Watcher of Arceus - Path of the Immortal

by The Shadow Master of Weapons

Watchers, the direct descendants of Arceus herself, sets of twins born with her power. Born in pairs, these twins were meant to bridge the gap that had come between humans and pokémon, one a gifted human, born beside a pokémon. Inseparable immortal twins, the godchildren wandered the world. But now, a single pair remains. Full summary inside. Reboot of Watcher of Arceus.

59. Chapter 59: Alto Mare's Unwelcome Guests

Watcher of Arceus

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.

Author Notes:

-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}

Co-author: Catsithx

The following is a total and complete Reboot of the story "Watcher of Arceus".

~xXx~

Chapter 59 : Alto Mare's Unwelcome Guests

Thomas and Radara gave a deep bow to the well dressed man before them. The man had come to offer them another sigil, which had simply been on display in a corner of one of the Pokemon Ranger's Administration Offices in the Kanto Region. It was the third sigil to be returned from various groups since Arceus had asked the National Counsel of Japan to keep an eye out for them, although so far none of the weapons that had belonged to the watchers had been mentioned by anyone yet.

Xent merely watched as Thomas graciously accepted the sigil while watching over Verna in the river just outside the temple. She was happy to swim in the blessed waters, and while Xent was happy to see Verna so at ease and taking care of herself, the idea that the water of the river was in someways alive still made him question if she should be swimming in it.

He was still impressed with how much had been done in three days since their arrival however. While the temple itself was entirely unchanged, a set of railing had been placed around the edges of the stone courtyard in front of the temple, and the passage on the other side of the watery bridge now had guard rails as well. The was only the start of it, as the road itself was widened just a little bit dug into the cliffside and reinforced, and a rope ladder was now in place for use in the meantime to ascend the cliff side until the stair case was completed.

Most of the stair case had already been dug out and carefully sculpted, and aside from two parts that needed some concrete laid because of a few soft spots, it was mostly finished. Even more, a space for a few elevators had already been selected as well, one for the fast transport of people, and a larger cargo elevator for any thing heavy that would be flown in which would help greatly with construction until the road was finished. Xent knew that the temporary helipad that had been set up would be replaced with something much larger later, he had seen the plans for it already but until then they were just making do with small amounts of construction at a time.

There was even talk of securing land a short distance away to start a new town, or possibly city a few miles or so down river for the carriers of the words of the World Mother to live with their families if they had one. There was talk of how much land would be needed or if a larger more easily accessed space would be preferred, and how big of a highway would need to be connected to this new town or city to accommodate the traffic that would be drawn to this city. The rather eager talks of about the construction of this city was for the most part a good thing in Xent's eyes. Watching the people of Japan working beside the legendary pokemon was something different for Xent to say the least, but even in the moment of peace, Xent had trouble trying to stay calm.

For every person who was eager to see the return of the legendary pokemon, there were just as many people who didn't know what to think in the changing times. While heavily conflicted, more and more people seemed to be okay with the return of the legendary pokemon taking more active roles in daily life. Knowing the reasons why the legendary pokemon suddenly were working so hard to take such an active role wasn't helping Xent stay calm at all. Even though he had grown considerably over the past two years, being sidelined and knowing that supposedly his main fight was over when the world might need him wasn't a good thing in his mind.

Weighing even more on his mind though was the silence. This great evil which clearly had great plans, had minions at work that they clearly didn't know about, and even blew up a part of Kanto so viciously that all of Japan felt it had yet to take any kind of further actions that he could identify. The one minion it had that they knew about heavily was Hurk, who was being custom tailored to be a hero of some kind now. They had no idea how much of it was a show for things that they had caused and how much of it was him legitimately solving problems. Whatever the case was, it needed Hurk for something and yet, ever since its escape less then two weeks ago, there was nothing to hint at what it was doing.

Xent was brought out of his little slump though as Latias and Latios flew down suddenly, flying right past Xent with what looked like a dozen toolboxes and some heavy duty white coolers, which Xent swore had medical crosses and other medical symbols on them.

As Verna swam up to Xent, Xent leaned down and braced himself against the newly installed railing around the temple, and offered his hand to Verna to help her up. The water raised itself a bit to help Verna as well and Xent still found it weird that she wanted to swim in the waters when it did things like that, but he wasn't going to question her. She quickly noticed his confusion though as she climbed up onto the stone platform at the front of the temple, and gave him a slightly concerned look.

'What's wrong, Xe-' Verna asked, or started to ask at least. She had intended to follow up with something up, but was cut off but a sudden screeching.

