Anistar City

Quickclaw looked at the kid in confusion, his yell made Vexnar quickly dart his head towards the kid. Sure it was bad, but did the kid have to freak out about it? Aren't people here used to pokemon battles? Before long the kid's mother came along.

Quickclaw wasn't sure how to respond. He liked keeping an ominous presence with his assassin name, but to avoid further questions he just used his real name.

"I'm Greg, and this is my herrarasaurus Vexnar" he said, putting a hand on his companion's head, who then made a low rumble of pleasure, "Hey um, do you have any idea what's going on behind us?" he asked, extending his hand backwards to point once again, "looks like a bigger battle than usual, and they were talking about all sorts of stuff, something about 'more fireknaught'?"

He scratched his head in confusion, waiting for an answer.

Malcolm remained behind his mother at all times while she talked to the stranger. She nods to the man and his companion in kind.

" It is nice to meet you both. I have to admit, a herrarasaurus is new to me, but all pokemon are interesting. I apologize for my son, he has a fear of pokemon."

She leans to one side in order to see around Greg at what he was mentioning. She looks a little worried but flops her hand over after raising it shoulder height in a dismissive nature. "My, those look like some powerful pokemon over there. Pokemon battles are common in the cities, I just hope they don't leave any collateral damage."

The woman holds out her hand in greeting and puts a smile on her face. "I forgot to give you my name, I am Sarah Vox. This is my son Malcolm. We came here to be tourists and get Malcolm used to more pokemon, but his fear is persistent."

She ruffles Malcolm's hair and turns to the ocean, intaking the sight.

Quickclaw opened his mouth, hesitated, then closed it. If people thought Vexnar was a pokemon why correct them? Everyone here seemed to have pokemon, including people that could give him thief and assassin jobs, the less he seemed like an outsider, the better.


He looked at the boy in confusion when she mentioned he was scared of pokemon. If he's scared of pokemon why the hell is he living here, why doesn't he run away, Quickclaw thought. After staring out into space for a second he blinked and began talking.

"Yes well, nice to meet you too" Quickclaw hurriedly replied and he shook her hand, "But the people in that battle said something about Firenaught, what's that? Some kind of pokemon or something?" Quickclaw said, it seemed like much more than a normal pokemon battle was happening there, "And there's so many pokemon, too many for one battle wouldn't you say?"

As he waited for an answer he looked at the kid once again, which reminded him of a younger him. He wasn't scared of anything, but he wanted to be an assassin, his parents thought it was just a phase, but he wanted to lead a dangerous life. He had a hunger for excitement and danger. Much like how this kid's mom didn't seem to understand that the kid may just have a phobia of pokemon and she should respect that unlike Quickclaw's parents.

Sarah turned back towards Greg with a thoughtful look and puts her hand to her chin, while Malcolm hid behind her as Greg eyed him.

Sarah came out of her thoughts when he mentioned the Firenaughts. "Oh, they are a group who follow a... I think it was a Kadabra. Anyway their pokemon leader is of noble cause, but their means are sometimes questionable. Not as dangerous as Team Rocket, for example."

She suddenly lifted a finger as she realized something. "Oh, if you didn't know about the Firenaughts maybe you don't know about Team Rocket either? They are a bunch of criminals who steal pokemon, rather dangerous. If you ever go out into the wilds keep your pokemon close and a map handy."

While Sarah was talking Malcolm took several steps back and instead watched the pokemon much further away. At a distance he assumed he was safe, but the town did seem strange with the stormy skies and the strange lighting. He had heard that the sundail in town gave off light at certain times but this being his first time in the city he couldn't tell if this sort of weather was supposed to happen.

Greg looked back at Sarah as she began speaking, and after she finished he just stared before snapping back to reality. He was surprised that a Pokemon could run an entire group of humans, he thought that humans used Pokemon for their purposes, not the other way around, he had a lot to learn it seemed.

He then rose his hand to his chin, thinking of how to ask about Team Rocket the least suspicious way possible. After a few moments he lowered his hand and spoke.

