Draco: I think this might be my first time writing a proper "calm before the storm" scene.

Pokémon and protagonist © Nintendo. Character designs © Koei. Ransei © somewhere in the middle.

Aurora: What Lies Ahead, What Lies Behind

"There's the heroes of the hour!"

Evia had a smile on her face at Keiji's greeting; she, the Eevee, Oichi, Wigglytuff, Kaguya, and Gardevoir had elected to do a quick lap of the Aurora Trigram to make sure all the Tera Crystals were sealed off before they met up with the others. "Picking up the slack for an absent Warlord again, are we, wild man?"

Keiji laughed. "At least you've got an excuse," he assured her. "And Oichi had the decency to ask first before she took off."

"Are we the last ones here?" Oichi inquired.

"Seems that way," Keiji admitted. "Just as well, though; I doubt you wanted to be getting in anyone's way."

"Get in the way?" Evia narrowed her gaze. "I don't..."

A chorus of eager cries drew Evia's attention; she turned just in time to see Glaceon, Sylveon, Espeon, and Flareon all leaping at her, and she barely had time to yelp before they collided in a quadruped's best attempt at a group hug, throwing her and the Eevee on her shoulders to the ground.

Kaguya burst out laughing, even as she tried to step forward and dissuade them. "Hey- Hey! Back off! You guys are two big for that, Mama Evia can't catch when you all come at her at once!"

The Eeveelutions stepped off as Evia sat upright. "I can barely catch one," she protested.

With a chuckle, Keiji raised his com-crystal bracelet to his mouth. "Hey, you lot; Evia's back! How's the situation on the front line?"

"We had an attack this morning," Yukimura's voice replied, "and nothing's come through since."

"Going by precedent," Aya observed, "we shouldn't face another arrival until tomorrow. Time for war council, then?"

"It is," Evia confirmed. "We should have someone on defense just in case..."

"Er, about that..." Motochika sounded very awkward. "How about you come to the hollow, first, while we make our way to... I want to say the ravine should have room for everyone."

Evia glanced at Oichi to find the healer shared her confusion. "I'm... sorry, what?"

"Just trust me," Motochika insisted. "This is a song you need to hear."

"...Okay," Evia mused. "I mean, I guess you're not wrong about the ravine having plenty of room, so sure, that'll work for our council."

"Then we'll march to the beat, and await your cue."

Oichi spoke up. "Do you want some company?" she asked.

"No," Evia insisted, "I think we'll be fine."

"Alright," Oichi conceded. "Come on, Kaguya."

"Okay," Kaguya sighed. "Be careful, Mama Evia."

"I will."

+x+x+x+

When she arrived at the area before the Tera Crystal's hollow, Evia was at first confused, because there were a lot of Warriors there who didn't seem to be in a hurry to go anywhere. But after a moment, she realized that none of the Warlords, junior or senior, were present; everyone who still remained was just an average, everyday Warrior, not dressing to make an impression or give false implication but simply ready to travel.

"...H-Hello again, Lady Evia," greeted one man.

"Again?" Evia echoed. "I don't..." Realization struck as she recognized this man as Takamoto, and her gaze drifted across the Warriors, taking a silent headcount. "Wait, are you all...?"

There was shame on every face, and Motoharu's gaze fell. "Yes," he confirmed. "When you were newly Warlord of Aurora, and you began to march against Nobunaga, we all asked to join your army. And then, as you were set to march on Illusio... every one of us deserted you."

Sylveon curled one of her feelers around Evia's hand, stopping her from reaching for her sword; realizing that they would not have called her here for any sort of aggression, the Auroran took a deep breath. "...Takatora left me a note," she observed. "He seemed to want me to believe he was responsible. For your desertion."

"Maybe he was," Nobuchika admitted. "But... there was more to it than that." He lowered his gaze. "We wanted the chance to fight, the thrill of battle. But after Violight, you started picking up Warlords, and they were the ones you marched with when it came time to conquer the next kingdom. Ransei gets narrower at Terrera and Illusio, so you didn't need much more than the front line... and we were left with training for the next battle."

"The same training I had everyone else doing," Evia insisted. "While we waited for the month of courtesy to end."

