And now we get to see if our respective parties get to escape their foes! Who will live, and who will die? Will the Darkfeathers get what they want?

Let us see in these fights of epic proportions!

-.-.-.-.-.

Celosia hated fighting. It had been a fight between Pokemon that had caused the disaster that killed her family, and because of that painful memory, the Glaceon avoided battling and violence whenever she could.

So, when the Darkfeather gang had attacked, Celosia had fled into the crowd, heading straight for Nursey's hut. She knew that there would inevitably be Pokemon in need of healing when this was over, and thus the Audino would need all the help she could get. Also, Celosia wanted to watch over the fossil Pokemon there, just in case they woke up and needed everything explained to them.

But the main reason was that the Glaceon hated violence. She could not stress that enough.

She burst through the flaps of the hut to find Nursey already milling about, all willy-nilly, desperately taking out medicines and other items. But as Celosia looked around, she could only see Tortuga and the Archen, and no other patients.

"Um, Nursey? What's going on in here?" she asked uncertainly. The Audino didn't even look up from her duties as she ran around the hut gathering things up and putting them away again frantically. "There's a Darkfeather attack going on out there!" she exclaimed worriedly, as if it needed pointing out. "I need to be prepared for any injured Pokemon that make there way in here! Ohhhh, it's so chaotic out there. How could anyone survive such a mess?" To punctuate Nursey's remark, a muffled explosion sounded from somewhere in the distance.

"Need any help?" Celosia offered. Nursey, holding a ridiculous amount of items in her arms, finally looked up at her and shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, Cell dear," the Audino said, "but I really think I have everything under control. Don't worry, I have it all covered~!"

But just as she said this, she stepped on the Archen's outstretched arm and tripped over it, falling to the ground and sending everything in her arms scattering around the floor.

"YEOWCH!" came the loud squawk. Celosia could have been knocked over by that squawk. Indeed, it was the Archen, sitting up and looking wide awake as if he had never been in a coma!

"Watch where yer goin', ya clumsy, bumblin' moron! Tread on me arm again and I'll strangle ya with yer own feelers!" Pteryx yelled, hopping to his feet and shaking his fist. Nursey looked simultaneously shocked at his revival and put off by his language.

Celosia stepped forward and reprimanded lightly, "Is that any way to speak to a lady?" He gave her a quizzical glance, then looked at the Audino for a long time.

"Guess yer right, miss," he said at last, then added to Nursey, "Sorry 'bout that, ma'am. I didn't realize that there was an accident." She accepted Pteryx's apology with a smile and nod, then busied herself with picking up all the scattered items.

"Who are ya, missy?" the Archen asked, swiveling his head to once more face Celosia. She groaned inwardly at the thought of having to introduce herself again – This is becoming somewhat of a pain, she thought – but complied. "My name is Celosia, Cell for short. You're on Fire Isle of the Elemental Islets, which is" – another explosion, louder this time, sounded somewhere in the distance – "currently under attack by the Darkfeather gang."

Pteryx squawked with outrage and alarm. "Darkfeathers here?" he almost shrieked. "Why didn't ya say so? Lemme at 'em! I still owe ol' Clawface some pain, the scoundrel!" He hopped about impatiently, gesturing for the Glaceon to move out of his way so he could leave the hut.

She didn't budge away from the flaps leading outside. "You need to stay here," Celosia cautioned. "You've just come out of a coma and you need to take it easy. Rushing into battle will just get you the same treatment, or worse. Just rest for a while and I can explain everything that's been going on."

By now the Archen had noticed Tortuga, unconscious on the ground near the far wall. He dashed over to him and examined him from every angle, with Celosia following him. When she stopped beside the sleeping Prototurtle, Pteryx was giving her a defiant glare from his beady eyes.

"You've got until my friend wakes up," he said seriously. "Then, the two of us are goin' out there to find me other friends, make sure they're safe, and then get revenge on Clawface."

-.-.-.-.-.

