~~Stonerook - White Plaza - Prism City - Western Province~~

After a lifetime protecting the wonder of Prism City, capturing petty criminals and the like, Captain Stonerook could just sense when something was amiss in his city. Call it a gift of some sort, but he could feel it.

It was this feeling that caused him to notice the strange orange glow prominating from the upper levels of Castle Arkos. Sure, one could write this glow off as reflections from the fireworks show currently going on.

But the same defense could not be used when bringing up the fact that no other window was reflecting the color so clearly. Only a select few windows would light up for a few seconds, die out, then blaze to life again. It was an irregular pattern that did not match the rhythmic explosions in the sky.

"Is something the matter, Captain?"

Stonerook turned his attention back in front of him. He was currently a few paces behind the King and Queen, protecting the royal couple from any that would seek to do them harm as well as giving them some privacy for the show. King Fiero was regarding Stonerook with a curious gaze.

"Forgive my inattentiveness, my King. May I ask to be excused for a moment?"

Fiero raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Just a feeling, but an ominous one."

Fiero sighed, turning back to the show. "Your instinct has not been wrong before, Captain. Let us pray it is now. Be quick, will you?"

Stonerook nodded. He quickly retracted his arms and legs into his body and ignited his underside, taking off into the sky at top speed. He, too, was praying his instinct was wrong this time.

~~Rainbow - Castle Arkos - Prism City - Western Province~~

Rainbow: Flareon

Rainbow sprinted at Syn while unleashing a Flamethrower. The flames cut off Syn's view of the charging Flareon. Without hesitation Syn sank into the shadows below him. The Flamethrower passed harmlessly overhead.

As the flames dissipated, Rainbow was shocked to see his target no longer there. In fact, he wasn't anywhere.

"Confused, hero?"

The voice came from behind him. He turned and shot another Flamethrower… at nothing. A gross cackle emanated from all around him.

"Where exactly were you firing that thing?"

Rainbow stood protectively over Azaelia. "This is your blessing? Hiding in the shadows like a coward?"

He felt the fur on his neck stand up on end. He turned around and fired a Flamethrower to intercept an incoming Sludge Bomb. The explosion from the two attacks colliding caused a window to shatter. Cool air wafted into the hallway.

"Trash talk?" Syn pulled himself out of the shadows on the floor in front of the broken window. "My, my, you are angry."

As soon as Rainbow saw Syn, he charged with Flare Blitz. "You don't know anything!"

As Rainbow approached, Syn ducked into the shadows once more. As soon as Rainbow passed overhead Syn rocketed out and smashed into his attacker's stomach, launching the Flareon into the air.

"Oh, don't I?" Syn melted into the shadows once more. "I know you're fighting sloppy." He dropped from the darkness of the ceiling above Rainbow. "You're panicking!" He threw out his arm with a Night Slash. Rainbow hardly had time to bring up his paws to guard before the attack landed, launching him down and scratching up his forelegs in the process.

Rainbow shifted to Eevee as he landed on his feet. He swished his tail and retaliated with Swift. He grit his teeth in frustration as the star-like projectiles only hit the ceiling. His eyes darted around the hallway for any sign of movement.

"You're trying to finish this quickly, right?"

Rainbow recoiled as the voice came directly next to his left ear. He planted his two right legs onto the floor and used Take Down, pushing off to the left. Finally one of his moves landed, throwing Syn back into the wall. Before Rainbow could follow up, the Zoroark melted into the shadows once again.

"Dammit." Rainbow growled. Synphony's power to use the shadows was frustrating to deal with. Especially since this hallway was all shadows. He winced, feeling the sting of the wounds on his forelegs. Ok, then. He would just need to light it up a bit.

He glowed with white light, shifting back to Flareon. "Man, I hope this works." A soft yellow glow sprouted from his back. It detached itself and floated up to the ceiling. After it went high enough, its dim light brightened up until the hallway was as bright as day.