Morichika shook his head. "It was selfish of us," he confessed. "Nobunaga said he wanted to destroy Ransei, and you were fighting to stop him. It wasn't just battle for the sake of battle. You needed the strongest Warriors and Pokémon at your disposal in every fight. And that's what a Warlord is - the strongest Warrior in the kingdom, with the strongest Pokémon."

Chikamasa crossed his arms. "And it's the same thing here, isn't it?" he mused. "All of Ransei's being shaken up again. If you're trying to stop that, this isn't just a battle you can go in half-assed. You need the best of the best."

Evia raised her gaze in surprise. "What are you saying?"

"That we're sorry," Sessai insisted. "That we'll make it right. The crystals might be walled off for now, but if the legendary Pokémon could damage them to bar the way, they can damage them to clear the road. If whoever is responsible for this has other legendary Pokémon on their side..."

"Then they may be able to force open the crystals that we've walled off," Evia realized.

Masatsuna nodded. "You and the Warlords of Ransei will be going in to oppose those responsible," he observed. "So please, let us ordinary Warriors take command of the kingdoms while you do. Let us keep the people safe, and stand guard at every point of egress. Let us make amends, for leaving you with so small a force when last Ransei was at stake."

"...I am not your Warlord," Evia proclaimed. "You don't need my permission."

"Lady Evia-!"

"But," she continued, "you have my blessing." She looked over the gathered force. "If you're asking for my trust, you have it. I'm trusting all of you Warriors to keep this land safe. This beautiful region of Ransei." She closed her eyes. "But I'll warn you now - if you betray my trust a second time, you won't receive it for a third."

The gathered Warriors traded glances; then all of them turned to her and set their hands upon their chests.

"Yes, Lady Evia!"

+x+x+x+

As she expected, the only Warriors present at the ravine when she arrived were the Warlords.

She was still fairly confident that she had never seen so many Warriors and Pokémon in one place - though it might have been a close count. Hideyoshi and Infernape, Hanbei and Raichu, Kanbei and Chandelure; Motonari and Serperior; Motochika and Samurott; Ginchiyo and Luxray, Muneshige and Staraptor; Yoshimoto and Forretress; Yoshihiro and Conkeldurr; Shingen and Rhyperior, Yukimura and Charizard, Kunoichi and Weavile; Kenshin and Gallade, Aya and Froslass, Kanetsugu and Alakazam; Ujiyasu and Gigalith, Kai and Darmanitan; Masamune and Braviary, Magoichi and Sceptile; Kotarō and Zoroark; Nene and Crobat, Hanzō and Gengar; Nō and Mismagius, Okuni and Volcarona; Ieyasu and Aggron, Tadakatsu and Metagross, Ina and Empoleon, Nobuyuki and Emboar; Mitsuhide and Lapras, Gracia and Gothitelle; Nobunaga and Hydreigon, Ranmaru and Lucario, Mitsuki and Salamence; Keiji and Bastiodon; Mitsunari and Bisharp, Kiyomasa and Haxorus, Masanori and Krookodile; Oichi and Wigglytuff, and Kaguya and Gardevoir. Driftwalker and her Hatterene were sitting to one side, and now Evia, Glaceon, Sylveon, Espeon, Flareon, and her two Eevee arrived.

"None of our friends in high places?" Evia inquired. "Or low places, as might be?"

"Ha..." Kotarō grinned. "Most of them took off after the crystals were sealed, and there were no more guests to show our hospitality. Seems they would save their strength until we can go to meet our new hosts."

"Most of them?" Evia echoed.

A cry from the waterfall drew her attention to find Phione hopping out of the water and landing on Nene's shoulder. "This one's got a long road back out to sea," the ninja woman admitted, "so she's saving herself the trip."

Evia smiled. "Fair enough. Then let's talk strategy."

"First things first," Keiji mused. "Pokémon might still come out on the attack while you guys are in there. Someone's gotta be on defense - and if you're taking the team with you, then we haven't got five of us to meet their six."

"Right," Evia agreed. "It'll be best if we have a full team of six defending Aurora on this side. Do we have any volunteers?"

Keiji brought his spear down to proclaim he was the first.

Oichi turned. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I thought you would prefer to join us in exploring on the other side.

