Authors' Note: If there are any questions, please leave a review and we will do our best and try to answer it!

Disclaimer: We don't actually own Pokemon.

Chapter Ten: Escalating Conflicts

The next day, the Revolutionists met in the same room where they'd cuffed Lunis out of business for a battle plan. This time, it was real, not an act. Every Pokemon's face was set with grim determination. They were ready to bring the 1000kg hammer of justice onto Darkrai's smoky head. Every member was present, with the exception of Billy, who was still in the hospital.

Ralph traced a line down Route 2. "This is a direct route, so the Shadow Force might not expect us to travel this way."

"They'll probably still be guarding it, though." Jebodiah said, "It's still not safe."

"But they'll probably expect us to take an indirect route, so Route 2 is the safest road." Lumiere pointed out, "But I take Jebodiah's point. They're most likely be alert for any strange vehicles."

"Hey, we've got good camouflage!" Ron protested, "And we've got my new invention war vehicle!"

"Ron, the 'war vehicle' you showed us yesterday was still a pile of scrap metal." Charnette said drily, "In any case, a war vehicle is probably not the best camouflage."

"That's true." Xeno admitted, "But will our Evolution Revival disguise still work?"

"Why not?" May leaned forward. "Striaton is a big city. Route 2 is a busy road. There's a good chance they'll just see us as another traveling caravan if we stay on low profile."

"I take your point." Rachiel studied her claws. "But since most of the officers already saw our disguised caravans during the Accumula Battle, it's not a good point."

"We could morph our disguise." Jason suggested, "Change it into a different type of traveling caravan, with a different name and features and everything."

Ralph pondered that. "That would work." he decided, "Ron, can you do it?"

"Duh!" Ron puffed out his chest. "A little remodeling, a new coat of paint―easy!"

"Ralph!" The door to the room opened and Mayor Mack scampered in. "I'm so sorry I'm late for the battle meeting." Behind him was the Accumula Town mayor―a timid-looking Dewott. "I don't think you guys have introduced yourselves to the Accumula mayor yet. This is Mayor Airavata, but you can call him Vata."

Vata smiled and bowed. "Thanks for getting us out of the death clearing." he said gratefully, "I will do whatever is within my power to aid you on your quest to defeat the Shadow Force."

"Join us and sit down." Charlez invited.

"Airavata." Vindictus muttered, "Origin: Kalos. Meaning: Child of water. Vata. Vat. Flowers."

The two mayors seated themselves and each took out a laptop.

"We should probably talk to the Striaton City mayor and his siblings." Mayor Vata suggested, "Those three are pretty smart. Besides, we sort of need their permission to send heavily armed forces there."

"Of course!" Ralph almost slapped himself. "We'll definitely need their permission. I forgot."

"I'll set up a video chat." Mack tapped furiously on his laptop. "Setting up chat with Mayor Akhelios, his brother, Vulcan, and sister, Pagina."

Vata put on a headpiece. "Joining chat." he relayed.

"So formal." Amethyst muttered.

"Hey, Mack-O. Is that you?" A weary voice came over the intercom. "How's it going? Oh, hi, Vata."

"Akhelios!" Vata said, sounding quite surprised, "You look horrible!"

All of the Revolutionists immediately scooted over so they could take a peek at the famous Panpour mayor.

"Gee, thanks a lot, dude." Akhelios the Panpour muttered, "Whoa, what's up with all the Pokemon? Please don't tell me you're all mayors."

"We're not." Ralph said, "We're the Revolutionists."

"Mother of me." Mayor Akhelios said, "The ones who busted those mangy lumps of good-for-nothin' dungs out of Accumula and Nuvema? Very nice! Unfortunately, I'm afraid there's nothing you can do to help Striaton."

"Why?" Charlez asked, "Striaton City may be bigger, but we've got a lot of new recruits. If we add the Striaton City citizens..."

"That's not the problem." Akhelios replied tiredly. He stood up, and the screen shifted, indicating that he was walking. "This is."

Everybody in the meeting room gasped. Although it was day, the Striaton City sky was inky black. The streets were burning, and the cries of Pokemon echoed around the ghostly city.

Akhelios spun the laptop around and sat down in in office again. "We're completely encased in a magical black globe. We can't dig, fly, or go past it. We can't even teleport or use Sunny Day. Our food won't grow because there's dark fog everywhere, and they bombed our hospital, so there are no medics―we're done."

"What exactly...?" Ralph was lost for words.

"Vulcan and Pagina are trying to calm the citizens down, but we can't. They're scared out of their minds. Some are even rebelling, saying that we should join forces with the Shadow Force." Akhelios said, "It's over. None of our enchantresses or enchanters can break the magical globe. We're locked in a battle we can't win."

