A harsh, shrieking wail expelled from the trenches of the gorge. If hearing could kill, this would definitely take the cake. Air visibly distorted around Nathan and Bagon, both covering their ears at the emitter of this disastrous shriek.

"(AAAAAAHHHH!)" Wimpod screeched madly, his newly learned Screech living up to its name. The added fluctuation could have been a side effect of the move...or the fact that it came from Wimpod's own cowardly nature.

The shrieking continued, making it neigh impossible for anything vocal to get over it. It took a minute for Wimpod to simmer down to a cough and shudder. "(Oof...oh Arceus...I-)" he paused to hiccup. "(I don't think that I've screamed that loudly in my life before. Phew!)"

"(Gngh, well if you didn't before, you did now...)" Bagon muttered lowly.

Nathan tried to ignore the small ringing from his ears after that last attempt. "Oof...well...I think you know Screech now." He looked down at the TM labeled for the move in hand. "Glad to know this thing isn't a dud...although a little warning label would be appreciated." He groaned and chose to derail himself from the matter. "Well anyways, surely someone heard that kind of noise. If it can reach far anyways..."

Nathan, Bagon, and Wimpod looked up at the rocky walls to check for how high or large the gorge spread. From the high walls, the sounds had to have bounced into the air above. And with how in depth this gorge looked, it could have fanned far enough for anything else crawling around to come their way. Though hopefully, it could be the former. Right now, they weren't in the best condition right now to do any kind of fighting.

"Maybe one more should do it." Nathan figured, turning towards Wimpod. "Wimpod, can you try that move one more time?"

"(Um, o-okay...)" He took a moment to clear his throat, coughing and getting his vocals corrected. He breathed in deeply, and then exhaled out his mouth. "(Okay, I think ready.)"

Taking the sinuated chime, Nathan and Bagon braced their ears. "Alright then, use Screech!"

Wimpod nodded, before taking a deep breath once more and raising his head high. "(AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!)" Screaming as loudly as possible, air distorted from shockwaves that rushed through the vicinity. Everything shuddered around Nathan and Bagon as they covered their ears from the ear-splitting shriek of help - and potential terror – of Wimpod.

The screeching echoed far and wide, reverberating off the walls towards the air above. To Nathan and Bagon, they could have sworn it sounded like their eardrums wouldn't be recovering anytime soon. But thankfully, it didn't last too long as Wimpod finally settled down.

He wheezed in and out, coughing from such a dry throat. "(Ugh! Hch! Ugh! My throat is so dry!)" He coughed. "(Does anyone have any water on them...?)"

"(Uh, if you mean my Hydro Pump, then yeah.)" Bagon said, his tone discerningly worried. "(But are you sure?)"

Wimpod thought about it between his coughing fits. He cleared his fragile throat and shuddered at the realization. "(Uh, y'know what, forget it. I think I'll hold out.)"

"(If you say so.)" The dragon lifted his head towards the light above. "(Ugh...if only I had my wings now. Gngh!)" He stamped the ground in frustration.

Nathan looked around, seeing nothing that seemed to be getting their attention. After a minute, he lowered his head and sighed. "Well, guess that plan didn't work. Sorry, guys."

FWOOSH!

Nathan gasped. "Huh?"

FWOOSH!

Another flap grabbed his attention. He looked up and noticed a shadow hovering over them. They stood there puzzled, until the shadow grew larger and swooped down at them...

Standing over the edge of the gorge, Keith and Mightyena waited patiently. The former was still blind, but that didn't mean he couldn't feel. He felt a draft from the gorge and nearby valleys telling him not to move any closer, less he would end up falling towards a rocky death.

It was awkward, having to wait for Ditto again. It wasn't a very bright idea to move around without a guide, and while he had Mightyena beside him, he'd rather not get carried away with pulling onto her fur the entire time.

He sighed. "I hope Ditto is finding out whoever was making that cry earlier." He remarked. "Whoever it is, better hope they're not one of those Nohrians...or Hoshidans perhaps."

A small flap caught Mightyena's attention. Her ears perked up. "(Huh? Keith!)" she barked.

"What is it, girl? Is that Ditto?"

The answer came in the form of what looked like a large avian creature, with a creamy underbelly and tan plumage along the back and wings. It had a pink beak, and black lining around the sleek, sharp eyes. Compared to the Fearow before, this bird was at least a foot taller, and the long, peachy pink and yellow hair flowing down its back blew in the drafts.

But what mattered right now was what it had in its talons. Nathan was held by the shoulders, with Bagon in his arms. And holding on for dear life to Nathan by the pantleg was Wimpod, who looked like he was about to cry out of pure fear.

"Ditto, is that you? What did you find?" Keith asked.

The makeshift avian shrieked loudly before removing itself from the gorge. Mightyena backpedaled, in which Keith felt the pull and followed.

"(Woooooaah!)" Bagon had his arms spread out as he felt the rush of wind finally settle. "(Nathan, look! I'm flying! I-!)"

Ditto undid its grip, immediately dropping Nathan and his Pokémon to the ground with an "Oof!" All three laid on the rocky gravel, groaning from that rather unpleasant experience.

"Ooooow..." Nathan groaned, his head throbbing from that sudden rush and thud. "What just...?" He managed to get enough common sense to feel the ground beneath him. It was still hard, but loose at the same time. "Gravel...? And dirt...?" His eyes widened at a realization. "Wait a minute!"

"Sir, are you okay?"

Nathan turned towards the savior that was the man with shades and coat. "Uh...yeah?" He answered cautiously. "Was that you who yanked me out of there?"

"Yes, sir. It was." He reached into his pocket, holding up his International Police badge. "International Police, Keith Harris."

"'International Police'?" Nathan paused, taking a moment to look at the Mightyena beside the man. He looked over at the large avian that perched beside him. The realization was slow, but it gradually grew into an epiphany for Nathan. "Wait...what the hell is going on right now?"

Keith put his badge away. "Sounds like you've been stuck in there for a while. Are you sure you're not hurt anywhere?"

Nathan rubbed his sore neck as he stood up. "Yeah, for the most part I think." He huffed, turning towards the bird. "Of course I'd feel better if your Pidgeot was a little more gentle with how to land."

Keith raised a brow. "My Pidgeot?" It quickly clicked. "Oh! You must mean my Ditto. Sorry about that."

"Wait, Ditto?" Nathan turned back towards the bird, only to have his shock erupt tenfold when he and the Pokémon saw the large bird's frame collapse into a pink, translucent blob that waved an appendage at him. If he wasn't speechless before, he was now. He didn't know what to think anymore.

"It sounds like you're okay. That's a relief." Keith smiled. "Was anyone else with you when my Ditto picked you up?"

Nathan stopped to think of what to say. He could tell him about the crazy sorts of hell that he's been through, let alone the struggles he's been enduring for the past few days. He was hungry, thirsty, and not to mention, he didn't know where he was. It was like he was picked up and placed in something out of a fantasy story. The first person when he finally registered the question was Camilla, but that walking disaster in the form of a bodacious babe had since departed back for Nohr.

Ultimately, after that incident, of course he'd be hard pressed to trust him. But he complied with answering. "It was just me, with Bagon, too." He gestured towards Bagon, who stepped up in Nathan's way at his trainer's change in tone.

"A Bagon?" Keith looked down, eventually realizing the conclusion. "I see...that makes you another Pokémon Trainer."

"Yeah, why do you...wait, did you just say another Pokémon Trainer?" His brow furrowed. "Back up for a sec, what exactly is going on here?"

Keith frowned. 'I see...so he doesn't know. How am I going to tell him?' He knew there wasn't going to be an easy way to tell him the situation. He knew the two trainers he met before had awareness of the reality. Being sent to another world would shock someone so much that they could potentially deny it at first. 'I guess we'll just have to take that chance.'

"(U-Um...w-what's going on, exactly?)" Wimpod worriedly asked Bagon.

"(I don't know. Just stay calm, maybe we'll find out.)"

"(I-I guess if you say so...)"

"Can you please tell me your name?" Keith asked.

Nathan kept his guard up the whole time. "It's Nathan."

"Nathan...alright then. I'll try and explain everything the best that I can, but I can understand that you're feeling unnerved with everything going on. I'll make sure you're fed and up to speed with everything, okay?"

Nathan wasn't one for trusting to easily, and the incident with the Nohrians didn't help either. In fact, that only further heightened his insecurities. But, as tempted as he was to turn tail, his empty gut's rumbling and dehydration won over this battle. He needed to find some water soon, otherwise he would have to resort to another Hydro Pump from Bagon. That is, if he still had anymore to spare.

Finally coming to his senses, he relented. "Alright, I guess I'll come with you."

"Alright." He reached out his hand, to which Ditto transformed back into a white cane. He sighed out his nose and turned around, starting back towards the village. "Just follow me, this way...I think."

Nathan wasn't dumb. He saw the white cane and knew what that meant. 'Wait, is he really blind?' He couldn't believe his luck. He looked at Keith's back with an unnerving ache in his brain about the irony. 'Talk about the blind leading the blind? But if it'll get me somewhere...' He chose to just sigh it off. "C'mon guys. Let's just go."

"(Gotcha.)" Bagon started his trek.

Nathan turned towards Wimpod. "You coming, too?"

Wimpod eagerly nodded. "(Uh-huh! I don't ever wanna even see another scary bird again!)" He crawled closer towards his pantleg, clinging on for dear life. "(Don't leave me alone! I need you guys!)"

"Okay, okay! I...guess you're coming with us then. Great." Nathan looked around awkwardly, checking his surroundings to gaze at the valleys and landscape he's been traveling through for so long. Once he got enough fill, he turned and waddled awkwardly with the Wimpod clung to his leg.

Xander made way through the halls of the royal family's prestigious castle. The atmosphere overall has been very quiet. Many of the knights and servants that have been posted were away as per special orders to acquire the Pokémon that have been encompassing the area. For the most part, this gave Xander some clarity. He took a good look around the halls to see if anyone was snooping around, but found nothing.

Eventually, he found himself in front of King Garon's throne room. This time around, things were quiet, much to his suspicions. "Er-hem. Father? It is Xander!" he shouted. "Father?"

From behind the throne room's doors, a snort was heard, along with a shifting of a body. "Gngh! What is it? Enter!"

No sooner than he said that, Xander opened the doors, which had a long, audible creaking as he moved his heels along the red carpet to kneel before his father's throne.

"What is it, Xander? You better have a good reason for entering at this hour. Speak up!" he snapped.

Xander remained unfazed by his father's sudden anger increase. "Yes, Father. I've come to report to you about the task you have given us to procure the creatures that have been inhabiting our lands."

His aged, wrinkled eyes narrowed. "And, what of it?"

"Leo and I have managed to subdue the many that were contained. The ones accessible have been subjugated and are awaiting further orders from their masters."

"I see. Hmph! And what about Camilla? Has she returned yet with that kid that has potential to harness these beasts?"

Xander's face fell as he thought about Camilla and her recent return. "I'm afraid...there were complications on her behalf during the quest, Your Majesty."

King Garon's grip on his throne tightened. He looked visibly annoyed as he was intrigued. "Complications, you say? What kinds?" He spoke, in a slowing, threatening tone.

Xander made sure to word it carefully. If he spelled the wrong message, it could mean Camilla's life. "Camilla suffered an injury during the quest. It appeared that she was unable to locate the human commanding the creatures." When he heard his father growl, he was quick to follow up. "However, she hadn't come home empty-handed. She was able to procure a very finicky avian creature that we immediately secured."

King Garon growled irritably. In hindsight, perhaps he shouldn't have attempted to kill that young man from earlier. It could have helped him in the long run. That, or he would have had to lead the way regardless with subjugation. Whatever the case might be, his ever-present glare wasn't going anywhere.