Both rapidly turned and rushed into the temple, only to find two small blue pokemon with long ribbon like hair in the middle of the temple. "You want to get violent? I can get violent too! I raised you better then that." One of them was yelling at the other, moving in front of Arceus and giving a bow. "I apologize for my daughter's unruly behavior." A voice stated and as Xent approached, he was able to easily identify one of the pokemon.

The other one who was in the middle of the chamber holding its head was a phione, rumored to be the child, knight, or avatar of the sea's guardian, or the sea itself depending on which legend or story was being told. Phiones had never actually be caught before, but there were seen in numbers in some places around Japan and there was a lot of debate about whether they were a legendary pokemon or not.

Xent and Verna quickly calmed down seeing that none of the other legendary pokemon present seemed to worried, a few just sighing though. The one who had just spoken with two ribbons looked like phione, but at the same time clearly wasn't though.

"Manaphy... was it necessary to hit your child?" Arceus asked slowly.

"I have tried being calm with her for weeks now, but as you summoned me here to assist you with something, my unruly daughter had the nerve to hit me before coming through Palkia's portal, as well as chase me through, making me hit my head. She refuses to listen and wants me to abuse my unusual talents to give her the body of a dragon, so that she might chase after some child of a rich man, a child who has blown what the humans call a rassberry at her at least once a year for the last decade now. I have told her firmly I would not body swap her with a dragon so that she can go sit on him for a while to make him regret his decision, and I also forbade her from sinking the under water boat that the child rides on every year with so many other people on it, to say nothing of the clean up that would need to be handled from sinking it." Manaphy stated, slowly turning back towards her daughter.

Suicune had walked up and checked on the phione, making sure that she was okay, before looking to Manaphy. "Is this the rebellious daughter you had spoken of so much?" Suicune asked, giving the phione a few careful licks to her head.

"She is. She wishes to call herself Sakura among more common tongues outside of our water speech, but lately she has been nothing but trouble. She is incredibly smart and has been a great leader helping to keep the sea clean, but she allows herself to be taunted far to easily and doesn't like being denied the chance to do things that would either make her feel happy about that work she does by rubbing it in the face of those who pollute our waters... or being denied the chance to put a human child in their place beneath her." Manaphy stated, before turning realizing that Xent and Verna were there.

"Is this the one that Dahlia has fancied? Apologies, my vision is far better in the water, and many of you gardevoir look far too much alike." Manaphy stated, before rushing up and looking over Verna.

'I am Verna, and I am Dahlia's lover and wife.' Verna stated, giving a small bow before she was handed a towel to dry off. Manaphy then looked towards Xent.

"Do you have something you want to say? Go on, speak." Manaphy asked looking at him as Xent kept looking between Manaphy and the phione.

"Just noting that phione is apparently a legendary pokemon, and the only one I know of that isn't the only one of its kind. Well I mean there are there the regi-golems, but from what I understand, they're share a single mind or something, still not sure if I can call them separate beings or one big mind or what not." Xent stated calmly.

"The oceans, my domain is vast. I cannot be everywhere at once, and my role as princess of the sea requires much of me. I have many daughters to help me protect the waters of this world. Suicune keeps the waters of this world pure, Lugia protects the life of the waters and has taken to keeping peace between the elemental islands, and Kyorge made and filled the oceans, it is my task to protect the vast waters of this world." Manaphy stated as she looked at them, before looking back to the phione still biting her lip as she sat between Suicune's front legs, still getting a little licked on the head.

"And my daughters aid me in this task. When they are not acting like a senseless child letting a pretend bully make them consider risking their own roles to give into personal fury." Manaphy stated, before approaching Arceus again. "But, that is not why I am here. I was asked for help mother. What do you desire my assistance with?"

"I seek to make another set of elemental shards. These will not be a potent as the my completed plates, but they will have their uses. The waters of the converging rivers here have been blessed, but I would seek to extend those blessings. Drawing forth the power of a Life Well has weakened them however instead, and I would like some help to fix this. You have crystals far in the depths of the ocean in nests you have made. I would like to request one of the oldest and purest ones to see if I can make a shard from it." Arceus asked.

"I will find some of the oldest crystals I have in the waters... I shall also check Samiya. You have gifted them a few completed plates, and they did not use them all in construction of the city. Between the Sea Crown and the few they are using, the city remains safe and has more then enough control over the waters around it. If they have not found other uses for the plates, I shall bring you one." Manaphy stated thinking about things, looking over when Latias came up.

