Castelia City

"I think I'd rather walk home myself. The last thing I need is a crazy stalker fan waiting outside my house after everything that's happened today."

With tears in her eyes, Touko took her first shaky steps toward the Skyarrow Bridge gleaming in defiance of the Shadow Sky above. Before, it held the promise of better days to come. Now all she could think of was if they would ever come again, given the seeming omnipotence of this new foe. Maybe she could talk with Dr. Juniper and learn a few things about this new enemy.

"Stalker fan?"

"She's a big person, remember? She likely thinks you're just some fan."

"Well I can certainly understand that. I may not have got it on the same scale, but I certainly got some fame for beating the Champion myself... Though it was likely just because of that report. Anyway, I got my response. She's fine with being alone. Asuka! Take us out of here!"

Asuka pops out of her ball and James hops on her, grabs Shirona and off they went. Asuka dropped them off at the harbor so they could collect their thoughts without some looming pressure giving mixed signals.

"I hope she'll be alright."

"She was up against the Grand Champion, she can handle a small trip! You don't have to be the nice guy all the time."

"I know that, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I ever walked away from somebody who could use help. End of story. Now, what are we going to do about this? This puts a halt on everything as this incident is obviously more important."

"We could call Sandra or Dawn to help"

"We could but I'd rather not interrupt their daily lives."

"Don't tell me you're going to try to take out that Diance on your own? It was enough to make Emiko give up!"

"I'm not on her level, that's true, but that doesn't mean I can't try! But...not now. Not alone. We could go home and talk with Prof. Rowan over this..."

"Well we could go and talk to the other gym leaders, those here in Unova will probably rally so we could bring the others to help! Flint and the others might help as well!"

"That's a lot of time to lose though, getting to each region and back.... Even though I have their numbers and could call most of them, it wouldn't do much without a plan of attack. It'd be best to back off and observe for a bit. Learn what it is we're fighting against. Best bet would be to head to the grand arena."

"Why there? Oh that's right! Emiko was there on the TV"

"Yes and if she's here now suddenly, I imagine this Diance and whoever that body was attacked the arena and brought them here, so those there may have some information on this enemy. Asuka! North of here is your destination. We head for the Grand Arena!"

With a confirming screech, the Staraptor takes off for Nimbasa.

Arriving by boat, Allen saw the events transpire from a distance and told the captain to keep going. He wanted to see what was going on. Upon reaching the docs, he jumped off and ran towards the area where he saw that beam shoot up.

"This had better be good, wasting my time..."

---

Melaine's Castle : Throne Room

---

O~hoho-hoho~!

Melaine turned to face a Trainer standing before her, in front of several Pokemon of various species. The young girl adjusted her glasses using both hands, keeping a neutral look on her face.

Um, Crown-Princess! We have reports that a Trainer has actually made it inside. He flew in on a Tropius that only took neutral hits from the Zzap! Crystal towers and he seems ready to fight you. I place his odds of victory over you at less than 0.001%, however. His team is strong and well balanced, but he lacks a dedicated strategy and lost one of his Pokemon to one of the Golurk in the Inner Wall Expanse.

Melaine held back more laughter.

Intruders who make it past my defenses need to solve my castle's many puzzles! There is little the common fodder can do to truly understand the complex nature of my challenges. He'll never reach me if the Golurk are giving him trouble already!

The girl nodded and adjusted her glasses again.

Of course! It is as you say, Crown-Princess.

----

---

Castelia City : Oceanfront Road

---

Allen would arrive in a city that was a borderline hellscape.

As the lower hanging purple clouds and dark sky sent an ominous message, the searing lights that rained from the sky amid a murky purple rain stung whatever living beings they struck directly, leaving burning scratches on those unprotected for too long. What was once one of the most lively and active cities in Unova was now almost a shell, a husk of what it once was. Standing tall in the city's horizon, dwarfing even the larger skyscrapers, was a castle made of crystals and jewels mixed with solid stonework.

---

Castelia City : Mode Street

---

As Allen ran through the streets, some areas of the city had crystals growing out of the ground, scattered around extremely large and tall crystals that pulsed a dark and shadowy purple color, with a sort of black central energy. Some of these crystals had even damaged or destroyed some smaller buildings, and some of the Wild Pokemon around them, such as Rattata and Zubat, seemed unusually irritated. Few Trainers were outside still, with the few that were mostly either seeking shelter or trying to have their Pokemon attack the crystals.

---

Castelia City : Central Plaza

---

When Allen finally reached the area where the beam originated, he'd find a new pathway leading to a large castle that lay before him, to the side of the town, near where the villa that belonged to the Grand Champion was. It was a winding road that nonetheless was lined with smaller crystals and jewels the entire way.

---

Castelia City : Melaine's Castle

---

At last, he'd reach the area where the beam originated. Standing before him, a large castle of multiple floors and expansive size that even destroyed some buildings in the area around the larger plot of land that the Grand Champion's villa used to occupy. A large gate at the front of the castle was closed, with the drawbridge lifted shut. A symbol on the drawbridge showed that several slots needed to be filled with some kind of items before it activated.

Furthermore, the walls showed little sign of allowing a way inside otherwise. The moat of sharp crystals leaking shadowy energy was a deterrent to other forms of ground approach, and perched upon sections of the crystal walls, towers were shaped, providing windows and vantage points for floating crystalline structures that reacted to the lightning strikes positively, showcasing an ability to potentially launch energy bolts at anything flying nearby. Their glow was also accompanied by dark red hues, besides the purple and black, perhaps indicative of something more.

Some wild Pokemon were roaming about the area, mostly Sigilyph that seemed to be following set patrol routes at a variety of altitudes. Claydol statues were arranged also at specific points around the perimeter. Watchog were carefully keeping observation posts atop the walls and on the ground level around the castle; their alert gazes and glowing eyes and bodies proving a rather unsettling reminder that if there was specific movement outside the castle, it was likely going to be recorded in some fashion. Occasionally, a faint rumble of the earth was felt, though it was almost unnoticeable to most, striking in time to large footsteps being taken. The heads and shoulders of Golurk behind the castle walls could be seen occasionally accompanying such tremors, giving a source to their occurrence.

Surprisingly, actual Trainers were present, some already in combat with groups of Watchog and Patrat, others tackling the Sigilyph. No one seemed to have had any progress made in their groups at finding a way past the walls. The most alarming observation was that there seemed to be some Trainers who were fighting against the Trainers who seemed to be seeking a way inside as if some Trainers were honestly siding with whatever caused the beam that now occupied this unnatural crystal cathedral of a castle.

Allen surveyed the scene for a bit, "This certainly wasn't here before... People are fighting to protect this place too? Heh... Nothing like a good fight, but what's more important is finding out the cause of this and see if it's worth a gander. This looks like a Pokemon's doing, no way humans could make this... That's some power."

With a wide, teeth bearing grin on his face he stated, "I like it."

Allen stopped his running and casually walked his way closer to the castle, liking what he was seeing. Some chaos here, a bit of battles sprinkled there, the obvious power play of creating a castle right in the middle of a populated city... Oh this was great! It was like something out of one of the books he used to read as a child. Could have gone with some more orange or red as the colouring, but whatever. He certainly liked the design of it, really menacing and foreboding.

Allen turned to look at the drawbridge, slightly disappointed he couldn't walk inside and see the place. He noted the notches but he couldn't be bothered to find a bunch of crap to open it. However, Allen decided on another method of getting inside.

"HEY! WHO MADE THIS THING? I'D LIKE TO SEE THEM! I DEMAND YOU SHOW YOURSELF!"

Allen shouted at the castle, but was loud enough for those around to hear him as well. Despite his wish to see the maker, he bore no intention of fighting, not even opening his bag to fetch his Pokemon. He wasn't interested in a battle, he just wanted to know who did this and if they were worth having a castle. If not, he'd try to take it for himself. Because if anybody was worth having a castle, it was him, he thought.

Ruula's Orbit...



There was a sense of trepidation, and unease as Captain Nuurumi stared at the planet below through the view-port of the bridge. His crew was working diligently to plot the landing course, but there was unease as the landing course took the ship into the maelstrom over Castelia.

Nuurumi made a face, before he lowered himself into his chair, then he reached out, and buckled himself in, cinching the straps to secure him tightly into the seat, as his crew did the same.

The ship lurched slightly, as it began to touch the very uppermost atmosphere of the planet, it's glow bathing the interior of the Bridge in an intense light.

"Initial insertion confirmed, adjusting degree one point nine percent!" The bridge officer called out. "Hull temperature Negative Two Hundred degrees Centigrade! Integrity is holding, we're adjusting forward angle two degrees pitch."

As the ship began to move, it also began to shake slightly, atmospheric turbulence playing along the frame of the ship in the form of long contrails of ice crystals, and condensate that shimmered in the sunlight.

Nuurumi grimaced for a moment. "We could be walking into a fight... instruct all gunnery crews to be ready to engage the moment we hit the water! I don't want to leave anything to chance!" Grasping the control console to steady himself in his chair, he watched carefully, flames began to lick at the hull, whipping up and over the deck.

"Hull temperature increasing to nine hundred degrees!" The Bridge officer called out, they had begun their swing around the planet itself, and so far their trajectory was moving smoothly, the dark clouds of the storm over Unova could be seen on the horizon, with the anvil shaped cloud tops piercing high into the sky. The ominous storm before them brought a few tingled spines amid the bridge crew, but they committed to their trajectory. They would be landing soon.


"Here we go!

A few moments passed, and the ship breached the cloud layer, with flashes of dark energy arcing all around them, the thickness of the clouds rendered the ship totally blind with visuals, and sensors began to project an artificial horizon, and a crude wire-frame mapping of the terrain below them on a massive view-screen situated on the ceiling.

The bridge lights lowered, and the interior was illuminated by the white hot plasma that seared outside the hull of the ship, and the occasional flash of dark energy.

Nuurumi briefly looked down at his instrumentation, frowning. "Angle up, one degree Pitch!" He ordered. "Deploy air brake! Prepare for final descent!"

Massive flaps began to extend outwards along the hull, catching the air and glowing white hot as the ship's speed began to slow.

"I've got a large city up ahead, we'll need to correct our final trajectory so we don't hit any of the buildings!" The Navigation officer called out, and Nuurumi nodded. "Yaw, two degrees port, roll, one degree, then correct to four degrees yaw starboard, roll starboard two degrees, with preparation for contact!"

"Roger!"

