Well, everyone, round of applause. 100,000 words. It took a lot of tears, sweat and other bodily fluids, but we made it. XD

Thank you if you've read this far. Or are just starting the fic from here, although if you are I imagine you're very confused.

Regardless, I'll aim to finish this story off strong, so I won't keep anyone waiting. Please enjoy and I'll catch you later. :D

Chapter 31: It's All Over!

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Ceren huffed, his lungs feeling they were going to explode from the pain they were in. In front of him, jagged peaks of stones had torn through the ground in a neat line.

As blood dripped from his wounds on the ground, he finally collapsed to his knees. He knew he had completely hit his limit, and exhaustion had finally won its battle with his body.

Hand over his mouth as he was losing more of his life, he couldn't stop shaking from the pain he was in. All of the adrenaline he had was gone, and he felt himself slowly succumbing to his injuries.

To make matters worse, a faint humming started to echo in the clearing, followed by the dim orange glow of a light. Then, it grew brighter as Max was jumping from stone to stone, unscathed by Ceren's strongest attack. Nimbly weaving his way through the throng of stones, he pounced on Ceren, pinning him to the ground.

This time, the flames didn't sear into the Sandslash's skin like before, which told him that either Max was also at his limit, or that he knew Ceren was defeated. Regardless, Ceren remained still as Max stood over him.

"It's all over." Max murmured, a sad frown on his lips as his sharp claws pricked into Ceren.

"Max…" Ceren begged, unable to fight back now. "Please…"

The Ninetales gave him a sympathetic look before his eyes hardened, as though remembering something. "You know, your Justice Guilds are not exactly squeaky clean themselves." He told him. "The only difference between them and us is that they hide the skeletons in their closet under a pile of fancy clothes."

Ceren had gone completely limp now, conceding defeat.

Max wasn't done. "I never told you the name of my father, did I?" He said, sounding harsh. "Tell me, what would the repercussions of the island be if the truth were to come out?"

Then, as he opened his mouth to utter the name, a small gust of wind whistled in the clearing. It was loud, drowning out the sound of Max's words to a whisper so quiet, only the Pokemon underneath him would be able to hear.

And that he did, as Ceren's eyes stretched as far as they could, taken aback by the name Max had said. "T-that has to be a lie!" He stammered, alarmed. "There's no way that could be true!"

Max didn't react much to that comment. "What would I get out of telling you such a lie, right now?" He pointed out calmly.

Ceren didn't respond for a moment, his breathing getting heavier from the sheer stress of what Max had told them. If the implications were what he thought he were, with Max's mom being pregnant with him in Hisui Bay…. It would cause mass outrage in EVERY city.

He finally found the breath to speak. "That would change everything if that were to get out." He said, still stuck in shock.

"Perhaps…although, fret not. You're the only one that knows, the attention would get me nowhere." Max replied, sounding tired. He sunk his claws a little deeper into Ceren, giving the ground-type the feeling that Max was planning to end the battle…

Although, as Ceren studied him, he suddenly realized there was something odd about Max's demeanor as the Ninetales pressed his claws into his neck. As the Ninetales was taking a deep breath, it almost seemed as though he was mentally preparing himself to take a life.

In fact, he seemed afraid.

For whatever reason, unbeknownst to even Ceren himself, this seemed funny, and he found himself lightly chuckling.

This irked Max and he narrowed his eyes in self-defense. "What's so funny?" He growled.

Ceren met his gaze. "You claimed I could've ended the battle earlier if I was aiming to kill you." He said, feeling less afraid. "I think the same thing could be said of you, huh?"

Visibly taken aback, Max removed his claws from Ceren's throat, almost as if he was struggling with a battle in his own head. He seemed a little distressed, almost as though he was trying to suddenly rush the decision in his head.

This moment of pause dulled his senses and put the flames that surrounded him out. As the light from the fire dimmed, one light remained.

A pair of ferocious, red, glowing eyes right behind Max.

