We are so fucking back.

Hello all and thank you for your patience. I unfortunately have been a little sick the past couple months and hadn't been myself for a hot minute. But we are back for good, no more extended breaks!

I am really proud of this chapter, so please leave a review/fav/follow and I'll catch everyone later! :)

PSA: I retconned Guildmaster Finnegan's speech because it was a hassle to write, and I think was more confusing to the readers than relevant to the story. I will be fixing this in every chapter as long as a very long list of errors that I missed. Massive thanks to VGS2 for helping me proof this story, truly a champion of the people! :D

Chapter 32: All For Love

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Erin winced in pain as Duncan sprayed a potion over her wound, causing a burning sensation almost worse than the actual injury she received.

She was sitting with the others, currently getting tended to with Ceren. The Sandslash was in much worse condition than her as most of Erin's wounds were outer and easier to take care of. Ceren most certainly broke a handful of bones in his body.

Sucking in another sharp breath, she tried to break the awkward silence. "So, Duncan, I'm really surprised by the amount of medical knowledge you have." She said, one eye closed from the pain of him wrapping a bandage around her torso, similar to Liza's.

Duncan raised a brow. "Whatcha mean by that?" He asked suspiciously.

Liza narrowed her eyes playfully at him. "She means because you're dumber than bread." She told him, irking her brother. "Unfortunately for us, both Duncan and Todd are in charge of medical stuff because they're the only ones with fingers."

Before Duncan could retort, Erin jutted in. "Speaking of which, how did YOU heal so quickly? Guildmaster Finnegan said you were in critical condition." She asked.

Liza smiled sheepishly. "Well… by pissing off a lot of doctors. Teeeeeechnically, I'm not allowed to return to any missions for at least ten days…" She gulped comedically, looking afraid. "...and she currently doesn't know I'm here at the moment."

Erin gasped. "Liza!" She scolded.

The Luxray held up her paws in defense. "I wasn't letting Romeo over here get away with a cheated victory. Besides, Duncan carried me most of the way here, so it's not like I expended that much energy."

Duncan gave an evil grin. "Don't worry, Danica will not be letting her get off scott free." He said mischievously.

Erin's interest peaked as Liza's face went white as a ghost and Ceren seemed surprised. "Danica?"

Ceren was rested against a tree. "She's a doctor that works for the Opal City Justice Guild. She usually makes her way City to City to visit each hospital once a week. She's one of the best doctors in the world even if her methods are a bit….crude." He sound sympathetic for Liza who was currently shaking nervously.

She lashed her tail exasperatedly. "Y-yeah, so let's heal up quickly and get to the other two." She muttered quietly, wanting to change the subject. Erin sweat dropped at her friend, nervous but curious to meet this 'Danica'person.

Suddenly, a high pitched squealing caught their attention, making their heads snap to the location of the sound. Erin's blood ran cold as none other than Gurbo was crawling his way towards them.

"No way!" She shouted. She had hit him with everything she had. Instinctively, she jumped to her feet only to immediately stumble forward as her wounds were only half treated. She gripped the ground in a combination of embarrassment and frustration.

Liza watched her reaction before letting out an amused, albeit sympathetic sigh as she rested her tail on Erin's shoulder. "Before you go into a depressive episode on me, look closer." She said, pointing the end of her tail at the Octillery.

Erin blinked and looked closer to see what Liza was referring to. Sure enough, Gurbo wasn't exactly in fighting shape at the moment. His eyes were glazed in swirls and he let out feeble moans as he blindly tried to move forward to find Erin.

"I-I'll get you…" He said weakly, stumbling forward.

Erin felt kind of bad. "Well….it still doesn't feel like a victory." She replied, still disappointed.

Liza giggled at her friend. "Nonsense, you took down the bad guy and that's all that matters. It's just a matter of intense training with yours truly and we'll get you taking down Pokémon like me in no time."

Then, almost as if he heard her, they turned their heads back as Max had also risen in a defensive stance in front of Gurbo. He was mentally available enough to give a glare at them, but his shaking legs and labored breathing betrayed his exhaustion.

Still, he didn't back down. "Don't touch him." He growled, unable to even activate his mark.

Duncan gave his sister an amused look. "Just like you, eh?" He taunted his sister, earning her ire.

She instantly was back at him. "I'm still recovering from an injury, what's your excuse?" She shot back, butting foreheads with him.