Above Castelia City, through the dark clouds, brilliant spotlights pierced the thick layer of energy, and the dark sky, it's course took it just around the castle in the city, and a brilliant streak of white hot plasma, and flame followed the strange ship as it descended.

With airbrakes deployed, the ship initialized it's final approach, passing over a bridge, there was a lurch, and anyone that wasn't secured in their seats would be thrown forward, as plumes of steam, and water shot up all around them, since the superheated hull vaporized the seawater in an almost instant, but the reaction was two fold, and served to cool the hull back to operating temperature.

"We have touchdown!" The officer called out, while Nuurumi unclasped his restraints.

"Take us in!"

The Battleship's engines shifted to nautical mode, and it's massive thrusters extinguished, slowly it began to make it's way towards the city, churning, and bucking against the towering waves of the sea.

(Co-written between LawoftheLand, NeverEndingFlip, and HolyJunkie)

While riding the Lapras, Radegast set up his folding guitar that he had received from Roxie. Amid the splashes and rumbles of the waves, Radegast's stringwork resonated amongst the group. In his mind, he felt the lyrics come to him as he played a melanchoic, yet calming and inspiring tune. In his mind, he reflected upon how strange and different it all became, though he remained Radegast.

"May I stand unshaken
Amid, amidst a clash of worlds..."

Most of the Pokemon on board with him listened to the song he played, some swayed or nodded to the pace of the music. Some closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep, to save strength and concentration for the task ahead. Tag was going around, checking up on people and making sure spirits were high. Radegast hadn't really interacted much with Crimson's right hand man, but seeing him out here by himself, he got a real optimist vibe out of him. Appearance wise, he looked like any standard Turtwig, standing apart with a single accessory...a set of boots on his feet clad in metal. Radegast had to wonder whether they were purely cosmetic, or if they served a purpose.

Eventually, the Turtwig ended up in front of him, a goofy grin on his face, "Hey. How ya holdin' up?"

The armoured Gallade sat near the side of the Lapras' shell, with his helmet secured to his backpack, as he played on. Reggie remained inside his pokeball throughout the tip. Up ahead, the putrid purple clouds loomed threateningly over their approach to Unova.

While he hadn't figured out how to use it, he did put together a makeshift bracelet for the Keystone using some gnarled wood and the Operative's strong silk. It would have to do until he prepares something better.

"I hope breathing that stuff doesn't cause anything," Radegast smirked.

"Yeah," Tag agreed as he sat down next to him, "It doesn't sound like it's doing anything immediately though, so we at least have that."

Even though the dark, purple clouds loomed in the distance like a bad omen, the weather surrounding the danger zone was surprisingly nice. The water was smooth sailing and there was even a slight breeze flowing from their left. Despite the danger of the mission at hand, those Pokemon that were awake were chatting, goofing around and enjoying each others's company, like friends did. They didn't seem to be too worried by the mysteriously sinister aura ahead of them...or maybe they were and were masking it with jokes and comedy. It was hard to tell.

A great distance away- far from their entry point- a large battle cruiser descended from space. Radegast pursed his lips together as he recalled the last time something like that happened- in Nimbasa City a few months ago. He made a note to avoid tangling with that sort. Extraterrestrial politics were better dealt with by folks skilled in proper diplomacy.

"It's moments like these I stare up and appreciate the sun," Tag commented, glancing to the sky, "It could be the last time in a while we get to see it as it is."

At the mention of missing the sun, Radegast remembered a particular adventure. "There was this one time where it was just Elder, Rage, Suros, and me. Over in Johto, we got lost in the mountains during a series of blizzards. Didn't see the sun for three months."

"Oh dear!" Tag raised his brows, then asked with a sly grin on his face, "D...Did you make it?"

"Nope," Radegast joked.

The two started laughing, enjoying each other's company as they sailed. The clouds grew ever closer. After a moment (and a few jokes), Tag turned to look at him, "Why did you join us, if ya don't mind me asking?"

"A number of reasons, actually," Radegast replied. "First, I had to get out of Kalos. Second, I needed an opportunity to figure out how to use this." He held up the Limiter gauntlet, now modified with the gemstone setting that permanently held the Galladite. "Third... if I can't take this, I can't take the Regicide Crew, nor the Rebellion."

Tag thought for a second, "I get the last two, but why leave Kalos? You were safer there than out here."

"I was spotted," Radegast replied. He didn't really want to elaborate. The last thing the Guild needed was being forced to focus on two things at once. He felt the overwhelming power when she had her grip on him. The worst part about it was that even he could tell that she was holding back. It did beg the question: Who was more powerful, Lucy, or this Diancie?

Radegast kept the question on the back-burner; it didn't matter at the moment.

"Psychic Rebellion?" Tag continued to prod.

Radegast nodded. "If I were them... I'd probably hang back from this, though."

"Oh they're going to, knowing Zane," the Turtwig assured him, "They're gonna hole up somewhere safe and wait for all this to get cleared up...and then they'll strike.

"Know your enemy," Radegast smiled, "Well, that's why we're here, huh?" He then saw that they were getting closer to the storm, and began folding up the guitar into its durable and sealed cylinder form. He then shifted his seat to face more forward and tapped Reggie's pokeball. The Aegislash emerged and fused automatically, with the shield moving to Radegast's arm and the blade to his back.

The water started to shift and stir beneath them. The ride started to get bumpy. Tag watched as the sun started to get dim, hiding behind the haze of purple clouds above them before it was completely blotted out all together. He nodded his head and made his way to the front.

"When Castelia City comes into view, land by the bridge due eat of the city," Tag told the Lapras, "Keep away from the ports and main attractions. We don't want to bring any unwanted attention."

The Lapras nodded and began veering to the right, ever so slightly.

"Alright," Tag turned to everybody else, "We're gonna be in the thick of this, so we may not get a chance to talk with each other when we're out there. Let's come up with a game plan for when we get there."

Several faces nodded and everyone started to gather around. The Turtwig leaned in close, so that everyone could hear him over the slight wind that was slowly picking up and the waves that were starting to crash harder.

"So we can survey the scene and make a precise judgement call when we get there, but I'm thinking we'll cover more ground and be less noticeable if we stay in small groups no larger than two. Castelia City is huge and it's not going to be easy traversing through all of it. We need some people to do general scouting, which is simply keeping your eyes and ears open, looking for and listening to anything that might sound important. That part is simple enough. On top of that, we need people to go searching for the scientist and Touko. Remember, Touko should be friendly, scientist is definitely not."

"I'll focus on finding Touko," Radegast volunteered.

Tag turned to him, "Do you have a clue on where you'll start your search? In case things go south?"

"She's a famous figure, so gossip among people might be common enough. I could ask around here, or in Nimbasa if I don't get any leads." In the report that reached the Guild, Nimbasa was the last known position, but Castelia being the centre of business would likely have information on the technical side of Pokemon Leagues rather than the sheer spectacle.

Tag contemplated, "It'll be hard to grab that information. But I trust your ability to do so. You're the only one here besides I that's interacted with her after all. And you've got Reggie, so I'm not worried about you falling to a threat."

He turned to everybody else, "The rest of you, start roaming when we get there. Make yourselves fit in if you can and become invisible if you can't. I'll be searching for their HQ so if anyone finds it, come and get me. We'll meet up back where we will land...underneath the big bridge east of the city. Can't miss it. We should plan to be back before dark falls, so that should give you some time to get in, learn a few things, and get out before we become noticed. Anything else I didn't go over?"

No one spoke up.

"Cool," Tag grinned, turning to face the front, "Hang on tight, then. We're almost there."

Indeed, the warning was necessary as the full effects of the weather started to fall upon them. The once still sea was now a churning cesspool of darkness beneath them. Being the waterborn creature that she was, the Lapras continued to swim through it with little deterrence. Still, that didn't make the ride for everyone else less bumpy. The waters were topsy turvy by the shores and ports of Castelia City, telling them they would've had it rougher if they tried to get closer to the city and land by the docks. As they proceeded east towards the mouth of the river, the ride was a little smoother due to the lack of expansive ocean to churn around in. Soon enough, they were about to slide underneath the massive bridge.

As they passed under the bridge, Radegast looked to the Key stone and the Galladite, and tried bringing them together again. He had attempted it a few times during the ride, but beyond that faint ripple that he could feel, nothing really happened. I know I'm missing something... He had tried several things differently, from rubbing the stones together, to bringing them close and then apart quickly, he even tried submerging them off the side and pushing them together.

It was then that he began to feel a stinging sensation in the parts of his body that were not completely covered by the suit. Radegast looked around to see that he wasn't the only one. While Reggie's paper-like body was completely covered on account of the fusion, Radegast himself did feel his body weaken. With a deep, stinging breath, Radegast unleashed a Heal Pulse over the closest members of the convoy.

Tag began to notice this as well, "Oooo, that's not good! Lilly, hurry!"

Fortunately for them, they were almost at the bridge. A few seconds later, they were underneath it, heading towards the shores. With a quick step, Tag stepped off the Lapras, the others following suit. Everyone glanced up as the stinging sensation stopped. The bridge was providing enough cover to keep the flashing lights from falling on them. For now, they would remain safe underneath the overhang.

"Hmm," Tag thought with a frown, "That complicates things a bit." He turned to the group, "Everyone has at least a few Oran Berries, right?"

Everyone nodded, putting instinctive hands, paws, and other ligaments on their knapsacks. The Turtwig turned to Radegast next, "I know you're prepared. You have some Leppa berries to keep you charged?"

Radegast checked his leg satchel. Since that close fight with that fashionista, Radegast made sure to pack some of every berry in order to account for any status effect. After some fishing, he found two Leppa berries, and then flashed a thumbs-up with the Limiter. "I also have potions," he added. Ideally, we need a way to negate these weird lights... Without any knowledge about what the lights or the dark sky or the strange powers were, they didn't have a good idea on negating it. While the bridge did provide cover, a bridge certainly couldn't be carried.

Radegast looked up to Skyarrow bridge, then to the dark skies beyond, then his gaze moved to the Limiter, with the Galladite embedded. Ideally, yeah right. There was no point worrying about things that can't work yet- not when there was a job to do. No one fighting for their life waits for their foe to get stronger. He needed to make do with what he had, as he'd always had before. Beneath his visor, he smiled. "I'll be back here in a few hours." he saluted, before building up a charge in his legs and catapulted himself up towards the bridge. He caught himself on one of the I-beams, and clambered along the underside of the bridge.

Tag nodded to him as he left, "Be careful!"

