Hello, and nope I'm not dead.

I hope everything is going well on your side, with the pandemic and all the other stuff such as the police brutalities in America. Sorry for the very long wait, it took longer than expected. But this chapter is longer than the previous ones. To be honest, I'm happy with what I did here for the most.

Anyway, please enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon


Chapter 9: A new enemy

The Riolu was walking through the frizzing blizzard, holding the torch firmly. He was blind in the storm, the powerful wind kept pushing him and the snowflakes bumped into his whole body relentlessly. He didn't know how long he was wandering in this unknown place, but it seemed to be an eternity. Suddenly he tripped over and fell in the thick snow. He raised his head and tried to get up, but he couldn't. His strengh suddenly abandoned him. He stayed down in the snow, hoping it will return. Then he saw a figure not too far from him. There was someone here? This surprised the Riolu, he hoped that they would help him. His strengh returned to him and he got up and walked in the figure's direction. It started to be clear and the little Pokémon recognized it. It was a Lucario and he noticed there were two of them. They stared at him with a warm smile. The Riolu appeared to recognize his parents. So he ran towards them while being on the verge of tears. Finally after all this time, they met again. But suddenly, several enormous shadows appeared behing his parents and firstly stared at him with horrifying red eyes. A hand got out of the shadows and was about to crush his parents. The Riolu cried to tell them to move, but it was too late. The hand crushed them. The black creatures smiled at him, and many hands appeared and grabbed the child who was crying for help and brought him closer to the shadows. Their smile was wider than before and all of a sudden they all screamed loudly with piercing screams. The Riolu could not stand this, he wasn't able to cover his ears. His ears were immediately hurting, his screams of pain weren't even audible to him. He had the impression that his head was going to explode...

Lurio woke up with a start. The jolts in the wagon were violent. He looked at the front of it and noticed that they were in a craggy road. The Mudsdale, who was drawing the wagon, was walking slowly. Lurio thought he was the only one to be awake among the passengers since it was nighttime. The he thought about the nightmare he just had. His nightmares didn't stop after Gre told him what that "Lary" said. Now what he wanted the most was to know his parents, even if they were probably dead. Who were the people who killed his father and Lary? He could not stop thinking about it. He looked on his left and noticed Charles who was staring at the sky on the edge of the wagon. Lurio walked in his direction. Charles looked at him, he seemed surprised.

"Oh, I woke you up?"

"No, I just had a nightmare, again..."

"Ah I see. You can sit here if you want."

Lurio sat next to the Charizard and looked at the moon.

"You still get those nightmares often?" Charles asked.

"Yeah..." the Lucario sighed.

"It's because of what Gre told you?"

"I... I just can't think about something else."

"Don't worry, that's normal actually. Everyone would act the same way if they were you."

"If you say so."

They stayed quiet for a moment, both staring at the stars. Then the Charizard broke the silence:

"You know, I'm surprised we got along so quickly."

"What?"

"I mean, we've been together for not that long, like almost one month, and you and Gre appear to completely trust us even if you don't really know us."

He was actually right. It's been almost one month and Gre and him still don't know who Charles and Gaby were. Yet they got along quickly.

"Well then, can you tell me where you are from?" Lurio asked.

Charles looked embarassed by this question. He answered after a few moments.

"I come from Galor."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Galor was a continent at the north of the Seraïon Kingdom. The two regions were separated by the sea but almost nobody could travel there because of the blocade of the Beritorian Republic. So Galorian people in the Seraïon Kingdom were really rare.

"You came here despite the blocade? But how?"

"We took a secret path, but now I think the Beritorian Republic blocked it by now."

"But why did you leave your country despite the risks?"

"...because of the civil war."

"What?"

"The civil war. Galor has been in chaos for years. It's a battle between the Republicans and the Monarchists. I was a Republican scout soldier back then. After years of constant battles, fear, anger and after I saw all my friends dead... I decided to quit."

Lurio could sense the horror and sadness in Charles's voice. He surely went through horrible things that the Lucario could never imagine.

"...I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't worry. It's been a couple of years since I arrived here. So I moved on to something else, thanks to Gaby.

Lurio stayed silent. He looked behind him and noticed that Gaby was awake and was staring at Charles, then he glanced at the Lucario. He looked neutral. They stopped all of a sudden. The Lucario and the Charizard looked at the front and he saw that the Mudsdale fell asleep. That was odd, the Mudsdale claimed he was used to work late.

"That wasn't the fatigue." Charles seemed to doubt about something.

"Really?"

"Look."

When he looked closer, Lurio noticed some spores on the head of the Mudsdale.
Someone made him sleep.
Two Magnetons appeared outside of the wagon and electricity got out of their metallic bodies and wrapped every passengers who woke up at the shock. Lurio tried to move but in vain. Every one of them was paralysed. An Aegislash joined the Magnetons and observed everyone in the wagon. Lurio noticed steel type looked longer at Gre, he didn't seem delighted to see him. But that wasn't the priority.

"Get them out and search them." the Aegislash said to the other steel types with a female voice.

They gathered everyone outside of the wagon without any problem. As they were outside, the Lucario spotted several more Pokémons who surrounded them. The other travellers were still trying to move but a Swampert calmed them with a jab. Then the Magnetons took all the bags they could find and searched in them. They were surely thiefs, looking for objets of high value. But what they found surprised the Lucario. They found dynamites and bags full of gunpowder.

"That's enough to make a hole in a rampart isn't it?" the Aegislash talked to a specter type Marowak

"I don't know what you're talking about." the Marowak replied.

"Yes you do. You clearly do."

"Ma'am, those ones only carry food, and not that much, and a map. And the Greninja, the Garchomp and the Charizard possess a Bounty hunter certification which don't seem fake." a Magneton said to the Aegislash.

All the travellers stared at Lurio and his mates. Something was wrong.

"Whatever you're talking about, we aren't in."

Suddenly the Marowak managed to free himself from the paralysis, knocked out the Swampert with fast bone jab and rushed towards the Aegislash in rage. The steel type reacted immediately and slashed him with his sharp body. The fire type fell over, Lurio could see some blood going out of the body, he averted his eyes.

"A member of the Hell Army would never change sides like that. They're almost fanatics." she said after a short silence. "What are you doing here though?"

"We were going to Borgarion." Charles answered.

"We did send envoys though..." she thought out loud.

"We didn't make it." one of the Magnetons talked. "I was there, it's even a miracle that I'm still alive."

"...Alright. Release these four."

The Magnetons approached them and absorbed the electricity from their bodies, releasing them from the paralysis. The Swampert got back on his feet with the help of a Lairon, then he talked to the Aegislash:

"Wait I think I recognize these guys."

"What?"

"Weren't you in Firstone when the Hell Army showed up?"

"Yes, we were there." Charles answered.

"You're telling me you are..." the Aegislash said.

Everyone whispered things. Some people explained what happened back then.

"But what is happening here?" Charles asked.

The Aegislash hesitated to answer but she did after a few seconds: "Do you know the Shiram Fort?"

"Isn't that the fort which is a few miles away from here?" Gaby answered.

"Yes it is. You must know that there is a siege there."

"A siege?" Charles repeated.

"Yes, by the Hell Army."

The Hell Army, they did face it in Firstone weeks ago. Lurio touched his cicatrized arm upon thinking about what happened there.

"It started three days ago, all outposts around the fort were taken in moment. We are one of the teams sent to capture some of their members and prevent their numbers to increase. And trust me, it's an entire army the fort has to face."

"How can we help?" Charles asked.

"...I'm sorry what?"

"How can we help?"

"Do you think I will ever let some strangers enter..."

The Swampert took part in the discussion: "Officer, did you read the reports? They fought dozens of them all alone, including a damn Heatran, and they somewhat beat them and their commander."

"...You're serious? I thought they just fought a few of them and hid."

"I'm serious. I think we could need such fighters, Even if two of them are really young."

The Aegislash glanced at the group and appeared unsure of what to do. The she sighed:

"Alright then."

She signaled Charles and the others to follow her and the Magnetons. She seemed doubtful if letting a bunch of strangers enter in a dangerous area was a good idea. But if the reports were true, then they could be some good help. That's what Lurio was able to read in the specter type's mind, but he could not find something about what was happening there. After walking for a few hours, the Aegislash suddenly said:

"We'll have to go down from now on."

"Why?" Lurio asked.

"Because if you want to stay alive, it's the only way."

It's been a few hours they were sneaking in the woods, Lurio didn't notice what could be the danger they were hiding from. That was probably a good sign.

"There." the Aegislash said in a relieved tone.