"Huh, any idea what place this Team Rocket's headquarters would be so I can avoid them?" Greg tried saying in the least suspicious way possible. He glanced at Malcolm who was now looking at something behind him, probably the battle.

Sarah giggles to herself, happy that someone was taking interest in the world. Unlike her son who wanted nothing to do with the world of pokemon.

"Well, I've heard they have a strong standing in Celadon City, but that is across the ocean in the Kanto region. Big city, but still beautiful." Sarah drifts into a short daydream before popping out of it and looking back to Greg. "Not sure if you had any business there but be carful around them parts."

"The Kanto region huh?" Quickclaw replied, "Never been there but I planned to go there within the next few days or so, thanks for the heads up"

He looked at the child who was still staring at the battle happening behind Quickclaw,

"You know, your son's actually a lot like me when I was younger. I wasn't scared of Pokemon but I felt a little misunderstood I suppose about my views and morals, if you want I could have him come with me to Kanto for a little while, help him get over his fear? Vexnar here has space for two passangers" Quickclaw looked back at Sarah, "Of course, your choice, I know it can be a little nerve racking having your child so far from home."

He stood, waiting for an answer, Vexnar looked at him in confusion as to why he wanted to bring this kid along. Quickclaw wanted some questions answered, to see what adults saw him like as a kid, to just try and help another misunderstood individual.

Crimson stared down upon the frosty city from the back of Unix, contemplation wrought on his face. He had seen a lot in his lifespan, more than most Pokemon had. From his first major confrontation with Zam to even the events of the Pokemon Trainer Academy and everything in between, he had thought he'd seen it all. This vortex...was something new...something unique. Crimson was worried about the safety of the other Pokemon and humans alike, but there was something growing inside him. Some feeling he had not felt in a long time. That sense of adrenaline he found when he fought something new and unique like this...

His sense of adventure. His competitive spirit. It was all coming back to him.

Crimson took a glance below him to see the army of Pokemon they had brought to defend this place. He knew Tag, Dee, and Siena were leading the ground forces into Anistar. After all, not everyone could take the Dragonite Transportation System. But he made sure the heavy hitters would be on the scene first, ready to defend until more help arrived. It would be a little while before Sarik got here from the Sunrise Division of the Crimson Guild, but he knew word would've gotten to them by now and the Sunrise Brigade would be here to help soon after. As for Gova and Pounce...he still didn't know where they had gone to. He wasn't counting on them to show up to this fight, but that would be perfectly fine.

"Emolga! Get ready for a sky battle! Look over there!"

Crimson, Lumi, Skyball, and all that followed behind them turned to where Touko was pointing. In the vortex of Pokemon descending down upon the Sundial was a figure cast in a surprisingly bright light. It was hard to make out the shape and dimensions of the figure as it was within the swirling mass of Pokemon surrounding it, but Crimson knew it was long, slender, and flying. And there was only one Pokemon he knew about to have those features.

"See if you can talk him down," Touko went on, "I need to go heal Nike and Dweller before I even think about fighting. Zekrom wants to fight him on general principle--dragons are a proud lot, I've learned. Crimson, Lumi, on me. Last time I was here, something terrible happened, and the folks around here are probably going to wish ill on me for it."

Crimson watched as the former champion took control and started giving out orders, as if she was wearing an old pair of shoes she had already gotten comfortable with. Crimson didn't mind. It felt good not having to dish out direction every once in a while. He would gladly let Touko take the reins on this one.

They landed in front of the Pokemon Center,, not terribly far away from where some of the action was happening. Crimson hopped off Unix immediately, Lumi following suit. The Dragonite gave Crimson a curt nod before taking off again, flying back towards the Crimson Guild to take more members to the scene of the action. Crimson turned to Lumi.

"Head over to the Sundial," he said, "It seems like that's where the thick of it is. Find Pert and Meryl if you can."

As Lumi took off towards the garden, Crimson noted the comment by Touko about the Fireknaught. Typically Crimson chose not to keep up with the human affairs unless it was a planetary threat. He figured they would appreciate it more if they solved their issues on their own without the help of some exterior force butting in to try and help out, especially when such force wasn't necessary. However, this wasn't the first time the name "Fireknaught" had been mentioned in front of him. He knew they had been one of the key organizations involved in the events at Nimbasa City. At this stage, they were starting to seem like a planetary threat...especially if they were the cause of this storm.