The armoured Gallade swung himself over the railing to plant his feet on relatively solid ground. From there, he headed into the checkpoint that stood between him and the city proper,

The interior was sterile blue and white, with checkerboard tiling and plainly trimmed counters on one side, and benches in the middle. Across from the service counters, however, was a feed of news set on repeat.

Could it be...? Radegast waved to the two workers who currently stood at-attention behind the counter. They awkwardly waved back to the figure who kept a sword and shield on his back, before Radegast sat down on a bench to face the screen and scrolling digital text. That easy, huh? Within minutes, the news covered a second-day report on the effects of Touko's loss in the Grand Stadium. The news anchors mentioned something about her hometown being called Nuvema Town. Radegast continued watching the news for a bit as he jumbled the name of Nuvema in his mind.

Satisfied with this information intake, Radegast stood up once more and checked a map of Unova that plastered the wall. After a quick search, he determined the way to go. "Thanks!" his psychic voice echoed within the room, before he stepped out the way he came. The two at the desk exchanged glances, before shrugging and returned to their respective work.

---

Outside on Skyarrow Bridge, Radegast swung back underneath, and used the bridge's cover once more as he climbed along the beams. The bridge above was strikingly barren, likely due to the weather. After several minutes of climbing, Radegast swung back onto the top side and slipped into the forests that stretched ahead. Due to his experience as a wildling himself, Radegast had no trouble finding his way through and coming across a city of warehouses. While the forest trees provided some cover, he did stop for a couple of minutes in order to heal his body. The lights sparking down from the sky stung like electricity, but there was something strange and horrible about them, very unlike electricity. It almost seemed like a sickness incarnate.

At one point, Radegast was forced to stop and rest under a thicket. His breathing became hoarse, which impeded his breathing, so he gulped down a super potion and chewed on one of his Leppa berries. After he felt his strength return, he continued moving, until he finally spotted a humble little sign, "WELCOME TO NUVEMA TOWN." Radegast leaned against the sign, where he fired one more Heal Pulse to top off his health. With a sigh of relief, Radegast stepped into town.

The first place he spotted was what appeared to be a high-tech laboratory. Radegast considered visiting, until remembering he'd be the subject of many an autopsy if he showed his mug there. Emiko Touko... Touko Emiko... he flipped the name around to figure out what house he'd have to find, before he headed south towards a collection of homes.

His throat, like before, slowly began to sting uncomfortably. It wasn't until he was part-way through checking the signs in front of the houses that a random intake of breath became the catalyst for a horrible coughing fit. Radegast fumbled for another Super potion, but his legs collapsed from sheer fatigue. Even the Leppa Berry didn't help the stamina loss only a good rest could give. "Cmon," he wheezed as he got a grip and popped the cap open. He gulped down the second potion to relieve his breathing, and then fired a Heal Pulse. With a gasp in relief, Radegast stood up once more.

"Emiko Residence" one sign read. Radegast's eyes lit up- figuratively, given he was still fused with Reggie. The armoured Gallade stepped gingerly up to the front door and reached for the doorbell.

At that moment, a hand tapped Radegast on the shoulder. A crying brunette in a vomit-stained letter jacket and cutoff denim shorts would be the first thing he saw when he whirled around to assess the potential threat. "Who are you and what business do you have with my mom? Are you here to make sure I'm not bothered by the press?"

"Whoa," Radegast flinched as he whirled around to face her. His instinctive yelp from his mouth registered to the girl as a Gallade's cry. It took him a moment, given her rough shape, but he did realise that the woman who managed to sneak up on him was indeed Touko. At least, he was pretty sure he remembered her right when he first saw her back at the Pokemon Trainer Academy. After clearing his throat, Radegast emitted the Psychic voice he had been mostly using."Touko! Oh thank goodness! I heard about what happened, and I wa-" Radegast rose a hand to cough. The air continued to irritate his throat despite his ability to recover such damage. "I want to help stop this... crappy weather." He paused for a moment, then added, "It's Radegast, by the way. We met on the PTA several months ago, then-" There wasn't much point in keeping his identity a secret from her of all people.

Touko just fell on her ass. "Wait. YOU are Radegast? Oh my god...I thought I'd never see you again when you went to look for that lost kid in Chargestone Cave! Hell of a fashion statement...come on in, I don't want to be out in this any more than you do." And with that, she just opened the door and practically pulled him inside. "Mom? I'm back...and I brought a friend with me." She sniffled again, before feelings got the better of her and she just dove into the taller boy's chest. "Why? Why did I have to lose so badly on national television? To that...that MONSTER!"

"Oh? It's been a while since you had a friend over, dear," said her mom from the kitchen with a hint of wistfulness. "I'll, uh...I'll start making dinner for the three of us."

Radegast stood, stunned, as Touko had her arms around his padded torso. His eyes- glowing slightly from the fusion, moved from right to left. "Uh..." he certainly wasn't expecting this. How did Crystal do it when Operative... he awkwardly pat one glove-covered hand on Touko's head, "There there," he mumbled, "But yeah, I... I did hear about the monster. That's... why I'm here." He had no idea how to break it to Touko that it wasn't just his fashion sense that was totally different.

The blade and shield separated from Radegast's back, "Tarma once said, "Three is a crowd." I did not understand at the time, but I do recognize the context he told me about." The Aegislash then vanished into the wood-finish ball on Radegast's belt.

Radegast nodded slowly, understanding none of that. "So... Nice place you got!" He chimed in. The house was a lot more humble compared to the Estate, but at least the house was still in one piece.

Touko released her hold, and shifted slightly. Her cheeks flushed somewhat, given that she was hugging a boy she hadn't seen in months. "Yeah...thanks. Turns out living a stone's throw away from the regional authority on Pokémon does wonders for property values. Anyway, I was just here to crash for a while, and then I was going to pay Professor Juniper a visit. Can't trust my Xtransceiver in this weather." She then headed to the living room sofa and collapsed onto it. Her slouched posture was definitely body language for a woman who had the weight of the world on her shoulders right now. "But...tell me more about your adventures. I know I'm going to be spending a good amount of time talking about mine once the paparazzi catch up to me." Meanwhile, the overwhelming scent of a Unova style deep dish pizza flooded the room from the oven.

Radegast watched as Touko flopped onto the sofa, before he spotted a lounge chair opposite a humble little coffee table. Radegast sat on the chair, surprised at how weak his legs really felt from that marathon run from Castelia. With a sigh of relief and his throat un-irritated by the corrupting lights, Radegast drummed his gloved hands on his knees. There was a lot to cover.

"Well..." he began, "I was hiding in Alola for a while- Sent there, I mean- for my safety... but I didn't know what happened to Max until..." he sighed, before his hands reached up to remove his helmet. "It's difficult to say, so..." With the helmet off, Touko got a good look at what looked to be the head of a Gallade. While Radegast's jawline and eye colour were retained, it was certainly a Gallade's head, and very different from how he looked before. "Got hurt bad while over there, and a friend saved my life."

"Am...am I seeing things, or are you part Gallade now?" Radegast nodded in confirmation. "I really can't tell, today has been so fucking crazy." Touko rolled over to try to get a good position. "And don't even think about turning on the TV, I'm going to be all over the news."

Radegast clenched his jaw; Touko handled this strangeness surprisingly well. Did she know about humans who became Pokemon as well? Maybe Lucy wasn't so special after all. The idea of it did make him feel better, although he was still concerned about his cousin's terrible power regardless. When Touko told him not to turn on the TV, Radegast also nodded, "Well, no time for that anyway. I'm here to help stop that Diancie," Radegast lightly planted a fist into a palm. "To do that, we gotta find out what it is."

"Weird. That's what I'm here for too. But first, hope you like pizza. No sense trying to solve a problem on an empty stomach."

Radegast was about to object, to argue that there was no time to waste, but his stomach growled. He hadn't eaten since landing, and before then, he didn't have a good rest at the Guild. The only thing he ate during the trip over the sea was a bag of nuts. "I haven't had pizza before," he smirked, though his mouth did not move. He never tried it while on his travels, and his family always had more traditional, higher-class dishes that primarily used rice or noodles. "Is it good?"

"It's as good as any they serve in Castelia. At least, that's what my mom says. It's the kind of stuff I like to eat to calm myself before a big battle. Seeing that castle rise...well, it wasn't my first time seeing something like that. Getting some pretty bad flashbacks, can't have my nerves betraying me."

"Castle?" Radegast asked. He had received a report about the Diancie and her strange corrupting power and the sky, but he didn't catch anything about castles rising. "What about the scientist- the one who was with the Diancie?"

"That's the part I don't want to talk about. But everything else reminds me of when Team Plasma's castle came out of nowhere and dwarfed even the Unova League."

Radegast wondered why Touko didn't want to talk about the scientist. "I take it you don't have that sc-" he then saw that jaded look in her eyes, then thought against it. Something must've happened that the report didn't catch. "Well... there's gotta be someone who knows what that purple-black stuff is all about, right?"

"Pizza first. Research after." She jumped off the couch and sat at the table before chowing down. Radegast followed suit, and looked to the flatbread pizza. Touko's mother had served the circular-shaped food- cut into triangles- on what looked to be a large, square wooden paddle. Radegast removed the Limiter from his right and the suit's gauntlet from the other, and he picked up a slice by the crust with his phantom fingers. The ease of movement implied he had been a Gallade for a good while.

"Wow. You weren't kidding about being part Gallade." Touko nodded and was definitely on one of those depression binges, the kind where you just eat anything and everything to try to fill a void. Massive gulps of Soda Pop and even talking with her mouth full. She was long past the point of no longer caring about how she looked. "You'll, uh...you'll make sure the media don't give us too much of an issue, right? You can even use the extra bed in the couch, I need to go see the Professor in private."

"I have a feeling this Professor would want to dissect me, but we'll keep you covered- just so long as we figure out how to stop this Diancie." Radegast spoke after gulping down a bite. "Mmm! So this is pizza? It's really good!"

Few things calmed a mind like a good pizza. You learn somethin' new every day, Radegast thought. He made a mental note of "things to do once I'm back to normal again."

1-Learn how to make pizza.
2-Bring the secrets of pizza to the Treehouse.
3-Have pizza with friends.

For now, whilst the threat loomed overhead, it was good to have a filled stomach and calm mind- and not just the move.

---

Melaine's Castle : Outer Wall Outskirts

---

Allen's request was met with silence initially, especially as other fighting Trainers retreated, having been whited out by the Trainers in armor, armed with weapons alongside Pokemon, that seemed to be on the side of whoever owned the castle. Then, a break after several minutes. Emerging from her castle, a Pokemon descended to greet Allen.

