Pokémon Fledglings

[Arukona]

Hello again! Back here for another V-Wheel in which I was spun to read this fic again by the randomisers that be (that’s happened a bunch recently, I’ve noticed). I don’t mind, though - anything to get deeper into one of the juggernauts of PMD fanfiction length-wise. And it appears this time around, there’s a Special Chapter to get through. So this should prove quite an interesting leap into the past.

Just what lies in wait for us here? Let’s find out…

Special Chapter 2: Swinging the Lamp

Looks like we’re starting off with a bit of backstory for Anyilla where there’s quite a bit of truth in the changes to cities particularly in name. Most places founded by the Greco-Romans can probably attest to this in regards to name changes over time.

And it seems it’s back to a time when Lyn was still an up-and-coming rising star in the Company’s ranks. By the looks of it, this doesn’t look to be too far back from current events, just like how Auld Lang Syne took place not too long before Pleo hatched.

"Good morning. You're the new Commissioner, I presume," the Gyarados said. "Lyn, was it?"

Wow, things were nowhere near as tense between Zorn and Lyn as they are in the present day. Given that this is their first meeting, perhaps that’s to be expected, but it’s surprising to see our resident crafty Gyarados administrator be a lot more amicable when he’s not chasing down a certain little Lugia.

"There were a few details that were withheld in your briefing that the Board felt were on a need-to-know basis," the sea serpent answered.

Oh, never mind, he’s just as much of a snake as ever. Some things don’t change, do they?

Over to Kenobi, where we appear to be getting a POV from Pladur. And it appears he was a cook back then. I have a slight hunch that his cooking explains how he and Gwenith got together back in the day.

Oh hey, it’s Scian again! I did recall you saying he’d be back, and looks like he’s here as well. Although just who’s that Tyrantrum that’s emerged? Quite a towering figure among these smaller thieves, and clearly intimidating enough for Pladur to be quivering in his scales (even if Crom’s dad hasn’t exactly been known for his bravery in the story until now). I’m happy for this, though - another favourite species of mine to add to the cast.

"Wh-What- W-Why is Commander Tarquin here?!" the Dragon-Type squeaked. "I thought that we got rid of him!"

Seems like a case of ‘overthrown from glory and turned to piracy thereafter’ moment. Part of me wonders if Hess might be in a similar way, and I’m looking forward to seeing how his backstory plays out, if we get to see it. I wonder if Tarquin might’ve become dropped by the Company after his ousting from Tromba and that’s why he’s now a pirate.

Also if I had a nickel for every huge dinosaur pirate captain that showed up in this fic, I’d have two nickels. Not a lot, but it does seem to be a trend among the pirates of the Cradle thus far. Fingers crossed Cabot doesn’t go rogue and makes it three for three.

A conference of Kecleon - just the thing to strike fear into the heart of anyone.

Also Calino’s here and as much of a wet blanket as ever.

"We have a small parcel delivery to Giotto," Bruna explained. "Time sensitive."

Giotto - as in Cabot’s home? Will he get a cameo in this, I wonder?

I suppose in an oceanbound setting like this one, the Iron Fleet (if they’re around by the time this takes place) are hardly the only pirates doing the rounds.

I like the duality going on here, where both Pladur and Lyn have details about a mission being kept from them by the ones hiring them - it brings out parallels that prove interesting to compare and contrast.

"We need it in Tidemill City in two days at the crack of dawn," the chameleon continued. "We'll pay 200,000 Poké if it comes in, and not a single coin if it doesn't arrive in one piece."

Goddamn, that’s a lot of money. Enough that I’m surprised there’s no reaction as to how much money the crew are getting for this.

"So… you travel on ships much?" Pat asked.

"Nope!" he cheerily replied. "The trip to Kenobi today was the first time I've been on one!"

…He’s going to be an anchor to the whole mission, I can tell. This’ll be an escort mission with one annoying voice that'll be ungrateful to transport, and if this does turn out to be a failure, he’s going to be partly responsible.

Outside, the Tyrantrum they had bumped into earlier had been eavesdropping through a window covered with a damaged shutter, his subordinates close behind him.

Remarkable he was able to do that given how huge and not equipped for stealth Tyrantrum can be. Then again, the fact that he wasn’t spotted is maybe a testament to how he overcame this challenge as Commander and now pirate leader.

On the ship on the open sea now, and as expected, Calino’s no good at all at anything on here. Clearly being a merchant on land’s more his avenue.

Awww, Pladur misses his family. A sign to get back to them so the kids can spend time with their dear ol’ daddy.

Oh no, a Company galleon on the horizon.

This can only lead to good things, I’m sure. Although is it truly so dangerous that Calino feels the need to divert the ship into a Mystery Dungeon in the Dead Zone?

The trade secrets in that book must run hella deep if they’re willing to give a 200,000 Poké payout for delivering it safely to Giotto. Is it really just that it’s an old treasured heirloom? Or can the book tell us something more about the history of the Cradle?

"And of course they'd wind up making things difficult for me…" Lyn grumbled. The otter grit his teeth and lowered his scope from his eye, before giving a shake of his head and turning back to his crew on the deck.

"We're going in."

Of course it can’t be that simple, can it? Of course they’d have to chase the group down and hound them to get that journal.

And not just the Argent Aviso - Tarquin’s getting in this too. All this fuss over some pages in a book…

So Orleigh looks to be a pirate hangout, if Tarquin’s involved with there. I recall Orleigh was also mentioned in relation to Hess too, and I wonder if it’ll be the next place Team Traveller end up going to in the present day.

"Who knows? If this all goes smoothly enough, maybe I'll hang my colors from their ship and turn us into the ‘Strongjaw Fleet!'"

Oh right, I remember this name being mentioned back in Kenobi, when Alvise, Nori and Valatos were looking for a new crew to join. Nice to see it coming back here, and by the sounds of it, Tarquin did indeed get that promotion.

"Oh, you'll pay for that!"

"Bring it, snake!"

Tarquin turned his head as the sound of a commotion in the gathering broke out. The Tyrantrum looked up just in time to see the crowd scatter to avoid a Zangoose and Seviper locked in heated battle, the tangled pair coming to a rolling stop in front of the Dragon-Type.

Heh, nice to see the Zangoose-Seviper rivalry making its mark here too. Will these two ever get on, or will their bickering prove to scupper Tarquin’s goals in the end?

Tarquin certainly does a good job at being intimidating, although that no doubt comes with the territory of being a Tyrantrum, which in turn makes being a pirate captain all the easier when it comes to putting unruly subordinates in their place with sheer menace.

And looks like it’s not a moment too soon after which they launch their attacks on the Siglo Swellow gang. Here’s hoping whatever terrors lie in the Dead Zone will be able to scare off the Strongjaw Gang.

"Anyone tries any funny business, and the lot of you hicks will be getting swimming lessons right here and now!"

I see someone has a favourite insult to toss around. You could use a bit of variety in your jabs, Tarquin, just saying.

Huh, there was me thinking the meadow smell that Akane and the Raticate picked up on was a quirk of the Mystery Dungeon. Instead it appears to be a Sweet Scent, if I had to guess?

An Absol does make for a nifty addition to one’s crew with their warning senses guiding the way. If only Lyn was willing to listen to his crewmate’s warnings.

Lyn watched his first mate get struck by a blue blur, dissolving into light and getting sucked into an Apricorn that came to a tumbling stop on the deck.

Apricorns in action? Given what they’ve been proven to do, this could end very badly indeed for the unlucky ones captured within them.

Scian is all bark and no bite in the face of Lyn. As expected, it’s a trouncing by our resident Samurott.

I like the little duel between Lyn and Tarquin; a nice showcase of clashing villains, something that’s always a treat.

"Captain, hang in the- Argh!"

Akane felt a crushing blow at the back of her head and hit the deck stunned. As the Seviper attempted to regain her bearings, she saw a white, furry creature running off ahead for the squabbling captains.

"Butt out, péist!" Scian hissed. "I've got this!"

I had a feeling those two would be getting in the way of things. And what a time for their squabble to unfold, when their enemy’s in prime position to be targeted.

Both Lyn and Tarquin stared for a moment of stunned silence, jaws agape, as they watched the many pages of the journal float away on the sea breeze.

Welp, that’s a RIP for the 200,000 Poké promised for the Siglo Swellow gang. Guess they’re going home empty-handed.

Back to the Strongjaw Gang, where things are quite heated but understandably so. Scian’s in for a rough one, no doubt.

"Grab these three idiots and bring them to the railing!" the Tyrantrum snarled. "I want to see the lot of them walk the plank!"

And that’s about as rough a punishment as it gets. Yikes.

"This is all a bunch of useless clutter that some pencil-pusher wrote!" the Tyrantrum exclaimed, angrily crumpling up the pages. "Then... that means that the real journal's with-!"

Oh, it’s a forgery? Dang, Calino sure pulled a fast one on them. Good going.

"Oh really now, Calino, we just got lucky this time," the Illumise corrected. "That said, I think that if we stay careful, we should be in the clear here."

No, don’t say that! You’ll jinx yourselves!

Although it seems things do go smoothly for them in the end, and they arrive in Giotto without incident. They meet another older Kecleon named Walpole, and the mission seems to be accomplished. However…

"However, this isn't the right time to be discussing our little free-trade experiment here, and I believe you had something that was meant to accompany the Taloons' Chronicle…"

…That would be the transcriptions that Tarquin’s crew took, wouldn’t it be? Of course there had to be a snag somewhere.

Ah, so Calino being assigned to Tromba is effectively a punishment. No wonder he’s always been a bit of a sourpuss when an assignment to a backwater like Tromba seems to be the Merchantry’s equivalent of putting someone on the naughty step.

But at least the Siglo Swellow gang seems willing to give him a lift there. Tromban hospitality at its finest, and an attitude we’ve seen from the Bluewhorl folks as well as our protagonists. Here’s hoping Pleo will come to have that same attitude in time.

Conclusion
Well, this was a fun little detour from the main plot at hand. I quite liked this little sidestory from a few years before the main events are set into motion, and it’s cool seeing Pladur be one of the main players of this chapter. There’s some other points of interest, like the explanation as to how Calino became stationed at Tromba and why he’s always been something of a sourpuss. There’s also more elaboration on the briefly mentioned Strongjaw Fleet and seeing their leader in person this time, and the battle between the fleets was rather cool.

The only thing I’m kinda questioning is what purpose this Special Chapter serves to the grander scheme of things. I could say the same thing about Auld Lang Syne as well, and thinking back, that chapter did introduce us more properly to Hess and his fleet before they got more of a focus in the main story. Maybe that’s what we’ll see here too with Tarquin’s fleet? And possibly that journal as well - is there more to it than meets the eye? I guess we’ll wait and see in the upcoming chapters whether this unfolds.

A fun Special Chapter, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the main story to see if events from this have a bearing on matters there.

 

[Spiteful Murkrow]

@Namohysip

Spoiler

LONG overdue, sorry! But I hope this review blitz prize finds you well with some verrry deep chapters. Since I'm already so far along for Fledglings, I can give you some feedback for much more recent chapter. These were big chapters, and I wanted to spend some time polishing the review.

Nah, it’s good. We’re not exactly strangers to “[X] is done when it’s done” in our own writings, so we won’t begrudge you for having done that

Anyway, we are opening with Pleo trying to regain his ground with some of the remaining allies after, as I recall, a pretty big setback with many allies being captured and a town falling for the bait.

One thing that has me a bit curious is how lethal those blades seem to be when slashing someone as a threat. I recall the narrative made it a bit of a point that such things are very hard to do to non-substitute dolls and Pokémon are naturally quite scratch-proof. It's odd that it's so easy now, even with power differentials at play. I'm not sure what changed there since I recall the power differential early on was also pretty wide.

That’s more an artifact of said blade being leveled at that unfortunate Hakamo-o’s windpipe by a Pokémon that is way out of his league strength-wise, hence his panicked reaction. In general “unlucky crits” tend to have a leg up of getting into life-threatening territory, which a neck wound felt like a pretty reliable formula for pulling off.

Oh look, it's Bunsen! Quite a coincidence to randomly run into him at this point, but being able to find some sudden backup in the form of a Marked and a hidden militia is promising... There's a bit of hope after all if they can find a way to raid the place and distract the pirates enough to do a rescue. If they want Pleo, then if he flees, surely they'd leave the town alone…

This actually wasn’t quite a coincidence. We actually foreshadowed subtly earlier on that Bunsen wasn’t quite done in the Vollezee episode, along with there being a place where Marked hung out in Anyilla, so this was the moment where it finally came together onscreen. As for him being out and about, Bunsen is the new guy locally, meaning that he’d be first in line for less popular jobs like skulking around to forage in potentially hostile environments.

In the next chapter, it appears that Hess has gained a lot of extra crew from individuals returning to piracy or otherwise joining in exchange for freedom. So much for loyalty, I guess. This has probably been the lowest the team has been in a while.

Clever diversion while Pleo flees, but I do wonder why they left footprints when they have wings. I wonder if they'd be able to just have some split footprints and then fly the right way without leaving as much of a trace with that lightweight crew, even if it's low-altitude flying. Maybe that's just not sustainable right now?

It was mentioned after Pleo woke up in his cell, but his wings were clipped as part of standard operating procedure on Robbie and the gang’s part.

You know, it does occur to me, when it comes to stealth, I wonder how useful Apricorns could be for that sort of thing. Like yeah, you're helpless, but with someone trustworthy enough, or even if they cracked it a little so some resistance CAN let them out... I dunno. It seems like a neat concept that I don't recall being explored here.

It would be theoretically doable. Crazy risky if something goes wrong and likely requiring a healthy amount of desensitization to not make the carried ‘mon inside panic, but theoretically doable.

...But anyway, then they have Bunsen tied up. Which isn't really a good look for trying to get allies... Not sure what they were thinking, because then...! The welcoming committee is here! And Bunsen is still tied up. This'll go well.

: “I just want to say that we never asked for this and we don’t exactly trust him. He hurt our friends back home!”

Yeah, looks like that went badly, but to be honest, with how easily people just... have Petrify Orbs on command, it's kind of crazy how the team just doesn't do that in general to get past things. It really seems like a big win button for any of the scuffles that have happened in the last several chapters.

Well, there’s some limitations since Petrify Orbs are one of those orbs that has consistently been depicted as being noticeably less effective outside of Mystery Dungeons in this setting. Also, it “helps” that the gang got cleaned out before heading into the boonies, that the orbs still are relatively scarce, and that Robbie didn’t exactly have a robust armory to work with.

Ah, and the Hydreigon from way back is here. So that's where she went... Nostalgic to see.

Yup, another bit of long-term foreshadowing that finally had a chance to pay off in-story.

Hey, that Deino kid as well, of course. Speaking casually with Pleo and in a friendly way... and nobody seems to bat an eye or question whether or not Pleo is an exception or not, or something. With how superstitious the Marked are, seemingly universally as an instinctual trait, maybe that's why they keep ostracizing themselves…

I mean, it helps that “Legendaries are demons out to get us” is literally a part of their religion. So there’s a fair amount of resistance to going against that grain.

Blackmail for Grovyle, and it's a good deal assuming they're keeping to their word. I'm not really sure where this whole Darzin thing is going to be honest, especially with all this other stuff happening, so I'm just going to have faith that there's relevance in something in the finale, whatever that arc is. I kinda just wish all of these political scheming scenes—of which there are a LOT—were a bit more abridged. They blend a lot, like the extended combat.

I’m not sure if I would characterize this scene as “political scheming”, since we clearly seem to have different definitions of what that entails. I don’t know what your definition is, but yours is clearly a lot broader and open-ended, so it’s a bit hard to gauge specifics of what you’re referring to. I’m aware that authorial preferences will always differ from one writer to the next, but these scenes are a bit more load-bearing to current and later events in this story than you assumed here, which I suppose will also become apparent in time.

The Elders are more or less mimicking whatever the rest of all Marked society across the entire Cradle behave like, so that's not too much a surprise, though at least the Grand Elder is hearing them out. At least they've got representation! But for being supposedly wise Elders, they're very short-sighted to get news of pirates using a demon as a weapon and saying, "Okay good luck." Like, seriously, wouldn't that be a code red if they can prevent that?

It may be shortsighted, but their thought process is basically:

Which when you’re attempting to hole up in seclusion from an outside world with a history of being hostile, can sound pretty appealing at first.

Also, while I was reading this through, I noticed you put up some general trivia for this arc! Some of it was interesting, though one aspect in particular alarmed me, and it really speaks to the overall vibe I have with this. It seems like this arc was originally going to be much shorter, but then you added the pirates, and… I have to agree, it's a lot longer, but I think it became a hindrance.

The conflict was massively bloating this arc, and I was waaaay more interested in getting to the Marked lore instead of yet another conflict ball. I’m not sure what drove you to add to an already bloated storyline—especially after other critiques I’ve seen of the storying moving so slowly with too many moving parts with too much focus—but seeing the opportunity for something shorter, and pivoting by… making it your longest episode was a misstep, I feel.

I… am not fully sure how you managed that since said trivia is at the very end of the arc and intended to be read afterwards. That said, while this episode did turn out a bit longer than we had hoped for, that was not due to some last-minute change to the plot since the whole pirate focus in Gestirn had been settled on years in advance. Our length issues wound up arising after realizing that our existing shorter, initial plans had major plot holes we were building towards that needed additional content to smooth over.

I can’t tell from your review if the “conflict ball” characterization is meant to apply to the Marked or pirates’ end of the plot, but I can’t say I see eye to eye about it either way. Perhaps we would’ve trimmed some things down were we doing things again, but everything that happened was stuff we ultimately wanted to do. We certainly have kept length a bit more in mind with our present and future episodes, though Gestirn’s length was ultimately a matter between choosing the lesser of two evils, and we’d like to think that the plot ultimately turned out for the better because of it.

Fledglings has been spiraling in scope for a while now while not really picking and choosing what to summarize effectively. Less is more--beware of bloat! You're already so far into things that sometimes, certain beats happening are truly just a retread that did not necessarily need to be there in full, and could have been summarized some. That goes double for all the extended combat and political scheming scenes.

This is the point in the story where it’s good to streamline what we’ve already seen before so we can actually get to answers and the conflicts that matter. So much of what we have seen so far has just been… something already remixed several times over. We’re just now reaching some new lore with the Marked (maybe?) and it has been nearly a novel’s worth of words since that latest significant development. Don’t be afraid to slim down! It will not hurt.

I suspect that much of this “bloat” is ultimately a product of these scenes not clicking with you, since while a few could’ve been potentially condensed, everything in this episode happened for a reason. Fortunately, the inherent nature of the next couple episodes is such that we will be converging all these various plot threads that we have been setting up together. I admittedly think that the combat criticism may be veering a bit off into “different tastes” territory, but the episode after this one is a bit lighter on large-scale battles relative to Gestirn, yes.

I really hope that for these final episodes, you try to summarize things that just do not need to be shown onscreen for the umpteenth time, especially the constant strategizing and planning scenes, or the excessive combat scenes. "New" things, rather than retreads of the old genre beats, so the ending has something that can feel unique and snappy the way the earliest chapters were, which continue to be my favorite segments of the story. But where those early chapters introduced intrigue, small conflicts and rising action, I think this fic is long in need of answers, concluding conflicts, and a direction for where it will reach its climactic end. Hoping that one comes soon!

We’ll be getting there, since offsite, we are currently on the second-to-last island of the plot. Hopefully some of those things you’ve been looking for should be quite a bit clearer by the time its time in the plot is done.

@Arukona

Spoiler

Looks like we’re starting off with a bit of backstory for Anyilla where there’s quite a bit of truth in the changes to cities particularly in name. Most places founded by the Greco-Romans can probably attest to this in regards to name changes over time.

And it seems it’s back to a time when Lyn was still an up-and-coming rising star in the Company’s ranks. By the looks of it, this doesn’t look to be too far back from current events, just like how Auld Lang Syne took place not too long before Pleo hatched.

Yup. These events most likely occurred within 4-5 years before the events of the present day, so fairly recently in the grand scheme of things.

Wow, things were nowhere near as tense between Zorn and Lyn as they are in the present day. Given that this is their first meeting, perhaps that’s to be expected, but it’s surprising to see our resident crafty Gyarados administrator be a lot more amicable when he’s not chasing down a certain little Lugia.

[...]

Oh, never mind, he’s just as much of a snake as ever. Some things don’t change, do they?

Well, they certainly don’t. Even if Zorn would likely heavily insist that he’s a serpent. :V

Over to Kenobi, where we appear to be getting a POV from Pladur. And it appears he was a cook back then. I have a slight hunch that his cooking explains how he and Gwenith got together back in the day.

It certainly didn’t hurt for wooing Gwenith, no.

Oh hey, it’s Scian again! I did recall you saying he’d be back, and looks like he’s here as well. Although just who’s that Tyrantrum that’s emerged? Quite a towering figure among these smaller thieves, and clearly intimidating enough for Pladur to be quivering in his scales (even if Crom’s dad hasn’t exactly been known for his bravery in the story until now). I’m happy for this, though - another favourite species of mine to add to the cast.

Glad to hear, you’ll see a bit more of Tarquin from time to time later on in this story.

Seems like a case of ‘overthrown from glory and turned to piracy thereafter’ moment. Part of me wonders if Hess might be in a similar way, and I’m looking forward to seeing how his backstory plays out, if we get to see it. I wonder if Tarquin might’ve become dropped by the Company after his ousting from Tromba and that’s why he’s now a pirate.

Also if I had a nickel for every huge dinosaur pirate captain that showed up in this fic, I’d have two nickels. Not a lot, but it does seem to be a trend among the pirates of the Cradle thus far. Fingers crossed Cabot doesn’t go rogue and makes it three for three.

Tarquin: “Excuse me? That bumbling oaf of a lizard? A dinosaur?” >:|

Even if Hess definitely has the edge over Tarquin when it comes to getting around in the water.

A conference of Kecleon - just the thing to strike fear into the heart of anyone.

Also Calino’s here and as much of a wet blanket as ever.

I mean, at least Calino’s trying to be amiable here? o3o;

I suppose in an oceanbound setting like this one, the Iron Fleet (if they’re around by the time this takes place) are hardly the only pirates doing the rounds.

Indeed. You’ll get to see a few more of those pirates pretty soon in the story.

I like the duality going on here, where both Pladur and Lyn have details about a mission being kept from them by the ones hiring them - it brings out parallels that prove interesting to compare and contrast.

And Tarquin would technically be the third given that he reveals in passing that his own crew wasn’t privy to what the Kecleon really wanted from that raid they were hired to do.

Goddamn, that’s a lot of money. Enough that I’m surprised there’s no reaction as to how much money the crew are getting for this.

This is actually not that much money in the grand scheme of things when divided between 60-80 Pokémon, which is more “about a dozen Wonder Orbs per person”. Not a bad payday for 48 hours of work, but not exactly lottery winnings there.

…He’s going to be an anchor to the whole mission, I can tell. This’ll be an escort mission with one annoying voice that'll be ungrateful to transport, and if this does turn out to be a failure, he’s going to be partly responsible.

Though I suppose that this prediction wasn’t totally inaccurate.

Remarkable he was able to do that given how huge and not equipped for stealth Tyrantrum can be. Then again, the fact that he wasn’t spotted is maybe a testament to how he overcame this challenge as Commander and now pirate leader.

Also, being in the scummy neighborhood and being sufficiently sized and strong to make eavesdroppers hastily nope out probably helped.

On the ship on the open sea now, and as expected, Calino’s no good at all at anything on here. Clearly being a merchant on land’s more his avenue.

Awww, Pladur misses his family. A sign to get back to them so the kids can spend time with their dear ol’ daddy.

‘Kid’ singular at this point in time. The other one is still an egg at this time.

Oh no, a Company galleon on the horizon.

This can only lead to good things, I’m sure. Although is it truly so dangerous that Calino feels the need to divert the ship into a Mystery Dungeon in the Dead Zone?

I mean, you did remember the conditions the lizard cartel for bringing that book over, right?

The trade secrets in that book must run hella deep if they’re willing to give a 200,000 Poké payout for delivering it safely to Giotto. Is it really just that it’s an old treasured heirloom? Or can the book tell us something more about the history of the Cradle?

Of course it can’t be that simple, can it? Of course they’d have to chase the group down and hound them to get that journal.

I mean, Lyn wasn’t shown off earlier on just so he could sail up to the Siglo Swellow and give a pleasant “hello”. :p

And not just the Argent Aviso - Tarquin’s getting in this too. All this fuss over some pages in a book…

‘some pages in a book’, huh?

So Orleigh looks to be a pirate hangout, if Tarquin’s involved with there. I recall Orleigh was also mentioned in relation to Hess too, and I wonder if it’ll be the next place Team Traveller end up going to in the present day.

Oh right, I remember this name being mentioned back in Kenobi, when Alvise, Nori and Valatos were looking for a new crew to join. Nice to see it coming back here, and by the sounds of it, Tarquin did indeed get that promotion.

Well, nobody said he got said promotion here, but yeah. Tarquin made it into the big times between this Special Chapter and the present day, you’ll get an idea of how much he did so a bit later on.

Heh, nice to see the Zangoose-Seviper rivalry making its mark here too. Will these two ever get on, or will their bickering prove to scupper Tarquin’s goals in the end?

Tarquin certainly does a good job at being intimidating, although that no doubt comes with the territory of being a Tyrantrum, which in turn makes being a pirate captain all the easier when it comes to putting unruly subordinates in their place with sheer menace.

And boy does it ever.

I see someone has a favourite insult to toss around. You could use a bit of variety in your jabs, Tarquin, just saying.

We actually went and thinned out the “hick” count a bit. Hopefully it feels like there’s a bit more variety now.

Huh, there was me thinking the meadow smell that Akane and the Raticate picked up on was a quirk of the Mystery Dungeon. Instead it appears to be a Sweet Scent, if I had to guess?

It was a Sweet Scent, yes.

An Absol does make for a nifty addition to one’s crew with their warning senses guiding the way. If only Lyn was willing to listen to his crewmate’s warnings.

Would’ve been a pretty different story if Lyn had, but alas, our “favorite” Samurott commissioner has always been a bit hotheaded and impulsive.

Apricorns in action? Given what they’ve been proven to do, this could end very badly indeed for the unlucky ones captured within them.

I mean, fortunately they have buddies around who can bail them out, but yeah. It’s definitely raising the stakes in live-time there.

Scian is all bark and no bite in the face of Lyn. As expected, it’s a trouncing by our resident Samurott.

Scian: “It wasn’t a trouncing! I was just… uh… tactically lying down to strike again later!”

I like the little duel between Lyn and Tarquin; a nice showcase of clashing villains, something that’s always a treat.

I had a feeling those two would be getting in the way of things. And what a time for their squabble to unfold, when their enemy’s in prime position to be targeted.

Nothing like a good bout of villain-on-villain violence. Helps that their true objective isn’t the Siglo Swellow there.

Welp, that’s a RIP for the 200,000 Poké promised for the Siglo Swellow gang. Guess they’re going home empty-handed.

Once again:

Back to the Strongjaw Gang, where things are quite heated but understandably so. Scian’s in for a rough one, no doubt.

[...]


And that’s about as rough a punishment as it gets. Yikes.

Well, you know from the present day that he managed to get out of things well enough. But yeah, turns out that constantly being flippant and back-sassing your leadership on a pirate crew isn’t good for your life expectancy, who knew? [joltyshrug]

Oh, it’s a forgery? Dang, Calino sure pulled a fast one on them. Good going.

Calino: “I’ll just accept that apology for allegedly not doing anything useful there.” ^^

…That would be the transcriptions that Tarquin’s crew took, wouldn’t it be? Of course there had to be a snag somewhere.

Ah, so Calino being assigned to Tromba is effectively a punishment. No wonder he’s always been a bit of a sourpuss when an assignment to a backwater like Tromba seems to be the Merchantry’s equivalent of putting someone on the naughty step.

I mean, he has had some flashes of jovialness, but yeah, getting stuck in the equivalent of a dead-end posting has a way of wearing on one’s mood at times.

But at least the Siglo Swellow gang seems willing to give him a lift there. Tromban hospitality at its finest, and an attitude we’ve seen from the Bluewhorl folks as well as our protagonists. Here’s hoping Pleo will come to have that same attitude in time.

I mean, he’s getting there, at least. o<o

Conclusion
Well, this was a fun little detour from the main plot at hand. I quite liked this little sidestory from a few years before the main events are set into motion, and it’s cool seeing Pladur be one of the main players of this chapter. There’s some other points of interest, like the explanation as to how Calino became stationed at Tromba and why he’s always been something of a sourpuss. There’s also more elaboration on the briefly mentioned Strongjaw Fleet and seeing their leader in person this time, and the battle between the fleets was rather cool.

The only thing I’m kinda questioning is what purpose this Special Chapter serves to the grander scheme of things. I could say the same thing about Auld Lang Syne as well, and thinking back, that chapter did introduce us more properly to Hess and his fleet before they got more of a focus in the main story. Maybe that’s what we’ll see here too with Tarquin’s fleet? And possibly that journal as well - is there more to it than meets the eye? I guess we’ll wait and see in the upcoming chapters whether this unfolds.

Without giving things away too much, but as a general rule of thumb, Virgil and I use our Special Chapters to introduce characters or elements that will be leaned on by the story later on more directly. So this certainly won’t be the last time you see some of those characters that caught your eye here.

A fun Special Chapter, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the main story to see if events from this have a bearing on matters there.

And we’ll be looking forward to your feedback! Thanks for the review! ^^

Alright, it’s been a little while since we last bumped our syndicated versions, but with a recent release of a new chapter off-site, our work queue is a bit freer and we’re better positioned to continue the journey of bringing this version of Fledglings up to speed with its peers. Virgil will be doing the honors today, with a chapter in which Pleo and his gang get to experience storytime once again:

 

[Virgil134]

Tak tak tak!

Lyn pulled the flat of his blade back from tapping a set of metal plates in front of him and ran his paw over them, before looking up at a set of four masts with lavender sails towering overhead. It was definitely Darzin's ironclad, even if he'd hardly imagined that he'd already be captaining it.

The Samurott watched as the ship's deck and gangplanks hummed with activity, and then off at the surrounding piers which were filled with Pokémon going about. It was hard to believe that the military harbor had already been cleared up after that whole episode with the Siglo Swellow just a couple days ago. Even if a few docks were still unusable from damaged ships, it was already bustling and back to something approaching normalcy again.

Lyn climbed up one of the ship's gangplank, as Pokémon, many of whom he didn't recognize, went about tending to rigging or crates of supplies in a hurry. As they should, since the Director expected them to hit the high seas as soon as the ship was fully crewed and stocked. Everyone seemed to be doing something towards that end… well, except Ketu, who was leaning on his arm against the railing a few paces away from the frontmost gangplank, and idly watching Lyn as he passed by.

"Had to pinch yourself to make sure you weren't dreaming, huh?" the Weavile teased.

"Hrmph, the ship's not mine yet," Lyn reminded. "I just wanted to make sure that we knew the ins and outs of this 'Wyrmwind' before we took it out to sea."

Ketu tilted his head, before pinning his ears back with a quirk of his brow.

"'Wyrmwind'? You're seriously going with that?" he questioned. "You don't exactly scream 'dragony' to me as a captain."

"It's what the name on the hull says, doesn't it?" Lyn replied. "We have bigger issues to worry about right now than whether or not the ship's name suits me."

The Samurott's eyes took on a steely gaze, as he walked up and peered down with a stern frown at his Weavile first mate.

"Though that actually reminds me, Ketu," Lyn said. "There was something I needed to have a word with you about."

"Yeah?" the Weavile asked. "What's up?"

The otter's expression remained every bit as serious in reply. While Lyn had never been one for jokes, Ketu took it that there was something that'd been bothering him.

"You never did give me an explanation for why you weren't with the crew when we pushed off to intercept Lugia in the lagoon a few days ago," Lyn said. "Where were you?"

Ketu's face fell into a frown, before rolling his eyes with a quiet sigh.

"I thought that we already went over this, Captain," he answered. "I was with Sorge and the others and lost track of time when we ran into Lugia and Zygarde in the city. Things got out of control, Lugia escaped, and I wound up missing the boat because of it."

"Then why was Ellsberg there as well?" Lyn pressed, cocking a brow in reply. "You two haven't exactly been particularly close to each other, and I can't imagine he knows Team Sentinel himself."

The Samurott narrowed his eyes briefly, before continuing on in a low, wary tone.

"Is there something going on that I should know about, Ketu?"

Ketu blinked back wordlessly for a moment, before closing his eyes and answering with a dismissive shrug.

"Eh, you got me. I'm actually the spy you're looking for," the Weavile replied. "We all decided to get together and plan out the best way to stab you in the back."

A tense silence lingered in the air afterwards as a smug grin came over Ketu's face. Lyn's frown deepened, before Ketu burst out into laughter. Lyn let out an annoyed groan, and grit his teeth with a sharp growl.

"Ketu, can you take things seriously for once?!"

The Weavile wiped away a tear as he finished laughing. As he calmed down, his features quickly took on a more serious demeanor.

"Alright, alright… to answer your question for real: Ellsberg was there because he wanted to get to know Team Sentinel better," the Dark-Type explained. "They got along well on the trip back from Buyeom, especially him and Aldrich. We figured it'd be nice to try and spend some time together when we weren't worried about missions or getting our hull shot out from under us."

Ketu eyed Lyn carefully. He didn't think Lyn had gotten wise to his actual assignment on his crew, but with the way the Samurott kept asking questions about what he'd up to lately… maybe it was best to give him a bit more misdirection than just a "joke".

"Though you're definitely more high strung than normal," Ketu remarked. "What's gotten you so on edge?"

Lyn fell silent and lowered his head as his eyes drifted towards the deck's timbers. There was a brief pause, before the Samurott let out a low sigh.

"I… suppose that it's just work stress getting to me," he murmured. "It's my last chance to complete my mission for the Board, and just knowing that the spy on Buyeom is still lurking out there…"

Lyn trailed off briefly, before shaking his head and giving a low grunt to clear his thoughts.

"I'll just rest easier once we get the Guardian of the Seas back from those pirates," the Samurott said. "It'll be nice to finally put this saga behind us and start thinking about the future again."

Ketu raised a brow. 'Thinking about the future'? That was certainly new coming from Lyn. Knowing him, it'd probably just be lording over his new seat as an Administrator or something about buying back that place in Canalhouse City his family once owned, but…

What could he already be thinking ahead towards when he didn't even know yet what his first assignment as an Administrator was going to entail?

Ketu paused after feeling a heavy paw nudge at his shoulder, looking up to see Lyn looking at him from the corner of his eyes with a stern frown.

"Just make sure you're there this time when we go to collect Lugia," Lyn insisted. "There's not a lot of margin for error for our mission, so I can't afford to have you go missing again."

Ketu pinned back his ears and stifled a groan of his own. Right, he was still here because he hadn't managed to take Lyn out of the picture yet. At least it would surely be straightforward to snatch Lugia out from under him once Sorge and the others managed to talk their way aboard Lyn's expedition. They just needed to get Lyn's guard down first by finding his "spy" for him.

After they were done, he'd finally no longer have to play a fool in front of Lyn to preserve his cover, and it couldn't come a moment too soon. Just a couple more days, the Weavile reassured himself. And his role in this farce would finally be over.

"Yeah, I get it," Ketu grumbled. "I'll be there, don't worry."

The Weavile drifted off further down the deck while Lyn turned around and began to make his way towards the stern. Along the way, he spotted a pair of deckhands stumbling briefly with a crate and dropping it on the deck, the lid jostling off to reveal it was packed with Apricorns. The deckhands briefly bickered with one another over who was at fault, only to abruptly silence themselves and stiffen up at Lyn's approach.

"I see all the shot I asked for came on time," Lyn said. "Try and at least pretend that you're handling it carefully."

Lyn watched as the deckhands hastily saluted before gathering up the crate and drifting off into the crowd. The Samurott continued along with a satisfied huff as a knowing smirk came over his muzzle.

"After all, we'll need it."

---

The journey from the Elders' meeting chamber took Team Traveller down a hallway to a flight of stairs watched over by a pair of guards clad in segments of cloth and mail. Pleo blinked at the sight of the armored guards as Margi and the rest of their entourage shuffled them along down the steps that seemed to just keep going and going. Occasionally, there'd be heavy doors blocking the way with another pair of similarly armored guards standing watch. Every time, the guards would tense up at the sight of the young Protector, only for Nina to talk them down and have them open the door, before they'd continue on deeper into the earth.

"H-Huh?!"

Except this time, there were no further stairs, but a long hallway lined with torches. There were painted images on the walls, while off in the distance was some sort of dead-end. Pleo and his teammates stared blankly as Nina and Roderic made their way in, the Lugia blinking and gaping about as Margi and the other guards started to lead them down the strange hall.

"Where are we?" Pleo wondered.

"I'm… actually not sure," Margi replied. "I admittedly didn't know that this place even existed."

"Our town's Hall of Remembrance," Roderic answered. "It is a place where we remember the past and ensure this town's survival for the future."

Pleo and his companions traded confused glances with one another. Crom brought a claw up to his mouth uneasily, and he turned his attention back to Nina and Roderic.

"What… does that mean, exactly?" Crom asked. "How would any of this help you survive?"

"See for yourself."

Nina motioned down the hall at the strange door, prompting Pleo and his companions to squint and try and make it out. After studying it a bit, they realized that the door they were looking at looked almost like the one in the Vault, just with more rust coating its surface.

"It's… a door?" Pleo asked.

"It's a seal. Over the place where the egg of this island's demon rests," Roderic explained. "A lesser demon, called 'Jirachi' who maliciously tempts others with the promise of granting wishes."

The four froze and had their jaws fall agape at the Rotom's explanation. Even Margi and Ander seemed visibly taken aback as their eyes widened and they reflexively shrank away from the sealed door. Trizano stared at the door blankly for a moment, before he tried and failed to beat his wings out, spluttering in indignant protest as he fought against his ropes.

"B-But you can't do that!" Trizano squawked. "Whatever you think of Jirachi, no good could come from harming a Protector like this!"

"… We know that," Nina said. "That's why it remains sealed away."

The Typhlosion turned, and leveled a paw down at Pleo with a piercing scowl

"It's also why we brought you here," she continued. "So that way you could understand why there is no hope for us to make cause with you."

Pleo sucked in a sharp breath and began to backpedal nervously. Had Nina and Roderic had brought them down to push him behind that 'seal' as well? A brief shadow fell over him as he saw Ander in front of him, holding out a scythe between him and Nina as he seemed to be visibly weighing his words.

"High Elder, with all due respect, but these are unprecedented circumstances," the Scyther began. "I… know that it's a risk to accept the help of a being like Lugia, but he very genuinely doesn't seem to mean anyone harm. Just what exactly is this argument you have against him?"

Nina gave no reply to Ander and stepped forward, brushing his scythe aside with an unimpressed scowl.

"Hrmph, have you not read the Scripture of Truth, Scyther?" the Typhlosion scoffed. "Though if you are really so unversed in the dangers of such creatures in spite of being one who sees the truth, just take a look around you."

Nina raised a paw and motioned off at the walls of the chamber. Crom followed after her paw as it quickly became apparent that the colors and shapes along the walls were various pictures with lines of what looked like Unown just beneath them. They appeared to depict Pokémon of all shapes and sizes on them, many of them in the backdrop of chaotic-looking scenes.

The Druddigon tensed up at the sight of the pictures, before warily turning back at Nina and Roderic.

"What is all of this?" he murmured.

"The story of how Starbreak Square came to be," Roderic said.

The Rotom floated up towards the leftmost mural and settled on it as Nina pushed fire out of her body's vents for illumination. As Crom and his companions approached the painting, they noticed that it was a scene of a simple-looking village by a river. All sorts of Pokémon were present in it, intermixed alongside hazy figures with bodies that looked vaguely like a Machoke's. Why, it didn't feel that different from everyday life back in Bluewhorl Town. Everywhere he looked in the scene, there were Pokémon and those strange creatures just working together much as he and the townsfolk would back home.

"Long ago, our world had vast continents and seas which spanned the whole planet. A world where untold multitudes of Pokémon lived, one which they shared with creatures that didn't wield powers like we do," Roderic began. "Crafty creatures who thought in ways that you and I would find alien, and who were able to work miracles because of it. It was a world where even Pokémon who were weak and ones that didn't belong could make cause with those creatures and lift each other up."

Crom and his teammates carried along past the mural of the village, when the Druddigon stiffened up after seeing the next picture. It was a mural of a burning landscape showing a white, hooved quadruped with some sort of golden ring around its waist emerging from a rift pouring out pink mist in the background. Large creatures of various shapes could be seen in the foreground in front of it, laying waste to the surroundings. At the center of attention, there was a ruined village with those humanoid figures and Pokémon looking up in a panic as a black and red bird with sinister, dull blue eyes descended upon them.

Crom blinked at the sight of the creatures. He recognized the white figure as Arceus, but most of the others were unrecognizable. Or at least they were until the Druddigon noticed that there in the background, amongst lighting and stormclouds, one of the figures was a white, long-necked bird with blue spikes.

It dawned on him afterwards what the different figures were: they were the Old World's Protectors. Or at least, the way the Marked remembered them.

"But our ancestors' world had a fatal weakness. It had a weakened boundary with the Abyss, a place where thoughts and dreams become flesh and blood," Roderic continued. "And so it was that during a time of great turmoil, the Abyss spawned the great Archdemon, who came from that fell place and fashioned servants with which he subjugated our world."

Pleo shifted uncomfortably at the picture before Margi prodded him to continue on. He shuffled along and soon enough, he and his companions came to the next mural. It was a scene depicting a red and gold bird with green wingtips, standing in the midst of a shattered village. A throng of humans and Pokémon were gathered around the strange bird bowing and prostrating themselves. At the fore was a small group of humans and Pokémon, bearing offerings of food while visibly frightened, all while the creature sneered down at them with an almost predatory gaze.

… The Old Gods couldn't possibly have been like that, could they? He wasn't really some 'demon', was he? He certainly didn't feel like one…

And yet, after thinking back to their own experiences on Boisocean, it was clear that something had happened long ago to make the Marked think that.

"Yes… Margi told me a story like that," Pleo replied. "She said that humans discovered magic and that they discovered that Arceus and other Pokémon like me were demons. Then afterwards, they got into a fight where the Old Protectors destroyed the world while the humans tried to fight them off…"

The others turned and stared at the Hydreigon as she uneasily cleared her throat, before speaking up in an audibly flustered tone.

"I- I suppose that I did tell him that, yes," she said. "Though aren't we just seeing things that are already recorded in the Scripture of Truth? I was under the impression that this was the story of Starbreak Square in particular."

"Our history comes from that same history recorded in those scriptures, Hydreigon," Nina answered. "We'll get to the details that are more particular to us in time."

Margi fell quiet with an expression that looked much as if she'd just been scolded. For a brief moment, Pleo couldn't help but worry about whether or not he'd gotten her into trouble, only for them to start moving along again. He and his teammates continued down the hall until they reached another mural a little further down. In the center of it, high above everything, was a brilliant red star with a ray of light coming out of it amidst a burning landscape. When he and his companions followed the beam's path with their eyes, they noticed that it ended by running through a green and black serpent that looked much like Kline did back on Vollezee. One who appeared to be recoiling in stunned pain. There were other figures they didn't recognize that laid strewn about the ground, all in poses that suggested they'd been suddenly struck down.

Pleo stared at the picture uncomfortably for a moment, before turning back to Nina. He supposed that if Nina and the other villagers genuinely thought that he and the other Protectors were demons that this awful scene would be a good thing to them, but…

"I… don't know if I believe that the old Protectors were really awful like you say they were," the Lugia said. "But I know that you do and that Ander does. Though even if they were, I just don't understand why it means that we can't work with each other…"

"It's because of what came after," Nina remarked. "After what remained of life in the Old World retreated to the Cradle."

Nina raised a paw as another mural came into view: there was Arceus again, but this time reared up as pillars of light rained down from the heavens. All around, the surroundings seemed to be in disorder: mountains crumbled, the skies were choked with ash and storms, and the fog of Mystery Dungeons spilled out here and there. In the foreground, there were Pokémon fleeing a village, a few looking back as their surrounding world collapsed.

Pleo felt a chill run down his back at the mural, and was quietly thankful that Nina didn't stop to explain the picture before she and Roderic moved on.

The next mural depicted a group of weary-looking Pokémon at a beach with gray and dusty land behind them and towering storms in the background that stretched on across the horizon in a seeming wall. In the foreground, the Pokémon were shown gathering on the backs of swimmers and onto simple rafts pulled with tow cables. Pleo thought to ask what was going on in this scene, only for Nina to keep walking on to the next one, which depicted the same Pokémon from before warily looking out at their surroundings at sea under blue skies. Right next to it, there was another mural in which the rafts and swimmers had arrived at a beach with their passengers stepping off in awe. Other Pokémon were present in the background, who seemed to be at work putting together half-finished huts and piers.

Nina and Roderic paused briefly, before the Rotom of the pair motioned at the mural and began to speak up to explain it.

"After the Archdemon put an end to the presence of humans in our world, small bands of Pokémon braved their way through untold trials and hardship from the chaos the demons foisted on us in their dying rage," Roderic said. "It should've been a time when their true nature was laid bare for all to see."

Nina looked away, and let her eyes fall to the ground as her voice came out in a bitter, faltering murmur.

"And yet… so many didn't."

The next mural was a picture of an island with a towering mountain on it partly wreathed in snow. On it, Arceus stood on a bluff watching as ships gathered on the shore below where groups of Pokémon gathered around eggs, some of which were fairly large. A few of the eggs were being shown in the process of being brought aboard different ships, and one, with an egg on its deck, was even sailing off into the water. Like with the strange bird in the mural with the ruined village, the Pokémon seemed to cringe and shrink away when they were under Arceus' gaze. But elsewhere in the same mural, some of the Pokémon were paying reverence to the eggs with them.

Crom blinked at the scene. He vaguely remembered stories that some of the first ships that had been built in the Cradle were used to bring Protectors' eggs to the islands where they incubated, except… he didn't recognize this island in the mural at all.

"… Wait, what is this place?" Crom asked.

"Shennow Island. The island that is located in the center of the Cradle," Roderic answered. "It was said to have been formed from a throne of the Archdemon in the Old World, and it was the place where he created the eggs of all the demons that slumber in this world."

"And of the ones who have already awakened and currently walk in our midst," Nina growled, training a piercing scowl over at the young Lugia in the group.

Trizano blinked back at the Typhlosion and narrowed his eyes with a bewildered tilt of his head.

"Wait, but Shennow isn't even in Anyilla," the Skarmory protested. "What does this have to do with your situation here?"

"Because this place was founded in the wake of the Sigillating Wars," Ander explained, shifting his wings in place uneasily. "It affected all of the Cradle. Not just Anyilla."

"That's correct," Roderic remarked. "It was because at the time, the truth managed to endure and become known by a large body of Pokémon across this little sliver of the Old World which we live in."