Had the Ninetales been thinking with a clearer head, he perhaps could've smelled the newcomer and defended what was to come. Instead, a glowing white fist illuminated brightly before smashing into the side of Max's head.

"EARTHQUAKE!"

Despite the weight being thrown off of him, Ceren remained on the ground from the impact of the collision. It was still better than Max's fate, who smashed directly into the ground he landed in.

As the aftermath settled down, the attacker revealed himself from the dust, making a massive wave of relief wash over Ceren.

It was Duncan. And he looked furious.

Not taking any chances on Max getting back to his feet, the Lycanroc stomped his foot into the ground and caused debris Ceren had caused to rise up into two stone pillars.

Throwing his paws together, the attack rushed at Max.

"STONE EDGE!"

Max could only try and take cover as a rapid shower of rocks started raining down on him, dealing a massive amount of damage before finally knocking him back down.

Finally taking a breath, Duncan settled down a little bit and sat back. Taking it as a sign he thought the battle was over, Ceren picked himself up.

Staring disdainfully at his broken claw, he approached Duncan. "Uh, thanks. I thought for a moment-." He didn't get the rest of the sentence to leave his mouth as suddenly, Duncan swung for HIM instead. "What the hell, dude?! I'm from Amethyst!"

Duncan swung again, catching Ceren in the chest and knocking him down. However, the Lycanroc looked scared as he did it. "I don't know! My body is moving on its own!" He shouted, confused. He jumped up and Ceren had to roll to avoid being squashed by the strong Pokémon's fist.

Exhaustion reminded him of his injuries, and he had to curl into a ball and take the brunt of the stronger Lycanroc's fists. However, even his simple strikes were powerful enough to hurt Ceren.

Damn, I'm lucky he's not using any named attacks, but what the hell?!

Suddenly, Max's voice came from the hole. "You'd think he would've learned from his sister." His tongue was hanging out of his mouth as he snarled at the pair. He was dirty and bloody, looking more ferocious than the sophisticated Ninetales. "Hmph, I wasn't quite honest with her about the extent of my abilities. I can use the other flames to possess your mind as long as you've caved into sin. This includes the Flame of Wrath."

Ceren winced in pain. "What type of bullshit power is that?" He snapped before a paw reached down and picked him up.

Duncan's face was pure horror as he held Ceren by the throat, the Sandslash at his mercy underneath his grip. He was unable to control the Earthquake attack that was charging up in his hand.

"Don't!" He shouted, about to deal what would certainly be the killing blow.

Ceren didn't speak but refused to let Max break eye contact with him. If he was going to die here, he was going to make sure Max saw.

The Ninetales' eyes returned to their beautiful amber color, misted in sadness but returning the respect Ceren was asking for.

"I can't leave you alone for a moment, can I?"

The voice was playfully annoyed, but enough to strike the fear into Max. He whipped his head and shrank back in shock as he was floored by who had returned.

Ceren was equally as shocked by who he saw, with Duncan's grip on his throat loosening up, most likely due to Max's sudden reaction at who had arrived.

Liza.

She was heavily bandaged this time around, with several of them around her face including across her right eye. Her shoulder underneath remained just as bandaged.

However, all seemed to stand still as she padded into the clearing, with Ceren just as surprised as Liza. She had just been out in critical condition, how was she already back in battle?

Yet, from her confident demeanor and powerful strides, Ceren was instantly reminded of what separated someone of her level and his. The same aura he saw whenever he saw Axl or Sergei waltz into battle, and much like his old mentor and deputy before them.

The aura of unyielding confidence.

Max seemed to feel this as well and being as tired as he already was, had no choice but to pull his tongue back into his mouth. As he did, Duncan's body suddenly lurched forward a bit, as though strings that were attached to him had suddenly been cut.

Huffing in annoyance, he stepped back to let his sister through. "Hmph, I could've finished him for good." He growled, crossing his arms.

Liza gave him an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "I know, thank you for sticking up for me." She said humorously. Duncan wiped his cheek, looking embarrassed from the sudden peck.