"Why are they attacking you guys?" Ralph asked, "You haven't sided with anyone yet, or done anything aggressive. Why would they move in on your city?"

"That would be your fault, I believe." Akhelios said drily, "After Accumula and Nuvema broke away from the Shadow Force rule, they've been sending tons of officers and vehicles into the towns and cities in Western Unova."

"I don't think that's the cause for the siege, though." Lumiere cut in curtly, "There must be another reason."

"Or it would be our fault for writing that Declaration of Anti-Shadow Force after the Accumula Revolution." Akhelios admitted, "Which would be our fault."

"Are you stupid?" Xeno snapped.

There was a shout behind him, and Akhelios sighed.

"That's my cue, guys. Gotta go." The screen turned black. All of the Pokemon in the room looked at Ralph.

Ralph took a shaky breath. "Tell our forces," he said grimly, "to gather for an assembly this afternoon. And tell them," His eyes darkened. "that Striaton City... is under siege."

"Charnette, Amethyst." Ralph waved the two over as the others filed out of the room. "I have a special mission for the two of you." He doubted his plan would work, but he trusted Charnette and Amethyst's skill enough to have hope in it.

"What?" Amethyst asked, tugging on the scarf she always wore.

"I know this is a lot to ask for, but could you to go... and spy on the Shadow Force?" he pleaded, "Like, check out their defenses and everything?"

Charnette glanced at Amethyst. The fox shrugged. The Liepard turned back to Ralph and nodded. "That'd be fun." she said, "Better than hanging around this boring place. Ame and I can take care of it." she said with such confidence, Ralph was almost jealous, "We'll pack our things and do a last check-in with you before we leave. That okay?"

"Yes." Ralph replied, filled with relief, "Thank you." Then he turned and walked out of the door. As he walked, he was lost in thought.

Two towns had been freed, but at what cost? How many Pokemon had been hurt―or, Arceus forbid it―died in the battles? Nuvema Town was partially destroyed. The Accumula citizens had nearly been executed. And now, Straiton City was under seige.

I have to hope for the best, Ralph decided, We will win!

On Fullmoon Island...

"Welcome, Marcus." A silvery light wrapped around Marcus as a huge Pokemon appeared. Her entire body shone with a golden light, and her pink eyes glimmered softly. Three pink, ring-like wings encircled her light yellow body. Marcus stared at her as the legendary Pokemon materialized barely steps from him.

"The moon goddess." Marcus bowed quickly.

Cresselia let out a small, tinkling laugh. "It's been quite a long time since I was called that." she said softly, "But I suppose you still call me that. I don't mind. Did you bring my sword?"

Marcus brought out the cracked sword. In the Lunar Pokemon's presence, it glowed with a soft, silver light.

"A long time ago," Cresselia studied the sword. "this sword was wielded by your great-a-thousand-times grandmother. She was the first female Pokemon to lead an army. Blessed by the moon, she won all battles. But blessings and good luck do not come without darkness. She was also the first to suffer the curse that your bloodline shared. Do you understand that it, the curse, will be fully awakened and even more uncontrollable if you restore this sword?"

"Yeah." Marcus said firmly.

"You have only seen the mere waking sparks once." the moon goddess warned, "And those sparks, if I remember correctly―"

"I know blah blah blah." Marcus's mind flickered with Harmony's shocked expression as she was vaporized. "But I'll control it. I mean... I am the last of my family. I have to."

"Some of your ancestors had the ability to control the curse." Cresselia admitted, "But it is still dangerous. If the curse in handled incorrectly, it will corrupt you. First from the outside―then to your soul. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Marcus replied, "Please restore the sword. I need it to defeat Darkrai."

"Very well." A swirl of gold sparkles swirled around the Lunar Pokemon and the sword. Marcus's eyes burned from the bright lights, and his mind started drowning in the dark whispers.

Let me out. the curse whispered hungrily, Kill them all!

Marcus forced down the voice. I can control it,he thought dizzily.

The gold light blazed brightly once more, than sank into the sword. It self-mended, the cracks fading into nothingness, and the rust disappearing. The sparks evaporated, and the sword fell to the ground in front of Marcus.

"Behold the Sword of Sweet Dreams." Cresselia said, "Once wielded by me during the Era of Creation as I fought Darkrai. It was discarded after we reached a conclusion to stop battling for the moon. After that, the sword grew to be a mere relic of darker times. It has not been used in a long time, as Darkrai has kept to his side of the agreement with me and stopped causing , you shall hold it during battles."

Marcus held the sword reverently,swung it around,testing its weight, and then strapped it onto his back. Then he faced the legendary Pokemon.

"What is it?" Cresselia asked.

"Why don't you fight Darkrai?" Marcus returned, "Stop him from doing all of this. Pokemon are getting hurt! You can wield this sword instead of me and defeat him!"