Her brother returned her energy. "Wanna go back to the ICU, you dumb cat?" He snarled back, his eyes white with anger

"So all sibling relationships are like this, huh?" Ceren pondered out exasperatedly.

Liza gave her brother a final headbutt before returning her gaze back to Max. "Not really in a spot to be making demands, don't you think?" She asked him, raising an eyebrow.

Max lifted his gaze to meet hers. "Listen…he didn't commit any of those crimes on his wanted sheet…it was me. Let me take responsibility for his actions." He wheezed.

All four Pokémon looked at each other in surprise at the Ninetales request. At first they thought he was joking, but his steady gaze in spite of his injuries further solidified his request.

Being the deputy of the group, Liza cleared her throat. "The problem is, we have plenty of witnesses tying him to his crimes. How do you go about explaining that?" She asked him.

Max didn't falter. "He was under my hypnotism. You should know firsthand how powerful it is." He told her, managing to put a slight tease in his voice.

Liza sweat dropped. "Fair." She muttered embarrassingly, her cheeks going slightly pink.

Erin, meanwhile, was still in shock by his request. Are there more criminals in the world with this much love for another? What will Liza do?

Max continued. "He'll be no issue for your guilds. He was quietly running the takoyaki shop of his dreams before I lured him into this life. Please, let him have his dream back after I stole it from him." With this, he bowed his head as though he was begging them.

Erin couldn't help but notice Ceren looked sympathetic for Max, itching his claws as though he wanted to speak up. She wondered what happened in their battle suddenly.

Duncan stepped forward first. "Like we'd listen to the requests of someone who-"

His sister suddenly cut him off. "I'm cool with it." She said, sounding understanding.

Her brother was less. "What?!" He shouted, shouting in angered shock.

She ignored the rather humorous ranting of the Lycanroc and continued. "He's a three star level threat if I recall, you are going to be in a lot of trouble if you take accountability for his actions. Besides, how do we know he isn't just going to continue where you left off?"

Max paused for a moment, his amber eyes lost in a sad thought now. "May I have an Oran Berry?" He suddenly asked, catching them off guard again.

Duncan's eyes were still white with anger. "Like hell we'd give an enemy a berry to heal himself with!" He snapped, pointing at Max.

However, Erin suddenly walked forward, much more healed from her injuries thanks to Duncan. "Here." She said, pulling one out of her satchel.

Duncan stomped his foot in the ground as though he was having a tantrum. "ARE YOU ALL SUFFERING FROM A CONCUSSION OR SOMETHING!?" He yelled louder, Ceren holding up his hands in exasperation.

Liza remained silent but watched as Erin handed their enemy the berry, not stopping the snake from making the move. Said snake locked eyes with Max for a moment, and saw the gratitude in them. Giving her a nod of gratitude, he took it from her and turned his back to the Octillery who was still trying to punch the air in a daze.

Gurbo put his hands on his head as he realized he wasn't hitting anything. "I swear I'll get you, just you wait!" He cried.

Max silently sat the berry on the ground in front of him and after a brief moment, Gurbo swiftly picked up the berry and gobbled it without care.

Then, Max's tongue slowly started to exit his mouth. "Flame of Gluttony." He said quietly.

Gurbo suddenly blinked slowly as though his eyelids were heavy. "Huh….Max? Did you beat them up good?"

Max suddenly stiffened a bit and sat down across from him.

"No. I was defeated."

A look of shock spread across Gurbo's face. "You lost!?" He cried. "There's no way you could have lost."

Max remained silent.

"It's one of your jokes, right?"

"No."

"It's because I got beat, right? They ganged up on you and hurt you."

"I would've lost regardless, that Sandslash was pretty strong." Max said, soon falling silent once again.

Gurbo suddenly looked afraid. "What's going to happen to us? Are we going to be separated?" He asked, sounding terrified.

Max took a breath from his nose and held the silence for as long as he could. The others watched on in silence, suddenly feeling a little uneasy about the situation. Gurbo was able to hold the silence longer than Max, and eventually the Ninetales caved.

"You're not going to be locked up, Gurbo. I am. I'm the one who did bad things. You're going to run your takoyaki stand once more and forget about me." He said this with a tight voice, as though the words were strangling him.

"But I did the bad things, Max!"