He shot Touko a confused look as they walked into the center to heal her Pokemon, one brought about by the mention of that name. Hopefully, she could understand what it was that he was trying to prod at and maybe he could get a bit more information about the Fireknaught.

Tag let out a low whistle as the snow-filled landscape of Anistar City came into view. The sky was pitch black and coated with darkened clouds. The natural red glow of the Sundial casted an ominous glaze over the snow-coated land, but that wasn't what grabbed his attention. What did was the flashes of battle. The various attacks slung out by both sides, some hitting their mark while others veered off course. The fights had even taken to the water as many a water pulse shot out from the depths below while many bolts and blades fired down upon them. Tag shivered as a memory passed through him...the memory of the last time he'd been here...in this situation...leading an army against an evil force.

The day he had died...

He shrugged off the memories and turned to see the legion he had brought from the ground. With him leading the charge was the entirety of Team Vitality (Siena, Gambit, and Dee) along with Team Skull (Flare, Tito, and Garbble) and many other teams from the Crimson Guild...the ones fast enough to keep up anyway. There'd be no heavy hitters until later, so speed was the game they would have to play for now. And Tag was great at speed...

"What should we do?" Siena appeared beside him, shifting into Sky Form as it did so. Tag looked from the water where many a battle was going on to the Sundial where the vortex of Pokemon was slowly descending.

"We're splitting up," Tag decided, "Team Vitality, you guys take as many flying or water types as you can to help out in the water battles. Team Skull, you guys are with me. We're heading towards the Sundial."

"ARE WE GONNA SMASH SOME FACES IN?!" Flare, the leader of Team Skull boomed.

"Probably," Tag replied.

The Darmanitan's signature grin grew wider as he turned to the Tyrunt and Granbull he led, "ALRIGHT, GUYS! LET'S SHOW 'EM WHY WE'RE THE BEST TEAM EVER! TEAM SKULL, HO!"

"Wait, bring some of these guys with you!" Tag called out to them, gesturing towards the many teams that showed up to fight. But Team Skull had already bounded down the hill and into the outskirts of the city. Sighing in slight annoyance, Tag turned to the others.

"Follow them. Protect this city." he said to them. A variety of Pokemon charged forward, ready to take on whatever force wished to threaten the lives of others. Many of the Flying and Water Types were almost over the water, led by Team Vitality. Tag then rushed into the city, searching for Crimson.

Sarah's eyes light up when Greg makes the offer of adventure with her son. She had meaning to find an excuse for him to get out on his own and explore. "That would be grand! Malcolm, this is your chance to learn and grow!"

The boy blinked in responce and started to shake his head but his mother wouldn't have any of his complaints. "No, this has been coming for awhile now. It is high time you go out and see more of the world. Get to know pokemon, maybe even find friends?"

Malcolm knew he wouldn't get out of this one and sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. It wasnt long however before the sounds of Pokémon battle got closer, even from the sea as water type pokemon joined in. There was almost a minor war going on in the city, and it seemed some people were even evacuating the town via boat.

Sarah points off towards one of the boats in the distance still docked. " There, that ship came in from Kanto. My bet is that it is returning there too. " Sarah bends down to Malcolm and presses some money into his hands before hugging him and running off towards the hotel she was staying at, waving back behind her. "Good luck you two!"

Quickclaw watched as the mother eagerly ran off, confused at the fact that she had just left her son with a total stranger to go across the ocean. That was just asking for the kid to be kidnapped, of course Quickclaw didn't have any plans to hurt Malcolm, he just wanted to help what seemed like a younger him and maybe have some help in Kanto before he joined Team Rocket.

"Alright then let's go" Quickclaw ran towards the boats with Vexnar and Malcolm following, before long they were on the deck looking out over the ocean, waiting for the boat to depart. It was full of people, but not so cramped you couldn't move.