"That's why you really came?" Cresselia inquired, "To ask for my help?"

Marcus nodded. "You can defeat Darkrai, goddess. You've fought him for eons since the first time nightmares and dreams clashed. You can end this and be the hero!"

Cresselia laughed softly. "My dear Marcus." she said in a quiet voice, "I take no sides during your to-and-fro battles among you Pokemon. Which side is truly evil, may I ask? It is true that the Shadow Force has hurt many Pokemon, but how many times have you Pokemon despised and kicked aside the Dark and Ghost types?"

Marcus couldn't answer.

"In my opinion, neither side is doing the 'right' thing." Cresselia continued, "And Darkrai is not causing Pokemon to fall into nightmares right now, so I do not wish to fight him. Maybe he will turn out to be the evil one. Maybe he will not. I prefer not to be caught up in your political affairs, Marcus. I prefer the old and ancient ways―I protect your dreams, you Pokemon sleep sweetly. I don't like fighting, leading armies, and such. I've decided to remain neutral in this war."

"But―" Marcus started, then sighed. The sword felt heavy on his back. "O... Okay, then." he drooped his head and walked away, his hopes dashed.

He had planned to get Cresselia to join the battle and defeat Darkrai. He wanted his old life back, and he thought that the moon goddess would be able to do that quickly. But he was wrong. She was remaining neutral. She would not fight.

I can control you... the curse snarled, Maybe not now, but someday, one day...

At the Accumula Hospital...

"Hey, Billy!" Jebodiah hollered as he bounded down the halls. Several nurses turned and shushed him. "You okay, man?" He slowed down as he stopped by the Treecko's berth.

Billy grinned weakly. "Yup! They fixed me up right away! I'm feeling better already!"

Ralph, Vindictus, and Lumiere stopped by the two.

"You sure you're okay?" Ralph asked.

"He's expected to survive." One of the nurses chirped cheerfully, "All of his physical wounds are healing nicely." Then she went off to tend to other patients.

"Yeah, I'm feeling great." Billy said, "How are you guys?"

"We're on our way to check out Ron's new blueprint." Ralph replied, "We just stopped by to check on you."

"Ah, I'm fine." Billy waved them off. "Go on. I think I'll take a little nap now." He closed his eyes.

The Revolutionists shrugged and walked on. Jebodiah turned off the lights, said good-night, and followed them. Only Vindictus stayed, watching the Treecko with those scary eyes.

"Lying." the Noctowl said, startling Billy. He thought they'd all left. "Adjective. Synonyms; mendacity, prevarication, falsity. Billy is lying."

"I'm not!" Billy tried to get up, but his wounds burned, making him dizzy. "Okay, fine! I am! How did you know?"

"Fire." Vindictus replied, "Pyro. Flam. Firen. Magical fire is unhealable for Grass type. Steel type. Can be detained. But is unhealable."

"Fine." Billy muttered, "But there's nothing I can do... and I'm still going to join the Revolution! A little magical wound won't stop me from doing that!" He doubled over, holding his side. "Ow!"

Vindictus cocked his head to one side. "Dizziness." he stated, "Blacking out. Uncontrollable power. Limbs failing. Slow reflexes. Dangerous."

"I know!" he growled, "So do something instead of making me feel worse!"

Vindictus shuffled around in his leather satchel and produced two glowing light gray potions. "Painkiller potion." he explained, "Ingredients: one Strib Berry, one Topo Berry, seven Lum Berries, five Oran Berries, four Sitrus Berries, eight Occa Berries, six Ganlon Berries, one special Healing Pendant, one package of Energy Powder, three bunches of Revival Herb..."

Billy rolled his eyes and stared at the ceiling as Vindictus rattled off his list of ridiculous ingredients.

"... three grinded Grass Gems, one pinch of ground Shoal Shell," the Noctowl continued, "Two bottles of Moomoo milk, half a bottle of Iron, and ashes of a Resist Wing. Takes over five months to make one. Only have two right now. Be careful. Each will only work for a month."

"It takes five months to make, contains fifteen ingredients, and it only works for a month?" Billy groaned as he took the vials from Vindictus, "I guess it's better than nothing. Thanks." he told the owl. Suddenly, a hot coal seemed to have dropped into his lungs, and he cried out in pain. The red nerves of agony coursed around his brain, turning his vision black and blue.

"Drink the potion!" Vindictus was yelling next to his head, "Quick!"

Billy managed to uncork one of the potions and dump the contents down his throat. Immediately, the hot coal feeling disappeared. His vision went back to normal. He felt like he'd been soaked in olive oil. "Thanks." he croaked, then looked resentfully down at the empty potion. "But that's one potion gone..."

Vindictus shrugged. "Will search for cure to magic fire." he said, "Stay out of battle." Then he flapped his wings and flew away.