The Lucario saw what seemed to be a fort of the Steel Federation. The Shiram Fort and it was massive. It was built on a mountain and several ramparts were defending the main buildings with several towers. There were plains all around it and Lurio could notice the route they were taking earlier. Then he saw encampments. All the tents were painted in a red similar to blood and many Pokémons were walking around them, probably hundreds. The Aegislash whispered to the others:

"We have to be quick if you want to reach the ramp..."

"OVER THERE!"

Everyone looked on their left and saw an Amoonguss who was calling other people, he was wearing an epaulette and a red armband with the symbol of of flames which formed a cross. Lurio remembered when he already saw that symbol:
At Firstone, the Hell Army's logo.
Gre was the first to react by releasing a Gunk shot towards the plant type. The projectile hit him, making him scream and fall backwards. They were able to hear many footsteps coming to their direction.

"GO GO GO!"

And they ran at full speed. Shots crossed the air missed them. Fortunately for them, the walls weren't too far. Lurio perceived Pokémons who were on the ramparts and started attatcking the Hell Army' soldiers with range attacks. Suddenly Lurio heard a scream of pain behind him. He turned around and saw the Magneton on the ground, still conscious. Lurio ran to him and tried to carry the electric type. Then he saw a Focus blast coming right into him. He closed his eyes, ready to take the hit. An explosion occured but the Lucario didn't feel any pain. He opened his eyes to see what happened. The Aegislash protected them with her shield, she blocked a few other shots.

"GO! I'll cover you!"

Lurio hesitated for a few seconds and dragged the Magneton while the Aegislash was taking the hits. Then he saw Gre join him and he helped him to carry the electic type.

"Let's go!" he shouted.

They ran towards an opened door while carrying the Magneton. When they got in, The Aegislash entered too and the other Magneton shut the door immediately. The Aegislash had his shield badly damaged and she was exhausted. Lurio saw that the injured Magneton was surprised that he saved him.

"Thank you." he said in a weak voice.

A Nidoking wearing a grey bandana with a red cross came and carried the Magneton, probably to heal him. A Kabutops who was wearing epaulettes and a grey bandana with the Steel Federation logo on it, an eye similar to a Magneti with a circle around it with two large lines on each side. He was surely an other officer.

"What happened?"

"I brought reinforcements." the Aegislash said with difficulty.

The rock type looked at the group:"Four people?"

"They were the one in Firstone who were fighting it."

"Wait... you are..."

Charles did a "yes" with his head.

"You must see the commander. Follow me."

They exited the ramparts and entered in a yard. Many soldiers were there and it was a hubbub. Most of them were busy, and some were injured, with bandages on their bodies. Nobody seemed to care about their presence since they appeared to think they were other soldiers. After walking for a little while, they entered in the main building which was separated from the rest of the fort by other ramparts. The building was quite big, it almost gave the impression that it was as big as the entire fort, with its towers, bridges and several floors. The ambiance was almost the same, except it was darker obviously. They headed towards a group of officers who were talking to a Tyranitar, his epaulettes appeared to be made of bronze instead of steel and he was wearing a red cape behind him. The Kabutops approached him and whispered into the Tyranitar's ears. He cast a glance at the group an told the other officers to go. They looked at the Lurio and the others, they must be curious about why the Tyranitar wanted to talk to them. Then the rock type spoke:

"I am commander Aleksander, the one in charge of the Shiram fort... and its defense."

"An honour to meet you commander." Charles replied while shaking his hand.

"It's also an honour to meet you. I didn't expect to meet such honourable people. You stood against an enemy who definitely beat you in number and you put them in flight. And I heard you wish to help us, right?"

"That's the case."

"That's perfect then. Because the situation is getting very bad."

He signalled them to follow him. They went up the stairs and they arrived on a balcony, they could see most of the fort, and were at the same height than the ramparts which were quite high.

"We resisted two assaults, repulsed attempts of sabotage but if this continues, our ressources will end up exhausted, too many soldiers are injured, some start to lose their mind because of fear and by watching the fort during entire nights since they are young and not used to such pressure."

"What can we do then?" Lurio asked.

"Help my soldiers. That's all I ask. Officer Lace!"

"Yes sir?"

"Give them bandanas so the integration won't be a problem."

"Yes sir."

"That will be everything."

The group followed Lace and went down the stairs. When they in the romm where they met the commander, the officer opened a wardrobe. There were much supplies in itincluding epaulettes, barrels and boxes of different sizes. The Kabutops grasped a little box and opened it with a claw. There were many grey bandanas with the logo of the Steel Federation in it.

"Take them."

Everyone took a bandana and put it on their arm.

"What should we do now?" Gaby asked for everyone.

"Well, as an officer, I order you, the Garchomp and the Greninja, to guard the entrance and the Charizard and the Lucario will help the medics with the injured people."

"Okay then..."

"You must say "yes sir"."

"Wha... yes sir."

The Kabutops sneered and left them.

Lurio and Charles were watching several injured soldiers, some were sleeping, but most of them were just sitting on their beds and were looking at the ground. Lurio read anxiety and sadness in their minds. Some probably lost friends, Lurio could feel it. Then he looked at Charles who was observing an arm injured Bisharp. The Lucario could sense sadness and empathy within the Charizard but he didn't like the place. It seemed to remind him something. Lurio approached him.

"Something's wrong? You don't seem to like this place." he asked, rather worried.

"Huh? Why would I... Don't tell me you read in my mind." the Charizard's tone was friendly.

"I didn't really need to."

"I guess it's obvious heh."

The fire type sighed.

"It reminds me of the hospitals back there. At the start it wasn't that bad. But years later, when the monarchists started using their war weapons, the number of injured people increased a lot. It was horrible to see them, and hear their groaning. Many lost someone they loved, or a limb..."

Lurio sensed the disgust in his voice. He didn't ask more, it was enough. Especially for Charles.
The hours passed and Lurio wondered what Gaby and Gre were doing now. Lurio wanted to sleep but he didn't know if he was allowed to since it was almost the morning. Charles came closer and noticed the Lucario's tiredness. He suggested sleeping to Lurio:

"Go sleep a bit, you will fall asleep soon if you won't."

"Am I really allowed to?"

"Of course you are. I'll watch the people while you sleep."

"What about you?"

"I'm used to bad sleep schedules."

Lurio eventually accepted and sat on a chair, it didn't take a long time for him to fall asleep.

"...Lurio wake up."

He slowly opened his eyes. Charles was standing right in front of him and it seemed to be the early morning.

"How long have I been asleep?" the Lucario asked.

"Let's say three hours. Anyway, an officer wanted us to replace some watchers on the remparts since they need some rest. Let's go."

While they were crossing the yard, Lurio was surprised to see that many people who were sleeping. They were probably the watchers during the night, there was no doubts they needed rest. When they entered in the ramparts, they climbed a ladder and reached the top of the walls. Lurio could not deny that the view was nice. They could see the entire valley, a part of the forest in wich they were. the cliff they were supposed to travel on and the encampment of the Hell Army.

"So there it is..." Charles said while observing the encampment.

It wasn't that far, so some figures were visible from here. As he looked carefully, Lurio noticed what appeared to be... catapults. Several of them.

"They have catapults." Lurio said in a worried tone.

"Yeah, they were already here several hours ago." the voice came from a Metang next to him. "We still don't know how they received these."

"They may have built them." Charles seemed convinced by this idea.

"Yeah, probably. By the way I never saw you earlier. You're new here?"

"Kind of." Lurio answered with a smile.

"Wow, Arceus decided to give you bad luck. I'm Alexei."

"I am Lurio."

"My name is Charles. Nice to meet you."

"Me too. Why did the Federation send you here?"

Charles replied before Lurio could say anything.

"Supply of provisions, we were supposed to go to Borgarion right after."

"Oh I see."

The Metang then looked in the direction of the encampment, hid look immediately changed, he seemed scared. Like the Lucario, Charles guessed he didn't feel good.

"You're okay?"

"Yes I'm just... worried."

"You seem to be more than worried."

"What?"

"I know that expression by heart. You're anxious. You're scared of what could happen any second."

"...How can you tell..."

"...I have experience."

The Metang took a moment to respond, then he sighed:

"You know, even if I'm an adult I'm quite young, everyone here is approximately twenty years old, I am just twelve and most of the people who are like me are almost paranoïd. They seem so used to this because they have your experience, and I am just here scared like a Rattata."

"Don't blame yourself, that's completely normal for a young Pokémon like you. Everyone went through this."

"Really?"

"Of course, who wouldn't? I'd like to add that in such a serious situation, you're doing a good job at keeping yourself calm, not many would keep this up that long. You lack self confidence Alexei."

Alexei didn't reply for a moment. Then he finally said:

"Thanks."