Letting his sister take control of the fight, he walked towards Ceren. Upon seeing Duncan closer without the threat of death, Ceren saw the satchel that was draped around the Lycanroc. Currently reaching inside, Duncan paused for a moment when he saw the Sandslash and suddenly looked a tad flustered.

Flushing as he pulled out some medicine, he set a few potions on the ground. "You fight pretty good, I was watching." He started awkwardly. "Not like watching you die, I was just…I was on my way, and saw from afar….Arceus…"

As the Lycanroc used his paw to hide his blushing face, suddenly a lot more vulnerable than the raging wolf Ceren had seen just seconds ago. The Sandslash couldn't help but sweatdropping at the poor Pokémon's expense. He was really bad at conversation….and it was kind of adorable.

Ceren looked away, picking up a potion. "Uhhh…thanks. You were pretty cool out there, too." He said sheepishly, picking up a potion gratefully.

Lucky for you I'm just as bad at small talk.

Back to the other two, Max didn't bother to activate his mark once more. He was already pretty wiped from the battle and Duncan's wrath. He instead focused his attention on the ground, understanding that he was now outnumbered.

That didn't stop the smile from creeping to his lips. "There's no way you're healed enough to fight me." He told her, sounding calm. "With how deep I sank my claws in you, you're going to be out of commission for a bit."

Liza grinned back at him, unafraid. "Oh, were they in me? I couldn't feel a thing." She said venomously, causing the Ninetales's ear to twitch. A look of wounded pride spread across his face. "Was being completely paralyzed not enough of a handicap for you?"

Somehow, the night sky seemed to be getting darker, and as Ceren looked up, he saw black clouds covering the stars and moon.

Duncan seemed unsurprised by the weather, sweatdropping as he stood up. "We should probably move, even your ground typing might not be enough to protect you." He said, packing up the remaining medicine.

Ceren raised a brow but jumped when he felt the hairs on his neck beginning to tingle. It gave him a weird sensation that he didn't like. He'd never been electrocuted before, being a ground-type, and felt a little skeptical of Duncan's warning.

However, as he turned his head back towards the two and saw the clearly livid Luxray smiling as a gust started to kick up around them, he took Duncan's advice and backed away from the two, thanking Arceus above that he wasn't Max right now. The two scrabbled up on the rock that Ceren had been slammed into earlier.

Said Ninetales looked unusually calm, almost as though he accepted what was to happen. "So, this is the power of a deputy, huh?" He said, almost sounding impressed.

He locked his beautiful amber eyes with Liza's for a moment, not backing down but not threatening her either.

She walked up to him, each step making everyone nervous. "Don't be too hard on yourself. You did ignite a spark between us, after all." She purred, gently biting him on the neck and holding it there for a second. "Allow me to do the same."

Max only had a second to brace himself as a powerful lightning bolt struck him from the cloud above, utterly engulfing him.

Ceren had to block his face, watching in awe at the attack crumbled the ground underneath him, making it shake viciously.

His eyes widened in horror. Oh shit….

As quickly as it came, the bolt dissipated, leaving a scorched Ninetales in its wake. He took a shaking step forward, his eyes panicked as well as was probably having the same thoughts as Ceren. However, his eyes finally went white and he fell forward unconscious, hitting the ground with a dull thud.

Ceren blinked in sheer disbelief. "Liza, get up here quickly!" He yelled at her. "The ground is going to collapse!"

Liza's face went from pleasure to serious and she quickly grabbed Max by the scruff and dragged him up to where the other two sat. Ceren could only watch in horror as the ground beneath them caved in completely, sinking in by at least ten to fifteen feet.

"Heh, whoops." Liza mumbled with a sigh. "I really didn't think I had that much power back yet."

Duncan crossing his arms. "I'd say you didn't use enough power." He said, giving Max a stink eye.

Ceren was in full panic mode. "ERIN!" He yelled in concern, jumping down.

"What!?" Liza's breath sounded like it caught in her throat. "What do you mean? Where is she?"

Ceren turned back. "She was fighting the Octillery in one of the tunnels right underneath us!" He told her, his heart racing.