"Nah," Keiji insisted, "I prefer to wander where I know there's a way back home."

Mitsunari raised one hand, spreading his tessen in his grip. "Count me in."

"And me!" Masanori agreed, thrusting his kanabo skyward. "Definitely!"

Kiyomasa shrugged. "I mean, it's not like you two are gonna get along without me."

"I'll stay on defense, too," Nobuyuki proclaimed. "I'm not ready for another another world just yet."

Silence fell after that.

"...I've got an extra backup," Keiji admitted, "if you want six Pokémon."

"I guess I'm the last person who should say there must be as many Warriors as there are Pokémon," Evia conceded. "But let's table that for now, and move on to the next matter. I want everyone sorted into legions of six Warriors."

"Why the sudden respect for Warrior convention?" Ujiyasu asked.

"Because our enemy has respected Warrior convention, so far," Evia insisted. "Six Pokémon per attack. They might not give us the month of courtesy, but they're adhering to the terms of the battle. If we violate those terms, then our enemy has no reason to uphold them. I don't want to fight them with an entire army at once just to find out that they outnumber us ten-to-one. I've struggled enough being the one against four."

Masamune crossed his arms. "Yeah, that's a good point," he admitted. "Alright, legions of six it is."

Conversation began throughout the ravine as they tried to decide on who would be allied with who. Mitsuki and Kaguya traded glances and were about to leave before Evia and Nobunaga moved to stop them. "Where are you two going?" the Dragnoran inquired.

"Um..." Mitsuki gave a sheepish grin. "Ponigiri stand?"

Kaguya shook her head. "I mean, we shouldn't... really be here for this, right?"

"Nonsense," Evia insisted. "You're both Warriors, aren't you?" She knelt down. "Unless... you want to stay behind?"

"No, I don't want to," Kaguya admitted. "But... I'm still little..."

Evia shook her head. "You're a growing Warrior, Kaguya," she assured her daughter. "And a Warrior should get to fight." She set a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "But being scared isn't something to be ashamed of. If you're scared of going into the crystal, of fighting whoever's doing this... then you don't have to. You can stay behind with Keiji and the others. But if you want to fight with us... then fight with us. You and Gardevoir. It's your choice."

Nobunaga nodded. "Indeed," he concurred. "You were already a brave Warrior, Mitsuki. And now you've journeyed where even Nobunaga dared not venture beyond the threshold. Let no one say you and Salamence do not deserve to fight alongside us - if that is what you wish."

Mitsuki's gaze fell. "But... we don't even have real weapons. It's just bamboo and wood."

"Masamune fought with wood," Nobunaga insisted, "when I faced him during my ambition. And still he gave me one of the greatest challenges I faced in eastern Ransei."

Kaguya glanced at Gardevoir, and after a moment she turned back to Evia. "I... I wanna fight, Mama."

Evia nodded. "Then you'll get to fight with us."

"Yeah," Mitsuki agreed, "I'll fight, too!"

Nobunaga smiled. "Then you shall fight alongside Nobunaga," he assured her.

+x+x+x+

Once the legions had been decided, Evia bid the army find a place to sleep - with the defenders taking the camp outside the hollow. The Auroran herself had business elsewhere, and was on her way when she found herself approached by a masked Warrior.

"Lady Evia," Driftwalker greeted.

"Driftwalker," Evia returned. "And... Valiant, wasn't it? I see you're back."

Iron Valiant nodded in confirmation as Driftwalker sighed. "I couldn't help but notice that no one was eager to ask me to join their legion," she observed. "And this despite your own legion only being five."

"A consequence of being a stranger," Evia admitted, "at least when the strange land is at war. If you object to this arrangement, I expect you to at least tell me why."

Driftwalker took a deep breath. "When... Last time I faced the men responsible for these crystals... I found that they had... I guess 'prisoners' would be the best term. But when I drove them off, I had no way of knowing what happened to their prisoners. Just as I had no way of knowing if they would be able to do this again." She shook her head. "I can't... I can't just sit back and do nothing, if the same men are doing this again."

Evia sighed. "I don't suppose you would be satisfied with my promise that we'll search for the prisoners on the other side?"

