has been the best month of my life. Kinda sad to see it come to an end."

"Oh don't be silly, Liam. Things will only get better from here on out. I just can't wait to tell the others…" He smiled in response to her eagerness.

"And you said they all knew?" Liam asked. "Was it really just the two of us who were ignoring the signs?"

"I… am fairly certain," she said, shaking her head, before flashing him a sincere smile. "But none of that matters anymore." He drew closer, and she met him halfway, both of them nuzzling their partner tenderly. Every time he felt her fur against his own, Liam couldn't help but lose himself in the feeling, clasping the umbreon against him. "I love you," she said. Each and every time, those words were the ones he relished most. Liam pecked her softly on the lips, and she responded in kind. Liam stroked her cheek as they gently acted on their affections, eventually sliding it down her side and pulling her into a tight embrace, going to the ground with her. The umbreon looked surprised, but he quickly claimed her neck, kissing it deeply as he held his mate against him.

"That was nice…" she whispered. "I'm so happy, Liam, that we can be like this…"

"You're the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you so much…" Selina nuzzled him in return, and this time it was her maw rubbing the lucario's neck. She stopped though, and inhaled while her face was pressed against him.

"Anyone who gets close will be able to tell," she giggled.

"Then I guess that cute braixen out there will know that I'm already spoken for," he joked.

"Oh yeah she will. She's gonna have to wait in line. You belong to me now," Selina stated.

"And I wouldn't have it any other way." Liam tensed up as her tongue drew across his cheek, and a warm growl emanated from him. He caught her with her mouth still open, pressing his tongue into the umbreon's maw. She was taken by surprise, but soon pushed back, the two of them taking the breath from their lover. Despite initiating the kiss, Liam let her take the lead, wanting to feel her explore his mouth. She obliged, giving him the sensation that he found that he couldn't get enough of. Selina dominated his mouth, and before he knew it, her tail had started waving sultrily. The slow wags and half-lidded eyes were getting to the lucario, and he found himself lost in her gaze. He could have remained like that forever, had it not been one small thing.

In the rush of their loving gestures, Selina's tail brushed against his crotch, causing his body to stiffen up. She looked at his face in confusion, but then put the pieces together. "Oh! Liam, I… I'm so sorry…"

"I-it's okay…"

"I promise! I wouldn't have done that on purpose! Honest!" She clearly felt bad about the situation, as indicated by her shameful tone.

"I know, and… I'm fine. I just… I thought we were gonna wait a bit longer is all…" he stated.

"Y-yeah… I want to, but… but then I go and do something like that… I would never have tried to trip you up like that, love…"

"Hey, accidents happen."

"Of course." She nudged his cheek lovingly. "Oh I do want you, my mate. I just… I wish to have our union blessed before we… you know…"

"Perhaps by Eleanor?" he asked, receiving a nod in return. "Of course. I was thinking the same thing as well. We have something beautiful going on here, and there is no need to rush anything that's worth having."

"How did I end up with someone as wonderful as you?" Selina asked. He shook his head.

"I could ask the same thing. With some of the things I've done, I'm surprised you would still have me. I have always tried to do right, though I know many of the others disagree with my methods. But you have looked past all that. You are far more than I deserve."

"Oh Liam…" The umbreon kissed him once again, this time on the forehead. He tenderly embraced her, and it took no time at all for them to get caught up in another round of sensual nuzzling, coating their partner with each other's scent. "I must stop at once," she said. "I'm beginning to test my own resolve…" She stood up, much to both of their dismay, and stretched out within the tent. "For what it is worth… I look forward to becoming one with you."

"And I you. I lucked in to the most beautiful, loving creature on the continent. I am honored that you would choose me, Selina."

After they had fought off the urge to take each other, Liam and Selina rolled up the tent and packed up the campsite. They reached the shoreline that they had arrived from, where the two of them would await their friend's return.

— — — — —

Bale

— — — — —

Four more months… To the very day, at this point. It was for a stupid reason, in his opinion, as to why the date was so prolonged - to give them time to think over what they did, and make themselves right with Arceus. It was stupid, but he was not about to argue over what little remaining time he had. On the fifth of Articuno's Touch, he would be executed for his crimes. He had used every trick in his arsenal by now, and with the increase in the local guards, the possibility of escape seemed to have dwindled into nothingness. The jail keeper - a magneton that Bale knew he could easily take - levitated on the other side of the iron bars. He could see the keys on the steel-type - so tauntingly close. But taking those would be impossible in his current state: chained to the the wall, with only enough length to make it from his bed to the bucket in the corner. There was no way out.

Perhaps none of this should have come as a surprise. It wasn't an uncommon predicament for people like him. He could remember starting out with the small-scale stealing, and then the raids. Under Kraven's employment, Bale had made something of a decent living for himself. Well… as much as that counts as a living… The safety net was no more, though - word had it that the honchkrow had been captured and killed. And besides, all that had been years ago. No doubt Kraven wouldn't have paid a visit with his crew to break these three out, even if he were alive. I suppose it doesn't matter. He wasn't so sure that Kraven could even stop what was outside of these doors anyways. Bale had landed himself in one of the most secure prisons in the continent.

Part of him wondered how things may have turned out. Bale had actually been geared towards a living in the ministry of all things, growing up under a particularly religious family. But he had discovered that he enjoyed the forbidden pleasures that life had to offer far too much for such a career choice. No, if there was some sort of god out there, he would've done something when the planet was nearly destroyed. As he progressed, the very idea of the religion that his parents had became silly, and then something he hated them for. Though by now, the feeling was likely mutual. Upon hearing of their son's incarceration, neither wanted to see him. Not that he wanted a visit, anyways.