Crom looked on as the murals seemed to change as they continued walking along. There was a mural depicting a banner being raised over the now-finished town with a design that looked similar to the ones on the scarves of Starbreak Square's guards. In the next one down, a Charizard stood up before a crowd of onlooking Pokémon in the town's square and seemed to be giving some sort of impassioned speech. The mural after that had Pokémon from the town boarding ships, some wearing armor bearing the same design from the banner, which also flew from their sails.

Crom blinked at the sight and turned towards Nina and Roderic as they stopped. They were at the 'seal' now, and the pair had serious expressions. He thought to ask what was going on, when Roderic raised a tendril and pointed off at the opposite side of the hallway.

"Despite the Archdemon's attempts at manipulating our civilization in infancy to mold meek and obedient servants, he was unable to fully smother the truth. In spite of it all, those among our forebears who remembered the truth of what happened during the end of the Old World recorded it and passed it along to their descendents," the historian explained. "It is their efforts that allowed us to understand just how much those demons who exalted themselves as 'gods' had wounded our world."

Team Traveller started to retrace their steps and noticed that the first murals on the return path from the door all carried a disquieting, oppressive air to them: masses of Pokémon locked in fierce battle, Pokémon being wounded and others laying strewn about limply on the ground on beaches. Others had scenes of burning fields, ruined towns, or ships in battle with each other at sea with Pokémon falling overboard and others struggling to cling to floating wreckage. The scenes grew troubling enough that Pleo wound up turning his head away from them entirely with a cold shiver. He peered up afterwards, and saw Roderic looking down at him with a small frown.

"Our ancestors were fiercely opposed by the Archdemon's acolytes, both Civilized and Feral," the Rotom explained. "And yet we prevailed, enduring and discovering that in his arrogance, the Archdemon sought to recreate the order he had in the Old World. An order in which he had inner circles of particularly high servants."

"One which if cut down, would leave him vulnerable and unable to exert his influence," Nina finished. "It was our last, best chance to finally be free of the Archdemon's influence. To destroy him and try and pick up the pieces of our world."

Nina trailed off, the Typhlosion's gaze drifting towards the ground as a tired, deflated mood seemed to settle over her.

"Was, anyways."

Crom wasn't sure what to make of Nina's reaction, when he noticed that they'd reached another mural set on a towering mountain. On it, two armies were locked in a fierce battle, one with that same sigil he saw in the earlier murals depicting that seaside village, while the other was made up of Pokémon with different colors or symbols that fought beneath Arceus' gaze. There were five others beside Arceus, all armored figures that had a sinister air about them, with one of whom Crom recognized to be a Staraptor.

… Was that supposed to be King Aquila?

"Shennow Island has a particularly treacherous Mystery Dungeon on it," Roderic said. "One where the Archdemon had formed and kept the eggs of a trio of particularly powerful demons."

The Rotom floated and turned his head over at the mural, before looking away with a buzzing sigh.

"Our ancestors marshaled a great force on that island to destroy them, and were opposed by the five Champions of Corruption that the Archdemon conjured from the sky. Including the one you call 'King Aquila'."

Crom didn't know what to say back to Roderic after that, only to stop after reaching the next mural. It was a painting of a ruined temple with white pillars surrounded by fog in all directions. The Charizard from the earlier murals was there again, breathing out fire onto a trio of eggs set out onto an altar, with King Aquila looking on in shock from the ground and raising a wing.

What… on earth were they looking at? The Druddigon turned over to Nina and Roderic and noticed the two were deathly quiet, and looked away with bitter frowns.

"In spite of it all, our heroes made it to the cusp of victory," Roderic said. "And against all odds, they found and destroyed the demon eggs they set out for."

Pleo, Crom, and Trizano's eyes all shrank to pins at the Rotom's words and they collectively turned to Ander with alarmed grimaces. The eggs had been destroyed? How was that not a disaster in and of itself?!

Strangely, Margi and Ander both seemed entirely unmoved. And something wasn't adding up. For the Marked, wouldn't slaying their 'demons' be something they were proud of? Shouldn't Nina and Roderic be gloating or rubbing things in right now? Crom looked over at Nina, who motioned ahead off at an upcoming mural and shook her head with a low murmur.

"Except… our ancestors didn't realize that for all of their strength and valor, they were badly outmatched."

Crom continued on to the mural Nina was pointing at, but froze up with a sharp gasp when he saw it. The painting depicted a calamitous scene of Arceus in the sky as pillars of light rained down from the heavens. In the foreground, the Pokémon flying the strange banners from the earlier murals were in a state of disorder. Their ships lay burning and sinking, some of them were being engulfed in light pillars, others were being set upon by their enemies, still others lay strewn about the ground. Those that remained on their feet were fleeing, with terror on their faces and in their gaits. In a few places of the mural, there were Pokémon who were trapped and vainly attempted to shield themselves and others as they braced for their ends.

Just looking at the painting made Crom's blood run cold and his stomach knot up in stress. He wouldn't have expected a fight with the gods to have ended well, but something about seeing its aftermath depicted like this was downright chilling.

Crom turned over to Roderic and Nina, and saw that the pair looked visibly defeated. The Rotom of the pair sighed, before motioning off at the mural with a low buzz.

"The Archdemon himself intervened and made war against our ancestors, felling most of our strongest warriors on that rock and scattering those who survived his onslaught," Roderic said. "Even so, he grew afraid, realizing that those who knew the truth in the Cradle were still great in number and strong enough to be dangerous to him."

When Pleo and the others reached the next mural, they found a peculiar scene. One that showed a village full of Marked who all seem bewildered. Some pointed off at each other, some stared into mirrors, while others pawed at their heads. In the foreground, an Oshawott could be seen stooping down beside a pool of water, looking down bewilderedly at her reflection as she examined what looked like a five-tailed comet on her forehead.

It was then that Pleo realized that up until now, none of the Pokémon in the earlier murals had had Marks, but they did now. He turned back to Roderic to ask what the meaning of the change was, only for the Rotom to seemingly anticipate his curiosity and let out a low sigh.

"And so, after the Sigillating Wars, the Archdemon changed the fabric of reality so that it would brand those who knew the truth. The truth that your kind are demons who have come to subjugate us," Roderic muttered. "Once a Pokémon in this world comes to know and understand that truth, the Mark manifests on him or her, so that way they can’t hide from those who remain trapped in ignorance."

Pleo stiffened up. Then… the Mark wasn't something that Pokémon were born with? He supposed it would explain the Chikorita that he saw earlier, but… why hadn't they ever run into any other Pokémon who'd become Marked without being born to Marked parents?

… Maybe they had. His mind turned back to Sibich and how his pirates would steal eggs from Pokémon, and how his crew had a curiously large number of Marked on it. Nida had told him that the Cofagrigus basically treated his Marked underlings as disposable tools…

Had… he had a role in making them in the first place?

Even so, if that was really what had happened, then something wasn't adding up…

"Wait, but then shouldn't it be possible for grown Pokémon to also become Marked, too?" the Lugia asked. "If that's really the case, how come these Marks only form when Pokémon are young children?"

"They don't just form when Pokémon are young children."

Pleo turned back and saw Margi pawing uneasily at her shoulder.

"I mean, I've never seen it for myself, but there's definitely records of the Mark forming on grown Pokémon," she insisted. "There just haven't been many events that have happened since the Sigillating Wars that can awaken grown Pokémon to the truth."

"Oh, it's happened a lot more recently than that," Nina replied. "This very town has witnessed it."

That one took Margi aback. She looked back stunned at the Typhlosion when Roderic bobbled in the air with what looked like a flash of discomfort, before cutting in with a sharp buzz.

"We saw it happen firsthand among the survivors from the Great Calamity," the Rotom said. "A number of them saw the truth after Conntow was laid to waste."

"And for their trouble, they were shunned by both the Empire and Company," Nina sighed. "There were no records surviving to prove their identities, so they were dismissed as charlatans with few willing to believe them and the horrors they'd witnessed. So, it fell to Pokémon like us to take them into our numbers."

Pleo stared blankly at the Typhlosion, when she let out a low scoff and looked away with a dismissive scowl.

"But really, what should we have expected from the descendants of Aquila and Adler?"

Pleo and his teammates paused and turned back to Nina in confusion. Trizano furrowed his brow, and turned his beak up with a defensive harrumph.

"And just what is that supposed to mean?"

"Come and see, Skarmory," Nina said.

Trizano trailed off as he and his group passed the next panel, coming to a scene depicting a Marked Tyranitar at a table reluctantly reaching out for a paper. On the other end of the table was a Staraptor with a crown, who leveled a cold, cruel stare in reply. There were other Pokémon on each end of the table. On the Tyranitar's side, there were other Marked who looked visibly defeated and frightened, and on the Staraptor's side, guards in indigo scarves and cerulean armor plates who shot back sneers and predatory looks.

Pleo lingered over the mural as he walked past it. It took him a moment to piece things together, but he realized that even if the details were a little different, that he'd seen a picture like this before.

"Wait, what is this picture?" Pleo asked. "I saw one like it back on Giotto, except the Staraptor and the other Pokémon with him didn't look so mean."

Nina raised a brow briefly at the Lugia's remark, as Roderic spoke up with a flat, emotionless tone.

"It's a mural of the day that our ancestors in Anyilla no longer had the strength to keep fighting after the Archdemon cut down their heroes," the Rotom explained. "The day that they were forced to yield to Aquila and become his vassals."

Pleo blinked uneasily and continued on with his companions onto the next mural, which showed a village with timbered buildings by the seaside and a tall mountain in the background. In it, there were Pokémon going about its lanes, both ones with and without Marks.

… Wait a minute, that shape of the mountain looked just like the one here on Gestirn. Was that village supposed to be Starpeak Square? Pleo would've never guessed that Marked once lived there from the way that they and the villagers talked about each other. Except, the Pokémon in the painting were already largely separate from each other, and the few places that they weren't and were interacting with each other didn't seem like particularly happy ones.

It all felt uncomfortably familiar for some reason. Probably because those interactions seemed a lot like the whole episode with Ander and the other Pokémon who wanted him to 'meet his maker.

From the way Ander and Margi were looking away, Pleo supposed that he must've been onto something.

"It was Aquila who left us to be humiliated and shut out afterwards," Roderic said bitterly. "Treating us as a conquered people to be trodden and spat on."

Pleo didn't need any prompting before he continued on and reached the next mural, of a younger Staraptor arriving to Starpeak Square with a menacing air about him. Ahead of him, Pokémon in Imperial garb amassed along the beach as smoke curled up from the town's fringes. There were more points where the Marked and other Pokémon met each other, but somehow those meetings were even worse than in the last mural. Marked being set upon by attacking Pokémon, Marked turning and fleeing from buildings that were being set aflame, cannons at the end of streets with puffs of smoke coming from their barrels and small dots in the air…

The Lugia felt an uncomfortable chill settle over his body. Cabot and his friends had spoken of Aquila like he was a great hero, and they certainly didn't say anything about him doing things like this.

"And it was his son who attempted to destroy us entirely, the one who drove our ancestors into this place to die."

Pleo turned his head and noticed the next mural over. It was a scene of Marked Pokémon frantically fleeing into an approach of a fog-shrouded mountain as pursuers in indigo garb and trails of smoke loomed in the background behind him. There had been a painting not all that different from this one in that library he'd been in in Tidemill City. Except, in that one, the Marked Pokémon had been further in the background, and he didn't remember them looking this hurt or scared in it.

He opened his mouth to ask what on earth was happening, only to realize that they were almost back at the entrance of the hallway. The last few murals seemed to go by quickly: one of a Glaceon speaking to a crowd of frightened and defeated-looking Marked in a cave chamber, another depicting tunnels being dug and earth and stone being cleared away, and still another showing the Glaceon watching as armored guards were putting together the rusted door at the end of the hallway, with an egg visible further on in the background.

Pleo's ears perked to attention as he noticed the sound of Nina's footsteps were different. He looked up and saw that she and Roderic had already climbed the first few steps and were looking down at them.

"But we defied the fate he intended for us, and made a haven out of this place which Adler intended to be our grave," Roderic said. "And so we endure to this day, and give shelter to those who also know the truth and come to us."

The Rotom trailed off and looked away with a wistful expression.

"… It's all that we can do at this point."

Pleo gave a puzzled tilt of his head at the pair. Nina sighed and shook her head, raising a paw as she spoke up again to explain.

"It is said that the Archdemon created another set of eggs to replace the one that our ancestors destroyed on Shennow Island," Nina said. "Just finding it once with a grand army required multiple strokes of fate in our favor. Ones which would be unlikely to repeat even if we had that sort of strength again."

A sharp frown came over Typhlosion's face as she turned away, and looked off up the stairwell with a bitter scoff.

"… That's why working with you is impossible, demon."

"B-But it's not!"

Nina looked back at the sound of squawking protest, turning to see Pleo craning his head up as Margi attempted to hold him back. The Typhlosion reflexively tensed up, as did Roderic and the other Marked present, only for them to ease after noticing that the young Lugia's face carried a pleading expression to it.

"None of us had anything to do with that! I didn't have anything to do with that!" Pleo protested. "I… don't know if your story about the Mark is really all true, but I wouldn't have just been okay with things if that was really what happened!"

Pleo trailed off and looked aside, as a few of the Marked guards traded surprised looks with one another. The young Protector paused and weighed his words, before turning back to Nina and speaking up with an uneasy murmur.

"I've seen how Pokémon use it as an excuse to be mean and awful to Pokémon like you," Pleo said. "However the Mark started, whatever it was supposed to do, it didn't turn out good in the end. And every Protector I know would feel the same about it!"

Nina and Roderic remained silent, leveling wordless stares back. Some of the guards seemed taken aback and began to wonder aloud to themselves with questions like "Is this some sort of trick?" and "Why on earth would a demon say such things?" Trizano turned his attention around at their guides, and sensing an opportunity to press their argument, he made his way out in front of Nina and Roderic with a visible frown.

"You also didn't need to bring up Aquila and Adler. We ourselves know that the Empire has been up to its share of dark deeds, ones a lot more recently than a few centuries ago," Trizano explained. "The Pokémon in Starpeak Square didn't know anything about it, and they were surprised to find out that the Empire was pursuing a Protector."

The pair didn't say anything back, when Trizano realized that Nina and Roderic's expressions were still unyielding. The Skarmory grimaced and flusteredly backed away, as he shot a pleading gaze over to the pair.

"I don't expect you to forgive the Pokémon that live there for everything you've had to endure, but we're facing a shared threat right now that threatens you almost as much as the Pokémon of Starpeak Square," he insisted. "Please, won't you help us?"

The other guards were visibly hesitant now, a couple seemed to be wavering and looking over at Nina and Roderic for guidance. Margi opened her mouth to speak, only to catch herself after seeing the Typhlosion and Rotom trade looks with one another. There was a lingering pause, before Nina turned back to face Pleo and his companions. The Typhlosion studied them over for a moment, when she broke the silence with a quiet sigh.

"… I'll think about it," Nina said. "It's not my choice alone to make."

"I tant," Roderic remarked. "But there's other matters we should take care of before then."

Team Traveller quirked their brows as Roderic went through a bag on Nina's shoulder. Much to their surprise, he pulled out the red volume of the Knights' Ledger and levitated it in the air just above one of his tendrils. He moved it slightly, before turning aside and eying the stairs back up.

"To start with, let me take a closer look at that 'Ledger' of yours."

---

Finding the southern entrance into Gestirn Island's Mystery Dungeon proved easier than expected for Guardia and Dimitri. The forests thinned out into a rocky and craggy rise as they went along, and the path they shadowed eventually reached a pass flanked by stony bluffs, leading into a veil of fog.

The pirates that they found there after first arriving left no room for doubt. Off at the entrance, they came across a party of Pokémon wearing the same red scarves as some of the pirates that attacked them in Starpeak Square. A Conkeldurr, a Toxapex, a Castorm, a Dipplin, and a bluish-white Sandslash with what looked like icy spikes on her back.

They had managed to keep themselves hidden in the minutes since then to observe them and prepare for a skirmish, half expecting them to make a move or have reinforcements come. Except, this entire time, they'd just been waiting. There was an impatient air that hung around the lot of them that'd gotten more noticeable as time had gone on, as the Toxapex parted the two legs in front of her face and turned her gaze up at her companions.

"Shouldn't we have heard more from the others by now?" the Toxapex asked.

"Tch, they've probably got their paws full with how big the forest is," the icy Sandslash scoffed. "I still don't understand why they're putting so much stock into that badge message. That search party was from the Iron Fleet. They honestly seem like the types who would have trouble with angry ferals, so would it be that impossible for some villagers to ambush them to cause a distraction?"

Guardia held her breath as she finished knotting up a linen bundle at the tip of Dimitri's scythe and the fluttering feeling in her stomach grew stronger. On the one hand, she supposed it was reassuring that the pirates took the bait. On the other… would they really be able to stay ahead of them the entire time?

It looked like they weren't going to be able to stay in hiding for much longer, which was as good a sign as any that it was time to prepare to charge into battle. She stepped back from the bushes and started up a frenetic dance, and briefly glimpsed past the bushes as she moved around. The Dipplin among the pirates was faltering now, and scanned his surroundings warily before speaking up with a worried murmur.

"Even so, are we sure we shouldn't be helping them?" the Dipplin asked. "I mean, we could always come back here once those ambushers are definitely taken care of…"

A loud thud rang out, as the pirates looked back to see the Conkeldurr pulling one of his pillars up from slamming the ground. The Fighting-Type narrowed his eyes, before raising his voice with an impatient huff.

"Enough, Mui is onto something," the Conkeldurr snapped, gesturing at the Sandslash. "We found our own lead earlier and there's no shortage of others dealing with those ambushers. I'm tired of waiting, so I say we investigate the dungeon in case that bird really is there."

The other pirates nodded to each other and started to form a line with each other to enter into the fog. Guardia's heart pounded in her chest as she did the final motions of her thrashing dance—Tsurugi no Mai, always helpful for getting energized for fights. As her dance wound down, she looked over towards Dimitri, who was holding a bundle of linen dangling from the tip of his right scythe.

She guessed that was a sign that the knot Dimitri guided her through tying had turned out well enough. Beneath the strips of linen holding everything together, there was a tan orb with a dark vortex swirling around in it that they'd taken from the earlier pirates' belongings… along with the Blast Seeds that they'd wedged around it at the sides. Dimitri pulled the bundled orb up, holding it carefully aloft with his scythe-tip as he snuck a quick peek out past the bushes.

Their breaths tightened as they spotted the pirates gathering together and starting to set off. It was now or never for them to make a move to stop them. There was a brief silence, as Dimitri glanced back at Guardia from the corner of his eyes.

"I sure hope this knot will hold…" he murmured. "Are you ready, Guardia?"

Guardia turned her own gaze out past the bushes towards the Conkeldurr and his fellow pirates as her thoughts turned back to her teammates. Pleo and the others didn't have the option to slink off to fight another day, so they either stopped these pirates here and now, or they and gods-knew-how-many of their friends would find their way to Pleo.

… With that in mind, there was only one answer to give back to Dimitri:

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Dimitri nodded back and tensed himself as he balanced the bundle resting between his scythes, when he stood up and flung it free. Before the pirates could register his presence, the bundle had already sailed off and struck the ground next to the Toxapex.

The bundled Orb and Blast Seeds erupted in a large explosion, flinging the Toxapex aside and throwing the others backwards with pained cries. Swirling winds laden with sand and grit erupted from the Sandy Orb and swept up the other pirates as they tried to regain their balance. The Castform among them attempted to blink sand out of her eyes, floating over the body of her singed and unconscious Toxapex comrade as she hacked and looked about wildly for her assailant.

"Agh! What the-?!"

The Castform was swiftly cut off by a watery tackle, sending her tumbling to the ground unconscious as Dimitri found his footing and reared up. Even with the reduced visibility, the other pirates were able to make out his profile, the nearby Dipplin attempting to attack the Kabutops by spitting up a glob of syrup, when a whirling sound rang out above the winds.

WHAP!

The Dipplin seized up as a white projectile struck him in the face. He stumbled in a daze as the missile arced around and struck him a second time from behind, knocking the Dragon-Type to the ground. The bone carried on on its way back to its thrower, as Guardia hopped up as her club neared and snagged it out of the air. She tightened her grip back around her club, and checked the Dipplin, seeing much to her relief that he wasn't getting back up.

Her satisfaction proved short-lived as a low growl rang out followed by heavy thumps. Dimitri and Guardia whirled around and brace themselves as they saw the Conkeldurr start to approach them with his pillars raised for a strike.

"You're gonna wish you never showed your ugly mug, crab," the Conkeldurr snarled. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

"Da! Someone who's running his mouth off and leaving himself wide open!"

The Kabutops lunged ahead at the Conkeldurr, his scythes drawn for a slash. Dimitri's right blade found its mark on the Conkeldurr's flank, but much to the Water-Type's alarm, the Conkeldurr took the hit without flinching and then brought a crushing blow down on him in return.

"Agh!"

Dimitri lost his footing and fell backwards, landing in the dirt with a breathless wheeze. The Conkeldurr noticed his position after a moment to squint against the Sandstorm, and raised his voice over the howl of the winds.

"Everyone who's still standing, get over here and help me crush this weakling!"

The Fighting-Type began to dart forward, raising his pillars as Dimitri tried to scrabble back onto his feet. The pirate leader readied another downward smash as he neared, when a sharp cry rang out from his right.

"Not so fast!"

A seed abruptly zipped in with a blur and struck near the top of Conkeldurr's pillar with an audible pop. The Seed's shell splintered to pieces, as a puff of dust shot out and enveloped the Fighting-Type's head. The Conkeldurr hurriedly attempted to fall back, but the seed's effects quickly overtook him. His eyes began to glaze over and he rubbed at them with an unsteady gait as the Sandstorm kept raging, as good a sign as any that the X-Eye Seed had done its job.

Guardia briefly caught a glimpse of a white blur from the corner of her eye and jumped aside with a sharp yelp as clawtips just missed her scales. She looked up, where the icy Sandslash was growling and drawing a claw back for a swipe.

"Lights out, bonehea-!"

Before the icy Sandslash could finish her words, she was cut off by one of the Conkeldurr's pillars slamming into her with an audible crunch. The Sandslash went flying off until she struck a tree trunk with a loud thud, the pirate sliding down before toppling forward limply. Guardia couldn't help but wince at the sight. Good thing that that Roubushin didn't have great aim right now, since a blow like that might have taken her out of this battle entirely.

Off to her left, Dimitri got back on his feet, panting from stress and exhaustion. A quick glance around revealed that the Sandstorm was slowly starting to thin out, but the Conkeldurr was still groping about from the effects of the X-Eye Seed. The Fighting-Type pirate would surely be a dangerous foe once his impediments subsided, so that meant they had to put him down for the count. Fast.

The Kabutops braced himself, seeing Guardia's silhouette amidst the swirling sands as he called out to her and planted his feet firmly into the ground.

"Quick!" Dimitri cried. "Follow my lead while he's open!"

The Kabutops took off running in a rough circle about the Conkeldurr as the pirate continued swinging about blindly. All the while, steaming water built up in Dimitri's throat, the Kabutops biding his time for the Conkeldurr to leave himself open. He waited for the Fighting-Type's latest swing to miss wide and spewed his Scald out before falling back for distance. The Conkeldurr winced as the scalding water washed over his arm, and reflexively grabbed it to nurse a growing burn on it. From the side, Guardia watched as the Fighting-Type reeled, and took the opening to lunge at him with her club drawn.

The Cubone sprang up as she approached, bringing her club down with an overhead smash onto the Conkeldurr's back. A satisfying thwack rang out, but before Guardia could hit the ground, gray abruptly filled her vision and she felt a crushing blow land all over her torso.

"Augh!"

The Conkeldurr's pillar launched Guardia and sent her flying towards a nearby tree trunk. She crashed into it headfirst, before falling to the ground as her club slipped from her grasp. The Cubone lay there briefly as her vision grew muddy, weakly righting herself as she grabbed for her club ahead of her.

A tan foot stomped it into the dirt and a shadow fell over her. Guardia turned her head up with shaky breaths as she saw the Conkeldurr looming above, his left pillar raised as a faint, red aura seemed to settle around it and his lower arm.

"Anything you wanna say before I crush you, brat?" the Conkeldurr snarled.

Guardia's mind went blank in a panic, when she suddenly noticed movement from the treeline. She glanced off at its direction, and much to the Conkeldurr's surprise her expression eased and her face screwed up into a determined smirk.

"Yes, actually. Stick around for a while."

A sharp crack and the sound of groaning wood rang out, Guardia hurriedly turning and darting to the side as the Conkeldurr looked up to see a tree falling overhead. The tree landed on him with a loud crash, with a glance at its trunk revealing deep, hacking cuts in its wood. Guardia scooted back as dust swirled to see the Conkeldurr's arms groping about weakly from underneath as he attempted to pull himself free, only to lose consciousness and them to go still.

The Cubone sat there panting as silence descended onto the forest path beyond the occasional faint whine or groan. She went and collected her club from the ground, when Dimitri emerged from the treeline, shaking some bark loose from the blade of his scythe.

"That ought to buy Pleo and the others some time," the Kabutops said.

Guardia breathed out a sigh of relief, before she turned her attention to the pirates laying sprawled out around them, all in no shape to do anything other than just lie in place… for now. She made her way over to the Sandslash against the tree, and after giving an exploratory poke with her club and discovering the pirate was still safely unconscious, turned her head back to Dimitri.

"… What are we supposed to do with all of them anyways?" Guardia asked.

"We could push them into the Distortion without their items or badges," Dimitri said. "But considering that these pirates went out prepared to try and catch someone, I don't think we'll need to do anything so drastic."

The Kabutops came over to her and lowered one of his scythes to tug at a bag around the Sandslash's shoulder. After fishing around in it, his eyes briefly lit up as he looped his scythe around something and pulled it out, revealing a set of ropes dangling from its tip.

"Assuming you can tie more knots, anyways."

… Right, these pirates were here to try and capture Pleo, so it was only natural that they'd have brought restraints of various sorts with them. She had to admit, there was a certain poetic justice in them being caught up in their own snares. It also made their lives easier.

The pair started off by binding up the Sandslash against the tree she struck, Dimitri helping to pin her arms behind her while instructing Guardia how to loop the ropes to form knots to hold them in place… even if it took a couple attempts. The pair then repeated the process on the other pirates with the Conkeldurr's pillars one after the other, until all that was left was the Conkeldurr still half-buried under the tree. The pair approached it uneasily, trading glances at the pinned Fighting-Type and then at each other.

"I… think that we can skip trying to pull him free, really," Dimitri said. "Let's just tie his arms to the tree trunk so he can't lift it off of him, and call it a day."

That… seemed more than reasonable to Guardia considering how the 'mon had tried to crush her in battle. She nodded back in affirmation, prompting Dimitri to go and start coiling the rope around the Conkeldurr's arms and the felled tree's trunk. Guardia went around the other side of the Conkeldurr's body and threw the loose end of the rope over, before stooping to grab at the remaining end by her feet, only to see Dimitri catch himself and pause briefly.

"I think we need him a bit further out so we can pull his arms back against the trunk," he said. "Help me pull him free a bit."

Guardia tugged at the Conkeldurr's body along with Dimitri as his head and shoulders gradually came back into view. She turned her attention back to the ropes afterwards and resumed coiling them around the Conkeldurr's arms and the tree trunk. Soon enough, she was at work tying the finishing knots, when she caught a glint from the side of the Conkeldurr's neck.

"Huh?"

Guardia and Dimitri traded glances with each other, before Dimitri turned the scarf inside out and revealed a glinting badge underneath.

"Another one of them," Dimitri murmured. "I suppose it only would make sense if even the Iron Fleet was using them."

Guardia eyed the badge carefully, before giving it an exploratory poke with her bone. At once, it crackled to life as a buzzing voice came through it.

"Oi, Reg! Give us a status report already! Just because you're high up on Crimson Corsairs doesn't mean you just get to ghost us! What on earth was that racket earlier-?"

Guardia hurriedly pulled her bone away from the badge as the voice cut out. She looked over to Dimitri as he sucked in a sharp breath. He backed away a couple paces from the Conkeldurr and quietly murmured to himself.

"Guess that would explain why that Conkeldurr hit us so hard," Dimitri murmured. "That crew sounds like they'd be significantly more dangerous opponents than the Iron Fleet. We should get going before his buddies catch up with us."

Dimitri reached out his scythes to cut the badge free and fling it off into the bushes, but before their tips could find their mark, he felt a tak against his right blade. The Kabutops looked down, seeing Guardia motioning for a stop, as she approached the badge and raised her free hand out to grab it.

"Wait just a moment, Dimitri," the Cubone insisted. "I wanna say something first."

The Kabutops shot an askew glance at the Cubone.

"Guardia, if you grab that for too long, the pirates on the other end will figure out our location."

"Maybe, but I don't think we have a choice, Dimitri," she said. "These pirates' friends are expecting them to say something. If we don't get them to think we headed back into the forest, they'll come here and find them, and then go straight into the Mystery Dungeon."

She hovered her hand over the badge and shook her head in reply.

"All the more reason to try and make them think we took Pleo somewhere else, even if it's just for a little bit."

---

Duke Franz's throne room was in a stony chamber in the keep of Gestirn's castle, with tall windows that let in light from outside, and rugs and tapestries that added color to its gray environs. Much to Ingela's dismay, the Council had overruled her and chosen to repurpose it as their meeting room while they were here on Gestirn, instead of a site closer to the water. The Primarina thumped her tail impatiently against the floor, as evening sunlight filtered through, and cast a glance off at the throne, where Dirk was idly amusing himself. The Bisharp sat sideways on the throne with his feet kicked up and his Eviolite necklace poking out from under his scarf, inspecting a black and gold orb.

"Remind me, why did we opt to hold our meetings so far from the water again?" Ingela scoffed. "You do realize that such a site would've made it easier to go to and from our ships?"

Dirk didn't bother adjusting his posture on the throne. He glanced at the Primarina from the corner of his eye, before balancing the black-and-gold orb on the tip of his blade, and idly spinning it on top of its tip.

"What can I say? I've always had a bit of a refined taste," the Bisharp said. "And the best things in life sometimes require a bit of a journey to get them."

Ingela folded her flippers over each other, and turned her snout up with a quiet frown.

"I sure hope that that Sheriff and those guards who weren't accounted for after the raid don't have similar ideas."

"Never heard of the value of picking your battles, Ingela?" Dirk questioned. "Our objective isn't related to them."

"I do pick my battles, Dirk. That's how I built my reputation carrying on my mate's fleet," Ingela huffed. "By putting the fear of the gods into those who took him from me."

Dirk stopped the orb and set it aside on the throne. He got up and approached Ingela from his seat, curling his mouth into a serious frown.

"You know what I mean. As long as they stay out of the way of that bird and our plunder, we have nothing to lose from letting them hide in their little holes until we're gone."

Ingela turned aside with a quiet harrumph and continued batting her tail back and forth with a series of agitated thumps against the floor.

"You sure could have fooled me with the amount of 'monpower you were sending to try and find those Pokémon that ambushed that scouting party from the Iron Fleet."

A noticeable pause followed between the two, as Dirk watched the Primarina narrow her eyes at him.

"How do you even know that those ambushers really have Lugia?" she asked. "One of your own crew's parties said that they found signs that Lugia entered the Mystery Dungeon. Shouldn't we be focusing some of our attention on the dungeon, as well?"

Was Ingela taking him for some sort of amateur like Hess? Even if they didn't see eye to eye as members of the Council all the time, the Primarina surely ought to have known better considering how he was the most senior member of the Council. The Bisharp hardened his features into a sharp scowl, before shaking his head in reply.

"No, because even if whoever ambushed them doesn't really have Lugia, they weren't content to hide away in their little hole and are going around actively sabotaging us," he explained. "We shouldn't assume that they're not already planning on making another move, or that it will stay in the realm of overpowering scouts. And that means not leaving it to just the Iron Fleet to get to the bottom of just who those Pokémon are. Especially if those ambushers do have Lugia or are friends of his."

Ingela let out an unamused huff and crossed her flippers at the explanation, a reaction that Dirk supposed shouldn't have surprised him. Ingela always had been one of the more combative members of the Council, after all.

"Oh come now, Dirk. Lugia and his companions couldn't have evaded capture this long without some degree of cleverness," Ingela said. "Am I really to assume that they'd have just given away his location without doing something to throw us off their-?"

"Hey! Captain! Are you there?"

The doors to the room creaked open, as Dirk and Ingela whirled around to see a Rabsca floating in in a hurry. Dirk stepped forward and stepped in front of the Rabsca's path, staring down with a fierce, overpowering glare.

"What is it now?" the Bisharp growled. "You do know that I don't need an update over every little thing you overhear!"

The Rabsca broke his pose with a startled buzz and jolted his limbs as his ball and badge wavered in the air briefly. After a moment to steady his psychic hold on his belongings and regain his composure, the Rabsca pushed the badge towards Dirk with an unseen force and gave an apologetic chitter.

"Uhh… sorry," the Rabsca said. "But you really want to hear this one. It's a message for you from those ambushers that picked off those Iron Fleet scouts."

Dirk paused and eased his expression as he and Ingela traded surprised stares with one another. After a moment's hesitation, he turned over to an Emboar by the room's entrance and motioned at the door with an impatient grunt.

"Go get Tarquin and Hess," the Bisharp barked. "Tell them that if they're planning on getting full shares of loot when we divide everything up, that they'll show up as soon as they can."

The Emboar hurriedly saluted in reply before darting out of the room. Dirk watched the Emboar drift off, before stepping forward and snatching the badge out of the air. The Bisharp made his way back to the throne and sat down on it. He kicked his legs up, and pressed down on the metal lump, raising it to his mouth to speak.

"This is Captain Dirk of the Crimson Corsairs. Who is this?"

"The Pokémon who just bested one of your stronger warriors, that's who!" a Cubone's voice crackled back. "For goons as tough as yours, they sure are dumb at fighting!"

Ingela tensed up, and reflexively opened her mouth to protest back, only for Dirk to cut her off by raising a hand and motioning for a stop. The Primarina quietly seethed, as the Bisharp cocked his brow at the voice's comments.

"'Warrior', huh? So you must be one of those guards that slipped away after the raid," Dirk said. "I was under the impression you Gestirners were more no-nonsense types and less… theatrical."

"Hrmph, you wish I was a guard!" the voice piped back. "Sounds like you're just mad that your underlings got their tails handed to them!"

The Bisharp's face fell in response. He tightened his grip around the badge and raised it to his mouth before he continued on.

"No, I'm more annoyed that you're wasting my time when I have business with a client to tend to," Dirk retorted. "Most Pokémon that annoy me wind up swiftly regretting it."

A moment of silence followed, one long enough that a flash of confusion came over Ingela's face and even the Bisharp himself couldn't help but raise a brow. Had something happened to the speaker? He wouldn't have expected a headstrong type to suddenly lose her nerve, but perhaps this 'mon of mystery had a better gauge for dangerous situations than he thought—

"Wait, 'business with a client'?" the voice asked. "But you're pirates. Since when did you do anything for anyone else?"

… Or not. Dirk narrowed his eyes, as he got up out of his throne and began walking off. He made his way along and passed one of the tapestries on the wall. He glanced at it briefly, before raising the badge back to his mouth to speak into it.

"That doesn't concern you," Dirk scoffed. "Though if you want to make things easier, put your bird friend on the line. I believe that we have some companions of his he'd be eager to hear from."

There was a long silence from the badge afterwards. When the voice came through again, Dirk couldn't help but notice that it sounded audibly flustered.

"He's… uh, not interested in negotiating! We'll free them ourselves! The hard way if we have to!"

Dirk paused, as a small smirk came over his face. He'd heard everything that he needed to. So Ingela was right and it really was a feint, and he was pretty sure he had a decent idea of what he was dealing with for a foe.

"You're obviously quite young and inexperienced," he said. "One of those overenthusiastic types that thinks they're prepared to take on the world after reading Hard to Kill a few too many times."

"Read what, now?"

Dirk quirked a brow. Hard to Kill was a tale at least as old as the Cradle itself and its many variations all had a fairly predictable formula… would the type of Pokémon that went around picking fights with pirates really never have heard of it?

"Story about a lone guard on Christmas that fights on his own through a crystal tower to rescue his mate?" the Bisharp asked. "Ring any bells?"

"Nope. Never heard of it."

Dirk frowned, before raising the badge back to his mouth with a sharp scoff.

"You're certainly full of surprises, but I'll cut to the chase. This isn't some old heroic fantasy, kid," Dirk said. "You're not going to magically save the day and free all these villagers on your own and waltz off into the sunrise with your sweetheart."

Dirk walked along as he neared one of the tapestries on the wall. He briefly flexed his right arm, before once again pressing down onto his badge and continuing to speak.

"And when Pokémon under such delusions cross paths with me, I have a tendency to snap them out of them."

THWIP!

The Bisharp summarily ran his blade along the tapestry and sliced through it from one end to the next. Its bottom fell to the ground with a thumping clatter, which made the Rabsca involuntarily flinch. Dirk raised the badge back up to his mouth and enunciated his words for the listener on the other end to hear him loud and clear.

"Permanently," he snarled. "I'm here along with the full force of Orleigh Island's Pirate Council and a good half of the crews that berth there. Just what do you think you can do against us?"

"Stop you from getting to Pleo, that's what!" the voice piped back.

'Pleo', huh? So then this scamp really was one of Lugia's companions. Though that sounded like something he could use to his advantage…

After all, there were several reasons presently sitting behind bars in the village garrison that he could give this Cubone to change her tune. Probably quite a few of them if they'd come in on an entire ship.

"Fat lot of good all that strength of yours will do if he's gone before you-!"

The voice abruptly cut itself off as the sound of rustling came through the badge and a sharp cry came from the other end.

"N-Nani?!" the Cubone's voice cried. "Who are-?!"

The Badge abruptly went silent midsentence. Her patience worn thin, Ingela grabbed at the badge and snatched it out of Dirk's hand, thrusting it in front of the Rabsca with a sharp bark.

"Who's holding that badge right now?!" the Primarina demanded.

The Rabsca paused and held onto the badge in focus. After a moment seemingly in a trance, the Bug-Type bobbled the ball levitating overhead as he turned to Ingela uneasily.

"Nobody," he explained. "I think the speaker just threw it aside."

Dirk and Ingela traded glances after the Rabsca's reply, the Primarina growling under her breath in frustration.

"Ugh, what a waste of time this all was," Ingela fumed. "They don't even have Lugia with them!

"Hardly," Dirk explained. "Even if it wasn't their intention, they've let us know exactly where we should be looking."

Ingela's face contorted in confusion as her mouth hung open for a moment in bewildered annoyance. The Primarina's expression eased as she let out a low, grudging sigh. Clearly she'd picked up on how Lugia's friends had been trying to throw them off the trail, and if they'd gone through the trouble of trying to interfere with his crew prying deeper into the Mystery Dungeon…

Well, he could think of some pretty straightforward reasons why they'd want that.

"What's going on here?"

The sound of loud, heavy footsteps coming from the hall prompted Dirk and Ingela to turn for the door as Hess and Tarquin made their way into the room. The pair entered and made their way up alongside Ingela, as Dirk walked up and pointed up at Hess with a sharp harrumph.

"Gather your crew, Hess," Dirk barked. "You're going dungeoneering."

Hess blinked incredulously as the Bisharp's words sank in a moment. At once, the Aggron's eyes shot wide in alarm, as he stammered in confusion back at the Crimson Corsairs' captain.

"H-Huh?! What's going on?!" Hess cried. "I thought that there was someone going around ambushing-!"

"Plans have changed, obviously," Dirk scoffed. "Some bigger priorities have come up."

"We've been able to confirm that Lugia is hiding in the Mystery Dungeon," Ingela added. "I'm sure that even an oaf like you can manage to comb a dungeon properly."

Tarquin stiffened up and held his head up as a brief flash of unease came over his eyes. The other pirate captains noticed the Tyrantrum's misgivings, before he shook his head with a low harrumph.

"I… think that's going to be a bit easier said than done, Ingela," the dinosaur said.

"And what's just what that supposed to mean?" the Primarina demanded.

"There's apparently some sort of settlement deep inside there called 'Starbreak Square," Tarquin said. "The Marked in our ranks have apparently been dragging their feet about going inland since they didn't want to get mixed up with it."

The Tyrantrum turned his head aside as his peers looked on. He narrowed his eyes before letting out a low harrumph and continuing on.

"I first thought it was another one of their fairy tales, but I overheard some of the townsfolk talking about the place themselves while making the rounds," Tarquin explained. "When was the last time you ever heard normal Pokémon agree with a Marked story?"

Dirk paused, when a moment of dawning realization came over his eyes. If there was an entire settlement of Marked in Gestirn's Mystery Dungeon, then it'd likely just be a matter of time before they came across Lugia.

And that meant, that with a bit of time, that if there was no sign of Lugia ever leaving the Mystery Dungeon, that the most logical place he would've wound up would be with the Marked. After all, they knew that dungeon better than anyone other than maybe some ferals that also lived inside. Once Lugia entered it, it would just be a matter of time before they ran into each other.

And once that happened, it was hardly believable that they'd just let a 'demon' roam loose. They'd want to keep him penned up someplace secure, and what place would they be more likely to choose than a cell in that settlement of theirs?

The Bisharp shook his head, before folding his arms and looking over at Hess with a sharp harrumph.

"Actually, scratch that. I'll be going with my crew alongside you, Hess. And Ingela will, too," Dirk said. "Tarquin and the other crews should be able to keep the peasants in line and checking the forests to mop up the rest of Lugia's friends while we're out, and you frankly need all the help you can get."

Ingela's face fell into an unamused frown with a quiet grumble. Hess stared blankly as his jaw flopped open in shock, as he raised a claw and began to stammer in protest.

"B-But you just asked me to-!"

"That was before I found out there was an entire town of Marked down there. One that will almost certainly get their claws on that 'demon' given enough time," Dirk harrumphed, folding his arms. "Really, you should be thanking me for lending you some help and not leaving you to get in over your head."

Hess spluttered in indignation and stomped his foot with a low growl, only for a pair of louder ones to ring out. The Aggron looked over at Tarquin and Ingela as the pair shot piercing glares at him, and abruptly flinched and shrank back much as if he'd been thrown into the middle of a mob of Marowak.

Dirk trailed off briefly, before turning his gaze up to his Tyrantrum counterpart.

"Though I'll need your crew to help out with a few things involving Lugia's friends, Tarquin," he mused. "After all, that bird will be more motivated to come quietly if he thinks he's got something to lose."

Tarquin gave a nodding grunt in reply as Dirk continued on, idly inspecting his blades as he made his way to the doors. When he reached them, he swung them wide with an audible creak, and looked back with a dangerous smirk.

"So let's do them all a favor and take that bird off their hands, huh?"

---

Author's Notes:

- I tant - Catalan: "Indeed"
- Tsurugi no Mai (つるぎのまい) - Japanese: "Swords Dance" (Official Romanization)
- Roubushin (ローブシン) - Japanese: "Conkeldurr" (Official Romanization)

 

[Spiteful Murkrow]

"Permanently. I'm here along with the full force of Orleigh Island's Pirate Council and a good half of the crews that berth there. Just what do you think you can do against us?"

Guardia held onto the badge and quietly bit her tongue. Had she been saying too much to Dirk? She glanced back at the forests surrounding the path, and while the pirates were still safely out cold, Dimitri was glancing down at her with an increasingly impatient frown.

Maybe it was a sign to wrap things up, though if so, she wanted to get in a last word. They needed to convince those pirates that they were taking Pleo deeper into the forest, and it was honestly kinda fun to hear the Pokémon on the other end of the badge huff and fume.

"Stop you from getting to Pleo, that's what!" Guardia taunted "Fat lot of good all that strength of yours will do if he's gone before you-!"

She froze mid-sentence after she heard rustling coming from the nearby brush and saw Dimitri tense up. The Cubone turned her head, just in time to see a long, red snout poking out from bushes along the path, prompting her to jump back with a startled yelp.

"N-Nani?! Who are you?!"

Guardia let the badge drop to the ground, clinging tightly to her club as a Krookodile and six other guards in Imperial scarves emerged from the brush. There was a brief moment of tension, when the Krookodile held a claw up and motioned for a stop.

"It's alright. They're allies," Robbie said. "Looks like they even took care of a few pirates for us."

The guards glanced off at the Conkeldurr pinned under the felled tree behind Dimitri and Guardia, and then off at the party of pirates scattered about unconscious along the lane. They eased out of their battle stances as Robbie began to approach Dimitri and Guardia. His eyes fell on the glinting badge on the ground as he neared, and he stooped down and threw it into his bag. Dimitri stared dumbfoundedly at the newcomers, until he realized that the Krookodile was the one and the same as the one from the courtroom.

"Wait a minute…" the Kabutops murmured. "You're that sheriff from earlier."

"And you're those Rüpel that threw me under the ship back in town," the Krookodile harrumphed. "But I'll avoid keeping score since we crossed paths with your friends earlier and have other things to worry about right now."

Robbie turned to his underlings with a low murmur that trailed off into barking words that Dimitri didn't understand. Probably some sort of order in Gestirner from how throaty it sounded. The guards nodded back and broke off into small groups as others emerged from the brush. A Makuhita and a Turtonator among them came and pried the Conkeldurr free and finished his bindings before they dragged him off into the brush, while the rest followed suit with the other pirates one after the other.

Dimitri and Guardia waited until the last of the pirates and their captors drifted off into the undergrowth, leaving behind just themselves, a small party that eyed them warily, and Robbie staring down at them with his arms folded over each other. The pair supposed that at the least, the sheriff wasn't an enemy of theirs right now, but even so something about his comment about 'their friends' felt a bit strange…

"Wait a minute," Guardia began. "If Pleo and the others already met you, why are they in the Mystery Dungeon right now?"

"They went out to Starbreak Square to try and get help dealing with those pirates," Robbie explained.

"Wait, but why would they go back to Starpeak-?" Guardia started, only for Robbie to sharply cut her off.

"Starbreak Square. It's a long story, but the gist of it is that it's a town of Marked inside the Mystery Dungeon," the Krookodile said. "I told them they were wasting their time, but the pirates heavily outnumber us right now and we don't really have the luxury of turning down help here."

Guardia paused, before looking away and pawing at the back of her bony helmet with her free hand. The Waruvial and his idea of trying to seek out other Pokémon to lend them strength wasn't a bad one, but…

"… Are you sure we're just dealing with pirates?"

Robbie and the other guards remained quiet for a moment, before the Krookodile shook his head with a small frown.

"No. It crossed my mind that the Company might be involved, but I don't exactly have proof of that," he sighed. "Why? Did you find something out, Tragosso?"

"I just talked with some pirate captain through that badge," Guardia explained. "A 'Captain Dirk of the Crimson Corsairs'. He said that they were doing this raid on behalf of a 'client'."