"Hngh! Very well then. Tell her this; I shall give her one last chance. She will be excused from this lack of adequacy. But the next time she fails to bring me exactly as I desire, it shall be her last. I do not intend to have my own kin misjudging anything I say again."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you, Father." Xander bowed.

The king snorted. "Enough meddling! Have you selected a creature befitting for your own?"

He dutifully nodded. "Of course. Leo and Elise have found ones for themselves as well. As soon as Camilla is healed, she shall select her own for battle."

Garon scoffed angrily. "We have no time to waste! She will go to battle without one! If she can defeat the Hoshidans without them, that shall be a testament of her strength proving her worthy of handling one! If my children can't handle themselves, what good are they?!"

Xander was stunned, but he was one to comply. He lowered his head, nodding in understanding. "...right. I understand." He arose to his feet, turning around. "We shall ready the frontlines at once."

As Xander departed the room, his heels clanging against the carpet until he reached the door. It closed shut behind him, leaving Garon to smirk. "The time has come. No more waiting. Soon, Hoshido shall fall! Gaha! Gahahahahahaha!"

His laughter echoed through enclosed hallway, leaving Xander with a serious frown at what's to come next.

If Evan had a single word to describe this situation, it would be one: Chaos.

Judging from the looks that everybody else had about Corrin, they had the same thoughts. It was bad enough that they all witnessed the royal family's mother and leader getting shot down, but it felt like a stab to the heart seeing her die in Corrin's arms. It would have been even more poetic had it not been for Corrin transforming into a fifteen-foot-tall dragon from seemingly out of nowhere. It took them all a minute to allow the realization to process, while Corrin's draconic form raised onto his hind legs, expelling a violent wail through the atmosphere.

"What...what is that thing?!" Takumi exasperated.

Ryoma's eyes were wide with shock. Even he was taken back by surprise, but compared to the likes of his siblings and everyone around him, he seemed more composed to realize the gravity of the situation. "There's no mistaking it...that must be an ancient dragon."

"Wait, what?!" Evan glanced at him in shock. "You mean like...like an actual dragon? Like...like a real dragon?"

"Yes. I never thought that I would have lived to see such a day..." His musings were bittersweet at best, it was in his undertone if one paid attention. His fists clenched as he held onto his Raijinto. There would be time to figure that out later. They had more important matters to assess, such as the individual standing on the far end of the leveled plaza. "Who are you?! Answer me at once!"

The cloaked figure said nothing. He stood on the other side of the plaza with his face concealed. However, he pulled out what looked like a Kodachi as a dark red aura became visible around him.

"Come!" Without warning, Ryoma charged across the plaza to confront the man.

"Big brother! Wait!" Sakura reached out for him, but it was too late.

"Lady Sakura, stay back!" Kaze intervened in her path. He turned forward, his face contorting with a glare. "We have more enemies."

No sooner than when he said that, everyone saw shadowy figures with Nohrian attire and magical weapons. It was hard to make out their figures specifically, but it was apparent that they had the same vile aura as the one Ryoma went to engage with. There were a few that were without weapons, while others had weapons to indicate their melee uses.

"Where did they all come from?" Freya worried.

"(Freya...I'm scared.)" Sobble muttered, staying behind his trainer's legs for her own safety.

Evan had the same question in mind. If only he could have vocalized it like Freya had. But looking at Corrin, and the way he was snarling at the enemies that were crowding their path between them and Ryoma, there would be no time for guessing games. They needed to do something, and quick!

"(Don't worry, Boss! I'm here! Just give the word and I'll run these guys out of town!)" Growlithe excitedly barked, before reeling onto his hind legs and growled at the foes.

At this point, avoiding a confrontation was out of the question. They needed to act, Evan knew that. "We'll answer that question later, Freya. Right now, we need to settle everything down!" he ordered.

Freya nodded. "Yes, Evan. You're right." She faced forward. "So what do we do?"

"KRRAAAAAAAHHH!" Corrin's draconic form let out a wild cry into the air once more. Everyone around him flinched and took a step back out of their own security. His tail whipped over everyone's head, almost striking Azura in the process.

"Gah!" She gasped, taking a step back.

"Lady Azura!" Rinkah exclaimed.

Without another second to waste, Corrin flapped his wings, charging right for one of the warriors that cloaked into the surroundings. The only thing that seemed visible about him was the dark aura resonating from the lower half of his frame. He moved with the iron sword to strike Corrin, but everyone watched in shock and horror as the dragon's horns completely deflected the sword, knocking it out of the enemy's hand. A long, scaly tail swept around, striking the foe's side. The bold enemy's efforts were left in vain as he crashed into debris in a severely dented pulp.

Evan's eyes went wider with shock. 'Just one blow? That guy's iron sword didn't even faze him.'

"This is bad, we can't even get close to him." Sakura worried, holding her staff close. Audino stayed right by her side, comforting her with one of her signature embraces. "Um, thank you, Audino, but my brothers are in danger."

Kaze took a combative stance. "Everyone, route the enemy! Make sure none of them remains standing!"

"Oh, I hear that." Rinkah excitedly smirked. "Let's give it to these bastards for what they did!" She charged in with Kaze, the two staying close to each other to route enemies on the other side of the plaza.

"Evan." Azura got to Evan, giving him a serious look.

"Yeah, Azura, what is it?" Evan answered hastily.

"Listen, the dragon form Corrin has taken is very dangerous. I think I might have a way to subdue it."

His eyes widened. "You do?"

"Yes..." She turned towards the enemies ahead of them. "But, as things stand now, we shouldn't be in his way." She turned towards him. "It is as Kaze said, we must do our best to subdue the enemy at once."

Evan knew what she meant, even though he didn't like the idea that she had. "And you're sure that what you have will work?"

Azura nodded. "Yes. Please, trust me! I fear if nothing is done, even we won't be safe any longer than our enemies!"

Evan was hesitant, but there was no room for second guessing here. "Okay, just stay by me then." He reached back and pulled back two Poke Balls. "Squirtle! Butterfree! Come out!"

The Poke Balls opened, revealing Squirtle and Butterfree. The two stood beside Growlithe to await their orders.

"(What do you need, Evan?)" Squirtle asked.

"You guys, we need to route the enemy. We need your help." He ordered.

Growlithe wagged his tail. "(Right! Consider it done, Boss!)"

"(Okay, I'll do what I can.)" Butterfree fluttered, kicking his feet up.

Evan turned back towards Freya. "Freya, you take up the rear. We're not sure if there's enemies behind us that'll come our way. We need backup."

"Don't worry, we'll cover you." Freya said, before turning towards Sakura. "You should probably stay close to me if you can. Can you fight?"

Sakura clutched her staff, looking a little hesitant. "Um...n-not really. Sorry." She realized how faulty she was in her words and widened her eyes. "Oh! But I specialize more in healing though if that helps!"

"Alright." Freya pulled out her Poke Balls as well. Like Evan, she tossed hers into the air, summoning out her Rolycoly and Snom. "We need you both, can you help us?"

"(...)" Rolycoly looked blankly at his trainer, but didn't show any objections.

"(I'm ready when you are.)" Snom said.

Sobble let out a small sigh. '(Phew! I thought I was going to die if I had to get back out there. Talk about a relief!)'

"We must make haste. Let's go!" Azura insisted.

Evan nodded, taking the matter towards the skirmish that lied ahead of them. There was no room for talking, only action. He subconsciously reached back for the sheathed bronze katana he was given previously. Just the touch of it was enough to make him remember the stabbing he did to that Faceless. Only this time, it was towards actual people. Or rather, as close to actual people as it could be perceived. His heart was racing at this action that he was about to do. Had it been in his world, he'd definitely be jailed for life. And yet here, it was the typical run-of-the-mill routine. A part of him hesitated, but he steeled himself and took towards Corrin. Squirtle, Butterfree, and Growlithe all backed him up and followed him towards the battle.

Ryoma wasted no time in rushing after the figure. He moved so fast that blue lightning was crackling around his legs and Raijinto. He went for a lunge and flipped forward with the blade coming down.

"HRAH!"

Their swords met in a ferocious parry. The enemy's sword bunted against Ryoma's sheer force without so much as breaking. The ground had dust leveled across a certain range until it dispersed through the air. Ryoma applied a little more force, but it was still in vain against his foe's surprisingly strong force.

"I swear to you, vengeance shall be mine for what you have done!" he declared.

The hood kept the mysterious man's face from Ryoma, but he could have sworn that he saw a vile smirk.

The figure swung through with his blade, forcing Ryoma to backflip through the air onto a knee. He stood up and saw the figure visibly fade into his surroundings. The only thing notable was the dark shroud drifting on the ground.

Ryoma stood on guard, clenching his Raijinto tighter than before. 'This power...and that stance...whoever this man is, he is clearly different from the rest. But...' He spread his legs, charging up electricity in his blade. 'I dare not let him live!' He shot towards him, reeling back his blade to meet the shrouded foe.

"You're mine!"

Another shrouded foe rushed for Corrin, this one also having an iron sword. As if history failed to learn from itself, the sword met Corrin's horn without so much as a dent. The guy recoiled a foot back before Corrin smite his horns, bucking the foe high overhead and slamming head-first into the ground nearby. Once again, the dragon was anything but fazed by his actions.

Evan caught up, with his Pokémon taking every corner around their trainer. As far as Squirtle and Butterfree were concerned, they weren't going to let the same mistakes happen in the village as they would here.

'We can't really do much from back here.' Evan frowned. He saw Corrin's hooves stamp the ground like a wild Rapidash, causing a loud tremor to run beneath everyone there. It was enough to startle Growlithe and Squirtle at least.

"(Gah!)" Squirtle fell backwards into his back, leaving him to paddle helplessly. "(Not this again! I hate it when this happens!)"

"(Are you okay?)" Growlithe asked.

"(Gngh! Yeah, or at least I would be if it wasn't for my shell! Hold on...)" Squirtle swayed himself left and right, rocking himself to and fro until enough momentum was reached where he flipped onto his underside. "(Phew!)" He huffed as he stood upright. "(Well that was a wakeup call.)"

"It looks like he's only attacking the enemies before us." Azura analyzed. "We should be safe as long as we don't get in his way."

"KRAAAH!" Corrin shrieked profusely, careening his head into the air. Another shrouded wisp lunged with an invisible iron sword, but Corrin swung his head and horns to send him flying into debris that laid strewn several meters away. What he didn't know, was that another enemy was camouflaged on his left, gradually getting closer.

Evan saw this an acted accordingly. 'From the left!' He reached his arm out. "Butterfree, quick! Electroweb on that shade!"

Butterfree didn't waste a moment taking action. His small snout spat out an electric thread that crackled through the webbing that unfolded. A large net of electrocuted thread spread thin and snared the shade that was caught off guard. A jolt of electricity ran through his veins that left him twitching and convulsing in shock. It was enough to wear off his invisibility and leave him exposed.

Corrin's draconic gaze shifted towards the electrified netting. Without so much as a wince, he swung his tail into the assailant's face, essentially breaking his facial bones with an audible 'crack!'. Evan and Azura's spines shuddered at the sight of the foe being slammed into a partially deformed building. The results were instantaneous as the entire building rumbled before falling to the ground.

Evan cringed at the sight. "Geez...!" He almost felt sorry for the guy, but he was more concerned with how destructive Corrin's rampages were being towards the surroundings. 'If we get too close, we just might be killed. But if we stay too far away, something else might crush us...'

"(Boss! Look out!)" Growlithe cried out.

Evan's eyes widened when he was rammed by the medium-sized dog, moments before the air sliced by what looked like thin air. The trainer fell onto his side, but was quick to realize his mistake when he saw a faint but noticeable shadow looming.

Growlithe reared on his hind legs and snarled at the foe.

"Evan, are you alright?" Azura asked.