"Hey don't worry Malcolm" Quickclaw looked over at him, "I used to be just like you in a way. But I don't see why your scared of Pokemon, I don't completely understand them myself but they aren't gonna hurt you. Trust me, we'll have plenty of fun in Kanto"

Vexnar nuzzled Malcolm a little, trying to show affection.

"Oh and" Quickclaw leaned over to whisper into Malcolm's ear, "Don't tell anyone but Vexnar here isn't really a Pokemon, he's just a dinosaur" he said, hoping Malcolm would be more comfortable if he knew he wasn't around a Pokemon.

And with that, the boat sailed off towards Vermillion City.

(Leo make your next post in Vermillion)

One visit to the Pokemon Center later, Touko was raring to go. "I think I'd rather take on a few Trainer battles than a legendary, get my head screwed on straight. Chimchar, since you beat the avatar of victory itself, I want you to back me up if it looks like I'm going to lose. Pachirisu, you're going to relay orders from Chimchar to the rest of the guild, make sure everyone's on the same page. Me...I'm gonna get some payback."

The brunette went into the changing room and swapped for a warmer ensemble before heading back out into the chilly seaside air, her breath visible as she called out the foreigners. "Hey! Fireknaught! Remember me from Nimbasa? It's time for a rematch!"

The vortex now within a position where each Pokemon was visible began to light up with a metal like flare. In any sense, the Pokemon were creating a point before hitting the ground, making a drill like shape. When the flying Pokemon came crashing down on the forces below, the first wave of Skarmory, Pidgeot, and Pidgeotto, came in using Iron Wing. Their wings would slam into whatever was in their path, whether it be into the solid foundation that supported the Sundial, buildings, people, or Pokemon. These flying Pokemon were all but merciful in the descent around the Sundial.

With no time to spare, Noctowl, Scarvia, and Swellow, swooped in with less numbers, and using Gust. Their attacks would merge together, creating powerful vortexs that picked up any debris from the first attacks and anything that was strongly attached to the ground. With such, the battle in the ocean continued, tides turning red quickly as Pokemon fought for dominance and survival. Their sheer numbers were something, but their ability to strike in order and as cooperatively as they did, it was something that showed they were following orders for a cause or mind control.

A loud voice boomed through the skies on a telepathic wave, interrupting any electronics where it spoke, "Your world has been spared from the true horrors of this universe and you fail to properly prepare for them... The Pokemon can see the troubles that come to your cities; they know you rely on them... Today you witness the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, all of Pokemon your species has taken from them. You have taken something from them, and now it is time to take something from you."

With the flying Pokemon now at work on the city, Rayquaza was visible. His blacks and purples glowing bright in the darkness as he hovered in a coiled formation far above the Sundial. He waited high above as the flying Pokemon beat on the grounds around the Sundial and anything within a hundred yard radius. Full out battle was breaking out between the forces, forcing the Crimson Guild and Team Fireknaught to work together.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Team Fireknaught prepared quickly for the assault. Six of the Psychic Pokemon threw up a barrier that consisted of the Psychic ability and Reflect, allowing Dewgong and Poliwrath to use Ice Beam combined with Water Pump to create an ice barrier to stop the attacks coming in from the side. There was little they could do in such a fierce attack except prepare for a beating. The Iron Wings clashed into the wall of ice and the Psychic barrier, pushing the Pokemon to pump out the consistent energy needed to sustain their defense around the Sundial.

While the shielding was only in limited area, it still covered those near them. Team Fireknaught only starred at the Pokemon as the collided with the Psychic and Reflect shield above them, the idea of the shield breaking crossing their minds over and over. As the assault ended, they tried to assess the damage on the ground, only to introduced into a series of extremely powerful Gusts.

The Ice Shield and the Psychic barrier were useless to these attacks, forcing the Pokemon to do whatever they could do to weight themselves and their masters down while defending them. Reflect panels popped up, fighting Pokemon bulked up, water Pokemon worked together, throwing up small ice walls to take the brute of the attack off of them, but not fully be able to defend. The Fire Pokemon were in the worst shape, having little they could do to defend themselves, much less their trainers. These teams were forced to use their counterparts as their shielding, leaving them susceptible to damage, but primarily the safety of their trainer.