On the sea...

Marcus was not in the mood to be attacked from below.

First of all, submarines were supposed to be used for underwater exploration and sightseeing purposes. Attacking him was one thing, but using such a peaceful bit of vehicle to attack him was another.

"Ahhh!" Marcus yelped as the ship rocked savagely to starboard, almost tipping over. The shiny black skin of the three Shadow Force subs gleamed in the weak daylight as they blasted his boat with a fruity beam of Tamato Berries. The wooden railing creaked and groaned, barely able to stay on the deck.

"Losers!" the Leafeon cursed and blasted one of the subs with Solar Beam. Like all of his previous attempts, the beam was simply deflected off the shiny metal and sent straight back at him, forcing Marcus to hit the deck to dodge.

How to defeat enemies with deflective skin? He couldn't very well just swim over and headbutt it. The Tamato Berries would decapitate him five metres before he even got close. Marcus imagined Darkrai laughing. Beaten by fruits? Ha! What a loser! And what would be the inscription on his tombstone if he died: Here lies Marcus, who died when swimming like an idiot towards a heavily armed sub and being utterly demolished by high-velocity berries.

Marcus pondered his options as the subs fully appeared above water. Grappling hooks flew at him, but he cut them away with Razor Leaf. He glanced at the Sword of Dreams, but he doubted that he could use it against a submarine. Maybe if he threw it... nah, never mind. More hooks flew at him. Marcus managed to cut most of them apart with Leaf Blade and Razor Leaf, but more grappling hooks soar past him and bit into the deck.

Immediately, the Shadow Force officers swarmed the ship. There were only nine of them, those nasty Sableyes, but there was only one of Marcus. He snarled and showed his fangs as they surrounded him. One of the Sableyes lunged at him, but he knocked him aside with a well-aimed kick.

Marcus took hold of his sword with a vine and turned to face them. "Why are you guys attacking me?" he half-complained, "I'm just a harmless sailor trying to cross the seas." Well, a harmless sailor with a wicked sword made to cut Darkrai to pieces, he thought inwardly. But still! A harmless sailor, guys!

Let me out. the curse hissed hungrily, I will tear them apart!

"We know that you're one of the rebels!" one of the Sableye yelled, "Surrender or die!"

"Uh..."

"And drop the sword!"

"But it's..."

"DROP THE SWORD!"

Marcus slipped his sword back onto the ground. "Fine." he said, backing up to the mast, "I surrender." He figured that he could probably escape later. There was no point in useless bloodshed.

"Good..." Then the Sableye's eyes flashed. "Now, execute him!"

"Wait, what?" Marcus recoiled immediately with a Vine Whip, sweeping two Sableyes overboard, but the others kept coming. One picked up the Sword of Dreams, but Marcus smacked him in the head so hard, he dropped it and hit the deck. The other six Sableye rushed at him. Marcus jumped over them, firing an Energy Ball at them. They dodged, and the deck exploded.

Great, he just blew up his own boat.

Cursing himself, he tackled two Sableyes and sent them flying, but they wouldn't stay down for long. The other four jumped him from behind and slammed him to the deck as the two he'd knocked down staggered to their feet and ran to help. Four held down his limbs, pushing him against the mast and tying him up, while the other two gagged him.

Marcus cursed himself inwardly for being overwhelmed so easily. Like, seriously? He'd beaten twenty opponents without a sweat during the Nuvema Revolution, and now nine Sableyes―well, six, actually―could take him? Pathetic.

"Good job, Pokès!" the lead Sableye said, "Zuzu, Sargu, get Bobo and Pumo out of the water. And someone get Taru's ridiculous hide off the deck, please. The rest of you, keep watch on the Leafeon. After we land, we'll export him to General Doomsday in the Northern Kingdom. I want no funny busin―"

WHOOOSH!

A five-meter-tall wave washed over the deck, sending Sableye officers flying as a shape exploded out of the water, eyes glowing with power. A single Hydro Pump took out Zuzu and Sargu, and a Dragon Tail knocked Bobo and Pumo back into the water. The lead Sableye screamed, possibly trying to sing opera, but the new arrival put a stop to it, smashing him into his own submarine with its long tail.

"Hey, hey! You okay?" The Milotic who'd appeared on deck floated up to Marcus in a singsong voice. Her eyes were friendly enough, but as soon as Taru tried to get up, she swung her tail in a deadly arc and tossed him into the water.

"Um... thanks?" Marcus said as she untied him. He eyed her tail warily as he rushed to check the Sword of Dreams, which had luckily not been washed off the deck. It was still in perfect condition, glowing with silver light.

"GET THEM!" The lead Sableye had survived the collision with his sub and was now standing on top of it, trying to rally him half-drowned teammates.