They stayed quiet for a while, then they heard sopmeone who called the Metang. He waved at Charles and Lurio and hurried to join the person who called him. Despite the help the Charizard brought to Alexei, the Lucario didn't really understand why he lied to him.

"Was it really necessary to lie?" he whispered to Charles.

Charles replied:

"The commander asked us to stay discreet about who we are for an easier integration. I'm doing what he told me to do. But if you really want to understand why the commander asked us to do it, it's because soldiers won't think we're different from them, they'll think we're soldiers like them, not some Pokémons who fought an enemy who outnumbered them by ten to one. It'll help them focus on what they're doing."

"...I see."

They spent the entire day on the ramparts. Nothing happened while Lurio was watching the plains. He just watched the sunset while the breeze ruffled his fur. Charles went in the closest tower to have a better view.

"Hey."

He turned his head and saw Alexei. He also greeted him.

"Hello."

"You know where is Charles?"

"He's on the tower there, you want to talk to him?"

"Well yeah. but I'll just wait here."

They both stayed silent for a short while.

"You two are friends?" the Metang asked.

"...yeah. Why?"

"You just seem... way younger than him."

Lurio giggled.

"Yes. I'm only eleven."

"Really? You're even younger than me! I'm twelve."

"Heh, I guess we're two 'rookies' then."

They both stayed silent for a short while.

"What did you want to say to Charles?" Lurio asked.

"I just wanted some advices. He seems so seasoned, looks like he went through so many things."

"...Yeah, since he's way older."

"Wait. Look."

Alexei was staring in the direction of the camp. But when Lurio looked as well, he noticed the army was approaching. The catapults were coming closer, even if they weren't that big, they still looked threatening. The army was impressive, they were probably hundreds and they were coming. The battle was near.

"They're coming. How many are they?" the Metang started shaking.

"Hey calm down, it's going to be okay."

"How can you tell?"

Lurio tried to find an answer that would give him confidence, but he didn't find any. He didn't know what to do to help him.

"Alexei." it was Charles's voice.

Alexei and Lurio turned around and saw him. When Alexei was looking at him, Charles clapped his hands strongly right in front of him. This surprised the two steel types.

"...what?" the Metang was as confused as Lurio.

"Are you calmed down?" Charles asked, he looked serious.

"Uhh...yes?"

"It's a way to deal with stress. Now focus. Everyone is needed. Go in the yard, they need hands."

"...Alright!"

As he went down, Lurio could hear every soldiers who were in a hurry, officers who were screaming orders. Everyone was preparing themselves.

"Lurio, we should do the same. Let's join Gre and Gaby, they're also in the the yard."

"Okay!"

They went down the ramparts and looked for Gre and Gaby. The soldiers were blocking the door by putting as many sand bags as they could find. Injured people were brought to the main buildings where they are safe. After a while they found Gaby.

"Gaby!" Charles screamed to be heard.

Gaby heard him and walked towards them, accompanied with Gre.

"How are you both?" the Garchomp asked.

"We're fine. But we should hurry and take position somewhere."

"Well, the good question is: where?"

"Uhm..."

They suddenly heard an unknown voice.

"Charles!"

It was a Dragonite, he was with the Charizard earlier.

"What is it Edward?"

"They have ladders! We need more people on the ramparts. Can you come?"

"No problem."

He looked at Lurio and the others.

"Good luck you three."

"Good luck to you." Gaby replied.

And Charles flew off and joined the Dragonite. The three took position behind a pile of sandbags, like everyone else. Every soldiers with range attacks were either hidden or behind. They were also on the ramparts. When everything was set up, every soldiers stayed quiet and waited for the night to come. They were able to listen heavy steps from the army in front of the fort before they stopped. Lurio sensed that the fear increase in the mind of almost everyone around him. The calm made the situation way more stressful. Nobody was talking, or even moving an inch, they were either staring at the door or the sky. Waiting. Waiting for it to begin. Lurio could hear his heart beating fast. Suddenly, they heard a deep sound, it was from a foghorn, from the other side. Upon it ended, they heard probably hundreds of voices screaming the same words at the time:

"FOR THE HELL ARMY! FALL BEFORE OUR LIGHT!"

They just started to hear heavy steps that the Pokemons on the ramparts started attacking with range attacks.

It began.
Lurio watched projectiles going through the air above the ramparts, the Steel Federation members crouched to avoid being hit, but some got hit and fell from the walls. All of a sudden, something destroyed partially the top of a rampart, bricks and Pokémons were projected. A big rock fell on the ground with bricks. That was probably thrown by a catapult. Lurio could hear the screams of the people getting hurt, getting thrown by the giant rocks projected at them. An Empoleon was laying on the ground, asking for help:

"Help me please! My leg hurts like hell!"

Lurio was about to rush too carry him, but Gaby put his claw on his shoulder to hold him back..

"Stay here. Look."

A Metang came to the water type and carried him with his hands. It was Alexei.

"We gotta stay here." the Garchomp added.

"Why?"

"We have to stay ready. Let the ones who are close to the injured do the work."

Lurio didn't like that, having to stay here while others are hurt. It's something he would never do normally.

"THEY BROUGHT POWDER KEGS! DESTROY THEM!"

The attacks intensified and Lurio heard several explosions behind the walls. The noise made the battle sound like an absolute chaos.

"THEY REACHED THE DOORS! HOLD IT! DON'T LET THEM ENTER!"

Everyone in the yard rushed to the doors to prevent the enemy to break in. Lurio, Gre and Gaby participated in the effort. The armored doors didn't stop getting pushed from both sides. The enemy tried to break in with all their strength. They had to not flinch. Lurio didn't know how many Pokémons were holding the doors, but they were an entire group.

Suddenly, they heard an explosion which sounded very close. Even too close. Smoke appeared near of a wall. Lurio and some soldiers looked at it. He feared the worst.

Several soldiers of the Hell Army penetrated inside the ramparts through the hole created by the explosion. An Infernape led the charge and jumped on Lurio, both of his fists on fire, ready to strike. The steel type jumped aside and avoided a fire punch, upon landing on the ground, the fire type went on with an other fire punch. Lurio used his arm to deviate it and moved a bit to avoid being hit, then he punched the Infernape on the rib. He quickly hit him on the head to destabilize them and immediately followed up with a high jump kick on the spot. The Infernape was thrown towards his allies. Magmortars started shooting at them with fire balls, hitting several of them, Lurio crouched to dodge them and rolled aside so he won't be in sight. He suddenly heard the doors getting hit by something big. The doors got opened a bit, he was able a giant hand trying to open these. It was a Golurk's hand. Then there were several explosions all at once. Lurio saw more smoke next to the ramparts, while other enemies entered in the fortress.

"We're flanked! Retreat! We're getting overwhelmed!" an officer shouted, he seemed in panic.

All of sudden a huge rock on fire passed above and crashed into a building, setting it on fire. Everyone started to fall back, the Pokémons positioned on the ramparts were getting down. Lurio searched Charles with his eyes but he could not see him.

"Help me!"

This voice was familiar. It came from the building on fire. He wasn't going to leave this person there. Not this time. He turned to Gre and Gaby:

"I'll comeback!"

"Wait what do you..."

He ran at full speed towards the building. A fireball was shot towards him, he quickly rolled aside to dodge it. He entered in the building, the entire place was on fire, the destroyed roof was ignited, the wall were ready to break at any moment. Baskets of fruits were on fire as well. Then he saw Alexei laying on the ground, blocked under tons of debris. He noticed the Lucario.

"Lurio?!" The Metang didn't appear to believe someone came.

"It's alright I'm here. I'll get you out of here!"

"Behind you!"

He quickly turned around and saw a Granbull who was running at him threateningly. The Lucario grabbed his arm and his chest, let himself fall backwards and threw the fairy type into the wall behind him with his leg. He immediately focused on the Metang and removed the debris to free Alexei.

"Thanks..."

"We have to join the others, the Hell Army is advancing."

"It's that bad?"

"It is."

The Granbull suddenly got back on his feet and jumped on Alexei.

"Watch out!" Lurio shouted.

The Metang's fist wrapped itself with a bright light and he turned around fast to deal a meteor mash to the fairy type, projecting them into a basket of fruits.

"Thanks. I wondered when he was going to recover."

They heard footsteps coming from the roof, they prepared themselves for an enemy to appear at the hole , but it revealed to be Gre.

"I see why you went there. Anyway, come over here!"

Lurio grabbed his hand and got on the roof, then they both pulled the Metang, Lurio had to admit Alexei was quite heavy. Except Alexei, they crouched to avoid being seen. The Hell Army didn't stop advancing. They actually reached the second ramparts. Most of the buildings were now on fire, but the catapults stopped throwing projectiles. The situation seemed desperate.