"I was the one that made you do them. I need to do this alone and I need you to go back to your old life."

Liza suddenly spoke up. "I'd be happy to give him a spot." She said suddenly, silently but visibly enraging her brother once more.

Max flicked an ear gratefully. "There you go." He told him. "Head back to the city and forget I existed."

"Why, Max?"

"Because….I was a fool. I thought I had to love my blood and hate the other side. But I was weak, as though the only way to beat their hatred was with my own…"

Max suddenly squinted his eyes, as though remorse hit all at once. "But how could I live in a world of monsters if I become one myself?" His voice once strained once more, almost as though he was trying to conserve his energy for what to come next.

He snapped his eyes open, his eyes slightly growing a dim orange light. "Now go and do as I told you! You're free once again, Gurbo!"

Gurbo, who looked as if he had a strong rebuttal, opened his mouth and released silent words, unable to make a sound as his eyes suddenly grew a dim orange as well. A brief moment was all it took for him to suddenly blink in confusion. A blank look had suddenly appeared on his face and without any words, he headed towards Peridot City, oblivious to the beaten up Pokemon around him.

Once the octopus was out of sight, Liza padded up to Max. "Are you sure that hypnotism will hold? Mine ran out eventually." She told him, sounding skeptical.

Max turned his head to face her. "I can hold a hypnotism as long as I want from any distance. I just can't hypnotize more than one Pokemon at a time which seems like an impossible feat in jail." He gave an amused look to Duncan. "I'm a special specimen in the prowess of my genetic abilities much similar to you."

Liza cocked her head. "Wouldn't Gurbo's hypnotism have ended when you hypnotized me then?" She asked, making no movement though.

A brief pause preceded his response. "Nah. Gurbo…" His voice cracked and to Erin's surprise, tears had leaked out of his face. "Was the first Pokemon that wanted to be with me for who I was."

Liza's gaze softened and she playfully flicked her tail. "You're a real softie, huh?" She asked with a grin.

Max chuckled in light of his tears. "Heh…perhaps." Then, the whites of his eyes appeared and he fell to his injuries for good. Liza didn't move as he landed on his stomach in front of her. She could only gaze downward, a shadow over her eyes.

The mood had become one less of victory and felt more like a bad taste was in everyone's mouths. Even Duncan had looked like he had been upset over what he just saw. Ceren looked exceptionally upset, most likely because he was having the same thoughts as Erin.

She thought of Axl and felt frustration at the situation the Hazaranmon were in. It was so much easier to fight hatred with hatred, but that only kept the cycle going. Yet, asking them to swallow that anger was an impossible task, as it was righteous.

Axl himself could have easily been like Max or Trager had he turned down a darker path. He was someone who took on the pain and suffering of his people and tried to stop a flowing river of hatred by himself and never got anything in return.

By now, her path of thought came to a final, climatic thought and not able to wait any longer, she ran ahead of the others to the tower despite only being half healed.

She ignored the cries of protest from the others, along with the excruciating pain in her body, as she only had one thought in her head now: to save Axl and make sure he was never stopping that river alone ever again.

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Taking a final knee, Axl dropped his scalchop as he resigned to defeat. He had no use of his arm now and his vision was going in and out. Trager kept his eyes a blazing golden yellow, but sneered down on him. "This is pointless." He snarled.

Then, suddenly, a violent vibration caused the two to brace themselves in order to not fall over. For a moment, it felt as though the tower would collapse onto them. A pit entered Axl's stomach as he recognized the voice that echoed from above.

"Filip!"

That's the old man.

His heart sank as there was a tone of panic Axl had never heard from his old Guildmaster before. They got Axl's plan….but clearly was not working out for them.

Trager seemed to recognize the voice as well. "You see, Axl? Even with the great Guildmaster Finnegan, none of you stood a chance." He told him, not advancing as the otter struggled to get back to his feet. "It's over."

Axl couldn't even retort as he racked his brain as quickly as he could to think of a solution. If Guildmaster Finnegan lost to Thorn, then there really wasn't anyone nearby capable of defeating Thorn. Even if he managed to severely injure the Nidoking, would everyone else be in time to finish him off?

Dammit… For the first time, Axl felt at a loss of how to approach the situation. A lot of Pokemon were going to die if they couldn't stop them here. Countless possibilities racked through his head as he struggled to formulate a plan without a major flaw.