She was a dark-purple, sylph-like Pokemon that had a black chest and arms that resembled a dress. She also had a headdress, which consisted of purple crystals; the four short ones cresting along the top pointing upwards, and two long ones on each side of her head, pointing downwards, with an additional diamond-cut centerpiece framed by her slim dark-purple ears. A smaller purple crystal was also embedded in the back of her head, and a red nugget was embedded in her forehead. Her eyes were black with pale-purple irises, and a red crescent circled her neck, with each end joined by a rhomboid gem. Her lower body resembled a large oblong chunk of stone, with a large purple crystal protruding from it.

Are you the rabble that disrespects the very ground they stand upon with their incessant yelling? You are standing in the presence of Melaine—1st Crown-Princess of Ruula. You may kneel if you wish. Your choice in the matter may determine the direction of our following interaction.

The other Trainers who had sided with the Pokemon seemed to step forward, as if ready to follow her on her words. They all shared unanimous features; their armor and weapons made mostly of diamonds and crystals that were styled in a medieval bent and faintly glowing shadowy purple eyes lighting through their helmet shaded or mask covered faces. Most of the males wore shorts and pants, while most of the females wore miniskirts and pants. The attire seemed to be based on what sort of weapon they carried, and all of them seemed to be unaffected by, if not outright immune to, the flashes of light that stung and burned at exposed Trainers and Pokemon.

----

---

Nuvema Town : Professor Juniper's Lab

---

The Professors across the board were a wealth of useful knowledge. Juniper was able to to get ahold of Krane, Sycamore, and Rowan, thus getting Touko and Radegast some critical info about their foe.

What was revealed was this: She is a Diancie, which are rare, but powerful, mutations of a normally Kalosian and Alolan native species called Carbink. Sycamore also confirmed it's typing as a Rock/Fairy dual-type, and a number of other details that more or less created a solid, if still work in progress, Pokedex Entry for the pair to use.

Professor Krane could also shed light on what he had on Shadow Pokemon.

He revealed that Shadow Pokemon are created through a still somewhat unknown process that all but removes a Pokemon's emotions entirely, turning them into a soulless fighting machine. A man named Ein, who was the creator of the process and Team Cipher's head scientist at some time not too long ago, referred to the process as "shutting the door to their hearts". Team Cipher's science division later refined and upgraded the process to allow many Shadow Pokemon to be produced simultaneously. The head of their science division, before they were defeated recently, was a scientist named Lovrina, who also worked on stabilizing the process to increase their resistance to the best purification methods at the time. The goal was to create a Shadow Pokemon that could not be purified.

Further, while normal Pokemon are generally friendly and trusting creatures as a whole, Shadow Pokemon are not hesitant to attack with no mercy, and they do not attack only other Pokemon, even extending their victims to Trainers. Shadow Pokemon were occasionally overwhelmed by their emotions, and sometimes entered a state called "Hyper Mode," or, "Reverse Mode." The state was connected to how purified they were prior to full purification. Calling out to the Pokemon usually snapped them out of the effect, though other remedies exist.

However, Shadow Pokemon cannot be differentiated from normal Pokemon without certain abilities or tools. Shadow Pokemon emit a dark aura that normal Pokemon do not, though the aura is typically invisible. The Professor has built a device that can detect auras, but it'd take time to get two of them over to Unova; though Juniper and Rowan theorize that anyone sensitive to Aura could also detect it. In some cases, the Pokemon's physical appearance can change if it is sufficiently corrupted.

This information thus presented a couple of avenues to further explore, mostly in actual field research. While the Professors would continue their own research in lab, field data would be invaluable, as would any data from Nendal's vast archives that surely existed somewhere. Thus, Touko and Radegast would find themselves once more in Castelia City, though this time, together and with information and a good recharge.

---

Castelia City : Bridge Gate

---

However, in their short absence, the Bridge Gate had turned into a small warzone's aftermath. The usual guards on duty were both noticeably absent, and in their place were three girls who were more or less silent, though smiling as they seemed to quietly small talk with each other and clean up the place. Two of the girls wore a cuirass made of faintly glowing purple and shadowy diamonds over a black blouse with bell sleeves. Their miniskirts were black as well, with strategically cuts to not hinder movement, though short modesty shorts were present as well in a dark purple color. Their dark purple thigh boots had a small heel that suggested they could ride a Pokemon suited for it, and their dark purple gloves were cuffed for added flair and protection, likely because they had weaponry.

On their backs were what looked liked shortbows, and they had a belt and strap that allowed them to keep a quiver full of arrows. These weapons seemed to be made of the same faintly glowing purple and shadowy diamonds as the cuirass was. Lastly, they each had a kettle helmet with diamond motifs that shaded their face from the nose up, though their faintly glowing purple and shadowy eyes were visible and not normal looking. Both had shorter hair, with one doing a bob cut while the other did a wavy/curly look, though both had grey hair, darker in tone with a heavy charcoal-esque tint.

Both looked young, and between the two of them, they had four Pokemon it seemed. The one with the bob cut had three gym badges, while the one with the wavy/curly look had two of her own. Perhaps they were novice Trainers whose journeys were cut short?

The third Trainer was a younger woman with a ponytail and a maid outfit that had a diamond brooch that radiated the sense of energy. With purple eyes as well, though hers lacked the faint glow, and only a frilled head decoration with flower accessory that didn't shade her face, she somehow seemed more important than the other two, despite her appearances. Her hair was blonde, and she kept her arms behind her back as she supervised the cleanup, though it seemed by the rag she held that she was doing her own fair share. She had three Poke Balls, but otherwise seemed unarmed and unarmored.

Upon hearing the doors open, all three turned to look at Touko and Radegast as the two archers drew their shortbows and reached for Poke Balls.

Marksman 1:

Hey! You two there! Identify yourselves!

Marksman 2:

Yeah, you can't pass until we know you're not here to cause trouble!

Maid:

Well, aren't you two ready to go? Stand down. We should at least talk with these two Trainers first.

Dusting herself off, the maid gave a bow, not letting Touko or Radegast have a word edgewise before she continued.

Maid:

Apologies. My name is Belinda, and I'm in proud service to the new Crown-Princess. If either of you harbors ill intentions toward her, then I will have to ask you to leave unless you can present proof of a presence request by her decree. If you mean to stay without, then I will have to get the room dirty again. Such a problem that would be, no? We shouldn't need to undo my work.

Belinda's demeanor was quite Brazen, all facts considered. She also seemed unusually confident despite her expected position by appearances.

Allen listened and looked around at the trainers. He then began laughing, finding the situation quite funny.

"Oh man, expecting me to kneel...Oh that's a good one, Mel. However, I do like what's going on here. And seeing you got such a following... You must be pretty strong, right? I like to consider myself a power enthusiast, so normally I'd ask of a demonstration, but seeing these suckers and this castle.... I think that's good enough. I quite like the idea of the strongest ruling this damned place instead of some prepubescent kid. You have my respect, and my power. If this is what the future looks like, I am all for it. Chaos and power to spread across the lands just leaves a lovely picture in the mind. While I won't be kneeling in this accursed rain, I'm sure a bow will suffice."

Allen bows respectfully, but keeps his smirk.

"Even if you dislike me, know I'm here to help. I just prefer to go about things in my own way. I'm not like these mindless suckers behind me who follow every order like the good little dogs they appear to be. There's nothing I want more than a world ruled by someone deserving, like you," Allen mentally struggles to say it but outwardly it was seamless, "Your Highness."

While Allen didn't like admitting somebody was stronger than him, even he could tell he was outclassed here. Those suckers wouldn't be too hard, but this presence... I could never take this chick down...I don't like to admit it, but she's far stronger than I could ever be. If she's ruling this place, fine by me. Allen thought to himself. Allen knew when to fold 'em, and this was definitely time to do so, but he wasn't becoming a part of the crystal cronies like the others.

Since the weather was toxic outside, Touko's mom had offered the sofa for Radegast to rest on. It was true that Radegast ran a marathon under such harsh conditions, and the rest wasn't unwelcome. However, he knew he couldn't stay too long. He needed whatever information he could get from Touko and the Professor in order to bring back to the members of the Crimson Guild.

As he recovered whilst in Touko's house, Radegast thought about ways to at least alleviate the harshness of breathing he was experiencing while outside. When it came time to head to the Nuvema lab, Radegast pulled one of his shirts from his backpack and fashioned it into a facemask just like he did back on Route 4. Additionally, Radegast slipped on his Go-Goggles to protect his eyes. After slipping his helmet over top of everything, no one could see glowing eyes when Reggie fused once more. It helped somewhat, but not completely.

---

As Radegast beheld the trio on the bridge, he looked to Touko. His face was completely covered, which hid his face that said 'Can you believe these guys?' When the shortbows were drawn, however, Radegast's shield arm instinctively rose and he stepped in front of Touko. "Hey man, that's just not cool." he spoke up as he started considering his options. Ideally, he'd want to get past them without incident, but these bowstring-happy goons seemed prepared to escalate it at the drop of a Pokke. The second-best option would be to knock the trainers out before they can bring it to a battle. A good bash with the rim of the shield would KO pretty much any human, even though a helmet like the ones the archers wore.

But they're three girls, and they didn't appear to be acting of their own volition, given the purple glow in their eyes. If that were the case, then this Diancie would definitely know the two of them were here. From their perspective, Radegast looked almost like a phantom knight, or even Touko's Stand, what with the armour and the complete darkness behind the visor.

As the standoff happened, Radegast didn't move a muscle as he reached out with a psychic probe. He attempted to reach into the mind of one of the figures with the glowing eyes to see if they knew anything more than what the Professors had already provided. Specifically, he was looking for Diancie's plans, or any information on weaknesses beyond the obvious "Steel-type".

Unannounced to most of the individuals present in the city, several members of the Crimson Guild were slinking around the city, remaining unseen while remaining underneath cover so as to avoid as much damage from the weather as they could. However, completely avoiding injury was impossible, so every now and then they'd have to pop an Oran Berry to keep going. Thankfully, as individuals, they didn't have to cover much ground. Castelia City was a huge place, but the Crimson Guild knew how to spread their numbers to make up as much ground as possible. There were at least two Crimson Guild Members in every section of the city, paired up with one another of course, covering each other's backs and helping the other out when they needed it.