"What are we going to do?" Alexei asked.

"For now we have to join the others." Gre asked, but Lurio could guess he didn't know the answer neither.

They moved on the buildings, trying to not be seen by the numerous soldiers of the Hell Army. They were checking every building, every shack, probably looking for survivors. Lurio thought he did well by rescuing Alexei, if he didn't, who know what would have happened to him.

"Dammit! Flying Pokémons, we better hurry." Gre said.

Lurio looked at the sky and there were indeed flying Pokémons, dozens of them. They appeared to also check for survivors, but Lurio was sure it wasn't their only purpose. When they approached the second ramparts, the Hell Army was already at the doors and didn't even have to deal with range attacks, there wasn't enough space for a person to stay on these. They were trying to open it by the force. The Golurk was trying to destroy the doors by punching it, but the armor kept resisting. When they reached the ramparts, they noticed they were too high, especially for Alexei.

"Damn, It's out of reach. And climbing would be a suicide." Gre said.

"W... What do we do now?" Alexei asked, scared.

"We should hide. For now." Lurio suggested while looking at the sky, wondering when the flying Pokemons will arrive.

"Sounds a good idea." Gre agreed.

They went down and entered in the nearest shack they found, at least one which wasn't on fire. There were three beds and a few cases which were Lurio's size. Gre quickly looked outside to check if anyone was coming.

"Now, we ponder. We're outside of the ramparts, the fort is invaded by people who would not hesitate to kill us at sight. How are we going to join the others?" Gre said.

"We could use your waterfall attack to shoot out ourselves over the ramparts, like you did before..." Lurio suggested.

"The Metang is way too heavy. We're both rather light, that's why it worked back then."

"So we're just going to wait?"

"Of course not. We're just... in a very complicated situation. Wait..."

They heard someone approaching.

"Quick, the Metang, hide behind those cases, Lurio get behind that wall." Gre said fast.

Alexei went behind the few cases and stopped levitating. Lurio and Gre hid behind the wall next to the entrance. Lurio feared someone would enter, he didn't know if they would be able to eliminate them without alerting anyone. Then someone talked outside.

"This is easier than I thought it would be. It's just a matter of time now."

The voice was odd, it sounded like the mouth was covered with something. But it sounded familiar to Lurio. Then someone else talked with a husky voice.

"Don't drop your guard. They may be up to something."

"The commander did everything to isolate them and we have the numerical advantage. How do you think they can counter?"

"Should I remind you of what happened at Firstone?"

The other one sighed.

"They took us by surprise. And you're talking like you didn't lose against two people with the help of dozens of guards."

"I am not. All I'm trying to say is to not drop your guard, like you did against that Lucario and Greninja."

He sighed again, but way louder, it was clearly anger.

"You're talking like you were there! How the hell should have I known that one of my own soldiers would betray me in such a moment?!"

"Calm down Blast."

Lurio knew why this voice was familiar to him now, Blast was the Typhlosion officer Gre and he fought at Firstone. So Mack didn't kill him after all, but why did his voice sound... weird?

"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN!? Those bastards almost killed me and now I need this bloody mask to breath and I lost an eye! When I'll find them, I swear I'll kill them! "

"We're in the same trouble Blast, you think they were only mad at you?"

"But you didn't lose your ability to breath normally and an eye..."

"Wait, what is that in there?"

Lurio gasped, he looked at his body if something was visible, then he noticed the head of Alexei poked out. He wasn't able to do better, he was too big. They were about to enter.

"Get ready." Gre murmured.

A Toxicroak entered and immediately spotted the two Pokémons with a surprised face. Lurio charged a dark pulse and shot at the Toxicroak, but he immediately dodged it, which surprised the Lucario.

"Do an eruption!" the Toxicroak shouted.

Lurio and Gre didn't understand at first but then they understood and jumped to draw away from the wall, it exploded and they were both thrown into the cases. Lurio got up again and was right next to Alexei who seemed stunned. When the smoke was dispersed, he finally saw the Typhlosion. He was wearing a black mask which appeared to be literally stuck on his mouth, and a black eye patch. He had burn marks that stuck out of the eye patch and the mask. Upon noticing Lurio and Gre, Blast's flames on his neck intensified and his eyes stared at them with visible hatred.

"TYLOR. LEAVE. THEM. TO ME." he said with a very dark and murderous tone. Lurio never heard something like that before.

"No. I don't want you to get into more trouble okay?" Tylor answered.

"THEN LET ME KILL THEM."

He charged a ball of fire with his hands.

"Let's move!" Gre shouted.

They quickly moved before the Typhlosion shot the fire blast. The projectile exploded at the impact, burning the cases and the floor. Blast immediately leapt on the Lucario while yelling:

"COME HERE!"

Lurio got surprised and he got against the floor by the fire type, he blocked the steel's type hands to the ground with his, his body shined and his flames intensified again.

"Time for a rematch!" he said, close to Lurio's head.

Lurio kicked Blast in the stomach, but he resisted. Suddenly Gre charged the Typhlosion with a waterfall attack. He grunted loudly.

"You won't touch him." Gre said while preparing his water daggers.

"You'll have your turn anyway..." Blast said with a threatening look.

The Toxicroak suddenly jumped on the Greninja, his fists raised.

"Watch out!" Lurio shouted to Gre.

Gre quickly glanced at the poison type and dodged backwards. Tylor smashed his fists on the floor, destroying it.

"Take care of this guy while I take care of the other." Blast said to Tylor while approaching Lurio.

"If you want to." Tylor replied.

The fire type cracked his neck and then stared at the Lucario.

"I won't underestimate you this time..."

He charged two balls of energy with both of his hands which surprised Lurio. He ran to the Lucario and tried to hit him with the balls on his hands. The steel type crouched to dodge the first hit, then Blast was about to land an other strike. Lurio jumped backwards. The fire type immediately threw the ball at Lurio. The Lucario just had the time to stretch out backwards and he saw the ball passing right above him. He used his hand to avoid falling and got back on his feet. He saw Blast jump on him, about to strike him. The Lucario rolled forward to avoid the focus blast, and the Typhlosion hit the floor, destroying it completely. He looked at Lurio. Lurio charged an aura sphere and Blast charged an other focus blast. They fire type shot first, Lurio jumped aside and threw the sphere at Blast. He avoided by moving the hip, right after that, Lurio jumped on him and stroke the Typhlosion's head with his fist. He punched him agin on the other side of the head. When Blast seemed a bit stunned, Lurio gave a blow with his knee in the jaw. Blast grunted, but he abruptly grabbed Lurio's head, surprising him, and smashed it with his knee. Lurio moaned and fell on the ground. When he got back on his feet, Blast started to run to him, but all of a sudden Alexei punched him on the head with a meteor mash. It barely injured him...

"Don't even..."

Lurio leapt on him and tried to land a high jump kick, but the fire type jumped backwards and dodged it. Lurio rolled to land, so his leg would be less hurt. Blast was really upset, his flames on his neck were more intense than before.

"You don't know any attack that would hurt him?" Lurio asked the Metang.

"I know earthquake but you're both too close and this shack would collapse..."

"Then all we have to do is get out of here."

Lurio looked at Gre who was fighting Tylor, he just dodged a poison jab and tried to attack with a dagger but the Toxicroack stopped his arm with his hand.

"Gre let's go!" Lurio shouted.

Gre glanced at Lurio with a questioning look but right after he freed his arm and ran towards he exit. Lurio held Alexei's hand and did the same. Blast charged with his hands a fire blast and threw it. Lurio and Alexei moved aside at the same time so they were able to dodged the projectile, then they managed to go behind their adversaries who appeared confused by the tactic.

"Now!" Lurio yelled.

Alexei raised his arms and smashed the soil with both his fists, the ground trembled. Their two enemies understood and started to run but the ground below them got destroyed and the the roof collapsed on them. But they saw on their left two Magmortars and a Claydol pointing their arms at them. Lurio and the other were against the rampart.

"You better not move Federation scums!" A Magmortar said mockingly.

Suddenly the debris of the roof exploded, there was now Blast instead, Tylor got out from the rest of the debris. Blast looked at them while breathing loudly, he started laughing.

"Well played but that isn't enough." he looked at the Magmortars. "Bring the bomb! Destroy that wall!"

The Magmortars nodded and moved away.

"I don't know what you were trying to do, but this fortress will fall and the gems will be ours!"

"...the gems?"

"What?" Blast laughed again. "HAHA! You don't even know what you're defending?! You don't even know why this fort was built?!"

"They might be mercenaries, but that would be surprising." Tylor said.