Evan managed to scramble to his feet, facing the shadowy shade. "Yeah, I'm fine!" He narrowed his eyes. 'But it's really hard for me to think clearly right now. I can't tell what to do knowing there's someone behind my shoulder about to attack me.' He took a shallow breath outward. 'I'll just have to focus on what's in front of me for now.'

He watched as the dark wisp moved closer before calling the next move. "Growlithe, straight ahead! Ember! Squirtle, Bubble!"

Growlithe and Squirtle obeyed Evan, taking in short breaths before opening their maws to fire pellets of heated sparks alongside bluish, clear bubbles. The two elements seemingly struck the invisible enemy, provided by a rupture of foam and embers a short distance ahead of them. The foe fell onto his back, leaving him the fade away from his cloaked form.

"Now Butterfree, Electroweb!" Evan shouted.

"(Right-o!)" Butterfree repeated what happened before and spat out an electrified web that expanded over and snared the attacker. The direct contact stunned him, leaving him as a twitching mess. The web quickly faded to reveal the attacker unconscious at the very least.

Evan sighed in relief. "Dodged that bullet..." He looked over in shock to see Corrin advancing further along the leveled plaza. "He's on the move again!"

"Let's hurry." Azura insisted, taking the initiative. Evan agreed, following right beside her.

"I know!" He went to move, but as he did, he couldn't help but spot something peculiar. It was in the corner of his eye, but off to where one of the previous enemies were sent flying by Corrin, he spotted something freshly dropped sitting on the edge of a debris piece. "What the heck is that...?"

He moved closer towards the strange bottle with a bright purple mixture inside. He gave it a discerning look and thought it was some expired water or some kind of strange beverage relative towards this nation. "What the heck do these guys find?" He kneeled to read the label engraved on the bottom. "'HP Tonic'?" He blinked. "Huh. I...guess can use this for later if we need to."

"Evan? Is everything alright?" Azura asked afar.

"Huh?" Evan perked up, facing her. "Yeah, sure! Coming!" He gave the tonic one more look, coming to a conclusion. 'If it's for HP, better to save this kind of stuff for later. HP Up goes a long way sometimes.' He stashed the tonic mixture away, hurrying towards the deeper parts of the fray afoot.

Not far behind, Freya and Sakura were beside one another. The young heir stayed close to the woman with the bagpipes attached to her. "M-Miss Freya, what do think we should do?"

Freya looked down at her. "We should follow what everyone else is doing. It's all we can do." She looked around, noticing something was off key in this scenario. "Wait, did you say you had another sibling nearby?"

"Huh?" Sakura looked around to see what she meant. "Takumi? Takumi?!" She looked at Freya with worry. "My other brother must have went to higher ground to find any outside enemies! That must be it!"

"Let's just hope that's the case." Freya grimaced. She didn't like these odds pit against her. If anything, this didn't look too good. She wasn't really a fighter, and from the looks of things, neither was Sakura. If enemies came their way, they would need to rely on their Pokémon. Well...to herself and Evan, this was more common.

Audino's ears twitched. She heard something off to the side. "(Huh?)"

"What is it, Audino?" Sakura looked over, but didn't see anything. Nothing but a few faint wisps dragging themselves across the floor in either direction. She clutched her staff tighter than before. "I don't like the looks of this..."

Freya noticed something peculiar. She was observing Evan afar and saw him attack these cloaked figures that merged with their surroundings. She had to assume that what she was feeling was that hunch. She saw one of the wisps pick up speed on one side, heading right for her.

"Rolycoly, quick! Smokescreen!"

Rolycoly blinked, but complied by expelling thick black smoke from his body that gradually encompassed their surroundings. The dark smoke engulfed the area in a circumference, leaving a clearing with Freya and Sakura in the center.

"Stay behind me if you can." Freya insisted.

"O-okay!" Sakura quipped, but remained strong and did as told. She moved behind Freya as the trainer kept a watchful eye out.

Her brown eyes glazed everywhere. With Rolycoly's experience being limited, the Smokescreen obviously wouldn't last very long. But it was much needed to help scope out the enemy. Much like what it was back in the canyon fortress. If they could literally smoke them out and contain them to save the hassle, this might work.

'Now, where are they going to come out...?'

Just then, Audino's ear feelers curled up. She turned towards Freya and pointed a finger. "(Over there!)"

Sakura saw Audino pointing and turned towards the smoke. "Miss Freya, I think Audino says one of them is coming from over there!"

As if on cue, an opening was made in the smoke veil, revealing the location of the shrouded wisp heading their way.

"Sobble, quick! Use Whirlpool!" Freya shouted.

Sobble hiccupped, but she swallowed the watery lump in her throat and raised her small arms overhead. Vapor condensed into liquid from the air and became a large whirlpool that swirled overhead. She threw it at the shadowy wisp, making a visible splash as it struck something. The water washed away the invisibility, showing a trapped enemy with an iron sword unsheathed.

"(Eep! An invisible killer?!)" Sobble was on the verge of wetting herself. She was so afraid that she was starting to mist up.

"It'll be okay, Sobble!" Freya assured, her tone in a mixture of assurance and seriousness. She gave the attacker a serious look and acted fast. "Snom, use Struggle Bug! Rolycoly, Smack Down!"

Snom was a few short feet away from Freya, inhaling a sharp breath before expelling a swarm of green insectoid comets from her body. The comets moved around frantically, buzzing across the atmosphere towards the whirlpool trapping the target. Rolycoly manifested golden energy into a singular point before firing it at high speed across the terrain. Both attacks closed in and struck the center of the whirlpool, striking down the entrapped foe that screamed in agony.

"You did it!" Sakura happily cheered.

Freya turned towards her to thank her, but her eyes caught something else emerging from behind. "Behind you!"

Sakura blinked in surprise, but she was too slow to realize the flaw. As she turned around, another shaded attacker emerged with a bronze lance to pierce her. Her heart thumped with anxiety of what might be a fatal blow.

"Look out!" Freya shouted. She pulled Sakura away, and just in time before the lance swung. It missed the little girl, but Freya had a small cut done onto the back of her left shoulder blade. "Gngh!"

Sakura recovered, only to be taken back in horror. "Miss Freya!"

Freya's left eye was partially narrowed to show her pain. She grunted as she lifted her head, seeing the cloaked figure reappear above them. His bronze lance lifted into the air, ready to skewer her clean through her head.

'No...!'

Before the lance came crashing down, a brutal charge in the form of Audino smashed into the cloaked figure's side, via Take Down. The force was so powerful that it rivaled Corrin's earlier strikes, if not more. The man smashed into a wall, which immediately collapsed onto him.

Freya and Sakura's jaws nearly dropped to the floor out of sheer surprise. It took a little while to process as they watched Audino take small recoil. She, however, shrugged it off and looked unfazed by what she had done.

"(W-woah...)" Snom hiccupped. "(That was some attack.)"

"(Y-y-yeah...)" Sobble quivered. Just seeing that force doing in the poor fool made her glad she was on their side. She was as relieved as she was terrified at this display of an ally.

"(...)" Rolycoly quietly observed, though even he had some reserved surprise on his one eye shown.

Sakura turned towards Freya, her eyes widening in shock at the cut bleeding through her black jacket. "My gosh! Freya, you're hurt!"

Freya winced. She hadn't expected something like that to attack her. It felt a little painful and discomforting, but for the most part, it just stung. Though from the sounds of Sakura, it seemed like a big deal.

"Stay still, I'll heal you." Sakura stood up and straightened herself. She inhaled through her nose, before exhaling out her mouth. She lifted her staff she was clinging onto the entire tie and pointed it at Freya's shoulder blade. A green, majestic energy flowed from her, engulfing Freya's frame.

The dark-skinned woman felt herself feeling a little lighter for some reason. The pain all over her shoulder was starting to fade away, especially where it bled. It was feeling like a wave of relief was reinvigorating the slight soreness in her thighs and knees from all the walking she's been doing. The green energy soon simmered away, showing no visible damage done to her person. The only mark was the tear in her black jacket.

"There, that should do it. You're all good now." Sakura smiled.

"Thank you." Freya shifted her bagpipes by their strap that was still intact and felt the mark no longer there. Though her jacket was torn, she would have to tend to that at another point in time.

Audino moved closer to her, spreading her arms and offering an embrace for Freya. "Oh...uh...t-thank you. I'm okay, really..."

Audino only kept the embrace up, furthering Freya and Sakura's awkwardness.

"We should hurry." Sakura said, managing to get her head into the game.

"You're right." Freya moved along with Sakura, the latter having to trudge due to the clingy Audino latched onto her, much to her chagrin.

Kaze and Rinkah were side by side, the former blocking what was a large, toothy shaped blade. Said blade was able to easily put Kaze on the defensive, forcing him to relent and backflip onto a knee for safe distance. The invisible entity gradually faded into view to show himself to the two warriors.

"Princess Rinkah, be on alert..." Kaze lifted his knuckle knives, taking a striking position. "Our enemies can conceal themselves if we don't look carefully."

"Heh, I can see that." She remarked, holding up her iron club. "But as long as we stay focused, they can't get our guards to drop that easily. Just leave the clubbin' to me if he tries to get a one-up on us up close."

"Agreed."

The Nohrian shrouded himself into the surroundings, leaving a vaguely purple outline of his body and a shadowy aura enveloping the ground where he stood. The two Hoshidans braced themselves as they saw the distorted fragment of the space ahead of them move closer with the long blade being brought back. Rinkah followed through with the parry, holding her club up that took the diagonal slash. It only buffered her stance, but the blockade was more than enough to allow Kaze to jump back and shoot two kunai past her head. They struck the air, piercing what sounded like flesh. They watched as the figment stumbled away with a small grunt, giving them the space needed to strike.

"Now!" Kaze shouted.

"On it!" Rinkah brought her club around and drew closer towards the figment. The princess let out a loud battle cry as she swung the club around, scoring a powerful, bone-crushing blow into the head. The transparency immediately wore off as the figment's bludgeoned frame collapsed to the ground, along with the massive blade on hand.

Kaze eased his battle stance by a little. "Thank you for the assist, Princess." He thanked.

Rinkah looked back at him, smirking. "Don't mention it." She shot another leer towards the warrior that laid strewn on the ground. She was absolutely positive that he was dead. If that blow wasn't reassuring, she didn't know what else would. "Just what exactly are these Nohrians thinking? A concealment spell?"

"I'm not certain myself." Kaze frowned. "I've never heard of a spell that conceals a caster before. It's not the same..."

Rinkah gave the armor another leery look. Now that Kaze mentioned it. She didn't recognize any of its design as Nohrian blacksmith works, nor Hoshidan shoulder armor. She frowned heavily at the numerous questions involved.

"Hm..." Kaze crossed his arms with a hum, but his attention drew towards the sound of debris crumbling to pieces nearby. He saw Pidgey and Fletchling evacuate through the air overhead towards safer areas within the city. "Come! We must assist in putting a stop to this!"

Rinkah nodded. "Right." With a tightened grip on her club, she and Kaze advanced towards the plaza's heart.

The shrieks of Corrin's rampage were louder than any Exploud. The ground had a magnitude that rivaled that of an Earthquake. It was neigh impossible for anyone to get too close at this point without throwing such caution in the wind.

Thankfully, Evan was all about caution. He stayed back as he looked towards a mage preparing an enchantment to attack Corrin. "Butterfree, Gust!"

Butterfree flapped to a higher elevation, chirping merrily before flapping his wings to unleash a broad, powerful wind that brushed into the mage's side. It kept his focus off of Corrin, while at the same time keeping him in place.

"Growlithe, Howl! Squirtle, Bite!"