'We're ready!' Latias stated eagerly, only to see Xent, and clapped excitedly. Suicune nodded getting up and moving towards Xent, before Thomas and Radara rushed up.

"We need to go back to Alto Mare!" Thomas panted, Dahlia coming rushing up as well, carrying Spanky at the ready.

"What's going on?" Xent asked a bit concerned, Verna running off to get her gown back on instead of the bikini she had been wearing.

"The knights are finally approaching Alto Mare. Morag knows for certain that Coria is on a ship heading towards Alto Mare, and there are almost a hundred others on it, many of whom share a similar goal. We have to assume that they are knights." Thomas replied, Xent going to rush for his own bag, but Suicune reached out and quickly grabbed Xent. Already Zai had it rushing up hearing about the knights though and had ran through the portal waiting for Xent to join.

"I am sorry Xent, but you must remain here." Suicune said softly, and gently pulling Xent towards her while Latias gasped out in worry.

'What... no no no. Why now, it can't be now! We're needed here, this can't be delayed! The longer this waits, the less likely we can make it work!' Latias cried out, hands over her mouth for a few, clearly concerned, looking south a bit, and then back towards the far end of the temple.

'What's going on here? The protection of Alto Mare would surely benefit from your attendance.' Radara asked.

'We can't say yet! We don't even know if it will work yet, but we have to try!' Latias whined loudly.

"How long do you need?" Thomas asked.

'I don't know... but Latios needs my help here! There's only a short window to make this work, we've lost too much time already so it can't wait even a day longer.' Latias whined.

"I'll go with the others. I'm no good in a fight, but I can still help the others... somehow." Xent tried to state, but Suicune shook her head.

"I'm sorry Xent, but you are needed here." Suicune replied.

"I can't be in two places at once, I'm sorry Suicune." Xent tried to reason, but Suicune still shook her head.

"Xent, you are needed here. I have promised Latias and Latios I will not say why, but you must stay. I do not wish to fill you will false hope if this does not work." Suicune stated, pulling Xent a little closer.

"We can manage with out you. Just... hurry when you finish." Thomas stated.

As Verna came back fully dressed and carrying a bag, she handed Xent crowbar, or attempted to but he didn't take it, even as he bit his lip.

"If the knights are approaching Alto Mare, I need a good reason to stay. I can't fight, not against the knights, but I won't let them invade Alto Mare." Xent tried to state, but Suicune gently put a ribbon to his lips.

"Xent, do you trust me?" Suicune asked as Dahlia finished grabbing somethings and got ready, a portal opening up as Palkia rushed in hearing what was going on and ready to help.

Xent bit his lip a little more, but nodded. Verna was easily torn between things though, looking to Dahlia rushing through the portal with Thomas and Radara, but also looking back to Xent.

"Go... she needs you more right now, and it sounds like I'll have company here." Xent sighed, motioning for Verna to go.

'A-are you sure?' Verna asked very worried, and Xent nodded.

"I'll join you when I can." Xent stated, letting Suicune turn him slowly and guide him into the depths of the sanctuary with Latias, even as she seemed a bit worried.

Latias did stop for a moment and quickly rushed towards the portal. 'The D.M.A. is active! But it still has limits in place! Don't over use the water control systems or you might over draw power from the Soul Dew without us there and that will cause problems! I'll rush back to help as fast as I can, but this needs to be done! There's only so much time to do it!' Latias called out, before rushing back towards Suicune and Xent.

-x-

Thomas rushed through the gardens with Radara, Dahlia, and Verna. A group of lucarios and Rangers were there to greet them and as they just took off, all of them joined the group as they moved.

Thomas and Radara ran for the museum as fast as they could, Dahlia and Verna rushing towards the Aura Oasis. The group of rangers and lucarios from the kingdom split up to follow them both, but the sudden rush of the rangers and lucarios, as well as Latias and Latios's personal guests quickly gathered attention, and some level of confusion began to spread around the city.

Mayor Ashe and Curator Johnson were already in the museum by chance discussing various things when Thomas rushed in and made a mad dash into the D.M.A. chamber, which quickly got their attention along with the guards posted at its entrance. The guards knew that it was Thomas and Radara, the vines opening as they rushed up, but the speed that they had rushed in, apparently in such a hurry had them confused and a little worried. When their escort of a few lucarios and plenty of Rangers rushed in as well, it only added to their worry and they knew something had to be really wrong.