The Milotic turns towards them. "You're the Shadow Force, I see." she said thoughtfully, "I suppose that you wouldn't remember me." She opened her mouth, and a blue orb formed, smoking and hissing with power.

"ATTACK, YOU FOOLS!" the lead Sableye was screaming, "BOBO, GET YOUR USELESS BEHIND ON THE SHIP AND―" His final order was cut off as the most beautiful Pokemon in the world blasted him with a super-powered DragonBreath. The submarine exploded, tossing charbroiled Sableyes everywhere. Then a wave washed them away.

"Err... thanks..." Marcus swallowed, hoping that he wasn't the insane Milotic's next target. "Now if you'll excuse me... I need to get back to Unova, so if you could... get off my ship?"

"Full sails ahead, the scalawags have fled!" the Milotic yelled, popping on a pirate hat, "Aye aye, Captain! We're ready for action!"

"But I didn't say..." Marcus was speechless.

"The name is Melodia!" she yelled at nobody in particular, "On the way back, can we stop at the pizzeria?"

"I didn't..." he repeated.

The serpent swung around to face him, that bright smile plastered onto her face. "We're a team, mate! And right now, we must get you back to your friends at top rate!"

Marcus facepalmed as the crazy Milotic took the wheel and sent the boat flying over the ocean surface at eighteen knots.

What have I gotten myself into...?

In the Northern Kingdom Palace...

"And no!" General Doomsday stormed across the the meeting room, cape billowing up behind the general. "He does not let me into battle! I can destroy them all in one swoop!" The general turned to face Her Highness Matilda, who was having her afternoon tea. "Why is it this way?" General Doomsday snarled, "Have I not done enough?"

"You've predicted many of our opponent's moves." Matilda admitted, "To be honest, I think he's afraid of you. But may I ask why you want to fight? According to your profession, sir..."

"Sir." General Doomsday hissed, "Why do they all assume I'm a guy!" the Pokemon snarled, "My vocal cords aren't even that deep!"

"You mean you're a... um... lady?" Matilda yelped, a bit surprised.

Doomsday snorted, shaking her robe. "Naturally." she growled, "I admit it's rather strange for oracles to be seen on the battlefield, but times have changed! Now, most oracles are hiding, or fighting, or they've died! We all possess more strength than that of other Pokemon, that's why we prefer not to fight. But there are always exceptions!" the dark mistress snarled, "I like fighting. Before my future-telling abilities were known, I joined fighting contests of various kinds! And now, I shall do so again!" She paced the room. "... If that nuthead of a Lord would just let me..." She sat down in front of Matilda. "It's not fair!" she complained, "Ranark gets to go with Darkrai on that secret mission. Nova's out there securing the towns. Stary is ruling Sinnoh like a boss. And here I am, the greatest general―doing nothing! Imbecile!" she cursed.

"What about the future?" Matilda suggested, "Can you read it? Will we win?"

"The future is dark, uncertain." Doomsday replied, her eyes dark, "And there are many crosspaths that all lead to different destinies... and death..."

Matilda stared uncomfortably at her teacup. "Well, since it's just the two of us, what do you suggest we do?"

Doomsday perked up, her frigid eyes glittering. "Do you play chess?" she asked.

At a temple near the Turnback Cave...

"Why are we here?" Ranark shivered as they entered a small stone temple shaped like Saturn.

Darkrai's icy eyes were fixed on a dormant orb floating among several rings in the middle of the temple. Yellow, red, and gray lights flickered from the rings, and waves of cold seem to flow off of them. Ignoring Ranark, the dark general floated forward.

Ranark tried to ask again. "Wh―"

Then the orb flashed, and a red light blazed forth, wrapped the entire temple in a bloodred spotlight. Slowly, a huge Pokemon appeared.

"Giratina." Darkrai said respectfully.

The dragon-like Pokemon's body was barely visible as he flew up above Darkrai's head. "Darkrai." it hissed in multiple tones, as if it were speaking in several different octaves, "I believe you come to bring me news?"

"Yes." Darkrai replied steadily, "The Rebellion has begun."

"I expected that sooner or later." Giratina grunted, "What is your report?"

"Nuvema and Accumula have already isolated themselves from us." Darkrai reported, "Striaton City rebelled a day after the Accumula Rebellion. Nacrene City is remaining neutral, along with most of the Northern towns and cities, Undella Town, Virbank City, Roshan City, and Vertress City. The other towns in rebellion are Stonesthrow Town, Nimbasa Town, Luxuria Town, Humailu Town, Nimbasa City, and many others, including the Village of Dragons."

"Hmm... and you're telling me NONE of the towns and cities are on our side?" Giratina snarled.

"Well, the Northern Kingdom is with us, but most of the towns and cities there are only supplying us, not sending any armies, despite Her Highness's promise." Darkrai stated, "We're relying on SF armies coming in from the outside, mercenaries, and new recruits."