Growlithe raised his head and let out an empowering cry. The dog's howls echoed through the winds, encasing himself, Butterfree, and Squirtle in a red aura that strengthened their Attack. Squirtle preceded by lunging after the mage stuck in Butterfree's tempest, crunching down onto his neck with enough force to cut off the mage's air supply and leave bite marks on the skin. Squirtle jumped away as the mage fell onto his back with a thud.

"How many more are there?" Evan asked openly. He wasn't expecting an answer. With how many warriors and mages were able to turn transparent, it was hard to keep track. For all he knew, there could be more crawling in as reinforcements at any time.

"I'm not sure, but..." Azura saw the foe Corrin was coming across. He was a warrior like the rest they've fought, but this one had something that caught Azura's interests.

"What is it?" Evan worried.

"Look out, that's a Wyrmslayer!"

Evan's eyes widened. "A what?"

"It's a magical blade specifically designed for dragons. Attacking with that can hurt Corrin if he isn't careful."

Their heads swiveled towards the battle, with Corrin raising to his hind legs and roared mightily for the umpteenth time. The warrior drawing closer turned transparent and drew his blade back for a deadly swing.

'Gotta move now!' Evan realized. He reached out for the transparent wisp lurking closer towards Corrin's front. "Butterfree, quick! Electroweb!"

Butterfree was quick to maneuver into the air, kicking his lengthy feet as he gathered momentum to summon a strong windstorm. However, a magical seal appeared beneath him, and in a literal flash, a stroke of lightning blasted him, causing him to cry out in pain. "(Gyaaah!)"

Evan's eyes widened. "Butterfree!"

"Evan!" Azura warned.

Evan gasped. He turned around at Azura's warning to find a transparent blade coming for him. Had it not been for Azura's warning, he wouldn't have caught it in time. He stepped back, but it was barely enough to make the sword miss the bridge of his nose. Azura came in, using her brass staff to wear the attacker away to allow Evan some breathing room.

"We're cornered." Azura stated.

On their right, there was a transparent figment that briefly revealed himself as a warrior. To their left, where Butterfree laid on the ground, dazed by that earlier thunder strike, a stylish mage glared daggers at them. Evan and Azura found themselves interlocked between the two with little room to work with.

"(Oh no!)" Squirtle worried.

Evan clutched the bronze katana he had on hand, having to choose between the long-range and close-range options. In an idealistic point of view, taking out the long-range attacker would be the best option. And, most accurately speaking, the most strategic.

'He just used lightning, so keeping Squirtle and Butterfree in his range is a bad idea. Which means...' He stepped forward with a command. "Growlithe, use Ember!"

Growlithe opened his maw, firing pellets of orange, hot sparks at the mage. The mage stood there, covering himself as heated sparks enflamed his body, causing him to buffer.

'This is our chance!' Evan turned towards the warrior close by. "Squirtle, Bite!" Squirtle complied and made a quick lunge towards the warrior, opening his maw wide and chomping down on the man's leg.

With the two opponents dazed and distracted by Evan's tactics, he ushered Azura past him. They started to advance, but from the corner of Evan's eye, he saw an incantation being drawn into the ground with himself and Azura right in its perimeter.

"Azura, heads up!" Evan hastily reached forward, shoving Azura just before a streak of lightning almost struck her. The magical blast continued its course, dissipating through the air.

Azura stumbled from the harsh, but also imperative, save Evan made. "Evan..." Her eyes widened. "Behind you!"

Evan swiveled around, catching onto a transparent distortion in front of him. His arm suddenly whipped up in front, and at the last second, his katana intercepted an iron clanging sound. But the force was much too strong for Evan as his blade went flying out of his grip, clanging on the ground close by. He fell onto his backside harshly, putting him in a helpless position.

"(Evan!)" Squirtle urged. He went to assist his trainer, but like Butterfree, he was caught off guard when a streak of lightning flew out of nowhere, electrocuting him. "(Gaaaaah!)" He cried out, falling onto his round shell's backside.

"(What the-?!)" Growlithe snapped. "(Oh c'mon! Not this again!)"

"Growlithe, stay back!" Evan warned, no sooner than when the warrior reappeared before him, standing over him with the sword pointed towards his throat.

Azura clutched her staff tighter. "Evan..."

Evan's eyes were as wide as a Hoothoot's. His heart was racing at speeds unimaginable. He should have known things weren't going to be like he expected them to be. It was inevitable that something would fall out of place. He just didn't know how bad it would turn out against his favor. He was, literally, at the point of where one wrong move and he could die. This guy could pierce his neck right now and probably wouldn't give a damn to world. This wasn't like what happened between him and Corrin back in Nohr. This was different. This was a real death threat by a blade he was dealing with.

"KROOOOOAAAW!" The shrilled cries of Corrin nearby brought attention to transparent warrior with the Wyrmslayer slashed when no one was looking. A heaping gash was exposed within his scaly neck down to his underside. The way he backpedaled at the extensive pain made it a clear indication that it was as effective as Azura claimed it would be.

'Shit! This is bad! At this rate, we're gonna...!' Evan's chest thumped when he watched the sword raise over the warrior's head, ready to skewer him clean through. 'Oh no. No!'

BANG!

The sound of a gun echoed loudly, followed by a bullet-sized hole going through the back of the warrior's head. The next thing anyone knew, he fell over limp, dead.

Everyone there froze at what just happened. They couldn't make heads nor tails of what it was. Evan, however, was just relieved that he wasn't killed just then. "Wha-?!"

BANG!

Another gun went off, sending another bullet straight through the mage's head. Immediately, he fell over as well.

"What in the world...?" Azura muttered.

Evan grunted as he tried getting up. He was still shaken up from that turnaround, but he was getting back up to speed. "Gngh...Squirtle? Butterfree?" He looked over at the two, but they were still disoriented and worm out from those two lightning attacks just recently. "Wait a minute...that sounded just like..."

A person with a Glock started for the area. "Pffft. Man, dose guys done and make a scene 'round here." A pair of lips smacked. "Man, the hell be going on, fo'? Why's everything so...so messy, fo'?"

Evan and Azura turned around, taking notice of the man that had a Scraggy by his side. He looked anything but pleased at the moment. And with the Glock clicking and aimed at the two, it was clear now as to whom their unintended savior was.

"Um, excuse me..." Azura started. "Are you...the one who saved us just now?"

The man pointed his Glock towards her. "Little lady, fo', listen." He started. "I ain't yo salvation, aitz? Aitz? Somebody better be telling'z me, what in the hell be happening here. Okay?"

"Well, you see..."

"Pssst! Hey now!" He nudged the Glock at her. "Did I gives you permission to talk? I didn't think so. Nuh-uh." He redirected the Glock towards Evan. "Aitz, fo', so here's what you are gonna be doing, aitz? You start talking now, and maybe, just maybe, I won't have to shoot you in d'face like I did with dose two just now."

"O-Okay. But, can I just ask who-"

"No." Damon cut him off first. "I'm d'one asking questions 'round here, fo'. Kay?"

Evan slowly nodded. He knew it was best to comply with someone in this condition, let alone the position he was in.

"Alright, good. So, so now you can talk. What's going on here? And yo answer better be good, fo'."

He tried to get as calm as possible so that he wouldn't end up kicking the bucket. He had to choose his words carefully. "Okay...so what happened, was that a robed figure over there..." He moved his head and pointed past Corrin towards the clashing of blades with Ryoma and the person he was facing. "He used Corrin's sword and destroyed everything. It...killed his mother...and he transformed into that." He gestured towards the dragon that was Corrin, neighing and roaring with anger at his surroundings.

Damon lifted his head, seeing that what Evan said was spot-on, or so it seemed. "Mmm-hm...so, it's that robe dude's fault, is what you'd be saying'z, huh?"

"Yes, sir." He quipped.

Damon let out a harrumph, but chose to back off. "Aitz. Well, guess you're in luck, fo'." He stepped off of Evan, backpedaling to allow him to stand. "You get to keep yo life for now. But you'd better not'z be going anywhere, until either of y'all be telling me where the hell I am after dis. So, sit back, and watch how you go something you don't like." He waked past them. "Now y'all stay behind me. You be getting in my way, I might shoot you in d'face."

Evan and Azura didn't know what to say. What could they say even? At this point, they might as well be statues staring into space. They were trying to process what was going on here with this individual. First, he shot Evan's would-be-killer, and then he threatened their lives. Now, he was helping them out? If any logic in Evan's head was hanging on for dear life, it would have fallen off the edge.

"Aitz, Scraggy. Let's be getting it." Damon urged.

Scraggy gripped his extra layer of skin, pulling it up high and holding on as he walked with his trainer. "(Here dat, man.)"

Damon eyed the warrior that faded into transparency once more. Corrin roared mightily as he still reeled from that earlier blow. He was unaware of the shade shifting along the ground, drawing closer for a killer blow.

"Alright, Scraggy. Sand Attack!"

Scraggy huffed before sweeping his scrunched tail around. Sand and dirt were blown into the shade's frame, especially the face. This caused him to become exposed and grunt as he attempted to rub the sand out. A blue aura encased him that signaled his accuracy loss.

BANG!

"BAP!" Damon fired another bullet from his Glock at the warrior, shooting him in the chest. It left a hole through the armor, leaving him reeling long enough for Corrin to process his enemy's fault. He snarled angrily as his tail crashed from the side, knocking the warrior with a bone-crushing force that knocked him away. The Wyrmslayer, on the other hand, twirled until it fumbled through the air, clanging against the ground.

"KRAAAAAAHHH!" Corrin's hoof stomped onto the weapon, shattering it into pieces along the cemented ground.

"Dats how you be doing it, fo'." Damon sniped, cocking his Glock once more. "Alright, I only got a few bullets left, so let's just make dis quick. Where d'ringleader at?" He looked around for any sign of a man that fitted Evan's description. It didn't take long for him to realize that it was the shrouded figment that was doing battle with the samurai. "Oh, here we go. Let's just get dis over with."

Not far from the others, Ryoma slid on his heels backwards until he managed to come to a halt. He grunted as he lifted his head, giving a sharp look at the transparent shade withdrawing from him. He had to steel his resolve for this one. He clutched his sword tighter, causing lightning to crackle around it before he bolted back towards the attacker. He let out a mighty battle cry as his Raijinto went for a blazing downward strike. Once again, it met the shaded figure's own parry, causing a crackling energy to spark between their blades. It proved to be fruitless in the end though, when Ryoma ended up on a knee and dodging the slash that would have cut him.

'If I'm not careful, I could end up getting killed here and now!' He slid to a stop, looking up to find the foe turning transparent once again. He looked around cautiously for any signs of him. With his trained eyes, he was watching the shallow wisp and a transparent gleam leave the ground. His eyes widened when he looked towards the skies above, when something distorted came down. A transparent blade came down against his own, parrying with him bunting this time. The earth beneath discharged with his electricity. Even though he was able to keep hold of the blade, he found himself unable to advance against his foe's superior blade.

"Gngh...!" Ryoma found little room to counter. The transparent foe gradually revealed himself in front of his face, only showing the vague smirk he offered to the samurai.

Gradually, Ryoma's blade was starting to lose traction. He knew he wasn't going to last much longer...

BANG!

"BAP!"

The sound of a bullet fired, along with the staggering of the transparent foe, completely threw off Ryoma. He gathered his bearings as the hooded figure recoiled from the blood wound on his right shoulder. He was taken back by that, followed by the oncoming roars of Corrin.

Ryoma's surprise soon turned into a window of opportunity. Realizing he had a small window, he pivoted on his heels and swung his Raijinto, carving an electrified arch diagonally skyward into the shade. He held his pose as his foe staggered back even more from the critical gash inflicted.

"KRAAAAAAAH!" Corrin swooped in from out of nowhere, furiously swinging his tail over Ryoma's head into the shade. The impact was so fast that no one kept track of it before it was too late. The blow was enough to send the attacker spiraling through the air limply.