"TOPAZ!" wailed Adrianna, already rushing for the exit after the fleeing Honchkrow. Evelyn followed close behind, unwilling to leave the Gardevoir without backup. The two owls shot after their nemesis as well, and despite himself, Alphonse decided to help as well.

But by the time they got to the entrance, the sound of Mara's laughter, and the baby Ralts' crying, had faded away to nothing. They were staring into a black, empty tunnel, and nothing more.

Adrianna didn't let that deter her. She rushed blindly into the tunnel, desperate to save her child. Barn and Elf flew alongside her, not just because their eyes were used to seeing in darkness, but also because they did not want to see Mara get away with another heinous crime.

Soon it had turned pitch black, as they had left their only torch behind in the cave. The three didn't know if Evelyn and Alphonse were following, and they didn't look behind them to make sure. All that mattered was saving Topaz and stopping his kidnapper.

Just then, there was a flash of light that emanated from around the next bend in the tunnel, a loud buzzing sound, and a shriek of pain. And then there was nothing but silence and pitch blackness once more.

A dim illumination appeared behind them, and it turned out to be Alphonse and Evelyn, with the Tentacruel holding onto the torch. Without a moment's hesitation, Adrianna snatched it and dashed off around the bend in the tunnel to see what had happened.

The sound of her startled gasp brought the others running after her. And what they saw was something that no one could have expected.

Adrianna was standing there, a hand to her mouth in shock. Illuminated by the torch was the black shape of Mara, crumpled on the ground as if struck dead. Her feathers were steaming, and smelled faintly burnt. Topaz was sitting innocently on the ground, gazing up at his mother with a big smile on his face. Bolts of electricity would occasionally crackle around him.

"What… the Arceus… just happened…?" Alphonse asked, almost at a loss for words. The Ralts crawled clumsily over to Adrianna and pulled on her dress playfully, making happy little baby sounds. Clearly numb, she bent down and picked Topaz up, and he quickly fell asleep just like that.

"Seriously, what was that?" Elf asked, eyes wide as she regarded her fallen enemy. Adrianna shook her head. "I don't know," she replied hesitantly. "Topaz… I don't even know what his attacks are, he's so young…"

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Are you saying that you think your child did that?" she asked incredulously. The Gardevoir didn't answer, just made sure that Topaz was secure in her arms.

Eventually, Barn decided to break the silence. "What do we do with her?" he asked, indicating Mara by pointing at her with his talon. "We take her with us, what else?" Alphonse said. "The Guardians are going to have a hefty bounty on her head. She is the leader of the Darkfeather gang, after all."

The Tentacruel grabbed Mara's body with two of his tentacles and put her down on top of his head. "Now let's go," he added, pointing off into the darkness.

"Wait," Elf said. "What about the treasure? We can't just leave it – we discovered it, so it's ours!"

Adrianna nodded. "It wouldn't be fair to have risked our lives on this journey and not get something out of it," she reasoned. "But seeing as we have no bags, we should only take what we can carry."

Everyone nodded and made their way back to the cavern. Frozen and paralyzed Murkrow were stepped over or otherwise kicked out of the way. Everyone took a handful of treasure to call their own. Alphonse ended up taking two handfuls, as Evelyn didn't have any arms. She ended up volunteering to drag Mara's body behind her, for which Alphonse thanked her. Barn took one large scoop for him and Elf to share, and held the pile gingerly in his wings. Adrianna ended up using Psychic to levitate her part of the treasure in front of her, and took a few extra trinkets for Topaz and Gaby as well.

"What about the Murkrow?" Elf asked hesitantly. "Shouldn't we take them too?" Everyone shook their heads. "Carrying eleven prisoners with us plus treasure?" Evelyn said. "Too impractical. The Murkrow are only lackeys, so just leave them be."

With that, the group walked out of the cave, their adventure finished.

But since they didn't bother to look back, they didn't see the last Murkrow dig himself out of the pile of treasure he had been unearthed in, clutching a metallic blue gemstone in his beak.