"No they aren't. They're just noisy parkers, kids who get into stuff that doesn't concern them. Anyway, enough talking, your pathetic lives end here!" the fire on his neck intensified

"Wait! The Metang has nothing to do with what happened at Firstone! Let him go!" Lurio tried to give Alexei a chance to run.

"You're really naive. He's a member of the Steel Federation and he helped you. Do you really think I'll let him go?"

The Magmortars came back with a powder keg and placed next to the wall. They backed up and one shot a fire ball towards the keg. It exploded, creating a hole in the wall.

"Whatever, now is..."

Suddenly, a lot of the Steel Federation came out of the smoke and charged the the soldiers of the Hell Army, surprised by the charge.

"What the...?!"

"Now is our chance!" Gre started running.

Lurio and Alexei followed him, the Lucario took the Metang's arm to avoid being slowed down.

"NO!" Blast chased them.

Suddenly a flamethrower coming above stopped him. Lurio looked at the sky and saw Charles. He landed right in front of him.

"You both are okay?" the Charizard asked.

"We can say that." Lurio answered.

"Go inside I'll take care of him."

When they got away from him, Lurio saw the two talking but he couldn't hear what they were saying. They approached their allies and saw the Aegislash who helped them earlier. She looked surprised upon noticing the three.

"What the hell are you doing in this side?!" she yelled.

"I helped him escape..." Lurio answered while glancing at Alexei.

She looked at the Metang with a surprised air. Though Lurio could read respect in her emotions.

"...go inside."

The three nodded and went the hole while dodging the several soldiers who were coming out of it.

"Alexei, go see a Chansey, you might need treatments." Lurio said to the Metang, he was worried if he was hurt earlier.

"I'm fine."

Lurio read in his mind. The Metang's arm was hurting.

"Your arm hurts."

"How... oh yeah you're a Lucario, of course."

"You better go see a Chansey before you return in there okay?" He asked gently with a smile.

"...Okay."

Alexei left wjile holding his arm, Lurio noticed he was hiding his pain very well this whole time.

"You made a friend?" Gre asked.

"It depends if he considers me as one."

"He probably does." Gre giggled.

Lurio smiled at what he said. He never thought he would make a friend in such a situation. Then he focused and wondered where Gaby was.

"Where is Gaby?" he asked.

"I don't know." Gre answered while looking for them.

"Hey!" it was Charles's voice.

They looked at where the voice came and noticed Charles who was flying in their direction.

"You know where Gaby is?" Lurio asked.

"Gaby is in there, he won't be really happy. He tried to go find both of you but soldiers prevented him to."

"I guess I should be sorry to him?"

"Not really, just knowing you're alive would be..."

They suddenly heard a loud noise coming from the other side, followed by screams of pain and terror. A tornado of fire was visible from where they were standing. It was huge, and it was something Lurio never saw before. Who could have the power to do such a thing?

"Oh no..." Charles said.

He ran towards the hole as other soldiers of the Steel Federation. Lurio and Gre followed him and then they heard a loud roar. Lurio already heard it, at Firstone. Right after the fire disappeared. The Heatran appeared, next to several incinerated corpses. The fire was reflected on his sparkling orange eyes, he stared at Lurio, Gre and Charles with his mouth on fire, waiting for them. Two Nidokings were standing next to it, looking at them with a confident smirk.

"I'll take care of the two poison types and distract the other potential enemies." Charles said.

"You're sure?" Lurio asked, worried for Charles.

"I'll be fine. Just do NOT let that thing get through. Do not underestimate it. Good luck."

He flew off, rushed the Nidokings and spitted out fire at them. One managed to dodge the attack but the other one got merely hurt. They both climbed a shack and chased the Charizard. The Heatran barely glanced at Charles and started walking in the direction of Lurio and Gre. Lurio could sense it was satisfied to be left alone, it wanted his preys for him all alone.

"Get ready. He's both steel and fire type remember?" Gre said while creating a water shuriken.

"Got it."

The Heatran roared again and Gre and Lurio were all of a sudden surrounded by fire.

"Move!" Gre yelled.

Both Pokémons went out of the circle of fire and a giant tornado of fire appeared at where they were standing. Lurio didn't know what would have happened if they stayed there. Lurio looked at the Heatran again and it was about to spit out fire at the Lucario. He prepared to dodge but he noticed that Gre jumped and was going to throw his shuriken at the fire type. The Heatran glanced at the Greninja and turned to him and shot a fire blast. Gre threw the water shuriken at the same time and the projectiles exploded when they collided. Gre got out of the smoke with his water daggers in hand. The creature stepped back and his mouth was again in fire. Lurio joined Gre and leapt on the Heatran to deal a high jump kick. But when he did, the fire type quickly glanced at the the Lucario and opened his mouth, aimed the ground and shot.
Lurio and Gre were trapped.
The explosion repulsed Lurio and Gre. The Lucario yelled because of the sudden pain caused by the fire. He rolled backwards and managed to regain control. The pain wasn't too bad fortunately. He looked at Gre, he didn't seem too injured. The Greninja looked at him and shew that he was fine. The Heatran stamped on the ground with his two strong front legs. Lurio felt heat under his legs. Lurio rolled aside immediately right before the lava spout from the ground. Lurio quickly looked at Gre, he dodged the earth power as well. But he still felt heat under his body. He started to run and the lava started to spout from the ground in different spots. The ground exploded right in front of him and he stopped in time in front of the lava. Then he noticed the Heatran charged an other fire blast. Lurio charged an aura sphere with his hands, he was faster than the fire type and threw it at the Heatran. It shot the fire blast and the projectiles exploded at the impact, creating smoke. Lurio looked at Gre who looked at him as well.

"Throw an aura sphere at the same time as I throw the shuriken!" Gre said as he created a water shuriken.

Lurio nodded and charged an aura sphere between his hands. When Gre threw the water shuriken, threw the sphere in the smoke. There was an impact sound and the beast yelled of pain and rage. The smoke dissipated and they could see the Heatran, wounded on the side. He stared at them, waiting, but the fire evading from the mouth showed it was actually enraged.

"Lurio on your side!" Gre shouted at him.

The Lucario turned and saw a Chandelure, levitating on a shack, who was going to attack with a flamethrower. Lurio quickly gathered his hands and shot a dark pulse at the specter type. The Chandelure dodged by moving on the side, but suddenly the shack he was levitating on exploded and lava gushed from the ground. The Chandelure disappeared.

"PREYS... MINE." the Heatran talked.

The Heatran didn't want anyone to interfere. Many soldiers of the Hell Army were right behind him but didn't move, they seemed to understand the message. Suddenly Lurio felt a presence behind him. He turned around and saw a dark Marowak who leapt towards him with his bone staff burning. Lurio was about to try to dodge but the specter type got hit by a dark blade from behind and fell in front of the Lucario. It was the Aegislash, accompanied with other members of the Steel Federation, including the Magnetons who helped them.

"You need reinforcements as I can see. We'll deal with those guys, take care of the Heatran." she said.

Lurio and Gre nodded. The Aegislash and the others rushed the enemy soldiers, the Heatran didn't seem to care. It walked towards them menacingly.

"I'll attack from behind." Gre said while creating water daggers.

"Okay."

Lurio rushed towards the Heatran, ready to avoid any incoming attack. The Heatran continued to walk and opened his mouth to bite the Lucario. Lurio jumped and bounced with his hands on the metal head of the beast, surprised. He landed behind it, quickly charged au aura sphere and threw it on its leg before it got the time to fully turn around. It roared of pain and bent the leg. But Lurio noticed that they were in a circle of fire. He jumped backwards as far as possible and then the tornado of fire appeared, one of his feet was in the fire, the pain was atrocious. He managed to land despite the pain. He put both of his hand on his burned foot. Then the Heatran crossed the fire, like it was nothing. It stared at the Lucario with his angry orange eyes. When the fire disappeared, Gre jumped on the beast's back and planted his daggers. It roared louder than before. Lurio stood up and leapt on the Heatran and stroke violently its head with his knee. The metal head cracked and the Heatran yelled again, but it stopped and collapsed after a few seconds.
The Heatran was down.
Some soldiers of both sides stopped fighting and stared at the body of the beast, they either felt joy or anger. The soldiers of the Hell Army abruptly continued the fight and even fought with more fervour, their strikes were harder. Then they saw Tylor not really far away.

"Continue the push! Strike them down!" he shouted to his soldiers.

Blast appeared next to him, his arm was injured, probably from the fight against Charles. By thinking about Charles, Lurio looked around to see where he was. Then he and Gre heard someone behind him, they turned around and saw Charles again.

"You really did it. I'm impressed." Charles said, he appeared tired.

"He was strong. I don't think we could beat him one on one." Lurio said, holdong his foot.

"What matters here is that it's down. But it isn't over There are still many of them."