When all was said and done, the fight launching into mass battle, Team Fireknaught reacted. The Pokemon were given one order, "Neutralize", and they knew exactly what to do. The Pokemon would pair up into teams of two, covering each others back as they unleashed their own assault. Flying Pokemon would be knocked out all over the area, but no matter how many fell, it was as if they never ended. Team Fireknaught would hold well for now, but there was little they could do to help the Crimson Guild at the moment.

Kadabra himself was at work, making it all look easy as the flying Pokemon fell like they were zapped by something, "Headquarters. Back up is needed. They're breaking the ground up around the Sundial, something is telling me they're going to try and steal it."

"We can drop another team of six in less than ten minutes. What types?" The voice responded.

"How fast can you have the Iron Six gathered? I'll teleport if need be." Kadabra spoke with a dislike of having to leave even only for a second.

"Three minutes, and no need to leave, they'll arrive on their own. As for the Sundial, commander says to allow him ten minutes. Let the Pokemon break the ground loose, but not to let the Sundial leave. Do whatever you find necessary to make this happen."

Kadabra was confused for a moment, but he would not question the actual military giving him orders, "I will make it happen. What should we do with this other group here?"

"You will have my decision on them in fifteen minutes. Do a good job, soldier."

Kadabra had his orders and didn't think another fifteen minutes would be hard to scrape up. He didn't know what was going on, but he knew how to make it happen. Kadabra would teleport to each Fireknaught member and privately disclose orders to slow down their fire and only blast Pokemon directly attacking them. He knew it was a lot to ask of them in mid battle with such a difference in numbers, but they didn't resist. With little else to do, Team Fireknaught kept a strong position around the Sundial despite the ground shaking from Pokemon attacks directly into it.

Crimson gave Touko a nod and a thumbs up, letting her know he had her back if things got dicey. He didn't doubt her abilities as a trainer, however, and held complete confidence that she would do just fine on her own. After all, she was a former Champion for a reason.

As they made their way to the garden, Crimson couldn't help but feel a wave of apprehension roll through him. It was clear now that these dark clouds weren't spawned by the Psychic Rebellion. However, he kept having flashbacks to that fateful evening...the last time he'd been in a similar situation...

---

Dark clouds rolled over the island of Mohka as Crimson finally arrived in Bayside Town, the final stronghold of all Pokemon civilization, untouched by the Psychic Rebellion. There was no rain, as one would expect from such heavy clouds. Lightning, however, was not so hesitant. The thunder rolled as it did, setting an ominous tone to the surprisingly quiet Pokemon village the Chimchar was walking through. The Isle Defenders had already done their work and told everyone that didn't wish to fight and stand up for their way of life should bunker down in a safe spot until the battle was over. Either they all took up arms or the ones that didn't weren't coming out soon.

Crimson was still feeling the surge of energy coursing through him by way of the Fire Stone. He didn't know he could establish with his own element the same way the other elements he controlled had. The Power Bat seemed super charged in his hand, the pulsing of the hilt never felt so strong. He'd never been so prepared as he was now. He'd never felt so powerful before.

At the same time, he'd never felt so helpless. He knew he had to take down Neeko, Dr. Benson, and the Psychic Rebellion with them, but they carried such tremendous power. Neeko absorbing the Moon Stone gave the Nidoking his own extended energy supply. Not to mention they were in possession of the Master Blaster. The Psychic Rebellion prepared and became more powerful at the same time. Who knows what was to be expected from them when he arrived.

Could he really do it?

Crimson pushed the negative thoughts out of his head. He had to do this. For the Guild. For Mohka. For the future of the Pokemon World. He had to do this or die trying.

"Crimson."

A young, childish voice cut through his thoughts, making him turn towards the sound. A small Budew was standing at the door, looking at him with quivering eyes. The Chimchar stared back, unmoving.

"Are we going to lose?" the young Budew asked. Crimson stared down at the cobbled ground, a hard look set on his face. A determined look.