"Ack!" Synphony was forcibly ripped from the wall as the shadows disappeared. He glared at Rainbow's creation. "Sunny Day, huh? I gotta say, I'm impress-"

Luckily the Zoroark was too distracted rambling to notice Rainbow incoming with Flare Blitz. The fiery charge caught the Champion of Giratina off guard as Rainbow slammed him into the wall he was just torn from, pinning him. Syn's breath was knocked out of him.

"You could have at least let me finish!" Rainbow ignored the comment and opened his mouth to fire a point-blank Flamethrower in his opponent's face.

Seeing this, Syn showed his dexterity by kicking one of his legs up and forcibly shutting Rainbow's jaw with it. Rainbow recoiled from the attack, accidentally letting Syn free from his hold. The Zoroark then jumped up and struck Rainbow's side with his other leg, which was powered with Revenge. Rainbow roughly tumbled across the floor.

"You may have gotten rid of my shadows for now," Syn chased after Rainbow, striking out Night Slashes. Rainbow rolled on the ground to dodge them. "But I didn't even use them last time and you still couldn't beat me one on one!"

Rainbow quickly rolled onto his feet and unleashed a Flamethrower. "And yet you've already lost!"

Syn flattened himself on his stomach, letting the fire blow over him. While on the ground, he threw a Sludge Bomb. The ranged move passed perfectly under the flames and smacked Rainbow square in the face. "And why do you think that, hero?"

Rainbow's flames abruptly stopped. His legs gave out and he stumbled backwards. The two both paused to catch their breaths. "I already have the plate, Synphony." Rainbow gripped the plates around his neck. "So why are you still here?"

"I'm hurt, Rainbow." Syn placed a paw in mock sadness over his heart. "I can't hang with my new bestie/rival?"

Rainbow struggled to find his footing. "This band on me is permanent. The plates won't come off even if you kill me."

Syn shrugged. "We don't know that for sure, now do we?" He flexed a claw in Rainbow's direction. "At least, I won't unless I try."

Rainbow growled. "Then what the hell's your game? It would have been a lot easier to kill me here without sending your partner away first."

"The two leaders of the opposing sides fighting in single combat against each other? It's like the fateful climax to a children's story! Why would I ruin that by bringing a plus one?" Syn grinned crazily.

Rainbow finally got his footing. "You are certifiably insane."

Syn crouched down. "I'd say I like to appreciate the moment."

A wet sputtering was heard a little ways away from the two champions. Rainbow's ears perked up. The sound drew his attention. His eyes landed on Azaelia. Her body convulsed as the small sound came out. She finished coughing, now drawing extremely ragged breaths.

Rainbow bit his bottom lip. That's right. He almost forgot for a moment there. Azaelia's life was on the line, he couldn't waste any more time talking to this lunatic.

"Where do you think you're looking?" Syn dashed with Night Slash at the ready.

Rainbow responded by dousing himself with fire, meeting Syn head on with Flare Blitz. Syn saw this and quickly slammed his Night Slash onto the floor, propelling himself into the air. Now facing Rainbow's back, he fired a Sludge Bomb.

Rainbow ducked and rolled to the side, evading the attack. His Flare Blitz was doused as he stopped rolling, now on his back. With the airborne Zoroark in his sight he opened his jaw and blasted Flamethrower.

Synphony's eyes widened. With no other way, he desperately crossed his arms in front of him to block as best he could. He was consumed in the flames, seemingly disappearing behind the torrent of heat and light.

The flames did not stop even as Syn hit the floor. Rainbow kept up the attack as long as he could until his lungs screamed for air. He cut the Flamethrower off, leaving him to take a deep breath to get oxygen back in his system.

Syn was curled up as best he could. In doing so, only the back of his forearms were really burned. He uncurled and stood, swinging his arms in an attempt to cool them down.

"Oh boy that was hot!" Syn blew on his arms. He chuckled. "You better watch where you aim that stuff." He wore a toothy smile, but his eyes now held danger. "You might hurt somebody."