A few of the guards in Robbie's entourage stiffened up and stared back. Some traded dumbstruck looks with one another, while others began to murmur aloud at the Cubone's revelation.

"Huh? Just what sort of client would be able to hire this many pirates?" a Mabosstiff asked.

"Again, it's those square-necks, Friedrich. It has to be," a Heliolisk growled. "Who else would be able to foot the bill to put all those pirates up to this?"

Dimitri paused as the more he thought about it, the more the Heliolisk's remarks seemed to make sense. He turned towards the Krookodile sheriff, giving an uneasy tap of his scythes.

"I think that your Heliolisk friend is onto something, Sheriff," Dimitri said. "The Company's been chasing Pleo for over a month and he just fought his way out of their capital alongside us. Why wouldn't they turn to drastic measures to get him at this point?"

Robbie fell quiet and he clamped his jaws shut with a visible grimace. Dimitri and Guardia didn't know how much the sheriff trusted them, but clearly the idea of the Company getting ahold of a Protector was quite unnerving to him.

The Krookodile turned his eyes towards the ground and pinched his brow with a low sigh.

"… I suppose that it makes sense, especially if they also know that your friend's a Protector," he murmured. "If they hired the pirates to do their dirty work for them in Imperial waters, then as long as they are careful about it, there would be no one to point a finger towards. Even if it didn't work out for them, I don't know if Her Majesty could declare open war on the Company over a pirate raid without sparking riots in the capital again."

Guardia and Dimitri fell quiet, as the Cubone of the pair pawed uneasily at her bone. Gah, why on earth did 'Civilized' Pokémon always have to make things so complicated?

"So what do we do, then?" she asked.

"Stick with us, obviously," Robbie huffed back. "There's strength in numbers."

"Huh?!" Dimitri protested. "But Pleo and the others are in that Mystery Dungeon!"

"Yeah, I know."

Guardia and Dimitri turned their attention back to the Krookodile sheriff, who folded his arms with an impatient harrumph.

"When we sent your friends into the Mystery Dungeon, we gave them a badge for our teleporter to keep track of," he explained. "So that way we could get to them quickly if they called for help."

Guardia and Dimitri traded wary glances with each other after Robbie's reply. The sheriff seemed to pick up on their unease and shook his head.

"Look, I wasn't super optimistic about their plan myself, but whatever's going on in there, our teleporter has been having trouble getting a read on their location lately," the Krookodile insisted. "The last she sensed of them was them taking their own badges off, which the Pokémon in Starbreak Square most likely would've made them do as a precaution. We expected that that could happen as a part of them going there, and there's only so much we can do right now. Us finding an entrance into Starbreak Square would take a while even with a full search party. Time that we currently need to spend focusing on problems elsewhere."

Guardia and Dimitri turned and glanced down the path leading up to the Mystery Dungeon. If nothing else, it wasn't wise to just linger here, and it was hard to argue the sheriff's point.

A low grunt snapped them to attention, as the pair looked back and saw Robbie nearing the brush, motioning along with a claw for them to follow.

"Besides, we could use the extra monpower on our end. I doubt we've seen the last of those pirates around here."

"Right," Dimitri said. "That sounds like a good reason to stick together."

Dimitri and Guardia set off with Robbie and his underlings back into the brush. The forest gradually returned back to its earlier quiet, as Dimitri and Guardia and their newfound companions trudged along, when the Cubone pawed at Dimitri's leg.

"By the way, what is 'Hard to Kill'? That Dirk said it was some sort of story and I was curious what it was about."

Dimitri cocked a brow and stared at his teammate briefly, before turning away with a sigh. He supposed it was a good thing that they had a bit of time, since he had a feeling explaining this one was going to take a while.

---

About ten minutes after leaving the Hall of Remembrance, Pleo and his teammates found themselves in a stone-hewn office which had been outfitted with simple furniture and glowmoss lanterns for illumination, including a desk where Roderic had set their Ledger down for "transcribing". Much to their astonishment, after putting the tome on the desk, he dove into a small red housing that had been waiting for him on the desk and floated over the book in what looked like some sort of scratched, squarish slate with arms and feet. The Rotom floated over the book carefully, going page by page as he would occasionally curl in one of the arms and press down on the glass portion of the slate before a clicking noise would ring out.

They all stared as Roderic continued on with his strange ritual, which they weren't sure what it was doing or how it would help them. Pleo's attention drifted off towards the rest of the room after Roderic went through the first few dozen pages. He'd quickly realized after entering Roderic's office that the room was full of ancient artifacts, and curiosity couldn't help but get the better of him. Tattered books in mystic scripts, plastic objects, strange colored spheres. There was even a line of three strange metal containers that sat next to a wheeled contraption of some sort with a long handle, and some sort of pinwheel that rested against the wall.

The Lugia studied the five mysterious objects and wondered to himself what they might be. He perked up and turned his head back for Roderic's desk as he heard the sound of the Ledger being shut with an audible thud.

"There," Roderic said. "That should be everything."

Crom blinked. He looked at the Ledger on the table, and then back at the Rotom floating in the air, before he spoke up incredulously.

"Huh?! But you barely looked at any of the pages!" the Druddigon exclaimed.

"I didn't have to," Roderic explained. "This codex I'm indwelling is able to record images of objects in front of it."

The Rotom floated the strange slate closer to them, where amidst a pale glow, they saw an image of one of the Ledger's left pages, clear enough that Crom could read the page's runes. Roderic tapped an arm at a small circle towards the right side of the slate and the image abruptly changed to one of the Ledger's right pages. Another tap, and it was back on a left page, except it looked a little different, and as Crom studied it, he realized that Roderic had been going through the pages of the Ledger in order.

His jaw dropped. He didn't know how this little contraption had done it, but…

"Ah! You copied our Ledger!" the Druddigon cried.

"In a manner of speaking," Roderic said. "This codex was made by human magic ages ago and was specifically built for my kind to manipulate. It's a bit worse for wear, but it still does what it's supposed to."

The Ghost-Type laid the slate back down on the desk on its back, before the spike and arms on it withdrew, and his body emerged from its surface. He floated up, before turning to Crom with a crackling buzz.

"It's one of the treasures of Starbreak Square, and in all the long years since its founding, we've never found a second one in working condition."

Trizano and the others stared in awe at this 'codex' on the table. That little device could really make pictures that looked so life-like? Why, if it wasn't for scuffs on its glass, the pages would have looked real enough to try and touch!

The Skarmory opened his mouth to ask further about how this 'codex' worked, only to notice that Roderic's expression had taken a stern and grave turn. The Rotom went up to him and his companions, bobbling back and forth with a gaze that seemed visibly suspicious of them.

"… Did you know about what was in here?"

Trizano blinked at the Rotom's question, before giving a wary tilt of his head.

"What, about the Empire and Company working together to take Yveltal's egg from Nagrobek and bring it to Conntow?" the Skarmory asked. "We had an idea, yes."

"No, I was talking about the parts saying that Queen Erna specifically directed that Yveltal's egg be brought aside and put under experiments to try and accelerate its incubation," Roderic replied. "Ones that were conducted under supervision of the Royal Navy."

Trizano stared back in puzzled silence as something bothered him about the Rotom's reply.

He knew from the Ledger that the Empire and the Company had been looking for a Protector with 'the power to lay waste to Anylla's enemies'. But who on earth would those enemies be? Anyilla was supposed to have been at peace with other parts of the Cradle like Linglan or Garanza just before the Great Calamity, and the Empire and Company worked together at the time, so there would've been nothing for them to fight over…

Would there?

"… We didn't get to that part yet," Ander murmured. "We'd only made it through the earlier parts of the Ledger before we were forced on the run from Starpeak Square."

"I'm not sure what you're doing with a book like this, but perhaps it's for the best that I made a record of it, then," Roderic replied. "I'm sure there's quite a bit more this book will have to say once its contents are reviewed a bit more carefully."

"That shouldn't be a problem, Roderic."

Team Traveller turned their heads at the sound of the door to the room opening, where they saw Nina and the rest of Starbreak Square's Elders, flanked by a small party of guards. The Typhlosion walked up to the table and snatched the red ledger with a sharp huff.

"We'll be holding onto this for now," Nina said. "Between it and the records Roderic made of it, we should be able to go through its contents significantly faster."

Team Traveller's members' stiffened up at the Typhlosion's reply, as Crom reflexively darted forward raising a hand in protest.

"W-Wait, that's ours!" the Druddigon protested. "We need that to force the Company and the Empire to leave Pleo alone!"

Nina stepped back and narrowed her eyes as the nearby guards stepped forward and closed ranks around her. Pleo bit his tongue and quietly fretted to himself over whether or not they'd made things worse.

"I said we were holding onto it for now," Nina scoffed. "We have some secure chests that we put our relics in for safekeeping in a storeroom in this building. We'll be holding onto your Ledger in one of them, and no harm will come to it there."

The High Elder turned her face down into an icy frown, making a point of letting her gaze linger on Pleo for a moment before turning away.

"If we decide we can trust you, we'll return it to you afterwards."

Pleo grit his teeth and sucked in a quiet breath as his companions visibly faltered. He didn't like this at all. That Ledger was the only piece of three that they had to show for their efforts so far and now Nina was just going to walk off with it? How long would it take until she decided that she trusted them? What if she never did?

… Except, the Elders also wouldn't help them with Starpeak Square or rescuing their friends if things devolved into a fight between them, or even agree to let them go. With how intertwined everything was, maybe it didn't make sense to raise such a big fuss right now. Pleo hesitated for a moment, before letting his gaze drift down to the floor with a grudging sigh.

"If it's really the only way to convince you," the Lugia murmured. "I guess we can wait a little."

"Glad to hear," Nina harrumphed. "Though we have other matters to tend to. It's getting late enough that it's time we bring you to a place to pass the night."

Pleo and the others weren't sure what to make of what sort of 'place to pass the night' Nina had in mind, but followed along anyways. Before they knew it, Nina and the others brought them back through the building's hallways and retraced their steps to the entrance hall of the Elders' compound. Pleo came to a stop amidst the cool blues of glowmoss and looked around as his companions and their guards filled in. The Elders were off on the side, pointing at Pleo every now and then as they talked to each other in hushed voices. About what, he couldn't tell.

There was a nudge against his wing, as he looked up and saw one of Margi's side-heads, along with the Hydreigon craning her central head down with a hushed whisper.

"Are you doing alright, Pleo?"

Pleo hesitated at Margi's question, before looking away with a quiet sigh.

"Yeah, we're okay," he said. "It's just that… I wish it wasn't so hard to convince everyone that I'm really not this scary monster that they're so afraid of."

Margi looked away as they made it to the doors and exited the building. The Rillabloom and Alcremie guards were still there and eyeing Pleo carefully, only for them to turn their heads as the sound pattering feet rang out. Pleo looked over himself, and much to his surprise, a black-and-blue blur shot out. It was Daraen, bounding out in front of the group and wagging his tail expectantly.

"Oh! You're finally done!" the Deino cheered. "I'd been waiting for a chance to have a rematch with you at Substitute Battling! I even got the Substitutes together and everything!"

Margi blanched and her wingbeats quickened as her fellow guards traded flummoxed looks with one another, a Golbat giving a grumbling "Is this kid serious?" under her breath. The Marked Hydreigon stooped down and cracked an awkward, grimacing smile, as she nudged at her child and attempted to turn him away.

"Er… mon petit, you should go back home. It's getting a bit late right now," Margi insisted. "We were going to show Pleo and the others to their place to sleep tonight."

Daraen's head drooped in response. He nuzzled insistently back at his mother and let out a disappointed whine.

"Aww… so soon?" he asked. "But it's not even time for dinner yet!"

The Golbat from the group beat her wings a few times, before flying over with an impatient huff.

"Look, kid. They're going to be spending the night in a holding cell," she snapped. "They can keep themselves entertained by doodling on the walls or something."

Margi shot a low growl over at the Golbat which drew a stifled cry and quickly prompted her to back away. Even so, the damage had already been done, as Daraen sharply stiffened up and Team Traveller's eyes shrank to pins. Not least of all Crom's as the Druddigon's mouth flopped open with a startled stammer.

"Wait, what?! H-Hold on a minute! Nobody said anything about us getting locked up in a holding cell!" Crom protested. "I thought we were getting a place to spend the night!"

"Crom, you do remember that we're prisoners right now, right?" Ander asked. "Where did you think they'd keep us?"

Crom froze and set his teeth on edge. Right, they had surrendered themselves in order to come into Starbreak Square. He… just hadn't been expecting that the Pokémon here would really keep them behind lock and key again.

"B-But you don't need to do that!"

Daraen's voice cut through the air as he hurriedly stepped between Team Traveller and the other Marked. The Deino reared up on his hindlegs, piping up in sharp protest.

"You don't have to put them in some sort of awful cell if you need a place to keep them!" the little dragon insisted. "They can just stay with me and maman!"

Daraen perked up and wagged his tail happily, his diminished sight blinding him to the slackened jaws and incredulous scowls being leveled at him from the other Marked present. Nina and her fellow Elders leveled withering glares at Margi, who craned her necks around her child with a shushing hiss.

"Mon petit, that's quite enou-"

Much to her surprise, her child abruptly pulled back from her. Daraen shuffled back a few paces and stomped the ground with an insistent huff, raising his voice loud enough that Crom and his fellows briefly flinched at how forceful and loud it was.

"But I mean it!" the Deino cried. "If Pleo's really this big, scary demon, shouldn't we not be doing things that would make him upset?"

Crom grimaced, expecting to hear poor Daraen get an earful from Nina and the others, only to notice that she and the others were looking over at Pleo tensely. The other guards' mood had turned as well, as they began to grow uneasy, while a few like a Murkrow were visibly shrinking away.

"U-Um? Elders?" the Murkrow gulped. "Just who is going to be watching them tonight anyways?"

The other guards traded looks with one another as a few nervous laughs floated in the air, along with one of the guard's voices protesting that "Can't make it, the mate and the kids all came down with stomachaches this morning" in a bit too eager of a tone. Even here in a secluded village dug into a bunch of rock tunnels, some things really didn't change about Pokémon.

Margi briefly traded looks between her peers and Team Traveller, and noticed her child nosing up at her pleadingly. She hesitated for a moment, before sighing and clearing her throat as she turned back to the Elders and bowed her central head.

"Er… if I may, Elders," the Hydreigon began. "But even if it does sound a little strange, you do have it as practice to arrange alternative lodging for prisoners in the event that the holding cells are all occupied or otherwise unusable. And house arrest is one of those alternatives…"

A moment of blinking silence passed among the five, before the Spidops among them folded his arms and let out a growling harrumph.

"I'm sorry, why should we think that this is a good idea again?"

Margi uneasily exhaled before she glanced back at Team Traveller, and after a lingering pause, turned back to the Spidops and the other Elders.

"I have been at the demon's side for most of the day precisely because the others thought I was best able to handle him," she said. "If he were in my quarters, it would make it easier for me to watch over him, and it would also be less likely to antagonize him than trying to pen him up in a holding cell…"

Nina said nothing for a moment as her Spidops and Chatot companions in the background traded glances with each other and whispers of "Could that actually work?". Elder Siana's mood took a sharp turn for the worse, as the Espeon stomped forward with her eyes narrowed and her ears pinned back, pointing her snout up at Margi.

"Pah! That's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard!" the Espeon spat. "There's no way we'd ever agree to that!"

---

"I can't believe you four! Why on earth would you agree to this?!"

About fifteen minutes later, Team Traveller stood unbound in one of the town's tunnels in front of a rock-hewn entrance with a cloth hung over it—Margi's house, they presumed. The guards around them were fidgeting uneasily as Siana shot a dirty glare up at her counterparts, especially Margi, who seemed to be on pins and needles during the entire trip over and through the whole process of them getting untied. The others reacted with a chorus of sighs, Nina not bothering to hide a roll of her eyes, before the Spidops of their number turned his attention over to Margi with a stern scowl.

"Margi, we are taking a significant leap of faith with your and your child's ability to tamp down that fiend's destructive tendencies," the Spidops reminded. "If he harms so much as a hair of anyone outside your house, there will be consequences for you."

Margi subconsciously gulped as the color drained from her face. Pleo noted the visibly anxious turn in the Hydreigon's demeanor, before turning his head back to the Spidops and narrowing his eyes into a sharp glare.

"I'm not going to do anything like that," Pleo huffed. "So you can stop being so mean to her."

The other guards traded looks with one another, as a few of them went up beside Margi to try and insist "it's not too late to change your mind". Crom opted not to press the matter and to try and think about something else. He poked his head in past the door and saw that Margi and Daraen's house looked downright barren: a low table in the center with a glowmoss lantern on it, some worn cushions around it, and what looked to be a beat-up chest in the corner… and precious little else.

He turned back out to his surroundings and tried to glimpse past the guards and the other houses down the lane. It was a bit difficult to get a good look from how they had ringed them and attempted to cut off the view from the outside world, but judging from how close the other entrances were to each other, space in Starbreak Square was a precious commodity.

Though that made him wonder…

"Actually, how do you and your mom already have a house, Daraen?" the Druddigon asked. "You've only been here for a couple weeks."

"It's… technically not ours. It got assigned to maman after she joined the guards here," Daraen explained, flusteredly turning his head away. "When we first came, we slept on a mat in a communal hall."

The young Dragon-Type visibly perked up, wagging his tail as he nosed ahead eagerly at the entrance to the stony dugout.

"But that's not to say it's bad!" he insisted. "Even if it's different from home, the other Pokémon here have been nice neighbors and nothing but friendly to us!"

Crom turned to steal further glances of his surroundings past the guards, and saw that the entire tunnel was vacant aside from the forms of Marked Pokémon poking their heads out from windows and entrances. Some stared worriedly and were tense, as if they'd been backed into a corner. Ander noticed that others were visibly trembling or in the case of some younger-looking Pokémon, cringing behind larger siblings or their parents to try and hide themselves. The Scyther quietly breathed in, before turning back to Daraen with a sighing shake of his head.

"Somehow I doubt they're going to treat us the same way," Ander remarked.

"A-Aah! What are you doing?!"

The sound of thumping footsteps hurrying in turned everyone's gaze to their right. There, lit up in the warm glow of startled fire, Bunsen approached with widened, frightened eyes. The Charizard pointed a claw shakily at Pleo and raised his voice in stammering protest.

"E-Elders?! Wh-What's the meaning of this?!" Bunsen cried. "Wh-Why would you bring the demon here?! My family and I live in this tunnel!"

Pleo and his companions blinked and looked about their surroundings. They hadn't noticed these tunnels looking familiar on their way over. Was it really that close to where Bunsen had darted back off for his family?

… They sure had a knack for running into this 'mon again even when they didn't want to. Pleo froze, half-expecting that the Elders would promptly shuffle them off for the Cells over the outburst, only to notice them staring back with sharp scowls. Nina in particular seemed particularly unimpressed, as she approached the Charizard with a piercing glare.

"He has been assigned to house arrest under the supervision of a guard particularly well-suited to reining him in," Nina answered. "That happens to be Margi here, and that's all there is to it."

Bunsen's jaw flopped open in startled shock, as the Charizard's tail-fire visibly flared up and he began to sputter in protest.

"B-But-"

Before Bunsen could get out another word, Nina stomped up and grabbed his scarf. The Charizard yelped as the Typhlosion yanked his head down to her eye level, and bared her fangs with a low snarl.

"Need I remind you, Charizard, that it was because of your cowardice that the demon found this haven in the first place?" Nina snapped. "Unless you're going to volunteer to help Margi keep watch over him tonight, kindly sit down and shut up."

Pleo and his companions watched as the color drained from Bunsen's face and he began to squirm, getting out little more than weak, defeated-sounding protests. Pleo sighed, when he felt a scaly, firm presence prod at his back. A glance up revealed Margi shaking her head with a low murmur under her breath, as she motioned off with her free arm-head for her home's open doorway.

"Come on, we should head in. It's getting late."

---

"A-Agh!"

Elty whined as he laid curled on the floor of his cell, spasming as the others inside looked on. From her place beside him, Nida quietly sucked in a breath and traded glances between him and the hallway outside their cell.

Just as they'd hoped, running footsteps came down the hall of the cellblock, the sign of pirates coming to check up on them. And soon enough, there was a green Vivillion, a Medicham, and a Toedscruel in pirate colors sizing them up through their cell door. The others in the cell traded worried looks as Nida looked up from Elty's body and flared her ears back with a piercing glare.

"Why are you just standing there?!" the Nidorina cried. "Our friend's seriously ill right now! He needs to see a medic!"

The pirates hesitated and traded glances with one another. The Vivillion from their lot fluttered his wings uneasily and shot a wary frown at his counterparts.

"Will the captains even let us take them out?" the Vivillion asked. "And is it really the end of the world if one prisoner keels over?"

Elty suddenly began to audibly gag and retch, as even the nearby Pokémon in the cell inched away just in case the Growlithe lost his battle with his stomach. The pirates flinched from the sight, as the Medicham recoiled in visible disgust.

"Yeah, no. I don't want to lose my lunch every time we have to come here," the Medicham said. "Carla, go get the medical supplies before he throws up."

The Toedscruel of the group headed off as Elty gulped and panted while Nida and her cellmates stayed next to him. The Nidorina tensed up and quietly flicked her ears as she stole a glance at the departing Toedscruel. So far, so good… the pirates had been buying their ruse like they'd hoped, even if for a moment she was worried that Elty really was about to throw up in earnest.

A moment later, the sound of the cell block's door opening rang out, as the Vivililion and Medicham's eyes drifted off down the hallway outside as the Toedscruel returned. All the while, Nida and Elty braced themselves as the Toedscruel approached, now holding a bag between her tendrils. A brief glimpse revealed the others in the cell were quietly moving towards the front, a few bracing their feet and limbs for the moment the pirates opened their cell's door.

The Medicham went up and slid the key into the lock, but, before she could twist it, she and the pirates around the cell door suddenly tensed up and backed away. Elty blinked in confusion, as he raised his head from the ground and began to stammer in protest.

"H-Hey, what are you doing?! I thought you were going to help-!"

The words abruptly died in his mouth when he saw a sudden glob fly in towards him from the hallway.

"Yipe!"

Elty hastily sprang back as the glob burst against the ground and Nida hurriedly pulled him from the cell's bars. Startled cries rang out as the two looked back at the cell door, where they quickly discovered a puddle of purple sludge pooled at the entrance. Off on the other side of the bars, the pirates were now wide-eyed and keeping their attention trained further down the cell block as a sharp hiss hung in the air.

"Well now, looks like your friend is feeling better already."

That was as good a sign as any that things weren't going well. Elty pinned his ears back and grimaced, Nida noting that the Growlithe seemed to recognize the voice. The sound of something sliding against the stone flooring carried along as the pirates from earlier hurriedly shuffled aside. A Seviper in the Strongjaw Gang's colors slithered in and stopped at the door, flicking her tongue in the air with an unamused harrumph. The serpent coiled around and reared up as she looked over the various Pokémon in the cell. Her gaze fell on Nida, as she narrowed her eyes and flashed her fangs menacingly.

"Did you really think that we'd fall for a ruse like that?" she spat. "Honestly, I'd have expected better from you, Marley."

Nida blinked as the Seviper glared down at her. The Nidorina hesitated briefly, before tilting her head with a puzzled frown.

"… Actually, it's 'Nida'. Marley's my mami."

The Seviper flicked her tongue and visibly paused as questions began to swirl in Nida's mind. How on earth did this pirate even know about mami? Had mami fought her off during a past raid?

Nida snapped back to attention after hearing the Seviper slithering back, and looked up to see the pirate turning away with a scornful huff.

"Hrmph, and here I was ready to give you an earful for winding up behind bars like this, but that would certainly explain a lot," she scoffed.

Nida looked back in her cell, and noticed that all of her cellmates from Tromba seemed to be on-edge from the Seviper, while everyone else was mystified. Even Elty, who had recognized the Seviper's voice, traded glances between her and Nida with his mouth hanging open in astonishment.

"I'm sorry, how do you two know each other again?" the Growlithe asked. "That's the first mate of the Strongjaw Gang right there!"

From towards the back of the cell, Pladur let out a startled cry. Now that Elty was looking at him, he saw that the Fraxure's eyes were shrunken to pins as he pointed a claw at the Seviper pirate.

"Sh-She's-!"

"Akane. Tromba's former Captain of the Guards," the Seviper sneered. "Good to see you still remember me, lizard."

Nida stared ahead with a dumbfounded expression as an unamused scoff rang out from the other end of the hall. There in his cell, Duke Franz turned up his beak with a disapproving scowl.

"Hrmph, I knew that the Company had low standards, but this is still quite the admission on your part, Vipitis," the Empoleon said. "I can only imagine how happy the Pokémon who used to put up with you were when you left to go and ply the seas as unwashed scum."

Akane whirled around briefly, hissing and brandishing her tail with a threatening wave.

"Shut up before I cut your throat, spear-head."

In her cell, Nida's mouth hung open as she tried to process the Seviper's words. Th-That wasn't right! After all, mami had told her stories of how she'd fought Darzin off with the town, and every time in those stories, she'd said…

"But you can't be the old Captain of the Guards! Mami had that job when Darzin ruled our island!" Nida said.

Akane turned back, her tail settling beyond a barely noticeable sway as she peered down with a dismissive scoff.

"Oh is that what she's saying about it these days?" the Seviper asked. "High talk from someone who lost her position for not doing her job and then stirred up a revolt over it!"

Nida raised her barbs in response. The entire revolt against Darzin, because mami didn't get her way? That didn't sound anything like her mother! Even if her temper made her a bit scary at times, she was la Cazadragones! Everyone else in Bluewhorl Town spoke of her as a hero!

Nida shot up and latched onto the bars, raising her voice in sharp protest.

"But that's not true! Mami always looked out for the town as the Captain of the Guards!" Nida insisted. "She drove Darzin off along with everyone else because he kept trying to force her to look the other way while his underlings bullied everyone around!"

"Tch, more like because she wasn't any good at her job and was mad about being sacked," Akane spat. "And do you really believe that drivel about her being some hero? Tarquin and I had her on the ropes before the rest of those stupid peasants got involved!"

Nida pinned her ears back as she stared up at Akane. This couldn't possibly be the full story… could it? The Seviper noticed her visibly wavering and cocked a smug smirk, leveling her eyes down with a contemptuous sneer.

"Though even so, I was expecting more than this from a child of hers," the serpent remarked. "Guess talent just doesn't run in the family."

Akane's smile then slid off her face, as she sized up the rest of the cell's occupants with a harsh glare.

"Though enough chit-chat. All of you blue-scarves in the cell, get up. You're being moved to solitary."

Nida tensed up at the mention of 'solitary' and saw Pladur and Elty's eyes visibly widen, with Pyry and Pekka looking similarly alarmed. She didn't think that Tromba had any solitary cells anymore, but she knew enough from the stories of when it did that it was a place that they really, really did not want to be in.

Though weirdly enough, the guards who had been crammed in the cell with them looked genuinely confused, with a Lairon among them raising her brow.

"Wait, we have solitary confinement cells here?" the Lairon asked.

"You do now," Akane retorted. "We didn't have to change up all that much to get it set up either."

Elty sucked in a sharp breath and braced himself. Why were the pirates suddenly worrying about them being mixed with the other Pokémon they captured? They hadn't cared to separate them the entire time since capturing the garrison…

Something had changed, and he wasn't sure if he was going to like finding out just what it was.

"And why are you doing this again?"

"To make sure your bird friend comes quietly," Akane answered. "Especially if he wants you to leave this town alive."

Elty felt the blood flush out of his face at the Seviper's answer and stood blankly, before he felt scales brush past him and saw Pyry and Pekka forcing their way before him and planting their feet for battle.

"As if we're just letting you drag our friends off!" the Gabite growled.

"Yeah! It's all of us against you four!" the Vibrava piped up. "Maybe you're stronger than us individually, but we've got numbers on our side!"

Nida and her companions joined in and braced for battle, and even the guards with them in the cell did much the same. The Toedscruel and Vivillon seemed visibly taken aback, and even the Medicham hesitated, yet Akane remained unfazed. Nida wasn't sure if that was a good sign, but the others didn't seem to pick up on it, least of all the Hakamo-o guard with them. The Dragon-Type went straight up to the bars with an audible jangle of his scales, baring his fangs and flashing his claws with a threatening snarl.

"Hah! Go ahead and open that door!" the Hakamo-o spat. "See what happens to you!"

"Carla, orb 'em."

Akane twisted the key with the tip of her tail and pulled the door open slightly as the Toedscruel lobbed a peach orb through the gap against the rear wall. At once the cell filled with mist as yelps and cries rang out. Shadows moved about frantically as the sound of coughing filled the air, followed by bodies slumping against the ground. The Hakamo-o was undeterred and growled and braced himself before he looked back and his jaw flopped open.

Everybody else in the cell had fallen victim to the Slumber Orb, and were sprawled out asleep on the floor.

"H-Hey! How is that fair?!" he stammered.

Akane opened the door the rest of the way and moved forward with a threatening hiss. The color drained from Lutz's face as he backpedaled, poison beginning to build up on Akane's tail as she readied to strike. The Hakamo-o hurriedly retreated into the far corner, shielding his head as the snake loomed over him, before she turned aside with a disgusted scoff.

"Hrmph, I thought so."

The Seviper turned her attention to Nida and dragged her along as the other pirates came in, carrying off Elty and Pladur. They left the cell and slammed the door shut behind them as cries of protest rang out from the other cells. Among them was a loud rattle as Duchess Augusta stormed up to the bars of her cell and shook them.

"Vipitis, set them down right now!" the Quaquaval demanded. "If so much as a plume is harmed on them-!"

Akane swiped her tail over the bars just above Augusta's hands, making her stumble back out of reflex with a yelping start. The Seviper hardened her gaze into a sharp glare, before turning her attention down the length of the cell block.

"All of you, sit down and shut up," she hissed. "If everything goes well, we'll be gone in a day or two and this won't be your problem. Get in our way, and we'll make you regret it."

Akane continued on for the door, briefly noting that some of the Pokémon were staring on with worried gazes while a few of others shot unimpressed frowns at Team Traveller's cell, including one of the other guards giving a grumbling 'Seriously, Lutz?' that she could just make out.

She paid them no mind. She'd gotten what she'd come here for, and cast a glance over at the slumbering Nidorina of the group as a knowing smile came over her face.

"Though really, I wouldn't mind them trying to fight back," she said. "It'd be a chance to settle some old scores."

---

After their house arrest began, Pleo and his teammates quickly discovered that there wasn't much to do during it. They could still walk around freely inside Margi's home, and they were able to have a normal (if modest) dinner at the table in the entrance room, but there weren't many things they could do to amuse themselves with.

One of the few exceptions was a tatty deck of picture cards that Daraen had, which they took out to amuse themselves at the table after dinner as Ander and Trizano helped Margi spread out additional bedding in her and Daraen's rooms for their arrival. Pleo and Crom were surprised at how well Daraen was able to play his game even with his shaky eyesight. Somehow, in spite of being practically blind, after being told what card had been drawn, he seemed to always reflexively know the strength and abilities of the Pokémon on the card in question and how much 'energy' needed to be used for them…

"Ah! I won! I won!"

Given how well he seemed to know how the game worked, it probably should've been less surprising that each match would also end with him winning by a large margin, including the one they just finished. Daraen bounced on his toes and wagged his tail, beaming triumphantly when he noticed a lack of sound from the other end of the table aside from Pleo and Crom boredly poking at their cards.

Even without being able to see their facial expressions, from their quiet and their lack of movement, the Deino gathered that the pair didn't seem to be enjoying themselves. He trailed off, before tilting his head with an uneasy murmur.

"… Are you not having fun?"

Crom and Pleo stiffened up, as a flustered reaction came over the Druddigon's face. He hurriedly cleared his throat, before forcing an awkward smile over his face in reply.

"Well, we're having more fun than sitting in a cell, but… is this all you do for fun?" Crom wondered. "Like don't you also have some other card game to play, or dice, or a board game, or something like that?"

"No, not really. Maman and I had to leave home in a hurry, remember?" the Deino replied. "Besides, I can't see well enough to be able to play most of those games and they don't work as well as this one if I'm told what happened."

Crom supposed that would explain a lot. Even as a Hydreigon, there would've only been so much that Margi could've carried with her before leaving Boisocéan, and toys and games surely wouldn't have given priority over food or other necessities.

… Or friends for that matter. Daraen mentioned back on Boisocéan that he normally played with other Marked in that 'Bastille' place that he lived in. For all any of them knew, he and Pleo had been Daraen's first real playmates in almost a month. A similar pang of worry came over Pleo's face, as he turned over the Deino.

"Don't you get lonely just sitting around like this, though?" Pleo asked. "Since card games usually need at least two players for them."

"Oh, I don't usually do this for fun," Daraen explained, shaking his head in reply. "Normally I play outside with the other kids in the neighborhood."

… Of course. Pleo let out a quiet sigh. While it was relieving to hear that Daraen wasn't as lonely as he'd feared, that didn't do much to stave off the general boredom and restlessness he felt here in this cramped home.

"I guess that'd make sense…" the Lugia sighed. "Not that it really helps us right no-"

Pleo caught himself after hearing a rustling sound coming from the doorway. The Lugia blinked uneasily, and got up from his seat along with his teammates.

"Huh? Who's there-?"

Pleo turned his head just in time to notice the cloth over the doorway had been pulled aside, and there at the bottom was a small gathering of younger Pokémon with Marks on their forehead with a trio of Charmander at the front. There was a moment's pause as the children's eyes widened and the smallest of the Charmander let out a startled squeak.

"A-Aah!"

The youngsters hurriedly scattered in all directions, two of the Charmander dragging their smaller counterpart along, only for him to lose his grip and trip forward onto the ground.

"Ow!"

The smaller Charmander rubbed at his knee and whined in pain. His brother and sister turned around and went back for him, only to freeze and go wide-eyed.

"Are you okay?"

The younger Charmander looked up, where there above him was the long-necked demon looking down at him. The Charmander curled up on himself and screwed his eyes shut with a low whimper, bracing for the end as his siblings rushed over.

Except, nothing happened. There was a pause between the three as Pleo stooped down and held out a wing to the fallen Charmander. His siblings glanced over as Crom and Daraen caught up and slowed as they approached. Their brother cracked his eyes open and saw the Lugia waiting and cracking a small, guarded smile.

"That fall looked like it hurt," Pleo said. "Here, let me help you up."

The Charmander warily grasped onto Pleo's wingtip and stumbled up. As soon as he got back onto his feet, he bolted behind the other Charmander, a passing "are you okay?" from his older brother confirming Crom and Pleo's suspicions that the three were related. The female Charmander warily stepped in front of her siblings, turning her head up with a skeptical frown.

"… Why are you being nice to us?" she asked. "You're a demon, aren't you?"

Pleo quietly winced at the Charmander's reply, before shaking his head with a low sigh.

"But I'm not a demon," the Lugia replied. "And besides, even if I really am one, it doesn't mean that I have to be a mean Pokémon."

The female Charmander blinked in reply as her younger siblings traded glances and the smaller Charmander whispered a "Is that even possible?" to his older brother. Some of the other Marked youngsters they saw earlier started to peek back from various hiding places up the street. Crom hesitated briefly, before giving a small frown at the gawkers.

"He doesn't bite, you know," Crom chided. "If he wanted to hurt you, would he really have gone out of his way to help one of you up first?"

"Yeah, he's a lot nicer than he seems!" Daraen insisted.

The other youngsters slowly began to creep back over, a Marked Smoochum giving a wary tilt of her head as she spoke up from a safe distance.

"Wait, but aren't you supposed to be in Daraen's house?" the Smoochum asked. "Mom said that you're supposed to be in trouble if you or those other Pokémon with you leave it."

Pleo turned back and looked at the open doorway to Margi's home. Right, he supposed that they had been warned to stay inside as part of this 'house arrest' thingy. Even if the elders didn't say that all of his body had to stay inside.

The Lugia waddled back over to the doorway and turned around just at the threshold. He sat down against the ground, poking his head out into the street with a cheeky grin.

"Well I'm in it now, aren't I?"

Crom ducked back into Daraen's house himself, just in case any of the guards came around the corner unannounced. Daraen stayed outside in front of the door as a few chuckles went about the Marked children and the Smoochum mused aloud that their solution had been "kinda clever".

The sound of footsteps came as Ander and Trizano hurried over from inside, only to pause as they saw the gathered Pokémon. The youngsters' earlier unease began to wear off as they began to approach curiously, some more slowly than others. As the other Marked settled in around the entrance, Daraen gave a puzzled tilt back at them.

"Why are you all just hanging around my house anyways?" Daraen murmured.

"We were worried about you!" a Pidgey cried, flapping his wings.

"Yeah, everyone was saying that the demon who came to town was being kept in your house!" a Toxel exclaimed.

Crom looked over at Daraen as he pawed uneasily at the ground. He supposed that Elty wasn't fully wrong about Marked being clannish types. They really did look out for each other. A quiet patter against the ground turned his attention over to the oldest of the Charmander, as he kicked at a pebble with a sheepish expression.

"And… well… we were all kinda getting a bit bored just waiting around at home," he admitted. "Dinner wasn't going to be ready for another half an hour, and we had to do something."

"Yeah, dad's escalivada takes time to make!" the youngest Charmander chimed in.

A metallic rustle filled the air as Trizano stepped forward and quirked a brow.

"'Escalivada'?"

"It's vegetables and berries that are roasted and served with salt and oil," the female Charmander explained. "We were going to eat it with bread tonight."

The four blinked in reply. Neither Pleo nor Crom remembered anyone on Tromba mentioning a dish by that name, but something about the name sounded like it would've come from there. And from the blank expressions Trizano and Ander were giving, they didn't seem to recognize the name either.

"Is that a common dish here?" Trizano asked. "I can't say I've heard the name before."

The three Charmander traded glances with each other, before the older brother of the lot pawed at his shoulder and spoke up.

"I mean, I know that there's at least some other Pokémon here that know how to make it," he murmured. "But dad says his mother taught him how to make it. He says it was common on the island that she came from."

Trizano gave a puzzled blink at the Charmander's answer. Bunsen's mother taught him that recipe? But since when did Pokémon from Vollezee make 'escalivada'? Why there wasn't an island in all of Anyilla that came to mind from the name of that dish…

Unless…

"A-AAH! GET AWAY FROM THEM!"

Team Traveller snapped to attention at the sound of a panicked shout when an orange blur swooped in and abruptly snatched the youngest Charmander off the ground. Pleo and the others recoiled as the Marked youngsters quickly fell back and Daraen let out a startled yelp. As the dust settled, Pleo and his companions looked up to see Bunsen cradling his youngest child with his eyes shrunk to pins and spreading his wings wide in an attempt to look threatening… which didn't particularly work well from how he was visibly trembling. His other children stared for a moment, before hurriedly going up and tugging at their father's scales with stammering protests.

"D-Dad! It's alright!" the oldest Charmander exclaimed.

"Y-Yeah! Nobody's hurt right now!" his sister insisted.

Bunsen froze briefly, craning his head down with his youngest child still clutched in his claws and staring wide-eyed at him. The Marked Charizard looked between his children and the other youngsters, and then at Pleo and his companions at the door, his words coming out with a disbelieving splutter.

"B-But you- A-And my kids- And-"

"Were just talking," Pleo said. "Why would I want to do anything bad to them?"

Bunsen paused as his breathing slowed and began to even out. Pleo briefly scowled over at the former Commissioner, only to see a flash of anxiety come over his children. … Right, they still thought he seemed scary. He'd forgotten about that.

The young Lugia felt Ander tug at him and try to shepherd him off further inside Margi's house.

"Come on, Pleo," Ander sighed. "Looks like the fun's over for-"

"Wait, I need to say something first."

Pleo waddled out past the doorway. He watched as Bunsen visibly shrank back and pulled his wings around him and his child, as the other two and the rest of the Marked stared worriedly at him.

"Look, I'm not happy about what you did to my island, but I'm not going to hurt you over it. Or your kids," Pleo insisted. "We're not fighting right now, so why should we have to be enemies?"

Bunsen stared back wordlessly as his oldest child turned to him and whispered an awed "Wait, you fought a demon?" to his father. The Charizard's gaze drifted towards the ground before he set youngest Charmander down and looked at his children with a firm frown.

"Come on," Bunsen insisted. "We're going."

"Huh?" his daughter asked. "But dad-"

"No buts! We're going home now," the Charizard harrumphed. "This isn't a place you need to be anyways."

The three Charmander paused, before lowering their heads with grudging affirmations and heading off. Their father followed closely behind them, only to stop briefly, and crane his head back at the other youngsters in front of Daraen's house with a piercing scowl.

"And the rest of you shouldn't be just standing around there either!" Bunsen snapped. "That demon and those other Pokémon are under house arrest right now! Go home before your parents catch you causing trouble like this!"

The other Marked kids stiffened up as Crom heard a couple audible gulps from them before they quickly scattered. Crom watched as the passage outside cleared of other Pokémon, and leaned against the doorpost with a low sigh.

"… Do we really have a chance at convincing the elders?" Crom murmured. "If we couldn't even convince the Pokémon that live here…"

Daraen shuffled his feet in reply, opening his mouth briefly to try and say something, only to trail off and think better of it. Pleo drooped and turned to see Bunsen and his children drifting off, their tail fires lighting them up as they made their way down the tunnel.

Just then, he briefly spotted the youngest Charmander looking back at him. He was too far off to make out his expression, but the young Lugia was able to spot him waving back. Pleo blinked and turned back to his teammates with a small smile, content that he'd gotten the answer he'd been looking for.

"Yes, we do, Crom. I know we do."

---

The morning sun poked through the trees near the southern entrance of Gestirn Island's Mystery Dungeon. The forests and crags were still there, as were the scars left behind by Guardia and Dimitri's battle from the day before. And yet, for all that had remained the same around the area, the atmosphere could not have been more different thanks to the veritable horde of pirates in both red and golden scarves who had massed there.

Hess and Dirk sized up the entrance as they neared, and somehow, even though Hess had rallied most of his expanded crew for the mission, Dirk's mere half of his Crimson Corsairs visibly outnumbered them. It was hard to escape the conclusion that this wasn't truly a joint mission, especially with the way that Dirk sauntered out to the front of his underlings before motioning back at the Mystery Dungeon's entrance.

"This is it," the Bisharp said. "Starfall Slopes. The place where that town full of Marked holding our payday is."

Dirk looked out at the gathered pirates with a steely scowl to silence some lingering chatter. He waited for it to grow suitably quiet, and then continued speaking.

"This should be old hat for everyone, but I'll repeat it again for those of you who were too hungover for the briefing in town," the pirate captain barked. "Everyone will be heading in through their assigned routes in teams of four to try and find the entrances into Starbreak Square's. When you do find one of them, let everyone know through your badges and we'll start staging where we can to make our way in."

The Bisharp paused and folded his arms, letting a devious smirk come over his face before he continued on in a nonchalant tone.

"And if you see anything you like along the way… well, what sort of captain would I be if I didn't encourage you to help yourselves?"

Raucous cheers and sneers about how their victims "won't know what hit 'em!" floated around the gathered pirates as they began to work themselves up over the prospect of loot and plunder. Dirk waited briefly for the crowd to simmer down, when he turned and pointed off at the fog swirling about in the entrance.

"Alright, get your assignments and start moving out," he ordered. "I want that bird back in town before the evening!"

The crowd obliged, Dirk's red-scarved underlings swiftly sorting themselves out while after a little prodding, the others in the Iron Fleet's gold-and-silvers followed suit. Dirk stepped aside from the approach to the Mystery Dungeon's entrance as the first party of Crimson Corsairs already started making their way. The Bisharp made his way towards Hess and Rodion as the Aggron looked between the massed pirates and the Mystery Dungeon, before turning to Dirk with a worried grimace.

"Dirk, are you sure this will work?" Hess asked.

"Tch, that bird and his buddies don't have many other places to run," the Bisharp captain replied. "The Torrent Tsars are handling the main exit and perimeter duty, and the Strongjaw Gang and the smaller crews are holding the fort down in town. As long as we take care of all the ways in and out from that Marked hamlet, we'll be able to keep that Protector penned up until we can capture him."

Rodion folded his arms and cocked a brow in reply. He wasn't one to doubt Dirk's competence—his position and reputation spoke for themselves. Even so, something about how smoothly the Bisharp had gathered all this information in just a day felt strange…

"Can we even trust that information you found out about this place, Captain Dirk?" Rodion asked. "How did you even get it this fast, anyways?"

The Bisharp scoffed and turned aside, idly brushing one of his arm's blades as he spoke without facing the Floatzel.

"I stopped by the local guild and pulled a few of their members aside," Dirk replied. "It turns out Hunters will give you some really detailed information if they're motivated enough."

A quiet pause followed as Hess and Rodion traded uneasy looks with each other. Dirk certainly had a reputation that preceded him as a pirate captain, one that made even many square-necks and Imps quake at his sight. Perhaps they were overthinking it, but hearing Dirk talk about those Hunters being 'motivated' couldn't help but worry them a bit.

"Did you bribe 'em?" Hess asked. "Or…?"

"What sort of amateur do you take me for?" Dirk retorted. "I told them I needed to know all the ways in and out of this dungeon and that if they steered me wrong or I found out later they were holding things back from me, I'd kill their families."

A tense silence followed as Hess and Rodion both grew visibly uncomfortable. Hess fidgeted with his claws, before giving a nervous laugh in reply.

"You were just saying that to scare 'em into playing along, right?"

Dirk folded his arms and narrowed his eyes in response.

"Hess, when do I say anything that I'm not willing to do?" the Bisharp scoffed.

Hess quietly set his teeth on edge with a worried grimace. His crew were thieves by trade, and he was always uneasy about getting his claws dirty like that. Pokémon captured from crews that didn't shy away from murder had to be tough enough to fend off being actively hunted, and they were more likely to see the business end of an Apricorn or Teleport Gem. Rodion had always felt the same way, and the Floatzel had a knack for putting those reservations into words better than he could. And with the way he was stepping ahead of him, it was probably for the best for him to handle making the objection…

"Captain Dirk, you didn't have to go that far to find out-"

"Sounds more like you're too soft to get what you want, Floatzel," Dirk sneered back. "Maybe it'd explain a thing or two about why your crew of gilded incompetents are a bunch of perpetual bottom feeders."

Rodion's eyes narrowed into a sharp glare, as liquid began to gather around his paws and coalesce into blades of pressurized water. Hess hurriedly stepped in between the two, looking over to Dirk with a nervous stammer as he nudged Rodion behind him.

"W-We're getting off topic here!" the Aggron insisted, waving his claws. "Look, you mentioned that there were some assignments that hadn't been filled yet. Maybe it's something Rodion and some of our deckclaws can handle?"

Dirk raised a brow and let his eyes drift over to the still-glaring Floatzel. He locked eyes, before turning aside with an idle wave of his hand.