"Heh...not bad..."

In a low, gaudy tone, his voice was like an audible shock to Ryoma. The man fell limply before he could pursue any questions he intended. He was left as bewildered as he was relieved that it was finally over.

Everyone caught up on the other side of the plaza.

"I don't see anymore enemies within the vicinity. It appears that we've dealt with all of them." Kaze noted.

"That's good." Rinkah turned towards Corrin. "But..."

"Big brother!" Sakura cried out worriedly.

The ground thundered with every step Corrin took. He didn't seem satisfied in the slightest with what happened. In fact, he didn't seem fazed by the fall of the man responsible for his mother's fate. Evan, Freya, and everyone regrouped behind Corrin as he careened his head skywards, expelling a loud roar of anger.

"Aye, yo, fo'! What's his problem again? You said he'd be good if all dem cosplayin' ragtaggers were kicked, right?" Damon sassed.

"That's...what we thought." Evan quipped, trying to keep his leveled head. Corrin's tail swung around, arching for a full swing. "Get down!"

Everyone managed to catch his warning in time to duck when the tail whipped over their heads. A horizontal airwave expanded across the plaza, dissipating the dust and debris all around them. Corrin's snarled returned to being wails of strife and rage.

"What do we do?!" Kaze shouted.

A pair of footsteps clanged loudly, causing the tension to pause entirely.

"You are the ocean's gray waves~"

'That tune...' Evan froze in place. He recognized the vocal clarity all too well. As did Freya.

Corrin's snarled dialed down when a vague but angelic chime got his attention. He lifted his head towards the resonator of the melodic voice that proceeded towards him.

All eyes turned towards a shimmering blue medallion that levitated in front of Azura. Her arms spread out to her sides as she slowly put one foot ahead of the other towards the dragon that was intrigued by her voice.

"Azura, no! Stop!" Acting fast, Ryoma rushed ahead of everyone to procure her from danger. As he got closer, however, the bright blue energy droplets defying gravity around her condensed into a miniature cyclone, much to everyone's shock.

"GAH!"

The cyclone pushed outwards, sending Ryoma sliding on a knee until he breached a halt. He and everyone watched as the cyclone dispersed back into droplets of crystalline water around the singing Azura.

"You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek~

Life beyond the shore, just out of reach~"

Corrin slowly backpedaled from the slowly approaching female, his neck lowered to show his guard up. His growl was low as he came to a stop. Seemingly letting his guard down, he let out a small moan at Azura's melodic chanting.

Seeing this made Evan speechless for what had to be the umpteenth time today. 'Wait...Corrin's calming down. Don't tell me that...' He looked at the medallion necklace and the soothing vocals of Azura. He put two and two together. 'Does her voice have powers to sedate him?'

Azura gradually drew closer into Corrin's proximity. She was within arm's length of him at best, but she kept pushing.

"Yet the waters ever change-!"

"KRRAAAAAAAHHHH~!" Corrin roared right into her face, completely breaking her rhythm. He raised his right claw, swiping at Azura faster than what anyone could react to.

"Aaaah!" A shrilled cry came from the blue-haired songstress as her veil of droplets broke apart. She fell backwards in an epic fumble, landing on her side.

"NO~!" Sakura quipped.

Freya gasped with a hand to her mouth. "Oh my god..."

Sobble quivered so much that her tiny legs gave out beneath her. She squirmed and covered her face with arms behind Rolycoly. Snom and Butterfree looked startled, as were Squirtle and Growlithe. Everyone there couldn't make heads nor tails of the situation anymore now that Corrin seemed more alarmed than ever.

"Is she alright?!" Evan quipped at Azura's state. He saw Corrin snarling and gradually approaching her frame. He had to think quick. And thankfully, tactical thinking with caution was his style. "...I got it." He turned towards Damon. "Quick, shoot a bullet!"

"Fo', who the hell died and made you d'boss of me again?" he snapped back. "Fo, I can just aim dis at you, how 'bout dat?"

Evan gestured towards Corrin. "Look what's right in front of us! You tell me, who's in danger again?!"

Damon wasn't the wisest thinker, but he had an idea of what Evan was going for. He rolled his neck and eyes and groaned. "Pffft, fo' you be lucky you said dat." He turned his Glock towards Corrin. "Alright...BAP!"

The bullet fired quickly, just before Corrin could advance any further towards Azura. The bullet, much to Damon's shock, didn't pierce the scales. But the shot to the side of Corrin's head was enough to rattle him and snarl at Damon and the others.

"A-Are you kiddin' me, fo'?! Dat thing's still kickin'?" Damon turned towards Evan. "Well, dat's one bullet gone dat I ain't seeing again. What's yo big idea now?"

Evan turned towards Freya. "Freya, we need a cover! Have Sobble use Whirlpool behind a smokescreen!"

"Okay!" she yelped.

"KROOOAAHHHHH!" Corrin expelled a roar at everyone ahead of him. They all withstood their ground as the dragon charged for them.

"Rolycoly, Smokescreen! Sobble, Whirlpool!" Freya shouted.

Rolycoly did as told, his little coal-like body expelling a dense black smoke cloud that bloomed in Corrin's path. The dragon charged straight in, unfazed by the effects of the smoke. He lowered his horns as to ram them, when all of a sudden, he struck a wall of water that quickly encompassed him. He was swamped from all sides by a vortex of liquid water that kept him in one spot. By the time he realized this, he was too frazzled to do anything.

"(Alright, they're trapped!)" Snom cheered. "(You guys did it!)"

"(T-t-thank you...I think...)" Sobble flinched at how close Corrin was to them. When water from her Whirlpool splashed onto her, she flinched and vanished from view.

"(...)" Rolycoly said nothing as he stood in place.

Corrin snarled as he found himself trapped. He looked for any possible means of escape, but found nowhere in the cyclone of water accessible for him to attack. His nonexistent glare was focused on the faint silhouettes on the other side of the liquid wall. Mainly, the one with the hat on his head.

"Corrin..." Evan muttered, keeping a cautious guard up. To see him like this, it was painful, very much so, but he had to stop him. "Please...just stop. We don't want to have to hurt you."

Corrin snarled animalistically at Evan's plea. The dragonoid lowered his neck and clutched the ground tightly. His hooves started unfolding once again into brazen foreclaws. He sprung forward into the water wall, kicking up a splash of water that blindsided everyone.

"Gah!"

Everyone heard a shout, followed by another splash that receded into the Whirlpool. They all uncovered to realize that someone just went missing.

"What happened?!" Kaze exclaimed.

Freya looked beside her, her dark brown eyes shrinking at the vacant spot. Her head swiveled back towards the swirling water encasing Corrin. "Oh no...Evan!"

"GACK!" The next thing Evan knew, he felt a sharp pain on his back and around his neck. It felt like a lead weight was on his neck that had sharp talons. He didn't know what felt worse; being slammed to the ground in an instant all wet, or pinned by a dragon frenemy. If he didn't realize by now how much trouble he was in, he'd be damned.

When the realization dawned upon him, immediately his body struggled to get free. His legs kicked and quivered, while his arms tried to pry the strong arm off his neck. But alas, to no avail. Corrin's force was too much for him.

'Damnit! I can't move!' He thought as he squirmed. 'I gotta do something or I'll-!'

"Krrrrr..."

His eyes widened as he froze up. It was like his body reacted to the sinister, low growl that loomed over him. He faced skywards, staring into the face of Corrin's draconic stature. The beast glared at Evan while maintaining a strong hold on his neck.

A very low, subtle tension fell between the two as they locked looks with one another. Corrin's detached jawline was closed as he was determining whether or not this human was worthy to be slaughtered. But something – something in his mind told him no.

Very subtly, Evan kept his eyes locked on Corrin as he tried to reason with him. "Corrin...listen. It's me, you know, Evan?" He didn't get a response, but he continued. "Look...if this is about what you're going through...I'm sorry. I really am!"

"Krrrr..." Corrin leaned in closer to Evan's face, glaring him harsher daggers. His grip on his neck tightened a little more. It was taking everything for Evan to not go into a panic.

"If...this is about how we lied to you, about us being here, then you have to understand. We didn't mean to hurt your feelings. We were just...scared. We didn't know who to trust. We still don't. But..." he coughed. "But...just this once...can you trust me...?"

The dragon gave no audible retort. He stared at Evan even deeper, as if he was trying to discern him from the other enemies he's slain before. He saw the pleading, but also calm, look that the trainer had. He didn't know why, but looking into those eyes made him oddly doubtful of his actions.

If Evan could have swallowed a lump, he would have instead of coughing it up. "I'm really sorry...about your mom...but we're here...okay...?"

"Flowing like time~

The path is yours to climb~"

A familiar chime grabbed their attention. Corrin and Evan glanced over, seeing a small veil of condensed water droplets holding a weakened Azura. The woman had a grazed shoulder and cheek, but she continued through the painful feeling on her side.

"Azura..." Evan wheezed.

Corrin careened his head slowly to glare at Azura, but even she looked remorseful. She continued forward, but this time, Corrin already had his grip on Evan. Seeing the sight left her very displeased, enough to make the corners of her eyes mist.

"Please...don't do this to your friend. You can kill me in his stead, but...do it as yourself. Not like this."

Corrin seemingly processed what she had said. Her tranquil, soothing tone echoed in the empty spaces of his mind as he shifted his look down towards Evan. He saw the look in his eyes one more time, remembering the short time they've spent with each other, relying on each other, depending on each other. And yet through it all, Evan stood by his side.

"Krrr..."

Slowly, the grip on Evan's neck loosened. The shock and relief he felt at that moment was like breaching for air. His gaze never left Corrin as he saw the dragon backpedal towards the edge of the whirlpool and stand at attention.

"What is he...?"

Evan's inquiry was answered by the expulsion of bright blue particles around Corrin's body. His body glowed an impressive light that momentarily blinded Evan and Azura as the whirlpool's momentum faded. The dragon's body gradually diminished into a smaller form before them.

Outside, everyone saw Sobble's Whirlpool dissipate, allowing them to get a visual of the shrinking dragon returning to a humanoid form. They all kept their distance with shocked looks plastered on their faces. Freya didn't know whether to feel assured or sick at the sight. Maybe both. But rather than stoop to her emotions, she was fixated more on how Corrin's manifestation was back to his normal, human self...or rather, as human as one could get around here.

"What...in d'hell...is dat?" Damon questioned in a broken tone.

Freya frowned. "I-I don't know..."

The light faded around Corrin's frame, revealing him on his knees with his shoulders and head back. His eyes were shut as his conscience was starting to return to a sound state.

Cautiously, Evan staggered closer. "Corrin...you okay...?"

Corrin clutched his head, feeling a horrendous headache wash over him. "Uuuugh..." he groaned. "I...I..." His eyes widened. "I...I remember now. I remember!"

Evan and Azura looked at each other briefly before the former spoke up. "Remember what?"

"I remember...what happened then."

In the depths of night, the streetlamps were dim as the very streets themselves were vacant. A pair of footsteps stepped forward facing the blue armored samurai.

"Fire at will."

Crossbows and arrows fired passed King Garon, who stood and watched the dozens of arrows fly across the street towards Sumeragi. The valiant samurai stood with arms out to shield the infant cast to the ground. Arrows pierced his armor, drawing blood into his knees, arms, and torso. With each arrow, his body convulsed. Once the brigade ceased fire, they all watched as Sumeragi fell to a knee. He hunched over, gaging blood that splattered the streets.

A sneer came from King Garon as his heavy footsteps drew closer. "I'm disappointed in you, Sumeragi. That wasn't even my best trap."

Sumeragi offered no response to the Nohrian king. He was too disoriented and hurt to even vocalize his disgust with his ambush. A shadow loomed over his head, but as soon as he caught wind of it, it was too late.