Suddenly multiple duplicates appeared around Syn. They flicked in and out of existence until they melded back into the Zoroark. He had used Agility. With a glaring smirk he launched himself forward, a blur to Rainbow's eyes.

"Crap!" Rainbow exclaimed in panic. He narrowly dodged an incoming Night Slash, the attack leaving a scratch on his backside. Rainbow could barely keep up with his opponent. Syn bounced off the floor and onto the wall. He then shot off the wall like a speeding, sentient bullet.

Rainbow leaped back and shifted to Eevee. Syn struck the ground with a bang, cracking the floor and leaving a sizable crater. Dismissing the relief Rainbow felt that he wasn't caught in that attack, he quickly released a Swift.

Seeing the stars coming towards him Syn leaped once again, this time bouncing between walls, floor, and ceiling to dodge the attack. The Swift tracked him wherever he went, no matter how hard he tried to get rid of them.

Syn clicked his tongue. Seeing that he couldn't lose the attack, he chose to intercept it. He halted his bouncing on the floor, firing a Sludge Bomb. The two ranged attacks hit each other and exploded.

That was the least of the Zoroark's worries, however, as he soon found himself face-to-face with a Take Down from Rainbow, who had waited for just this moment to attack. He couldn't dodge or attack in time. He felt immense pressure on his chest as the attack landed, forcing him to take a knee. Seizing the opportunity, Rainbow followed up by using Bite on Syn's right arm.

"Ah!" He screamed out in pain from the successive attacks. "You little bastard!"

Rainbow's eyes widened in pain as Syn pounded Revenge into his right side. The attack loosened Rainbow's Bite and he was pushed away.

Rainbow took a knee to rest as much as he could. Syn did the same, leaning on the wall whilst holding his chest. The fight was taking its toll on the two fighters. Rainbow's body was littered with cuts and scratches while Syn was riddled with bruises. They each knew the other couldn't last much longer, but how long could they keep going themselves?

"Why are you still here, huh?" Syn suddenly asked Rainbow.

The Eevee tensed up at the question. "What?"

"What you asked me, I can also ask you." Syn waved his hand, gesturing to the plates. "You won. You have the Flame Plate. Just run away to the safety of the crowds and I'll have no hope of getting it back. But you chose to stay and fight. Why?"

Rainbow glared. "Why does that matter?"

Syn playfully rolled his eyes. "Oh come on. I gave you my answer. It's only fair for you to do the same, hero."

Rainbow's eye twitched in annoyance but he humored his opponent anyway, if only to buy some time. "I have a chance to end this war of ours right here and now. If I take you down, Giratina will never have the chance to return again. I can potentially save many from the worst if I stop you here."

Syn responded with a surprisingly hostile growl. "Don't even try. I've been lied to and cheated so many times I can tell when someone tries to lie to me. That's not the reason."

Rainbow growled back. "I don't need to tell you anything." He stole a glance at Azaelia. Her chest rose and fell at a semi-steady, yet irregular, pace. Good, she was still breathing.

"Heh. I see now. The whole 'knight in shining armor' thing, right?" Syn's smile flashed with something sinister. "Heh, alrighty then. Let's play a game, shall we?"

Rainbow sprinted forward, his shoulder glowing with a Take Down. "I'm not playing one of your sick games again!"

Syn simply sidestepped Rainbow's brash charge. "Too late for that now. Let me lay down the rules for you."

The Zoroark backflipped onto the wall and stuck in a claw to keep himself rooted. "Poor Azaelia is running out of time, and blood! And knowing my companion, she's already alerted the guards as to what's happening. So here's the game: If the princess dies before I am defeated, I win. However, if the opposite happens, you win. And if the guards get here before both? Well, we're both gonna be in a heap of trouble, won't we?"

Rainbow recovered from his missed attack and immediately fired Swift. "You've seriously lost it if you think I'd agree to that!"

Syn crawled along the wall to dodge the Swift. The flying stars crashed into the wall instead of hitting their desired target. The Champion of Giratina wagged a finger at his fellow champion.