"I refuse to let that happen," he told the Budew. "I will make sure you live a long and prosperous life."

Crimson began walking again, towards the exit to the city and towards the field he knew the final fight was raging. He didn't need to hear the distant sounds of attacks being fired to know this. The Budew's voice stopped him.

"Promise?"

A tough question, despite being one word. Crimson closed his eyes and inhaled, trying to find some old age wisdom to respond with. Trying to deny to himself that he truly was scared and he didn't know if he would prevail in the end. Trying to think of something smart and correct to say that would express his wishes along with the reality of the situation. Instead, he opened his eyes and responded with this:

"I promise."

---

"Siena, on your six!"

The Sky Form Shaymin whirled around and ducked under the Water Pulse in the nick of time, retaliating with a Magical Leaf that was sure to hit. "Thanks!" she called out to Dee, who was on the back of Gambit as Team Vitality flew out further into the ocean.

The ocean brawls were spread out, yet the attacks that flew by seemed to take up the entire area. As the standard ocean Pokemon took to fighting for their lives against the darkened ones, the Crimson Guild gathered as many Flying-Types and Water-Types at the hand to aid in the fight. Team Vitality led the charge against the oncoming force. Many Crimson Guild teams gathered together and utilized what strategies and battle formations they had taken to developing over their time in the Crimson Guild. For many of them, this would be their first real conflict at such a grandeur scale.

As for Team Vitality, they were performing the “Leap Frog Offensive”. Formerly known as “Tactical Evasive Height Advantage Formation #3”, its name was changed by Gambit to “something more fun and memorable”. Despite Dee’s best efforts and after a thousand grumbles, she went along with it. The way it worked was this: Siena and Gambit stayed within close range of each other, firing range attacks and covering for Dee, who was bouncing from the back of one teammate to the back of the other and back again. All the while, the Dedenne kept a focus towards the ones who got close and was a much more evasive target because of it. The range of motion also gave them a lot of visual to take in, meaning there were less surprises. Callouts were a must in such a tactic, but it was working to perfection.

“Look! Out there!” Gambit was calling and pointing towards a couple of the boats that were leaving Anistar in hopes to escape the fighting taking place there. At the same time, dark forms could be seen in the water, beelining straight for them.

“We have to help them!” Siena took on a determined face as she began to rocket towards the ships, looking to aid them in their escape. Gambit flew close behind, Dee on his back. Many of the other teams were wound up at the moment, but a couple managed to follow right behind, ready to take on this threat.

---

By the time Crimson and Touko arrived in the garden, the action was kicking off. A flurry of Iron Wings awaited them, their number and radius measuring quite large on both scales. These darkened Pokemon worked in a coordinated effort, much more coordinated than what could be perceived as usual. Crimson deduced that either they had been training together for a long time or that they were under the influence of a hive mind…and considering there were no traces of this threat until today, he deemed the former highly unlikely.

As for Pert and Meryl, their efforts could only be described as…unorthodox. They may have been among the more recent members of TeaM PerSisTenCe, but they’d been training with each other much longer than Crimson and Tag had. As a result, they were much more effective together than they were apart, so much so that their energies radiated off each other in perfect harmony, their attacks just as coordinated as the invaders’, if not more. They managed to stay out of harm’s reach when the Iron Wings drifted lower and they took to attacking when the Gusts broke out. Rather than try to anchor themselves, they actually chose to take to the skies, using flying debris around them to stay in control of their bodies. Sometimes, they even used the other Pokemon in flight to steady themselves in mid-air.

While Pert chose the accuracy route, using Spark after Spark to try and dwell the numbers one at a time, Meryl was unleashing a powerful Shock Wave, one that would strike many opponents at once. Crimson took a glance back, knowing that ground reinforcements would be arriving very soon to help against the living vortex.

“Crimson!”

A green blur was darting across the bridge, heading straight towards the garden. Crimson didn’t even need to think twice about it to know that this was Tag.

“How far behind is everyone?” Crimson asked as Tag bounded within earshot.

“I gave them a headstart,” Tag replied, “So maybe a couple of minutes.” He took a moment to stare at the funnel of winged Pokemon circling around the Sundial, “So this is new.”