GASH!

A hellish gag with a thud to the streets fell upon Corrin's ears. The infant left behind saw the brazen axe carved into the samurai's chest as he laid freshly limp. He was much too young to understand, but he found himself unable to realize it.

"You poor thing..."

The child's eyes drew towards King Garon, who stood close by and acknowledging the child.

"Orphaned at such a...tender, young age." He drew closer, his red eyes fixed on the infant as he slowly reached for him. "You are my child now..."

Corrin's eyes widened and gasped. "My real father...he...!"

"Corrin, are you alright?" Azura asked concerningly.

Corrin broke away from his daze and looked at the blue-haired songstress. "Yeah, I'm fine...just disgusted with what just happened." He looked over at Evan, then back at her. "Azura, Evan...I'm really sorry. I can't believe what I did to you both. I didn't know what came over me. I just...lost control."

Evan huffed as he clutched his neck, rubbing where there were scratches where Corrin's claws gripped earlier. "Don't mention it." He labored. "Are you...sure you're alright?"

"I..." Corrin looked down at his knees as he thought about Evan's inquiry. "I'm...not sure."

"What happened just then, that wasn't you, Corrin. That was the blood of the ancient dragon that runs in your veins." Azura explained.

"Wait...but I thought only those of the Nohrian family had dragon blood?"

"Yes...it does." Everyone turned towards Ryoma, who stepped forward with crossed arms. "The blood of the Dusk Dragon runs deep within the Nohrian royal family. But, the blood of the Dawn Dragon runs deep within ours. But your case was special, Corrin. You can actually take the form of a dragon."

Freya blinked. "So then, he's the only one that can transform into what we just saw?"

Ryoma nodded. "Apparently so."

"That's...that's something else." Evan said, momentarily at a loss for words. He's heard of such tales of Legendary Pokémon endorsing humans before back in his home world, but seeing an actual human turn into a dragon – right before his very eyes in fact – was another story itself.

Corrin was at a loss for words as well. But rather than dwell on the subject, his mind fell onto another matter entirely. "Wait a minute! The people! The town! What happened to them?!"

Freya stepped forward. "Corrin, listen. It's a lot to explain-"

Corrin ignored her and looked around. And what he saw only made his face lose its color. His eyes shrank at the sight of wrecked buildings, crumbled facilities, and debris laying scattered everywhere. Mountains made up of debris were scattered across the vicinity as far as the eye could see. Smoke was seen rising from the distance from small fires that were put out. It was like an earthquake had just hit the place at the same time a hurricane ran through.

"What...what happened here?" Corrin's heart rate skyrocketed from the horrific sight. "The entire township...it's devastated!" He looked left and right, expecting to find other people present around them. The lack of such a sight made his heart sink. "Not even an hour ago, the streets were filled with vendors, people, and Pokémon..."

Evan was crestfallen as well, but he stepped closer to Corrin. "Corrin, listen. This isn't your fault."

"Yes, indeed. This is the work by the Nohrians." Ryoma said, giving him a conspicuous look. "That sword you had, tell me, was it a gift from King Garon?"

"Yes..." Corrin trailed off. He had a feeling of where this was going.

Ryoma closed his eyes and sagely nodded. "Then that's proof enough. He's the one who masterminded this whole thing. He must have expected you were going to be captured by us and brought to the Queen herself at some point."

"But why? I didn't know about this! I didn't mean for any of this to happen!"

"Your apology doesn't mean anything!"

Everyone's attention drew towards the person walking up angrily. Takumi glared hate-filled daggers at Corrin, unable to take his eyes off the victim of the cause. "This is all your fault! Because of you, Mother's dead, as are countless others!"

'Wait, so that's where he's been this whole time?' Evan wondered, but was caught surprised when Takumi's ire turned on him.

"Don't think that he's the only one to blame for this! You, and that girl over there!" Freya leered back at his accusation. "Our guard was put down all because of these Pokémon that you so apparently got us attached to. If it weren't for you all, none of this wouldn't have happened!"

"Hey, none of that is true!" Freya defended.

"Shut up! Like hell anything you say matters! I couldn't care less at this point!"

Ryoma shot his younger brother a glare. "Takumi, that's enough from you!"

"It's one thing for you to hate me, that's fine. But to put contempt on your own brother is too much." Azura pointed out. "Besides, your words won't change what's happen-"

"I said shut up!" He lashed out. "You're no different from Corrin, Azura! You, and these interlopers! You're all the same! This is why you can't ever put your faith in outsiders! Now look what's happened!"

"Fo', you be needin' to chill, aitz?" Damon said, catching the hostile mood. "You gonna take yo bitch-ass whining elsewhere unless you want'z me to care."

"(Yeah man, we got feelings too!)" Scraggy harrumphed.

Corrin put a foot forward. "Takumi..."

"Don't speak my name! You all better leave now! I don't ever want to see any of you around here! Not you, nor those creatures!" He turned away in disgust.

Hinoka stepped forward. "Takumi, you're speaking nonsense! Corrin and Evan, even Freya. They all helped defend against those attackers. You saw."

Corrin's expression grew despondent by the second. With every word Takumi spoke, it was like a spear right to the heart. "I'm so sorry, everyone." He muttered. "Maybe...maybe it's best that I shouldn't be here anymore..."

"Corrin, don't say things like that." Evan pleaded. "Where would you even go?"

"Please, everyone. Wait." Everyone's attention turned towards the newcomer of the voice. They all turned and saw Yukimura approaching with a serious look.

"Fo', d'hell is dis saggy hag?!" Damon quipped.

"She's an advisor to the Queen." Evan whispered back, keeping his tone low.

Yukimura walked towards Corrin. "I don't believe that this would be what Queen Mikoto would have wanted."

Takumi shot her a glare. "What would you know, Yukimura?"

"Did you mean that the Queen said something in particular?" Ryoma questioned.

Yukimura adverted a look towards Corrin first. "I hate to deliver such news at a time, but...Queen Mikoto, she saw such a fate coming."

Everyone's eyes cascaded towards her. What she had said got all their attention. If not already, she most certainly did now.

"She didn't know when or how these events would be put into play. She just knew that at some point in the future, death would come for her. The catalyst could have been King Garon's actions in this terrible war, but she saw a darker force behind the curtain. But even that wasn't clarified."

'Wait a minute. A darker force?' Evan thought about it quickly. The lightning that brought the Pokémon to this world, the fact that he was already here, not to mention how the two worlds were connected as such. 'Was this dark force what brought us here...?'

Yukimura continued as she turned away. "And there is one more thing you must know." Her head lifted towards the statue. "Look at the statue."

Everyone's attention drew towards the statue and saw something small wedged into the monument-less rock. The previous statue that was destroyed within the carnage had strewn up a flat layer, in which exposed what looked like a large, long, golden blade with eloquent embroidery upon it. It looked dense and pure just from looking at it.

"Was...that there before?" Freya questioned Evan.

"I don't remember..." He shook his head.

Ryoma's eyes widened with an epiphany. "Wait...that can't possibly be...!"

"It is. The divine sword known as Yato." Yukimura explained. "Much like your own weapon, Ryoma, the Raijinto; and your Fujin Yumi, Takumi, the Yato is a special weapon that can only be wielded by a singular warrior. And can only be wielded by whom the blade chooses to be the bringer of peace to this world."

Corrin stared down the blade, a sense of awe in his eyes. "Bring peace to this world..."

It was an odd sensation that he felt. It wasn't something that he could describe to be normal...if the term even applied at this point. The longer he stared at the blade, the more honed his feelings got about it. He wasn't certain or if it's because of the overload of epiphanies he's been dealing with as of late, but as he marveled at the sword, he couldn't help but feel something being drawn towards him.

CLINK!

To everyone's shock, the sword dislodged itself from the stature's base, floating in midair.

"What the-?!" Takumi gasped.

The Yato suddenly twirled through the air as its trajectory was aimed directly for Corrin. Evan, Freya, and Damon cringed when they thought the blade was coming for them, when Corrin snatched it at the last second. He held it firmly as a teal flash emanated from where the hilt was.

"The Yato! It responded to Corrin!" Ryoma gasped.

"It really did!" Sakura yelped in shock.

"The Yato reacted after all this time?!" Hinoka exclaimed.

"Woah...so this is how a weapon chooses its master." Rinkah commended.

Corrin looked down at his blade, seeing it shimmer underneath the cloudy sky's lighting. He couldn't help but marvel at the blade's sleek metal. He turned the blade a little out of inquiry to see the fine edging glistening brighter upon him. It was as mesmerizing as it was majestic, sort of speak.

Behind Kaze, a fellow ninja appeared on a knee. "Kaze, a message from the outer scouts!"

The green-haired ninja turned around, raising a brow at his fellow ninja. He leaned in, in which something was whispered into his ear. His eyes widened with every second that passed by. By the time the message became clear, he gave the messenger a nod before vanishing.

"Lord Ryoma, sir!" He rushed towards the samurai, dropping to a knee. "We have an important update from our border. A large mass of Nohrian forces have gathered at our border." He said. "And what's worse, it appears that they all have these Pokémon that Evan and Freya possess."

Evan and Freya's eyes widened in shock. "They're...what now?" Freya could have sworn she had done a double take. Did she hear that right?

Damon smacked his lips and groaned. "Man, d'hell is with all dis stuff happening? Can't a man catch a break around here, fo'?!'

Ryoma's fists balled with his rising aggravation. "This was the final straw..." His glare brightened. "I was hoping to avoid an all-out war with these ruffians, but now..." He held Raijinto tighter than ever. "Death...is much too good for them! They wish to attack us thinking they have the advantage, do they? Then we shall respond in kind!"

"Wait, what are you saying, Ryoma?" Corrin worried for the answer.

Ryoma turned towards Corrin, but directed his sights on Evan and Freya as well. "From your examples, we shall show the Nohrians how to properly use a Pokémon's power. We shall ally ourselves with the creatures that our amongst us and make way to battle!"

Evan's eyes shrank with shock. He hastily stepped forward. "Hold on! You can't just make a decision like that-!"

Ryoma stepped forward, cutting him off. "There's no time to waste. I'm afraid that you have yet to understand the pain that has been brought to our land by the Nohrians for years. We cannot possibly allow for such a matter to go on any longer. Young man, thank you for showing us your courage and resolve to better ourselves with coping with these creatures that you call Pokémon. But now, as part of our land, we must use whatever means we can to ensure that we succeed! No matter the cost!"

Freya stepped up. "Even if it means dragging innocent creatures into this mess?"

Ryoma turned away, starting his path. "As I have said, we must now take matters into our own hands. Come, everyone! We must prepare ourselves! War is upon us!"

Hinoka, Sakura, and Takumi started with him, as did Rinkah and Kaze. By the time they realized it, Corrin, Freya, Evan, Azura, and Damon were left behind. Their Pokémon were beside them in worries of their own sake.

"(Did you hear what he just said, guys?)" Squirtle questioned.

"(Yeah, I sure did.)" Butterfree said, his antennae drooping. He was still as exhausted as his turtle friend, but he was able to flutter over the ground. "(Now I'm really worried for us.)"

"(Well, I don't know about you guys. But if anyone gets close to Boss again, oooooh, I swear! I'll run them out of their boots!)" Growlithe gritted his teeth.

Squirtle gave him a worried look. "(Really? I think that's what we're trying to avoid here. They're gonna be using our kind in a war that we have no part of. Doesn't that bug you even a little?)"

"(Mmmm, maybe a little. But if Boss is going, then I'll follow him wherever!)" The puppy's bravery was commendable at best, though it didn't distill any lack of assurance the others had.

"(P-Please tell me this is all a dream...)" Sobble quivered. "(A-Are we really gonna be f-fighting some more...?)"