"What is the next step?" Gre asked.

"For now we hold the position. It will depend on the commander's choi..."

"What is that?!" it was the Aegislash's voice.

She was looking above her. They did the same and Lurio didn't understand what he was seeing first. A giant boat started to appear out of nowhere in the sky, it had what seemed to be wings on each side and a giant ballon at the top of it. Everyone stopped fighting. They all stared at it. Even the soldiers of the Hell Army, Lurio doubted it was one of their weapons.

"Charles... what is that?" Lurio asked.

Charles didn't answer. He kept watching it but Lurio noticed his look was different, it was surprise, but there was something more, it was anger. He did know what it was.
Suddenly ropes got down from the ship and Pokémons started to use these to go down, they were wearing steel epaulettes with the shape of horns.
They weren't soldiers of the Steel Federation, neither of the Hell Army.
A Sandslash jumped on Lurio and raised his claws. Lurio jumped backwards to dodge the attack, several other Pokémons went down and attacked everyone they saw. Gre was attacked by a Hitmonlee and Charles by a Ludicolo. Lurio riposted by leaping on the ground type with his fist covered with ice. The Sandslash immediately rolled aside and scratched Lurio arm surprisingly fast with his claws. The Lucario grunted, fortunately, it wasn't that painful. Then the Sandslash said:

"Ktepiypatpe."

What did he just say? Was it really Seraïonian? No it wasn't, Lurio never heard this before and his accent was... different. Though, Lurio understood the Sandslash looked down on him, he stepped backwards.

"Who are these guys?!" Gre asked.

"They aren't Seraïonian, I think."

Charles threw the Ludicolo in a shack and spit out fire towards the Hitmonlee and the Sandslash. The Hitmonlee rolled backwards and the Sandslash folded away, protecting himself. Lurio looked at him, he kept the same expression.

"Charles... you know who they are right?" Lurio talked to him.

The fire type glanced at him, then he closed his eyes and sighed.

"They're Galorian." he finally replied.

"What?!" Lurio and Gre said at the same time.

"I know what they're looking for. We need to fall back."

"Wait what?" Lurio was confused.

The Aegislash and other allies joined them, her shield was damaged.

"We need to fall back, they're too strong!"

Lurio and the others ran into the hole in the ramparts. But the Galorian also invaded the other side, an other boat was above them, dropping more enemies.

"We're surrounded!" a soldier panicked.

"Force the way! We need to get in the fort!" the Aegislash screamed.

Suddenly a group of Pokémons Lurio never saw before appeared in front of them. They were small, but their heads were pretty big compared to their thin black bodies. Their heads were red spotted of dark blue, their antennas seemed to be eyebrows. They were flying, but weren't using wings. There five of them. Suddenly energy waves went out from their heads and hit the group. Lurio tried to dodge but his arm was hit, it felt like it was being crushed slowly. Lurio was about to charge a dark pulse, but then he thought about their likeness to insects. So instead he jumped on one while wrapping his fist with ice. The Pokémon noticed him and levitated on the side fast enough to avoid being hit and attacked again with a psychic. Lurio rolled aside, he saw the ground where he was standing getting crushed by the psychic waves.

"Appayk pkap Puyatio!" the insect type said, but the Lucario couldn't see his lips moving.

One of them turned to Lurio and was about to attack. But he was suddenly wrapped by fire and started screaming with a high-pitched voice, he started to drift around and crashed on the ground. The one who did this was Charles, despite the simultaneous psychic attacks, he did a flamethrower at the insect types. The others avoided the flames, suddenly two were stroke by the Aegislash's blade which was wrapped by spectral energy. It penetrated their exosqueleton and they fell on the ground, Lurio could see some blood getting out. He focused again on his foe. He looked worried about the situation. Lurio took advantage of the distraction and leapt on him to deal an ice punch. The insect type was taken by surprise and tried to dodge, but he was too slow. His head bumped against the wall and fell unconscious, on the ground. The last one, seeing this, flew away. Lurio noticed that a Poliwrath and a Lairon were fainted. After checking quickly their aura, he saw the Poliwrath was dead, but not the Lairon. The others started to run towards the fort.

"Wait we need to help him!" he shouted at them.

"We don't have the time dumbass!" a Lycanrock answered, he was actually scared.

A Magneton joined the Lucario. He was the one he saved the other day. The Magneton used his magnets to pull the Lairon and Lurio helped him carrying him. When they approached the fort, a Pangoro flew towards them and crashed in front of them, a big scratch was visible on his stomach. Gaby was a bit further, his claw raised. He looked tired, his lungs inflated without stopping.

"Hurry! Get in there before more of them arrive!" he yelled at them.

They entered in the fort, passed guards, went up the stairs and left the injured Lairon to a Chansey.

"We made it!" a Magneton said, surprised he's still alive.

"Maybe, but now we need to know what to do against these guys!" the Aegislash replied. "We don't even who they are, what language are they even speaking?!"

Lurio was about to reply something, but he noticed Gaby and Charles weren't there, anymore. He looked around and saw them outside. He approached carefully and tried to listen what they were saying.

"You're really sure?" it was Gaby's voice.

"Yes, those ships belong to him. I'm sure." Charles said.

"But why are they here?"

"The Steel Federation has to hide gems here. I have to find him."

"No, don't go all alone. What about Lurio and Gre?"

"Take care of them."

"No wait!"

Lurio left his hiding place and saw Charles flying away.

"Gaby, where is he..." Lurio asked.

"...He's going to deal with something."

"With who?"

Gaby's mouth opened a bit, by the surprise. He glanced at him, then closed the eyes. After a while, he looked at Lurio and finally talked:

"Someone he knows for years, and tried to forget. He didn't tell me his name, but he hates him."

"But... we have to help him then!"

Gaby gritted his teeth. He was probably wondering if he should disobey his friend or not. But after a short moment, he said:

"Go watch him for me. I'll watch Gre."

Lurio nodded. He looked at where Charles went, the Charizard was heading at the East of the fortress, outside of the ramparts protecting the main building. He jumped off the balcony and landed on an other one below, then he ran on the wall to reach the rampart, he jumped and grabbed the edge of the wall, he climbed onto it and looked at Charles. He was still heading in the same direction, he was looking in every direction, probably looking for "him". Suddenly he accelerated, Lurio sped up to keep up with the Charizard's speed. He was running on the roofs of shacks and buildings, following Charles far behind him. He was passing the many soldiers of the Hell Army who were fighting the Galorian fighters. Then he noticed the further he was, the less was soldiers of the Hell Army. He was only seeing Galorian fighters. After a while Charles slowed down and started to get down, so Lurio stopped running and got down the roof he was standing on and approached carefully in a lane, trying to avoid being seen by anyone. After walking for a little moment, he looked in a path leading to the second ramparts and saw Pokémons in there. He hid behind a wall and looked prudently who they were. They were three and one was a Hydreigon, he was wearing a brown cape and silver epaulettes. The two others were as big as the dragon type, but their body seemed to be an entire white armor with the shape of a rock, their arms were short but their legs were massive. They were looking on the left and right, Lurio could glimpse their yellow eyes, but he couldn't see their mouths. Suddenly Charles landed violently on the ground behind them.

"TRACTATORI!" he yelled at them, Lurio could sense anger.

The three stopped. The rock shaped Pokémons were the first to turn around and were immediately ready for a fight. The Hydreigon slowly turned around. He looked at Charles with a mystified look.

"Who are you?" The Hydreigon replied, with the accent the other Galorian had. Lurio assumed he was Tractatori, and the one Charles was looking for.

"You ketteyppy ktoj jko I as."

Lurio could not understand what he said.

"...Kayes?"

"Kayes" sounded like a name. So Charles was actually called "Kayes"? Lurio wasn't sure.

"Pkap iy se." Charles replied, while nodding.

"...I as yutktiyep po yee you kete. Etet it I ktej je joupp seep ajait."

They continued talking in Galorian. Charles, or Kayes, was talking with anger, and regret. Meanwhile Tractatori was talking more calmly and appeared to try to reason with him. Lurio could see the probably steel types waiting and watching the Charizard. But the Lucario was wondering about what he discovered. Tractatori mentionned several times "Kayes", so it must be true then. Why did Charles change his name? What happened back then? Lurio could not know the answer without asking Charles, or Gaby. He kept listening even if he wasn't understanding anything, so he could watch Charles. He heard all of a sudden:

"A toyy ketyot..."