"Hrmph, there's a shortcut that doesn't have a team assigned to it yet. It's supposed to overlap with the range of floors where Starbreak Square links up with the Mystery Dungeon," the Bisharp explained. "If that first mate of yours really has nothing better to do, he can lead a team to check it out."

Hess and Rodion blinked. For a moment, Rodion's hostility faded, as a puzzled reaction settled over his face and he gave a skeptical tilt of his head back at Dirk.

"… Wait, why are you not handling that yourself?" the Floatzel questioned. "You want to get that bird every bit as much as we do, so wouldn't being able to get to him faster be right up your alley?"

"Because it's a coinflip that you'll actually make it there and not overshoot it by half a dozen floors," Dirk replied. "If you don't, you'll wind up wasting time having to find a link going back up to make the trek to Starbreak Square the hard way."

Rodion's face fell into a sour frown. He couldn't shake the feeling that this assignment was in part meant to just not have to deal with him. Hess seemed to have gotten the same impression and paused briefly, before looking over at Rodion and giving a reassuring pat at his shoulder.

"Rodion, if you don't want to-"

"I'll do it."

The Floatzel sighed and took a few steps forward before looking back over his shoulder with a wary frown.

"Just watch your back in there, alright?"

Rodion turned his head and continued on, calling out and raising a paw to draw attention as a Quilava and some other members of the Iron Fleet approached him. Hess looked on as the Floatzel began to sort his team into different squads, when he suddenly felt a sharp jab at his side and jumped up with a yelp.

"Ah!"

Hess pawed at the tender spot, when his eyes met Dirk's. The Bisharp scowled impatiently up at the Aggron, before turning and motioning with his head off at the Mystery Dungeon's entrance.

"Come on, Hess. Let's get going."

Hess hesitated briefly, only to shake his head and press along. The pair each carried along with a set of underlings, Hess joining up with Kichiro and a few others before heading off into the foggy approach. Their numbers thinned rapidly afterwards, with red and gold-scarved pirates filing into the Mystery Dungeon while Rodion and a small mob of other pirates made their way off into the brush. Little by little, the clearing emptied out, until all that was left was the sound of the wind and a faint rustling.

"Verdammt, we certainly didn't need to deal with this bright and early in the day."

Robbie's voice broke the silence as he emerged from the treeline, followed by several of his fellow guards with Guardia and Dimitri joining at the fore. The Cubone and Kabutops grimaced quietly for a moment, as Guardia nervously adjusted her helmet and looked at the Mystery Dungeon with a low murmur.

"I really hope that Pleo has already left by now," she said. "Since those were a lot of sea-walkers that just went into that Mystery Dungeon."

Dimitri looked off at the entrance, before quietly scraping his scythes together.

"I… don't want to take that bet, Guardia."

Guardia bit her tongue and hesitated. The pirates must've really been convinced that Pleo and the others were still in there for them to come in such numbers, and Robbie still hadn't heard anything back through their badges. Wouldn't they have said something if they left Starbreak Square? The Cubone anxiously dragged the tip of her club against the ground, before looking up at her taller peers with an uneasy gaze.

"So what do we do, then?" she asked.

"Yeah, you're not seriously expecting us to fight our way through that many pirates, are you, Sheriff?" a Heliolisk demanded.

A moment of hesitation came over the group as the other guards traded worried murmurs with one another. Dimitri turned his head off towards the tracks that Rodion and his pirates left behind. He let his eyes linger over the disturbed brush as he thought back to the orders the Floatzel's group had left with…

"That Floatzel… let's follow after him. His party wouldn't outnumber us that badly if things come down to a fight, and if we shadow him, we'll be able to find that shortcut the Bisharp was talking about," the Kabutops insisted. "It might be our only chance to get a warning in to Pleo and the others before the rest of the pirates catch up."

There was a moment of silence, before Robbie sighed and shook his head.

"I'm still not sure how I feel about our odds if we have to fight that many pirates in the middle of a Mystery Dungeon, or if we wound up overshooting Starbreak Square ourselves and need to find a way back," the Krookodile sighed. "But I'll admit that we don't exactly have many better options right now."

It would have to do. Guardia turned and already began trudging off for Rodion's tracks, slinging her club over her shoulder at the ready.

"Then let's make the most of things. Come on, let's go."

---

Author's Notes:

- Rüpel - German: "lout(s)"
- Waruvial (ワルビアル) - Japanese: "Krookodile" (Official Romanization)
- Tragosso - German: "Cubone"
- Vipitis - German: "Seviper"
- Verdammt - German: "Damn", "Damn it" (interjection)

 

[Venia Silente]

Review for Ch. 76 (Jul 2025)

This is a review trade for Ch.76 “Pick a Card” which, oh dear, I wonder if it marks the soon and sudden return of the card game with the Shadow Realm!

Pick a Card

Five of Clovers. No cookie if you get the reference.

Last time we met some of our heroes they were splitting up after being discovered because, honestly? Pleo is too visible.

Also, Cardino. Once again making things harder for no good reason.

Beatrix: “Keep making that haze and keep those Protects up!”

Uuuuuh listen I know you captain a ship and all that, but in enclosed waters and under pursuit having both a haze and a Protect array can be dangerously counterintuitive - the pursuer can see what vectorial direction the haze is spawning up from as you move.

But hey if you are faster and impeding pursuer movement is not an option, I’ll take what we have I guess. Beats a Golduck passed out on the curb.

Still, the Siglo is not on the clear yet and they have to take the option of receding from the coast which, while on one hand makes sense, makes a further approach that much harder without help.

[Ship mast goes BOOM]
Vicente: “They’re catching up we gotta go!”
Beatrix: “Welp, that’s it, goodbye Haipheh.”
Nida: “What? No!”
Beatrix: “What’s now?”
Nida: “We can’t just leave Pleo and the others stranded!”
Beatrix: “Don’t worry, are not stranded. Pleo can fly.”
Nida: “…”
Nida: “Okay but listen.”
[Ship sails go BOOM]
Beatrix: “What? I can’t hear you over GET BACK TO WORK THEY’RE GAINING ON US!!!”

Like no seriously, our local Lugia hero can just zip off close to water, Cuban style. Would need the cover of night and he’d have no idea where to go, but! Sky is 3D and it’s much easier to avoid enemy fire with a range limit once there.

It’s just that our Pleo is still a baby.

Pleo: [proudly points to Staraptor statue]

One day, Pleo. One day.

“Please, just hold out a little longer for us…” she [Nida] pleaded.

Just enough for the chapter to last! :p

Speaking of Pleo, he and the others back on land do get the bad news, as things are going south for them both figuratively and literally (if I understood it right: they are moving from the chilly Whitepalm air to a tropical wind, so… where is this island, exactly???).

Pleo: “Moooooon, it’s been two paragraphs of walking already. Are we there yet?”
Elty: “This wasn’t funny the twenty-five other times you asked.”
Trizano: “We can’t go back to the city anyway. Place’s in search-for-fugitives mode. Come take a look.”

The look:

[image of vultures circling]

Pleo: “What do we do now? I’m open to options!”
Elty: “We could just go into the Mystery Dungeon.”
Dimitri: “…”
Kiran: “…”

I mean, yeah, because that always works! :p

Kiran: ['Nam flashbacks to Ketu]
Flashback!Ketu: “You rang? o3o”
Kiran: “…Anyone else?”
Trizano: “Listen listen, what if, we could just walk up aaaall the way around the world then come back into town from the other side when they aren’t looking.”
Elty: “…”
Pleo: “…”
Kiran: “…” [shuffles statistically]
Trizano: “…What? We did just discard his idea!” [points to Elty]
Elty: “Yeah but it sounds like a long walk and I won’t want to hear Pleo whine if are we there yet all that while.”

Not to mention, I’m not fully sure if the Fledglingsverse’s gotten THAT much fucked up that it overflows and the Wastes become magically nice for that kind of road trip, lol.

Pleo: “What if we just skimmed it over the waters? Cuban style.”
Trizano: “…What’s a Cuban?”
Kiran: “Pleo you are of age 0 it’s statistically impossible you’ve gotten that knowledge!”
Pleo: “But there’s a note on Cuban from Venia!”

Bad Pleo! Too meta!

Dimitri: “Tha’d require us to get to the coast cleanly in the first place.”
Kiran: “…While it’s being inspected for the Siglo, yeah…”
Dimitri: “At that point, Elty’s idea actually sounds better.”

Well yes they would only need to get into a Mystery Dungeon so they can stay ahead of the game for a while. So they’d need a map, or some help.

Random Rhydon: “You rang?” o3o

As it turns out, a random citizen not well-versed in the anti-piracy pursuits back at town, shows up and decides to freely offer mapping information and hosting!!!

Random Rhyhorn: “I mean, I’m willing to offer, so long as that weird deformed Wingull does not have something contagious or something…”

Well just because of that comment and the “you rang” I’m gonna call you Retu from now on.

Random Rhyhorn: “But I’m Neil.”

Well, Retu offers a hut and intel on the latest Mystery Dungeon in town… well, out of town. Out the hut comes a Greninja and they talk things over a bit because of surprise guests.

Chan-iu: “Welcome to our secret base.”
Pleo: “…But it’s not secret anymore.”
Neil: “Well it’s out little enterpreneur place.”
Pleo: “…It’s just a thing with a roof.”
Neil: “…Dude this is our home. It’s better than a hole in the ground!”
Pleo: [drags wing across the table] “Where’s the checkers board?”
Chan-iu: <_< “…What’s with the deformed Wingull?”
Kiran: “He’s used to more… royal accommodations, I guess.”
Cabot back at home: [waves hi]

Hey! Pleo totally deserves royal accommodations as a Protector! Even if maybe we’ll have to wait until,like, Ch. 150 to get it. Or Ch. 20 of Book Ⅱ, I don’t mind~

The five watched as Chan-iu headed into the back room, Pleo and his companions following along into an open, stony room with a few chests tucked in the corner […]

LOOT THE CHESTS!!! It might come useful!

Dimitri: “So, what was stage two?”
Elty: “We march into the Mystery Dungeon and wait there.”
Trizano: “…But we’d have to wait until the others are back!”
Kiran: “And if that’s your plan, the main issue is we don’t know when will that be.”
Pleo: “But we just have the badges! We just have to dial for help!”

Pleo dials for help and this is what he gets:

View: https://youtu.be/jE4cZpXXueM


Elty: “Well that settles it… wel’ll have to resort to snail mail!”
Dimitri: “Are you volunteering?”
Elty: “Over the ocean? No way!”
Dimitri: “Well how about I can under the ocean?”

Dimitri has a pretty good idea, so long as one member of the party can escape with information on exactly how to extract the rest of the team, things are doable. And where Pleo could not do it because he’s 1.- too visible and 2.- too baby, Dimitri has the advantage of enjoying a different 3D medium to mode through.

Pleo: “Awww, but I need more experience points!”
Dimitri: “No can do, unless we knew of a wide water course that you could hide under until we reach for the sea.”

Honestly if they knew of one that could have been a good idea. Everyone’s assuming Pleo would try to leave by air which is senseful but we know of the powers of an adult Lugia.

Pleo: [points to Staraptor statue]

sighg okay, not yet.

Elty: “I don’t think we can just ask Neil for one. We just said we’d be going the other way.”
Dimitri: “Well that’s it, my party needs me but now I must go.”

Dimitri: [https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/102/822/616.jpg]

Retu Neil: “…What? Leaving already? We’re almost done with the tea!”

The “tea” in question:

Link: the evil!tea Pokémon

The tea: “Slurp me!” ^_^
Neil: “Made from an afghan!” ^_^
Kiran: “Uuuuh…”
Elty: “Don’t worry it’s just the Kabutops who had to leave.”
Chan-iu: “*sniff* Okay but please guys feel free to be comfortable around here. How about a card game?”

So, the team sans Dimitri decides to stay for a card game.

Elty: [eyeing the Sinistcha] “Just to check, this card game does not happen to involve things like, uh, say, a trip to the Shadow Realm doesn’t it?”
Chan-iu: “…A what?” [blinks]
Elty: “…Okay I think we’re safe to play.”

Hey, from what I recall the official Pokémon TCG does or did involve the “Lost Zone”, which is just about as Shadow Realm as you can get, but yay for Elty avoiding the punishment! :p

“I never understood how those games with the picture cards are supposed to work,” the Lugia murmured.

But the team can stay only for a while though; they still have to move the plot to try and get extracted from the island safely! So the card games can only last so long and they really need to settle on the prices; a boat or a submarine would be QUITE NICE RIGHT NOW!!!

Elty: “We should bet something.”
Kiran: “Says the dog who’s losing…”
Chan-iu: “How about information on that weird Wingull of yours?”

Uuuuh yeah maybe no, Elty, that’s a bad idea.

Neil: “Gotta admit, that Wingull friend of yours is quite interesting. Doesn’t even look that much like one, to begin with.”
Pleo: “I’m plot relevant!” ^_^
Kiran: “He uuuuh had a bad case of toxoplasmosis at hatch.”

Like, yeah, how do you explain that one? Elty’s approach was almost good with the Exeggutor-like neck but, honestly, Pleo needs a better disguise. Even more now that eg.: Flamigo exists.

The tea: “Let’s dissect him and see what’s up with him!” ^_^
Kiran: “Uh Maaaaaaybe we should like, be leaving, as well.”
Neil: [shuffles about] “A-are you sure guys? This is my first screentime ever and I really don’t want for my contract to be cancelled.”
Elty: “Eh don’t worry we’ll get out of your craw real sool.”
Neil: “B-but I’ve heard rumors that bad things happen to one-time NPCs in this story…”
???: “Say no more!”
[suddenly something blasts the door of the hut and two igures appear]
??? #1: “To increase stakes in scenes!”
??? #2: “To ward off the transition wipes!”
[Orcutt and Molina show up]
“Orcutt!”
“Molina!”
Orcutt: “In the darkness, we shall meet it!”
Molina: “We are the Sailor Guardians of Whitepalm!”
Kiran: [takes notes]
Together: “A force to protect screentimes! You won’t rid of us THAT easily!”
Chan-iu: “My heroes! My door! My hut!”
Pleo: [claps interestedly]
Molina: “In the name of the moon, I want to speak to the casting manager!”
Chalco: “Marshtomp! That’s right!”

@Virgil134 , @Spiteful Murkrow , your turn. ^_^

In any event, the three contractors who we left back at Darzin the Letrine Manager last time, now show up here with a motivation boost to scout in search of some sort of “Protector”.

What’s that? No idea. Carry on. ^_^

But Neil and Chan-iu have absolutely a good basis for getting at least a bit irked about that Molina and co would just want to barge about.

And while Team Traveler is getting their bearings together and preparing to flee (carrying with themselves the screentime!), Neil and Chan-iu, as dutiful homeowner enterpreneurs, ask to see some papers.

“Look, don’t you at least have a warrant or something to show us?” the Rhyhorn insisted.

Orcutt: [hisses] “What do you think this is? A democracy?”

https://i.imgflip.com/a0k499.jpg

Team Traveler tries to take a back exit, and one Pleo slip up later (baby, not adult!) our team gets noticed.

Chalco: “It’s them!”
Orcutt: “Molina! Pin the Lugia down!”

https://i.imgflip.com/a0kiv5.jpg

Aaaaand roll initiative!

Combat here is quite hectic as has to be given the circumstances. Kiran and Trizano are quick to protecc baby, but they quickly differ on what to tackle afterwards, leaving Kiran with a difficult bank and Trizano with incoming fire. Fortunately it’s all part of the plan and Trizano gets Orcutt and Molina to blast at each other.

Pleo: “B-but don’t forget about me!”

Silly Pleo you’re the McGuffin for this one.

Result: Orcutt is out.

Orcutt: “I did not audition for this.” @_@

Following Trizano’s lead, Elty also attempts to have the Sailor Guardians (of the island) hit at each other.

Pleo nodded and flapped off for Molina,

Okay but listen, given our little deformed Wingull with battle powers, what this mentally looks like to me is… more like this.

View: https://youtu.be/B1BhXvBxOPs

The Marshtomp gave a dismissive scoff back, before crouching and gritting her teeth back with a low growl.
“Tch, this’ll be fast.”

No no no, Elty be fast.

He be also a good doggo who rolls out of the way and that cues Pleo in for some bits of Lugia power – or just the ISO Standard “blow you away” power that birdmons have – and the plan goes just as keikaku, resulting in Chalco knocking Molina out.

Molina: “-…want to speak to the manager…” @_@
Chalco: “N-no! The screentime!”

That’s not the only thing going bad for these guys as Chalco is now the only one left.

Trizano and Kiran: “Blows to be you, doesn’t it?”

Aaaand together with Pleo they finish Chalco with some good use of wind powers.

With this, Team Traveler sans Dimitri are mostly in the clear, leaving only the current situation with their hosts.

Neil: “…Well so then you are a Protector?”
Pleo: “I’m a fugitive!” ^_^

Pleo that is NOT something to be proud about!

But yeah they should be leaving.

Pleo: “I have to go! My island needs me!”
Chan-iu: “So… that means, our screentime is over?”
Neil: “I don’t want to dieeeee!” ;_;
Kiran: “Now now, do not worry! There is still a solution!”
Neil and Chan-iu: “Ohhhhh?” o3o
Trizano: “Keep those three busy for a while. Maybe prisoner them a bit. That should get you a few paragraphs worth of screentime!”
Chan-iu: “Okay, we’ll try. But I’m not going to jail for you, we’d certainly not get screentime once there!”
Elty: “Don’t bet on it, but also don’t risk on it, yeah, totally understandable.”

And with that, Kiran and co part to lands unknown~ the Mystery Dungeon. All part of the quest to protecc baby.

Speaking of baby… we have one also back at Bluewhorl!

Cassie: “Mom? Mooom? MOOOOOOM?”
Sandra: *sighs* “Yes darling?”
Cassie: “Can I be an adventurer like dad?”
Sandra: *sighs* “No darling it is very dangerous the Company is after him right now, it is very sad.”
Cassie: “Oh I wish there was a way to help!”
Bunsen: “You rang?” o3o

No no no Bunsen leave baby alone. Like, sure, he’s doing the senseful thing trading for apathy rather than for violence, which is how usually you get blockade occupations to not be resisted (unlike raids and invasions). Plus, he does make a good argument!

Bunsen: “Being a Marked is Suffering™!”
Ander: [nods in the distance]
Bunsen: “And I just want to merrily buy some things.”
Sandra: “We charge by weight, so get going with your stuff.”
Bunsen: “Fine then, good thing I have a thumb to put on the scale.”

Bunsen offers Sandra a “deal you can’t refuse” kind of deal, but smartly avoid making a direct threat on the child. At first.

Bunsen: “All I want is some information.”
Cassie: “Well I know you are mean and ugly! And you get made into meat in another continuity!”
Bunsen: [gulps, recalls the Poison stings to his neck in a previous review]
Bunsen: “F-fine. Have it your way. But I will reciprocate if you have something useful to offer.”

With that, Bunsen leaves, so at least the Scythers are safe for the time being. Partly thanks to Cassie having an Attitude.

Cassie: “I’m legally a minor so I can’t get killed onscreen in this rating!” ^_^

…I’m not sure if it’s good if she can know that? And I’m worried that I’m not exactly sure that’d be true, either? o_o

Oh well. Things are stable, for now. Birb is on the run (as usual), Elty has good ideas, Molina got some screentime, Dimitri won’t be found so long as he is offscreen, Darzin is getting a doctorate in Latin latrining…

Nagant: “It HAD to be you!” [smacks Cardino]
Cardino: “Aaaah I didn’t mean to. You guys did not inform us properly of this op!”
Nagant: “Because this is not your op! It’s MY op!”
Darzin:

https://i.imgflip.com/a0lcjr.jpg

Nagant: “Oh great now I also have to deal with you again!”
Cardino: “Who’s this loser?”
Niilo: “Oh he’s the new latrine expert.”
Darzin: “You darn–” [readies an Ice Beam]

So, Darzin is getting some disrespect… [checks notes] yup, everyhting normal. So long as he does not screw things more! It’s important that Cabot and co. can get on the good side of birb!

So, I guess that covers everyone? Everyone’s fine?

Hess: [bumps on a coral reef]

…Oh, yeah. These idiots. :p

Hess: “WHY can’t anything go right for us! If there was at least a way we can get some experience and relevance!”
[suddenly things go BOOM]
Rodion: “Captain we are getting boarded!”
Hess: “-what the-” o_o
Lyn: [boards up ship and corners Hess]: “You rang?” o3o
Ketu from elsewhere: ¬¬

Oh noes! Lyn has a plan and it involves… using Hess to get an audience! Which… means… in-universe screentime??? Really it’s a weird combination.

But what matters is everyone is happy.

Ketu: [busy filing trademark complaints.]

Everyone, I said.

All in all pretty entertaining chapter, even though it was mostly one long Team Traveller setpiece with some elsewhere intermissions.

(Cassie really knows how to earn her screentime)

The idea that, for the bumbling idiots the Iron Fleet are they might be precisely what Lyn needs to further his agenda (and, let’s recall, regain footing against Ketu) means the story can afford to go in a different direction with its realpolitiks for a while. Keeping the situation in Tromba stable while the cast is forced away into endeavours varius and showing it I’m guessing it’s going to be of relevance later to pad for content a bit as it becomes clear that…

So, yeah, Tromba is going to have a bit of a hard-time without the narrative heavy-hitters around for the while.

Bunsen: [scoffs in Company] “I think I can handle.”
Marley: [schwings a Poison Sting to Bunsen’s yugular] “Oh, I think I can handle.”
Bunsen: “G-gah! Where is my agent!”

Guys! Guys! Don’t kill each other before the Tromba screentime! I need Osmund on the reel!

…

Phew.

And finally, as was commented in the response to my previous review, Molina and co. were capable of clawing back some of that valuable screentime! At least it lasted them a little, let’s see later what mess do they wake up to.

 

[Negrek]

Hey, Fobbie! I’m here for your Blitz review prize, and since three chapters would have ended sort of awkwardly on 39, I ended up adding one more and doing 37-40.

This section wraps up the Mengir arc and moves on to some undersea adventures for Team Traveler. I enjoyed the way things shook out on Mengir, and particularly Salvini’s small arc, as she ends up throwing away her position in order to help Team Traveler escape. She’s a character I’m guessing we’ll see later, most likely when the Siglo Swellow winds up in the area of Mengir itself. Unfortunately when that happens I’ll probably have forgotten who she is and what was going on with her. That’s partially a result of reading small chunks with a lot of time between them, but even if I powered straight through and read the next twenty chapters in a week, I think I would struggle. There are so many factions and groups of characters floating around within those factions that it’s difficult to keep track of them all, which definitely showed in this section, where we have scenes with members of the pirates, Company, and imperials, as well as both groups from Tromba. I do appreciate the relatively simple setup of Once a Thief by comparison, with its group of outlaws and the people chasing them. It’s easier to keep things moving along, and to keep track of every subplot, with a smaller cast.

I did enjoy the transition to the Subway and underwater villages towards the end of this section. It’s rare to see a story tackle an underwater environment, and this gives you an excellent opportunity to showcase pokemon that almost never appear in stories, like kingdra and sharpedo. As usual, your worldbuilding shines here, and the bubbleweed and the underwater infrastructure it enables feel appropriately magical and also a natural fit for the PMD world. I think it’ll be fun following the next arc through such a different sort of environment.

The reveal about the contents of Anders’ book was interesting, and I’m glad to see some movement on the topic of what the Marked believe and what it might mean for Pleo and the other awakening Protectors. I’m really looking forward to meeting some other legends (if Tizano isn’t one) and getting a better sense of whether they’re warlike or more benevolent in this incarnation.

As far as characters go, I think the secondary cast had the spotlight in this chapter. The Tromban pokemon seemed to be doing what they usually do during this run of chapters, although Nida does seem to be losing hope of ever getting home, and it’ll be interesting to see how that may develop in future chapters. Like I said, Salvini was a standout character for me in this section, and I was also excited to learn more about Trizano and see some evidence of his “immortality.” I’m a bit disappointed that he’s being left as a loose end, although peeking ahead I’m glad to see he does turn up in material that’s been published at least. Looks like a pretty brutal wait, though! All in all, this section was mostly about moving characters around rather than making progress on their personal arcs. I do look forward to Cabot and Berecian reappearing soon(?), given their brief mention here.

All in all this part of the fic seems more concerned with transition and setup than anything. As usual, when we’re checking in with a wide variety of characters it’s hard for any particular group to make much progress, although there’s plenty of text here. I’ll look forward to more undersea shenanigans in the next set of chapters, and hopefully a little more information about the Cradle’s history and culture. Until next time!

 

[Arukona]

Hello! Back again for another review exchange since the last one back in May or so, where I covered the second Special Chapter. This time it'll be back to the present day and a new arc, where we see just where Pleo and co. have ended up, and whether his pursuers, both his allies and enemies, will catch up to him.

So let's leap back in and see how short-lived our heroes' peace will be on this new island...

Chapter 44
Looks like Nagant's gang aren't the only one doing sneaking around, if the subterfuge Ketu and Ellsberg are pulling is anything to go by.

"That well, hm?"

I'm presuming Elilan said this, but I felt that could have been made clearer just a smidge, whether by a dialogue tag or some such.

Oh, I see. Elilan wants to convince Ellsberg to turn traitor on Lyn and shut him out. I had a feeling things might develop into this, although I did expect Lyn to outright get the boot at the Administrators' meeting a few chapters ago. In which case, what would the next step for Lyn be then?

Though if Lyn is Director Inler's pick, I do wonder if this little scheme of Elilan's won't backfire in the event that he is found out, or if Ketu and Ellsberg leak it to someone who then informs the Director.

When the topic of replacing Lyn comes up, my preferred candidate would be in a much better position to be selected."

...Why do I get the feeling his preferred candidate would make Lyn seem like the most amenable peace-seeker in comparison? And more to the point, just who are they? Are they someone we know?

"Anyhow, I'm aware that there is a good deal of risk to this mission, but there's also reward, which I will leave you to choose from, Ellsberg," Elilan answered. "Would you rather be known as Commissioner Ellsberg...?"

The usual ruse for a greedy 'mon like Ellsberg, to lure him in with the promises of titles and probably have the rug pulled from under him when he does achieve his goal. Elilan already doesn't strike me as a 'mon that'll keep his promises.

"Or Elmer, the notary whose name Pokémon can't even remember properly?"

Watch him still be called Elmer even if he does ascend to Commissioner status.

Everything would finally stay the way things were meant to, and he'd finally get the respect he'd worked so hard for in the Company's ranks.

Not if a certain little Lugia has anything to say about it.

As Ellsberg daydreamed about his future, the Company's quarry continued their arduous trek through the Mystery Dungeon they fell into.

I feel the first part here could be omitted since it's a scene change into events happening an island away.

Mystery Dungeons continue to be without rhyme or reason, judging by that odd floor Pleo and co. emerged on.

"Hey! Watch where you're going, you village runt!" the bird squawked.

I take it this island must not be that populated if a village is the first thing to come to these wild 'mons' minds.

"Ow! Oh, you're finished, laghairt!"

YES! The Irish island! Ohhhh, I can already tell I'm gonna love this arc.

I feel 'the bird' is used as an epithet a bit too often for the Spritzee which did give rise to confusion given the bird on our heroes' side (Pleo).

Back to Braveshoal Town, where it appears to be market day with all kinds of orders barked by Viktor.

"Irena, make sure the kids to put on their best doll-eyes for the buyers today!"

Lmao that'll do the trick, won't it? Calino ought to take notes from this.

Intriguing how quick Viktor is to worry about the state of Team Traveller when he was a bit more ambivalent about them in their initial visit. Maybe it's the presence of Imperials that has him on edge, and thus quick to wonder about Pleo and his gang?

"I mean, we all know what lies at the other end of that place…"

Ohhhh dear. Not a good sign.

And now up to the surface, where Nagant's crew appear to be having their beach episode. A pity that's all gonna be interrupted by the arrival of the captain herself.

"Some tact with your mouths would be appreciated," Nagant growled. "'Loose lips sink ships', and there will be a special place in the afterlife for the idiot whose lips sink mine."

I love that last line. Authoritative and firm, cementing Nagant as someone who knows their place and will not be messed with.

"We heard the name being thrown around, and there was apparently a Samurott that swam in from the outside today," the hornet explained.

Oh, that's actually Sevan, isn't it? Well, that's gonna make for an awkward misunderstanding later.

"I don't trust that Dragonite further than I can throw him

You'd need one strong 'mon to even attempt that with the chonk Darzin has.

And now the Imperials are looking to get into the Crystal Mangroves? There's gonna be one hell of a fight in that place if all the factions, be they Team Traveller or the Braveshoal folk, collide at once.

"Knowing that accursed island the dungeon's attached to, the more the better."

More worrying implications as to what this island is. Although if it's something that would make the Imperials worry...maybe it could be a boon for Team Traveler? A slim chance, but...it's there nonetheless.

Speaking of Team Traveler, back to them, where the labyrinthine nature of the Mystery Dungeon's getting to them. Ohhh dear.

Ah, looks they've found the hidden shop in this hideaway.

"And there's always one of those green lizards who will knock you into next week for taking something off their mat!"

I see someone has tried and failed to nick their wares before.

"Try talking with Bech. He's the Ribombee on the yellow mat with the red panel over there."

Oh, I see - it's a slight variation of beach, the Irish word for bee. Clever, clever!

"Conas atá sibh, young ones?" the Fairy-Type buzzed.

I actually have a silly grin on my face reading this because eeee it's Irish being actually spoken!

"Let's just follow the nice bee and replace my bone already."

Ah, getting an upgrade, is she? Maybe she'll be like Tetsuzui with their Lairon bone and end up with a stronger bone than her previous.

Back to the Siglo Swellow crew, where well-paying jobs appear to be hard to come by. An unfortunately relatable thing.

"I'd be willing to offer 4000 Poké if you can get the job done before I leave."

Crom, Kiran, and Pladur's eyes lit up at the mention of the reward. This Mienshao was offering so much just for a little construction work?

...There's a catch, isn't there? After all, with what that Dungeon was like when Team Traveller visited it, I can't imagine things will be much better here, even if Pladur and Kiran do have more experience.

Understandable that Ander would be reluctant to get involved with anything related to shrines and Protectors. But then again, maybe working in restoring the altar could prove to be more open to Protectors - and therefore Pleo - in future.

"You'll need it."

...I reckon they will. Hopefully they get it.

Back to Team Traveller, where the reveal is that they're on Orleigh, mentioned a few times. I did think the name sounded somewhat Gaelic-adjacent...and actually, come to think of it, wasn't it revealed that Hess was from here? In which case, I think love him even more now.

Though given that Elty speaks Polish, I'm guessing this isn't his place of birth. His home, maybe, but where he came from originally is probably a subject for another time. Maybe in another Special Chapter, perhaps?

"Yeah, and we take care of 'mons with our colors even better," his Meowstic partner added. "Join us, and you'll never have to worry about finding food again!"

Add this Meowstic to the list of 'possible favourite purely from their species alone'.

Well, maybe not, given that they engage in bribery and light coercion (also they appear to be unnamed). I wonder if that'll be the name of the game with this upcoming arc, where Nida, Pleo, Guardia and Elty will have to engage in skulduggery to get by. Although if so, I imagine the group's resident pupper might be rather enthusiastic about getting back to a life of crime.

An unusually active one for the time of day.

I presume the 'one' here is referring to the Juice Bar? (Might help to make that a smidge clearer in text.) If so, I fear for what it might be at nighttime if it's this busy during the day.

They were on a new island, knowing nothing about who controlled the place, and here Elty was even more comfortable and at ease than he'd been back in Bluewhorl!

I mean, he was effectively doing community service on Bluewhorl, and I can't imagine anyone would be happy or comfortable doing that, especially after living it up as a pirate.

where the sight of a seaside town at sunset caught their eye.

I can imagine this must be a pretty sight.

And now for the truth to dawn on Nida that all those ships are for pirates. I can already picture her horror and Pleo's cluelessness.

"This entire town is a pirates' den!"

Yyyyup. Knew that'd be the reaction. So now that begs the question; how does three quarters of the clearly-not-immoral-or-booty-seeking Team Traveller blend into a place like this?

Chapter 45
And now Elty's on the receiving end of hero Nida's fury. She certainly inherited that from her mother, that's for sure.

"It's- It's not like you can't find some other way back in town," he began begrudgingly. "You could join a crew, and-"

Oh hey, I remember making a quip in a previous review of Pleo rocking a pirate's cap and now it's funny that there's a non-zero chance this might actually happen.

Looks like we're not having that split as Elty wanted. Although I wonder if there'll be a split at some point down the line if Elty ever tries to get back together with the Iron Fleet again, or even becomes a trio with Pyry and Pekka back on Tromba. I guess that remains to be seen, given all the things that still haven't happened yet in the fic.

And now we pivot over to the Iron Fleet, where we see Hess again!

Oof, he got his favourite seat taken. Sadge.

Rodion is certainly one to try and look on the positive side of things in the event of Hess being downcast like he is now. I now see what Virgil meant about Rodion's loyalty to his captain and trying to buoy his spirits in his lowest moments like now.

Alas, it seems like things are gonna worse for our resident steel dino before they get better. Here's hoping the punishment won't be too brutal. :(

Over to the Siglo Swellow gang on Mengir, where Crom is in the process of possibly disturbing feral resting spots by leaping from branch to branch like that.

How dilapidated a shrine this is - definitely seen better days, alright. And in the meantime, ambush incoming in three, two, one-

Shhk-Shhk-Shhk

"… What was that?" Ander asked.

Flitting out of the trees nearby came a pack of Beautifly and a Dustox, looking to be in fairly poor shape. They flew in erratic, off-kilter patterns, and their chitinous bodies were scuffed-up and dirty.

"Huh?"

"Oh, it's just a bunch of fera-" Kiran began, only to be cut off by a slicing gust of wind.

-Now. Although the 'poor shape' of the Beautifly and Dustox here - I'm curious if the Siglo Swellow crew might be able to find some reconciliation with them and work together to fix up the shrine.

At least their experience proved to beat away the ambush rather than needing to rely on something like Pleo's power.

Back to Orleigh, where hostels appear to be in short supply. I suppose if this is a pirates' den where merchants wouldn't tend to visit, a hostel probably wouldn't be as necessary as in the other islands.

Oh hey, I think I remember this trio from Kenobi. And oh dear, I bet any money this'll no doubt alert the other pirates that Pleo's on the island.

Good thing that this Flygon appears to be friendly - or at the very least, not realising there's a series of big bounties in front of him. Let's just hope the Poké stays undropped, or that if it does, this guy'll be an ally in the face of leering pirates wanting their slice of the pie.

Over to the Imperials where they're all getting ready for their big mission. Watch that Slowbro tip the Braveshoal inhabitants off about the big purchases of items and there be a big standoff between both factions in the Crystal Mangroves. Because would Team Traveller really have cause to go back into that Dungeon?

They sure are talking big for this mission, but I do have to wonder how this all ends. Suppose I'll find out around Chapter 50 or so.

Over to Hess where he's been marched into the den of authority on an island of pirates...aka those who would fly in the face of authority. How does this lot do it?

Seated on the respective places were a Primarina, a Tyrantrum, a Cofagrigus, and a Bisharp, all waiting and chattering in indistinct, impatient-sounding voices.

Oh hey, I spot a familiar face.

There was Ingela, the cold-tempered and cold-hearted siren of a Primarina who had grown her mate's fleet after his abrupt passing into a scourge above and beneath the waves.

I like the idea of a Primarina with cold-hearted menace about her, as opposed to the performing diva status they normally are in PMD fics. (Also, does 'grown her mate's fleet' mean she expanded it or inherited it after her mate's death? Not quite sure what it means here.)

And of course, the Bisharp ringleader, Captain Dirk.

Does this Dirk have a penchant for keeping the heads of his victims?

In the face of this quartet, Hess's bravado sure crumbled in an instant. I guess pirate leaders of pirate leaders have that aura of ferocity about them that incite terror into even the most hardened of captains.

A loud crash rang out, followed by a yelp and pained whine as Hess nursed his toes from stubbing them into the door.

Ooooof, that's gotta smart. And what a place to do it in too, in front of the Orleigh leaders.

"I spent years on that island and that take sounds fishy even to me. What are the odds that story's real?"

Something something "the information is so outlandish and improbable that it loops back to sounding rather true."

Elsewhere in Orleigh, said Protector and his friends get their inn for the night, which is surprisingly more homely than I would've expected. Not exactly the Hilton Hotel, but hey, I expected a dump in this backwater of backwaters.

"That's what you get for trying to cheat! Don't think I didn't see that Fire energy you snuck in!"

As the three Pokémon continued their heated argument with each other, Nida, Pleo, Elty, and Guardia blinked and noticed that their three potential roommates seemed to be rough in looks and temperament.

On second thought, scratch that. Calling this place 'iffy' would be putting it mildly to say the least.

"But as things stand, there's not much Rosequartz can do until the Company and the Empire sort themselves out."

And as we've seen, good luck to things coming to that. At this rate, the only thing that'll unite them is the hunt for Pleo, and even then they'd probably fight over who gets him.

"I call the high bed," Guardia said.

Pleo, Elty, and Nida turned their eyes and followed the Cubone's claw as she pointed off… at the top of the dresser by the wall.

Hah, wild 'mon moment. If it's somewhere to lie down on, it's a bed. Watch her fall off in the middle of the night.

Seems there's a promise of food; here's hoping it's not like the rest of this place in terms of its quality.

Back to Braveshoal, where Sevan appears to have met up with his estranged brother once again.

And as expected, things get tense between our two Samurott. Worse still, Lyn's trying to pull the propaganda game and it alas appeared to have worked on Sevan, albeit with reluctance. And it does appear like Lyn won't be dipping deep into the Zorn playbook of playing rough to nab Pleo when the inevitable confrontation comes along.

Hm, this conversation does make me wonder if Lyn will do a Face Heel Turn on the Company and make his own fate, either protecting Pleo or switching allegiances to some place else? I wonder if the possibility of him doing a Tarquin and becoming a pirate is open at all; I suppose that depends on the next sequence of events.

"You won't escape me this time, Guardian."

So you say. But Fate has a wont to be unkind, especially to you, Lyn.

Conclusion
And that brings these two chapters to an end. I quite liked them, as it finally means we get to Orleigh, the Irish island! Always a great novelty seeing Irish be used, and interesting to know that I'm not the first to employ it among PMD fics. The usual POV rotation was fun, providing differing perspectives at different points and building intrigue that way, making the reader eagerly look forward to what's coming next. There's at least five different groups hunting for Team Traveller now (even if one is occupied in fixing up a shrine, one's licking their wounds of pride, and another is more in the 'making sure they're okay' business) and it could well come to one big standoff which could prove to be quite explosive.

I'm most intrigued about Lyn in that final scene, with a hint that he could turn away from the Company if his brother's words prove persuasive enough. Maybe in the event another Company member - perhaps that 'replacement' Elilan hinted at - harmed Pleo enough to the point that he would switch sides and defend him. Whether that comes to be, I'm almost certainly expecting a Heel Face Turn at some point, or at the very least carving out his own faction.

There's also the usual pondering of how Team Traveller will move onto the next island, especially when getting off the island doesn't appear to be easy with how many pirates are doing the rounds, and how 'friendly pirates' feels almost oxymoronic given all the ones the gang's encountered thus far. They could hope there are more souls like Rasp and Bech on Orleigh? Again, though - not putting a whole lot of confidence on that. And it's not like they can hope for an escape from the Siglo Swellow gang since their ship's banged up and they're occupied with cleaning up a shrine.

A lot of intriguing strands sent out, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all become resolved in time. Looking forward to reading more in future, and hopefully we can do another review exchange in time.

 

[Spiteful Murkrow]

@Venia Silente

Spoiler

Last time we met some of our heroes they were splitting up after being discovered because, honestly? Pleo is too visible.

Also, Cardino. Once again making things harder for no good reason.

Cardino: “Hey! Hey! My job is a good reason, pal!” >_>;

Uuuuuh listen I know you captain a ship and all that, but in enclosed waters and under pursuit having both a haze and a Protect array can be dangerously counterintuitive - the pursuer can see what vectorial direction the haze is spawning up from as you move.

But hey if you are faster and impeding pursuer movement is not an option, I’ll take what we have I guess. Beats a Golduck passed out on the curb.

To be fair, the Haze would still hide where the vulnerable spots of the ship are exactly.

Though yes, “outspeed the enemy” certainly helps, and the Siglo Swellow is explicitly mentioned as being on the speedy side for ships.

Still, the Siglo is not on the clear yet and they have to take the option of receding from the coast which, while on one hand makes sense, makes a further approach that much harder without help.

[Ship mast goes BOOM]
Vicente: “They’re catching up we gotta go!”
Beatrix: “Welp, that’s it, goodbye Haipheh.”
Nida: “What? No!”
Beatrix: “What’s now?”
Nida: “We can’t just leave Pleo and the others stranded!”
Beatrix: “Don’t worry, are not stranded. Pleo can fly.”
Nida: “…”
Nida: “Okay but listen.”
[Ship sails go BOOM]
Beatrix: “What? I can’t hear you over GET BACK TO WORK THEY’RE GAINING ON US!!!”

I snerked at this. Fortunately, the Siglo Swellow got off a bit easier than that in the actual plot otherwise they’d have their work cut out for staying ahead.

Like no seriously, our local Lugia hero can just zip off close to water, Cuban style. Would need the cover of night and he’d have no idea where to go, but! Sky is 3D and it’s much easier to avoid enemy fire with a range limit once there.

You see, that would be a decent idea, but-

It’s just that our Pleo is still a baby.

Yeah, that.

Pleo: [proudly points to Staraptor statue]

One day, Pleo. One day.

I mean, even if it’ll take him some time to stop being fun sized, he’ll definitely get there in terms of power a bit faster.

Speaking of Pleo, he and the others back on land do get the bad news, as things are going south for them both figuratively and literally (if I understood it right: they are moving from the chilly Whitepalm air to a tropical wind, so… where is this island, exactly???).

On an island with a ton of Ice-types that are casually kicking up all sorts of localized microclimates. Thus how there’s palm trees in spite of there being snow and ice around town.

Pleo: “Moooooon, it’s been two paragraphs of walking already. Are we there yet?”
Elty: “This wasn’t funny the twenty-five other times you asked.”
Trizano: “We can’t go back to the city anyway. Place’s in search-for-fugitives mode. Come take a look.”

The look:

[image of vultures circling]

Pleo: “What do we do now? I’m open to options!”
Elty: “We could just go into the Mystery Dungeon.”
Dimitri: “…”
Kiran: “…”

I mean, yeah, because that always works! :p

Pleo: “Hey, we had some success in the past!”

Kiran: ['Nam flashbacks to Ketu]
Flashback!Ketu: “You rang? o3o”
Kiran: “…Anyone else?”
Trizano: “Listen listen, what if, we could just walk up aaaall the way around the world then come back into town from the other side when they aren’t looking.”
Elty: “…”
Pleo: “…”
Kiran: “…” [shuffles statistically]
Trizano: “…What? We did just discard his idea!” [points to Elty]
Elty: “Yeah but it sounds like a long walk and I won’t want to hear Pleo whine if are we there yet all that while.”

Not to mention, I’m not fully sure if the Fledglingsverse’s gotten THAT much fucked up that it overflows and the Wastes become magically nice for that kind of road trip, lol.

Kiran: “That’s not how any of this works, Trizano!” >v<

Pleo: “What if we just skimmed it over the waters? Cuban style.”
Trizano: “…What’s a Cuban?”
Kiran: “Pleo you are of age 0 it’s statistically impossible you’ve gotten that knowledge!”
Pleo: “But there’s a note on Cuban from Venia!”

Bad Pleo! Too meta!

I mean, these sorts of cutwaway gags were more or less made for fun with the fourth wall, so… o<o

Dimitri: “Tha’d require us to get to the coast cleanly in the first place.”
Kiran: “…While it’s being inspected for the Siglo, yeah…”
Dimitri: “At that point, Elty’s idea actually sounds better.”

Well yes they would only need to get into a Mystery Dungeon so they can stay ahead of the game for a while. So they’d need a map, or some help.

Elty: “Or some sort of guide to get us in there. Someone like…”

Random Rhydon: “You rang?” o3o

As it turns out, a random citizen not well-versed in the anti-piracy pursuits back at town, shows up and decides to freely offer mapping information and hosting!!!

Elty: “Yeah, that works.”

Random Rhyhorn: “I mean, I’m willing to offer, so long as that weird deformed Wingull does not have something contagious or something…”

Well just because of that comment and the “you rang” I’m gonna call you Retu from now on.

Random Rhyhorn: “But I’m Neil.”

Not “Rhetu” because “Rhyhorn”? /s

Well, Retu offers a hut and intel on the latest Mystery Dungeon in town… well, out of town. Out the hut comes a Greninja and they talk things over a bit because of surprise guests.

Chan-iu: “Welcome to our secret base.”
Pleo: “…But it’s not secret anymore.”
Neil: “Well it’s out little enterpreneur place.”
Pleo: “…It’s just a thing with a roof.”
Neil: “…Dude this is our home. It’s better than a hole in the ground!”
Pleo: [drags wing across the table] “Where’s the checkers board?”
Chan-iu: <_< “…What’s with the deformed Wingull?”
Kiran: “He’s used to more… royal accommodations, I guess.”
Cabot back at home: [waves hi]

Hey! Pleo totally deserves royal accommodations as a Protector! Even if maybe we’ll have to wait until,like, Ch. 150 to get it. Or Ch. 20 of Book Ⅱ, I don’t mind~

Well, never say never there since he is due for some new accommodations as of the most recent chapter on Serebii.

LOOT THE CHESTS!!! It might come useful!

Cue the theme song:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69AyYUJUBTg

Dimitri: “So, what was stage two?”
Elty: “We march into the Mystery Dungeon and wait there.”
Trizano: “…But we’d have to wait until the others are back!”
Kiran: “And if that’s your plan, the main issue is we don’t know when will that be.”
Pleo: “But we just have the badges! We just have to dial for help!”

Pleo dials for help and this is what he gets:

View: https://youtu.be/jE4cZpXXueM

Now I’m getting the lulzy mental image of the badges having a voicemail feature. :p

Elty: “Well that settles it… wel’ll have to resort to snail mail!”
Dimitri: “Are you volunteering?”
Elty: “Over the ocean? No way!”
Dimitri: “Well how about I can under the ocean?”

Elty: “Please no.”

Dimitri has a pretty good idea, so long as one member of the party can escape with information on exactly how to extract the rest of the team, things are doable. And where Pleo could not do it because he’s 1.- too visible and 2.- too baby, Dimitri has the advantage of enjoying a different 3D medium to mode through.

Pleo: “Awww, but I need more experience points!”
Dimitri: “No can do, unless we knew of a wide water course that you could hide under until we reach for the sea.”