"(Looks like it. Unless we come up with any other ideas.)" Snom said, before turning towards Rolycoly. "(What about you?)"

"(...)" Rolycoly downcast his glance towards the earth, reserving his judgment.

"(Oh, right. You like to keep yourself reserved. I understand.)"

Corrin gripped his Yato tightly as he looked down at the ground. "There's got to be a way to prevent anymore bloodshed. There must be something we can do to prevent this..."

Evan shot Freya a quick, uneased look before turning back to Corrin. "Corrin, listen..." He approached him, putting a hand to his shoulder. "This is a lot to take in. Maybe we should pull out of this one so you can clear your head a little."

"Maybe..." He answered, before turning towards Evan. "But if Ryoma is resorting to attacking the Nohrians with Pokémon as well, shouldn't we stop them?"

Evan frowned. He knew exactly where he came from. "Believe me, if I could, I would try and get as many of those guys away from the battlefield." He thought about the recent battles he was in. And how had it not been for Damon's interference, things wouldn't have gone as smoothly as they should have been. "But we're just three people. And we're not exactly oriented to fight like you guys. It's like putting a rookie against a Champion. You really sure you're thinking this through?"

Azura stepped forward. "If I may..." Evan saw her and stepped back. She looked Corrin in the eye. "Corrin, before you make a decision, there is something that I should give you beforehand." She brought her hands together, closing her eyes.

Damon gave her a leery eye. "What's going on now?"

"(Beats me, yo.)" Scraggy harrumphed.

Azura reached for something she had stashed away. It was a very small, condensed stone that couldn't have been no larger than a Poke Ball. It was a slick white with an indent at the top to make the appeal of two dragon fangs.

"This is what's known as a Dragonstone. It will allow you to control your dragon form should you ever have the need to take its form once more. Without this, if you do so next time, most likely, your dragon blood will run wild as before. And you may very well lose your humanity altogether."

"Really?" Corrin eyes the stone with some semblance of envy. To him, it sounded like relief to know there was leeway.

'Where do they get all this stuff out of the blue?' Evan wondered, though he was more worried than anything. Talk about convenience.

"Now, close your eyes, and hold out your hands." Azura instructed.

Corrin did as told and held out his palm. His eyes shut as Azura looked down at the stone, concentrating her own energy into the stone. Its glow was weak at first, but a harsh, blue light overtook it. Harsh enough to momentarily blind everyone and make them veer away.

"Man, d'hell?!" Damon snapped.

The gleaming blue light shimmered with Azura's necklace. She gave the stone a look before it began floating towards Corrin's palm, where the light sank into his body and flashed once more. In a moment's notice, the light faded, allowing Corrin to see the Dragonstone held in his palm.

"There. The Dragonstone is now attuned to you. Be sure to keep it close and safe with no matter what." She instructed.

"Thank you, Azura." Corrin said, giving her a sincere smile. "I don't know how to thank you for all of this. I don't know what I would do without you."

Azura's cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. "Oh, I, um..."

Realizing what he said, Corrin straightened up. "S-Sorry! Did I make you uncomfortable just now? It's just that...despite how short it's been between us, I feel akin to you." He sincerely smiled. "You've already risked your life to stop me when I was on my rampage. And that goes for you too, Evan." He turned towards the trainer. "I know it's only been a short while, but I can't thank you enough for helping me out."

Evan breathed out his nose, calming down some. He was tired, most definitely so, but hearing Corrin say such things made him feel alleviated. "Well, if I were in the same position as you, I'm sure you would have done the same. That's what buds are for, right?"

"Right." Corrin nodded.

"I, too, feel close to you, Corrin." Azura said, smiling at him. "More like...it feels reassuring around you. That's why I've decided." She stepped forward. "If you choose to go to the battle with Nohr, I shall follow you."

"Thank you, Azura." Corrin turned towards Evan. "Evan. Freya. I'm sorry to ask you this, but please, just bear with me a little longer. I promise, we'll find a solution to all of this, but I believe that the answers may be where the battle is happening. You'll trust me on this, won't you?"

Evan remembered what he said earlier. He trusted Corrin, and now Corrin was putting his faith within him as well. And if his friends from home taught him anything, it's that consequences be damned if you dare to stick your neck out for a friend in need. "Yeah, guess we will." He turned towards Freya. "What about you, Freya?"

The bagpipe carrier looked at Evan. "Guess we haven't got much options, do we?" She grinned at Evan. "As long as we be careful."

"We will." He turned towards Corrin once more. "Okay, looks like we're in this together. Whether you like it or not."

"Thank you. We'll get to the bottom of your guys' mystery, I'm sure of it. But right now, let's get ready to head out."

"Sure thing. But..." Azura's attention drew towards Damon. "What about...this individual?"

Everyone turned towards Damon, who looked unnerved and questionable at their expressions. "What?"

"So, uh...what's your name again?" Evan asked.

"Damon." He answered matter-of-factly.

"Right, Damon. So, what are you gonna do now?"

Damon shot a glance back at the city, thinking for a brief moment. "Well, clearly, I ain't staing'z here, fo'. This joint be worse than Po Town! So...so I guess dat means dat you be having me 'round. Plus..." He turned towards Evan. "I still be owing some!"

Evan blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"You guys wants'z me to help you, right? Well guess what, I aint'z doing nothing for free. You don't want a cap accidentally busting in yo head, we better be talkin' about dem numbers. Kapeesh?"

Evan and Freya gave each other uneasy looks. They weren't sure exactly how to comprehend this man, especially with how poor his grammar was and all. But they couldn't lie to themselves when he seemed reliable if treated the right way. At least for now, they would have to play along with his game.

"Um...sure. W-we'll talk about compensation later. But I think we should get out of here first."

"Aitz. Den let's get go-oh, woah, woah. Hold up now."

"What? What is it?" Evan asked.

Damon didn't realize it before, but the moment he saw Evan's Growlithe, he started thinking back to the other day. That time when he had his meal stolen right from underneath his nose. He looked spaced out as he eyed Growlithe like he had seen a ghost.

"Uh...Damon?" Evan moved a hand in front of his face. "Uh, hey. PokeEarth to Damon, you in there?"

"Um...is he okay?" Freya worried.

It took several moments before Damon finally responded to Evan. He slowly turned towards the younger trainer, having a much more serious disposition against him. "Uh..." He shifted his gaze between his Growlithe and him. "Is that yo pooch?"

Evan looked towards Growlithe and back. "Um...yeah?"

"Oh, okay." Damon turned towards his Scraggy. "Yo, Scrags...Headbutt!"

"(Aye!)" Scraggy faced Growlithe. "(Yo, pooch! Heads up!)"

"(Wha-?!)"

BAM!

Growlithe whimpered in pain when a harsh slam to the head brought him flooring. Scraggy reeled his forehead back and looked down at his target's condition. "(Dats for the other day, yo!)" He backlashed.

"What?! Damon, why'd you-?!"

Before he had time to finish his sentence, Damon backhanded Evan across the face, knocking him down. Freya gasped, whereas Squirtle and Butterfree gathered around their trainer to help him.

"Dat was for what d'little mutt did the other day!" Damon exclaimed.

Evan clutched his cheek, reeling himself up to look at Damon. "W-what did he do?!"

"Well, here's what happened. So, I was hungry, and den I finally got'z me some meat to chow down on, okay?" He paused, giving Growlithe a glare. "Den dis guy come along and swoop up my meats! You do not mess with another man's meat, fo'. You just don't!"

Evan was more confused than anything else. He blinked several times before looking at Growlithe, then back at Damon. "E-Even if that's true, he wasn't mine until-"

"Excuse me, did I says dat I cared about what you had to say? No! You be d'trainer, you gotta get d'price paid." He scoffed as he held his Glock towards Evan's face. "So now listen, and listen good. You gonna be apologizin' for dat mutt. Or, I bust a cap in ya. Okay?"

"D-Don't you think that this is a little-"

"Fo'..." He pushed the Glock against Evan's forehead. "Better choose your next words carefully. I ain't playing."

Evan's heart raced faster than before. He was at a loss for what to say, let alone do. Clearly, Damon wasn't someone who was to be messed with. At this point, it might have been easier to meddle with the Nohrians than this guy not hesitating to blow his head off for something that wasn't his fault. But Evan valued his life, and he wasn't one to allow pride to cloud his instincts.

Very cautiously, he took a deep breath and looked Damion in the eye. "I-I'm sorry, for what my Growlithe did. I promise, it won't happen again. Right?" He shifted his eyes towards Growlithe, who whimpered and nodded.

"(Yes, Boss.)"

Damon huffed and pulled his Glock away. The answer seemed to have satisfied him for the moment. "Alright, good." He walked past everyone around him, not even minding the unnerved looks on their faces. Scraggy followed his lead, kicking up sand behind him like a spat to the face.

Once he was in the clear, Evan sighed loudly and paled. "Oh god, I think I'm gonna be sick..."

Freya kneeled beside him, putting a hand to his back. "Evan, are you okay? You're not hurt badly, are you?"

"Yeah, Freya...I think I'm okay." He labored. "I'm just...mentally worn out. Ugh." With a groan, he slowly got to his feet and dusted himself off. He looked back at Damon and Scraggy with an uneasy look. "Please tell me this day is almost over..."

"I wish I could...but we both know where this is going." Freya grimaced. "Let's just hope we get to a safe place soon."

"Yeah, you and me both." Using Freya as support, Evan had an arm over her shoulder, whereas she had an arm on his ribcage to help support him. "Thanks, Freya. I think I need to lie down."

"I know. Soon, I promise."

They all started their trek, with their Pokémon in tow towards the direction of the skirmish to come.

Not far off from where the skirmish had come to a close, a Farfetch'd flapped and landed on a piece of debris, his leek sticking out of his mouth. He was a little shaken up from that earlier wake, so much so that it was impossible to tell if it was intended as friend or foe. However, with the noise having been dialed down, it was presumed safe.

The Wild Duck Pokémon looked around for any sign of his trainer, disregarding the few corpses strewn across the street. His Keen Eye Ability homed in on the spot that looked like his trainer's stand from before. He flew across the avenue at a breakneck pace, landing in front of a torn stand that had pieces fallen over atop a pair of legs.

"(Cut!)"

SLASH!

In a furious slash of his leek, the duck struck a pose as several white streaks followed his weapon's path. He stood poised with eyes shut as the wreckage suddenly sliced into multiple pieces, allowing it all to collapse on either side of what looked like a filthy, unconscious chef.

Farfetch'd walked over to the unconscious chef's head, nonchalantly tapping him with his leek's end. "(Hey, you awake down there? Hey!)" he squawked. "(Wake up you talentless nutcase!)" He added extra emphasis as he smacked DK on the end.

A snort was heard, followed by a gasp for air from the chef. The shock was enough to bring him back to reality. "W-What the-?!" He looked around, dazed, if not partially blinded by the dust around him. "What just happened...?" He felt a sharp pain on his forehead, putting a hand on it. "Ah, damn, my head...why does everything hurt so bad?"

"(Wasn't me, couldn't tell ya that.)" Farfetch'd sarcastically chimed.

Hearing the familiar quack of a certain Pokémon, DK turned around to face his Farfetch'd. "W-Wait...Farfetch'd, that you? What happened?"

Farfetch'd turned his head, looking out at the carnage. "(It's a long story, but you might wanna look, pal.)"

DK followed his gaze towards the destroyed streets of the Hoshidan city...and what he saw would have made him throw up had it not been for his partially empty stomach. Was he hit too hard, or was the entire street – the township – devastated? He rubbed his eyes to rid of his dizziness just to be sure he wasn't still dreaming. But alas, fate was all too dreary for even the chef to ignore.