“I’d agree,” Crimson took a couple steps forward, analyzing the assault being brought on by Pert and Meryl, “But we’ve got plenty of help on the way. Sarik’s on his way from the PTA Island and he’s bringing the Sunrise Brigade with him. Not to mention the ground forces coming right behind you in a matter of moments.”

“You think Peggy has taken on a force like this?” Tag analyzed the Pokemon around them.

“Probably not, but there’s a first time for everything,” Crimson took a look back, seeing the rest of the Crimson Guild’s first responders charging through the streets of Anistar and making their way to the Sundial, “We should have the numbers to take these guys on, but there’s got to be a central source in the clouds above. That one,” the Chimchar pointed up towards the movement in the sky. It was so dark, it was nearly hard to make out. The purple accents gave away the Rayquaza, “I think if we can centralize the Sunrise Brigade towards that, we should-“

“Oh my…Arceus,” Tag was gaping, yet he wasn’t staring at the sky, “Crimson…the water…”

The Chimchar took a glance towards the ocean…and immediately froze in shock.

The ocean was red. Not reddish pink like the glow the Sundial gave off across the darkened city. Not dark blue or black, as the clouds above might suggest. Red. Clear and telling, despite the weather. Crimson immediately felt his body go numb, his heart pounding against his chest.

This was murder…

He slowly approached the edge of the garden, unable to tear his eyes away from the spectacle he was witnessing. He ignored the Gusts flying around him, surprisingly stable against them. Even in the choppy waters, dark masses were floating towards the surface…some even had the shape of a Staryu or Skrelp.

This was a blood bath…

Crimson thought he’d seen it all back on Mohka. The final battle against Neeko’s Psychic Rebellion had taken fighting to a new level…one that had involved the death of his best friend. But this…this was so much worse…worse than seeing the Turtwig’s lifeless body among the charred grass…worse than anything he could’ve conceived or imagined.

This was…genocide…

The white glow was surrounding Crimson…a white glow that had only appeared once before in his lifetime. It began to spread around him and eventually covered his entire form. The light in itself was way too bright to even look at…much brighter than the Sundial…much brighter than the white speck floating in the sky. Strangers would consider this some form of Mega Evolution. Ruulans who had met him and knew of his reputation would say he was shifting types. Only three individuals knew what was actually happening and only two had witnessed it the only other time he’d transformed in this way. Tag was gaping in awe at his best friend while Pert and Meryl had stopped their fighting.

There was a flash and then the light began to recede, bringing the city into its darkened state once more. However, there remained a bright beacon standing at the edge of the garden.

Everything Crimson was made of was here now. His white fur glowed with intensity. The fire on his tail end was the same color as his fur, burning brighter than ever, yet emitting no heat. But what was probably most telling was his eyes. His eyes held a golden iris, surprisingly steady and focused while also showing the emotional pain he was in…the trauma he had seen to elevate his power to this point. As for his power…it seemed to radiate out of his essence, taking up the entire atmosphere around him. Everyone in the garden would feel it, that overbearing weight of emerging coursing through the air and made the Chimchar its epicenter.

Crimson wasn’t going to stand for murder on any scale.

“Touko,” Crimson’s words rang heavy and clear. Touko would also discover that the PokeSpeak barrier was broken…at least for the moment. She would be able to understand every word the Chimchar spoke, “The Fireknaught are not the enemies. They only want to prevent them from taking the Sundial, just like us. They are allies. Work with them and focus your attention on the Sundial. Don’t let them take it. I will deal with Sithlok.”

And with that, Crimson began to levitate. His aura was suffocation, like anyone who took a breath in front of Crimson was breathing in pure power. Sithlok would get the luxury of that as Crimson rose up to the Rayquaza’s position. His eyes seemed to convey all the hurt that Sithlok brought with him when he decided to descend upon Anistar City, yet his face remained stoic. His movements remained calm…controlled. His voice remained steady, no signs of anger or hatred behind it. And his stance remained oddly lax, like he wasn’t putting forth any effort at all.