He looked above him and saw a Scrafty on the roof smiling at him in an alarming way. He jumped on the Lucario and his fist wrapped itself with energy, Lurio rolled further in the lane and the dark type smashed the ground. Lurio charged an aura sphere but the Scrafty immediately leapt on him to deal a brick break. Lurio reacted in time and rolled forwards, passed just below the enemy, managed to keep the sphere stable while rolling and threw it at the dark type who couldn't avoid it. He got hit but was still conscious. Then the Scrafty emitted a dark aura and rushed towards him surprisingly fast, Lurio put his arms in front of him to block the incoming hits. The Scrafty did a series of powerful hits on the steel type's arms who was withstanding the payback. The Scrafty stopped and jumped backwards, he seemed to know he was in a bad situation. Suddenly Charles landed between Lurio and the dark type.

"Joppastip a Ykatibatp..." the Scrafty sounded annoyed.

"Peate kis." Charizard talked to him.

"A Galoriat?! Jky ate you ajaityp uy?!"

"Jky ate you jipk kis?"

Charles spit fire at the Scrafty, who fled. Charles looked at Lurio with a severe look.

"Why did you follow me?"

"I was worried, you left us and went here all alone. And Gaby was too, he allowed me to watch you."

"I should have expected that." he actually smiled.

"But who is that Hydreigon?"

"It's personnal. You don't have to know who he is."

"Of course I have to, aren't we supposed to be friends?"

Charles looked away, he had a thoughtful expression. Suddenly the Pokémons who were with Tractatori appeared on each side of the lane.

"Etesy it yijkp." the one Lurio's side said with a deep voice.

"Yuttetpet. Toj." the other one said with a voice pretty similar.

"What did they say?" Lurio asked Charles.

"They told us to surrender. Ready yourself."

"What are they?"

"They're Duraludons, dragon and ste..."

The Duraludon who was facing Lurio leaned, put his arms on the ground and opened his mouth very widely and electricity started to come out.

"Charles watch out!" Lurio warned him.

"They're attacking at the same time! Take my hand!"

He quickly grabbed his hand and they flew off. the two Duraludons fired at the same time their thunderbolts, both attacks collided and exploded. Lurio and Charles landed in the alley, the Lucario caught sight of Tractatori standing with two other Duraludons on his side. He didn't seem surprised to see Lurio with Charles, he probably noticed him before. The Hydreigon signaled the Duraludons next to him to join the others who came out of the lane. Charles and Lurio were surrounded.

"I wondered who that Lucario was. A friend of yours I imagine." Tractatori talked to the Charizard, but in Seraïonian this time.

Charles casted a glance at Lurio.

"He is. Now answer me, what is the Steel Federation keeping here that interests you?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"Gems?"

"You know me too well."

"Just gems?" Lurio asked Charles.

"That isn't what you think it is." Charles replied.

"Seems like you didn't tell him everything about you, am I right?" Tractatori said.

Charles didn't reply.

"Hmph. You really were hiding this whole time, and look where it brought you. Right back to me. You can't run away from your past, Kayes."

"Yes I see that, Now I know I shouldn't try anymore."

"I am happy to hear that from you. Appayk pkes."

The Duraludons were about to attack. Suddenly a water shuriken hit a Duraldon's arm, he barely groaned.

"Jkap pke...?!" he said, surprised.

Lurio smiled upon seeing this. Gre landed next to Charles and Lurio.

"Never go away like that again." Gre said.

"Sorry, I just wanted to be fast."

Gaby also arrived, Charles looked at him with a friendly smirk on his face. Gaby laughed a bit.

"Heh, look we were all worried."

"...Thank you all."

Gaby looked at Tractatori, who seemed to be scarcely surprised.

"It's him?"

"Yes, but we have other problems."

"More friends then. I'll leave you with the Duraludons, I have to deal with something."

"Wait!" Charles yelled at him.

Two Duraludons stepped forward to prevent him to follow the Hydreigon.

"What are we dealing with?" Gre asked.

'Duraludons, dragon and steel type, quite tough but slow, watch out for their range attacks."

"Got it." everyone said at the same time.

Lurio ran towards a Duraludon. The dragon leaned and opened his mouth and he shot a dragon breath. Lurio jumped above it and went behind him. Lurio charged an aura sphere and threw it. The Duraludon immediately turned around and used his arm to block it. The sphere exploded, the steel type had one eye close, it hurted him. But he opened his mouth and shot a fire ball in the air, it exploded and was divided into several projectiles.

"Japyk oup." he was talking to the other Duraludons.

Lurio started to run, dodged several meteors and approached the Duraludon. The dragon type shot a thunderbolt at Lurio. He was about to dodge on the side, but he was meteors coming on each side. He jumped a bit late and his paw was hit by the electricity, he moaned as he felt the electricity going all over his leg, he rolled on the landng right in front of the Duraludon who raised his arm. The Lucario rolled backwards, but he noticed his enemy didn't try to punch him. Then he heard him sneering. Lurio understood and quickly avoided the meteor which almost smashed him. He charged an aura sphere and threw it at the Duraludon. He did a sideways step and used his arm to move faster, the sphere barely missed.

"I teruite ayyiypatye." the Duraludon seemed to talk to an other one.

A Duraludon behind him turned to Lurio and shot a thunderbolt, the Lucario moved aside and avoided the electricity. The Duraludon was abruptly interrupted by Charles who was spitting fire at him. The one facing Lurio was distracted, Lurio charged an other aura sphere and threw it. The Duraludon realized his mistake too late and ended up hit. He moaned and put an arm on the ground to avoid falling.

"Lurio get out of here!" it was Gre's voice.

Lurio looked at him, the Duraludon who was against him was about to shoot what appeared to be a flash cannon at Gre, and Lurio was also in the firing line. Lurio quickly rolled in the side at the same time as Gre and the dragon type shot an enormous white laser which crossed the alley and completely destroyed a shack behind Lurio. That was way too powerful for a flash cannon, maybe a hyper beam. Gre ran towards his adversary and jumped behind him, avoiding a jab from him. Lurio looked at the Duraludon he was facing, he still didn't recover, he was really weakened. He sprinted in the dragon type's direction and ended him with a kick. He barely yelled and finally collapsed.

"Lurio, Gre, get on my back!" Charles shouted.

"Why?" Lurio asked.

"Gaby will finish them."

Gre and Lurio quickly climbed on the Charizards's back and he took flight.

"Hold tight!" Charles yelled.

He did a looping, dodging a thunderbolt from a Duraludon, Lurio clung onto Charles back very strongly to avoid falling. then He looked down and saw Gaby blocking the arms of a Duraludon with his claws, he repulsed them with his foot. Then he roared quite loudly and planted his claws in the ground. The ground started to become cracked, the steel types realized what was going on and started to get away from there, but the ground they were standing on collapsed, taking them down. Charles and the others landed next to Gaby who was breathing loudly.

"We need to get back to the fortress." Charles said.

"What about the Hydreigon?" Gaby asked.

"I'll deal with him later, we need to make sure the remaining guards could evacuate."

Lurio understood like the others, the fortress was lost, all they could do was get out of here.

"But it's completely surrounded." Gre pointed it out.

"We'll fly there."

"What about Gaby?" Lurio asked.

"Garchomps can fly, you didn't know?"

"...What?" Lurio and Gre were both surprised by this fact.

"I can." Gaby confirmed.

"Then why didn't you fly..." Gre asked, he was very confused.

"I just find it funny how people aren't aware of that and get surprised."

"Anyway get on."

Lurio got on Charles' back and Gre on Gaby's. When they flew off, Gaby was surprisingly fast. He and Gre joined a balcony of the fortress way earlier than Charles and Lurio.

The Aegislash seemed relieved to see the four finally back.

"Where the hell were you?!"

"Sorry, I needed to... deal with something." Charles responded.

"Whatever, I'm glad you're back, the commander gave us the order to use the tunnels to escape."

"Tunnels?"

"Yes, it's a secret path to allow us to retreat in case we get overwhelmed. But we need to buy some time for the injured people, come help us!"

As they started to follow the Aegislash, Lurio saw Gre falling on the floor right next to him.

"GRE!"

He quickly crouched and took the Greninja on his arms. He was alive, but he was moaning because of pain and was breating quickly, but from what? Gaby and Charles rushed towards the two.

"What is it?" Charles spoke to Lurio.

"I don't know! He just... fell over."

Charles grabbed the Greninja's hand, then he put his own hand on the forehead.

"Gre can you speak?" Charles asked.

Gre nodded.

"Did you get hit by any poison type attack?"

Gre nodded again. Lurio's heart's beats accelerated. Gre was poisoned.

"When?" Charles asked.

"...when we were outside to save the Metang."

"By who?"

"A Toxicroak." Lurio answered, he remembered.

"Toxicroak poison's dangerousness increases more with physical efforts. We need to find a cure quick! Do we have any pecha or lum berry?"

"We're out of those..." the Aegislash replied.