-.-.-.-.-.

Luke and Team Eevui were completely surrounded. It had been bad at first, but as the sun went down and the only light came from the fires beginning to devour the village, they ended up being attacked by an extra three foes – a Taillow and two Staravia. We're getting creamed! Luke thought frantically as he used V-Create on the Drifloon, smacking it back away from Okami.

Jowl ferociously Tackled the Taillow, smacking it away from his sister, apparently known as Sinestra according to him. Said Eevee cowered behind him, looking much too frightened to even take a step out into the thick of things. Luke remembered when he had acted like that, back when he had first met Clawface, but that didn't matter now. His friends were in danger, and needed him – that helped to give the Victini bravery enough in order to fight against the Darkfeathers.

But just then, Okami fell to a savage Slash attack from the Farfetch'd. She hit the ground with a cry of pain, and blood oozed down her injured leg and onto the ground. Sensing weakness, the Farfetch'd moved in to end her.

"Not so fast! V-CREATE!" Luke cried, and sent a sizzling wave of fire the duck's way. The Farfetch'd squawked in alarm and pain as he was blown into the house behind him and set aflame. That was the second time Luke had been forced to kill an opponent – he hoped it would be the last time.

Upon seeing their comrade destroyed, the other Flying-types pressed their assault, forcing the fighting quartet farther against the wall. Their backs were literally pressing against it as they desperately tried to fight back.

"Any last words?" huffed Amanita, dodging a Wing Attack. "It was nice knowing you guys," Luke said, throwing up a Protect in order to block a Shadow Ball.

But then, unexpectedly, came a familiar voice that Luke never expected to hear.

"Dragonbreath!" it called, and a pink blast of energy violently exploded in the midst of the Darkfeathers, scattering them momentarily. "Water Gun!" called another voice, and a jet of water crashed into the remaining dazed Flying-types.

With the coast temporarily clear of Darkfeathers, Luke was able to see two familiar figures walking up the path toward them. His heart leapt – it was Pteryx and Tortuga! They were all right!

The Victini squealed with delight and ran up to tightly hug the Archen. "Whoa, not so fast, sonny!" Pteryx said. "I'm happy ta see you too, lad, but would ya mind lettin' go and allowin' me ta take a breath?"

At last Luke let go, and ran to hug Tortuga instead. He took it significantly better than Pteryx, with a wide smile and a pat on the Victini's head, but both of them knew that Pteryx had indeed enjoyed that hug. He was glad that his friend was safe and sound.

"Hey, guys!" a voice called, surprising everyone. It perhaps surprised Team Eevui most of all – it was familiar, yet unfamiliar.

Out of a huge plume of smoke sprinted a Dodrio, with three figures sitting on its back. Okami recognized the Riolu Cobalt and the Kirlia Gaby, but who was the Vaporeon?

It was only when the Dodrio stopped and the three Pokemon jumped down from its back did Okami realize the truth. "Miranda?" she gasped, and Amanita gasped as well as she recognized her sister. "Yep, it's me!" Miranda said cheerfully, swishing her new finned tail proudly and flexing her head fins.

Now that there were no more Darkfeathers to immediately worry about, Jowl and Sinestra came out into the open. The male Eevee froze at the sight of the Vaporeon, with something like awe in his eyes. Gaby glanced once at him and instantly recognized why he was so affected by the young, pretty Eeveelution. Even without being blessed with the ability to detect emotions, blushing was always a giveaway.

Introductions were quickly made, including toward Pteryx and Gaby, who hadn't formally met up until this moment. Jowl and Sinestra were also introduced, although admittedly the introductions were made by Okami and Amanita – Sinestra was too nervous, and Jowl suddenly seemed to be reluctant to talk.

"Now look here," Gaby said. "The Darkfeathers have almost destroyed the entire village, and they won't stop until they find… whatever it is they're here for." She stopped herself just in time, before she gave away her most precious secret. "Is there any safe way off of this island?"