"What did I tell you?" He planted his feet onto the wall as well. "We're already playing!"

Using his propped up feet he rocketed himself off of the wall and straight towards Rainbow with two Night Slashes ready. Rainbow took a chance and shifted to Espeon to try and counter with Iron Tail. As soon as he did, however, a stabbing pain blazed throughout his head. His concentration broke, allowing Syn to land the two super effective moves on the Espeon.

While the cuts were more or less shallow, they still hurt as if he was sliced completely open and gutted. He instantly crumpled in pain, but he stifled the scream. Syn landed a few paces away, looking a bit surprised that his attacks even landed.

Rainbow clutched his head to try and soothe the pain. He subconsciously knew it. He had used his blessing too many times in the past few days. It may be a power gifted to him by Arceus himself, but his body just wasn't built for switching between forms like this so much.

"What the hell was that?" Syn incredulously asked the fallen Espeon. "Why the hell would you intentionally make my attack super effective? Are you stupid or something?"

All Rainbow could muster through the pain was a weak growl. "Shut up."

Syn quietly observed Rainbow for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "Ah, well. It looks like I've won." He casually strolled over and plopped down next to Rainbow.

Rainbow threw his head up in a panic. "What?"

The Zoroark gave a smug grin. "It's gotten a little dark in here, don't you think?"

He was right. It was dark. Almost pitch black, actually. Why didn't Rainbow notice? The artificial sun made by his Sunny Day must have worn off when he shifted from Flareon, but that was minutes ago.

"When…?" Rainbow voiced in shock of his own ignorance.

"For a while, actually. I'm surprised you didn't notice sooner. It was your move, after all."

Rainbow sucked in a breath as his headache started to fade. Syn had been playing him for a fool this whole time. The Zoroark had intentionally not used his blessing and Rainbow still struggled to keep up. His body was injured, exhausted, and he didn't think he could even shift anymore.

Syn snapped his fingers. "Hey, this could be fun!" The Zoroark sank into the shadows. He reappeared directly next to Azaelia, a claw extended to her neck.

Rainbow's eyes widened. "No, stop!"

The illusionary fox hovered his claw close to Azaelia's neck in a teasing fashion. "What's wrong? I won the game, didn't I?"

"This wasn't in your rules!" Rainbow desperately cried.

"Oh, so now you want to play?" Syn narrowed his eyes at Rainbow. "The nerve of you, honestly. As a matter of fact I never specifically said she had to bleed out." He pulled his arms back. The claw sparked with a deadly sheen. "Only that she dies!" He thrust forward.

Even before Rainbow could think, the gem on his head flared to life. Azaelia was ripped away from Syn's sight just as he swiped his claw, the attack now only hitting empty space. Before he could react he was spontaneously crashed into by Rainbow, who propelled himself with his own Psychic.

"Don't you dare touch her!"

The two went careening down the hallway. They tumbled over each other until Syn pinned Rainbow down onto the floor. A crazed look was in his eyes now. Reason seemed to exit his mind.

"Alright, hero, since you want to die first so badly, so be it!" Not even going for the neck this time he thrust his claw like a spear, aiming for Rainbow's heart.

Rainbow could only watch as his death quickly approached. His appendages were pinned down and his Psychic wouldn't affect the Dark type. His body was too taxed to shift as well. There was nothing he could do now.

I'm sorry, everyone. I did all I could but I just couldn't take him on alone. Mom, Dad, Lela, Pena Jolt, Vera, Azaelia, even Polelto. I'm so sorry. And Arceus… I couldn't save the world like you wanted, but I at least did some good, right?

Rainbow closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable…

…

…

…

…

…

…

So why hasn't it happened yet?

And why had it suddenly gotten colder?

Cautiously, Rainbow, who was still very much alive, peeked open one of his eyelids. One of the most relieving sights he had ever seen met his gaze.