"Dammit... tell me you have kebia berries."

"I'll check." the Aegislash before she left.

"Why didn't you talk about it?" Lurio asked Gre.

"I didn't want you to worry too much about me..."

"You're crazy..."

They waited a short while before the Aegislash came back with a Lombre who brought a kebia berry.

"It's him?" The Lombre indicated the Greninja.

The Aegislash nodded.

"You know it won't cure him right?"

"We know, we just need to slow down the poison." Charles replied.

"We gotta be fast then."

Gre ate the berry. His breathing slowed down and Lurio felt the Greninja's heart's beats slowing down too.

"I think... I feel better." Gre said.

The Lucario was relieved.

"As long as the Greninja doesn't do much effort, it should be fine. You have ten hours to find a cure before it gets dangerous again."

"Okay, let's go to these tunnels..."

They suddenly an explosion, it was close. A Magneton burst out in the room in panic.

"They litterally blasted the doors! They started to get in!"

"What?!" the Aegislash said in surprised.

"Where are those tunnels?!" Charles asked the Aegislash.

"In the next floor..."

The Magneton was leapt on by a Sandslash who stroke him, managing to shatter the steel type's metal skin. He looked at the others and yelled:

"Etesy ykop...!"

A small water shuriken pierced his head, he screamed and fell on his back. He wasn't moving anymore. Gre stood up slowly.

"More will come. Let's go."

"You'll be alright?" Lurio was still worried for Gre.

"It'll be fine."

"I'm going to carry you though." Charles talked to the Greninja.

"But... no I understand."

The Charizard grabbed Gre and carried him in the stairs while the others followed him, carrying the body of the Magneton, still alive. When they reached the next floor, they saw many soldiers entering in what appeared to be the entrance of the tunnels, they were mostly coming from other stairs. Commander Aleksander was also here. When he noticed the group, his eyes widened, he seemed surprised and relieved to see them.

"Oh what a relief to finally see you. We almost got everyone in, I was especially waiting for you."

"Are you sure it's everyone?" Lurio asked.

"Everyone we could help, at least."

After they made sure everyone entered in the tunnels, Gaby went in. Suddenly a Manectric came in the room and shot an electric beam into Charizard. He didn't get hurt, but he was paralyzed. An Alakazam who was wearing bronze epaulettes came by the other side and stretched his arms out. Lurio tried to move, but he couldn't move anymore. He tried again, he still couldn't. He looked at Gaby, hoping he could help but was blocked by what seemed to be an invisible wall. That must be the Alakazam's work. He had his eyes closed and his hands were shaking. Then Lurio saw Gre levitating towards the psychic type.
They were actually trying to capture Gre.
Lurio didn't know why, but he had to act. He tried again to move with more effort, he strained. As he saw Gre approaching the Alakazam, he strained even more. Suddenly he managed to free himself and jumped on the Alakazam to hit him with a high jump kick. He won't let them take him. The Alakazam noticed him and shouted:

"Jukaï!"

A Pokémon appeared out of nowhere in front of the Lucario. His foot hit the body but it did nothing. The Pokémon had a triangle shaped head tinted with dark blue, their light blue body was rather short compared ro their very long tail which seemed to disappear at the end. They were also wearing bronze epaulettes. They stared at Lurio with a neutral expression and their yellow eyes.

"Don't interfere, or you'll regret it." She said in a cold tone. Lurio was surprised to see she was talking Seraïonian.

"I won't, let the Greninja go!" he replied.

She disappeared. Lurio just had the time to understand what happened before he received a hit to the head behind him, he was projected on the side, he put his hand on the side of his head because of the pain. That Pokémon must be a ghost type.

"Too slow." she said, still with a cold tone.

Lurio noticed the ghost type was aligned with the Alakazam, so he shot a dark pulse towards her. She moved aside, dodging the dark beam, as expected. She realized her mistake and turned to the psychic type who got surprised. He got hit by the dark pulse, groaned and kneeled, releasing Gre, but not Gaby. Gre's hands got wrapped by dark energy and leapt on the ghost type. She disappeared again and reappeared behind him. Both sides of her head now appeared to be covered in steel. She rushed Gre who crouched in time, but she continued her run towards Lurio. He jumped, dodging the steel wing, he turned around and saw fire in her mouth. He immediately rolled forward the Greninja before she spit fire at him. Then she talked to the Alakazam:

"Yapyk pkes."

The Alakazam got back on his feet and stretched his arms out again. Gre threw a water shuriken at him bt he dodged it by crouching. Lurio tried to move, but wasn't able to move anymore once again. Gre tried as well, in vain.

"I can't move!" Gre said while tring.

"Same!" Lurio replied.

"Don't even try this time. I'm more focused than before." the Alakazam spoke to the two.

Suddenly Charles freed himself from his paralysis and attacked te Alakazam with a flamethrower. But the ghost type got in the way and stopped it with an other flamethrower. Charles groaned upon seeing this.

"You ate ttietpy jipk pkes?" she talked to him.

"Pep se kayy, Jukaï." he answered firmly.

He seemed to know that Jukaï. Suddenly Gaby broke the invisble wall and leapt incredibly fast on the Alakazam. The pyschic type rolled aside, dodging just in time the Garchomp. At that moment, Lurio and Gre were able to move a little, Lurio was able to charge a dark pulse and shot it towards him. The Alakazam created a shield all around him, protecting himself from the attack.

"Okay then." the Alakazam appeared annoyed.

Two balls of eneregy appeared on both of his sides and he threw these at Gre and Lurio. But just at this moment, they were able to move again. They jumped on the side and avoided the focus blasts. Suddenly an electric beam crossed the room and hit the Greninja, he yelled and fell down. Lurio gasped and saw it was a thunderbolt from the Manectric, he actually forgot he was there. Gre was still breathing. Lurio could still save him. He looked at the Garchomp, but he was occupied with a Kommo-o in a hand to hand combat, and Charles was struggling against Jukaï. He was alone. He was levitating all of a sudden, the Alakazam was controlling his body. Then he flew and crashed into a wall, he moaned at the impact and fell on the ground, but now he was near of the Alakazam and the Manectric.

"Katapyye kis." he spoke to the electric type.

The Manectric opened his mouth and a ball of electricity appeared in it. Lurio quickly jumped, dodging the thunderbolt and prepared his foot. The Manectric didn't have enough time to move and took fright upon seeing the Lucario. Lurio stroke violently the Maectric on his head with his foot, knocking them out. Then he immediately shot a dark pulse on the Alakazam who protected himself again with a shield, As soon as the shield went down, Lurio attacked him with several ice punches. The Alakazam avoided the punches and then stopped one with a hand. Lurio tried to do an uppercut but he stopped it as well. But he was struggling to keep the fists away. Lurio released his hand and tried to punch the Alakazam in the face. Suddenly he felt an impact on his back and a huge pain emerged. He yelled because of that sudden pain. He looked behind, there was nobody. Then he felt his body being light. He was levitating again because of the Alakazam.

"You already lost the moment I started to dodge your attacks, I outsmarted you." the psychic type said.

He smashed the floor with Lurio, the pain was intense, his entire body was hurting. Lurio's sight began to get blurry and he started to hear less and less well. All he could see was Charles trying to reach him, but Jukaï prevented him to do so, he barely heard what were said, then he felt he was carried away. Then he finally closed his eyes, he could see and hear nothing anymore.

When he was finally able to open his eyes, he was staring at one of the flying ships. He was outside, he looked around and only buildings in fire. He was dragged towards a ship close to the ground by a Zorwark who was also wearing bronze epaulettes, then he noticed a Bisharp dragging Gre. His body didn't want to move. After a while, they finally reached the flying ship, the Zorwark turned around and noticed the Lucario was awake,

"Ooh looks like you're awake." he talked to Lurio with a shrill voice.

He looked forward again.

"Tractatori, we have something else that would interest you." he said while glancing at Lurio.

Tractatori joined them and stared at Lurio, he smirked.

"Good job Brekow." he said, rather satisfied.

He stared at the Lucario for a short moment.

"So you're Kayes's friend. For now, he's my enemy, but you can be useful to us."

"...I'll never join you..." Lurio said with difficulty.

"That isn't what I meant."

He went away and headed to the ship, a little bridge allowed people to get in. The Zorwark followed the Hydreigon in. Lurio wondered what would they do to Gre and him. Then he got a headache, and he fell uncouscious.

End of chapter 9


There, I think you easily noticed this chapter is far longer than the previous ones. This doesn't mean the others would be like that though. I just had more things to tell in this one. Again, sorry for the late, but I hope you liked it. Post a review if you want to say anything about it. I don't know how long it will take for the next chapter but I hope it won't be too long.

Have a nice day.