As if on cue, Team Bloodsucker appeared, all looking badly beaten up. Tesla was limping slightly, but gritting her proverbial teeth and acting as if the injury wasn't there. "We have to get out of here, my friends," Burner said grimly. "The Darkfeather gang is tearing this village apart. They will not leave survivors. We must go."

Pteryx piped up indignantly. "How're we gonna do that, mister?" he asked. "There ain't no way off this island except fer swimmin', and somethin' tells me that only Miranda and Tortuga here have some experience with that."

Drain shook his head. "We have a boat anchored near the coast," he hissed. "If we can reach it safely, then we'll be able to get out of here and back home."

Okami hesitantly said, "But… this is our home." Jowl, Amanita, and Sinestra all nodded. "Not anymore it's not," Cobalt said grimly. "My home was destroyed as well. If you want to survive, you're going to have to leave."

There was a loud shriek from farther away, and Team Bloodsucker seemed to ready themselves. "We didn't manage to kill any of our foes," Burner said, crawling on top of Tesla and hooking his legs into her sides. "Clawface, Iron Talon, and Herra are probably going to pursue us. We have to make it safely to our boat and back to the Guardians. It is no longer safe here."

Team Eevui exchanged hesitant glances. Another shriek pealed into the night air, closer this time. "We have to go!" pleaded Luke. "They'll kill you if you stay behind!"

But just then, Clawface exploded through the thickening smoke, followed by his allies. Everyone was spurred into action, not wanting the infamous murderer to get his talons on them. "Follow us!" Burner cried, lifting off into the air with a great thrumming sound. He picked up Tesla and flew off, heading for the forest that bordered the village. Tortuga just managed to grab Tesla's leg before he, too, was carried off.

As quickly as they could, Gaby and Cobalt boarded their Dodrio. Amanita followed them, and with a snap of the ropes, the Triple Bird Pokemon dashed off after the Moskeeteor.

Pteryx and Drain followed close behind, keeping pace with the Dodrio. Behind them were Okami, Miranda, Jowl, and Sinestra. But just behind them came a swarm of bird Pokemon, ready to snatch them up and bring them to their fate. Clawface was at the head, enraged and unwilling to see them – specifically Burner, Pteryx, and Gaby especially – escape. The sight only made them run faster.

They reached the tree-line well before the pursuing Darkfeathers did. Instantly, bushes, branches, and twigs assailed them as they made their way down to the coast. Gaby, Amanita, and Cobalt rapidly sped ahead on their Dodrio mount, leaving the others eating their dust. Miranda, Drain, and Pteryx ran after them as fast as they could, knowing that there was no chance of fighting back against the Darkfeathers, which numbered at least forty. Arceus, how many are there? Pteryx asked himself. Sounds like they got the entire flock on our tail!

Behind them ran Okami as well as Sinestra and Jowl. Although they had a significant amount of distance put between them and their chasers, they knew that the gang could make up that distance in an instant if they slowed even a fraction. The only sounds they could hear were their harsh breathing and the thunderous flapping of eighty wings above the trees. They could barely see a meter in front of them in the darkness.

Jowl gritted his teeth as two Pidgey suddenly burst from the trees in front of him. He ducked under their outstretched talons and watched as they smashed into each other. Grinning, the Eevee picked up the pace, nudging his sister gently forward and goading her to do the same.

But just then, Sinestra stumbled on something. She got her foot stuck in a Patrat burrow, and there was a sick snapping sound as she tripped on it. Crying out weakly in pain, the little Eevee hit the ground with one paw splayed out at a weird angle.

"Sinestra!" cried Jowl, already stopping and moving forward to help. But before he could get to her, a blue flash suddenly shot into view. With a startled yell, Jowl felt himself being picked up by the scruff of his neck along with his sister.

It was Celosia! She had decided to help after all!