"...oh my god." His mouth slowly gaped wide open, his eyes bulging out of their sockets as he paneled left and right to the destruction before him. He quivered and held a hand to his mouth. "What...what the hell just happened here...? It's like everything just went 'kaboom' and...oh god...oh my god~!"

He gradually got back to his feet, finding his will to stand out of pure shock. He saw a few of his patrons strewn across the ground not too far from him. He wanted to see if they were alright, but even from a distance, he saw that much of their mangled frames were from Nohrians. "No...how the hell did this all happen...? Farfetch'd what the hell are we supposed to do about this?"

"(Your guess is as good as mine. Huh?)" The Wild Duck Pokémon turned his attention towards something down the street that his Keen Eye couldn't ignore. "(Hey, look alive! I see something!)"

"What is it, Farfetch'd? Please tell me it's not like a raid or whatever happens these days?" DK's attention turned towards the other end of the street, where he noticed figures making way westward.

"Make sure everyone in the Hoshidan army has one by their side! We won't allow our numbers to fall behind!"

The shout came from a man with spiky brown hair and red and white armor. His authoritative demeanor was enough to make DK stand still and watch as he was accompanied by a younger man with a bow, a woman with red hair, and a young girl with an Audino that was awkwardly hugging her as she tailed behind.

"This way, c'mon everyone!" Tailing not too far behind them, there was a younger man with silverish hair and red eyes. He had white armor and a blue cape, and he was accompanied by what looked like...trainers?

"Wait...what?!" DK's eyes widened when he saw the modern-day clothing on a teenage kid, a woman a little older than him with bagpipes, and lastly someone with a Glock. Like the girl before them, they all had Pokémon beside them following their leads. "Hold up, are you seeing this?!" He pointed at them. "Those people, they are actual people! Like, not like these people we've seen, but like people from...well, before! I need to see where this is going!"

He started after them, when suddenly he tripped and floored onto his stomach. "Ack!" He rolled over, groaning painfully. "Ow...damnit, what did I trip on this time...?"

Farfetch'd waddled over towards DK's feet, noticing something that looked like a disc jutting out of the ground. His head tilted at the mysterious object and used his beak to pull it out. He passed it over towards DK.

"Give me that." The chef took the disc, noticing that it had a dark hue on it with a legible label on it. He squinted and read the label aloud. "Let see here. 'TM 85: Snarl', it says." He didn't look very interested, but he didn't see any reason to disregard it. "Huh...well, whatever. No use wasting something like this. Guess we'll just put this on the backburner for now." He stashed the TM away in the many pockets of his white chef outfit.

He looked around for anything that he could still find useful to himself. His eyes immediately darted on a wide metal pan that was still intact from earlier, as well as a kitchen knife conveniently by it. He picked them up and started for the direction of the group.

"Let's see what's up, 'kay Farfaetch'd?"

"(You don't have to tell me twice. Doubt business will be booming around here anytime soon...with or without your cooking.)" The duck picked up his leek in his mouth as he flapped through the air to follow the chef.

"So, I think that about covers everything. I'm sure it's a lot to take in."

"You think?"

Inside Keith's little hideout within the village, it had been some time since they have gotten back. It has a hesitant effort, but Nathan got himself situated just fine in the small space. He and the Pokémon were supplied with food and water, and as the latter chowed down, Nathan was processing everything that Keith had told him with an understanding, but still concerned look on his face.

"So that's it then, we're in another world altogether?" Nathan looked down at his knees as he furrowed his brow. He should have known something was off the moment he awoke in the Nohrian forests outside the kingdom's city limits. "Now it all makes sense..."

"I'm sorry if this is a lot to process. I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you the last few days." Keith said, sitting down while stroking his Zorua.

"(Um, excuse me! A little less around the tail, thank you!)" She sassed towards Keith, gesturing with a flick of her fox tail.

"Oh, sorry. Did I stroke too much?"

Nathan gave him another incredulous look. 'He's blind, but he looks certain of what's going on at least.' He thought about everything he told him recently. There were other trainers that were just like him, and for now they were in Hoshidan custody. And these Nohrians attack with creatures known as Faceless. Not to mention about what he and Camilla spoke of back in that gorge they were stuck in. It all was certainly plenty to take in.

Keith cleared his throat, getting Nathan's attention. "So, do you have anything else you're worried about?"

"No, that's fine for now." He looked down in thought. "So you're just biding your time out here looking for people like me, right?"

"I thought you didn't have anymore questions?" Keith teased, reaching over for his tea. He drank out of the cup, taking a long sip before sighing. "Ahhh...that's good stuff." He looked at Nathan. "Oh, sorry. About your question, it was just those two...and now you. I'm trying to keep tabs with them so that we're all up to speed. Speaking of which..." He started getting up, causing Zorua to pounce off his lap onto the floor. "I should probably get to telling them about this."

"Okay, but..." Nathan slowly turned his head towards Bagon and Wimpod. He saw them eating Pokémon Food Keith had on hand, though his concerns were directed towards the latter. "By any chance, you got an extra Poke Ball on you?"

"Hm? Why you ask?"

"Well, that Wimpod over there, he's been following me around. And at this point, I don't think it ain't a bright idea to just leave him hanging."

"(Huh?)" Wimpod barely caught the subject, but knew he was being spoken of.

Keith chuckled and smirked. "Sure." He pulled out an empty Poke Ball, flinging it in Nathan's direction. "Think fast!"

Nathan's eyes widened when he caught the capsule heading his way. He snatched it and gave it a quick look. He sighed out his nose and got up from his seat. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Just pay me back by taking good care of that guy."

"...yeah, sure thing." Nathan kept his disposition affirm as he approached Wimpod. The insect turned towards Nathan and looked a little nervous with the capsule in hand. Nathan dropped to a knee and held it out to him. "Say, you wanna tag along with us? This will make things much more convenient."

Wimpod's eyes widened at the offer of a lifetime. "(R-Really?!)" He gave Bagon a look. "(D-Does he really mean it?!)"

"(Looks like it to me.)" Bagon answered, looking calmly at Wimpod. "(And hey, you don't have to worry. We're cool.)"

"(Y-You really mean it?!)" Wimpod's body shivered from joy, something that almost never happens. He turned towards Nathan and perked himself up. "(Would I?!)"

Taking the hint, Nathan inched the Poke Ball a little further towards Wimpod, who tapped the button and flinched. The capsule opened, converting him into red energy that went inside the ball. It shut instantly, allowing it to shake several times in his hand before it finally made a ringing sound.

Nathan looked down at the Poke Ball, giving it a smirk. "Welcome aboard, Wimpod."

Keith snickered. "Glad to see this happen." A short silence fell as Nathan turned towards him with a raised brow. "Get it?" He waved a hand in front of his glasses. "Because I..."

"Yeah, I got it." He answered dryly.

Suddenly, a hasty knock was heard at the front door.

"Who could that be?" Keith turned towards the door, with Ditto transforming into a white cane to help him move towards it. He opened the door, where one of the village elders stood. "Yes, who might you be?"

"Young man, we have some troublesome news!" The elder panicked. "A horrible incident just happened!"

"Sir, please. Calm down. What's the problem?"

"There was an attack in Hoshido's festival city! It was a disaster!"

Keith immediately straightened up. His composition became serious once more as this news sounded absolutely dire. Nathan looked just as surprised, though he showed more reluctance if anything.

"Sir, I need you to tell me. What exactly happened?" Keith asked in a serious tone.

"Well, out of nowhere, the entire plaza exploded. So many were hurt, and many homes were destroyed. We believe that it was the work of the Nohrians. And what's worse, they're approaching the Hoshidan border as we speak!"

'That sounds bad. Better check what this is all about.' Keith gave the man another nod. "Thank you for telling me this, sir. Ditto!"

His white cane morphed back into Ditto. "(Hey-o!)"

"Fly towards the sight he just said. We need to scout and see what's up ahead. If you find anything related to Evan and Freya, make sure you come back immediately to tell me where they are."

Ditto gave a mock salute. "(Sure thing! Transform!)" Its body glowed white before molding into a Pidgey. It flapped its makeshift wings and took off towards the skies heading towards Hoshido's general direction.

"In the meantime..." Keith turned towards Zorua, returning her to her capsule. Mightyena took her position beside Keith and allowed him to hold onto her fur. "Nathan, we better go see what's going on. We won't get any answers just by standing around here forever."

Nathan didn't see much of a reason to shy away from this. It wasn't that he had any lack of care about these trainers. Hell, he never even met them. But at this point, Keith seemed to be the only one reliable for anything, so it seemed appropriate to pay him back by tailing him. "Alright then. Let's see what's up. Bagon!"

Bagon perked up, before returning to his Poke Ball. Nathan put it away and followed Keith and Mightyena to what might lead to something entirely different.

Party Data:

Evan

-Squirtle (Male)

Lv: 14

Item: None

Nature: Mild

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble, Bite

-Butterfree (Male)

Lv: 11

Item: None

Nature: Modest

Ability: Compound Eyes

Moves: Tackle, Gust, Electroweb, Harden

-Growlithe (Male)

Lv: 12

Item: None

Nature: Bashful

Ability: Intimidate

Moves: Ember, Flame Wheel, Howl, Bite

Freya

-Sobble (Female)

Lv: 13

Item: None

Nature: Timid

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Water Pulse, Whirlpool, Water Gun, Bind

-Rolycoly (Male)

Lv: 11

Item: None

Nature: Quiet

Ability: Steam Engine

Moves: Tackle, Smokescreen, Rapid Spin, Smack Down

-Snom (Female)

Lv: 12

Item: Snowball

Nature: Bold

Ability: Shield Dust

Moves: Powder Snow, Struggle Bug

Keith

-Ditto

Lv: 20

Item: Quick Powder

Nature: Quirky

Ability: Limber

Moves: Transform

-Zorua (Female)

Lv: 18

Item: Wise Glasses

Nature: Sassy

Ability: Illusion

Moves: Fake Tears, Extrasensory, Feint Attack, Pursuit

-Mightyena (Female)

Lv: 19

Item: Black Glasses

Nature: Rash

Ability: Quick Feet

Moves: Snarl, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang

Damon

-Scraggy (Male)

Lv: 14

Item: None

Nature: Naughty

Ability: Moxie

Moves: Headbutt, Sand Attack, Low Kick, Payback

Hey guys, long time no see! I'm sorry it's been a long time and I haven't updated the story as often as I should have, but I have my reasons for having this fanfiction kept under for so long.

So firstly, thank you all for being so patient with me for about a year. I'm sure many of you have thought the story was done for, and I apologize for keeping you all waiting this entire time. Secondly, the reason why it was held off was because I was finishing up my fanfic, From Depths We Rise. It was a long time coming, but I finally got that done and out of the way. And then after that, I had to get through The Contender's Ascent with the recent arc I finished. So I just wanted to get back to this fanfic with little problems loading up on me is all. I'm sorry again, but now I'm back to givimg you guys a riveting story, full of laughter, action, and the crazy shit that makes you think twice about everything you do in life. XD

Now then, for the stories themselves, I have some plans in mind for how I'm going to approach them. For the time being, and until further notice, I'm going to be jumping back and forth between this and The Contender's Ascent, that way I'm not stuck doing one singular story for a whole year trying to wrap everything up. It doesn't help that this chapter alone was a huge one, and that's my bad. Sorry if this was incredibly long for you all. But like I said, I'll be working on this and my other story in alternation, so as to make sure things stay fresh and in shape.

So now, Damon the Alolan hoodlum is on the official roster! He's certainly not a person you want to mess with, that's for sure. Now, Nathan and Chef DK will be joining soon as well, very soon. It will just be when they're officially part of the group is when they'll be updated on the Party Data.

Anyways, if you like what you read, leave a review. I greatly appreciate it and whatever feedback that I can get. I know I'm rusty, but I will do my best to give you all a good story! Until next time!