There was one exception to that rule, of course. The stout little Turtwig was bounding across Castelia by himself, searching for the castle. It didn't take him long to cover ground, oddly enough. He zipped from overhang to overhang in the blink of an eye, covering ground so fast, he may as well have been half the scouting team. He used less resources than his teammates, too, since less of his time was spent exposed to the harsh conditions.

It didn't take him that long to spot the castle in the distance, a creepy, contorted purple structure that seemed to spread across it's own zip code and tower over even some of the skyscrapers. It also didn't take him that long to reach that point, given his absurdly impressive speed. Within a few minutes, he had traversed through most of Castelia City, stopping just at the outskirts of the castle's domain. Taking cover underneath a dumpster, he popped an Oran Berry and started examining the surroundings.

Eerie...Tag thought as he got a decent look of the place, now that he was close up.

It looked like one of those castles he'd seen while in the Kalos Region, only this one was nearly triple it's size. It's immense measure could be enough to enshroud the whole region in it's shadow should the non-existent sun be hanging low enough. The tallest of spires in the center stood taller than all of the buildings. What was more, it seemed to be made entirely out of purple crystal, glistening with the flashing lights of the powerfully nasty aura around them. From his vantage point, he could see that it had two walls that covered this area: An outer and an inner wall. Within these two walls stood the castle.

But his attention wasn't drawn to that. What he saw was the Diancie in full scale. To his credit, he was expecting something a little bigger, but she only appeared to be three times his size. Unlike the Diancie's he'd come across in his days as TeaM PerSisTenCe, this one seemed to be coated in a strange, purple aura that made all her crystals look deep purple and menacing. It was scary in it's own elegant way.

Not as scary as Neeko, but still...

Standing by her was a human bowing before her, sporting black hair, a black jacket, and a greasy smile. Tag remained hidden, watching to see what the Diancie would do.

Alenia gathered her wits and looked for a new way out of the city. As the strange storm got worse around her she activated her personal shield. While this shield would protect her from attacks it ran of the same system as her cloak which meant she would not be able to go unseen. "I'm going to try and find another way around get the ship online." she sent to her ship.

In The Ebon Star Alenia's astromech R3-13 worked to bring the ship's systems online. The YT-2400 came to life and as it did so did the blaring of an alert. Scanning the systems R3-13 soon detected the landing Taiyou ship. This info was then relayed to Alenia.

Alenia didn't end it though as a simple glance into the air gave her a grand view of the landing ship. these must be the "protectors" that the Nexu had met Alenia reasoned.

Turning back to the task at hand Alenia made her way though the streets until a strange creature flew at her. In reaction she pulled her blaster and shot the creature that to her looked like a weird purple mynock. The creature fell to the ground with smoke rising from the lazer hit. Alenia placed a couple more shots in the creature just to make sure before moving on.

A chirp on her comlink alerted Alenia that her ship was ready to go. "Good work R3 I'm on my way."

Alenia quickly pushed on hoping nothing would hinder her from reaching her ship...

(Removed for sake of scene. Apologies)

Touko decided to lean into the absurdity of Radegast leaping to her defense, and assumed an awkward stance, leaning against the wall while crossing her arms in front of her and making finger guns. "Yare yare daze. Already that Melaine is asserting her dominance, huh? Look, I ain't here to fight. I'm merely asserting my freedom to travel. Professor Juniper sent me to do some field research on what makes this Diancie different...her assistant Bianca is a friend of mine, you see. But please, let's have some class and settle this with a Pokémon battle instead of trying to kill each other, ne?"

The skies certainly weren't very friendly, but then neither was the ground, either. As Diamond and Lucy, his Lucario, rode into town on the back of his Charizard. His eyes glowed a faint blue was he searched the Aura of the city. It was all thrown off, and he didn't like it at all.

"It looks terrible down there, Lucy... You were right, We're not going to be able to do this ourselves." Diamond said softly. Lucy didn't respond verbally, but nodded, hugging onto his back as they flew so she didn't fall off. She was a gorgeous green opposed to the usual blue of a normal Lucario, and was quite a bit taller as well, being a solid five feet tall.

Diamond's Charizard growled and flapped his wings, beginning his descent into the city, and heading towards a peculiar set of Aura that caught the Trainer's eye: That of Radegast and Touko, primarily focused on Radegast however. At the end of the bridge leading to the gatehouse of the castle the Diancie had made for herself. Diamond's eye twitched, and he gripped the handle of his saddle for his Charizard tighter out of the slight anxiety for what they were about to do. "Let's go!" he cried out.

Charizard roared out, and with another flap of his wings, began to dive quickly, using his instincts, being enhanced by Diamond's control of Aura to watch out for and hopefully dodge anything that would knock them out the sky. They would land some way behind Touko and Radegast, Charizard returning to his pokeball while Diamond and Lucy hopped off and trotted over to the pair before them.

"Hey there! Name's Diamond - weird name I know - would you like some help?" he asked, settling into a more ready stance, which his Lucario mimicked as she stood a few meters in front of him, Aura radiating off her body.

In a similar way of entry, Sandra was standing up on her unusually large Toucannon as he effortlessly soared through the sky. She noted that this region looked different as she had passed Castelia's outskirts and saw the castle. When she looked down she saw quite a few things that intrigued her. The first being a person in an actual maid outfit which she thought looked cute. Second being bows wondering why anybody would even need weapons. The third being a visor wearing person holding a shield and had arms that reminded her of a Gardevoir.

"They don't have shields... Could that be a Gallade? Ooo! I wanna see a Gallade!"

She noticed another had joined, he was on a Charizard, a Pokemon she knew well back in Alola. She wondered if that man was from there as well. With all these different attention hooks present, she decided to head down and meet them.

"Tuyo, Down there. Land a bit to the side in case they're having a Pokemon battle, I don't want to drop in the middle of another Growlithe bite again."

Silently, the bird acknowledges Sandra's wishes and lowers itself to the ground where she hops off near Emiko. She returns Tuyo to his pokeball. She herself now notices the girl she landed next to, as she didn't in the sky, leaning on a wall in a strange stance. Sandra seemed somewhat oblivious to the atmosphere of the moment right now.

"Hey there! Is he your Pokemon, miss? He looks kinda cool! I hope I'm not interrupting a battle or anything... My name's Sandra, nice to meet you~ Might I ask your name? I'll try not to play 20 questions like I normally do."

But as she pushed on, she would realize that such a hope would be dashed.

As Alenia rounded the next corner, she would see another strange creature standing in the middle of the street. A furry, gray creature was looking away from her, staring at the strange ship that was slowly making it's way towards the docks of Castelia City. From the back, she would be able to notice it's large ears sticking out above it's head and the white fluffs that twirled around his back. It's fur was matted and completely messy, almost like it hadn't been taken care of since even before she arrived here. Still, the more unnerving sight was the short sword it carried in it's right palm, letting the tip rest on the ground.

Unlike most of the creatures she had seen since Alenia had been here, including the bat-like creature from before, this one seemed completely unaffected by the weather. But the lingering question would burn in the air...

Friend...or foe?

Music for the scene:

Maid: "Freedom to travel or not, we must decipher your intentions. By their sound, you seem to be opposed to the Crown-Princess and her decrees. We do have orders regarding such a thing. Unfortunately, those orders do mean that we will come to blows. I'm terribly sorry."

Radegast lowered his stance. If there was one thing he disliked more than the concept of fate, it was a monarchy. So-called "high and mighty" figures imposing their will on free beings who just want to live their own lives. This oppressive weather alone was something he'd oppose on principle alone. "No you're not," Radegast called her bluff, "You ain't sorry at all."

"I was afraid that it would have to come to this. Radegast, time to see what you've learned since we last met. Let's take these turkeys. Multi Battle style, or do you want to pair off?" Touko sighed and released herself from the wall after all that awkward posing.

Not enjoying being ignored, Sandra decided to repeat herself to the girl, "Hi, I'm Sandra. What's your name?"

As Sandra introduced herself again, she heard the armoured person speak. She was confused considering she thinks the man as a Pokemon. Maybe he wasn't? After listening though, she somewhat understood that this was a bit more than a regular fight. The moniker, Crown-Princess was tossed in as well and that greatly confused her.

"Hey, wait a minute miss maid. There isn't a Crown Princess last I checked the news a day or so ago."

"Looks like this place went and got boring in a hurry." Diamond crossed his arms, relaxing his stance as he listened to the maid speak, leaning back slightly. At Sandra's insistence, he looked to her and gestured for her to join them on the battle-line that was forming. "Name's Diamond. I sense this is gonna get ugly here pretty soon, so... if you want to battle against what appears to be an evil dictator Diancie and her goons by all means hang around?"

"Can we focus, Diamond?" Lucy growled, looking over her shoulder.

"Maybe. We did just get here after all." Diamond resumed his more ready stance. smirking.

Swiftly brandishing two daggers into her hands, the maid bowed. Each dagger was a glimmering faint purple, and looked to be fashioned out of diamonds and metal.

Maid: "Very well. A fight it is. I shall clean you up like stains off a table. A single wipe."

Vs. Crown-Guard Belinda

At this, the maid tossed a dagger into the air and swiftly threw a Poke Ball forward, releasing a Cinccino, which bore a rather aggressive expression and looked ready to pick a fight already. She then caught the dagger once more, adopting a formal stance that nonetheless held menace.

Radegast's probe didn't find much of value beyond surface thoughts of him and his allies, mostly of disdain, as well as a praise of the Crown-Princess about her defeating them easily. Also, a shadowy, but burning, backlash of energy struck him when he tried to probe the minds of the girls.

The two girls with her both grabbed their own Poke Balls, one releasing a Sunflora, and the other releasing a Floatzel. Both Pokemon held similarly aggressive stances, and didn't look too friendly. The girls also took the opportunity to make sure they kept a short distance as they nocked arrows, preparing to fire when the time was right.

"Woah woah woah woah! DAGGERS!? Are you trying to kill us?" Sandra spoke, obviously surprised at the maid's weaponry.

Reflexively, after seeing the other Pokemon taken out, she grabbed her own pokeball and tossed out a Magnezone.

"Come on Maggy! These people seem to mean some business."

Underneath his mask, Radegast frowned at the nocked arrows. He focused energy into his legs, ready to spring out and block the first blow they dish out. If there was one thing he had learned from previous fights, he'd do better as a protector, rather than an attacker.

"It looks that way. Come on out, Nike! We're going to overwhelm them with how hot our spirit burns!" If Touko had failed to introduce herself to Sandra previously, perhaps that would do as Victini hit the field, a one foot high ball of energy with a V-shaped crest on its head. "News can change fast in a couple of days, kid. Get ready to rumble! Have your Magnezone hang back and attack from a distance, I'll take the fight to them!"