"Pathetic." Darkrai flinched as Giratina's remark washed over him, "But it is of no importance. Have you found the Griseous Orb?"

"Um... not yet." Darkrai replied, "We're still searching for it."

Giratina hissed so angrily, the entire temple shook, and a bright red light washed the entire room in an angry glow. "I should've known your promise was nothing but an empty bag of lies!" the legendary Pokemon roared. Ranark backed up nervously, but Darkrai remain still and calm. "How much longer must I wait until I can break into your little world and create my empire of shadows?"

Darkrai gestured for patience. "I will stand on my promise, Giratina. I will not break it." he promised, "As soon as the Griseous Orb is found, I will bring it to you and free you from the Distortion World."

Giratina made a hissing sound, possibly laughter. "I doubt that you can do that, but a small reminder here that I am the driving force behind the Shadow Force. I control all the reversed side of all objects in your world... and if I am released from my prison, I will be able to destroy any enemy by annihilating his shadow in the Reversed World... imagine what I can do if you release me." There was one last, thundering sound, and the templed stilled. The lights disappeared, and so did Giratina's image.

"M... My Lord." Ranark scrambled over to Darkrai, "What exactly..."

"Once Giratina is released into our world, he will be one of the best generals on our side." Darkrai replied, "Besides, I made a promise to free him a long, long time ago..."

Near the city limits of Striaton City...

Charnette could sense black magic.

In other words, the magic globe around Striaton City was made out of pure darkness, meant to suffocate an enemy and bring him to a slow death.

What should we do now? Amethyst thought.

Charnette didn't reply as they slipped through the Shadow Force's encampment on the borders of Striaton City. It was well-protected, with at least five different levels of enchanters and spell-casters protecting the ones casting the dark magic globe. There were too many enemies to deal with.

But one thing was sure: Striaton City was running out of supplies. A magic fog made to suppress plant growth had been created and was multiplying in the trapped city. It was consuming the oxygen in the city at a fast face and preventing the further emission of oxygen, causing the air in the city to be rank and disgusting. If the fog wasn't dispelled soon, the citizens would all suffocate to death.

Not that it'd actually matter, since the city was clearly in turmoil. The citizens were on the point of dumping the Revolution; there were no medics that were alive or conscious, and Striaton City obviously didn't have any of their own enchanters, although Akhelios had said that they did. Even if it did, it wouldn't have been much help, since one or two enchanters couldn't stand against a legion of dark wizards.

Head back. Charnette finally replied as she slunk around a tent, There's nothing we can do. Do you have the map?

Uh... oh, right! Yeah, I do. Amethyst held up a hastily made map that she had drawn while they spied on the camp. It had notes of the army's stats, positions, and guard shifts.

Good. Charnette answered, Let's go back.

Twenty minutes later, in the Accumula Town Hall...

"So there's nothing we can do?" Ralph hit the back of his chair in despair and sank down into the soft cushion. This is all my fault, he thought, Why didn't I think of the after effects? Why didn't I think of the outcomes?

"Well..." Rachiel gouged her sharp claws into the table. "I'm not familiar with magic, but I'm sure every problem has a fix."

"Tank!" Trent offered.

"No, Trent." Charlez said, "I've told you a million times; you might be called the 'tank', as most Pokemon of your size are called, but that does not mean you will not get blown up into a million pieces before you reach the city limits."

"No tank?" Trent stared glumly at the table.

"Well..." Lumiere glanced at Charnette, "I suppose you have a plan?"

"Yes." Charnette's green eyes flashed. "I just need some more force to break into the inner circle where the enchantment is being cast. Unfortunately, I couldn't do it earlier because it would've caused too much commotion. Here's the plan: Some of you come with me, while the others lead the Revolutionists to attack the magic globe and the officers."

"Erm... you want us to attack a magic globe?" Xeno coughed. "Wouldn't that be useless since it's... you know, magic?"

"Magic spells have their limits." Charnette told her, "If you guys keep up a barrage of attacks as I take down the casters, the globe should eventually weaken and break."

Jason raised a paw. "But if using force could break through the globe, why haven't the Striaton citizens busted out already?"

"Force can weaken the magic globe, but not break it." Charnette replied. "Enough force can weaken the globe enough so that the magic black fog would seep out and stop worrying the plants inside and allow smaller-sized Pokemon to creep out, and oxygen to go in. But those Pokemon would have to have a very strong magical ability and be in full strength... which none of the Striaton citizens are. Anyways, you guys weaken the globe so some of you, like Lumiere and May, can get in and start healing the citizens. As soon as I destroy those stupid enchanters, the globe should lose its magical properties, and under pressure and force from your attacks, collapse."