"Excuse me. Thomas right? What's going on here?" Mayor Ashe asked rather concerned as the machine began to spin and realign itself a bit.

'We regret to inform you that the group know as the Knights of Arceus may be moving on Alto Mare. Morag, The Queen of the Lucario Kingdom has felt Coria, the knight we had attempted to talk earlier this month is aboard a large vessel heading for the city, with others who seem to share her goals.' Radara explained as she sat beside

"Mayor Ashe, we have a situation! It's good you're here." The leading ranger tried to call out.

'I am informing her of the situation already. Be ready to follow her directions.' Radara stated, the rangers and lucarios all nodding and looking to Mayor Ashe.

"What do you need us to do ma'am?" The leading ranger asked now.

"What do you mean the Knights of Arceus are coming here on a large vessel?" Mayor Ashe asked, only getting more concerned.

'We don't know for certain, but Morag has felt Coria approaching the city once again, on a large ship. We have not yet investigated the ship specifically, but Morag feels that the majority of people on this ship share a similar goal to Coria, that they are preparing for something.' Radara started, only for a few hologram images to appear in beside Radara and Mayor Ashe.

A small cargo ship appeared on the screen, several people on board looking towards Alto Mare, and then a second image appeared of the bridge of the ship, where Coria and a few other people were present. There were many bearing silver crosses of Arceus, and silver and green clothing, a few concealed weapon racks with plenty of weapons currently being looked over before they were hidden behind fake panels. "You might want to make a public announcement Mayor Ashe. I can have the D.M.A. ready for you give an announcement as soon as your ready, but you might want to make it soon. I'm going to try delaying the ships arrival but they'll notice fast enough." Thomas called out from the control module of the D.M.A.

'Dahlia is already at the Aura Oasis directly speaking with Morag about what we can do with the rangers from the Arceus Division. Latias and Latios however are not present. They have made other plans that apparently cannot wait, they must be completed now. Latias and possibly Latios will join us as fast as they can, but I have no idea what they are doing, nor when it will be completed. We will however do everything we can to help protect Alto Mare, and additional help is coming. Word is already spreading among the legendary pokemon, and those who think they can help will be arriving as they are able.' Radara continued.

'A public announcement letting the people know to stay away from the docks on the west side of the city would greatly help keep the general population safe. We will not let them into the city beyond the docks if we are able, but if the Knights have mobilized a large force, they intend to force some kind of confrontation. This will not end well for them and we will show their actions openly after we have made sure that the city is safe. If they are truly prepared to escalate to this degree, we will begin discussions with the Japanese National Counsel how to best directly confront them if peace is not an option.' Radara finished as the D.M.A. came back down, the hatch opening for a moment.

"I've done what little things I can do without risking a panic on the ship, but I don't want to do more yet. I can have an open broadcast ready for a public announcement as soon as your ready. It will be broadcast all through Alto Mare's hologram systems, and I've found a way to wire this announcement into the communications equipment onboard all the ships around Alto Mare alerting them to the situation. I'll set it to repeat on the emergency channels just to make sure people around Alto Mare know as well. Hopefully after they know that they have lost all element of surprise and that we are preparing for them, they'll be more open to try talking first." Thomas called out.

'Latios has been busy in his studies. If we can broadcast to any radio channel in range now, that would make it much easier to make this announcement.' Radara noted, turning to face Thomas.

"With Mewtwo's help. He's seemed to learn a great many things in the past year and together with Latias and Latios, there are dozens of notes and ideas about how to better harness the technologies that Latias and Latios made together with what the humans have made. I'm surprised at the sheer amount of ideas alone." Thomas stated.

"You're certain that the knights are on the way here to Alto Mare." Mayor Ashe repeated, looking over them.

"I managed to catch a glimpse of Coria on a camera on the vessel and what little I've been able to hear over the communications on the ship indicate that its probably a ship full of Knights. They have weapon racks hidden away on the bridge and and likely in other places, and a number of staff on the bridge are wearing tradition knight colors and icons. I'm sorry that it has come to this, but we knew that they were planning something, to come here in numbers the day that we tried to talk with Coria the first time." Thomas stated.

"And... you will protect our city right?" Curator Johnson asked.

'We will do all that we can. While Latias and Latios are busy with other tasks, we will protect their city and we have no intention of allowing the residents who call this home to be removed because of the Knights. Latias and Latios still care deeply for this city, and all of the humans and pokemon who call it home. We will not not risk unnecessary harm to Alto Mare if we can help it and we will do all that we can to minimize any damage that the knights wish to cause if fighting does break out.' Radara repeated.