"That was the plan anyway. And I'm not some kid, girl." spat Sandra.

Diamond narrowed his eyes as he watched the Pokemon that the maid and the archers sent out. Something was Definitely off about them, and he grit his teeth. "Lucy, you seeing this?" he asked. At her nod, he gripped his hands into fists and blinked slowly, taking a breath. "Okay then. Get ready." Lucy responded by getting an Aura Sphere ready, charging it between her paws.

"I'm not sure how much you guys are aware of this... but their Aura is totally messed up. Corrupted, even!" Diamond stated to the others around him. "I suggest we finish this quickly, and try and lift the corruption if we can. Lucy! Go!"

"On it!" Lucy growled before launching her Aura Sphere at the Floatzel with a growl. Aura Sphere wasn't a move that missed, but there was always a first for everything, and with how differently these Pokemon and their trainers were acting, Diamond was expecting just about everything.

"Maggy, target the Floatzel with a Zap Cannon!"

A series of beeps and metallic sounds follow as a large ball of lightning charged between the magnets on either side of the Magnezone. It quickly fired it at the selected target.

"So, girl. Might I ask what that pipsqueak is?"

Marksman 1: "Floatzel, Shadow Blitz! Any target"

The Floatzel began dashing forward only to rush straight into the Aura Sphere, its power sending the Floatzel flying backwards before it slid on the ground, swirls in its eyes as the Trainer returned it. She then released her arrow.

Marksman 1: "You'll pay for that! Take this! Shadow Bullseye!"

The projectile flew with the unnatural shadowy aura as the diamond tipped arrow barreled down on Diamond. The arrow was flying true at the moment, and would probably hurt a lot if it managed to land.

Radegast, however, had sprung out to deflect the arrow with the Aegislash shield. With a light ping, the arrow shattered into splinters and shards, and scattered harmlessly against the southern wall, only to bother the future janitor at-best. Fortunately, they dissolved into the purple aura moments later, and were thus gone entirely in seconds. Diamond's eyes widened as he saw the Arrow released at him, and was half-way through rolling out of the way when Radegast blocked it with his shield. Rolling to his feet, Diamond looked to the Trainer after nodding in thanks to Radegast.

"So now we're attacking each other and our Pokemon, eh?!" he shouted out.

"Don't worry, guys," Radegast inhaled and exhaled as he calmed his mind. His eyes did not leave the opposing force that blocked their forward motion. "I'll cover you from those arrows."

Shortly thereafter, the Trainer raised her arms to shield herself as the Zap Cannon struck her with a large explosion of electrical energy that left her on the floor unconscious, her helmet having been blown off.

"Nice shot, Maggy! A bit sorry hitting a person but they are trying to kill us. And here I thought it was going to be a regular Pokemon battle. Things got messy. Maggy, be ready for the usual."

The Pokemon stayed silent but twirled its magnet hands in response as it slid to be in front of Sandra, ready to defend her.

Marksman 2: "Wake up, losers! Shadow Shot!"

The second arrow flew with incredible speed that couldn't be avoided as it flew directly for Lucy, the arrow itself not quite as strong as a normal attack would be. That did not mean it hurt any less, though a Pokemon of her caliber wasn't going to be affected much.

Radegast moved to intercept once more, but this time around he narrowly missed. "Crap!"

"Heads up Lucy!" Diamond shouted.

Lucy was in a good stance, seeing the arrow coming, and moved to dodge it, but was hit in the ribs, causing her to buckle briefly before regaining her stance with a growl."These guys want to play rough, let's play rough." She growled. Diamond nodded in agreement.

"Bone Rush!" Diamond shouted, his own eyes glowing blue as he used a human version of Detect to try and predict the next move of their opponents. "And once you're done with her Sunflora, move on to her, too! Finish this quick!"

Touko finally found time to look back at Sandra with a bad case of bitch face. "Do you live in a cave?! I'm the reason we're in this crazy situation! You've literally never heard the name Emiko Touko? Then know it by my power! Nike, use Fusion Flare on Sunflora!" At the prompt, the little pipsqueak did a nimble wall kick move to get into position in the cramped quarters of the gate house, then the next moment the Sunflora was facing a huge ball of fiery energy coming its way!

"Oh so you're the girl Lori was talking about. And as for living in a cave, I don't bother myself with the news and who the big wigs are in life or anything like that. I stick with what matters, which is food and family, anything else on the news doesn't concern me that much. I'll be treating you the same as any other girl, regardless of your opinions or status. So as long as we're in the same place, get used to being treated like a normal girl."

Marksman 2: "Sunflora, protect yourself! Then use Shadow Wave!"

The Sunflora used Protect quickly to block the obviously lethal attack before jumping back to prepare to fire off several wispy waves of shadowy energy.

"Great power, Emiko. You couldn't kill a flower."

Seeing this, Belinda stood in place for a moment as the Sunflora's shield went down after the attack. She chose to accompany them at this time, preparing her next order and move.

Belinda: "Cinccino, look at all the dust gathered here. Put that tail to use! Shadow Slap!"

The Cinccino rushed forward for the Victini, preparing to use what seemed to be a dark and shadowy version of Tail Slap, one of its more notable and powerful techniques. This one was backed by its own Technician and Skill Link as it looked to put an actual hurt on the fiery ball of energy.

Belinda herself then dashed forward with intensive speed as she leapt towards the Magnezone, her whole body almost turning into a sort of helicopter blade of an attack as she attempted to strike the magnet based Pokemon with her shadowy daggers extended for a significant amount of damage. Whether she hit or missed, she'd land and spin around on her heel to ready her next move.

Starting what seemed to be the next round of fighting, Sunflora's preparations worked out in that it fired off several wispy waves of shadowy energy that targeted for everyone opposing it.

Radegast took the brunt of the wave. With a growl through grit teeth, Radegast shook himself loose and rose his shield once more. With his sword still on his back, Radegast quickly reached into his leg satchel and produced an Oran Berry, which he quickly popped into his mouth.

Diamond, seeing the Waves coming from what felt like a mile away, was easily able to avoid them. "Get ready, Lucy!" he called out, Lucy nodded, likewise able to see the Shadow Waves approaching, doing her best to dodge them, the waves grazing her, and not doing too much in terms of damage.

All this was getting too crazy. Was...that attack coming for her?! Touko let out a meek yelp and withdrew, running back towards the bridge so she could hopefully get some cover against the Shadow Wave. But in closing to melee, Cinccino had made a fatal error, and opened itself up to Nike's most powerful technique. "V-Create! Let's make this kitchen too hot for them to stay in!"

Again the crest on Victini's head glowed, hotter than before, heating up the entire gatehouse to uncomfortable levels before charging forward, ramming into the Cinccino with an almighty headbutt and a tremendous explosion of power! Maybe the previous attack hadn't worked. That's okay. These things happened--but maybe THAT would show everyone who they were dealing with!

The Magnezone took both hits and stayed up, twirling its magnets in defiance and letting out something of a screech. Sandra wasn't too happy about the attack coming towards her. She simply puts up her arms to cover her face and takes the blow. While it certainly stung, she wasn't hurt too too badly.

"Tch, hurts less than that bite. Maggy, stand strong, dear. Ready a Signal Beam for that Cinccino!! And are we running away Miss powerful trainer? Just take your lumps and keep going. Youngsters these days, running at the first sign of hardship."

With that, the Magnezone let loose a stream from its left magnet that heads for the appointed Pokemon, bypassing the maid entirely.

At this moment, a staff of blue, bone-shaped Aura appeared in Lucy's paws and she rushed forward with a flourish, aiming first for the Second Marksman's Sunflora with a devastating array of strikes, hopping back after her combination, resting a bit to refocus, setting her eyes next on the Second Marksman herself. Despite the resistance Sunflora had against the Ground-type nature of the move, the power difference between the two was too large to stop the Bone Rush from knocking out the Sunflora, who was returned to its Poke Ball as its Trainer let out a sound of discontent at the result before readying herself to take a hit, though not without focusing herself to steady another shot. The Cinccino took the Signal Beam clean, but following the V-Create's effect, the Cinccino fainted and was returned to its Poke Ball.

Belinda grimaced before she gave Touko a dark gaze. Dashing forward, she lept toward the Victini as she performed what seemed to be several acrobatic maneuvers that culminated in her taking several swings at the Pokemon with her daggers. The attack was clearly some version of Acrobatics, but judging by the dagger's shadowy auras as she performed the attack, it wasn't the usual move.

Touko was looking around the corner, and at seeing Belinda leap at Victini, had one thought. "Aw. Hell no." A red beam would rob Belinda of her prize, only to be replaced by a big blue blob of floating tissue. "You're in charge, Drifter!"

Belinda averted her attack as the switch occurred, eventually turning around to attempt the blow on the newly released Jellicent.

Oh no, not on my watch. Seeing the maid moving to strike directly at Jellicent, Radegast bared his teeth as he darted forward to intercept Belinda. Radegast aimed to knock the maid out with a single Slam with the Aegislash shield.

Belinda would take her daggers and parry the shield with surprising skill, though her attack was interrupted. "Fighting dirty are we?"

Now with a good foothold, Lucy rushed forward towards the second Marksman, her staff glowing strong in her paws as she charged the human. "Don't Hesitate! They wouldn't!" Diamond reminded her. Hearing this, she sped up, and readied herself to strike. The flurry of attacks with her staff and with her own paws would happen extremely quickly, and, assuming they hit, would land on the head, sides, belly, legs, and chest of the desired target. Bones would probably be broken, and from the strike to the head, at least a minor concussion would be suffered.

Unfortunately, the Trainer seemed to suffer none of the afflictions described, rather falling onto her back unconscious as a small shadowy diamond emerged from her chest. With its emergence, the girl's armor and weapon vanished, leaving the Trainer no longer corrupted, but wholly unharmed, if fainted. The shadowy diamond then flew out of the room through a wall, passing through it like a ghost. The other unconscious Trainer likewise also reverted to normal as a shadowy diamond emerged and exited the scene. With a quick look out the window, it was plain to see that they were heading for the castle in Castelia.

Diamond likewise kept his eyes on Belinda, and grit his teeth. Radegast seemed to be trying to keep her busy, but at the same time she was darting around quickly, attacking the Pokemon of the people gathered here. Clapping his hands together, he focused his Aura, beginning to form an Aura Sphere of his own between his palms while Lucy made her way back to his side, assuming a defensive stance to protect him while he charged up the Aura Sphere, and then released it at Belinda.