Syn's claw was mere inches from Rainbow's neck, so close it was practically touching him. But it was frozen still. In fact, it was actually frozen. Looking up, Rainbow could see that Syn was now encased in ice, his expression and position completely unmoving and unchanged from just moments ago.

"Rainbow…"

The Espeon's mouth gaped slightly. His pupils danced with elation.

That's right. I was never alone.

Rainbow slipped out from under the frozen Zoroark. He rolled to his stomach and onto his feet. With difficulty he slowly paced over to his savior.

"Since when could you use Ice Beam?" He unceremoniously dropped on his behind.

Azaelia managed a weak smile. "That was… the first time…"

Rainbow sighed with relief. "In any case, you really saved my behind there." He gripped a paw into a fist in frustration. "I was really about to die there. So thanks."

Azaelia's then spotted just how beat up Rainbow currently was. Her eyes practically popped out of her skull. "Arceus, Rainbow! You're so hurt!"

She tried to prop herself up on her paws to examine the damage, but Rainbow quickly yet carefully pushed her back down.

"Woah there, princess. I'll be fine, don't you worry about me right now." He frowned at the sight of the long slash across her abdomen. "We need to get you fixed up as soon as possible first." He rose up from his seated position and prepared to take off, but felt a shaking paw grip his own.

"It's because of me that you got so hurt, isn't it?" She bit her lip with worry. "I mean, if I never came up with this stupid plan in the first place-"

"Don't you think like that!" Rainbow cut her off. He sternly held her paw in his own. "If it weren't for you, I'd have never gotten the Flame Plate to begin with. For Arceus's sake, I would be dead!" He dropped his gaze from her face and brought it to their entwined paws. "I'm the one to blame here. I brought you into this mess of mine in the first place, so…"

They sat in silence together for a few moments, none relenting their guilt at the situation. Rainbow tightened his grip on her paw. He shook his head.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is that we won because of you." He used his other paw to hold up the Flame Plate that was now situated next to the Mind Plate on his band. "I have this now, and Syn is frozen solid. He can be brought to justice."

Azaelia's eyes flashed with sullen sadness. "That is, if my sister doesn't bail him out." She stifled a tear. "I can't believe she would be involved with such bad Pokémon. It doesn't seem real."

Rainbow let out a sharp breath. "We'll figure it out later. But for right now, I need to get Vera to fix you up."

"Alright. Just be safe, okay? Try not to worsen your own wounds." Azaelia warned in a concerned tone.

Rainbow gave her paw one last squeeze before letting go. "Don't worry. I'll be back soo-"

"What have you done to the Princess?!"

Rainbow jumped in shock at the new, stony voice. He quickly turned around. A cold sweat ran down the back of his neck at the sight of a massive Golurk that absolutely dwarfed him in size. The Golurk's hands were tightened into fists and he had a look of silent rage in his face.

Azaelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Captain Stonerook? What are you doing here?"

Stonerook glared at Rainbow only. "Rainbow the Shifter, the winner of the fighting tournament." He spotted the frozen Zoroark off to the side. "And an unknown Zoroark." His legs suddenly retracted into his body and he wound up one of his fists. "I commend you, Princes Azaelia, for holding your own against these two assassins at once. But now I am here to protect you."

Rainbow slowly backed away, his paws up in surrender. "Assassins? Listen, you've got it all wrong-!"

"Silence!" Stonerook suddenly flew towards Rainbow like a jet. His fist lit up with the brutal power of a Dynamic Punch. "I will bring you to justice, cretin!"

"Oh, crap!" Rainbow didn't have the energy to dodge effectively anymore. In desperation he threw up a Light Screen to try and minimize some of the damage.

The Dynamic Punch smashed through the barrier like it was paper. Rainbow was swiftly socked across the jaw with so much power and force that he went flying at a terribly high speed. Without much choice in the matter, he smashed through one of the windows and blasted out into the night.

"Rainbow!" Azaelia screamed in terror at what she had just witnessed. Azaelia tried to get up once more, but yelped in pain when the slash flared up at the slightest movement.