Even with his genius intellect having come up with a thousand different plans in just a few seconds, he couldn't decide on one. No matter what, he had to at least defeat Trager and help his old Guildmaster at least wound Thorn. Suddenly, a sad smile came to his face as he closed his eyes tightly.

Trager kept on pressing, trying to soften his tone. "You owe this city nothing, Axl. Let us claim what is rightfully ours." He pleaded with him impatiently, holding out a hand.

You're right…. I owe this city nothing. My life has been a living hell because of it…

As he thought this though, the faces that had tormented him his entire lives had started pressing into his mind. His old guards, Gretta and the other children…the thoughts that had haunted him everytime he dreamt. The same ones on why he froze that fateful day.

For some reason though, faces in the crowd stood out as foreign to him. He saw Frankie's face and remembered her kindness in treating him like a son to her. He saw Nero's and memories of his old Guildmaster taking him under his wing. He saw Ceren's and was reminded of the countless missions he had completed with his best friend. He saw Erin…and thought of the light that kept reaching out to him no matter how dark his life got.

For some reason, she stuck out to him more than anyone else. Outside of Nero, she was the only Pokemon he had willingly told about his secret, and the first one he told without feeling like he had to. Yet, she had acted completely differently than what he had been told. Her thoughts on him hadn't completely shifted as she still tried to protect him and looked devastated when Thorn stopped Axl from escaping with her.

It was a side to humanity that Axl never thought possible…but, now…

Erin…

He gripped his scarf tightly. Truth be told, Axl was being honest anytime he called himself a coward for the scarf that had protected his secret for his entire life was the same reason his deputy got killed. Thinking about it now, Axl never forgave himself for Deputy Black's death.

Now countless Pokémon were about to die unless he did something to defeat Trager and Thorn. Normally, the thought that was coming to him wouldn't ever cross his mind. If not for a certain green snake that stuck out like a ball of glowing light. One of the few Pokémon that ever accepted him truly for who he was.

Erin…

With newfound determination, Axl threw his scarf off his body and tossed it far away. Trager's eyes flew open in astonishment and fear, taking a few steps back at the unexpected action from the otter.

The shock left him paralyzed for a moment. "You fool…what are you playing at? We both know what will happen if you use your mark. Do you want to die?" He shouted at him.

Axl couldn't help but chuckle at the draconic Pokémon's fear, keeping his eyes closed. "Buddy, I've wished for death far more times than I've feared it in my life. If it brings something good later on…then I'm ready to do it all for that." He retorted, preparing himself to do the unthinkable.

Taking a deep breath, his last thoughts were of the newfound desire Erin had brought back into his life. A shame that he wasn't going to see her again, he thought, he would've loved to have gotten to know her better. At the very least, he wants to tell her…

Thank you….and I'm sorry. I leave it in the hands of Peridot City's best…

Then for the first time in his life, his eyes opened in a beautiful golden blaze as his vision and sanity escaped him in a spinning blur…

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Ten minutes earlier…

Outside the tower, smoke billowed from the cigarette in Guildmaster Finnegan's hand. He was currently approaching the building with Nero, calm looks upon both of their faces as they stepped across the bridge without hesitation.

For a walk that would draw out the deepest fears in even the bravest Pokemon, the Guildmaster felt ready as his powerful strides took him across to the other side of the bridge. Without hesitation, he opened the wooden door of the tower, followed by only Nero and the moonlight from the towers that lit the room up.

His eyes immediately were drawn to the massive purple figure that sat with its back turned to them, almost as if it were meditating. A low raspy chuckle came from it as the two settled inside.

"So, you came. The one they call "The Reckoning"." The creepy grin on Thorn's face somehow looked crazier as he turned his head towards them. "You've decided to meet your end in battle after all. It's amusing to see much misplaced valor, Guildmaster."

His last words were drawn out in a low snarl, taunting Guildmaster Finnegan. Instead of quickly retorting, he took his satchel off and handed it to Nero. Not before reaching inside and pulling out a cold bottle of whiskey

A tense silence as Guildmaster Finnegan cracked it open and drank, not before spilling a bit on the ground, maintaining eye contact with Thorn the entire time. A bloodshot glare told Thorn this probably wasn't Guildmaster Finnegan's first either. The disrespect caused Thorn to stand up and gare back down at the Bisharp, keeping his ever present grin on his face.