"Maggy, give it everything you got! Hyper Beam that maid!!"

The Magnezone let out it's usual cry as it charged its attack. It turned to face the maid and fired an all powerful beam directly at Belinda. Determined to wipe her out.

"Whoa! Holy shit dude!" Radegast tackled Belinda out of the way of the rippling rainbow-coloured hyper beam, as well as the other attacks that were launched her way, where he then let go of her and rolled back into a stance. "You trying to kill them? These are people, man!"

Belinda would get herself back up, merely glancing at Radegast once before she spun her daggers in a complex fashion as she vanished into a puff of shadowy smoke, leaving no trace of herself in the gatehouse.

"Hey! She was trying to kill us! Of course I'm going to shoot at her!"

Radegast stared at where Belinda had vanished. He used his psychic probe to try to track her, or detect any other threat. After a quick moment, the armoured Gallade finally relaxed.

"It's true. There wasn't any semblance of hesitation in any of her movements. if you hold back, they'll kill you." Diamond said, scanning around for further threats, Lucy padding up to him, stopping just inside arms reach. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay, Lucy? You took some hits."

Radegast replied to Diamond's and Sandra's reasoning, "So we stoop to their level, is that what you're saying? I don't buy it."

"So what, you wanted me to stand around and do nothing while she attacks you? You didn't have a complaint when the other two were attacked."

"I'll be fine, Diamond. Thank you..." she lowered her head softly, as if blushing, as a paw gently rested on his hand before she nodded, looking at him intensely. "Your Aura is wavering~ You okay?" she asked, seeming to smirk.

Diamond blushed softly and frowned. "C-could you not?" he sputtered, causing the Lucario to giggle, stepping closer and bumping him with a hip, which he only smirked and reciprocated. "Keep that up and I'll put you in your ball~" he teased right back, smirking. Lucario giggled again and nodded, eyes glowing blue as she looked around again to double-check for more threats.

"We're okay for now... but who knows when they'll attack again." Diamond said.

Radegast looked to the Lucario and human. With his face unreadable and his aura stable, Radegast viewed their actions between each other as somewhat odd, but nothing worth getting anyone's knickers in a twist. Radegast then looked to the girl with the Magnezone, then to Touko. "They're still people," he repeated.

"I know they are still people. But would you hesitate to defend yourself if a person attacks you? She could just as easily turned to me with that attack or even to Emiko back there. Unlike you, we don't have armour. It wouldn't have killed her anyway. Remember that just a marksman took a Zap Cannon to the face and only got knocked out. She is obviously sturdier and so Hyper Beam was my best shot at getting her off your back. The point was to hit her with it and scare her off."

A Zap Cannon is no Hyper Beam. Radegast shook his head. The marksmen wore armour, and humans have been recorded to survive electrical strikes of such magnitude hundreds of times. Belinda looked like all she wore was the maid uniform.

Diamond took that opportunity to walk over to the second Marksman that he'd had Lucy knock out, and examined her as well as her aura. "Well, they're perfectly healthy.... If anything, we beat the Corruption out of them.... This one by all means should have at least a broken rib from Lucy's Bone-Rush. But no.. she's just sleeping. The Corruption is gone from her Aura, too." he said, running a gloved hand through the air over her body, a blue glow emanating from his hand to her body as he scanned her.

"So it's more like we're doing them a favor." Lucy commented, causing Diamond to nod slightly.

"We beat the Corruption, yes," Radegast agreed on that, as indicated by a slow, yet firm nod, "But corruption or not, no killing. I'm not about to let people become murderers in front of me." The Galladite flickered very slightly. However, in the lighting of the gatehouse, it was impossible to notice.

Diamond nodded, standing. "Understandable... I'm not sure I'd want blood on my hands, anyway."

"You mean on my paws?" Lucy smirked, crossing her arms.

"Hush, you." he barked back.

"Still," Sandra continued, "They didn't seem to have that thought. If I get attacked by them again, I'm not holding back. I like living." Sandra then turned to look at Emiko and called out to her, "Hey, you alright back there?"

"Is...is it over? To be frank, I kinda got scared as soon as she pulled those knives, but when I saw that thing coming at me...I ran. After seeing what their boss did to her trainer..." Touko could do nothing but shudder and gesture to the latest issue of the Castelia Times, which had the picture of her on all fours in front of Melanie on the front page. "D-Drifter...return..." The Jellicent let out a low cry as it vanished back into its ball.

Radegast's gaze snapped to Touko. It didn't take a genius to understand the implications of what happened to the Diancie's trainer... the scientist... That doesn't bode well for the intel team... Under the visor, Radegast grimaced as he slipped the shield onto his back. I gotta meet them under this bridge soon. he reminded himself.

"In all fairness, so was I. But I wouldn't have run away. Though from that issue, I imagine you're recovering from a supposed Ego Drop, so I'll forgive you for running away. You're a little spooked. Anyway, that was an eventful fight."

Sandra stretched herself out without a care, as if the past event meant nothing to her anymore. She checked her pokeballs to make sure everything was set before walking on over to Emiko.

"So, because I'm curious... What was that pipsqueak you called Nike? Obviously a fire type but I haven't seen one like that before."

"It's called Victini. It used to live under the statue in the Liberty Garden. Rumor has it that it's the very spirit of victory itself...that whoever has it on their side will never lose." Maybe Touko was finding her voice, or maybe she was just getting stronger now that the fighting was over. "It supposedly has an unlimited energy supply that it shares with teammates to help secure victory. That, plus the cramped space in the gatehouse, was why I chose to fight with it. Hence why I nicknamed it Nike, after the ancient goddess of victory."

"Fancy. I named my Magnezone Maggy because it's in its name. Your hair looks pretty good actually, I like the floof it has, mine's a bit too straight. Though as for the other parts of your fashion sense... Those shorts kind of...hurt to see on somebody so young. Showing off a bit more of the goods than kids used to when I was younger. Well, that aside, you're alright so that's good. Dying ain't much of a living after all. Also, you can come out of hiding now, it is all clear, Emiko."

Coming into port after being out at sea for some time, the Kamidake II began to approach Castelia City's prime pier, fighting against the current of the rough waters, while shimmering light slid off it's hull like rainwater.

Captain Nuurumi wasn't fazed in the slightest, as ocean spray and shadow energy rolled off the bridge viewport glass. He was standing near the command console, with his hands clasped behind his back. This was it, they were about to make landfall.

"Batteries one through five ready on my order!" Nuurumi ordered, grasping the console as the ship listed roughly towards one side, catching a large wave that crashed against it's hull.

The Taiyou Yamato class ship was in the harbor now, fighting against the water that was punishing it's hull, listing to one side it made the final push into the harbor itself, nudging a few of the moored ships out of it's way. Naval teams moved to both port airlocks, as the Taiyou ship eventually came to a stop.

They formed up, and checked their weapons, and their Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear gear, consisting of hermetically sealed gas masks, thick vinyl hoods, and a lead lined vinyl impregnated PVC fabric that aimed to keep even nuclear radiation out.

Roughly a dozen steel cables fired from the ship and into the pier, nano-steel barbs latching into concrete, tarmac, and wood to secure the vessel in place. Two ramps, one from the front, and one from the rear extended outwards into the pier, as two infantry teams assembled.

The airlocks cycled, and the armored outer doors opened up with a hiss, pressures equalizing between the atmosphere of the ship, and the atmosphere of Castelia.

"Neutralize any resistance, our top priority is to secure a foothold in this area, and await third recon!" One of the Marine sergeants called out, as he chambered a round into his Seburo C26a assault rifle.

"Tennoheika Banzai!" He called out, and the men moved forward in a hurried pace, down and along the armored ramp towards the pier, weapons ready, the men leapfrogging, covering each-other's advance.

---

Melaine's Castle : Outer Wall Outskirts

---

Very well. You are amusing enough that I shall let your impasse slide by. Let it be known, however, your own decree as it is, is binding. Now, begone from my sight!

It was clear Allen was being let off, luckily enough for him. However, one of the Trainers there stepped forward to tell Melaine something, something that caught her interest.

An interesting development, my loyal servant! Remain to guard the castle. Also, escort this young and foolish man off of my castle grounds. If he does not comply, his life is forfeit.

Melaine turned and had one of the Trainers go and assemble a group to travel with her to meet the newcomers. It seemed Tag would not see anything special right away about the Diancie as Allen was quickly surrounded by several Sigilyph and Starmie that arrived to escort him out of the area and back into the city.

...

At least not until a Sigilyph flew past Tag in evasive maneuvers as it dueled with an Unfezant being commanded by a man dressed in usual Ace Trainer gear. Tag would be able to witness the battle first hand, with blows being traded and dodged until the Sigilyph, in a display that granted it a purple shadowy aura, whipped up a vicious tornado with the shadowy energy, the tornado itself spawning atop the Unfezant, KOing it outright as what seemed to be sharp blades of wind swiped at it. Furthermore, the tornado continued past the Unfezant, being directed at the Trainer in full.

As the young man shielded himself, his body was whipped mercilessly by the blades of wind, leaving several gashes across his body as he grunted in pain with every further hit. At some point, after what seemed like several excruciating seconds, the man collapsed to the ground, unconscious, completely shredded and torn up. His Poke Balls fell from their belt, showing he only had two with him, one of which presumably belonged to the now KO'd Unfezant.

The Sigilyph had yet to notice Tag but didn't seem to show any remorse or feelings over what it just did. If anything, it seemed to use some form of communication to send out some sort of message, as if contacting someone or something over the Trainer it just badly wounded. It seemed so heartless and cold, in fact, that it casually prepared to resume its usual patrol route, assuming it wasn't approached in any interrupting fashion.

----

---

Castelia City : Prime Pier

---

As the Taiyou soldiers emerged onto the dock, they were met with a grim sight. A mostly empty dock area, abandoned with haste in the middle of business hours judging by remaining equipment and the now scuffed and rocking ships that were anchored there. Several Wingull flew around the area but kept their distance from the soldiers for now. However, it was not long before the soldiers would spot a sizable group approaching the dock.

The group was an impressive group, mostly comprising of what seemed to be the native creatures and some humanoids as well. The standouts were the several flying violet sea-stars with gold centerpieces that housed gemstones, the several spherical flying ornaments of abstract design, the guarded swirl-armored insects with sharp stingers for arms, and the single blue-green floating bell with "arms" at its sides hovering before the main attraction.