Honestly if they knew of one that could have been a good idea. Everyone’s assuming Pleo would try to leave by air which is senseful but we know of the powers of an adult Lugia.

Yeah, alas. They might have had some trouble finding a deep enough body of water to do that all the way down to the sea even if they were intimately familiar with Haipheh and its geography.

Elty: “I don’t think we can just ask Neil for one. We just said we’d be going the other way.”
Dimitri: “Well that’s it, my party needs me but now I must go.”

Dimitri: [https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/001/102/822/616.jpg]

Retu Neil: “…What? Leaving already? We’re almost done with the tea!”

The “tea” in question:

Link: the evil!tea Pokémon

The tea: “Slurp me!” ^_^
Neil: “Made from an afghan!” ^_^
Kiran: “Uuuuh…”
Elty: “Don’t worry it’s just the Kabutops who had to leave.”
Chan-iu: “*sniff* Okay but please guys feel free to be comfortable around here. How about a card game?”

Not pictured: at least half the team

-ing at the sight of the “tea” and the idea of drinking it.

So, the team sans Dimitri decides to stay for a card game.

Elty: [eyeing the Sinistcha] “Just to check, this card game does not happen to involve things like, uh, say, a trip to the Shadow Realm doesn’t it?”
Chan-iu: “…A what?” [blinks]
Elty: “…Okay I think we’re safe to play.”

Hey, from what I recall the official Pokémon TCG does or did involve the “Lost Zone”, which is just about as Shadow Realm as you can get, but yay for Elty avoiding the punishment! :p

Huh. I didn’t know that PTCG had something like this. TIL.

But the team can stay only for a while though; they still have to move the plot to try and get extracted from the island safely! So the card games can only last so long and they really need to settle on the prices; a boat or a submarine would be QUITE NICE RIGHT NOW!!!

Pleo: “I mean, I could’ve swum along with Dimitri and-”

Elty: “No thank you. And I thought we came to the conclusion that it was too much of a risk of getting ambushed.” >_>;

Elty: “We should bet something.”
Kiran: “Says the dog who’s losing…”
Chan-iu: “How about information on that weird Wingull of yours?”

Uuuuh yeah maybe no, Elty, that’s a bad idea.

Neil: “Gotta admit, that Wingull friend of yours is quite interesting. Doesn’t even look that much like one, to begin with.”
Pleo: “I’m plot relevant!” ^_^
Kiran: “He uuuuh had a bad case of toxoplasmosis at hatch.”

Neil: “A case of what now?”

Kiran: “Uh… he’s an evolution of a regional variant of Wingull?” ^v^;

The tea: “Let’s dissect him and see what’s up with him!” ^_^
Kiran: “Uh Maaaaaaybe we should like, be leaving, as well.”
Neil: [shuffles about] “A-are you sure guys? This is my first screentime ever and I really don’t want for my contract to be cancelled.”
Elty: “Eh don’t worry we’ll get out of your craw real sool.”
Neil: “B-but I’ve heard rumors that bad things happen to one-time NPCs in this story…”
???: “Say no more!”
[suddenly something blasts the door of the hut and two igures appear]
??? #1: “To increase stakes in scenes!”
??? #2: “To ward off the transition wipes!”
[Orcutt and Molina show up]
“Orcutt!”
“Molina!”
Orcutt: “In the darkness, we shall meet it!”
Molina: “We are the Sailor Guardians of Whitepalm!”
Kiran: [takes notes]
Together: “A force to protect screentimes! You won’t rid of us THAT easily!”
Chan-iu: “My heroes! My door! My hut!”
Pleo: [claps interestedly]
Molina: “In the name of the moon, I want to speak to the casting manager!”
Chalco: “Marshtomp! That’s right!”

I’m dying at the whole TR parody here. The best part is, that I can actually kinda see those three doing something like this.

In any event, the three contractors who we left back at Darzin the Letrine Manager last time, now show up here with a motivation boost to scout in search of some sort of “Protector”.

What’s that? No idea. Carry on. ^_^

But Neil and Chan-iu have absolutely a good basis for getting at least a bit irked about that Molina and co would just want to barge about.

And while Team Traveler is getting their bearings together and preparing to flee (carrying with themselves the screentime!), Neil and Chan-iu, as dutiful homeowner enterpreneurs, ask to see some papers.

As they should since “appeal to authority” scams are a dime a dozen even in our present day.

Team Traveler tries to take a back exit, and one Pleo slip up later (baby, not adult!) our team gets noticed.

Chalco: “It’s them!”
Orcutt: “Molina! Pin the Lugia down!”

https://i.imgflip.com/a0kiv5.jpg

Aaaaand roll initiative!

I can hear the dice clacking in live-time.

Combat here is quite hectic as has to be given the circumstances. Kiran and Trizano are quick to protecc baby, but they quickly differ on what to tackle afterwards, leaving Kiran with a difficult bank and Trizano with incoming fire. Fortunately it’s all part of the plan and Trizano gets Orcutt and Molina to blast at each other.

Pleo: “B-but don’t forget about me!”

Silly Pleo you’re the McGuffin for this one.

Result: Orcutt is out.

Orcutt: “I did not audition for this.” @_@

I mean, such is the fate of characters that take a swing at baby bird with less than an arc of presence, Orcutt. Yes, I know about Casting Off, that doesn’t count. :V

Okay but listen, given our little deformed Wingull with battle powers, what this mentally looks like to me is… more like this.

View: https://youtu.be/B1BhXvBxOPs

Surprised you didn’t pick Yian Kut Ku for the honors there. :p

No no no, Elty be fast.

And he is! I heard that he even has background music play behind him for it in some incarnations! :V

He be also a good doggo who rolls out of the way and that cues Pleo in for some bits of Lugia power – or just the ISO Standard “blow you away” power that birdmons have – and the plan goes just as keikaku, resulting in Chalco knocking Molina out.

Molina: “-…want to speak to the manager…” @_@
Chalco: “N-no! The screentime!”

Does “lying passed out on the ground” count towards screentime if you’re in-shot? ^^;

With this, Team Traveler sans Dimitri are mostly in the clear, leaving only the current situation with their hosts.

Neil: “…Well so then you are a Protector?”
Pleo: “I’m a fugitive!” ^_^

Pleo that is NOT something to be proud about!

Pleo: “In my defense, have you seen what passes for the authorities in this setting?”

Pleo: “I have to go! My island needs me!”
Chan-iu: “So… that means, our screentime is over?”
Neil: “I don’t want to dieeeee!” ;_;
Kiran: “Now now, do not worry! There is still a solution!”
Neil and Chan-iu: “Ohhhhh?” o3o
Trizano: “Keep those three busy for a while. Maybe prisoner them a bit. That should get you a few paragraphs worth of screentime!”
Chan-iu: “Okay, we’ll try. But I’m not going to jail for you, we’d certainly not get screentime once there!”
Elty: “Don’t bet on it, but also don’t risk on it, yeah, totally understandable.”

I snerked. Even if there is something we’re keeping in mind for these two and a few other “characters of the episode” figures down the line.

And with that, Kiran and co part to lands unknown~ the Mystery Dungeon. All part of the quest to protecc baby.

Speaking of baby… we have one also back at Bluewhorl!

Cassie: “Mom? Mooom? MOOOOOOM?”
Sandra: *sighs* “Yes darling?”
Cassie: “Can I be an adventurer like dad?”
Sandra: *sighs* “No darling it is very dangerous the Company is after him right now, it is very sad.”
Cassie: “Oh I wish there was a way to help!”
Bunsen: “You rang?” o3o

Cassie + Sandra:

No no no Bunsen leave baby alone. Like, sure, he’s doing the senseful thing trading for apathy rather than for violence, which is how usually you get blockade occupations to not be resisted (unlike raids and invasions). Plus, he does make a good argument!

Bunsen: “Being a Marked is Suffering™!”
Ander: [nods in the distance]
Bunsen: “And I just want to merrily buy some things.”
Sandra: “We charge by weight, so get going with your stuff.”
Bunsen: “Fine then, good thing I have a thumb to put on the scale.”

Bunsen offers Sandra a “deal you can’t refuse” kind of deal, but smartly avoid making a direct threat on the child. At first.

I mean, it helps that he comes from a background that would reflexively see Cassie and Sandra as potential allies unlike almost everyone else on Tromba.

Bunsen: “All I want is some information.”
Cassie: “Well I know you are mean and ugly! And you get made into meat in another continuity!”
Bunsen: [gulps, recalls the Poison stings to his neck in a previous review]
Bunsen: “F-fine. Have it your way. But I will reciprocate if you have something useful to offer.”

With that, Bunsen leaves, so at least the Scythers are safe for the time being. Partly thanks to Cassie having an Attitude.

Cassie: “I’m legally a minor so I can’t get killed onscreen in this rating!” ^_^

…I’m not sure if it’s good if she can know that? And I’m worried that I’m not exactly sure that’d be true, either? o_o

Not onscreen, anyways. But nah, she’ll be fine. Gotta keep everyone’s favorite aspiring artist around for her parents and baby to befriend.

Oh well. Things are stable, for now. Birb is on the run (as usual), Elty has good ideas, Molina got some screentime, Dimitri won’t be found so long as he is offscreen, Darzin is getting a doctorate in Latin latrining…

Nagant: “It HAD to be you!” [smacks Cardino]
Cardino: “Aaaah I didn’t mean to. You guys did not inform us properly of this op!”
Nagant: “Because this is not your op! It’s MY op!”
Darzin:

https://i.imgflip.com/a0lcjr.jpg

Nagant: “Oh, you’ve got to be freaking kidding me.”

Nagant: “Oh great now I also have to deal with you again!”
Cardino: “Who’s this loser?”
Niilo: “Oh he’s the new latrine expert.”
Darzin: “You darn–” [readies an Ice Beam]

So, Darzin is getting some disrespect… [checks notes] yup, everyhting normal. So long as he does not screw things more! It’s important that Cabot and co. can get on the good side of birb!

Famous last words there.

So, I guess that covers everyone? Everyone’s fine?

Hess: [bumps on a coral reef]

…Oh, yeah. These idiots. :p

Hess: “Hey! I resent that!”

Hess: “WHY can’t anything go right for us! If there was at least a way we can get some experience and relevance!”
[suddenly things go BOOM]
Rodion: “Captain we are getting boarded!”
Hess: “-what the-” o_o
Lyn: [boards up ship and corners Hess]: “You rang?” o3o
Ketu from elsewhere: ¬¬

Oh noes! Lyn has a plan and it involves… using Hess to get an audience! Which… means… in-universe screentime??? Really it’s a weird combination.

Hess: “Hey wait, d-don’t I get a say in this-?!”

But what matters is everyone is happy.

Ketu: [busy filing trademark complaints.]

Everyone, I said.

Hess: “I wasn’t exactly thrilled about how things turned out here, just saying.”

All in all pretty entertaining chapter, even though it was mostly one long Team Traveller setpiece with some elsewhere intermissions.

(Cassie really knows how to earn her screentime)

The idea that, for the bumbling idiots the Iron Fleet are they might be precisely what Lyn needs to further his agenda (and, let’s recall, regain footing against Ketu) means the story can afford to go in a different direction with its realpolitiks for a while. Keeping the situation in Tromba stable while the cast is forced away into endeavours varius and showing it I’m guessing it’s going to be of relevance later to pad for content a bit as it becomes clear that…

Well, you’re not wrong. Though we’ll be looking forward to seeing how you’ll react to those moments as they come. ^^

So, yeah, Tromba is going to have a bit of a hard-time without the narrative heavy-hitters around for the while.

Bunsen: [scoffs in Company] “I think I can handle.”
Marley: [schwings a Poison Sting to Bunsen’s yugular] “Oh, I think I can handle.”
Bunsen: “G-gah! Where is my agent!”

Guys! Guys! Don’t kill each other before the Tromba screentime! I need Osmund on the reel!

And we kiiiinda need Bunsen alive to show up in future chapters here, so let’s go and do that. ^^;

Phew.

And finally, as was commented in the response to my previous review, Molina and co. were capable of clawing back some of that valuable screentime! At least it lasted them a little, let’s see later what mess do they wake up to.

And we’ll be looking forward to it! Thanks again for the review, it was a lot of fun to read. ^^

@Negrek

Spoiler

Hey, Fobbie! I’m here for your Blitz review prize, and since three chapters would have ended sort of awkwardly on 39, I ended up adding one more and doing 37-40.

Teeeeechnically, I won a batch of 5 chapters as a prize, but I already mentioned it via DMs, so we’ll be eagerly awaiting you coming around again sometime soon. You might find it worthwhile to mention @Virgil134 for that one as well in case he’s the one writing the review response that time. ^^

This section wraps up the Mengir arc and moves on to some undersea adventures for Team Traveler. I enjoyed the way things shook out on Mengir, and particularly Salvini’s small arc, as she ends up throwing away her position in order to help Team Traveler escape. She’s a character I’m guessing we’ll see later, most likely when the Siglo Swellow winds up in the area of Mengir itself. Unfortunately when that happens I’ll probably have forgotten who she is and what was going on with her. That’s partially a result of reading small chunks with a lot of time between them, but even if I powered straight through and read the next twenty chapters in a week, I think I would struggle. There are so many factions and groups of characters floating around within those factions that it’s difficult to keep track of them all, which definitely showed in this section, where we have scenes with members of the pirates, Company, and imperials, as well as both groups from Tromba. I do appreciate the relatively simple setup of Once a Thief by comparison, with its group of outlaws and the people chasing them. It’s easier to keep things moving along, and to keep track of every subplot, with a smaller cast.

Hrm. A bit unfortunate to hear that, but in the end that’s just your preference. We do drop in reminders about these different characters every now and then in the story, so hopefully that helps out with things.

I did enjoy the transition to the Subway and underwater villages towards the end of this section. It’s rare to see a story tackle an underwater environment, and this gives you an excellent opportunity to showcase pokemon that almost never appear in stories, like kingdra and sharpedo. As usual, your worldbuilding shines here, and the bubbleweed and the underwater infrastructure it enables feel appropriately magical and also a natural fit for the PMD world. I think it’ll be fun following the next arc through such a different sort of environment.

Glad to hear that you liked it! In retrospect, had we been doing things over again, we might have opted to spend a bit more time following the underwater side of the Cradle in this story, but we’re glad to hear that this jaunt made a good first impression.

The reveal about the contents of Anders’ book was interesting, and I’m glad to see some movement on the topic of what the Marked believe and what it might mean for Pleo and the other awakening Protectors. I’m really looking forward to meeting some other legends (if Tizano isn’t one) and getting a better sense of whether they’re warlike or more benevolent in this incarnation.

But more seriously, that’s something that we’ll be touching on a bit more in later chapters of this story.

As far as characters go, I think the secondary cast had the spotlight in this chapter. The Tromban pokemon seemed to be doing what they usually do during this run of chapters, although Nida does seem to be losing hope of ever getting home, and it’ll be interesting to see how that may develop in future chapters. Like I said, Salvini was a standout character for me in this section, and I was also excited to learn more about Trizano and see some evidence of his “immortality.” I’m a bit disappointed that he’s being left as a loose end, although peeking ahead I’m glad to see he does turn up in material that’s been published at least. Looks like a pretty brutal wait, though! All in all, this section was mostly about moving characters around rather than making progress on their personal arcs. I do look forward to Cabot and Berecian reappearing soon(?), given their brief mention here.

Well, you won’t need to wait for long for Cabot and Berecien to pop up again. Glad to hear that even if the number of plot threads was a bit on the high side for you that you still seemed to enjoy seeing them play out.

All in all this part of the fic seems more concerned with transition and setup than anything. As usual, when we’re checking in with a wide variety of characters it’s hard for any particular group to make much progress, although there’s plenty of text here. I’ll look forward to more undersea shenanigans in the next set of chapters, and hopefully a little more information about the Cradle’s history and culture. Until next time!

And we’ll be looking forward to seeing your reaction! Thanks again for the review.

@Arukona

Spoiler

Chapter 44
Looks like Nagant's gang aren't the only one doing sneaking around, if the subterfuge Ketu and Ellsberg are pulling is anything to go by.

I'm presuming Elilan said this, but I felt that could have been made clearer just a smidge, whether by a dialogue tag or some such.

We went and added one to make things clearer.

Oh, I see. Elilan wants to convince Ellsberg to turn traitor on Lyn and shut him out. I had a feeling things might develop into this, although I did expect Lyn to outright get the boot at the Administrators' meeting a few chapters ago. In which case, what would the next step for Lyn be then?

Though if Lyn is Director Inler's pick, I do wonder if this little scheme of Elilan's won't backfire in the event that he is found out, or if Ketu and Ellsberg leak it to someone who then informs the Director.

Well, granted @Virgil134 and I know as writers, but that’s a story for another day for you.

...Why do I get the feeling his preferred candidate would make Lyn seem like the most amenable peace-seeker in comparison? And more to the point, just who are they? Are they someone we know?

Nah, but he is someone you’ll get to know come the next special chapter.

The usual ruse for a greedy 'mon like Ellsberg, to lure him in with the promises of titles and probably have the rug pulled from under him when he does achieve his goal. Elilan already doesn't strike me as a 'mon that'll keep his promises.

While Elilan’s definitely a pragmatist, he’s actually more of the sort of character to fulfill a promise to the exact letter.

YES! The Irish island! Ohhhh, I can already tell I'm gonna love this arc.

I was wondering how you were going to react. Though this is a good sign already.

I feel 'the bird' is used as an epithet a bit too often for the Spritzee which did give rise to confusion given the bird on our heroes' side (Pleo).

We went and tweaked these to be more unambiguous.

Lmao that'll do the trick, won't it? Calino ought to take notes from this.

Well, maybe for how to resist it, since one would think that the charms that would serve a buyer are a bit different from the ones that would serve a seller.

Intriguing how quick Viktor is to worry about the state of Team Traveller when he was a bit more ambivalent about them in their initial visit. Maybe it's the presence of Imperials that has him on edge, and thus quick to wonder about Pleo and his gang?

You’ll get an answer to this within the span of a couple chapters.

And now up to the surface, where Nagant's crew appear to be having their beach episode. A pity that's all gonna be interrupted by the arrival of the captain herself.

That obvious, huh?

I love that last line. Authoritative and firm, cementing Nagant as someone who knows their place and will not be messed with.

Yup, though being a bit trigger happy doesn’t hurt with that either. ^^;

Oh, that's actually Sevan, isn't it? Well, that's gonna make for an awkward misunderstanding later.

Recall what Samurott we saw swimming into Braveshoal Town in the past.

You'd need one strong 'mon to even attempt that with the chonk Darzin has.

Or have Psychic powers. Though I suppose that pulling a SM64 is also an option.

And now the Imperials are looking to get into the Crystal Mangroves? There's gonna be one hell of a fight in that place if all the factions, be they Team Traveller or the Braveshoal folk, collide at once.

And how.

More worrying implications as to what this island is. Although if it's something that would make the Imperials worry...maybe it could be a boon for Team Traveler? A slim chance, but...it's there nonetheless.

Elty: “I mean, I’m certainly feeling good about this island.”

I see someone has tried and failed to nick their wares before.

I mean, did you expect anything less? :p

Oh, I see - it's a slight variation of beach, the Irish word for bee. Clever, clever!

[...]

I actually have a silly grin on my face reading this because eeee it's Irish being actually spoken!

Glad to see you’re having fun with the Irish vibe here. Me and Virgil both had a feeling that you’d like it.

Ah, getting an upgrade, is she? Maybe she'll be like Tetsuzui with their Lairon bone and end up with a stronger bone than her previous.

Well, going from “nonexistent” to “existent” is certainly an upgrade, yes. Though hold onto that thought for a bit later down the line in this story.

...There's a catch, isn't there? After all, with what that Dungeon was like when Team Traveller visited it, I can't imagine things will be much better here, even if Pladur and Kiran do have more experience.

Understandable that Ander would be reluctant to get involved with anything related to shrines and Protectors. But then again, maybe working in restoring the altar could prove to be more open to Protectors - and therefore Pleo - in future.

Well, there’s already a couple catches upfront such as the tight deadline, but yeah. This certainly isn’t going to be an easy request to fulfill for Hertsog.

Back to Team Traveller, where the reveal is that they're on Orleigh, mentioned a few times. I did think the name sounded somewhat Gaelic-adjacent...and actually, come to think of it, wasn't it revealed that Hess was from here? In which case, I think love him even more now.

I mean, he lives here now. Though the full story about Hess’ origins is a tale for a bit later on in this story.

Though given that Elty speaks Polish, I'm guessing this isn't his place of birth. His home, maybe, but where he came from originally is probably a subject for another time. Maybe in another Special Chapter, perhaps?

I presume the 'one' here is referring to the Juice Bar? (Might help to make that a smidge clearer in text.) If so, I fear for what it might be at nighttime if it's this busy during the day.

Done.

I mean, he was effectively doing community service on Bluewhorl, and I can't imagine anyone would be happy or comfortable doing that, especially after living it up as a pirate.

Pleo: “He was getting used to it towards the end?” ^v^;

I can imagine this must be a pretty sight.

Elty: “Oh, you don’t know the half of it.”

And now for the truth to dawn on Nida that all those ships are for pirates. I can already picture her horror and Pleo's cluelessness.

Yyyyup. Knew that'd be the reaction. So now that begs the question; how does three quarters of the clearly-not-immoral-or-booty-seeking Team Traveller blend into a place like this?

Well, they could always try their luck with stereotypical pirate accents. o3o

Chapter 45
And now Elty's on the receiving end of hero Nida's fury. She certainly inherited that from her mother, that's for sure.

And boy did she ever. ^^;

Looks like we're not having that split as Elty wanted. Although I wonder if there'll be a split at some point down the line if Elty ever tries to get back together with the Iron Fleet again, or even becomes a trio with Pyry and Pekka back on Tromba. I guess that remains to be seen, given all the things that still haven't happened yet in the fic.

Hold onto those thoughts there…

And now we pivot over to the Iron Fleet, where we see Hess again!

See, I had a feeling that you’d like this episode here.

Rodion is certainly one to try and look on the positive side of things in the event of Hess being downcast like he is now. I now see what Virgil meant about Rodion's loyalty to his captain and trying to buoy his spirits in his lowest moments like now.

Yeah, he’s a trooper like that for his captain and his crew. It won’t be the last time you see him do that in this story, either.

Alas, it seems like things are gonna worse for our resident steel dino before they get better. Here's hoping the punishment won't be too brutal. :(

Well, I suppose that you’re not wrong there, though what that entails I’ll opt to let you discover as you get further along in this story.

-Now. Although the 'poor shape' of the Beautifly and Dustox here - I'm curious if the Siglo Swellow crew might be able to find some reconciliation with them and work together to fix up the shrine.

Another thought to hold onto for the future there.

Back to Orleigh, where hostels appear to be in short supply. I suppose if this is a pirates' den where merchants wouldn't tend to visit, a hostel probably wouldn't be as necessary as in the other islands.

Prooobably not, no. Though hey, there’s money to be made on pirates being loose with their money for particularly adventurous merchants.

Oh hey, I think I remember this trio from Kenobi. And oh dear, I bet any money this'll no doubt alert the other pirates that Pleo's on the island.

Well, fortunately for the gang, not quite.

Over to the Imperials where they're all getting ready for their big mission. Watch that Slowbro tip the Braveshoal inhabitants off about the big purchases of items and there be a big standoff between both factions in the Crystal Mangroves. Because would Team Traveller really have cause to go back into that Dungeon?

Well, would they?

Oh hey, I spot a familiar face.

Yup, that’s indeed Tarquin. Although he is not the only familiar face on the pirate council if you remember Casting Off.

I like the idea of a Primarina with cold-hearted menace about her, as opposed to the performing diva status they normally are in PMD fics. (Also, does 'grown her mate's fleet' mean she expanded it or inherited it after her mate's death? Not quite sure what it means here.)

Both. She first inherited it, and then expanded it afterwards. We went and edited that to make things clearer.

Does this Dirk have a penchant for keeping the heads of his victims?

Nah, this Dirk precedes that one you’re thinking of by years and it’s unlikely we could get away with that thematically in a Saturday Morning Cartoon-vibing story. While I wouldn’t be terribly shocked if Dirk has made some unlucky soul lose his head in the past, he’s not quite at the level of sociopathy of maintaining a trophy collection.

In the face of this quartet, Hess's bravado sure crumbled in an instant. I guess pirate leaders of pirate leaders have that aura of ferocity about them that incite terror into even the most hardened of captains.

Well, they do. Even if “Hess” and “hardened captain” probably aren’t quite a natural combination in the same sentence. ^^;

Ooooof, that's gotta smart. And what a place to do it in too, in front of the Orleigh leaders.

As evidenced by moments like that.

Something something "the information is so outlandish and improbable that it loops back to sounding rather true."

Another thought to hold onto for the future.

Elsewhere in Orleigh, said Protector and his friends get their inn for the night, which is surprisingly more homely than I would've expected. Not exactly the Hilton Hotel, but hey, I expected a dump in this backwater of backwaters.

[...]


On second thought, scratch that. Calling this place 'iffy' would be putting it mildly to say the least.

I mean, at least it’s mostly a “clientele” problem instead of an “accommodations” problem? ^^;

And as we've seen, good luck to things coming to that. At this rate, the only thing that'll unite them is the hunt for Pleo, and even then they'd probably fight over who gets him.

I mean, you know what they say about “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”...

Hah, wild 'mon moment. If it's somewhere to lie down on, it's a bed. Watch her fall off in the middle of the night.

“Fall off”, huh…?

Conclusion
And that brings these two chapters to an end. I quite liked them, as it finally means we get to Orleigh, the Irish island! Always a great novelty seeing Irish be used, and interesting to know that I'm not the first to employ it among PMD fics. The usual POV rotation was fun, providing differing perspectives at different points and building intrigue that way, making the reader eagerly look forward to what's coming next. There's at least five different groups hunting for Team Traveller now (even if one is occupied in fixing up a shrine, one's licking their wounds of pride, and another is more in the 'making sure they're okay' business) and it could well come to one big standoff which could prove to be quite explosive.

Well, it certainly would be quite a showdown. There’s just the logistics of everyone getting together first.

I'm most intrigued about Lyn in that final scene, with a hint that he could turn away from the Company if his brother's words prove persuasive enough. Maybe in the event another Company member - perhaps that 'replacement' Elilan hinted at - harmed Pleo enough to the point that he would switch sides and defend him. Whether that comes to be, I'm almost certainly expecting a Heel Face Turn at some point, or at the very least carving out his own faction.

Well, he has a looong ways to go before he gets into that territory given that he was depicted pushing his brother away. But I suppose that’s something to watch unfold. After all, there are some layers to Lyn that haven’t been explored by the plot just yet.

There's also the usual pondering of how Team Traveller will move onto the next island, especially when getting off the island doesn't appear to be easy with how many pirates are doing the rounds, and how 'friendly pirates' feels almost oxymoronic given all the ones the gang's encountered thus far. They could hope there are more souls like Rasp and Bech on Orleigh? Again, though - not putting a whole lot of confidence on that. And it's not like they can hope for an escape from the Siglo Swellow gang since their ship's banged up and they're occupied with cleaning up a shrine.

A lot of intriguing strands sent out, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they all become resolved in time. Looking forward to reading more in future, and hopefully we can do another review exchange in time.

I actually wouldn’t mind taking you up on that offer sometime SOON™. Though until then, thanks for the review, and we’ll be looking forward to whenever you come around again in this story.

Alright, this gap since the last chapter ran on a bit longer than I originally hoped thanks to being on vacation, but @Virgil134 and I are back for the first half of one of this episode’s particularly action packed two-parters with:

 

[Virgil134]

The walk up to Starbreak Square's main entrance from the floor of the surrounding Mystery Dungeon was similar to how Pleo and his teammates found it the other day. Once again, a rocky spit headed off into the fog from a ledge, with an abyss filled with thick mist far below. What had changed were the arrangement of the walls and corridors, such that the abyss now laid in the middle of the chamber with ledges ringing it in all directions.

But the biggest difference of all was the Pokémon that were in front of it.

"Nrgh…"

A pair of Pokémon in red scarves drug a bound and dazed Marked Orthworm along and threw him into a heap up against a stony wall along with a few other Marked—guards who'd been overpowered by the first wave of pirates who found the entrance. The chamber was now crowded with pirates, with Hess and Dirk of course being among their number. The pair made their way up to the front as Hess pawed at a few fresh marks in his hide and cast an uneasy glance back at the defeated Marked off at the other end of the chamber.

"Those guards put up more of a fight than I thought they would," the Aggron murmured. "Dirk, are we sure that this is a good-?"

"Shut it, Hess," the Bisharp snapped. "I didn't get as far as I did by turning tail at the first rogue wave at sea."

Dirk stepped out at the head of the formation of pirates closest to the entrance. He raised a hand for silence, and after quickly receiving it, looked over the gathering with a stern, serious frown.

"The scouts we sent in just got back to me a few minutes ago. They've found out what we needed to know," the Bisharp said. "Those Marked built up their town around a fortified core with a bunch of vaults. The holding cells they keep prisoners in are there, and knowing them, that's where the bird is right now."

Dirk's underlings nodded along, while the golden-scarved pirates in the group visibly hesitated. A few of their number began to murmur in hushed tones and grow noticeably uneasy, with a Litten raising his voice to speak up.

"Wait, we're really just going to storm the most fortified part of town?" the Litten asked. "Isn't that where all the guards would be too?"

The Bisharp shot a piercing glare at the Litten, making the Fire-Type hurriedly shrink back and break eye contact. Hess shot a sideways glance at Dirk as the rest of his underlings similarly stifled their protests. He set his teeth on edge and subconsciously lowered his head to flash his horns, only to catch himself. He didn't like the way that Bisharp was treating his crew right now, but at the same time… he wasn't sure there was anything he could do about it.

Hess quickly stood upright after Dirk's gaze fell on him and hurriedly pretended to brush some dust off his stony scales. After growing satisfied, the Bisharp let out a quiet harrumph, before turning back to the gathered pirates to continue his briefing.

"Normally, yes," Dirk replied. "That's why your captain here volunteered to have some of your ranks provide skirmishers to draw the guards' attention away from the center of town."

Hess stiffened up at Dirk's explanation, and shot him a bewildered glance.

"Wait, I did? Since when-?"

"We Crimson Corsairs will head in along with Hess and his tougher deckhands about five minutes after you head in. With the guards thinned in the town's center, it's just a matter of fighting past them to break into those holding cells, snagging the bird, and getting out," Dirk continued. "There shouldn't be any shortage of loot to nab along the way, either. After all, when was the last time anyone built up fortifications like that without having something good inside?"

That last sentence seemed to do the trick for dispelling the unease. At once, both the Crimson Corsairs and Iron Fleet alike broke out into cheers and laughter, as the pirates began to work themselves up over the promise of loot in their paws and spirits in their bellies. The Bisharp smirked at the turn of the gathering's mood. All that was really needed to smooth things over was just to give the gathered crews a bit of good old-fashioned motivation.

"Well then, I think it's about time we got this show on the road, huh?"

"W-Wait just a minute!"

Dirk trailed off when he noticed Hess raising a claw in protest from the side. The Bisharp turned over to face his Aggron peer into and let his face fall a sharp frown.

"What now, Hess?"

"We can't head in just yet!" the Aggron protested. "Rodion and his party haven't caught up with us yet!"

Dirk rolled his eyes with a grumbling sigh, before bringing a hand up to the badge on his scarf. He tugged it loose, before giving it a firm squeeze and raising it to his mouth.

"Rian, put the Iron Fleet's sea rat on the line."

Hess gave a scowl of his own at the Bisharp. He knew that Dirk didn't see him as an equal, but would it have killed him to pretend like he respected him, just this once?

"Hess?"

Hess snapped back to attention and breathed out a sigh of relief after hearing his first mate's voice. He supposed he should've known better to assume that Rodion would get in trouble from a Mystery Dungeon, but even so, he'd hoped that he wouldn't have fallen this far behind.

"Rodion? Where are you?"

"One of our squads found an entrance into the town and we're waiting for everyone in our group to converge on it. Though where are you? Those dispatchers from the Crimson Corsairs wouldn't give us a straight answer all this time!"

Hess turned his head over to Dirk as the Bisharp summarily stepped back from him. Dirk raised the badge back to his mouth, before giving a terse grunt back through the badge.

"We're on a different floor than you, just go in once everyone in your group's together. We'll fight our way to the center of the town and catch up there."

Dirk let go of the badge and silenced Rodion's voice. He pinned it back on his scarf, leaving Hess to splutter and stare with his mouth hanging open. Was Dirk trying to get Rodion lost? First Dirk made the two of them travel separately, then his crew's psychics gave Rodion the run-around, and now the Bisharp didn't even want to wait for Rodion to come and join forces with them!

"What are you doing?!" Hess protested. "We were all supposed to go in together for this raid!"

Dirk narrowed his eyes and began to turn for the entrance with an impatient huff.

"Your first mate already made it into position on his own. He'll be fine," the Bisharp insisted. "And since when did an Aggron like you need a little sea rat as a babysitter?"

Hess let out a low growl and pawed his feet against the ground, angrily flashing his teeth in reply.

"Look, you said that you wanted my tougher deckclaws to help take the town center, didn't you?" the Aggron snapped. "How do you expect me to do that without-?!"

The next thing Hess knew, there was a woosh and glint of gathered light along with something poking at his throat. He glanced down and fought back a frightened squeal after seeing the tip of one of Dirk's arm-blades pressed up against its hide, with its owner glaring daggers at him from the length of his arm.

"By improvising," Dirk snarled. "Just like how I'll improvise by leaving you crumpled in the dirt and going on without you if you don't shut up and start marching!"

Hess' mind went blank briefly as Dirk pulled the blade from his throat and returned his arm to his side. The Aggron reflexively grabbed at his throat, and after discovering his neck's hide wasn't broken and steadying his shaky breaths, Hess turned his head and looked out over the gathered pirates.

All around the gathering, the Crimson Corsairs were giving unamused and dismissive reactions to his display, while the pirates from his own crew were shrinking back visibly unnerved, as was to be expected after seeing their captain get cowed into submission right in front of them. Fighting Dirk right here and now was bound to end terribly, but pirates respected strength from their captains, so he'd have to try and project it some other way.

Hess turned his head away. Rodion wasn't a pushover, and even if there had been a couple scares along the way, they'd pulled through far dicier moments even when separated. Maybe he was just overthinking things. Rodion wasn't exactly a stranger to going through Mystery Dungeons when he had to, and it wasn't as if they were short on 'monpower at the moment…

He forced a determined scowl over his face and looked out over his underlings, before motioning off at Starbreak Square's entrance with a small grin.

"Head out and raise some hell. We'll all be back in town and getting sloshed before we know it."

He waited a bit as little by little, the Iron Fleet's Pokémon began to perk up, with a few even openly talking about how they were looking forward to their loot and rum once the dust settled. Dirk waved the first group of pirates from the Iron Fleet forward, and watched with a knowing smile as other skirmishers followed one after the other.

"It's showtime."

---

As humble as Margi's home in Starbreak Square was, the accommodations proved to be surprisingly comfortable. Before Pleo and his companions knew, it was morning again. Or at least Margi claimed that it was morning based on the number of distant bell-chimes echoing through the tunnels. According to her and Daraen, the bell-chimes were how the town marked the hours in the absence of sunlight. After rousing from their bedding, it was just a few paces over back to the low-slung table in the Hydreigon's living room, where the six shared a breakfast of simple Gummis.

At least the morning had been going well so far. Pleo discovered that Trizano's wing feathers had grown back, which the Skarmory insisted was due to his abilities as an Immortal. For a moment he'd hoped that his own had regrown, only to discover that much to his disappointment, they were still visibly cut short. The others traded chatter with each other, mostly about the Elders and the importance of making a good impression on them after being summoned, but he opted to focus on the food set out to eat.

Or at least he tried to. Pleo absentmindedly pawed at a Gummi in front of him, pushing it back and forth before hearing a burp across the table. The Lugia looked up, where there was Daraen, beaming and wagging his tail happily blissfully unaware of the silent, scolding look from his mother.

"Ahh, that hit the spot!" the Deino cheered. "Nothing like some Royal Gummis to get the day started!"

Pleo couldn't help but grin in reply and let out a quiet chuckle, only for his cheery mood to falter as he glanced out the stone window overlooking the tunnel connecting Margi's home and the others deeper down the shaft. Every now and then, there'd be a shape that went by it, which would pick up the pace when passing Margi's home. Right, this was around the time back in Bluewhorl when other Pokémon would rouse for the day, so it was only natural that they wouldn't be alone.

… Except, the Elders had mentioned they would make a decision about their request bright and early in the morning. If so, wouldn't they have wanted to do that before everyone started waking up? It felt a bit silly, but perhaps they'd gotten lost in the tunnels?

"So what do we do now?" Pleo asked.

"Just wait for the Elders to come by here," Margi insisted, taking a Gummi from her plate. "It's not that late in the morning right now, and much of the town's diurnal Pokémon are still waking up."

There was an uneasy quiet as Ander fidgeted uneasily and a visibly worried expression started to settle on his face. The Elders were palpably unenthused about the idea of working with a 'demon' yesterday, so just how good of a sign was it if they were running late on telling them what they'd decided?

"How long were we supposed to wait on the Elders, again?" the Scyther questioned.

"Not long," the Hydreigon answered. "The Elders aren't normally the type to keep others waiting."

A distant thump rang out in the distance, followed by a sharp crash and shouts coming from outside that made everyone around the table flinch. Trizano blinked and got up uneasily as the voices seemed to continue on.

"What the…?"

Margi beat her wings and got up from the table, going up to the stone window and poking her central head out. She paused for a moment and listened keenly as she seemed to pick out the noises more clearly, before hesitating and looking back towards the table.

"… Some of the neighbors probably got into a squabble," she said. "I guess it wouldn't be the first time I've seen that since being put on guard duty."

Trizano reflexively made his way over for the door with his teammates and Daraen, only for Margi to motion for them to stop.

"Stay here," the Hydreigon insisted. "You're under house arrest, remember? This shouldn't take long to sort out, just try and get things presentable before the Elders arrive."

Trizano and the others nodded back as Margi took her leave and hurried out of her home's doorway. The Skarmory briefly glimpsed after her as she made her way down the tunnel, before he headed back to clear the table along with his teammates. It was a simple enough process: they'd put the uneaten Gummis back into storage for later meals, and pick up their dishes to bring over to the washbasin in the back left corner. Except, the entire time, the noises from earlier kept growing louder. Noises which Trizano began to realize were the sounds of Pokémon battling. After placing his plate in the washbasin, the Skarmory paused, and gave a worried glance down at Daraen.

"That sounds like quite a fight out there," Trizano murmured. "I hope that isn't normal in this town…"

He noticed that Daraen seemed to be on edge himself, flinching after a set of louder crashes cut through the air. The Deino shrank back, quietly huddling up against the Skarmory.

"This is the first time I've ever heard something like this around here," Daraen said. "Normally, this street's really quiet."

"Maybe one of us should go outside and see what's going on," Ander suggested. "I know that it's not allowed, but as long as it's not Pleo who does it, it shouldn't be too hard to expl-"

The Scyther trailed off and his words died in his mouth as shouts rang out from right outside Margi's home, joined with frantic footsteps and wingbeats. A quick glance past the doorway revealed Pokémon outside taking shelter in their houses while others ran up the street visibly frightened, including a Marked Darumaka who went by flailing her arms and crying out in audible panic.

"Pirates! Pirates!"

Crom and his companions' eyes shrank to pins, as the Druddigon stumbled back with a startled cry.

"Wait, pirates-?!"

A purple beam of light suddenly struck the edge of the doorway just beside them, and the crunch of shattering stone rang out and dust swirled in the air. Pleo and his companions coughed and stumbled forward into the street as they saw shapes darting about in it. Much to their horror, as the dust settled, they saw that the shapes were Pokémon of various kinds charging under the direction of a Farigiraf…

All clad in sets of familiar-looking gold-and-silver scarves.

"A-Ah! Those are Pokémon from the Iron Fleet!" Pleo cried.

Pleo and his teammates stiffened up as they turned to see the Farigiraf approaching along with a Granbull and a few others. The Farigiraf from their numbers briefly paused as her eyes fell on Pleo, before they lit up and a malicious smirk settled over her face.

"Ah! That's that bird that the Captains were talking about!" the Farigiraf exclaimed.

"Heh heh heh! Talk about our lucky day!" the Granbull sneered. "If we nab him, just imagine the reward we'll get from it!"

"I don't think so!"

A silvery flash dove in as Trizano clipped the Granbull with a Steel Wing and pulled up. Pleo breathed in and out tensely as other pirates began to encroach on him from elsewhere on the street. A Litten, a Cherrim, and a Jigglypuff that looked curiously familiar…

His eyes suddenly widened. There was a reason why she looked so familiar:

"W-Wait, you were on the Siglo Swellow!" Pleo squawked. "You're supposed to be on our side now!"

"Times change, kid," the Jigglypuff harrumphed. "Though you look a bit tired, why don't you get some rest?"

The Jigglypuff opened her mouth as the air about it distorted into pinkish rings with a sleepy-sounding melody. Crom's eyes widened as he hurriedly darted aside, pulling Daraen to safety. He didn't feel any more tired, so then they'd probably avoided-

"Ngh…"

Crom looked back over his shoulder as a soft whump rang out and his jaw flopped open with a startled stammer:

"Ah! Pleo!"

Pleo was lying out asleep in the middle of the street from the Jigglypuff's song. A little further off, Ander turned his head and hurriedly tried to rush in to aid the stricken Lugia, when a pair of purple beams from the Farigiraf's eyes forced him back with a startled yelp. From his portion of the tunnel, Trizano beat his wings and tried to rush to Pleo's side himself, when the Granbull cut him off with a sudden lunge.

"Over here, you scaly runt!"

Crom flinched as he felt something strike his chest, and knock the wind out of him as his eyes filled with… pink hearts? Was that Disarming Voice? Since that sure didn't sound or feel remotely 'charming' to him!

The Druddigon panted for a moment, when much to his alarm, he saw the Jigglypuff prowling forward. He glimpsed over his shoulder, where he saw Daraen also reeling from the Jigglypuff's attack, as the pirate Litten and Cherrim were already upon Pleo and trying to drag him off.

"Daraen, help me out here!" the Druddigon cried. "We can't let those pirates take Pleo!"

"Right! Way ahead of you!"

The Deino hastily ducked back into the house much to Crom's surprise as the Jigglypuff briefly looked after and then narrowed her eyes with a mocking sneer.

"Hah, great friend you've got there, Druddigon."

The Jigglypuff attempted to throw another Disarming Voice forward, prompting Crom to hurriedly scrabble back. He ran back in the tunnel, briefly passing in front of the door in front of Margi's home when the Jigglypuff followed suit.

"You'll need to do better than tha-!"

The Fairy-Type's words were abruptly silenced by sharp blast followed by a fwoosh of fire, which caught the Jigglypuff from her side from past the doorway. The pirate yelped and pitched to the ground as Crom looked at the doorway of Margi's house and saw Daraen cracking a toothy grin.

"I knew that extra Blast Seed would come in handy!"

Crom briefly blinked before noticing the Jigglypuff was starting to recover. He lunged forward, hurriedly throwing his claws forward at the Jigglypuff's forehead as they took on a metallic sheen.

"Yah!"

They struck her with a sharp thwack as the Jigglypuff tumbled to the ground by the Litten and Cherrim, whose eyes instantly fell on Crom.

"Oi! That overgrown lizard got Jill!" the Cherrim cried.

"You'll pay for that!" the Litten hissed.

Crom charged ahead alongside Daraen, trading blows as the pair attempted to fight the pirates back from Pleo's body. After driving off the Litten with a gout of dragonfire, Daraen watched as Crom hurriedly dove at the Cherrim to force him away from Pleo, prompting the Deino to run over to Pleo with a frantic nudge.

"Pleo? Pleo! Wake up!"

Daraen tugged desperately at the Lugia, but beyond a few sleepy stirs, the young Protector didn't budge. The Litten and Cherrim came back and Daraen flinched and stumbled back from a spray of pointed leaves digging into his hide. He shook his head briefly, before lowering his head to Pleo's ears and letting out the loudest roar he could muster.

"PLEO! GET UP!"

The Roar finally startled him awake, and sent Pleo running blindly, right into the wall of the tunnel just next to Daraen's home. The Lugia tumbled back with a stunned squawk, before fighting to stay on his feet and steady his balance.

"Ack! I'm up! I'm up!"

Pleo steadied himself just in time to see Crom and Daraen still battling with the Cherrim and the Litten. He hurried over, readying a gust of wind with his wings, when all of a sudden, a set of pink jaws snapped shut and clamped onto his side.

"AGH!"

Pleo felt fangs dig into his wing and frantically wrestled himself free, only to trip and fall to the ground. He began to pick himself up when saw Trizano struggling onto his feet in the distance. A sharp snarl and paws grabbing him turned his attention leftward, as he looked up to see a Granbull in Iron Fleet colors looming over him with his fangs bared menacingly.

"Hah! That's really all it takes to put you down?" the Granbull sneered. "I can't believe that Aggron had trouble with-!"

GRAAAWR!

The section of tunnel just ahead erupted into a flash of light as a gout of fire sailed in and brushed over the Granbull's rump. At once, the Fairy-Type's eyes shot wide, as the pirate hopped around cradling a now-singed bum.

"Eyaaah! Hot! Hot! Hot!"

The pirate stumbled around frantically, trying to stay on his feet when Daraen lunged forward with a tackle that struck the Granbull hard in his gut. There was a sharp yelp, when the Fairy-Type bowled over, flopping to the ground limply as smoke continued to trail from his rear.

Pleo breathed in and out tensely, and turned his head towards Crom just in time to see him step back from the Cherrim and Litten, who were now sprawled-out on the ground. The Lugia glanced back towards the Faragarif as she stumbled back from a distant roar forceful enough to send shockwaves through the air, which felled a nearby black Oinkologne and left a brown one tottering. The other Oinkologne fought to keep her footing, before a Flamethrower enveloped her and sent her slumping over.

He looked over at the Flamethrower's source and found a Marked Charizard with fangs bared and smoke curling from his snout. That was—!

"B-Bunsen?!"

It wasn't just him either. Behind Bunsen, he could see a small crowd of various Marked. They all encroached on the Faragarif as she and the still-standing pirates looked back at them.

It was just the thing needed to make the Faragarif and her still-standing comrades lose their nerve, as the Psychic-Type's jaw dropped and she turned to flee.

"A-Ack! Retreat! Retreat!"

The Faragarif bolted, the other pirates hurriedly joining suit as a few threw attacks to mask their retreat. Pleo ducked into a doorway with his teammates, watching as much to their alarm, the pirates were reaching an intersection down the right end of the tunnel and starting to fall behind cover of their own.

"Going somewhere?!"