"Damn it all... I was never good at giving speeches on the spot." Mayor Ashe stated, extremely annoyed, but nodding still. "Okay okay, something needs to be done... W-Where do I stand, I'll... do something. Come on, think think... you're daughter is best selling author, she had to have gotten that talent somewhere, it doesn't need to be fancy." Mayor Ashe stated, before a screen appeared in front of her.

"Anywhere is fine, just let me know when you're ready." Thomas stated, and Mayor Ashe just nodded.

"Okay... just do it." She stated and the screen quickly showed just an image of herself.

"Attention Residents of Alto Mare. This is your mayor, Kim Ashe speaking. I am making this emergency announcement as it has been brought to my attention that the terrorist group known as the Knights of Arceus are currently moving towards the city with unknown goals or purpose. It is believed by the esteemed guests our guardian deities Latias and Latios that these people are approaching the city with ill intent in mind, perhaps to attack the city directly. The Rangers of the Arceus Division, the Aura Guardians, and some of the guests of our guardian deities, as well as some of the other legendary pokemon will do all that they can to help protect our fair city. All police staff are now on active duty, please immediately report to your superiors for instructions. Help protect the people of Alto Mare. Citizens of Alto Mare, I urge you to stay away from the docks on the western side of the city. If you have a home, or are at home near any dock on the western part of the city, I urge you to find an emergency center, and do not fight these people. To all ships already docked on the western docks, please vacate your vessels and follow all directions by our police to help you take cover and to all ships in the water near our city, please avoid the western docks. Once again, do not fight these people. They are dangerous, they have proven that they will not care for who they hurt to accomplish their goals, and most of, they have a hatred for some of our esteemed guests. Please, stay out of the way, and follow the directions of the Alto Mare Police Departments." Mayor Ashe quickly explained, watching a screen of her announcement as it was broadcast all through the city, as well as on every radio in the city.

Thomas just kept an eye on the holograms in front of him though, specifically the one on the bridge of the ship and as the announcement was made. Almost immediately, the knights on board the ship reacted, the sudden emergency channel announcement, and even all speakers on the ship. It was clear that they were not happy and tried to issue an announcement on the ship themselves, but Thomas noticed that it looked like they were having trouble.

"I... might be delay their efforts more. I think when I issued the announcement through their communications equipment, it looks like they can't use the equipment themselves." Thomas stated, setting up a quick program to just keep playing Mayor Ashe's announcement on repeat on their ship now.

'Delaying their attempts to make coordinated movements or even contact others will prove very beneficial to us and can give us to time to prepare. Repeating Mayor Ashe's message constantly on their equipment seems like a good start, but is there anything else we can do to buy time?' Radara asked, the question for all of them.

"They'll require one of the larger docks for a ship that size right? And it doesn't look like they have anything more then lifeboats on the ship. Unless their hiding a collection of smaller ships for transport on that ship, then all we have to do is just block up every large dock in their path and we can force them to attempt to disembark at a spot of our choosing right?" One of the rangers called out.

"And we can attempt to have everyone waiting for them, with barricades and the rangers and lucarios to greet them. And with you right there helping, we'l-" Mayor Ashe started.

"It might be best if I remained right here. If I'm operating the D.M.A., I can make adjustments and try to keep the fighting contained from here, and its probably me that they want to kill the most. If show up in person, they might forego any kind of talking at all." Thomas stated.

"Its you that they are trying to kill? Then why are they here. Surely they know that you're supposed to be Johto right now?" Mayor Ashe asked confused.

'We don't know for certain. Perhaps they thought to use the chance while we were away to try and lay a trap for us.' Radara suggested. 'Either way, we'll know for certain shortly. And Dahlia says that she's ready with the lucarios. Where do we want to have this meeting? We should prioritize minimizing damages and access to the city.'

Thomas quickly pulled up a map of Alto Mare, and focused in a set of three piers. Only a few boats were docked there at the moment. Thomas made sure that the ship would have enough to dock as he pulled a hologram copy of the ship up to the docks and it did fit and would have room to leave when it was done, but they would need to move the boats there already.

"Let's try for West Guardian Square. There's only market stalls there, which we can rebuild later, and it only has access to a single main road. I can easily block all the other narrow passages and cover all the windows of the buildings around it to help secure the space, while the police barricade the main road there. It should give us room to talk and maintain control, only flying types would be able to past anyone easily." Thomas suggested.