Stonerook noticed her condition. "No, Princess! You must not move much. Nelson!" He yelled out. Almost immediately a small Gastly rose up from the floor.

"You called, sir?" The ghost asked.

Stonerook gestured to Azaelia. "Take care of the Princess. Bring her to the infirmary as soon as possible. And have someone throw the frozen Zoroark behind bars for further questioning." He paced over to the open window, his legs retracting once again. "I will pursue the villain still at large."

Somehow, the Gastly saluted his Captain. "Yes, sir!"

Stonerook took off in pursuit of his quarry. Nelson quickly went to Azaelia's side, who was still struggling to get up. "Sorry about this, Princess, but it's for your own good."

Azaelia's eyes shook with panic. "You don't understand! He's… not… ene… hgh…" She dropped to the floor, unconscious once again.

Nelson blinked away his Hypnosis. "I'm gonna get you some help, Princess. Don't worry, you'll be all healed up in no time at all."

He flared his Psychic and gently lifted her up. They slowly moved down the hall, leaving Synphony to be collected later.

Now how did you end up in a situation like this?

…

You better make it out of this alive, you hear me?

…

I'll help you just this once, alright?

…

Honestly, you should be more careful next time.

…

See you later, Rainbow.

"..."

"...bow…"

"Ra…ow…"

"Rai…bow!"

"Rainbow!"

The Espeon in question jolted awake in a panic. Where was he? He looked around, spotting the familiar streets of Prism City. Though he was in one of the small side streets with not many Pokémon out and about.

How did he get here?

"Rainbow, thank goodness you're awake."

"Huh?" He now spotted Vera kneeling down beside him. He just now realized he was awash with a green glow, the sign of Vera's healing blessing. "Vera? What are you doing here?"

"We should be asking you the same question, bro." The snarky tone caught his attention. Past Vera was Jolt and Polelto, each observing him with concerned and cautious gazes respectively. "Where have you been, and what the hell even happened to you? It looks like you were just run over by a pack of feral Tauros."

"Jolt? Polelto? What is happening…?"

Polelto narrowed his eyes. "You mean you don't remember falling out of the sky directly in front of us?"

The fog in Rainbow's mind lifted a small bit. "I was at the castle. And then… I got hit."

Polelto snorted in disbelief. "You were hit. From Castle Arkos. The same castle that is across the city from us?" He shook his head. "Use that brain of yours, will you? That's much too far a flight to simply be launched from."

The Milotic grunted in pain as Jolt jabbed him lightly. "Don't insult an injured person, you dolt. Especially if it just so happens to be my brother."

Vera ignored the two arguing behind her and focused on Rainbow. "You must remember, Rainbow. You went off with Azaelia, correct? What happened to her?"

Rainbow scrunched his head. "I…I don't…"

It's because of me that you got so hurt, isn't it?

The fog was shocked clear. "Holy crap!"

Jolt and Polelto stopped arguing at his outburst. "What is it? Have you remembered?" Vera asked him.

Rainbow shot up and gripped Vera by the shoulders. "Vera, you need to get to the castle as quick as possible! Azaelia's hurt badly!"

Jolt's fur immediately bristled. "What?"

VROOOOOOOOOOOOM!

A siren started blaring throughout the city, deafening the conversation between the friends. A voice was suddenly heard.

"Attention citizens of Prism City! A criminal is at large, roaming the city freely. This criminal is responsible for a failed assassination attempt on our very own Princess Azaelia! The assailant goes by 'Rainbow the Shifter'! We ask that you report any member of the Eevee clan to the proper authorities immediately!"

Rainbow's fur stood on end as the surrounding air started to electrify. He fearfully turned his head to look at his adoptive sister. "J-jolt it's really not what you think."

Joltier's gaze darkened considerably. Her cheeks sparked antagonistically. "Rainbow, I take my job extremely seriously. Even if you are my brother, it is my duty to prosecute you. You are going to tell me exactly what happened." She bared her fangs at him. "Or else."