A black and blue blur abruptly lunged in and dragged the Faragarif to the ground by her throat. The other pirates froze and came to a skidding stop, as it quickly became apparent that the blur was a Marked Hydreigon with her left head's jaws clamped around the Farigiraf's neck.

Bunsen and the other Marked with him took their places beside Margi, glaring and growling while still more came from the other end of the tunnel blocking off the pirates' escape. There was a moment of stunned silence as a few of the pirates grimaced and others began to whimper in fear. The Faragarif panted and looked up from the ground as black orbs began to swirl in the mouth of Margi's right head, and she brought it towards the pinned Psychic-Type's forehead as her eyes shrank to pins.

"A-Ah…"

"Do you feel lucky, punk?" Margi snarled. "If not, I'd strongly suggest you tell your friends to stand down."

The Faragarif stared up as black orbs grew larger and closer to her face, when the Psychic-Type stammered out a squeaking cry.

"D-Do as she says!"

One by one, the other pirates began to raise their limbs in surrender, as the Marked, guard and townsfolk alike, began to pull the pirates aside while others started to bind them up. Pleo breathed a sigh of relief, fortunately these pirates weren't all that tough when cornered.

Off to the side, Bunsen shoved a golden-scarved pirate to the ground for another pair of Marked to deal with, before turning his attention over to Margi. He hurried up just as her colleagues began to drag off the Faragarif, when he raised his voice with an incredulous cry.

"What's going on?!" the Charizard demanded. "How would pirates make it all the way in here?!"

Margi looked up and down the length of the street, which was now pockmarked with damage from battle, and a steadily-thinning group of pirates who were being led off. Pleo for a moment expected her to take some satisfaction over the turn of events, except the whole time, the Hydreigon's expression remained serious as she answered with a shake of her head.

"We're still trying to figure that out right now, but they came from the eastern entrance and this has been happening all across town," Margi replied. "The only place that hasn't been reporting raids thus far are the west side of town and its center."

Trizano blinked in surprise. The pirates must have planned this attack out beforehand for them to be causing so much trouble at once. But if that was so, something wasn't adding up…

"… Wait, but why would they be avoiding the center all this time?" Trizano asked.

Before the Skarmory could answer, a tremor shook the tunnel and made the gathered Pokémon flinch. One that came from off in the very middle of the town. Crom turned his head as the tremor settled, as the Druddigon looked on with a nervous grimace.

"What was that?" Crom gulped.

"It's from the Elders' Hall! Those pirates must've been putting up a feint!" Margi exclaimed, her eyes shooting wide. "Anyone who's able, come quickly! If the Elders and the others there are struggling with these pirates, we'll need all the monpower we can get!"

The guards with Margi turned and hurried off towards the center of town, a few quickly passing instructions to bystanders for how to tie knots and handle their remaining prisoners before moving along. Some of the townsfolk began to join their ranks, including Bunsen, when a few of the Marked further ahead grimaced and stared past him. The Charizard craned his head back, only for his eyes to shoot wide as he jolted back with a startled yelp.

"A-Ah! Why are they coming with us?!"

Margi blinked her eyes, when she turned back and saw the rest of Team Traveller hurrying over to them, with Pleo at their head. The young Lugia ran up, batting his wings out and waving for attention.

"You need help, don't you?" Pleo asked. "We'll help you all fight, too!"

A few worried remarks went about the nearby Marked, as Margi remained silent, before narrowing her eyes back with a deepening frown.

"No."

Pleo and his teammates traded incredulous glances with one another. Starbreak Square was in trouble, and Margi was seriously telling them…

"What do you mean 'no'?" the Lugia protested.

"Yeah, Pleo and I are from a Rescue Team!" Crom cried. "Back home, this would be exactly the sort of situation where we'd be expected to help out!"

"Maman, I know they're supposed to be under house arrest, but they helped me fight these pirates earlier," Daraen said, nosing insistently at his mother. "Wouldn't they also-?"

The Deino was cut off by a sharp shush in reply. A few voices in the lingering crowd audibly worried aloud "Margi, you're not really gonna let that thing come?" before the Hydreigon turned her attention back to Team Traveller with a low sigh.

"Look, we appreciated your help, but you shouldn't even be outside of my house at the moment," Margi insisted. "And if there's one time when you should be staying put, it's now."

"But the pirates only came here in the first place because of me!"

The other Marked stopped and stared warily as a couple mused to themselves under their breaths that "the demon's not wrong". The Hydreigon studied Pleo carefully as he stepped forward and looked up pleadingly.

"Shouldn't I at least get a chance to help fix the mess I made?" the Lugia asked. "You all know as well as I do that I'm not weak. If my powers came to me while fighting these pirates, it could literally turn the tide of battle! It's happened before!"

Nervous titters went about the nearby Marked, a few including Bunsen visibly inching away from Pleo as he neared Margi. The Hydreigon remained in place and scowled down sharply, only to visibly waver. There was a moment of hesitation when Pleo thought to interject, only for Margi to sigh and turn away before motioning with her right head to follow.

"Alright, as long as you stay close and stay behind me," she said. "And don't use those powers of yours for this battle. Whatever your intentions may be, we can't afford for them to go out of control in a place like this."

Pleo wasn't sure what to make of Margi's condition, and his other teammates seemed hesitant themselves. That said, working together to fight off the pirates could convince the Elders to help free their friends in Starpeak Square. Even if they clearly didn't trust them still, Pleo supposed this was as good of a chance as they were going to get.

"Right, got it. Just lead the way."

---

Rodion hadn't expected to find a second entrance into Starbreak Square, but a short scuffle with a few Marked guards prowling about the floor his group exited onto roused his suspicion. Not long after, they found a path headed into a fog-shrouded entrance. A brief scouting afterwards by a few pirates confirmed that there was a small, poorly-guarded gate on the other side of the Distortion. Even moreso after they lured said guards through the Distortion for their comrades to ambush just outside.

Altogether, it was as good a sign as any that they'd found exactly what they were looking for.

They tied up and left the Marked they'd overpowered in a stable zone, and patched up their own wounded to continue on. Rodion hadn't decided whether or not it'd make sense to try and go back to take those guards for ransom after the dust settled, especially considering the Iron Fleet's less-than-successful past stints at the trade, but at the very least the 'mons would live for someone to get them out of there. That just left them all alone to trickle in in front of the entrance and prepare to march in to help raid this 'Starbreak Square'.

Except, it was hard to take any satisfaction from the moment after the way Dirk had just abruptly cut him off during his conversation with Hess. As if he was some inexperienced rookie from his crew and not the first mate of the crew contributing half the monpower of this raid. On top of it all, it'd been a full fifteen minutes since they discovered their entrance and they were still short two squads—eight 'mons who had yet to rejoin him and the fifteen compatriots with him.

Rodion's attention drifted for a moment, when he noticed the Quilava in his group seemed lost in his thoughts. It wasn't quite like Kenny to be this uneasy before a raid, but he supposed that the 'mon had been through a lot lately. The Floatzel sidled up and nudged at the Quilava's shoulder for attention. The stoat looked up with a curious blink, as Rodion looked down at him with a wary tilt of his head.

"You're sure you're up for this, Kenny?" Rodion asked. "If you need some time to ease back into life on the crew, I can have someone take you back to tow-"

"I'm fine, Rodion. Honestly," the Quilava replied with a firm nod. "It's just a Mystery Dungeon, and I'm not planning on wandering off on my own again."

Something about that tone almost felt like Kenny was trying to convince himself of his own words. Rodion opened his mouth to pry further, only for a Charmeleon to come up and sling an arm around Kenny's shoulder.

"Of course he's alright, Rodion!" the Charmeleon insisted. "Especially since he's got me to save his аss if he gets into trouble again!"

Kenny blinked, before giving a shove and playful smirk back.

"My аss?" the Quilava retorted. "More like you're happy I'm here to carry you again, Alfred!"

The two went back and forth a bit teasing each other much like old times, all as that uneasy mood Kenny had seemed to fade away. Whatever had been going on with him, it was probably nothing worth worrying about… especially not when a third of the broader force they'd marched out with was still missing and didn't have any sign of coming.

Rodion hesitated briefly, before grabbing the badge he'd been issued and raising it to speak into it.

"Hey, just checking, but do you have any sign of Pieter or Minhwa's groups?" he asked. "We found the entrance a while ago, but it seems like they've gotten lost."

Rodion waited for a response through the badge, only to be met with a lingering silence. The Floatzel frowned and wondered if the dispatchers were being weirdly uncooperative again. He was about to speak into the badge again, when it suddenly came back to life.

"We can't sense their badges right now. I'm not really sure what's going on, since Minhwa's group checked in with us not even five minutes ago."

Uneasy murmurs went about the gathered pirates, as a few wondered aloud what could've become of Minhwa's group when the Vileplume usually didn't struggle in fights. Perhaps an unexpected run-in with ferals? Or maybe they'd mistaken another place for the entrance into town? Various theories floated in the air, before a Sableye walked up to Rodion with a puzzled tilt of his head.

"… Should we go and look for them?" the Sableye asked.

Rodion paused for a moment, before crouching and planting his feet with a wary look about his surroundings.

"No, stay here and look alive," he insisted. "I don't think we're alone here."

A flash of unease went about the pirates as they began to settle into fighting stances and others reached for satchels to prepare items for these would-be attackers. All of a sudden, the sound of pebbles jostling came from a corridor to the left, which prompted the Sableye to turn and whirl off in the direction of the noise.

"Wait, what was tha-?"

Before the Sableye could finish his words, a Totter Orb flew down the corridor and smashed into shards against the ground. Yellow orbs of light spewed everywhere as most of the pirates recoiled, while some lurched about in a daze with their vision swimming from the Totter Orb's effects. Rodion and Kenny whirled around, seeing shapes start to emerge from the surrounding corridors: a Cubone, a Kabutops, and others in Imperial garb much to a Noibat's stammering alarm.

"Ack!" the Noibat cried. "It's an ambush!"

The Noibat was summarily met with a flurry of sharp stones, striking him and sending him plummeting limply to the ground as a Krookodile stormed in. Other Pokémon began to pour into the chamber as the gathering devolved into a chaotic brawl. Pirates all around stumbled in confusion, while those like Rodion who managed to avoid the Totter Orb's effect went on the attack. The Floatzel focused on the Krookodile as his Quilava partner followed suit, readying water and fire in their mouths for attacks when a sharp hiss suddenly rang out.

"Stoyat' na meste, pirat!"

Rodion jumped back as a gray blur filled his vision, and watched as Dimitri swung a scythe through empty air. Behind the Kabutops, Guardia caught up, tightening her grasp on her club. The din of battle rang out as Rodion locked eyes with the Kabutops and a determined smirk settled over his muzzle.

"So you speak Moreskiy too, huh?" the Floatzel asked. "You'll have to do better than that to surprise me, rak!"

Water began to form in Rodion's paws, as he tightened his grasp about two watery blades that he swung at his sides. He briefly looked back and saw his Quilava companion behind him, as Kenny bared his teeth and his vents came ablaze. Rodion gave his partner a determined nod, and turned back to face down Dimitri with a taunting grin.

"You're not the only 'mon of the sea here," the Floatzel remarked. "Let's see if that rod of yours taught you anything useful!"

Rodion lunged forward, forcing Dimitri to hastily raise a scythe to block an inbound strike as the pair bobbed and slashed in a dance between blades of shell and water, neither quite able to strike a decisive blow. From the side, Guardia lunged at the Quilava with a swing of her club, only for the stoat to roll just out of her grasp and jump back. The pair studied each other's movements, only for Guardia's eyes to briefly widen as she realized this pirate seemed a bit too familiar to her.

"… Wait a minute, I've seen you before!" the Cubone cried.

"Yeah? Well let's fix that by making you see stars!" Kenny spat back.

The Quilava abruptly jumped aside and spat up a spray of burning cinders that struck the Cubone in her chest. She yelped and briefly staggered back, digging her feet as the fire still danced against her scales. With clenched teeth she threw herself forward and brought her club forward with an upward smash. She briefly saw the Quilava's eyes shrink to pins, before her bone found purchase against his chin with an audible whack!

"Eyargh!"

Kenny tumbled up into the air, landing flat on his back in the dirt. He hurriedly rolled up and curled in defensively, looking back wide-eyed with a startled whine.

"Wh-What the-?! How on earth did you do that?!" he demanded. "You flung me into the air with that smack! Cubone aren't supposed to hit that hard!"

"Hah! That's Tsurugi no Mai for you!"

Before Guardia could close her mouth, Kenny suddenly spewed up a Smokescreen at her face. She coughed and hastily scurried away as the sounds of raging battle rang out all around her. After backing away a few paces, she made it out of the Quilava's Smokescreen, and she gripped her club tightly as she looked at the swirling haze left behind.

Guardia breathed in, tensely scanning the swirling smoke for any sign of the Quilava only to realize that she couldn't see any light in the haze. He must have been suppressing the fire from his vents to hide himself.

A sharp cry turned her head over towards Dimitri, just in time to catch him struggling to parry a Liquidation from Rodion with the Floatzel's back to her. Gah! Even without that Quilava, how on earth were they supposed to handle him?

She glanced over after hearing a weak groan, and saw a Noibat in pirate colors sprawled out beside a satchel spilling out onto the ground a few paces away. A couple berries, some coins, but most importantly, there at its mouth, she could just make out a seed poking past its fabric.

"Yeah, that'll work."

Guardia took off running for the seed, when she briefly heard a "get back here!" from the smoke cloud and felt fire just miss her tail. She must've chosen wisely, since the Quilava had clearly been expecting her to come after him. Guardia ran her free arm along the ground, scooping the seed up and quickly realizing it to be Stun Seed from its pattern. Everything just seemed to come by reflex afterwards, as she brought it forward for a throw, calling off ahead at the swashbuckling Floatzel just as the little seed left her grasp.

"Hey Floazel! Mind your back!"

Rodion turned around, but it was too late, as the little missile landed against his pelt with an audible pop. Crackling veins of electricity spread over his body, as the Floatzel's body locked up, much to his audible alarm.

"Ack!"

Guardia cracked a grin when a burning sensation broke out along her back and she lost her footing. She briefly glanced back over her shoulder as Kenny burst ahead with his body once again ablaze. Off to her side, Dimitri reflexively raised his scythes as he readied a swing at Rodion, when Guardia waved her club for attention and raised her voice.

"Dimitri, wait! The Floazel can't move until someone pushes him!" she cried. " Help me with this Magmarashi first!"

Kenny blinked and skidded to a stop, briefly looking up to see Dimitri standing and sizing him up. The Quilava went wide-eyed with a startled yelp, and attempted to flee back for his fellows, as a knowing grin came over the Kabutops' face.

"I like the way you think, Guardia!"

Kenny tore forward in a lunge that made his features blur to the eye, only for Dimitri to chase after him with a similar lunge which turned him into a watery blur. The Kabutops' Aqua Jet caught up with the Quilava and tackled him from behind, sending Kenny tumbling head over heels onto the ground. The Fire-Type got up dripping water as he tried to shake sense into his head, when he saw Guardia charging at him with bone raised. Kenny's eyes shrank to pins as his voice came out in a panicked squeal.

"A-Agh! Stay away from me!"

Fire poured out of the Quilava's vents and flames began to rapidly gather in his mouth, much more than normal. Guardia's eyes widened briefly as she hastily attempted to throw her bone forward, only for a huge column of fire to come spewing out and overtake her. She shrieked as burning pain flashed all over her body, and fell to the ground clutching her bone. As her cries rang out, Kenny bolted back for safety, before looking over his shoulder to try and check on the effects of his Overheat.

"D-Did I get her?" the Quilava murmured. "There's no way she could still be-"

Kenny's words were cut off mid-sentence as a bone sailed in, striking him in the face and sending him crumpling limply to the ground. The stoat lay there limply as the Bonemerang arced back around, Guardia throwing a hand up from the ground to catch it as Dimitri hurried over to her side and looked down.

"Nice recovery there," he said. "For a second I thought you were down for the count."

"Gah, what on earth was that?" Guardia whined. "I didn't know Magmarashi could use fire attacks like that!"

Dimitri took a moment to fish out an Oran Berry for his teammate to hurriedly scarf down. From his place in the chamber, Rodion desperately tried to trash against his petrified limbs as he stared at Kenny lying there motionless on the ground. Much to his frustration, he was unable to do anything beyond letting out a furious growl as his blood started running hot, something neither Guardia or Dimitri paid any mind to.

A sharp cry rang out as suddenly the Iron Fleet's Sableye slammed into Rodion's stomach. He flopped over to the ground as the Sableye laid facedown groaning. The Floatzel looked up, where he saw a Scolipede in an indigo scarf pawing at the ground with a sharp sneer.

"Hah! You sea rats can't fight to save your-!"

Rodion abruptly jumped onto his feet as pressurized blades of water formed in his paws. The Scolipede scarcely had a chance to react before the Floatzel shot forward and buried one of his blades deep in the Bug-Type's gut, and then brought his other Liquidation across the Scolipede's throat. A set of awful choking noises followed, before the Scolipede went limp and the guard slumped over onto his side.

Guardia yelped and stumbled back in shock, as for a moment she worried Rodion had just cut the guard's throat, only to notice that he didn't seem to be bleeding as she could faintly hear the Bug-Type letting out low, pained whimpers.

"You."

Which proved to be little comfort as Rodion paced forward with his Liquidation's blades still readied in his paws, glaring with such ferocity that even Dimitri visibly flinched from it.

"Whaling on my friends while my paws are tied is a surefire way to piss me off," the Floatzel snarled. "How about we even the score a bit?"

Guardia sucked in a sharp breath and tightened her grip on her club. She tried to put on a brave face in front of Rodion, only to be betrayed by a stammer from her throat.

"T-Tough talk from someone who's backed into a corner right now!" Guardia insisted. "Come on, Dimitri. We can take him!"

"You sure about that, Cubone?"

Rodion lunged forward, as Dimitri and Guardia quickly bore down on the Floatzel pirate with scythe and club. Guardia swung her club, only to feel it abruptly stop with a faint splash, as much to her alarm, Rodion parried her club with one of his watery swords.

"Huh?!"

No matter how much force she put behind her blow, it just wouldn't budge against the Floatzel's watery blade. Dimitri's scythe was doing little better as Rodion briefly eyed them when his face tightened up into a fierce scowl. The otter suddenly stepped back and pulled his Liquidation’s blades with him, followed by a wet thwip as Rodion did a crossing sweep of his blades to catch both her and Dimitri in their sides.

"Ack!"

A flash of pain shot through Guardia’s flank as she fell and tumbled onto her side, briefly seeing Dimitri stagger as she lay on the ground, breathing hoarsely as the world swirled around in her vision. A-Agh, Eltenios had said that this sea-walker was hard to fight, but this was well beyond what she'd expected. How on earth were they supposed to win against this?!

"Lousy pirate! I'll run you flat!"

A shout filled the air as a Donphan charged in, tackling Rodion from behind. Guardia lay there for a moment, her breaths coming tired and labored, when she felt something nudge her up from under her arm. She looked down, where there supporting her was the back of Dimitri's scythe, as the Kabutops looked down at her with a worried grimace.

"Guardia, are you alright?!"

Guardia latched onto Dimitri's scythe, running her free hand along a still-wet cut that ran along her side.

"Gah… not really, no," she replied.

"I know it's hard, but just hang in there just a bit longer," the Kabutops pleaded. "With the way that Floatzel's hitting, we're gonna need to drop him fast."

A pained bellow rang out from the direction of the Donphan, as Guardia and Dimitri watched as Rodion slashed a Liquidation along the side of the Donphan running past him mid-charge. The Donphan staggered and struggled to stay on his feet, before the Floatzel kicked him aside and sent the guard crumpling to the ground. Rodion panted briefly from battle fatigue, only for his attention to once again fall on Dimitri and Guardia, and his muzzle to curl into a sharp frown.

"You two are still standing?" the Floatzel scoffed. "Let me fix that."

Rodion spat up a jet of steaming water at Guardia, the Cubone freezing and flinching as she braced for the Scald's impact. A pained cry suddenly rang out, as she opened her eyes and saw Dimitri shielding her, digging his scythes into the ground before spitting up a glob of mud back in retaliation.

The Mud Shot hit the Floatzel pirate in the face, the otter hastily brushing the mud out of his eyes as Dimitri looked back down at Guardia.

"I'll hold him off!" he insisted. "Just use Swords Dance agai-!"

"Oh no you don't!"

With his eyes freshly cleared, Rodion lunged forward at the pair in a water-wreathed blur of orange and cream. He closed in on Guardia only for Dimitri to ram into the Floatzel with an Aqua Jet of his own. The pair glanced off each other, skidding back along the ground as Dimitri looked back, staring down Rodion with a flash of his scythes.

"You'll need to do better than that to get past me Floatzel," the Kabutops harrumphed, only for the Floatzel pirate to answer with a dangerous smirk.

"As you wish, then."

Rodion opened his left paw as a watery blade reformed in his grasp, the otter swinging a Liquidation's blade at Dimitri's head. The Kabutops hurriedly raised a scythe and blocked the blow, only for Rodion to duck and slide along the ground, before bringing the side of his right paw down against the Kabutops' knee.

"Augh!"

Dimitri hissed in pain as his right leg gave out under his weight. The Kabutops hit the ground, and desperately struggled to get back up as he looked up and saw Rodion leveling a Liquidation at his throat with an unimpressed scoff.

"Nice try, Kabutops. But you should've seen this coming."

"Yeah? And you should've seen this coming, too!"

From off just to the side, Guardia darted forward, jumping and clambering onto Dimitri's back as she planted her feet and then lunged at Rodion's head. The otter's eyes widened briefly as he hastily reformed a watery blade in his right paw, swinging at the Cubone as she approached. Time seemed to slow down for Guardia, as the blade passed close enough to her body to feel its water brush against her, before tightening her grip on her club, and swinging it down overhead as she returned to earth.

WHACK!

"Nrk!"

Guardia felt her club find purchase in her grip, and carried on to a tumbling stop on the ground. She looked back and saw the Floatzel stagger from her blow. The blades in his paws dissipated as he tottered back a few paces from Dimitri, before his legs gave out and he slumped to the ground. The Cubone stood there looking on in disbelief for a moment, trading glances between the felled pirate and Dimitri a little ways away as it sank in for her…

They had won.

"Gods that was close…"

"Argh!"

A loud crackle and a pained screech rang out as Guardia and Dimitri turned just in time to see a Pawniard flop over from a Heliolisk's bolt of electricity and crumple onto the ground. There were Pokémon of various garb littering the floor of the chamber all around, but a quick glance revealed that all but two of the ones still standing were wearing indigo scarves. A crushing bite from a Mabosstiff felled a Sandile, leaving behind just one of the pirates: a Charmeleon locked in fierce combat with Robbie.

The Charmeleon spewed out a Flamethrower, driving the Krookodile back with a sharp wince. A brief flash of satisfaction came over the pirate's eyes only for his mood to vanish almost as quickly as it came. He turned and glanced about the clearing, freezing up with a frightened grimace.

"Huh?! G-Guys?!" the Charmeleon stammered. "Why are you just lying aroun-?!"

Guardia didn't wait for Alfred to finish and hurriedly lobbed a Bonemerang that struck the Charmeleon in the head with an audible thwack. There was a yelp, before the Fire-Type fell over onto the ground, and beyond a few feeble moans, didn't offer any resistance as Guardia's club returned to her hand.

"Hrmph, I see that Lizardo didn't learn anything from last time."

Dimitri let out a quiet sigh of relief as they saw Robbie stepping forward, pawing at a patch of burned scales with a harrumphing shake of his head.

"Gah, little Nervensäge caught me off guard. But looks like that's the last of them," he said. "Good work, everyone."

The guards began to make their way around, going to their fallen comrades to try and rouse them with Reviver Seeds. Others turned their attention to the wounds of those who were still lucid, much as a Heliosk did as he came by and passed along an Oran Berry to Guardia and Dimitri. The Cubone and Kabutops split the Oran Berry between themselves, panting as they looked around at the fainted pirates strewn about. Guardia let her attention linger over them for a moment, before she turned her eyes back towards the Floatzel among them.

"I'm glad that Ander and Trizano fought that Floazel last time," Guardia wheezed. "I didn't realize that he was that strong."

"Well, even on Pioppo he wasn't a pushover, but maybe it had something to do with how angry he got after we defeated that Quilava?" Dimitri mused. "Though lesson learned not to underestimate him."

Guardia glanced around as Robbie's underlings began to go around, binding up felled pirates with spun silk and lengths of rope. She reflexively kept her grip tight on her club, but the whole time the pirates showed no sign of resistance beyond the occasional pained groan. The Mabosstiff guard drifted past, dragging the Quilava from earlier along when she remembered seeing him on the Siglo Swellow's crew.

The Cubone narrowed her eyes and turned away with a disgusted huff. She'd heard that town-dwellers sometimes spoke about there being "no honor among thieves". With moments like these, perhaps there was a reason they'd come up with a saying like that.

"Hrmph, so the sea-walkers from the ship turned against us," she scoffed. "Should've figured they'd be the sort to rejoin their old buddies."

Dimitri looked off as the Mabosstiff carried off Kenny, clicking his tongue and shaking his head with a sigh.

"Yeah, the others are going to love finding out about this…" Dimitri murmured, only to trail off absentmindedly as he looked off uneasily at the entrance into Starbreak Square.

"So what now?" he asked. "I doubt we’ll still make it to Starbreak Square before those pirates get there."

Robbie came over, stepping over a couple fainted pirates along the way, before he folded his arms with an impatient harrumph.

"We can at least try to help fight off whoever's already made it inside," he said. "Though first things first: let's finish dealing with these guys before they come to."

Robbie fished through a satchel slung over his shoulder, before pulling out a glinting badge from inside.The Krookodile raised it to his mouth and pressed down firmly, speaking into it with a low grunt.

"Karl, we've got another batch of pirates to be picked up."

He relaxed his grip on the badge as a flash of light and the sound of pebbles and dust swirling filled the air. Guardia and Dimitri looked over towards the center of the chamber, where there was now a Raichu with a yellow tail and ears. As the Raichu floated forward, he looked around blankly at the mob of fainted Pokémon all around the chamber.

"Yeah… I can't take all of these pirates at once, Robbie," the Raichu said. "Just getting our guys who need treatment out would be a handful."

A few hems and haws went about the rest of Robbie's subordinates, before a Mabosstiff shot a puzzled frown over at his Krookodile superior.

"So, do we just leave 'em here for the dungeon to blow them away then?" the Mabosstiff suggested. "I mean, it would be one way of dealing with them."

Guardia and Dimitri's eyes briefly widened. Was Robbie seriously considering just leaving these Pokémon to their fates? Dimitri hastily stepped forward and raised his voice in protest.

"That's more than a little harsh for a solution there," Dimitri insisted. "I suppose that I don't know everything that the Iron Fleet's been up to, but-"

"Tch, not that I really care about the well-being of some pirates, but we do have reasons to not just abandon them right now," Robbie interrupted. "The more of these guys we can get out, the better our odds are for turning up a lead in interrogation or forcing their buddies to do a prisoner exchange for our own guys back in Starpeak Square."

The sound of shuffling and groaning came from the far end of the chamber, as Guardia and Dimitri tensed up when they saw a golden-scarved Sableye staggering back onto his feet. Robbie's Heliolisk underling hastily stepped forward as sparks began to build up on his hide, prompting the Sableye to yelp while he quickly tried to back away. A flash of red filled the corner of the pirate's vision as Robbie snatched him by the knot in his scarf and lifted him off the ground with a toothy growl.

"Though since you're up right now, we might as well start with you," the Krookodile said. "Tell me, pirate. Where were you and your buddies planning on going into town?"

"W-Wha… I'm not telling you any-!"

Robbie brought the Sableye up to his jaws and bared his teeth in front of the imp's gemlike eyes. From the side, Guardia and Dimitri could've sworn that they saw the Ghost-Type turn visibly paler as his earlier defiance gave way to a shrill squeak.

"Th-The center of town! That's where the captains thought the bird was!" the Sableye squealed. "That's all I know, I swear!"

The Krookodile tossed the Sableye to the ground, leaving his Heliolisk subordinate to throw a weak spark that made the Ghost-Type's limbs lock up. Guardia shot an unimpressed frown over at the Sableye. She supposed that she should've known better than to expect that sea-walkers would be firm about their loyalties, but she'd have expected them to face the consequences of their choices with more dignity. Why this was almost as sorry of a display as Nori and his friends had on Pioppo!

Guardia looked up as Robbie made his way back, turning and nodding off to the floating Raichu in their midst.

"Take your time with these 'mons if you have to, Karl," the Krookodile instructed. "We'd probably need to leave some of our ranks behind to help tend to our own and process all these 'mons anyways."

There was a moment's pause, before the Raichu nodded back and saluted back while floating on his tail.

"Right," the Raichu said. "Good luck out there."

Robbie headed off for the distortion, as roughly half of the still-standing guards went after him through the fog. Guardia and Dimitri sharply inhaled, before following after the others' wake.

Pleo and the others were in that town on the other side somewhere, and while there was not much time left to get to them, perhaps it was still not too late.

---

Author's Notes:

- Stoyat' na meste, pirat! (Стоять на месте, пират!) - Russian: "Hold it right there, pirate!" (BGN/PCGN Romanization)
- Moreskiy (Мореский) - Russian: "Sea (Language). Play off of "maritime / nautical", morskoy (морской). (BGN/PCGN Romanization)
- rak (рак) - Russian: "crayfish" (BGN/PCGN Romanization)
- Floazel (フローゼル) - Japanese: "Floatzel" (Official Romanization)
- Magmarashi (マグマラシ) - Japanese: "Quilava" (Official Romanization)
- Lizardo (リザード) - Japanese: "Charmeleon" (Official Romanization)
- Nervensäge - German: "Pain in the neck", "Pain in the ass". lit. "nerve-saw"

 

[Spiteful Murkrow]

Starbreak Square's tunnels flew by in a blur for Pleo and his teammates. Some of them were being hastily blockaded by Pokémon in anticipation of arriving pirates, while others had their inhabitants hiding behind windows and doors or else running out towards the frontlines. A number of passages had been visibly scarred from battles that had already concluded, often with Pokémon still lying strewn about limply as the local Marked went about and tended to them.

The whole time, the distant roar and din of ongoing fighting grew louder and louder as their group started to splinter off into smaller teams that fanned out along different tunnels, especially after they received word of strange Pokémon being spotted entering the town from the west. Before they knew it, Team Traveller's group had whittled down to just them, Margi, and Bunsen. Pleo wasn't fully sure where they were going, but he'd promised to stay behind Margi and dutifully kept his word to the Hydreigon. Their odds of convincing the Elders could very well hinge on him doing so.

Suddenly, as they entered a tunnel leading into a large chamber, the Hydreigon came to an abrupt stop and left Pleo skidding just past her. The Lugia looked up, as his eyes widened at the sight ahead of him.

"Huh?!"

They were back at that broad tunnel from the day before that led up to the entrance of the Elders' Hall. All along the tunnel, there were teams of red-scarved Pokémon putting up Protects for cover as their comrades marched behind them. Pleo and his companions watched as an Arbok from the pirates slipped past the barriers and darted forward, only for the snake to start glowing blue and rise into the air from an unseen force. The Poison-Type had a moment of panicked realization and thrashed about desperately, when the force abruptly jerked the pirate up and slammed him into the ceiling of the tunnel. The glow abruptly faded, leaving Arbok to fall to the ground with a wince-worthy thud.

It was hard to tell where the Psychic had come from, but the other pirates' response made it easy enough to guess. Multiple beams and thrown objects sailed up to a spot on the balcony over the entrance, with the crunch of fracturing stone following as dust swirled in front of the Elders' Hall. Team Traveller and their allies watched as one of the other pirates quickly dragged the Arbok away to the back... while at least four others made it past the entrance without any sign of being stopped.

Ander just stared blankly at the unfolding chaos, when a stray Ice Beam quickly sent him and his teammates diving for cover as they all but tripped past the doorway of a ransacked shop off to the side. They hurried behind the walls and panted behind their cover as Bunsen tried to hide his tail flame's light behind a counter, while Ander went up to steal a look past the doorway. From the lack of further attacks, they probably hadn't been spotted, but that was cold comfort. Just from what they could see in front of the Elders' Hall, it was obvious that they weren't going to win this battle charging the pirates head-on.

"Boy do we have our work cut out for us right now," the Scyther gulped.

"Good thing I'm here to help too, huh?"

Ander and his companions whirled around at the sound of a young, familiar voice, as Margi's eyes shrank to pins. Everyone turned over to the doorway where much to their astonishment, there was Daraen, looking up at them from just outside the shop with his tail wagging much to his mother's spluttering exasperation.

"Daraen, what are you-?!"

The Deino jumped forward with a yelp when a bolt of electricity zipped in, prompting Margi to hurriedly spew back a spray of black orbs in retaliation before grabbing Daraen and pulling behind the wall of the shop. The Hydreigon breathed in and out slowly, before narrowing her eyes into a sharp scowl.

"You really should not have come here, ma petite," she fumed. "Just stay close to me and-!"

The lot flinched after hearing a loud crash coming from the Elders' Hall, followed by shouts and roars. A quick glance back towards the large chamber revealed that there were red-scarved Pokémon on the balcony now, while the pirates in front of the entrance to the Elders' Hall were charging ahead and freely making their way through its doorways. Crom's eyes widened, as a sinking realization came over him:

"Ah! Wait! We can't just let those pirates get in there like that!" Crom cried. "Nina said that they're keeping our part of the Ledger's inside a chest in there!"

Crom and his companions stared blankly, wondering how they would ever make it all the way to the Elder's Hall past a mob of pirates that outnumbered them at least five-to-one. Just then, the Druddigon felt a nudge at his shoulder, as he turned back and saw Margi pointing up the tunnel they'd come from.

"There's a service tunnel that provides entry to another part of the Elders' Hall just up the street," the Hydreigon insisted. " If we get in there and head right, the path should take us straight inside. We just need a bit of cover to get there!"

Bunsen nodded, before hurrying to the door of the shop and spewing a Smokescreen out leftwards. While the smoke still churned, Margi flew out of the shop as Pleo and his companions followed after. A few storefronts later, Margi pointed out a door to their right that had been forced open. The group hurried along, filing down the shaft until they got to a narrow, dimly lit stairwell that led into a featureless tunnel. Almost as soon as they got into the tunnel, they started hearing sounds of a scuffle echoing from up ahead. They wasted no time pressing forward, and soon enough they began to see Pokémon slumped over in the tunnel: some Marked, some Pokémon in pirate scarves.

The number of fallen Pokémon steadily grew along with signs of a struggle in the tunnel, and the seven of them soon reached a set of double doors that had been smashed open. Trizano reflexively stooped down to check on a slumped-over Marked Varoom and discovered the Pokémon was alive, but fainted, just as a sharp cry rang out from further inside.

"Eyaaaah!"

Margi and the others looked around the corner, where they saw a Marked Delibird tumbling over from a stream of scalding water in a hallway. The Ice-Type struggled to get up with the help of a Wartortle and a Dartrix, as a group of four red-scarved Pokémon led by a Simipour closed in, with steam curling up from her mouth.

"You blotch-heads just don't learn, do you?" the pirate sneered. "You'll regret getting in our way like this!"

Margi's jaws clenched as she suddenly shot forward down the hallway with strong wingbeats. A couple of the other pirates turned and cried out as bluish dragonfire formed in Margi's mouths. The Simipour had but brief moments to react, as her eyes visibly widened and the color drained from her face.

"Oh f-"

Rays of fiery blue light shot out from Margi's mouths and struck the Simipour in rapid succession, launching her down the hall into a limp heap. The other pirates attempted to dig in as Pleo and the others emerged, and one attack after the other fell on them: an X-Scissor, a Steel Wing, a Thunderbolt, a Dragon Breath, a Dragon Rage... by the time Bunsen's Air Slash flung the final pirate into the wall and left him crumpled on the floor, the hallway was silent save for the pirates' groans of pain.

Pleo breathed in and out slowly as his heart fluttered in his chest, when he looked up and saw Margi making her way over to the three Marked with a worried stare.

"Are you two all alright?" she asked.

The Marked guards panted and turned towards the Hydreigon to offer their thanks, only for their eyes to fall on the young Lugia in their midst. The Wartortle from their number grew particularly startled, as the unfortunate Water-Type reflexively pulled his head towards his shell and stumbled back with a start.

"A-Aah!"

Crom's face curled into an unamused frown, as he folded his arms with a low harrumph.

"Por todos los cielos," the Druddigon grumbled. "You're doing this now of all times?"

Trizano shook his head with a quiet sigh, before turning his attention to the Dartrix in the group.

"Did anyone make it past you here?" the Skarmory asked.

"I-I don't think so?" the Dartrix replied. "But don't worry about this place! The Elders are in trouble from-!"

A loud crash came from deeper inside the Elder's Hall, prompting Team Traveller and their companions to hurriedly continue on. Their surroundings flew by in a blur, until Pleo started noticing some of the walls around them looked familiar—why, this was one of the corridors near the lobby! As they made their way ahead, the sounds of battle grew louder and louder. Partway down the hall, Margi spotted a small door and pointed it out. They hurried up to it, as Daraen worriedly hesitated in front of it.

"Sounds like they're in trouble in there, maman," he said. "Is this really the best way in?"

"All of the other ways are just as risky," the Hydreigon replied. "Just try and remain out of sight when we go through the doors. We'll only have one chance at sneaking up on those pirates."

The Hydreigon went and tested the doors before finding they were unlocked. She pushed them open just enough for Pleo and the others to enter. One by one, they slipped into the lobby of the Elders' Hall as off towards their left were Marked Pokémon hiding behind a haphazard blockade of Protects while attacks rained down on them. Pleo and his teammates hurriedly snuck in along the wall and looked up and saw that there was a balcony that was similarly contested between the Marked and the pirates, with the Elders frantically trying to fend off various attackers. He noticed Nina just in time to see her spew fire to try and keep Dirk at bay, while Hess threw back a Marked Spidops with a hail of stones. All of a sudden, the Aggron paused and whirled his head around towards the young Lugia. Hess' mouth flopped open in shock, before he raised a claw and pointed down from the balcony.

"Ah! The bird's right there!"

Pleo's eyes widened as one by one, everyone's attention in the chamber fell on them, both Marked and pirate alike. From the balcony, Nina briefly stared at them before Dirk struck her in the stomach with a Brick Break. The Typhlosion tumbled away from him with a yelp, as the Bisharp pulled a badge on his scarf up to his mouth.

"Everyone! Lugia's down on the ground floor! He's by the hallway just left from the main entrance!"

Pleo looked up after hearing wingbeats as fliers from the balcony began to dive at them. A shot of silken webbing sailed out and just missed him as the next thing Pleo knew, Margi was dragging him off along with his teammates. They dove back out into the hall, and hurriedly pulled the door shut just as a loud thud came from the other side. The door jostled as Margi desperately held it shut with her side mouths, as Pleo and his companions traded grimaces with one another.

"Where are we supposed to go now?!" Pleo cried.

"There's a wing in the Elders' Hall set aside for storing relics just a little ways from here!" she replied. "It was designed to be a place for defenders to fall back to in times of trouble, and we'll last longer there than trying to hold out in this hallway!"

Margi yanked the door open and spewed out a blue ray of dragonfire at the pirates on the other side, with Bunsen similarly providing covering fire with a Flamethrower. Pleo and his companions hastily ran down the hall as Margi passed them and flew ahead to lead the way. All the while, the sounds of battle kept ringing out behind them, along with Dirk's voice sounding out above the fray.

"Keep those defenders busy!" the Bisharp's voice barked. "We're going after that bird!"

Pleo and his teammates tore along as Bunsen spat up a plume of smoke behind them that filled the hallway, hurriedly rounding a corner rightward after Margi as they came to a set of sturdy, wooden doors that had been left ajar. They quickly pushed past them and slammed them shut, before Margi grabbed a wooden plank propped up on the side and slid it into place as a brace. She did so not a moment too soon, as just afterwards, pounding and snarls rang out from the other end.

Pleo jumped back as the door lurched when it dawned on him that they were in a place filled with cool, blue light—the color of a room lit up by glowmoss. He looked off to his right to see another set of doors of similar construction that were already closed but not yet braced shut. Off to the left, there was a grate blocking off a hallway which headed further in towards a faintly visible wall, and a set of stairs on either side of it which went up to a second level that overlooked the entire chamber.

... This was really where they were supposed to hold out against the pirates?

Pleo and his teammates stared ahead blankly for a moment, when Bunsen's mouth flopped open and his tail flared to life as he turned to Margi with a startled stammer.

"Y-You said that this was a defensible position!" the Charizard cried. "This is a dead end!"

"This is a defensible position!" Margi insisted. "Just hurry and help barricade the other entrance! Once we get up these stairs, we can dig in from up the-!"

A loud crash rang out from behind them as Pleo and the others whirled around to see the doors they'd come through flying open. The wooden brace had been splintered into two, as Hess stumbled out with Kichiro and other Pokémon in pirate scarves storming in after him.

"Hess, when I told you to 'use your head', this is not what I meant by that," Kichiro grumbled.

The Aggron shook his head and brushed loose a few splinters and dust off his armored body, before answering the Ledian with a toothy grin.

"Well hey, it worked, didn't it?"

Pleo and his companions froze with frightened grimaces and backed away as the room began to fill with pirates. Daraen inched back towards his mother and even Margi and Bunsen seemed to be on-edge. This was bad. The pirates had already cornered them before they'd even had a chance to barricade themselves, so how on earth were they supposed to even begin holding out against them?

The crunch of footsteps against rubble snapped the young Lugia back to attention as a tall figure emerged through the dust. The shape revealed itself to be a Bisharp in a vivid red scarf, who took his place at Hess' side and brandished his blades with a cruel sneer.

"My, I hope we weren't interrupting anything important here," Dirk said.

For a fleeting moment, Hess seemed to warily eye Pleo. After briefly sizing him up, the Aggron visibly grew more confident, lowering his head with a stomp of the ground and a threatening snarl.

"... We'll cut to the chase," Hess said. "Hand over the bird, and nobody gets hurt."

Pleo's heart raced in his chest, as his teammates and Daraen braced themselves for battle. Beside them, Bunsen flared his wings out to try and make himself look bigger while Margi remained firm, baring her fangs as she tensed her heads to strike.

"Over my dead body."

Some of Hess' underlings briefly froze at the Hydreigon's threat, and even Hess himself seemed to waver a bit. Except, the entire time, Dirk and the Pokémon from his crew remained wholly unfazed. An unsettling smile settled over the Bisharp's face, one that made Pleo and his teammates' blood run cold with how malicious and predatory it looked.

"Oh really? Would you say the same about the dead bodies of Lugia's friends?"

Team Traveller blanched as their hearts collectively skipped a beat. Was this some sort of dirty trick? They studied the Bisharp's expression closely, as he brought a hand up to the glinting badge pinned to his scarf.

"Rian, put our special guests from Starpeak Square on the line."

Dirk took the badge off his scarf and held it out as the sounds of grunts and struggling came from the badge, followed by an uncomfortably familiar voice crying out.

"Hey! What are you-?!"

Team Traveller's eyes shrank to pins, as Pleo reflexively beat his wings out and Crom's mouth flopped open in shock. That was-!

"Nida!"

Pleo darted forward for the badge, only for Ander to hurriedly stop him by blocking his path with the flat of a scythe. A sharp shout came from Dirk's badge, as Nida's voice called out in frantic tones.

"Pleo! Whatever that pirate's telling you, don't-!"

Nida's voice abruptly cut off as Dirk pinned his badge back against his scarf and let go. Team Traveller, Daraen, and even Margi and Bunsen stared blankly as the pirates began pressing in tighter and tighter.

"Oh so that's that spike ball's name, huh? Don't worry, we've got that Growlithe and Fraxure, too," the Bisharp said. "They're all in one piece. For now."

"W-We won't let you get away with this!"

A low growl filled the air as Crom bared his teeth and flashed his claws, but in spite of it, his eyes were still visibly shrunken and his wings faintly trembled. Dirk noted Crom's expression briefly, before tightening his face into a dismissive sneer.

"You're a bit late for that, kiddo," the Bisharp said. "After all, it's a bit hard for you to rescue anyone from Starpeak Square at the moment."

The Bisharp flicked a blade out, allowing its edge to glint under the cool light of glowmoss in the chamber.

"And if you're planning on them still being alive by the time that I return there, you'll tell your bird friend to come along. Quietly."

Pleo's vision started to go wobbly as his breaths started to hitch and grow faster and faster. Th-These pirates were going to kill his friends? Would they do it the moment he told them he wouldn't come along? Would they make Nida and the others suffer? He began to hyperventilate as dark images crossed his mind, and he dropped his head with a stammering croak.

"I- I-"

In the crowd, some of the pirates gave dismissive scoffs at how soft the Lugia seemed to be, with a couple wondering aloud whether or not he was truly a Protector. Others, mostly golden-scarved ones, traded uncomfortable looks and murmurs, including Hess. The Aggron captain set his teeth on edge at the young Lugia's panic and quietly went over and pawed at Dirk's shoulder.

"Dirk, you really don't need to-"

"Shut up, Hess!"

Dirk raised a blade, making Hess recoil with a stifled yelp before he turned back to Pleo and his companions. The Bisharp scraped his blades against each other with a low, metallic grinding noise, as the end of his mouth curled up with a toothy smirk.

"So what's it going to be?" Dirk demanded. "Are you coming? Or am I going to need to make you hear your friends start getting taken apart-?"

"St-Stop!"

A sharp squawk filled the chamber as everyone's eyes fell on Pleo. His gaze remained firmly fixed towards the ground as the Lugia blinked slowly and deliberately. And then much to their astonishment, he stepped forward, before weakly raising his head as his voice came out in a low croak.

"I-I'll come-"

"And tell you to take a hike!"

Pleo barely had time to react as the other set of doors into the chamber suddenly flew open. A whirling noise turned Pleo's attention leftwards as a spinning white missile sailed in and struck Dirk in the face. The Bisharp reeled from the blow as Hess' mouth flopped open in shock, while many of the other pirates similarly grew visibly surprised as their attention turned towards the other door. Pleo followed after their gazes and saw Guardia and Dimitri were there... along with the Elders and a bunch of other Marked! Curiously, there were also Pokémon wearing indigo scarves with them, including a Krookodile who sauntered up to the fore...

"H-Huh?! Sheriff Robbie?!" Crom cried.

"Hah! You sure talk tough for a 'mon in for a world of hurt, Caesurio!" the Krookodile said, folding his arms over each other. "Give it up, pirate scum! Your crews have been cut off and surrounded!"

Pleo's breaths started to come in and out quicker as he started to feel lightheaded. Oh no no no, what were they doing?! He was happy that Guardia and Dimitri were alright, but if they went ahead and fought these pirates, then-!

"Guardia, wait!" Pleo pleaded. "He-!"