"They skies will remain clear under my watch. None shall make it past my gaze." Another voice stated as Zapdos landed in the museum, flying in quickly and landing easily beside the group. "Lugia shall be here shortly. She shall deal with their ship once she arrives."

"What do you mean deal with their shi-, wait! You can speak clearly as well?" Mayor Ashe exclaimed, so far only use to psychics speaking with her as well as Arceus.

Her question would go unanswered however as Zai rushed in riding on top of the Registeel though. [Where's Xent! The portal closed minutes ago and he hasn't come through!] Zai screamed in annoyance and worry.

"Zai? I thought you were still in the temple, I never even saw you come through the portal back here." Thomas said rather confused.

[Where's Xent! You mentioned knights and I rushed through with a bag for Xent as soon as the portal opened.] Zai yelled out, looking back towards where she thought the gardens where, before looking over the room, uncaring for the phone that was going off.

'Xent remains at the temple under Suicune's care at the moment. Latias and Latios required him for something very time sensitive, but would not explain what.' Radara stated as Mayor Ashe was on her phone, and a few of the Rangers all began looking over theirs as well.

"Zai, if you're here and you want to help, you need to show restraint. Unless fighting breaks out, you can't attack the knights, and you can't kill them unless truly needed. Things are already tense enough, you can't start something here... You listen to Verna as though she were Xent right now, its extremely important that we try to resolve this peacefully, it doesn't matter that Coria is here, we need to do our best to talk this through. Starting open warfare with the knights is only going to make things worse and play right into that thing's desires." Thomas stated, the Registeel's eyes quickly flashed in patterns again.

'Yes, please do. Restrain and protect her if needed.' Radara replied to Registeel's comments.

[What... what are you... I won't be side lined! If that bitch is here, I'm taking her arm for taking my Xent's arm! Eye for an eye, Limb for a limb!] Zai screamed.

Almost at once, the Registeel just picked up Zai, and walked her into the chamber with the D.M.A. Its eyes quickly flashed in a large series of patterns again, before Thomas just closed the entrance to D.M.A. chamber with crystal vines and flowers.

'If you cannot keep calm Zai, you must stay here. Your Registeel friend shall protect both you and Thomas until such a time that you can calm down and think clearly.' Radara stated.

Zai was once more struggling in Registeel's arms, growling at him for once. [Hey... Let me down, there's work to be done!] Zai snarled, only to finally get let down, but there was no way for Zai to get out as she rushed up the barrier that didn't move. [Come on Thomas... let me out, stop wasting time.]

Thomas just ignored her though as the D.M.A. rose to its highest position as he went to work. "I'm going to push the water away from the docks at every other pier that they try to approach, and get the currents to force them to dock at the West Guardian Square. Keep me updated on Dahlia and the lucarios, I have used the D.M.A. this heavily before, so I'm going to do work in sections at a time. Let me know if I accidentally get in their way." Thomas called out.

'Mayor Ashe. We understand that you lead the humans of this city, but we will still treat this city as though it is Latias's and Latios's. If you wish to speak with the knights about their intentions, this can be arranged. I know that wish to do something to help out, and we can offer you the chance to speak with them from here.' Radara offered.

"No... Or yes, but no. I do need to speak with them, but I need to be there in person." Mayor Ashe stated, one of the rangers quickly coming up at her words while the other continued their discussions, talking with police and many others trying organize what was happening over the radio.

"Mayor Ashe, I understand you want to help, but I must protest to you trying to interact directly with these people. I've read the reports about what they did in the kingdom of Rota, at Cameran Castle two years ago. They may try hurt you if they think that you're not with them." The ranger pleaded.

"Get Chief Crafts on the line, I'm going to need a bullet proof jacket, and helmet... and get a call in to my office. Have someone pick up my blastoise and greninja from the spa. I was hoping to have presentable for some guests showing up in Alto Mare tomorrow, but that may have to wait now... so much reservation, I was planning this meeting with the representatives... oh never mind. Just get me Chief Crafts and my pokemon here quickly!" Mayor Ashe stated.

~xXx~

Dahlia, Verna, and their large escort of rangers and a few lucarios all made their way in a rush towards the Aura Oasis. As they ran in, Morag was slowly getting up out of her meditation feeling them approach. 'There is no mistake. The sister of your companion, this Cora or Coria or something. She is returning to the city with numbers. Their aura reveals a collective cause, a shared desire for something, although I don't know what.' Morag stated as she looked over the lucarios who had entered with them.