"...No," Driftwalker confessed. "I wouldn't."

"Then I'll make you a deal," Evia replied. "Join Keiji and the others on defense while we march in. Once we have a clear picture of what we're dealing with, then I'll call for you to come after us."

"Will the com-crystals work, from another world?" Driftwalker asked.

"I don't know for sure," Evia admitted, "but if the road is two-way, then we should be able to come after you." Her gaze fell. "Besides, Gracia said this is happening in Ultra Space. Solgaleo or Lunala should be able to answer our call and give us a road home."

Driftwalker took a step forward. "And what if they can't?"

Evia closed her eyes. "...Then I have a critical measure," she admitted. "I only pray I don't need to use it."

Her words caught Driftwalker off-guard. "Pray...?"

"Join the front-line defense," Evia commanded, turning away. "You can come after us once we've scouted the other side. Do we have a deal?"

"...Yes, Lady Evia."

Driftwalker and Valiant made to walk away; Evia waited until her footsteps had faded before she and her Pokémon resuming their own march. Her path took her fairly close to the crystal - and sure enough, she found Oichi and Wigglytuff waiting for her.

"You felt it, then?" Oichi asked.

"I did," Evia admitted. Then, noticing what her wife was holding; "Wait, are those...?"

Oichi nodded, offering the Water and Thunder Stones she was holding. "I found them lying against the side of the crystal. You must have dropped them during that disaster on the night we met Kaguya."

Evia smiled. "Is that so?" She glanced at the Eevee. "How do you two feel about the idea?"

Both of them gave enthusiastic cries.

"Then we can light it up in the morning." Evia's smile fell. "But for now..."

She turned her gaze to her destination - a pyramid in black and gold, just large enough to cast an imposing figure but not large enough to be visible from the other side of the Tera Crystal.

Oichi closed her hand on her wife's, and the two marched towards the pyramid together. Sure enough, the side facing where Aurora Castle had been bore a pair of familiar black doors, lined with golden patterns - no different from the rest of the structure, save for the fact that they were clearly formed around a seam than across a surface.

Evia reached her right hand forward, and set it upon the door.

"Alpha, hear me. I come to you, not for your might, but for your power. You who created this land I love must surely understand the nature of the threat it faces now. This assault from another world. I will not bear the hubris of asking you to interfere in the affairs of men - you did not call to me to offer your strength in battle, and I will not come to you to beg of it. I ask only if it is within your power to unmake this destruction. To restore Ransei to the way it was."

She bowed her head.

"And if it is not, or you will not oblige... then I would merely ask if it is possible to see these crystals destroyed in their entirety, that we might build anew with our own hands."

Evia of Aurora.

She didn't hear the words in the air around her, a sound that could be heard by anyone near enough. She didn't see them, either, an image that manifested before her. Nor was it telepathy, no foreign thoughts that were delivered to her mind from one more powerful. For a brief instant, the words were simply there, permeating the reality around her - and then they were gone, despite that the message was permanently imprinted in her memory. Evia gasped as a burning pain ignited in her right hand, and the patterns upon the pyramid began to illuminate.

Those who oppose you now are men of great malice.
Each and every one of them would disrupt the natural order for their own gain.
That they have breached worlds, and so brought you harm, is evidence of that.
The affairs of men this may be, but I shall not tolerate it.
However... it is up to you and yours to oppose them, and end their ambitions.

The glow of the pyramid's patterns intensified, until its black surface was unseen through the light.

I bestow upon you my Link, not for my alliance on the field of battle, but to amplify your own strength.
But be forewarned, to wield this might shall tax your mortal frame.
You are not unfamiliar with the cost, for you have paid a similar price before.
The price of transformation, postponed to wield its power prolonged.
Bring it to bear only when you are left with no other choice.

And then, the pyramid seemed to fade into the air, leaving only pressed earth where it had once stood.

Once the men of malice have been overcome, I shall set Ransei right.
Call upon me, after you have cast them out.

Evia turned her hand towards herself, and found engraved into her palm the rings and strike of the Alpha; with a shaky breath, she closed her fingers over it.

"...Thank you."

Draco: Alrighty, that's about as much foreshadowing as I can get in. Next chapter will be the #WhamEpisode.