The two started to circle each other, keeping their gazes locked as they sized each other up. Nero stepped back, knowing full well he'd be useless in this fight. His eyes locked on the singular wooden door in the room. If he had to guess, his son was in there.

Thorn sneered at his opponent. "So you think you're going to be the one that drives me into a corner?" He asked him, seemingly amused.

Guildmaster Finnegan removed the bottle from the lips. "I don't drive animals into corners, lad. I turn them into roadkill." He retorted.

Instead of being put off by the remark, Thorn laughed. "Ah, the hero threatens the murderer with murder." He growled. "I wonder, Guildmaster, if we are counting bodies to determine who's 'evil', you must be Giratina himself compared to me."

"I don't fight for 'good' and 'evil'. I fight for 'Justice', lad, and right now…" He paused to take a final swig and toss his bottle to the ground with a loud crash. "an old friend of mine is calling for it."

Thorn looked more excited as he pounded his fists together in excitement. "I hope you enjoyed your drink, Guildmaster. It will be your final vice before I send you to your tomb. The hate for you Pokemon that flows in my veins…you will taste all of it."

Guildmaster Finnegan suddenly dashed forward, slashing with one of the blades on his arm at Thorn. The Nidoking raised a hulking purple arm to block it, shaking as he was locked in a stalemate with the older Pokemon for a second.

Thorn's body briefly flashed yellow before a golden hue lit up the claws on his right hand.

"Earth Power!"

Closing it into a powerful fist, he swung at the Guildmaster's head, narrowly missing him as the Guildmaster crouched to dodge it.

As he crouched, he widened his eyes and his pupils became like pinpoints, making the Bisharp look terrifying. The room seemed darker now, almost as if a shadow had covered the moon. Thorn blinked to readjust his eyes, caught off guard by the sudden shift in light.

For Guildmaster Finnegan, he required no time to adjust to his element as a dark, purple aura lit up from his claws. Running forward, he lunge with his attacks in a stabbing motion towards Thorn's chest.

"Night Slash!"

Realizing he had no way to counter-attack, Thorn crossed his arms in front of his body defensively, surrounding himself in a blue aura. Briefly shining, his eyes remained closed as his body shone for a second.

"Iron Defense!"

Their moves collided, with seven loud cracks echoing as Guildmaster Finnegan let out a fury of slashes so fast that Nero could barely see. Thorn shook for a moment as he took it, but remained unharmed through his powerful defense.

With the collision over, they now both stood with their backs to one another, with Guildmaster Finnegan letting out an annoyed puff of air. Thorn chuckled as he shook the vibrations out of his arms.

Nero remained motionless. "What incredible defense…" He murmured, surprised to see his friend's attack so easily blocked.

Guildmaster Finnegan turned back towards Thorn. "Tch, is your body made of steel as well?" He asked sarcastically, his pupils back to normal size. The light had returned to the room, allowing all of the Pokemon in the room to clearly see each other once more.

Thorn cackled. "Be careful, Guildmaster, you don't want to break a nail." He taunted him, his tail lashing in excitement. "Although, it appears I better not let my guard down with you if I want to live."

Guildmaster Finnegan crossed his arms, almost as if having the same thought. "It would appear so." He commented, returning his gaze to Nero. "Stay out of this one, Nero. This is my vendetta."

"Oh, come now, let Stephen Sawking fight." Thorn retorted, laughing at his own joke. "At least die together since you both are about to anyway."

Guildmaster Finnegan ignored him, crouching again to the ground as he prepared to attack again.

Thorn stomped his foot in anticipation. "I don't know what trick you used, Guildmaster, but don't expect a miracle. My only regret is that I didn't get to expose your secret before I sent you to your grave."

Nero raised an eyebrow at this and his suspicion furthered when he saw the light slightly flicker on his old friend's face. For just a moment, guilt had again crept on to the older Pokémon's face.

This got Nero curious enough to turn to his best friend. "What does he mean, Filip?"

Guildmaster Finnegan remained silent for a moment, causing Thorn to interject.

"Go on, Guildmaster, let's tell him together. Had you told your deputy, you perhaps could have saved his life. Tell him how you knew from the very beginning I wasn't targeting Hazaranmon and that you knew you had a spy the entire time."