Liza suddenly flew into a rage. "WHY WAS SHE FIGHTING SOMEONE THAT STRONG BY HERSELF?!" She screamed at him, making him shrink in fear.

Duncan jumped down, his eyes glowing red as he examined the ground. "I don't sense anything under the rubble." He said tentatively, as he started sniffing around.

Liza had comedic tears streaming down her face. "I've gotten my first real apprentice killed." She sobbed, rubbing her eyes.

Duncan looked offended. "I'm just going to ignore that and let you know she's moving underground about fifteen meters to the north. Looks like a tunnel entrance is nearby." He told her, pointing in the direction he was referring to. Liza quickly rushed by him, leaving her brother to shake his head in annoyance.

Ceren stared at him. "How did you do that?" He asked him, impressed.

Duncan glanced back over and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, it's a family thing." He replied quickly, losing his annoyed mood. "I just wished I thought of using it to look underground sooner."

Ceren blinked in astonishment at him and turned his head to Liza, who was sprinting towards the tunnel Duncan had pointed out. It was incredible, in spite of just being released from the PCU, she was moving faster than Ceren could ever.

What is with these siblings!?

Speaking of Liza, her worry overshadowed her pain. She wasn't going to rest until she found Erin. Ducking through bushes and taking out a bunch of leaves, she whipped her head wildly around in order to find the entrance Duncan was talking about.

It wasn't until she jumped down from a grassy ledge onto a dirt patch, that she whipped her head around and found the entrance he was talking about.

It was surrounded by the grass that grew around it and mossy rocks that lined the walls, but Liza could easily see how it would be easy to miss especially at night.

Stepping into the entrance, the ground suddenly became a neat wooden floor that signaled the start of a staircase that led deep down.

She stopped as she heard walking from the bottom of the staircase accompanied by a heavy dragging sound. Taking a breath and preparing herself, her body started to illuminate a bright, blinding light.

"Flash!"

Toning down the power, the staircase lit up brightly, scaring away the darkness and the shadows. A tremendous wave of relief washed over Liza as at the bottom she found Erin dragging an unconscious Octillery with her.

Erin whipped her head around and her eyes bugged when she saw the Luxray at the entrance. "Liza?" She asked in disbelief. A moment of emotion passed between the two, both having been worried sick about the other.

Liza had her own disbelief on her face. "Erin…. you won!" She sounded so proud, and Erin felt a smile tug at her lips as she gave Liza a wide, toothy smile.

"Yeah!" She said, laughing. She forgot about Gurbo for a second and ran up the stairs to her friend, so relieved that she was okay. "I thought you were seriously hurt!"

She gave Liza a tight hug, choking her a bit. "I'm going to be if you grip me any tighter." She joked, causing the Snivy to jump backwards with a worried face. Liza grinned mischievously. "Jokes, jokes. I knew you had it in-."

Her voice cut off as she suddenly saw Erin's severe wounds, including the deep gash on her chest. Erin seemed to remember the pain she was in and stumbled a bit forward as she might've gotten up too fast.

Liza caught her. "Easy, girl. Even I needed to take a quick nap. Let's get Duncan to patch you up before we head towards the tower."

Erin groaned. "But Axl-." She started to protest before wincing.

Liza helped Erin walk back towards Duncan and Ceren. "You'll have a better chance of helping him as soon as you're taken care of. It's incredible you're still walking from that chest wound." She told her, half humorous, half serious.

Erin wanted to argue, but remained silent as she knew the more experienced Pokemon was right. "Wait, what about Ceren?" She asked suddenly, remembering he was battling Max.

"Max was defeated if that's what you're wondering. That was the whole cave-in earlier, which was definitely Duncan's fault in case you were wondering." She told her, giving the Snivy more relief. "We got here in the nick of time. Ceren is getting healed by him as we speak. Once we get you two healed up, we'll make sure the other two can't attack when they wake up and that just leaves us with two more missions: Defeat Thorn…"

Erin nodded, pumping her fist. "….and save Axl." She finished for her.