It was four years ago when he had surpassed the moral boundaries of a simple thief. He could remember the night as though it were mere moments ago. The howling wind and torrential downpour - his least favorite part of the whole thing; and the fight between Bale and his crew and the males of the caravan. He was at a type disadvantage, but Bale had managed to kill two of the ferocious galades on his own. Torin had not been so lucky, catching the bladed arm of another in his neck, and despite the druddigon's thick scales, it had not been enough to protect the artery. Though they had prevailed, Torin died on that raid.

It didn't make much of a difference to Bale. The druddigon was dull and obnoxious, never able to strategize beyond the next breath. A fool, but one capable of taking hits. Well, until his fucking neck was opened up.

Clement and Murtagh were both rummaging through the crew's goods when one of the four survivors attacked. He had watched as her eyes went bright, and Clement violently spasmed, clutching his head and screaming as though nails were being driven through his skull. Bale immediately sprung into action, striking her in the face and breaking her psychic hold over his ally. She rolled over, trying to push herself up, but it was too late. He had swiftly sank his claws into her throat, lifting her off the ground as he ripped it out.

The blood had never bothered him, nor the terrified cries of the three others. It was another heist successfully pulled off. Had it not been for a sideways glance over the two kirlias and the one remaining gardevoir, that's all it would have been. But the older psychic-type had caught his eye, and Bale had remembered then how long it had been.

That night, he could not deny the fact that something had changed within him. The rush that he had gotten as he violated her - the surge within him as she screamed and cried. Bale had come to love every second of it, and even looking back at the event now, he smiled, seeing the broken, whimpering psychic-type pinned down beneath him. It had been a feeling of control like no other, and one that he looked forward to experiencing in the jobs after that, if time or convenience allowed for it.

Neither Clement or Murtagh said anything about it, though he could tell his tendencies made them uneasy. Maybe that was for the best, he thought. Surely they knew who was in charge, remaining silent like that. And he didn't really care how they felt about the matter, just so long as they didn't intervene.

And the three of them had been smart about it all, too. Until they took that one job. They had never considered protective services, but with the money being offered, the opportunity was far too much to pass up. Though Bale was often wondering if they could count on this other outlaw paying what they had agreed to, and whether or not he'd need to kill the bug-type. But one thing at a time, and he seemed to hold his own in a fight and then some. Bale and his crew had decided to trust that the client's words were good, at least for the moment being. And it was all going well enough… until those fucking bounty hunters showed up…

He thought that the four of them would have been a match, but it was only later that Bale discovered that they stood no chance against the duo. His eyesight was stolen from him, and seconds later he heard the client cry out in pain. Bale didn't have the time to react much, other than viciously attack the general area in front of him, hoping that it would hit the unseen targets. A violent blast of energy collided with his face, and he remembered being slammed into the cave wall, unable to understand how such a creature possessed such great power. The attempts to block and strike back were futile as he was subdued as though he were nothing more than a child, and Bale clenched his claws together, angry just from the memories of it all. When everything was said and done, the client had been killed, and the three of them awoke to find themselves in cages, surrounded by more officers than he'd ever seen in a single area.

His run had been put to an end just like that. "Those two fuckers…" he murmured to himself. Bale stared up at the ceiling, sitting on the rigid wooden cot. He had replayed the scene countless times in his head, wondering if there would have been anything that they could have done to result in a different outcome. But it had all happened so fast, and none of the four of them had been able to react before the two bounty hunters had violently subdued them. If things were going to end in such a way, Bale would have at least wanted to take one of them with him. But he hadn't been that fortunate.

Bale snapped out of his thoughts as the the loud footsteps approached the prisoners. The aggron acted as the overseer of the jail, and personally came for each meal to ensure that they didn't escape. That much wasn't surprising - there had been a large bounty on them. Had they been able to connect Bale's crew with the actual amount of heists and crimes committed, they probably would have been worth several hundred thousand each. If there was one good thing that had come out of their arrest, it was that the two bounty hunters responsible for bringing them in hadn't been paid nearly what the crew was worth.

"Meal time," the aggron, who went by Garron, stated flatly. He opened Bale's cell, setting the bowl within his reach, before slamming the iron door shut once more. After two weeks ago, he had become more cautious around the outlaw, who had tried to strike out, hoping to get him in a position in which he could hold him hostage and demand to be let go. That had gone about as well as one may have expected, resulting in him being struck with such force that Bale was surprised his chest didn't cave in.

Bale grabbed the bowl, noticing that the murky stew that he particularly disliked was on the menu today. If it weren't for the fact that he was hungry, it would never have been something he'd consider eating. Yet using the small metal utensil within, he began to eat the bland food. When he had first been transferred into the jail, he had immediately considered using the utensil as a weapon next time someone opened that door. But of course they had already planned for that, and if he did not return it when he was done, then he wouldn't receive the following meals.

Clement received his stew in the next cell over, followed by Murtagh. Not many words had been exchanged among the three of them ever since they had arrived in the jail. Bale did suppose, though, that they were as close to friends as he had - if that was even the appropriate term to use. Once he had finished eating, he set the empty bowl and utensil as close as he could to the gate before returning to his cot. He supposed that a nap wouldn't hurt right about now, given the fact that there was nothing else to do.

Bale laid back, and reflected on all the events that had brought him here. Perhaps there was some room for regret, though he had long stopped caring about the arbitrary morals set by society or its false religion. Of course, he couldn't help but think what his life would have been like had he stayed on the path that he was encouraged to take. He certainly wouldn't be here now, that much was certain. Oh well, not like it makes much of a difference now...

Eventually, his thoughts came to rest, and the blaziken drifted off to sleep.