The Glaceon raced after the other Eeveelutions already far ahead. She caught up rapidly to Miranda and Okami, earning glances of acknowledgement and thanks from the two of them. Giving them brief nods, the three increased their speed even further as the sound of almost a hundred wings grew louder above them.

All of a sudden, the group burst out of the trees and into the moonlight. They found themselves on a calm, serene beach, with a huge boat floating in the water some distance away from the shore. They only faltered a moment as they saw Drain and Miranda swimming smoothly toward the ship with Pteryx on the Vaporeon's back.

"Ice Beam!" Celosia mumbled through her mouthful of fur. A crackling beam of icy lightning erupted from her forehead and ran across the water in front of her, freezing it and creating a gradually lengthening ice bridge.

But just then, the sky turned into a flurry of flapping wings. Several bird Pokemon dove down from the sky at them, talons and beaks ready to tear them apart.

"Moonblast!" yelled Okami, releasing several floating orbs from her ribbons. The orbs shot upward and exploded when they hit something, causing several Flying-types to drop into the water. One particularly large Ducklett hit the ice bridge, causing it to crack and shatter.

All of them fell into the cold water, but Celosia didn't loosen her hold on the Eevee. She ended up completely underwater while the two siblings floated at the top, gasping. There was a sudden thrumming sound in the air, and Burner descended from the sky, plucking Jowl and Sinestra from the water. Celosia found herself being lifted into the air with nothing but her teeth to hang on.

"Don't drop, now!" the Moskeeteor called as below him, Miranda swam over to assist Okami. The Glaceon tried her best to hang on, but her teeth were beginning to hurt badly, and she felt her grip slipping.

Burner called again, "We're almost to the boat! Keep hanging!" A note of fear entered his voice as he struggled to fly with their added weight, and as a sudden, short drop on his flight caused Celosia to loosen her grip the tiniest fraction.

And then, she fell with a scream, splashing into the water loudly.

"Celosia!" Sinestra and Jowl cried fearfully. Miranda was helping Okami aboard when she saw the Glaceon's situation. She couldn't do a thing as she saw one bird streak down from the sky to grab her, wind whistling through its pointy feathers.

"Go! Go tell the Guardians about this! Stay safe!" screamed Celosia, and she screamed again as Herra the Skarmory clamped her talons around her and lifted her into the midst of the terrible flock.

Now with everyone aboard, Drain took the wheel while Burner pulled up the anchor. The ship began to move out into the open ocean, but Clawface wasn't willing to let them go. With a horrible, sky-shattering cry, he launched himself at the boat with his good eye blazing and a good number of cronies following. In the weak light of the moon, the shadowy Fearow was a frightening sight.

"Electroweb!" the Conductula shouted, spitting a large ball of sparking silk. It flew right toward the incoming mob and then opened into a huge spiderweb to snatch them. The birds screeched as they suddenly plummeted down into the water.

*BZZZZRRRRRT!*

There was a massive flash of light as Tesla's electrically charged web landed in the shallows. The Flying-types' screeches became ones of pure agony as fatal amperes of lightning ran amok through their bodies. And as suddenly as they started, the screams stopped, and the only sounds were the shrieks and caws of the retreating Darkfeathers.

Silence descended on Team Bloodsucker's boat. Okami looked perhaps the most stricken as she gazed up at the sky toward the dark cloud that was the Darkfeather gang. Tears filled her eyes as she thought of her friend – the Glaceon whom she always fought with but considered a friend anyways.

But now, she was gone. Okami opened her mouth and murmured to herself, the uttered name being blown away on the wind.

"Celosia… Cell…"

-.-.-.-.-.

Newly-evolved Miranda has herself a new admirer, Pteryx is back and kickin' butt once more, and Topaz took down a Honchkrow all by himself! But things aren't exactly looking up – Celosia sacrificed herself for Pokemon she barely even knew, and our fleeing heroes' fate is uncertain…

Review and maybe send me a character, and I will see you soon for the next chapter!

Chapter Question #5: Which Pokemon (or team of them) in this story do you think you'd get along with best?