Said attraction was a standout figure, smaller in stature, but regal and royal in appearance. She was a dark-purple, sylph-like Pokemon that had a black chest and arms that resembled a dress. She also possessed a headdress, which consisted of purple crystals; the four short ones cresting along the top pointed upwards, and two longer ones on each side of her head, pointed downwards, with an additional heart-cut centerpiece framed by her slim dark-purple ears. A smaller purple crystal was also embedded in the back of her head, from it, two smaller gems grew at the bottom. A red nugget was embedded in her forehead, and she also had two ribbon-like structures that were growing from the two small gems on the back of her head, each tipped by two small floating rhomboid gems for each ribbon. Her eyes were black with pale-purple irises, and a red crescent circled her neck, with the ends of each being joined together by a rhomboid gem. A larger red crescent also circled her torso. Her lower body resembled a dress-like structure made of purple gems and a larger gem with red pieces supporting it.

A dark and beautiful creature whose aesthetic radiated an aura of nobility and stature. Accompanying her as well were several humans as well, similar in size and shape to the Taiyou, though they were all relatively similar dressed; effective and functional diamond based armor and possession of crystalline weapons that used similar crystals as were present on the regal sylph creature that approached them.

With nary a hesitation, the group stopped a distance away from the Taiyou soldiers. It was a safe and formal distance, suitable for an establishment of greetings without combat. The blue-green hovering bell creature floated forward before it let out a resounding gong, the gong itself precluding a temporary halt to the flashing lights in the immediate area, providing a safe arena for the encounter on the pier. It then floated aside as the sylph-like creature floated forward before her group, facing the soldiers.

She was floating in the air as well, hovering high enough for her 3'07" body to hold eye contact with any of them. Then, she waited. It seemed she was aware, somehow, that the soldiers before her were not the ones in charge of their own assembly. The invisible shadow aura she radiated around her exerted a strong Pressure that could be felt to a small degree by the soldiers closest to her.

"Heh. If that's all you got, I'm out of here. I have business to attend to anyway. See ya, chumps. Had no intention on sticking around here anyway. No need for an escort, boys. I can handle myself."

Allen puts his hands behind his head and walks off, not giving a shit about the rain. He walked in the direction of Nimbasa City, knowing the grand arena there and expecting James to be there. After a bit of travelling he began talking to himself.

"Big shots head there so he's probably lounging around there while I waste my time here. Heh... I'll wipe that smile off his face... 'Good fight' my ass... The real winner should have been me, and it will be me this time around."

"First thing's first," Radegast stooped over the two trainers who had been attacking them. As he fought, he had caught a glimpse of the strange crystals emerging from their chests. However, since they vanished through a wall, it would be difficult to track which direction they really went outside of the gatehouse. After a quick check, the Gallade figured out they were still breathing. He sighed in relief when he found their respective pulses.

"What do you make of this?" he asked, referring to the crystals that, until recently, had been attached to the two unconscious trainers.

"Some form of corruption," Reggie responded with a low voice, "I am not familiar with this, nor were any Reginald."

Tarma didn't know, so it couldn't be native to anywhere a Reginald has gone... could it? Radegast didn't like the implications. Would Lucy Reginald want a power like this? How would it bolster her abilities?

No, one thing at a time, He stood up. "Well, they seem to be fine- if unconscious." The armour appeared to at least protect the marksmen from the Zap Cannon and Bone Rush respectively. "Sandra with Maggy, was it?" Radegast asked as he turned to the rest, "And Diamond and Lucy too," He looked to the Lucario, who apparently shared the name of his cousin. "Charmed," He removed his helmet, Go-goggles, and makeshift mask. Outside of combat, the Gallade held a relaxed natural smile on his face. With his headwear slung under his shield arm, Radegast extended his Limiter-clad right hand to shake with the others. "I'm Radegast." While he normally would hide his name to avoid detection by the Psychic Rebellion, this particular situation gave a much better reason to build trust between allies rather than hide things that didn't need to be hidden. "Methods aside, I really do appreciate you being here. No hard feelings, eh?"

"We should be meeting with the Guild soon," Reggie's voice hummed the reminder with an ethereal monotone.

"Agreed," Radegast nodded as his eyes looked to the shield on his arm. While he wanted to investogate those crystals that automatically removed themselves from the marksmen, they did vanish North-west through the wall. At this point, with only a vague direction to go off of, they would be impossible to track through the concrete jungle of Castelia City. The Gallade slipped the goggles and makeshift mask back over his head, and followed it up with his helmet. "I need to exchange information with the friends I came here with. Where should we meet up later?" He asked to the group at large.

Fortunately for Tag, the Diancie spoke in such a proper and pronounced tone that even he could hear her clearly from his vantage point/hiding spot. Unfortunately however, she didn't say anything telling other than her position of authority was absolute to her subordinates...including their newest one, who was acting nonchalant about the affair and trying to play off the threatening words with his own gusto.

He'll find his comeuppance somewhere...the Turtwig thought.

He didn't have much time to think about him as the sudden appearance of the Ace Trainer and the Sigilyph turned into a fight right before his very eyes. He watched the back and forth continue until the struggle ended swiftly and suddenly with the shadowy tornado that he wouldn't even register as any move he knew about, not to mention the shadowy aura it gave off, matching the color of the scenery around them. It told him that they were not only packing some new moves, but some serious power as well.

And then there was the fact that they were merciless. Tag could only stare in horror as the shadowy whirlwind knocked out the Unfezant and proceeded to severely injure the trainer himself. He had to fight all of his instincts not to run into the fray and stop the Sigilyph from winning this fight. He wanted to save the Trainer and his Pokemon so badly.

But he knew what would happen if he did. They were just outside of the queen's castle. If he jumped in, he would be alerting them to his presence and, by extension, exposing the guild members investigating the streets of Castelia City. He might win the battle for all he knew. But he'd be losing the war by giving away their positioning and their general existence to Queen Melaine.

He could even hear Crimson's voice in his head. Not yet. There's no need for a hero right now.

So he stayed put and watched. Even though the fight was over, he could still learn a thing or two by staying put and seeing what they did. Maybe they would take him somewhere.

---

Meanwhile, over at the pier, there was a hidden audience present to the preceding of an interaction between the Taiyou and the proclaimed Grand Champion of Ruula. Several of the Crimson Guild members had witnessed the massive ship rolling into the harbor, defying the battering ram that was the sea as it went. Curious and for the sake of the mission, they stuck around to see what this ship was going to do...and whether they would become allies or enemies.

Presently, they were gathered around the area, all well hidden. Some were outside the protective bubble the Diancie had conjured, but were in safe, covered spots to save themselves from the weather. A few lucky ones managed to find hiding spots in the bubble. A particularly clever Wingull named Lorraine was hiding amongst her own kind, having taken off her identifying equipment and flying among the main pack in order to blending in. All the while, she was keeping an ear down low to the happenings of this meeting of forces. All would not dare to interject or give away their positions, but would rather watch and wait to see what unfolded.

Outwardly, the Taiyou continued to move along the pier, taking up positions behind crates, outdoor furniture, and concrete barriers to quickly establish overlapping fields of fire, and cover. Each Taiyou soldier was dressed for the elements, their faces obscured by metallic hermetically sealed gas masks, with two glowing eyes and a dark green helmet. Their armor was black, worn over some kind of synthetic fabric jumpsuit that too was hermetically sealed.

"Unidentified native creatures approaching... advise." The Sergeant radioed through cybercomm "Engage only if attacked."

"Acknowledged, taking up defensive positions now!"

The group of Pokemon, and their accompanying trainers would come across roughly two dozen men, positioned behind all manner of cover, cold, emotionless, with their gear obscuring their faces, and their glowing red eyes fixated on the approaching party.

The only outward motion that could be gleaned from the pointed weapons were the fingers flicking along the bodies of their weapons, and the click of disengaging safeties.



A sniper perched on the deck of the battleship, behind metal plates near the aft airlock, his weapon, a Seburo C30 with attatched scope would provide effective intermediate range.

The men didn't seem to flinch at the sound of the gong, but their internal communications noted the change in the anomalous weather patterns, the waters seemed to calm in the immediate area, which meant the anchor lines didn't seem to protest against the weight of the battleship much more.

There was a mechanical clunk, followed by a hiss, the sniper briefly looked away from his scope to see the captain, give him a reassuring nod, and then move back to focusing his rifle on the lead sylph like creature before them.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Nuurumi surveyed the pier for a moment, he didn't exit the ship until it was safe, and even then, a pair of soldiers in similar gear to the ones on the pier, these two men wore attire that was similar, but different than the soldiers on the pier, simple round eye goggles, a round filter where the mouth was supposed to be, and an expressionless, featureless mask.

The Captain started first down the ramp to the pier, and the two men followed, it was clear this creatures intentions were to parlay in some way, first changing the weather, and then waiting for the captain.

Kei continued to walk, keeping his pace slow, while he weaved through the entrenched soldiers, stopping just behind the front lines, his great coat whipping in the wind, but his officer's cap was firmly in place.

"We come in peace." The Captain called out.

Radegast didn't need to hop down. All it took was one look over the edge to see that the only ones who had arrived back was the Lapras.

Welp... Radegast extended a psychic probe to quickly update Lilly. Hey Lilly, it's Radegast. I made contact with Touko, but... He grimaced. Nothing we didn't already know. I'm going to head to Driftveil instead. I have family there, and I remember they kept up with current events. It's a bitof a long shot for intel, but... I also wanna make sure they're alright.

Understood...the Lapras answered quickly, No one's back yet, so you've got some time. Make it quick though. We're not trying to overstay our welcome.

I'll try not to, but if everyone else returns before me, that's where I went. With that, Radegast started walking back to the gatehouse. And if you guys need to head out, don't worry about me. I'll make my own way. As Radegast headed back to the gatehouse from the bridge, Radegast stole a look at the distant piers- barely visible past the gatehouse. There was a large vessel made from unfamiliar technology. On the piers he could see, Radegast did see a gathering of figures.

"Should we get involved?" The Aegislash voiced aloud.

Radegast shook his head. Lilly herself said there wasn't much time left. He made his decision, and he'd have to move fast in order to make it there and back in time. Back inside the gatehouse, Radegast relayed his plan to the others. "I'm going to head to Driftveil. I have family there." He didn't really have enough time to hang around, but he didn't know how he'd keep in contact with the others. He did have his phone, but no service to speak of. Well, my priority is for the Intel Squad anyway. he reasoned.