Vera stepped in front of Joltier cautiously, her hands up in a peaceful gesture. "Now, Joltier, I'm sure we can talk this out in a civilized manner. Without the threatening lightning, ideally?"

Polelto sighed casually, but he had a cold sweat running down his neck. "Really, there are more pressing issues right now than threatening your own brother. Even if he seems to deserve it."

Audible thunder rumbled from the electric mouse. "Move out of the way before I'm forced to arrest you two for aiding a criminal. This is between me and him."

They warily stood still, refusing to move. That was until Rainbow spoke up. "It's alright guys. Let her through."

Vera looked over her shoulder with concern, unsure of his decision. He nodded his head with confidence. Reluctantly she shuffled to the side, letting the enraged Pikachu through. Thankfully Vera had healed Rainbow enough for him to stand semi-comfortably. He got up and met her eye-to-eye.

Rainbow took a deep breath. "While the show was going on, Azaelia thought it would be the perfect opportunity to break me into the castle."

Jolt raised an eyebrow. "Why would you…?" Realization then dawned on her face. "You didn't."

Rainbow slowly nodded, showing off the plates around his neck. "I did. We used this chance to steal the Flame Plate."

The truth seemed like the wrong thing to say at that moment. Jolt leaped on top of Rainbow and pinned him down on his back, angrily sparking her cheeks. He was really getting tired of this position today.

"What did I tell you yesterday, you idiot! Stealing the Flame Plate gives me no other choice but to arrest you!"

"Dammit Jolt this was both her decision and mine! There was no other way and you know it! If we didn't do this tonight then it would have been stolen either way!"

That got her attention. "What do you mean by that?"

Rainbow tried to move, but her pin was too strong for his current condition. "We split up so she could get the Plate without any questions asked. After a while I heard her scream. When I got there Princess Blazeira was getting away with it, along with Synphony."

Vera gasped and Joltier's eyes widened, both recognizing the names. Polelto only looked in confusion. "Princess Blazeira and who?"

"The Champion of Giratina." Rainbow answered him. "He slashed Azaelia. She was laying in a puddle of her own blood…" He choked back some bile after remembering the sight.

"Princess Blazeira…? With Synphony…?" Joltier shook her head in disbelief. "No way. That's impossible. She may be a problem child to the King but not something as bad as this."

"I fought Syn off and Azaelia managed to finish him. I'm standing here now only because she saved me." He stared at his sister with pleading eyes. "But she's seriously hurt. I don't know how long she'll last. She needs Vera's help!"

Vera nodded, speaking up from the sidelines. "If she needs help, it is my duty to heal her. That is why I was blessed with such power in the first place. I just need a way in."

Rainbow met Joltier's conflicted gaze. "Please, sis. You know me. I would never intentionally hurt my friends like that. You have to believe me." She stayed silent for a few more seconds. "Jolt, please!"

Slowly, and to Rainbow's immense relief, Joltier slid off of him. "I don't have the time to both turn you in and bring Vera to the castle." The electricity in the air died down and the sparks halted. "Follow me, Vera. Under my authority, I can let you into Castle Arkos."

Vera followed Jolt. "Right."

Rainbow wearily stood back up. "Thank you, sis."

"Make no mistake, Rainbow the Shifter." She snarled, not even turning back to look at him. "I'm not letting you go free. You still went behind my back and committed a serious crime. I won't ignore this mistake, even for you." She formed a tight fist with her paw. "The next time I see you, you're going behind bars. That's final." She ran off towards the castle in silence.

Rainbow felt a sharp pain through his heart. Jolt always called him by his nickname since they were kids. But now she said his name like he was some sort of stranger. He wouldn't deny it hurt.

Vera turned to the boys before she followed Joltier. "If this is how things have turned out, then it may be a while before we next meet. Please be safe without me, I won't be there to support you anymore."

"Of course." Polelto answered.