“Sithlok,” he said with a sage-like quality in his voice, “You have decided by your own temperament to reign judgement on this world. That is not something you have the rights to decide. Your actions today have hurt and ended innocent lives, both human and Pokemon alike. I will not let you continue this bloodshed. I ask that you please stop this. Show mercy to those that have done no evil.”

As he waited for a reply, his stance remained diplomatic. He did not take a defensive or offensive stance. He did not make any advancement. He did not threaten Sithlok. He didn’t even appear to want to fight. He wanted to end this as peacefully as possible.

Fireknaught...not the enemy? Then why were they always on the scene when things went to hell? Oh wait, not always...that one time it was kind of her fault. But certainly, their arrival heralded the end of an age of peace on Ruula...that didn't necessarily make them the villains, but in any case, there were certainly more important things to worry about.

"Crimson! If you can hear me...ugh!" That sheer amount of aura...that was downright suffocating! "If you can hear me, I'm bringing out Zekrom! That should be enough to demoralize them unless they're being controlled." A quick smooch of the Poké Ball. "C'mon, buddy. We've got a message to tell the world. Strike hard like lightning, shout as loud as a thunderclap...we will not be pushed around. Help me make this world better. I'm counting on you...go, Zekrom! Roast those birds going for the sundial with Fusion Bolt!"

One Trainer using one Pokémon wouldn't do much in a scene as big as this...she either needed to use her entire team, or recruit support from the locals. If the waves of Steel Wings didn't stop, then something or someone was controlling them...could it be the same thing that broke their bond earlier that could cause Rayquaza to turn on the very world it helped to protect? She thought she smashed that evil thing! "Nike, you too! Light the path with your Victory Star! Dweller, I need a Rock Slide around the sundial, they're hammering at the base! That should also catch a few stray flying-types that are coming in! Drifter, clean up the seas, it's a bloodbath out there...literally!"

Terrakion was all too familiar with the horrors of total war...and this was indeed war. This was the bad time he had warned the Crimson Guild about. He cried out, calling rocks from the shoreline to re-arrange themselves into a defensive bulwark while trying to deter more Steel Wings from chipping away at the base. Surely a battle this big would summon some Mamoswine from the snowy path to the west to help out. All the while, Nike the Victini shone with the same intense light Crimson was giving off, sharing its seemingly endless reserves with its friends to boost their accuracy and fighting spirit. Jellicent served a unique role, both in the impromptu navy and in using its connections to the supernatural, channeling the souls of those who had already fallen into powerful Shadow Balls.

Meanwhile, Touko herself was inching her way towards the local Gym...where was the local leader and her subordinates in staving off this threat? That was something she needed to find out, but it was probably better to send someone else in...she was needed to give orders. She grabbed a young girl standing outside the Pokémon Center by the sleeve of her furisode. "You. I heard they call you the Memory Girl, right? Whatever happened here two years ago, I'm sorry. What I need you to do is run into the Gym and get everyone out here and battling. If you can convince them to chip in, I'm sure the rest of the town will follow. We need numbers...but leave the dragon in the skies to the Chimchar. Trust me, he's much more than he appears."

Valorie stopped in Anistar City, taking a long moment to appreciate the chilly evening air. It reminded her of home, which was almost enough to make her stop what she was doing and fly home. But--...She'd never felt right about home ever since she'd been chased out by the people she'd thought were her friends. Of course, they'd all been manipulated into doing it but it still weighed heavily upon her. It didn't feel as comfortable going back there as it used to. She found herself lost in thought, staring out to sea without concern for the world around her. Whatever happened to those simpler times, and how could she possibly feel old and tired even if she hadn't aged a day? Sometimes she wondered if she'd only inherited the negative properties of immortality. Could she even survive forever like this, or would unforeseen complications take her? She wasn't even sure. ...More than her desire to go home, she desired to challenge the pokemon league. She wanted another shot at beating it, not because she knew she could but because it felt like she wasn't living up to her promise to herself. How long had she been training since she returned to the field? How much longer will it take before she does feel ready? ...The exceptionally short girl released a rather wistful sigh. She wasn't sure.