'Although we are guests of this land... We have taken a vow to aid the legendary pokemon. This city belongs to Latias and Latios, children of Arceus. They have protected our kingdom, our ways, given us protections and more to help ensure the survival of our kingdom, of our ways. Arceus herself has asked for our help and today we will provide. We, the lucarios of the Lucario Kingdom, of the Aura Guardians are ready to help protect this city at your command.' Morag stated, kneeling once, all of the lucarios doing the same with her.

"Latias and Latios will give their thanks when they can, but they cannot join us immediately. Thomas is likely their intended target, who they want most. He will remain in the D.M.A., offering us support as he is able from there." Dahlia quickly explained, only to look up, and giving a nod. Turning, and pointing towards where the Aura Oasis had set up their hologram viewing stage, a large image quickly appeared showing Mayor Ashe in the museum.

"Attention Residents of Alto Mare. This is your mayor, Kim Ashe speaking. I am making this emergency announcement as it has been brought to my attention that the terrorist group known as the Knights of Arceus are currently moving towards the city with unknown goals or purpose. It is believed by the esteemed guests our guardian deities Latias and Latios that these people are approaching the city with ill intent in mind, perhaps to attack the city directly. The Rangers of the Arceus Division, the Aura Guardians, and some of the guests of our guardian deities, as well as some of the other legendary pokemon will do all that they can to help protect our fair city. All police staff are now on active duty, please immediately report to your superiors for instructions. Help protect the people of Alto Mare. Citizens of Alto Mare, I urge you to stay away from the docks on the western side of the city. If you have a home, or are at home near any dock on the western part of the city, I urge you to find an emergency center, and do not fight these people. To all ships already docked on the western docks, please vacate your vessels and follow all directions by our police to help you take cover and to all ships in the water near our city, please avoid the western docks. Once again, do not fight these people. They are dangerous, they have proven that they will not care for who they hurt to accomplish their goals, and most of, they have a hatred for some of our esteemed guests. Please, stay out of the way, and follow the directions of the Alto Mare Police Departments." Mayor Ashe's image and announcement was broadcast all throughout Alto Mare, and already Morag could feel the change around.

The people of Alto Mare at first were confused. There was movement outside the building, and a few people were coming in asking what was going on.

The rangers tried to keep things calm though as the waited for instructions from Dahlia. Even Verna could feel the mass of emotions in the city growing but Verna just stayed at Dahlia's side. She could feel Dahlia's angry and a bit of worry from her, but Verna just stayed with her. 'Dahlia, please calm down. The knights will not take Alto Mare.'Verna told her, taking her hand some and Dahlia turned to look at her, nodding slowly.

Dahlia took a few breathes and tried to restrain herself, but it was hard right now as the Rangers just watched. "We promise that we will do everything we can help protect this city and its people." The leading Ranger stated, Morag giving a nod as well.

'These false followers of the World Mother will not find this city undefended. But you must restrain yourself. Do not give yourself to hatred for the sake of seeking revenge. I understand the hardship in this request, I have had trouble taking this advice as well, but your mother has asked me to do all that I can help you. Even if you do not want to hear this, we must not try to kill without dire reason. Those who surrender or can be captured must be given the chance to be judged by their peers, as is the way of this land. They are not inherently evil, they are just misguided.' Morag stated.

Dahlia nodded, almost growling some as she bit her tongue. 'They will only learn if they shown the true path of the World Mother. We must capture as many alive as we can. We failed to capture Cora before, we have another chance. If she is to be a future leader of their order, then we must attempt to use this chance to correct their false beliefs.' Morag added, before turning towards one of the preachers who were coming down stairs having heard the announcement.

"We are not fighters, but if you can capture them, we can attempt to help teach this people the proper word of Arceus." One of the people who came down the stairs stated wearing a rather fancy cross of Arceus, Dahlia recognizing it as a symbol to show that this person was one of those who had felt the calling and had come to learn Alto Mare to learn the words of the World Mother. Behind him, there were a few others as well, and at the door, a many other priests and pastors were gathering trying to figure out what was going on.

"Stay here, out of the way. Use this chance to prepare if you want to help. Talk with the police, tell them I sent you. Ask them what you need to prepare for prisoners. Remind them that if we can, capture them alive." Dahlia stated, having to restrain herself some, but with Verna there, she kept her cool for the moment.

'They will need food, and make sure that the cells are secure. Ask them about extra cameras, and make sure that people are ready for anything. These people are trained for combat, remind them that they cannot take any chances. We'll need secure holding cells and guards on them at all times until we figure what to do.' Verna added.