"You keep using should." Mayor Mack noted, "Should we be worried?"

Charnette shrugged. "Well, if there are too many enchanters casting the spell, it could take quite a while to defeat them..." She glanced at Amethyst.

"And accordin' to our reports, ya see." Amethyst explained, "The Striaton folks ain't got much oxygen left. They'll survive until tomorrow afternoon, at da latest. After that? Well, that'd be an entire dead population, right there."

"Why don't we just attack right now?" Vata asked sensibly.

"According to my reports, two of the generals―Ranark and Nova, are in the camp right now." Charnette reported, "They leave tomorrow morning for the Northern Kingdom, taking some of the army with them. If we go now, we'll be hugely outnumbered. Against one general is hard enough. Against two... well, that's pretty much impossible. We don't have the numbers, and we can't risk losing anyone, since our army's so small."

"So tomorrow is when their army is at its weakest?" Charlez inquired.

Amethyst shrugged. "Actually, nope. We'd still be outnumbered like, three to one tomorrow. But tomorrow is our only chance. We can't defeat them today, and the citizens can't last 'till tomorrow afta-noon. So we need to attack tomorrow morning, after the general leave a good distance."

Ralph tried to swallow his nervousness. "Alright, then that's the plan." he said firmly, "Any objections?"

"Can I use my new war vehicle?" Ron asked.

"You mean that pile of scrap metal?" Charnette snorted.

"No!" Ron spread a huge white poster paper out on the table to show off the outline of huge vehicle. It was of a rhomboid shape with a large Garchomp cannon in a rotating gun turret mounted in the front. It had caterpillar wheels and thick sheets of vehicle armor wrapped around it. The vehicle was blue, with the exception of the Garchomp cannon, and had an orange fin-like object with three spikes on either side. A blue fin-like object was projected on top, with a smaller, white-finned object was located at its rear. "I call this... the Mudkip Tank 01!"

"Tank?" Xeno glanced at Trent. "As in large Pokemon?"

"No, this is a tank. The vehicle is called a tank." Ron explained, "Although it's true I got the name from what we call large Pokemon. And it's the Mudkip Tank because I modeled it after Mayor Mack!"

Everybody looked at Mayor Mack.

The Mudkip shrugged. "Fine with me." he said.

"I have three prototypes right now." Ron said happily, "They should work well in battle as soon as I get them suited up in armor! Then we can really kick those officers' butts!"

"Prototype." Vindictus said, somewhat impulsively, "An early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from."

"Erm... doesn't that mean it's just a sample and will most likely dump us onto the ground or blow up in the middle of the battle?" Jebodiah asked.

"Hey, it's either with them, or not with them. And since we're definitely outnumbered, we need them." Ron concluded, "Okay, that's the plan!"

"Actually... no." Lumiere stopped him reluctantly, "In a battle, we can't take risks of any kind. From your design, I see that a Pokemon has to be seated inside in order to control it. With all that armor, if the internal engines blow up, the Pokemon inside would die immediately. It's not worth the risk."

"Aw, come ooon." Ron looked around for support, but none of the others gave them any. Nobody wanted to be inside a dangerous, untested vehicle. "Okay, fine." he groused.

Ralph cleared his throat. "Since there are no objections... that's the plan. Let's move out tomorrow morning."

The others nodded grimly.

Somewhere in the middle of a river...

Thanks to Melodia, Marcus was out of the ocean and back near land.

No thanks to her, they were lost in the middle of an unfriendly jungle filled with criminal Pokemon on a rocky river that seemed to be the only safe place.

"I wish Mark was here." he muttered. His Blaziken friend would never had gotten them into this mess.

"No time for reminisce!" Melodia yelled, "I got this!"

"You don't 'got this'." Marcus grumbled, "If you 'got this', why are we floating down an unfamiliar river in the middle of a hostile forest in the middle of nowhere? And I didn't say you could stay on my ship!" He jumped over the hole in the deck and grabbed the wheel, swerving to avoid a large rock in the river. "Okay, here's the plan: you watch from the Chatot's nest, and I steer. Okay?"

"Noooo!" Melodia wailed, "I know the way the river flows! Let go, you fool!" She muscled him away from the wheel.

"No way!" He knocked her away. "Okay, Melodia. I didn't ask for you to stay on my ship, but since you've somehow decided that staying on the ship is your destiny... I don't want to be mean, but could you make yourself useful? I'll get us out us here."

"Fine." the Milotic pouted, "When we crash, it's no fault of mine." Then she went belowdecks. Minutes later, Marcus heard her snores.

Marcus shrugged and turned around to come face-to-face with a Duskull. "Ahh!" he screamed, jumping back.

Then he saw four Duskulls rising up from the water, all wearing officer uniforms.