Vera took one last look at Rainbow, a sympathetic smile on her face, before racing off to follow Joltier. Rainbow and Polelto were the only ones left.

Vera quickly caught up with the conflicted Pikachu. "Are you sure this is best, Joltier? You are siblings after all."

Joltier refused to turn around and show her pained expression to her companion. "This is how it has to be, Vera. I chose to take this path and I'll damn near give it my all. Even if I have to do something as painful as this."

Vera observed her a moment longer before resigning herself. "If that is truly your wish, who am I to argue with it? Just please do not let it destroy you inside."

"Don't worry." Joltier sniffled. "I won't. Now come on."

The two sped towards Castle Arkos as fast as they could.

Polelto whacked Rainbow on the back of his head, breaking him out of his stupor. "Come on, Shifter. We need to leave as soon as possible."

"What?" Rainbow faintly asked.

Polelto clicked his tongue in annoyance. "In case you haven't noticed, the whole city will be on the hunt for you. Now we were already planning on leaving in the morning, but it seems like we need to move ahead of schedule."

"Hold on, when was that decided? I need to make sure Azaelia's alright, and Vera is supposed to come with us! We can't just leave her behind!" Polelto proceeded to wrap Rainbow up with his tail, trapping the Espeon. Rainbow tried to struggle, but his injuries and exhaustion prevented it. "Put me down!"

"Will you stop and think, you moron!" Polelto outburst. "We need to meet with Miss Kyogre before the turn of the season. We can only make that deadline if we leave now." Polelto started to slither towards one of the city gates. "Because of your antics tonight, Veraloe needs to stay behind to heal the princess! Azaelia will be perfectly fine, but we don't have the time to stay any longer to make sure. Veraloe knew it. I know it. And you know it too. So just shut up and lay low so we both don't get dragged to the dungeons, got it?"

Rainbow tried to argue, but he held the words back. He knew Polelto was right.

Even with Synphony defeated for now, the other opposing champions were still out there. They needed to move as fast as possible in finding the Plates of Arceus. And Kyogre might just be the key to acquiring another one.

They had to leave, even if Rainbow didn't like it.

Rainbow mashed his teeth together. A tear made its way out and down his snout.

Because of his decisions tonight, Azaelia got hurt badly, they had to leave Vera behind, and Jolt…

Jolt.

It pained him to think of his adoptive sister now. He had turned her against him in the worst way possible, and he couldn't change it. He was scared to see what would happen if they came face-to-face again.

Was getting the Flame Plate tonight even worth this outcome?

If he knew how things would turn out beforehand, would he have honestly still accepted becoming Arceus's Champion?

He laid his head down face first into Polelto's scales. His teeth clenched and his body went limp, defeated.

"Dammit…"

~~Blazeira - City Limits - Prism City - Western Province~~

"We're moving out."

"Hm? What about the clown?"

Blazeira scoffed at the mention. "He got himself caught like some sort of numbskull. Honestly what the hell was he thinking, sending me away like that."

Hector simply trudged forward. "If he was caught, then he was simply too weak to finish things."

Blazeira facepalmed. "Of course you would say that. Why would I expect anything different from a meathead?" She hopped up onto the large Hippowdon's back and curled up. "Oh, well. I'm sure he doesn't need us anyway."

"This will serve to make him stronger."

"I'm sure it will." She dismissively said. "Now, you mentioned something about Groudon wanting to meet with us?"

Hector grunted in acknowledgment. "By the season's end."

Blazeira sighed, mentally preparing for another long journey. "Let's get a move on, then." She closed her eyes to rest as Hector walked on.

Azaelia… I really hope you're okay. I swear I'm gonna fry Syn the next time I see him.

She peeked one of her eyes open to spot the retreating form of Prism City on the horizon, just as the morning dawned.

Well, goodbye to my old life. Not that I'm gonna miss it. I swear, I'm going to change this kingdom for the better. Pokémon will no longer suffer under this infernal Arkosian rule.

It's only a matter of time.