"You're bluffing," Dirk spat, narrowing his eyes at the newcomers. "I didn't make it to where I am getting cowed by-"

"Agh! They've cut us off from behind! They must've had other Pokémon hiding elsewhere in the Mystery Dunge-!"

A pained scream rang out before the unseen voice abruptly went silent. Alarmed looks started appearing on the gathered pirates as Nina made her way forward holding a badge in her grasp. The Marked Typhlosion raised it and let it fall to the ground with an audible clink against the ground. She narrowed her eyes at Dirk and Hess as fierce fire began to pour out of her vents.

"Here's our terms," she growled. "You let Lugia's friends go and you slink off back to Starpeak Square, or nobody from your crews lives to tell the tale about what happened here in this town."

A number of the pirates in the gathering visibly cringed hearing Nina's ultimatum, as even Hess himself seemed to have a flash of unease. And yet, for every one of their number, there were at least one or two others whose expressions only hardened as they began to dig in. Dirk was first and foremost among them, as the Bisharp brought his hands together with a slow clap and his expression took on an increasingly dark mood.

"Bold words, Typhlosion, let's see how well you back them up!"

Dirk scraped his arms' blades against each other as a harsh screeching noise came from them, creating a series of distorted rings in the air that swept up Nina. The Marked Typhlosion flinched, as Dirk charged forward and cried out to the pirates behind him.

"Get them!"

All of a sudden, the room came alive with attacks flying all around. Pleo frantically dove out of the way as a stray stone grazed his shoulder, when he felt a nip drag him up and saw Margi pulling him aside.

"Get to the top of the stairs!" she cried. "We can't let those pirates take over the high-!"

"Hah! Like we were going to ask you for permission!"

Margi turned back as a lumbering wall of stony and metallic grays barreled into her with a bellowing roar. The Hydreigon tumbled to the ground as Pleo looked up to see Hess in her place. He hurriedly jumped back and bolted for the stairs as the Aggron began to chase after him. Suddenly, the purple glimmer of a Light Screen formed in front of Hess and settled on his body, a brief glance back by the pirate captain revealing Kichiro flitting up from behind with a sharp buzz.

"Just try not to get blown away this time!"

Hess turned his attention back to Pleo and saw he was already at the stairs. The Aggron began to to call up stones to throw at the Lugia when a sharp blow across his side broke his focus and sent him staggering. Hess whirled and looked up, where there that Skarmory was circling overhead with a cawing taunt.

"I see that you're still as easy to fly circles around as ever, Hess!"

The Aggron's eyes narrowed in response. He bellowed and trained his stones upwards for Trizano. Meanwhile, Crom and Ander took advantage of Trizano's distraction to slip past Hess, and made their way up the stairs to try and help their teammates take over the vantage point at its top. They reached it just in time to see a golden-scarved Wimpod get pitched from the railing with a yelp and hit the floor with a loud thud. The hard work seemed to have already been done, since there were Pokémon in Imperial scarves putting up Protects to cut off the opposite stairwell and trying to hold off Pokémon who were snarling and growling from the other end.

Another bellowing roar rang out, as the pair briefly glimpsed Bunsen charging Dirk with a Flamethrower back on the ground floor. Their attempts to get a better view of what was happening were abruptly cut short by another large plume of fire suddenly flying up from below that sent them diving for cover.

"A-Ack! What was-?!"

Crom looked down, where he saw the grate at the bottom scattered across the floor in pieces as a pirate Emboar went in. Much to his horror, there were Pokémon in pirate colors carrying off chests from further inside towards the direction of the door Hess smashed through.

"A-Ah!" the Druddigon yelped. "They're stealing all the relics!"

Ander's mind turned back briefly to how Margi said that this place was normally used to store relics... and how Nina had mentioned that their Ledger would be kept with them. The pair set their teeth on edge as Ander looked over at a Marked Crocalor and Dunsparce dug in nearby. He hurried over with a sharp buzz and drew the pair's attention, before he frantically motioned off to the grated tunnel with a scythe.

"Over there, quick!" the Marked Scyther insisted. "We can't let those pirates steal the relics from that tunnel!"

The pair looked at each other briefly, before nodding and leaving their positions as Crom and Ander followed the guards to join the fight. Crom and Ander ducked attacks along the way back down to the ground floor amid a chaotic melee in which they lost track of Pleo and the others. The guards in front of them abruptly shouted when much to Crom's alarm, the Crocalor suddenly flopped over after being struck by a pressurized orb of water, while a Liepard leaped in and pounced on the Dunsparce. Crom hurriedly spat up a Dragon Rage to intervene when a sharp cry turned his head rightward, just in time to see Guardia tumble back just ahead of them. He hurriedly ran towards the Cubone to try and help her up, when a beam of purple light sailed in and struck him in his chest.

"Agh!"

Crom toppled over, a pained buzz revealing Ander had been similarly stopped in his tracks by a set of snapping jaws. The young Druddigon quickly scrambled onto his feet, where Guardia was holding her bone tensely. He turned his head up, and saw a black and purple flash bounce in, along with a tan and figure darting up alongside it. A Grumpig and a Krokorok wearing Iron Fleet scarves, both approaching glaring and readying themselves for attack.

"Crom! Guardia! Get behind me!"

Ander hurriedly stepped out in front of Crom and Guardia as their attackers neared. Crom didn't remember seeing the two before on Hess' crew, but at the same time something about them seemed familiar...

It then dawned on him as to why he'd felt that way: he'd seen the two on an entirely different ship's crew!

"Ah! You two!" the Druddigon cried. "You're from Lyn's crew!"

The Grumpig and Krokorok briefly stiffened up after Crom's exclamation. A flash of realization suddenly came over them, as their eyes narrowed into piercing glares.

"Wait a minute, you're that brat that I threw off our ship!" the Grumpig exclaimed.

"Grrr, and that Cubone was with those other brats with the bird who got our gear stuck in that Kangaskhan Rock," the Krokorok growled, baring his fangs. "Come on, Hooke! They won't get the drop on us a second time!"

The Krokorok shot forward at Ander and Guardia with his jaws bared, snapping them shut as the pair hastily dove out of the way. From the side, Crom ran at the Krokorok and pulled his arm back to ready a Power-Up Punch, when a violet flash suddenly filled his vision from the left. The next thing he knew, a heavy force struck the side of his head, along with a piercing pain that shot through it.

"A-Agh!"

Crom lost his footing and fell forward onto his belly in a daze. He laid there and struggled to get up when he felt a foot pinning him down on his back. He yelped and looked up, where there was the Grumpig standing over him and sneering down with a malicious smile.

"Should've stayed on your hick island, little runt-"

"Crom! Roll aside!"

Crom felt the Grumpig's weight let go and hurriedly rolled out of the way as Ander rushed in with a cross-shaped slash. His blades landed with an audible thwack, followed shortly afterwards by a pained squeal. Crom got up and looked over just in time to see the Grumpig skidding back and panting when Ander lunged forward, readying another slash of his blades.

Except, there was light gathering in front of the pearls on the Grumpig's head. Crom wasn't sure what to make of it, until he saw the light start to arrange into hexagonal shapes.

His eyes suddenly widened in realization.

"Ah! Ander!" he cried. "Wait! He's-!"

It was too late. The Power Gem sailed forward and caught Ander square in his chest, sending him crumpling to the ground in a wheezing daze. Hooke looked on briefly and shook his head, giving a low, fuming snort back at the struggling Bug-Type on the ground.

"Oh, so you wanna get down in the mud, Scyther?" the Grumpig snarled. "Well lemme show you how that'll end for you!"

Another Power Gem began to form in front of the Grumpig's head as Crom hurriedly ran forward. He opened his jaws by reflex as much to his surprise, dark wisps began to form around his jaws. His fangs sank deep into Hooke's right shoulder, the Gumpig's Power Gem abruptly dissipating as the Psychic-Type's eyes shrank to pins.

A bloodcurdling squeal filled the air, as the Grumpig thrashed against Crom's jaws. Hooke's eyes flashed blue as he frantically readied a Psychic, only for Crom to clamp down even harder. The Grumpig suddenly went limp and slumped forward, pulling Crom with him to the ground as the pair rolled to a stop. After the Grumpig stopped moving, Crom let go and got up, seeing the Psychic-Type breathing weakly with ruddy marks left behind where he'd bitten down.

"OW!"

Crom whirled around just in time to see Ken hopping and wincing from Guardia smashing his toes. The Druddigon hurriedly spat up a gout of dragonfire that made the Krokorok bellow in pain and sent the sailor flopping to the ground on his back.

For a second, Crom thought that was the end of things, except, much to his alarm, Ken suddenly rolled over and hurriedly scooted back. The Krokorok started to get up onto his feet as Ander rushed in and caught him with a scythe. Ken cried out in pain when another slash raked him, followed by one in the Krokorok's stomach that made his eyes shoot wide with a labored croak.

"N-Nrk!"

Ander pulled his blade back and let Ken slump forward, the Krokorok landing on his belly with a dull thud. Ander jumped back, keeping his blades at the ready as the sound of battle rang out around them, the lack of incoming attacks probably being a sign that their fighting had taken them away from the front lines. His teammates darted up to him, as Guardia gave a poke at the felled Krokorok with her bone.

"Tch, I remembered these two putting up more of a fight last time," she scoffed.

"I guess that means we must've gotten a bit stronger-"

"Agh! Get your filthy paws off that chest!"

Crom trailed off as a crackling buzz turned his attention back towards the mouth of the grated hallway and saw Roderic frantically zipping forward. Much to his alarm, the defenders on the ground floor were scattered in a state of confusion, some behind Protects or whatever cover they'd managed to whip up, while others lay limply on the ground. The pirates on the other hand were still holding their ground, with a few of their comrades already carrying off things from the tunnel behind them, including a red-scarved Emboar who was visibly lugging along a heavy chest.

Blue sparks danced around Roderic as he readied a Discharge, when a stream of fire caught him and sent him plummeting to the ground. Crom, Guardia, and Ander hurriedly ran over and helped him get to cover behind a small pile of upturned stones left behind from an earlier Rock Slide, as they looked down at the stricken elder.

"R-Roderic! Are you okay?!" the Druddigon cried.

"I'm fine, but we need to get that chest back!" the Rotom buzzed. "We put that Ledger you brought to us in it!"

The three turned their eyes to the Emboar up ahead. After a brief moment of stunned shock, Ander let out a sharp buzz and motioned for the others to follow.

"Then there's not a moment to lose! Come on!"

The three vaulted out from behind their cover as Ander strafed the Emboar and slashed one of his paws with his right scythe. Guardia rushed in with a swat with her club at the Emboar's leg, while Crom spat up a Dragon Rage, his blow landing just by the Emboar's feet and making the pirate stumble and drop the chest. The Emboar reared up with a growl and readied a punch, when blue bolts of electricity came in and made him freeze up with a pained bellow. The Fire-Type reeled before turning and falling back towards nearby comrades, a couple of them stepping forward as one tightened his grip around a Slow Wand.

Off towards the center of the room, Dirk was sent skidding back crouched along the ground from a fiery tackle. A loud roar followed afterwards, as a Marked Charizard rose up into the air and bared his fangs with a defiant snarl.

"Is that really the best you can do, Bisharp?!" Bunsen snapped. "I was a Company Commissioner! It'll take more than some cheap shots to get the better of me!"

Bunsen followed up his blow with a brilliant gout of fire, spewing his Flamethrower out at the Bisharp in a wide arc. The fire swept over Dirk's body as the purple flash of Kichiro's Light Screen came over it, all while the pirate braved the flames and lunged through them. Bunsen's eyes widened briefly as he attempted to crane his head down to adjust his target, only for Dirk to run a blade trailing shadowy flecks across the Charizard's belly.

"A-AUGH!"

Bunsen shot backwards and plummeted to the ground with a loud crash, leaving him wheezing on his back as smoke came from his throat. Bunsen started to get up when a sharp kick at his side knocked him onto his belly. A stomping pain shot through his wing and back, and soon he felt something hard and cold press against his throat from underneath. The Charizard's eyes drifted down, as saw Dirk holding one of his blades at his neck with a sharp sneer.

"Sounds like I picked the wrong island to raid if this is all it takes to throw a Company Commissioner off balance these days," the Bisharp taunted."I'm sure that I'll have stories to tell either way after this. After all, it's not every day that I get to take a Commissioner's head."

Bunsen let out a low whimper and screwed his eyes shut as Dirk drew his free blade back. A sharp cry rang out as Dirk's free blade reached its apex, the Bisharp turning his head just as a silvery-white blur wreathed in blue dragonfire struck him in his side.

"Ack!"

Dirk tumbled back, digging his bladed arms to the ground to steady himself, as Bunsen breathed in and out shakily. The Charizard hastily got up and pawed at his throat, where there, much to his astonishment, he saw Pleo standing in front of him, blue flecks of light still trailing off his feathers.

"H-Huh?! B-But you-!"

"Were in trouble!" Pleo squawked. "I couldn't just let that mean Bisharp hurt you like that! We're on the same side here!"

The Charizard stared dumbfounded for a moment, when a sharp hiss over the din of battle turned his and Pleo's attention off towards the pirates' end of the chamber. There, Dirk got back onto his feet and swung his bladed arms wide, Bunsen briefly faltering from his nerves before he cast a sidelong glance at his unexpected defender.

"R-Right, just be careful!" the Charizard insisted. "These pirate captains are tougher than they look!"

"And also not the types to just sit around while you run your mouths off!"

Dirk lunged forward at Pleo with a Night Slash, when he was hit by a brilliant wave-like light, and then a blazing tackle that left him struggling to keep his balance. Dirk briefly saw that Nina and Siana had joined at the pair's side as Nina breathed out a gout of fire that grazed him and made him lose his footing. Other attacks zipped by as Dirk quickly realized that he couldn't see underlings standing and fighting near him—he was completely out in the open.

The Bisharp captain clicked his tongue, before quickly falling back towards the light of Protects coming from the pirates' doorway, not bothering to look down at the Pokémon he stepped over. Once he made it behind the cover of the pirates' Protect formation, he took stock of his surroundings. Around him, the space behind the Protects was crammed with pirates tensely massed behind hastily formed cover and lobbing attacks and items deeper into the chamber while others tended to fainted comrades.

Dirk did a sweep of the chamber with his eyes and quietly set his teeth on edge. He hadn't realized just how far he'd fallen back, or how many Pokémon there were lying slumped over, with a worryingly large number of them being his own Crimson Corsairs. They were still keeping the defenders on the second level on their toes and holding the closer of the two stairways leading up to it, but the situation on the ground floor was another story. They were clearly losing ground as the Marked and their allies kept pushing deeper into the middle of the chamber. The sound of running footsteps behind him prompted him to look back, as he saw a few pirates deeper down the hallway turning and running off with their tails quite literally between their legs.

"Hey! Get back here!" Dirk snarled. "Nobody said you could-!"

"Gah!"

Dirk turned to see a Ledian sail back over the top of a nearby line of Protects, before hurriedly braking his fall in the air with his wings. The pirates just beside him cried out and hastily dispelled their Protects. Dirk raised a brow as they scattered, when the reason came crashing in not even a second later.

"Aaaah!"

It was Hess, who came to a tumbling stop in front of him. Because of course that useless oaf would literally get pushed around. Dirk pinched his brow briefly as the pirates hastily tried to reform the defensive line, the Bisharp scowling down at Hess while the Aggron wobbily got up from the ground.

"Seriously, Hess?"

"You better believe it!" a Kabutops' voice snapped.

Hess and Dirk looked up as Dimitri ran at them through the gap in the defensive line, with Margi and Trizano following just behind while other defenders skirmished with the nearby pirates. Hess hurriedly attempted to call up rocks, only for the Kabutops to break the Aggron's stance with a Brick Break at his belly, dashing the Light Screen about the Steel-Type. From the side, Dirk lowered his head and headbutted Dimitri onto his back with an Iron Head. The Bisharp raised a blade to strike again, when fire erupted along the side of his body. Dirk staggered back, as he caught a glimpse of Margi rising into the air with embers smoldering around her mouths.

"Now! Hit them while their Light Screen is down!" she cried.

Pleo and Bunsen caught up just as Margi called out to them. The Lugia struck first, throwing a bolt of electricity forward as the Charizard followed suit by spewing out a stream of fire. Their other teammates joined in, throwing attacks of their own at Hess and Dirk that quickly forced the pirate captains to fall back. Their assistance seemed to lift the spirits of the guards who fought alongside them as they let out sharp battlecries, with Margi and Daraen's dragonfire taking on new vigor, and Bunsen's flames burning brighter. All about the chamber, the pirates hastily abandoned the center of the chamber as their numbers were progressively chased back to their entrance. The pirates' positions kept shrinking behind an ever-tightening array of Protects in front of the breached doors, where they attempted to hold out against a hail of blows and Seeds sailing in. At the same time, some of the stronger pirates tried to regain ground by lunging forward in an attempt to catch their opponents off guard, including Dirk himself:

"AGH!"

A sharp cry rang out as Elder Siana's attempt to intervene with a Psybeam was abruptly snuffed out by a Night Slash from Dirk. The Espeon fell limply to the ground as Dirk kicked her aside and ducked back behind cover where Hess and Kichiro were waiting. The Aggron panted wide-eyed, looking out at the hail of attacks coming from deeper within the chamber, before turning to Dirk with an audible gulp.

"S-See?! This is why I wanted to wait until Rodion could catch up with us!"

Dirk shot a piercing glare back that made Hess stiffen up with a yelp, as the Bisharp's words came out with a venomous snarl.

"Just shut up and keep it together, Hess!" Dirk snapped. "We're not finished here yet!"

A loud yowl suddenly came from the top of the stairs up to the second level. The pirate captains turned their attention up, just in time to see a Perrserker in Dirk's colors get flung from the top of the balcony, hitting the ground in a crumpled heap not even twenty paces away.

The situation on the staircase was little better, as the pirates who were still standing on it broke rank and mounted a disorderly retreat back for the doorway. A few other pirates from deeper within the hallway rushed out to try and buy their comrades time to escape, but with how many were being overwhelmed, they were clearly fighting a losing battle. Hess and Kichiro traded grimacing stares at the sight, before the Ledian of the pair turned to Dirk with an irritated buzz.

"I'm sorry, but have you bothered to look around you?!" Kichiro yelled, throwing up his fists in exasperation. "We're going to get overrun if we try to stand our ground here!"

Dirk clenched his teeth and flashed his blades at the Ledian in response, only for the Bug-Type to remain unfazed. ... Was this the right place to dig in if their escape route out of Starbreak Square had been cut off? He ran a hand up to his badge and pressed down, before speaking into it.

"Whoever's listening on the other end, give me a status report. Now."

The badge suddenly crackled to life as a panting voice filled the surrounding air.

"Captain! We've opened up a path out of town, but we can't hold it for long! A bunch of us have already gotten chased here, so this is as good a chance as we're going to get to pull out!"

It took all of a couple seconds for it to become evident that it wasn't just the three of them who'd heard the message, as a growing number of their underlings turned and began to flee.

The Bisharp's mind went blank as he looked vacantly down at the floor. It was growing harder and harder not to conclude that there was nothing to be gained from staying here aside from mounting a last stand. But at the same time, he couldn't bring the Crimson Corsairs back to Starpeak Square defeated like this. Not with nothing to show for their efforts or how much of their ranks they'd have to leave behind.

"Ah! Just drop the chest already!"

Dirk looked out from behind his cover and noticed Crom, Guardia, and Ander breaking away from a line of Protects towards an Emboar attempting to carry off a chest. The Bisharp quirked a brow as the three set upon the Fire-Type: a gout of blue dragonfire, a bone whirling and arcing through the air, and finally a spread-wing tackle from Ander that knocked the Emboar flat. A Vanilluxe floated in and blew out an Icy Wind that swept up the trio, prompting the Emboar to get up and try to retreat to cover as he left the chest behind. Dirk stared at the chest briefly and narrowed his eyes with a puzzled tilt of his head. Why on earth were those three worried about a little bit of loot? It wasn't as if this was even their town anyways.

... Unless whatever was in there was something they were absolutely desperate not to lose.

Dirk slunk back behind cover and turned to Kichiro as a smirk came over his face.

"Actually, you're right, Ledian. We're better off forcing the bird and his friend to fight us on more favorable turf," the Bisharp captain said. "So let's grab whatever's in that chest there and get out of here. They wouldn't be fighting this hard over it if it weren't important to them."

Kichiro shot back a confused look as Dirk grabbed for his scarf and once again pressed down on his badge. He brought it up to his mouth, before speaking into it just loud enough for his voice to cut through the sounds of battle around them.

"Everyone, change of plans! Take whatever loot you've grabbed so far along with anyone you can carry and pull back by any means necessary," the Bisharp ordered. "Captain Hess and I will buy you time to retreat, but don't fall behind. We're not miracle workers here."

Hess' eyes shrank to pins, the Aggron whirling over to the Bisharp with a slack-jawed stammer.

"W-Wait, we are-?"

Hess yelped as he was cut off by a sharp jab at his stomach. The Aggron turned to Dirk as the Bisharp captain looked up at him with a sharp scowl.

"Look, lunkhead. I'm not losing a quarter of my crew to a rout and I doubt you want to either," the Bisharp growled. "So just do your job, tell your second mate to stop whining, and do whatever it takes to get that chest so we can get out of this Mystery Dungeon!"

A pained bellow came from the direction of the chest as Hess glanced over and saw the Emboar slump over next to the Vanilluxe lying toppled on the floor. Crom, Ander, and Guardia were there panting from battle, while the chest they were fighting over was left completely unguarded. The Aggron sized up the distance between the chest and his present cover, before nodding his head with a determined grunt.

"Right, I can do that!"

The Aggron jumped up, before driving his feet into the ground and sending out a heavy tremor that tore up the ground. In the blink of an eye, Hess' Earthquake overtook everyone in its path. Crom and Guardia were the first to be knocked down by the tremor while Ander hastily flew up to avoid the churning earth. The frontlines were the next to fall as the quake hit both the remaining pirates and the defenders, leaving dust and pained shouts swirling in the air. From above, Trizano weaved around stones and dust falling from the ceiling as the chamber devolved into chaos and he tried to make sense of his compatriots below them.

It took Trizano a moment to see past the clearing dust, where he discovered most of the Pokémon who'd been closest to Hess were lying strewn about fainted among rubble, while the exceptions like Crom and Guardia were visibly struggling to stay on their feet. Further away from Hess' position, their allies stumbled up, their ranks noticeably thinned as a number of the Marked and guards from Starpeak Square remained on the ground letting out weak groans of pain.

A low grunt rang out back from where the chest had been, and much to Trizano and his teammates' horror, Dirk was still standing behind a Protect while Hess was in the process of hefting the chest onto his shoulders. Margi noticed it too as she wheeled in the air, diving in as fiery blue light built in the back of her throat.

"Oh no you don't!"

"Oi, buzz off, Sazandora!"

Kichiro cut in as a series of rings in the air that swept Margi up, too late for her to pull away. The Hydreigon's eyes glazed over as her Dragon Pulse sailed off errantly into the walls, leaving her lurching about in a daze and fighting to stay airborne. Trizano grimaced, only for his eyes to shrink as Hess began to run for the doors he stormed through earlier. The Skarmory fanned his wings out, crying out to his teammates with a shrill start.

"Everyone focus on Hess first!" Trizano exclaimed. "We can't let him get away with the Ledger!"

Trizano hurriedly shot forward with a glinting spread-wing tackle, his blow barely making Hess flinch. The rest of Team Traveller hurried in after him, throwing their attacks forward as best as they could, but the Aggron seemed to largely power through them. The primary exceptions were a strafing Brick Break at his side from Dimitri, and a Bonemerang from Guardia that made him stumble just long enough for a plume of fire to strike him in his back.

"Gack!"

Hess reeled, struggling to stay on his feet as he looked up to see Bunsen flying past. A sharp buzz rang out in his ear as purple light settled over his body, where there just to his left, Kichiro scowled at him with an impatient huff.

"Hess! Pay more attention to what's going on!" the Ledian snapped.

"I am!" the Aggron shot back, shaking his head and steadying his grip on his chest. "That's why I was gonna do this!"

Hess stomped the ground and called down several large stones from the rock ceiling overhead onto Team Traveller's positions. On the ground, everyone quickly tried to fall back as the stones fell upon them. Ander frantically dodged a stone that just missed his wings, as cries of pain ran out from all around him. A pained bellow came from overhead, as the Scyther hurriedly ducked out of the way of an orange blur crashing to earth. It was Bunsen, lying barely lucid and sprawled out on the ground whining in pain.

Ander felt heavy footsteps running past, when he looked over and saw his teammates trying to get back onto their feet... while Hess was already halfway over to Dirk as the Bisharp fended off a small party of Marked led by a Chatot. Ander grit his teeth as he realized that Dirk wouldn't have stayed behind for no reason while his underlings retreated. Not unless he had some way of making sure Hess would be able to get away with their chest.

"Everyone, don't let Hess get to that Bisharp!"

Ander darted forward and flung a whitish shockwave ahead at Hess with all the force he could muster. His teammates quickly descended on the Aggron, throwing one attack after the other before they were forced back by a second Rock Slide that sent them diving for cover. Pleo stumbled back with a sharp squawk as one of the rocks struck his shoulder, while Nina hurriedly rushed past him and spewed a Flamethrower at the fleeing pirate. The young Lugia panted and fought to stay on his feet when he looked up in the direction of the entrance. There, Dirk was throwing aside the Chatot, the last of the squad that had tried to stop him. Back towards the middle of the chamber, Hess staggered and wobbled along the last stretch towards Dirk with Kichiro frantically pushing at his back—the chest now being held uneasily in his grasp.

No, he couldn't just let Hess get away! Now while they were this close! Pleo sucked in his breath and fought against his aching joints as his senses dulled and his mind focused, before calling out with a sharp cry.

"Stop!"

The young Lugia cracked his beak open as a ray of golden rings shot out, sailing along until they struck Hess' back and the Aggron tripped with a pained, choking cry.

"Hnrk!"

Hess tottered and pitched forward, landing onto his belly with enough force to stir up dust from fallen rubble. He lay there with his claws still wrapped around the chest, his strength depleted to the point where he could do nothing but let out feeble groans as the few pirates still at the entrance briefly held their fire out of startled shock. From the Aggron's side, Kichiro gave a worried buzz and flitted down beside the Steel-Type, desperately tugging at his captain.

"N-No, get up you stupid idiot!" the Ledian stammered. "We're so close here!"

Dirk briefly looked down at the pair a few paces away as the Marked guards and indigo-scarved Pokémon started to encroach on him. The last of the pirates in the hallway turned and retreated as a few guards attempted to give chase, but all the while, Dirk stubbornly stood his ground. There was a moment of tense unease, when Nina stepped forward as she and the remaining Elders stared down the Bisharp with fierce glares.

"You should know when you're beat, pirate," the Typhlosion snarled. "You and the Ledian can surrender peacefully, or you two can wake up in a few hours tied to a bed seeing stars in the medic's hut."

There was a moment of silence, before Dirk lowered his head and drew his arms in, letting out a low, derisive chuckle. Nina tensed up and shifted into a battle stance as Dirk looked up with a devilish smirk.

"Thanks for the offer, Typhlosion but I'll pass," Dirk replied. "We weren't planning on staying that much longer in this glorified Durant nest."

Dirk rubbed his blades together as a harsh screech rang out, loud enough to distort the air and make everyone nearby flinch. The Bisharp captain lunged ahead, shoving a Heliolisk out of the way as he shot an arm forward and swiped it against Kichiro's upper right arm and then the back of Hess' head. Trizano dove at Dirk from the air above, when he noticed the Bisharp was raising a black sphere up in the air. His eyes abruptly widened, as he realized what Bisharp was holding:

An Escape Orb pulsing with light.

"No, stop!"

Trizano spread his wings to tackle Dirk, only for the Bisharp to dash the black orb against the ground. The Skarmory sailed forward just as a flash of light to enveloped the three pirates, leaving him sailing through empty air. The light dissipated, with no sign of Hess, Kichiro, Dirk, or the chest to be seen. All that remained were themselves and the fainted pirates and defenders who were still strewn about the chamber. There was a moment of collective, shocked silence, as Team Traveller's minds went blank with a crushing realization that sank in on them.

They'd not only lost their volume of the Ledger, but also failed their friends when they needed them most. From the side, Pleo stared blankly at the spot where Hess and Dirk had been. His eyes began to well up as his voice started to hitch and whine.

"No no no! H-He wasn't supposed to get away!" Pleo cried. "W-We were supposed to-!"

Margi came over and placed a side-head on his shoulder, and lowered her body to meet his eyes.

"Pleo, I understand, but we did everything we could. We need to regroup before we can think about trying anything else."

"B-But he's going to kill my-!"

"No, he won't."

Everyone's attention fell on Nina as the Marked Typhlosion went over to a Emboar lying sprawled out on the floor. She stooped down and tore a glinting bauble off the Emboar's scarf, before bringing it up to her mouth and pressing down on it with a low huff.

"Whoever's listening, put me through to whoever's in charge of passing messages to your captains."

A moment of silence hung in the chamber, as the badge suddenly crackled to life with a chittering voice filling the air.

"Wait, who the hell is this?"

"The Pokémon who holds the fate of a good chunk of your comrades in her paws, so listen closely," Nina growled. "I don't know just how many of your deckhands you left behind here in Starbreak Square, but I know it's a big enough number that most pirate crews who suffered a loss like that would be interested in a change of leadership if their comrades weren't recovered somehow."

Dead silence followed from the badge as Pleo and his teammates looked on in stunned silence. The Lugia started to waddle over and opened his beak in protest, only for Nina to motion for a silence and raise the badge back to her mouth.

"Tell that Bisharp and Aggron that we're open to being convinced to care about their underlings' welfare, but it's contingent on the well-being of those Pokémon you're holding prisoner right now," she said. "The moment anything happens to them, regardless of anything you may have to offer or threaten us with, we will send every last pirate we're presently holding prisoner to the Wastes. Are we clear?"

Pleo stared up at Nina with his beak hanging open. It... was honestly scary to hear her so casually threaten to send Pokémon to die like that, but he was just surprised to see her worry so much about his teammates. It didn't seem like she was pretending or forcing herself to say any of those things, either.

A long pause followed, before the voice on the other end of the badge gave a nervous stammer back.

"I'll- I'll get back to you on that. Just hold onto that badge you've got!"

The voice cut out as Nina let her grip on it go. Pleo wasn't fully sure what to make of what just happened, but at least it sounded like there was a chance that their friends back in Starpeak Square would still be alright. Or at least for now.

Nina pinned the badge on her own scarf for safekeeping, before motioning to the other Elders and calling them over. They approached, some a bit slower than others, either from battle fatigue or from needing to be roused by Reviver Seeds. The Marked Typhlosion briefly paused to scan her surroundings, before she walked up to Robbie as he lingered in front of a few of his still-standing guards.

She folded her arms over each other and sized up the Krookodile and his scarf's pattern, before narrowing her eyes.

"And I presume that you're the Sheriff from that devil-worshipping village by the sea."

Robbie briefly bared his fangs as some of his nearby underlings let out growls and grumbles of their own. The Krookodile stepped forward, raising a fist with a low snarl.

"Look Tornupto, if you are trying to make me regret coming to help you-"

"I was going to say that I wanted you to brief us on what's going on out there," Nina said. "We likely only have a limited window to free your village, especially if we intend to rescue Lugia's companions as well."

There was a moment of confused silence as Robbie let his fist hang in the air for a moment before bringing it down with a low grumble.

"Hrmph, well you sure have a funny way of getting your point across," the Krookodile replied. "Though don't think that this suddenly means we're going to forget all the headaches you've caused us in the past!"

"I wouldn't dream of it," Nina scoffed. "But we have some shared interests at the moment, so at least for now, let's do what we can to work towards them together."

The Typhlosion and her fellow Elders set off as Robbie hesitated, before shaking his head and motioning at his underlings to follow.

"Everybody who's still standing, come along," he said. "Looks like we got that lucky break that we needed."

One by one, the indigo-scarved Pokémon made their way off. A few lingering behind to pass their fainted comrades off to be cared for, before also taking their leave. From the side, Pleo looked on, and fought against the aches in his body as he started to follow after Robbie when a voice interrupted him from the side.

"Stop."

Pleo looked up and saw Margi and Daraen approaching him, the Hydreigon of the pair staring down with a stern expression. The Lugia sputtered in protest, and motioned off after the departing guards.

"Wait, but we-"

"Need to go and see the medics!" Daraen insisted.

"You're hurt from a harsh and grueling battle," Margi said. "Tend to your own wounds first, and then we'll talk about where we should go from here."

Pleo hesitated and looked down at a deep bruise on his shoulder. It was hard to argue the two's point and he supposed that they could wait a little longer. Amidst all the hardships they'd went through, they'd finally gotten what seemed so out of reach just this morning:

Help, and a hope of getting their friends back. All because of Pokémon like Margi and Daraen who had trusted him and fought alongside him even if they were wary of him originally.

Pleo looked up, and nudged his beak against the Hydreigon's chest.

"Thank you," he said. "And... I guess we can do that first."

---

Author's Notes:

- Caesurio - German: "Bisharp"
- Sazandora (サザンドラ) - Japanese: "Hydreigon" (Official Romanization)
- Tornupto - German: "Typhlosion"

 

[Kiba Makuro]

Hiya Fobbie and Virgil I'm once again here for Fledglings with this V-Wheel.

I’m Covering Chapter 7- This Is Not A Drill

I didn't mention sometimes in the later half of the last chapter so I'll do so now as I feel they definitely relate to the chapter's opening and over-all themes.

Marked Pokémon lore, actually seeing multiple children and the assumed prejudices they face is pretty realistic and nice to witness in a story. Pleo finding his place among them and quickly learning that not everyone is nice is something that an action and adventure pmd fic protag definitely has to learn quickly. Also I enjoyed seeing Gwenith and Marley in action as mothers in pmd fics rarely exist (blame mainline pmd tropes) and rarely fight.

This ties beautifully into the next chapter, it's kinda like confronting responsibility in a way, not just for Pleo, but Nida, Crom, and Kiran. The older mon understand that they have to fight off the pirates at all costs, and alongside that, help any towns mon get to safety. I really enjoyed the entire pirate fight scene as it is the focal point. The three had their quirks and were a perfect set of foes for Nida, Crom, Kiran, and Pleo. Nice seeing the progression of Team Traveler’s teamwork, this time in a tense battle.

Now I will admit once again though, the epithets for the pirates did kinda clunk up some of the sentences and lessened the blow of a few moments for me, getting me to audibly groan in frustration. Perhaps trying to write dialogue and actions that flow well with this particular style, since I know you aren't going to leave it, wouldn't hurt.

The introduction of Hess is such a fun scene. I was actually wondering how a Saturday morning cartoon style fic was going to handle the first big bad, and the answer would be ‘surprisingly fast’. All of Team Traveler except Pleo falling, leaving Marley to tangle with the big old pirate captain was certainly something I wasn't expecting. Though that lets our little Protector figure out his purpose without his Team. The Iron Fleet did quite the damage on the town but definitely took off more than they could chew. After seeing his friends and the island of Bluewhorl under attack, Pleo awakened his powers. Lugia is a Legendary after all, and wasn't called Protector for nothing.

I wonder what’ll happen in the aftermath? Bluewhorl is definitely gonna have to rebuild a few buildings, and those pirates are bound to mention that Lugia is finally up… who else will come knocking? Nice chapter here, that’s all I have for now.

 

[Spiteful Murkrow]

@Kiba Makuro

Spoiler

Marked Pokémon lore, actually seeing multiple children and the assumed prejudices they face is pretty realistic and nice to witness in a story. Pleo finding his place among them and quickly learning that not everyone is nice is something that an action and adventure pmd fic protag definitely has to learn quickly. Also I enjoyed seeing Gwenith and Marley in action as mothers in pmd fics rarely exist (blame mainline pmd tropes) and rarely fight.

This ties beautifully into the next chapter, it's kinda like confronting responsibility in a way, not just for Pleo, but Nida, Crom, and Kiran. The older mon understand that they have to fight off the pirates at all costs, and alongside that, help any towns mon get to safety. I really enjoyed the entire pirate fight scene as it is the focal point. The three had their quirks and were a perfect set of foes for Nida, Crom, Kiran, and Pleo. Nice seeing the progression of Team Traveler’s teamwork, this time in a tense battle.

Glad that you liked it. While the story does aim for a Saturday Morning Cartoon vibe in general, it’s of a darker-than-normal flavoring precisely to leave room for playing around with more “like real life” dynamics that are a bit harsher. Sounds like it worked out pretty well for you.

Now I will admit once again though, the epithets for the pirates did kinda clunk up some of the sentences and lessened the blow of a few moments for me, getting me to audibly groan in frustration. Perhaps trying to write dialogue and actions that flow well with this particular style, since I know you aren't going to leave it, wouldn't hurt.

If there are particular moments that stuck out to you as being particularly noticeable offenders, feel free to point them out via DM. And in your actual reviews in the future. We admittedly won’t be sinking a whole lot of time into major overhauls given how the latest and greatest chapters are already quite a bit of work to manage, but culling epithets with a little bit of helpful pointing out is something that we can do.

The introduction of Hess is such a fun scene. I was actually wondering how a Saturday morning cartoon style fic was going to handle the first big bad, and the answer would be ‘surprisingly fast’. All of Team Traveler except Pleo falling, leaving Marley to tangle with the big old pirate captain was certainly something I wasn't expecting. Though that lets our little Protector figure out his purpose without his Team. The Iron Fleet did quite the damage on the town but definitely took off more than they could chew. After seeing his friends and the island of Bluewhorl under attack, Pleo awakened his powers. Lugia is a Legendary after all, and wasn't called Protector for nothing.

Yeah, Hess is a bit of a breakout character in this story. Though glad to hear that the first major skirmish in this story was fun for you to read, it won’t be the last you’ll see of pirates in this story, or of Pleo playing around with the powers that make him a Protector.

I wonder what’ll happen in the aftermath? Bluewhorl is definitely gonna have to rebuild a few buildings, and those pirates are bound to mention that Lugia is finally up… who else will come knocking? Nice chapter here, that’s all I have for now.

Well, that sounds like a reason to come back to this story sometime, huh? :V

Though thanks for the review, and Virgil and I will be looking forward to whenever you poke your head in again.

Alright, that was… a bit of a gap since our last syndicated release, since Virgil and I had our hands full with the most recent new release that launched last week. For your patience, we’ve updated the onsite art gallery a bit, and these last handful of chapters left before the story gets current with its other releases should go by pretty smoothly. So let’s just go ahead and start out with the last chapter before the big two-parter finale to this Episode:

 

[Virgil134]

Pleo hadn't realized how worn down he was as he shambled into the local infirmary, which was busy with Pokémon running about. He and his teammates were led along by a medic, who brought them to a stone chamber lined with piles of straw bedding that had already been mostly claimed by other Pokémon—including one by Bunsen much to their surprise.

They were briefly treated with berries, while bandages were applied to more stubborn wounds that still lingered. The medics told them to rest afterwards and focus on recovering, especially if they were going to visit the Elders later on.

Pleo and his companions tried, but it was hard to get much of any rest. Surprisingly it wasn't the groans of the wounded Pokémon around them that bothered them the most, but the lingering memories of their encounter with Dirk.

The Bisharp told them point-blank that he was holding their friends who'd been stranded in Starpeak Square hostage… and now those pirates had the Knights' Ledger on top of it?

It was hard to shake the lingering feeling of dread from the whole episode, which weighed especially hard on Crom as he hung his head with a worried gulp.

"I- I just don't know what we're supposed to do now," the Druddigon murmured. "Those pirates are all the way in Starpeak Square with our friends and the Knights' Ledger! How are we supposed to get any of them back if we have no idea where they are?"

Crom put a hand to his brow and looked down with a blank stare. Pleo hesitated briefly, before going over and patting at his shoulder and giving a reassuring smile.

"At least we don't have to do this alone anymore," Pleo insisted. "Roderic also took those pictures of the Ledger, and we know it and our friends are all in places around Starpeak Square. That's why we came here to ask for help, right?"

It was cold comfort, but the Lugia's insistence seemed to lift Crom's mood a bit. From the side, Trizano paused and brought a wingtip to his beak.

Something about the raid wasn't adding up. The pirates who attacked Starbreak Square came storming in and ready to tear the village up looking for Pleo, and had gotten quite a few of themselves caught in the process. If the pirates had known about the Knights' Ledger all this time, why didn't they ever show an interest in it earlier?

Unless…

"I… don't think that those pirates knew that the Knights' Ledger was in there or how important it is," Trizano said. "If they had, how come Hess and Dirk didn't try to snatch it right away? They only went for it after they saw how much we were trying to get it back."

Guardia blinked at the Skarmory's reply. She supposed that if Hess and Dirk didn't know what they were dealing with, it'd explain their behavior… but she wasn't sure what the point Trizano was trying to make was.

"How does that help us at all?"

"Well, it means that the pirates aren't likely to pass the part of the Knights' Ledger we had back to the Company and that they probably aren't taking any precautions to keep it safe," Trizano explained. "As long as we can get to the chest they stole from us, we should still have a chance at getting our volume back."

Right. So there was at least a chance that they could turn things around, even if Pleo wasn't sure where on earth they would even start. Even if they could take it for granted that they'd free their friends, any attempt at getting the red volume back would mean going through an entire town that was currently full of pirates.

The young Lugia drifted in his thoughts for a moment when he heard a sharp wince and pained groan from deeper in the room. He looked along the piles of bedding set out on the other side, where a number of Pokémon, including Bunsen, were laying at rest with wounds. The young Protector blinked as he noticed that the Marked Charizard was pawing at a set of bandages on his belly and seemed visibly uncomfortable in his straw pile… not that taking a slash square to his underbelly and then getting hit with a Rock Slide would've felt good for anyone.

Pleo got up and waddled over to Bunsen's bedding, a few nearby Marked quietly shrinking away as he passed. He tilted his head down at Bunsen, making the Charizard abruptly freeze up. The pair stared at each other wordlessly, before Pleo raised a wing out to him with a worried murmur.

"Are you okay?" the Lugia asked. "You look really hurt."

Bunsen reflexively shrank back from Pleo's outstretched wing, and pulled his limbs in close and nervously lowered his head.

"I-I'll live, really," the Marked Charizard stammered. "J-Just got a bit more cut up than I was expecting."

… So Bunsen was still afraid of him. Pleo couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment and lowered his wing before backing away.

He wanted Bunsen to stop seeing him as a demon… but if Bunsen still saw him this way after he came to his help, how would the Charizard ever change?

"If you say so," he sighed.

Pleo turned and began to walk back to his friends, who'd continued talking with each other in his absence. Probably about what on earth they were going to do now with the whole mess with the pirates. As he made his way back, he tried to give more space from the other beds this time, lest he draw any more unwelcome reactions.

"Wait!"

Bunsen's voice suddenly called out from behind. Pleo turned his head and looked to see that Bunsen was shuffling and sitting up in his bedding. The Charziard still looked visibly on-edge, but he seemed to be fighting with himself to get words out, and after a moment to suck in a breath, he began to speak.

"It feels a bit weird for me to be saying this… but I just wanted to say thanks for looking out for me back there," the Fire-Type said. "I'm not sure if I'd be going back to my mate and children again if you hadn't."

Pleo fell quiet at the Charizard's reply, and noticed a couple Marked from the other beds giving strange looks off at Bunsen. The young Lugia gave a small smile in reply. Maybe neither of them were ready to be friends with each other, but at least they seemed ready to stop being enemies.

"I don't think I really did anything all that special, but I'm glad I could help," Pleo replied. "No matter what I really am as a Pokémon, I was told that I was supposed to be a Protector. And… I want to be one that anyone can count on."

The Charizard blinked and seemed to be at a loss for how to respond as Pleo turned and left. The Lugia went back over to his friends, who trailed off as he approached as footsteps and wingbeats rang out. He raised his head and looked towards the door, where Margi and Daraen were re-entering from the hallway outside.

"Hey, are you all doing alright?" the Deino asked.

"We're fine," Pleo reassured. "Though how come you're back so soon? Is something going on?"

"It's about the Elders. They wanted to have that audience with you, assuming you're well enough to walk," Margi explained. "They said that time is of the essence, so I don't think that it's wise to keep them waiting."

Pleo and his teammates traded incredulous looks with one another. Nina and the others wanted an audience already? It hadn't even been two hours since they fought off Hess and Dirk in the Elder's Hall… wouldn't Starbreak Square still be a mess from their raid?

The Lugia decided not to question it. After a day as long and chaotic as today, they could afford to have a break for once.

"Right, I think that we're feeling well enough," Pleo said. "Let's get going."

Team Traveller got up and headed after Margi and Daraen, making their way out of the crowded infirmary past Pokémon being treated in the hallway until they exited out onto the street. It was a bit hard at times to tell that there'd been a pirate raid since the entire town had been built into tunnels dug into the side of a mountain and there weren't wooden buildings like in Bluewhorl Town, but the scars were still there:

Scorch marks, gouges in the tunnel walls, stray rubble… Pleo supposed the burned out doorways and shopfronts weren't all that different from the raid he remembered either. Along the way, he noticed the tunnel up ahead of them was unusually crowded and had a strange number of guards milling about.

He and his companions weren't really sure what to make of it, until they saw a group of Pokémon in red and gold scarves being herded along in bindings. They hesitated briefly, only to realize as they neared that most of the Pokémon were pirates who'd already been tied up and grouped together. Pleo and the others continued on past the captured pirates and saw a mix of reactions as they moved along: some sullen, some defiant, others visibly fearful. The young Protector shifted his wings uncomfortably, before turning his head back to his guides.

"… What's going to happen to the pirates that got caught anyways?" he asked.

"I mean, they're pirates," Daraen replied. "Wouldn't they get punished like-?"

"Get off of me, you stupid blotch-heads!"

Daraen stiffened up and recoiled as up ahead, a Perrserker thrashing against a pair of guards pinning him down. The Perrserker let out a low growl and glared up at his captors, before turning his attention over to Pleo with a piercing glare.

"Enjoy sitting pretty while you can! Since when the captain comes back, he's gonna-"

The pirate abruptly trailed off as the color drained from his face, and a few nearby pirates' eyes visibly widened. After following the pirate's gaze, the reason was clear: there was a Marked Rillaboom carrying a thick sack over his shoulder, with a heavy glove wrapped around a Red Apricorn.

"Go ahead, Perrserker," the Rillaboom said. "Make my day."

The pirate's defiance abruptly faded as he pulled his tail between his legs and the guards shoved him aside against the tunnel wall. Pleo and the others carried along as Margi shot an unamused scowl off at the Perrserker as they passed, before turning back to Pleo with a scoff.

"We haven't figured that out yet, since we don't have enough holding cells to keep all of these Pokémon for the long-term even if we wanted to," she said. "But it doesn't make sense to worry about doling out punishments for them while their friends are still prowling around this island. There will be plenty of time for us to sort them out later."