"Don't tell me you're the Shadow Force." he groaned.

"We're the Shadow Force!" the lead Duskull, the one wearing medals, squeaked, "Attack!"

"Melodia!" Marcus yelled, but only the female serpent's snores could be heard.

When she's not needed, she's everywhere. When she's needed, she's sleeping. Great.

Marcus drew out the Sword of Dreams with a vine and lunged out, slashing a wide arc in front of him. The Duskulls yelped and skittered backwards. One fired a Dark Pulse, knocking the sword away, where it hit the mast and slid belowdecks.

Marcus wanted to slap himself. He obviously needed much more practice at swordplay.

You can't do anything,the curse laughed, I will enjoy watching you die miserably.

"Shut up." Marcus growled, and swung his vines around, smacking a Duskull out of orbit. The others came at him, firing Dark Pulses, Shadow Balls, Ice Beams, and even Charge Beams at him. He counterattacked and dodged, counterattacked and dodged. The Duskulls had inhuman strength, hardly staying on the deck after being knocked down. They had determination, which Marcus admired, which he also hated.

Suddenly, he flew up into the air. Telekinesis,he thought. He twisted vainly, blasting a narrowly focused Energy Ball at the Duskull using it, and slammed back down onto deck. He smacked a Duskull with a paw, then howled in pain as it used Payback. The other Duskulls kept firing Ice Beams, freezing up the deck and the hatch that led to belowdecks, probably turning Melodia into a Miloticicle. Not that she was of any help being unfrozen, but Marcus seriously needed any help now.

Marcus charged at the lead Duskull, with the other four trailing behind him, prodding him along with power beams. He jumped at the Duskull, but he simply floated to one side. Marcus gasped in pain as he felt a Will-O-Wisp burn into his skin. He fell to the deck, wrapped in ghostly blue flames. An Ice Beam hit him and froze his hind legs to the deck.

Marcus was in so much pain, and was close to blacking out. He couldn't even open his mouth to yell a final insult. His vision started to fade.

It was over.

"Idiots!" He heard the sound of ice splintering and what he assumed was the shrill voice of an enraged female Milotic. "You can't keep me in ice for minutes!" There were sounds of several water blasts and the screaming of Duskulls. The ice around Marcus cracked, nullifying the Will-O-Wisp burn. Marcus's vision sharpened. He tugged himself free of the ice and flew across the deck, body-slamming against the lead Duskull.

Melodia was on the other side of the deck, pounding three of the Duskulls into the water with Aqua Tail like a very intense ping-pong game. The Duskulls flew up from the water again and again, and she kept hitting them back in. Soon, the Duskulls' movements grew laggy, and eventually they stayed in the water.

Marcus finished up the remaining two with a quick swipe of his vines and a well-aimed Energy Ball, throwing them into the forest on either side of the river.

Melodia floated towards him, grinning. "Well―"

Marcus cut her off. "Where were you?" he snapped, feeling quite annoyed. He didn't like Pokemon who came in at the last second, especially since she could've reduced the damage done to the ship. "I was screaming for help!"

"I was slee―"

"It's okay." Marcus sighed. "Stay on deck. We might be attacked any time."

"Err, there's a..."

"And let's not have any miscommunications, okay?" Marcus wanted to fix the communicating problem. "I don't know why you talk that way, um, no offense, but I really can't understand your way of talking."

"Um... there's a..."

"By the way, since you didn't ask, the name is Marcus." Marcus introduced himself.

Melodia waved her tail. "That's all fine, and pleasure of mine. And I don't mean to offend you in any way, as I have been doing all day..."

"No, it's my fault." Marcus interrupted, "I've been being so mean to you because I didn't want you on my ship and didn't help fight."

"Um, that's perfect, and I'm sorry that during the last battle through I slept... "

"It's fine." Marcus assured her, raising his voice against the roar of the water. "We're teammates now, so if there's anything..."

Melodia slammed her tail against the deck. "Can I just make my point, without our conversations at a joint?" she practically had to shout, since the sound of rushing water slamming into rocks was so loud now.

"What?" Marcus then realized that she was trying to make a point. "Oh, sorry."

"Understand that I'm a dignified lady; I don't want to talk trash..."

"It's okay if you wanna curse..." Marcus tried to cut in.

"But there's a big boulder ahead and we're about to crash!" Melodia screamed and flew into the air.

Marcus turned around just in time to see the biggest boulder he'd ever seen slice straight through the stern of his ship like a knife.

FOOOOOOOOMMM!

Credits:

alpha2275: LoG Representative on Fanfiction and Fanfiction Manager

MarcusUCOD: Dialogue Writer

Esther Hung: Chief Writer, Editor, Video Maker, and Character Creator

Anisa Krieg: Writer, Artist, Character Creator, and Tweaker

(More TBD...)