Dahlia looked down suddenly for just a second and then nodded before looking to the others. "Thomas wants to attempt this in West Guardian Square. He thinks its the best place to keep any fighting contained without risking too much collateral damage." She stated, turning and taking off, the group following along quickly.

Already police were at work helping to coordinate the people and spreading news of what was going on, trying to get people to safety. Off duty officers were quickly running to their police stations to get geared up quickly while other emergency personal were all quickly looking to the police for instructions, the announcement replaying from Mayor Ashe repeating every so often.

-x-

Dahlia, Verna, Morag, and the rangers and aura guardians all made it West Guardian Square, and the open view of the ocean showed just a single boat on the horizon not that far out. There was no doubt who was on the ship, and Dahlia gripped Spanky harder, almost growling again.

Verna stayed at her side, holding her back as Morag lead the others up into the square. All around them, the buildings had new crystalline vines over them to protect the buildings, and every passage in and out of the square with the exception of the main passage were blocked off. Police were quickly rushing up in a number of boats by the two canals that passed by the square, and crystalline arches were blocking off the side walks beside them leaving just enough room for the boats to get through.

As soon as the police arrived, they quickly started to set up barricades along the main road, as well as helping to pull the market stalls to the side of the square while the lucarios and rangers helped out, choosing defensive positions around the pier.

Verna kept Dahlia in the back though as Zapdos came flying down and landed on top one of the buildings where Thomas had set up a perch for him to wait.

As Dahlia and Verna tried to keep calm, and gave instructions about where to set up the most, a screen with Thomas appeared in front of them.

"Lugia is on her way, and Manaphy has set a dozen of her daughters to join us protecting the waters. When Lugia gets here, I'll let her decide what she wants to do with their boat, but be ready. I've set up barriers around every other pier on the western side of the city, and made sure that they can only dock there. I don't know who else is coming, but Radara is going to stay here with me to help out here. Zai appearently made it through, but she's locked in the D.M.A. chamber with me along with the Regitsteel she's befriended. She can't control her anger, but I'm well protected here with the city counsel. Mayor Ashe is on her way to you directly though, to try and help keep the peace. We'll try to coordinate efforts around the city from here just in case." Thomas explained in a slight rush, clearly doing a lot in the D.M.A.

"I'm doing my best here, but I'm concerned about trying to do too much more with the D.M.A. without Latias or Latios here though. There's a lot of things I would like to try, Mewtwo has left all kind of ideas here and there are hundreds of new notes about project ideas, but I don't want to risk over drawing power from the Soul Dew. If you explicitly need something, let Radara know and be specific if you can. I can set up a few automated holograms to make sure that the knights see their own actions and all the new stations will have access to them. Hopefully making this as public as possible, they'll be more restrained." Thomas stated, hopeful that he could at least try something to make the Knights less likely to attempt open hostilities right now.

"I'm also going to try and turning the northern alleyways into cages, a place to lock them up if you teleport them into the alleyways. It will take a moment to do that though, I'm not done setting up vines over the buildings to protect them from damage. Otherwise I'm going to try talking with the Knights through the holograms once they disembark." He continued before the hologram vanished.

"Morag... I want you as close to the center of the square as possible if you can. Thomas is going try talking with them as soon as they disembark and he can set up a hologram for them. Ranger White, Thomas says he's going to try and turn a few of the northern alleyways into cages to try and detain them if we can, but we'll have to teleport them into the cages! Keep an eye on the northern alleyways!" Dahlia called out, slowly turning to keep an eye on the boat as it drew closer. She moved a bit closer now, even hopping up onto one of the statues of Latias and Latios, not hiding who she was at all.

As everyone got set up though, something was starting to happen behind them. Dahlia quickly turned around, ready for an ambush in the moment just concerned as she heard a pokeball and then a few more, but looking back, it wasn't a Knight.

"No sticking terrorist is going to come into Latias and Latios's city and mess the place the up!" A voice shouted out, and the police quickly rushed up to figure out what was going on, only for a few dozen other people and pokemon to start walking up, and down the road were plenty of others calling out pokemon as well.

"Everyone, please return to your homes or your designated emergency shelters!" One of the police prescient chiefs called out, but the group just ignored him.

"Not while Alto Mare is in danger!" Another person yelled out, and others seemed to join and yell out with them. A dozen shouts telling the police they weren't backing down quickly turned into a chorus of defensive and angry yells.