Guardia nodded along, but wondered just what sort of space they were even supposed to use to keep all these pirates. Taking over a gathering place like those hut-dwellers on Tromba did for that trial in their 'town square'? Using dens to hold them like these Marked had apparently done to Pleo?

She shook her head. It sounded like the sort of problem best solved by digging a pit on their outskirts and keeping those Pokémon there, but she supposed that 'Civilized' Pokémon were a bit strange in their workings. As they began to continue on, Guardia's eyes drifted leftwards, where she chanced to catch a Grumpig and Krokorok with their arms tied behind their backs, visibly squirming away from the Marked Rillaboom as he passed.

She jerked her head back as a flash of realization came over her and tightened her grip on her club. Those two were the same Krokorok and Grumpig from Sormus. Why on earth were they even here right now?

"Wait, you!"

The Grumpig and Krokorok stiffened up as Guardia stomped up to them, Ken trying to scoot back with a quiet wince.

"Wh-Wha-?"

"You're not pirates at all!" she cried, pointing at the pair with her club. "You're those two Company grunts who ambushed us back on Sormus!"

Pleo almost pinched himself to make sure he wasn't seeing things, but sure enough, those two really were the same Pokémon from Lyn's crew that tried to trick them on Sormus! A few other pirates nearby the pair turned and stared, as a couple others grit their teeth with low growls. The Grumpig and Krokorok both seemed to freeze and grimace briefly as Pleo spluttered in dawning realization.

"Wait, so Lyn really is working with these pirates?!" he squawked. "But why?!"

The two's eyes both widened in alarm for a moment, when suddenly something came over them. Ken and Hooke abruptly clamped their mouths shut, and narrowed their eyes back with defiant huffs.

"Hrmph, sod off," Ken grunted. "I'm not telling you anything."

"Yeah," Hooke spat. "If you think we're just going to roll over because you caught us, you've got another thing-!"

Hooke's words abruptly choked off as Margi clamped her right side-head down on his throat. The Grumpig's eyes shrank to pins as his Krokorok companion reacted similarly and stumbled back in shock. Hooke looked up, as Margi brought her central head in and bared her fangs with a low snarl.

"I don't think you two understand the gravity of your present situation," she said. "You're not under Imperial custody right now, you're under Starbreak Square's. We don't have to worry about 'political considerations' regarding your fates, or about keeping your welfare with your allies of convenience in mind."

Margi tightened her grip on the Grumpig's throat as he let out choking whines and the color drained from his face. She briefly noticed Ken squirming and trying to scoot away, before giving a sharp nip at the scruff of the Krokorok's neck with her left side-head to hold him in place and narrowing her eyes.

"So unless the two of you would like to get lumped in with the worse offenders as part of sentencing, or get left alone in a locked room with your 'allies' overnight, I'd suggest you start talking and give us reasons to reconsider," the Hydreigon spat.

The fight at once seemed to leave the pair, and they visibly began to quail in Margi's grasp. After a moment of gibbering panic, Hooke's nerves failed him, as he let out a stammering squeak.

"L-Look, the captain cut a deal with these pirates to get Lugia!" the Grumpig insisted. "We were just there to help make sure that everything went to plan!"

"Wait, what deal?" Crom pressed. "How on earth was Lyn planning on getting Pleo from these pirates after they caught him?"

"Th-They were supposed to meet at the edge of Company waters after the pirates got the bird!" Ken cried. "The Company was going to pay them off with money and privateer positions in return!"

Margi let go of the pair, leaving them to flop to the ground. She backed away with a disgusted growl under her breath, leaving Team Traveller to look on blankly as uneasy grimaces settled over their faces.

"So Guardia and Dimitri were right, the Company really is behind all this," Ander said.

"This is something that could escalate quickly once the Empire learns about it," Trizano insisted. "It could easily get them and the Company back into open war like in the early years after they broke apart from each other."

Travellers above, what a mess this was all becoming. Pleo wasn't sure what on earth they were supposed to do at this point. First they had their friends to worry about, and now the Ledger, and now Anyilla potentially spiraling into a war… it just felt like there was no end to all the problems they were facing on this island!

The Lugia let his eyes fall towards the ground, when he felt a prod at his right wing. He looked up, where Daraen was nosing at him worriedly.

"This sounds like something you should bring up with the Elders," Daraen said. "Starbreak Square is supposed to be a refuge for Pokémon like us, and I don't know how it's supposed to stay one if there's a war going on right outside of it."

"It's worth trying at least," Margi sighed. "It already sounded like the Elders were ready to help out, though I'm not sure how they would react to knowing the Company also had a hand in today's raid…."

Pleo paused and shuffled his wings. He knew that Nina said that they'd help, but would finding out about the involvement of the Company scare her off? Or would it make them more determined to help them free Starpeak Square?

Pleo wasn't sure one way or the other, though he supposed there was only one way to find out:

"Right, let's go and check up on them."

Team Traveller continued on after Margi through the battle-scarred tunnels, and before they knew it, they were back in front of the Elder's Hall where locals were already attempting to clean up the mess left behind by the pirates. The entire approach was riddled with rubble and pockmarks from the earlier fighting, to the point where they had to step around fallen chunks of the balcony over the entrance to make it into the lobby. After briefly asking a few Pokémon present where Nina and the others were, they were directed towards the audience chamber where they'd first met the Elders.

On their way over, Pleo and the others noticed the doors were left ajar. Before they even reached them, they could already hear voices arguing loudly on the other side.

"No, absolutely not," an Espeon's voice snapped. "We have enough problems to deal with and you dumping more pirates into our paws isn't one of them!"

"Oh sod off, blotch head!" a Krookodile's voice snarled back. "This is the thanks you give us for helping to save your glorified Fermicula nest?!"

Team Traveller carried on past the doors and into the meeting room, where sure enough, Robbie and his guards were arguing with the Elders. Because of course they were. A series of exhausted frowns came over Pleo and his companions' faces, when they saw Daraen turning his head up at them with a sheepish shuffle of his forelegs.

"I suppose that's one way for us to find the Elders," Daraen said.

It was probably a sign that they needed to hurry up and intervene before the two sides came to blows. Pleo and the others darted over as Robbie and Siana stared each other down, with their fellows on either side growling and looking about ready to lunge at each other. Elder Ernest cut in, accusingly pointing a wing over at the Krookodile with a sharp harrumph.

"You not being bound and thrown into holding cells alongside those pirates is already thanks enough, devil worshipper," the Marked Chatot scoffed. "Don't push your luck."

"Tch, with an attitude like that we should've just extracted the Protector and left you all to sort things out with those-!"

"Everyone, just stop fighting for a moment!"

The arguing abruptly died down as Pleo stepped forward, walking straight in between Robbie and the Elders and beating his wings for attention. The young Protector narrowed his eyes with an impatient scowl, before piping up.

"Look, I know that you all don't like each other, and maybe there's even good reasons why you don't," the Lugia began. "But the only reason why we're all here even able to talk like this is because we worked together earlier to fight those pirates off!"

The gathering fell quiet with a few scattered grumbles as everyone turned and stared at Pleo. His scowl faded as he set his beak on edge and hesitated. Whatever he said here could potentially mean the difference between these Pokémon helping them free their friends, or running them out of town entirely.

He faltered briefly, unsure where to even start, when he looked at Ander and then the rest of his teammates and saw they were all looking on worriedly.

Right… even if they were all different, everyone here was still Pokémon. They all had things they were worried or nervous about regardless of if they had a Mark on their heads or not.

Maybe they just needed to be reminded of that.

"Everyone can see now what those pirates can do if they're just left alone in Starpeak Square," Pleo insisted. "But we need the strength to fight them off. Strength we don't have right now and have no idea when the Empire will be able to send it in. That's why you offered to help us, wasn't it?"

There was a lingering silence as both the Elders and Robbie's group maintained hardened expressions towards each other. Pleo shuffled his wings, before turning towards Nina as a pleading look came over his eyes.

"I'm… not asking you all to forgive each other, and maybe you really can't do that," he said. "But we need each other at the moment, and none of us will succeed if we keep fighting with each other like this. You two were ready to work together just a little while ago in spite of that, so can't we go back to that?"

Nina didn't say anything back as Robbie hesitated, before he hung his head with a low sigh.

"… We wouldn't have come here if we weren't short on options," the Krookodile admitted. "This really isn't a fight either of us are able to take on alone."

A few of the Elders like Roderic and Ramon began to murmur amongst each other. Nina flicked her ears, before motioning to the others to draw near. They gathered in a tight circle as other Marked stepped in to block them from view. Pleo and his companions gave puzzled tilts of their heads as they tried to tease out snatches of their conversation, when the Typhlosion and her circle suddenly fell silent.

The guards flanking the Elders stepped aside as Nina and the others turned their attention back towards Robbie and his underlings. The Typhlosion stepped forward, carefully sizing the Krookodile up before she pinned her ears back with a low sigh.

"Even if I can't say much about this attitude of yours, we did say that we'd help free your village," the Typhlosion said. "After all, the best way of keeping Lugia at paw's length without risking causing a greater disaster would be to allow him to leave this island safely. And that requires pushing those pirates out."

Pleo fidgeted uncomfortably at Nina's reply. While he supposed he should be happy about getting help, he wasn't sure how he felt about Nina not fully trusting him. He looked up, and noticed her staring at him with a serious expression.

"Though if we're going to succeed at driving those pirates out, it'll require some sort of workable strategy," she said. "Let's talk more about this behind closed doors"

---

It took Nida, Elty, and Pladur a while to come to after falling asleep from the Slumber Orb. When they woke up, they found themselves gummed up with silk against the stone wall of a windowless room, firmly enough that they could barely budge. There was only a solitary torch for lighting, and nothing but a heavy metal door and a scowling Galvantula and Raticate for company.

Or at least that had been the case until a little over an hour ago. Akane came in and the mood in the room seemed to take a dark turn. Aside from a brief moment where one of the pirates shoved a badge in Nida's face and she briefly got to talk to Pleo, most of the time went by with the pirates intimidating them as they hovered around them menacingly. The Galvantula encroached on Pladur, letting static crackle along his pelt as the Fraxure's eyes shrank to pins. Over on his end, Elty had fared little better with the Raticate, who would periodically gnash her fangs in front of him.

And then there was Nida, who held her breath as she looked down at a red-edged blade held at her throat: Akane's tail, which was currently not even a paw's length away from her, much to the Seviper's sneering satisfaction. These pirates had been doing this routine of intimidating them a few times, but it was hard to tell whether or not it was going to remain idle threats. Even the Galvantula seemed a bit confused about it.

"Shouldn't the captains have told us what they want us to do with these three by now?" the Galvantula asked. "Just how long are we supposed to keep waiting on them?"

"What's there to rush over?" Akane replied. "After all, it's fun watching these little worms squirm."

The Seviper pressed her tail up against Nida's throat, making the Nidorina's eyes widen as her mind suddenly went blank. Was she even going to make it out of this room alive? After everything they'd been through to try and bring Pleo home, would things really end this way?

The metal door at the end suddenly flung open with a loud crash as Akane looked back along with her fellow pirates. Much to everyone's surprise, Tarquin came storming in, his eyes visibly glowering as he stomped the ground for attention.

"All of you, stop messing around with those three," the Tyrantrum barked. "Akane, get one of the guards from outside to fill in for you and let's get going. We need to help the other crews set up defensive lines around the town."

Akane lowered her bladed tail, leaving Nida to pant hoarsely for air. There was a moment of confusion between the Seviper and the other pirates as they moved back from the webbing along the wall, staring blankly at their captain.

"Nani kore? Why?" Akane asked. "The others caught that bird, didn't they?"

"No. The raid on Starbreak Square was a complete disaster and the only bright spot is that Ingela's crew didn't get swept up in it," Tarquin grumbled. "Dirk and Hess are still doing a headcount to try and figure out how badly things went, but the Crimson Corsairs alone had half of the ‘mons that set out captured or otherwise incapacitated. Probably more at this rate with that mood that Dirk's been in at the castle. I wouldn't want to be the unfortunate sod who offended him right now with a temper like that…"

There was a moment of quiet shock in the room as Nida and her companions' jaws dropped. 'Starbreak Square'? Was that another town on this island? Even with Pleo's powers, it was hard to imagine just the six of their missing teammates capturing as many pirates as Tarquin seemed to imply. Had Pleo and the others managed to find help after all?

The pirates for their part looked similarly stunned, though more out of dismay than any feelings of hope. The Seviper from their number glanced out the corner of her eye at their prisoners, before turning back towards Tarquin with a puzzled frown.

"Isn't that all the more reason to kill them now?" she asked. "Dirk was the one who used that threat to try and get the bird in line, and it's not like him to go around spouting threats he doesn't make good on."

"Yeah, well I suppose he's just full of surprises," Tarquin scoffed. "It sounds like the two want to try and do a prisoner exchange with that Marked village, especially Hess, since he wouldn't shut up about getting his first mate back."

Nida and the others traded excited glances with one another. Did this mean that the Pokémon that helped Pleo and the others were Marked? How on earth had they managed to talk them into that?

Tarquin briefly looked over to Nida and the others and noticed their excited expressions, before shaking his head and turning aside.

"I'm not sure if they're also trying to figure out a way to snatch that bird in the process, but the point is that we need these three alive for now," he said. "Dirk was insistent that this was the safest place to keep them for the time being."

Their… Their friends were trying to rescue them. Nida wasn't sure whether she was more excited or worried for her teammates, but if Pleo and the others managed to get help, maybe they still had a chance of escaping.

"Wouldn't it be safer to keep them aboard one of the ships?" Akane asked. "They'd be easier to defend, and if one of the pirates they caught told them about these cells, those Marked or whoever's helping them wouldn't know where we moved these three. What are they going to do? Try and check every ship in port while they're under fire?"

"Tch, I told them that, but Dirk and Hess both wouldn't hear it and said they'd sooner burn my ships than risk these three keeling over from something stupid like them drowning in a brig if the ship holding them was sunk," Tarquin scoffed. "If it was just Hess and his golden-scarved dweebs I'd have told them to go ahead and try, but I'm not risking a confrontation with Dirk."

There was a moment's silence as the Galvantula and Raticate with them traded worried looks, while Akane glanced aside with an idle swish of her tail.

"Sounds like they're both on thin ice with their crews at the moment," she said. "That's no surprise coming from Hess, but I would have expected better from Dirk."

"I'll say," Tarquin harrumphed. "Dirk's calling everyone on the Council to try and plan out a response by the morning at the latest. He thinks either those Marked or the locals might try something."

The Seviper sighed and began to slither off for the door, when a sharp scoff suddenly came from behind her.

"I'm sorry, but why are you just saying this in front of us? We can hear all of this, you know!"

Akane glanced over and saw Elty narrowing his eyes back with an unamused frown. It didn't last particularly long as Tarquin turned his attention over to him, and brought his jaws down in front of the Growlithe's head. Elty's ears pinned back and his teeth set on edge with a frightened whine as the Tyrantrum bared his fangs, flashing them just in front of the Fire-type's snout as a low, menacing growl came from his throat.

"Because, this doesn't change anything for you, you yippy little mutt," the Tyrantrum said. "The moment we don't need you three anymore, you're dead. And if we do have to pull out while holding onto you, we can get you onto one of our ships anytime we feel like it."

Tarquin lingered a bit to let Elty squirm further, before looking back to the Galvantula and the Raticate. He reached for a glinting badge on his scarf that he passed over to the Raticate with a quiet grunt.

"Hold onto that badge. It's linked up with Uri on the Tramontane Tyrant. Just say the word, and he'll come over to take you all to the main deck," Tarquin said. "For now, just keep an eye on these three. I'll have someone come and fill in for Akane."

The Raticate saluted back, before she and the Galvantula took positions on opposite sides of the chamber beside lanterns filled with glowmoss. Tarquin and Akane made their way for the door, and when they reached the threshold, Nida suddenly raised her voice with a huff.

"They're not going to give up, you know."

Tarquin and Akane turned back with a pair of sharp frowns, but Nida remained unswayed. The Nidorina fought against her bindings and narrowed her eyes back in a determined scowl.

"If they beat you once, they can beat you again. And you know it!"

Tarquin rolled his eyes in reply before continuing on, Akane seemed to take more umbrage at Nida's defiance, as she motioned off at the Galvantula and Raticate.

"Just make them choke down some Sleep Seeds if they don't shut up," she said. "There's no reason for you to listen to this all day."

She made her way through the doorway as Tarquin pulled the door shut behind them with a loud, flinchworthy slam. The light dimmed as things were reduced back to the glowmoss lanterns with the two pirates standing guard, but at the same time, Nida still held her head high.

At last, they knew that their friends were still okay. And maybe, just maybe, they'd all see each other again free from this place.

"Good luck out there, everybody."

---

Bright light from a noontime sun filtered through the windows of the Board's meeting chamber on Vollezee while a tense silence hung in the air. The room was more crowded than it normally was, with the Company's Nidoking Director and all four Administrators having been summoned on short notice. Short enough that Zorn had apparently been turned back at the sea wall right before he was about to take a swim around the island. Lyn was there as well, who had been pulled fresh from his new ironclad not even half an hour ago.

The sudden summons wasn't what surprised Lyn, it was the others who were present with them. Olivia, the island's Inteleon Commander and the Pokémon in charge of the Intelligence Division, stood at the end of the table closest to the door, with Zelle alongside her. Lyn looked on from beside Farn, trading glances between the Inteleon and the other Administrators at the table, before impatience got the better of him and he stepped forward with a sharp harrumph.

"With all due respect, Administrators, but I was expecting to issue sail orders at any moment," Lyn began. "Could this have not waited until after I came back with—?"

"No."

Lyn reflexively stiffened up and bit his tongue, turning to see Director Inler had narrowed his eyes with a piercing scowl. The Nidoking let his gaze linger for a moment, before settling back into his seat with a twitch of his ears. His expression eased, if by degrees, as he looked over his subordinates gathered about the table.

"My apologies for the abrupt summons, but there was an urgent matter that Olivia and the Intelligence Division brought to my attention," Inler said. "It required everyone's attention. Including yours, Commissioner Lyn."

"It involves the identity of the spy that's been sabotaging your mission," Olivia added.

All four of the Administrators widened their eyes in response, with Darzin seeming particularly surprised amidst the growing hubbub around the table. Lyn blinked in shock as he stared about the gathering for a moment, before turning his attention back to the Inteleon Commander.

"It… does?" the Samurott asked. "Commander Olivia, is the spy someone from my crew? If so, I'll see to it that they're dealt with right aw-"

"Oh, I assure you, Commissioner Lyn, we won't need any help with taking care of the matter," Olivia interrupted. "Especially since the Imperial spy in question managed to penetrate the upper levels of Company leadership."

At once, a wave of shock came over the Board as they trained stunned stares at the Inteleon—Darzin being the sole exception. The Dragonite had seemed to clam up as soon as the words left Olivia's mouth, and his expression looked much as if someone had just struck him with a Petrify Wand. Lyn quietly raised a brow, only for a sharp snarl from Farn to turn his attention towards her.

"'Penetrated upper levels of Company leadership'?" Farn demanded, stomping a paw against the table. "As in they've been directly spying on our activities?"

Zorn shifted back in the water from the table, before leaning forward and grinding his fangs against each other.

"Commander Olivia, is it one of the honor guards?" Zorn asked. "Give me five minutes alone with him and I'll sort him out for good!"

The Inteleon glanced from the side of her eye towards Zelle, who stepped forward and seemed to have a strangely self-satisfied air about her. The Sylveon brushed at her shoulder with a feeler, before shaking her head.

"Well, that would be hardly fair to those poor guards, Administrator Zorn," she replied. "I can't imagine it would help their colleagues' morale. Especially since the culprit is sitting right here among us."

Zelle turned her gaze over towards Darzin's end of the table, before bringing her feeler out and gesturing with an icy stare.

"Isn't that right, Darzin?"

Darzin's mouth briefly fell open from shock as the Dragon-Type recoiled in his seat. After a moment to collect himself, he got up and slammed his claws against the table, pointing at the Sylveon with a toothy snarl.

"Director, you summoned us all here for this nonsense?!" the Dragonite spat. "Have her colors stripped and thrown out at-!"

Elilan motioned for silence, before glancing at Zelle with a puzzled stare. He let his gaze linger on her briefly, before turning towards Olivia and bringing a set of claws under his chin with a skeptical click of his tongue.

"Commander Olivia, you do realize how improbable this all sounds, right?" the Zoroark remarked. "I'm frankly not sure if I can believe these accusations. Darzin has always struck me as a bit too simple-minded to engage in plotting of that sort."

Lyn turned his head as the sound of a stone seat jostling and a low growl ringing out. Darzin seemed to sink his claws into the table, if that were even physically possible, and seemed to be fighting every bone in his body to keep himself from throwing himself at his Zoroark colleague. Elilan for his part did little more than to briefly turn his head and quietly scoff, before returning his attention back to the Inteleon with a serious frown.

"You do have evidence to back up these accusations, don't you?"

"Of course, I wouldn't dream of wasting the Board's time otherwise," Olivia insisted, gesturing over at Zelle.

"Agent Zelle, please present the evidence you and the rest of Sorge's team found."

The Sylveon sauntered up to the table with a smug smirk spread over her face. She stopped and glanced at the seated figures, letting her attention briefly linger on Darzin before speaking up.

"I know this may be hard to believe," Zelle began. "Me and my teammates also didn't think that Darzin would be capable of such a thing. Or at least, until we followed up with the Harbormaster."

Zelle fished through a satchel on her shoulder before pulling out an indigo-colored lump. She unfurled it and set it on the table, revealing it to be an Imperial scarf with a single white leaf pattern. Darzin narrowed his eyes from his seat and bared his fangs with an irritated growl.

"Sylveon, is this some sort of joke?! That was the scarf the Harbormaster's guards said they found in your teammate's bag!"

The rest of the room fell silent, and from her place at the table, Farn carefully batted her tail back and forth in thought. She pivoted on her seat and turned towards Zelle, narrowing her ruddy eyes.

"I thought that your Noivern teammate told us that Darzin had been misled, Sylveon," the Luxray said. "Why is your story changing all of a sudden?"

"We didn't want to throw out accusations that we couldn't prove. We're obviously comfortable making them now thanks to our investigation," Zelle explained. "When we checked in with the Harbormaster to try and learn if anyone might have manipulated Darzin when he called in that raid on us, we retraced Darzin's steps and discovered that he had spent a curious amount of time around the Academy. Specifically at times that Lugia was present there."

The Sylveon went through her bag and put out a set of envelopes onto the table that she started passing out. The gathered Pokémon began to open them and pulled out statements from various Pokémon who worked at the Academy, each confirming the Fairy-Type's account. They fell dead silent afterwards as one by one, the other Board members began to turn icy stares at the Dragonite. Zelle paused and waited for the weight of her words to sink in, before shaking her head and continuing on.

"Once we confirmed those reports, it got us a bit curious as to what he had been up to. Which coincidentally helped us solve a few other recent mysteries," she added. "Such as how on earth Commissioner Bunsen was ever dispatched to Tromba. It felt most unlike Administrator Farn to simply approve such a deployment in spite of the obvious risk of… complications that would arise from his background as a Marked. Based on our investigations, we believe that Darzin is the responsible party for that."

Zelle took out an additional trio of envelopes from her bag and put them on the table. She slid them out towards the center, before turning back to Darzin with a sharp frown.

"We have sworn depositions from multiple Pokémon that you had approached Commissioner Bunsen the day before he and his crew sailed off for Tromba," the Sylveon said. "Two from members of Commissioner Lyn's crew who Bunsen had just recovered from being held prisoner on Boisocéan, and one that Sorge obtained from Officer Sicula herself."

Darzin visibly grimaced as Farn took one of the envelopes and pulled out a piece of paper, her eyes going back and forth. The Luxray set it down and passed it around, before taking another as Zelle locked eyes with Darzin. Farn briefly watched the first letter from the corner of her vision as it made its way to Inler, when Zelle broke her gaze and turned to address the rest of the table.

"It would appear that Darzin coerced Sicula into perjuring herself before you earlier this week," the Sylveon said. "She gave a very different version of events when we followed up with her, with everyone that escaped from the fleet dispatched to Tromba we've questioned thus far confirming her version of events."

A sharp thump rang out as Farn threw her forepaws onto the table and let out a sharp snarl at Darzin, static visibly crackling in her fur. As everyone turned their attention back to the Dragonite, something snapped inside of him, as he shot up from his seat and leveled a piercing glare at Zelle.

"A cute story, Sylveon, but you should stick to telling fairy tales," he growled. "What nonsense! Even if I were working with Imperials, do you expect that I'd agree to something as foolhardy as directly interfering with Commissioner Lyn's mission? That's the sort of thing to be handled by a spy embedded among his crew!"

"Yes, and you did, through that Ditto that impersonated Lugia in front of Lyn's crew," Zelle shot back. "Incidentally, at exactly the same time that he was sabotaging Lyn's mission, you were on record as being absent from your post."

The Dragonite seemed to tense up for a brief moment, but it was enough for Lyn to pick up on. The Samurott reflexively brought his right paw up to his left seamitar's scabbard and tightened his grip around his blade's hilt. Zelle briefly acknowledged Lyn's reaction, before turning back to the others and continuing on.

"We might have been more convinced to believe it was a coincidence were it not for our earlier findings and the fact that you were absent from your post again just later that week. Along with there being a request from you to the Procurement Department for a new Administrator's scarf, just after you returned. You don't exactly do much in your present state tending to the records, so it beggars the question… what were you doing that would require a new scarf?"

The Dragonite visibly froze with his teeth set on edge as the rest of the Board's stares grew ever more piercing. There was a moment of incredulous silence as a predatory smirk formed on Zelle's face.

"As for why you would interfere with Commissioner Lyn's mission, Darzin: you had both the motive and the opportunity," Zelle remarked. "Your position as Administrator has been tenuous for some years now, and you'd naturally want to try and line up an alternative for yourself. Even with reduced privileges, as an Administrator you would've been able to get into whatever facilities were being used to hold Lugia without drawing the suspicion of the lower ranks. And as it so happens, we turned up a witness who caught you in the act attempting to do just that."

Zelle looked over at Olivia as the Inteleon motioned at the honor guards at the door. They suddenly stood at attention as they opened the doors to the chamber's entrance with an audible creak, just in time for a Kommo-o to enter, leading along a Grovyle in a First-Rank scarf. The Grass-Type seemed visibly on edge, and her eyes darted around as the Board's members studied her, not least of all Zorn as his eyes narrowed in recognition.

"You again!" the Gyarados growled. "I thought that I had you reassigned three weeks ago!"

Salvini visibly froze up at the sight of the glowering Gyarados and began to backpedal, only for Sorge to step in and block her off from behind with a claw firmly clamped onto her shoulder.

"Yes, and based on what she had to tell us, it appears that you owe her an apology, Administrator Zorn," Sorge replied. "Our understanding was that she was gagged and never had a chance to properly testify at her trial. As such, there were some pertinent details about what happened on the night of her arrest that she wasn't able to tell."

Everyone's attention fell on Salvini, which seemed to visibly worsen her anxious mood. She tensed up as Sorge nudged her forward, prompting her to move towards the table. Olivia stepped aside as Salvini neared and took her place besides Zelle. The Sylveon briefly glanced at the newly-arrived witness before motioning out to the others present.

"Go on, Salvini," Zelle insisted. "Tell everyone what really happened on your last night as a guard on Mengir, when you were posted to keep watch over those prisoners in the Medic's Hut."

Salvini breathed in and out tensely, pawing at her arm nervously as she closed her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath.

"Well… it all started when Darzin came by the Medic's Hut earlier that day. He was pestering the Captain of the Guards over the prisoners we'd taken," Salvini began. "He was very pushy and demanded to be let in, but when my superior asked why Administrator Zorn hadn't briefed him about them, he suddenly left."

She carefully studied the others' reactions around the table, and aside from Darzin visibly looking stiff and tense, everything seemed to be reacting as expected.

"At the time, my teammates and I just shrugged it off, since we assumed Administrator Zorn had his reasons for not briefing Darzin," Salvini explained. "Later that night, there was a commotion inside Lugia's room. I went in to check up on the prisoners, when Darzin suddenly entered the room after me. He said that he planned to take Lugia into custody, and when I refused to hand him over, he immediately attacked me."

From his stone seat, Darzin tightened his claws up into each other and flashed the fangs in his mouth, when he abruptly stood up and shot Inler a scowl.

"Inler, this is a bunch of nonsense," he said. "We're not hear to listen to some random First-Rank make up stories-"

"We'll be the judge of that, Darzin," the Nidoking harrumphed. "Please, do go on, Grovyle."

Salvini briefly noted the Dragonite's bared teeth and began to shrink back, before glancing at Sorge and Zelle, and continuing on shakily.

"That wasn't the worst of it, either," the Grovyle said. "I didn't think anything of it at the time, but I remembered seeing him the day before that near the harbor. He was talking with a suspicious-looking Clawitzer, and-"

"Oh, that does it!"

Before Salvini could finish her words, she saw a brilliant, blue pulse of dragonfire sailing towards her head. She yelped and dove out of the way, narrowly dodging the attack. The Grovyle looked up to see the rest of the Board staring incredulously at Darzin as he got up and flew from his seat towards her, his face contorted in rage as fire wreathed his right arm.

"You miserable, lying-!"

A sudden icy ray came in and struck the carpal joint of Darzin's right wing, sending him crashing to the ground as his Fire Punch sputtered out. Salvini panted as the Dragonite tried to right himself and locked eyes with her, when she noticed Inler had gotten up from his seat. The Nidoking charged in with his head held low, with orange light wreathing the Nidoking's horn as he closed the gap with Darzin.

SPLUTCH!

Darzin bellowed in pain as the Nidoking drove his horn into the Dragon-Type's back and the light around it spun in a spiraling swirl. Inler pulled his horn back as the light dissipated, leaving Darzin to slump over as blood oozed out onto the floor. Inler looked down as Darzin lay on the floor whimpering in pain, before turning his head aside with a disgusted huff.

"I've seen enough," he spat. "Guards! Arrest this traitorous wretch at once!"

The doors suddenly flew open as a group of honor guards led by an Empoleon rushed in, their cloth and mail rattling as they descended on the Dragonite. In what seemed like the twinkling of an eye, they pulled Darzin's arms behind his back and bound them before hastily muzzling his snout with rope. Salvini couldn't help but wince at the guards' handling as they began to drag off the Dragonite, and Zelle idly waved a feeler after him.

"Have fun on Nagrobek," she jeered. "If you live past the night, that is."

Salvini quietly flinched at the Sylveon's remark when halfway to the door, Darzin suddenly came to. Darzin thrashed in a panic and broke free of his captors as he turned and fell back into the Board's meeting chamber onto his belly with wide, frantic eyes.

"W-Wait! I admit that I did try to capture Lugia!" he cried. "But I really didn't have anything to do with Lyn's-!"

"Shut up!"

A sharp bellow filled the room as an Ice Beam sailed along and struck Darzin between his eyes. The Dragonite slumped over and crumpled to the floor. Lyn glared at the unconscious Dragonite with seething breaths as Salvini looked on from the ground, watching as the guards returned and dragged Darzin off, this time without any resistance.

Salvini trembled and shakily breathed in and out. She started to get back onto her feet, when she heard footsteps and saw a violet, clawed hand suddenly fill her vision. Salvini froze and glanced up, where there was Director Inler looking down at her.

"That was certainly brave of you, Grovyle. Thank you for coming forward."

The Grovyle blinked in disbelief, before accepting the Nidoking's hand as he helped her onto her feet. Inler waited for her to regain her footing, before turning and looking over towards Zorn with an unamused frown.

"And I believe that you have some work to do smoothing this over, Administrator Zorn."

The Gyarados cringed and seemed to all but sink into the water with a visibly flustered expression. He glanced off at Salvini, and then back at his Nidoking superior before lowering his head with a rumbling sigh.

"I… will see what I can do there, Director," he replied. "Though my sincerest apologies for all the trouble you've been through, Grovyle."

Salvini tried to steady her breaths as Zelle walked up alongside her and placed a feeler on her shoulder, before giving a wave at Zorn.

"I'm sure that it's nothing that you two can't put behind you with a bit of time," the Sylveon insisted. "Though, I'll see Salvini out right now, since I imagine that you'll want to discuss how to best handle these developments."

Zelle shepherded Salvini off for exit, where the honor guards posted inside opened the doors for them to leave. They creaked shut with a loud thump as silence returned to the Board's table. Farn was the first to speak up after staring back at Darzin's now-emptied seat, before she put a paw over her face and let out a muttering sigh.

"Well this is going to be fun to explain to the public," the Luxray grumbled. "Though what are we supposed to do with a full vacancy at the moment?"

"Nothing for now," Inler replied. "We will be delaying the vote to fill Darzin's seat for a couple days. It's my understanding that we may have a uniquely qualified candidate to fill it by then."

The Nidoking turned over towards Lyn with a knowing look. The Samurott gave a quiet nod back in reply, as a determined smile spread at the ends of his muzzle.

"Understood, Director," Lyn said. "I don't intend to disappoint you."

"Good. Then this meeting is adjourned."

One after the other, the remaining Administrators left their seats and began to drift off. Zorn made his way for the aqueduct that connected with the Boardroom, while Farn and Elilan made their way for the door. Along the way, Elilan traded glances with Sorge, prompting the Kommo-o to make his way over towards Lyn as the Samurott also headed for the exit. Sorge remained quiet as he walked past, when Lyn perked his head up and called out to him.

"Sorge."

Sorge stopped and turned as Lyn drew forward, the Samurott lowering his head with a grateful bow.

"Thank you for your help with that investigation of yours," he said. "I don't know what I'd have done if Darzin were there to just sabotage me the moment I came back into port."

There was a small pause, when a small smile came over the Kommo-o's face as he tugged and adjusted his scarf.

"We just did what we hoped anyone in the Company would after coming across something like that, really," he said. "Though glad we could help you, Lyn."

Sorge studied Lyn carefully to gauge his reaction, as the Samurott extended a paw towards his Dragon-Type peer.

"If there's anything that I can do to repay the favor, just let me know."

Sorge's smile widened slightly, before taking Lyn's paw and shaking it.

"I really appreciate that, Lyn. Even if for now you should just focus on your mission. The Company's future depends on it, after all," the Dragon-Type insisted. "If you need any extra help with it, just let me know. My team and I have plenty of time to help out now that-"

"As kind of an offer as that is of you, Head Agent Sorge, I'm afraid I can't allow you onto Commissioner Lyn's mission."

Sorge caught himself as Inler's voice cut in. He turned and saw Inler approaching him alongside Olivia, with a stern frown etched over his face. Lyn blinked and gave a befuddled tilt of his head back, as Sorge and even Olivia seemed to be surprised by the Nidoking's intervention.

"Director Inler? What's the matter?" Lyn asked. "Sorge and I happen to be old friends. I certainly don't have any doubts as to his ability to-"

"I understand that, but I'm afraid that the Intelligence Division has need of Head Agent Sorge's skills closer to home," Inler insisted. "After all, spies rarely operate alone, and there will need to be additional work put into investigating whether Darzin was part of a broader network and what other parts of the Company they may have penetrated."

Sorge stared at Inler as the Nidoking replied in kind. There was a moment of tense silence between the two that started to drag on, long enough that Lyn thought of speaking up to interject… only for Sorge to break the silence with a grudging sigh.

"I'm afraid he's right there, Lyn," Sorge said. "Sorry I can't help you out this time, though best of luck out there with the Protector."

Lyn nodded back at Sorge, before the Kommo-o turned and took his leave. Lyn watched as the Dragon-Type exited the chamber, before a quiet thump turned his attention back to Inler, whose serious expression softened ever-so-slightly.

"I should hope that 'luck' won't be the decisive factor for you," the Nidoking said. "After all, your seat on the Board is waiting for you, Administrator Lyn."

Lyn briefly perked up as a smirk spread over his muzzle, before leaving the room himself. As the Samurott drifted out into the hallway, Inler and Olivia lingered by the table, the Nidoking of the pair turning and glancing out the window as he drifted off in thought.

Everything had played out much as Olivia had informed him, but even so, something about it felt amiss. He wasn't terribly shocked that Darzin would be plotting against the Company, but all the evidence and testimony came together rather quickly. Much quicker than what he'd have expected for a spy embedded in his own circle of Administrators.

And there was something about Darzin's desperate attempt at the end to speak up that didn't seem quite right. It was strange, but something about it just felt strangely earnest. And then there were of course the briefings Olivia had given him after he'd asked her to watch over the other Board members. In particular the one that mentioned that Sorge's team had been visiting Elilan's house.

Perhaps he was just overthinking things, but…

"… Director, is something the matter?"

Inler glanced back to see Olivia looking at him with a worried tilt of her head. The Nidoking paused for a moment, before shaking his head.

"No, it's nothing," Inler said, waving the matter off. "I'm just a bit surprised by everything that we've learned today."

---

Salvini had hoped that the churning feeling in her stomach would pass after Zelle took her out of the Board's meeting room and into the hallway around the corner, but it stubbornly remained gnawing at her. Every second that passed felt like a small eternity, and when she attempted to slink away, the Sylveon cut her off and prevented her from leaving.

She didn't know why on earth Zelle still wanted her around, but she was starting to get a bad feeling about it.

"Look, you already got what you wanted from me," Salvini insisted. "So shouldn't it be fine for me to-?"

Salvini trailed off after feeling a sharp tug at her arm. She glanced over, and saw Zelle was holding onto her firmly with a feeler and quirking her brow.

"Why are you in such a rush?" the Sylveon scoffed. "Just be patient for a little bit. This will all be over before you know it."

Salvini's breaths came short and tense as her heart pounded in her chest. She didn't like the way that Zelle had mentioned things would be "over before you know it". Had she stopped being useful to her and the rest of the Intelligence Division? Wh-What was Zelle going to do with her?

They'd gotten her involved in serious crimes to get Darzin arrested. Would they really just let her go after everything?

Salvini all but jumped up in place after heavy footsteps rounded the corner. A quick glance up revealed it to be Sorge, whose face was fixed into a sharp frown as he turned his attention over to Zelle.

"We didn't get the spot," he said.

A flash of disappointment came over the Sylveon's face, one which couldn't help but make Salvini hesitate. 'Get the spot'? What on earth was that all about?

"But it's fine, we can still work with this outcome," the Kommo-o insisted. "We'll talk more about it later."

"… Fair enough," the Sylveon sighed. "After all, it wouldn't do any good to keep our little companion here waiting."

… She was in trouble, Salvini already knew it. The Grovyle quietly began to back away before turning around, only to feel a strong claw firmly clamping down on her shoulder. Salvini cringed and pulled her tails in tight against her body as she looked up and saw Sorge sharply scowling down from behind her.

"We're going," he grunted. "Come on."

Salvini gulped and tried to shrink away as the Kommo-o pushed her along. The hallways went by in a blur as Sorge and Zelle led her down a flight of stairs while Salvini's mind raced in a panic. Why did the two look so displeased? Hadn't they gotten Darzin arrested like they wanted? What on earth could they still need her for at the moment?

… Unless Sorge and Zelle's lack of use for her was the entire reason why they were still keeping her around.

The Grovyle snapped back to attention after seeing sunlight filter into her eyes, and noticed they were approaching a skyway towards the outer ring of offices. She needed to get away from these two, but how? It was a bit desperate, but they weren't that high up right now, and if there was a window that opened up above one of the canals-

"Something wrong? I'd have expected you two to be in a better mood right now."

Sorge and Zelle looked down the hallway and saw the form of a Noivern walking up to them, the one and the same that Salvini had seen chasing Kiran and the others near the Academy last week. Her mouth flopped open in fright and the color drained from her face as she pointed at Aldrich, her words coming out in a shaken stammer.

"H-Huh?! You're from the Intelligence Division, too?!"

Aldrich turned his head and met his eyes with Salvini's. They narrowed with a brief flash of annoyance, before the Noivern scoffed and spoke up.

"You're still here?" he asked. "I'm surprised that Sorge and Zelle haven't gotten rid of you yet."

Salvini's breaths came quicker and quicker as it dawned on her that Zelle and the others surely had no intention of letting her leave alive. The leaves on her arms folded in on each other into blades and she hopped back, flashing them as she fought against her nerves to brace for battle.

"L-Like hell you're getting rid of me!" Salvini spat. "You stay away from-!"

Before the Grovyle could finish her words, Zelle suddenly lunged at her and knocked Salvini onto her side. A weight suddenly pinned her to the ground on her stomach and the next thing she knew, she felt her arms getting wrenched behind her back and a feeler clamp down over her snout.

Zelle was there standing on her back, scowling down at her from above.

Salvini thrashed desperately and tried to scream for help, only to feel the feelers tighten to the point where she started to hear the bones in her arms creak. Both Sorge and Aldrich approached with claws drawn, only to stop and hesitate as Zelle glanced up at them.

"I think she can be dealt with quietly. Give me a moment to settle things with her," she insisted. "I'll catch up with you two later."

The Kommo-o and Noivern paused before turning and heading off. Salvini panted, as she felt her body get dragged along towards a door in the hallway. All the while, she frantically kicked and tried to dig her feet against the ground, only to see the door's threshold pass and suddenly get shoved to the ground.

Salvini lay there panting and pawing at her snout as the door slammed shut and the light abruptly darkened. She looked up and briefly saw that she was in an empty meeting room with a table and a set of chairs left ajar, when she turned just in time to see Zelle facing her. The Grovyle frantically tried to ready a Leaf Blade, only to strike her arm against one of the chairs and pull it back as a sharp pain shot through it. She flinched and screwed her eyes shut, bracing for the blow that would claim her life.

"Not sure what's gotten into you all of a sudden," Zelle said. "You did well in there."

Salvini cracked her eyes open and saw Zelle had stopped a few paces away and was seated with a calm, innocent smile. The Grovyle sucked in hoarse breaths and frantically stumbled back onto her feet, backing away as she held her Leaf Blades out at the ready and stared the Fairy-Type down.

"Who- Who are you really?" Salvini demanded.

"As I told you earlier, someone who's looking out for the Company's best interests," Zelle answered, her fangs briefly poking out past her smile. "That includes keeping tabs on what becomes of that Protector you torched your old job over."

Salvini's eyes widened at the Sylveon's reply. 'That Protector you torched your old job over'? Then, that meant…

"Y-You're trying to get him too, aren't you?!"

"Of course. It'd be such a shame for a useful tool like him to wind up in the wrong paws," Zelle tsked. "Thanks to you, you've helped make our lives easier in ensuring that scenario doesn't come to pass."

Salvini lunged ahead and swung a blade at the Sylveon's head, when the tip of her blade suddenly stopped and an unseen force abruptly pulled her back. She tried to thrash and break free as the force tugged at her body and lifted her into the air wreathed in blue light. She looked down and saw Zelle's eyes were aglow, narrowed into a sharp glare.

"Seriously, knock that off, Grovyle," she growled. "It was cute the first time you thought you stood a chance fighting against me, but this is getting annoying."

The force abruptly cut out, leaving Salvini to hit the ground on her belly with a thump. She panted and got back up as a sinking realization came over her: Zelle was toying with her. She grit her teeth in reply, and tried to fight back the tremors in her body with a glare of her own.

"Why don't you just go and finish me off, then?!" Salvini hissed. "What's the point of dragging me around and messing with me like this?!"

"To make sure you don't do anything stupid," Zelle said. "Getting rid of you would be more inconvenient for us, so I'd rather avoid that if possible."

Salvini stared back blankly as Zelle turned aside, idly brushing a feeler against her own chest as a knowing smirk came over her face.

"After all, what would others think if the witness who helped capture a Company Administrator spying on behalf of the Imps just mysteriously vanished within days afterwards?" the Sylveon asked. "I doubt the Director or Administrators will disclose too much about what happened in that room to the public, but it would certainly raise questions internally."

There was a moment of silence between the two as Salvini balled up her claws. She wanted to say that this wasn't the end of things, that Zelle and the others wouldn't get away with whatever they were up to, but it all just felt hollow. Even if she told anyone that she'd been coerced into giving her testimony, she didn't have any proof that would incriminate Zelle or the others. And if Zelle let them know what really happened on Mengir, she'd be imprisoned at best as a result. There was nothing to keep Zelle and her teammates from making good on their threats to her or her friends, and nothing she could do to stop whatever they were planning for Pleo. Why, she couldn't even land a solid hit on the 'mon just a moment ago!

She felt like she was tied up in front of Administrator Zorn all over again. Small, alone, and completely helpless to change anything.

"So then, are you really going to go and admit to perjuring yourself in front of the Board? Or are you going to do the smart thing and stay quiet?"

Salvini snapped to attention after hearing Zelle's voice. She looked up and saw the Sylveon staring at her. The Grovyle lowered her eyes—she hated giving this creep the satisfaction of getting her way, but the more she thought about it, for her and her own friends' sake, it seemed like there was really only one option for her to choose right now…

"I'll stay quiet," she muttered.

"Good. The new positions for you and your friends on Mengir have already been lined up, by the way," Zelle added. "You should expect to receive a summons for them within a day or so."

Zelle got up and stepped out of the meeting room, passing its threshold when she turned her head back with an outwardly friendly smile, as if nothing had happened.

"Pleasure doing business with you," she said. "And do try to put this whole mess behind you after returning to Mengir. It'll be better for everyone involved."

The Sylveon's fake smile lingered briefly, before she narrowed her eyes and flashed her teeth with a quiet hiss.

"Especially for your friends."

Zelle turned away and walked off. All the while, Salvini hung back as she continued to tremble and stare ahead blankly. H-How on earth had this all happened? She got her old life back on Mengir like she wanted, but at what cost? She'd never meant to put Pleo and the others in danger again!

As the enormity of the situation sank in for her, she raised her claws, clutching her head as her eyes drifted towards the floor.

"What- What have I done?"

---

After re-entering the audience chamber of the Elders' Hall, Nina and the rest of the Elders made their way back to their raised table at the far end of the room. Much to Team Traveller's surprise, the table in spite of its solid construction could be moved around, as the Elders pulled it back and rearranged the seats before beckoning everyone to gather around.

Pleo and his teammates weren't sure what to make of the gathering until they saw Robbie unfurling papers onto the table with lines and square-like shapes on them. As the Krookodile lined them up with each other, it suddenly dawned on them that they were looking at different maps of Starpeak Square and the surrounding parts of Gestirn Island. Crom looked on with an incredulous blink as Robbie went around and craned down to inspect the maps, occasionally stopping to add a marking here or there with a quill and inkpot. They looked quite detailed, much more than the Druddigon had been expecting for something Robbie barely would have had a day to work on.

"I'm surprised that Robbie already has a plan," Crom murmured.

"He has been camping out in the hinterlands with his guards for the past day," Dimitri said. "I don't know how good his strategy is, but he at least had time to think it over."

Robbie made a few final marks with his quill on the maps before stepping away. Nina and the other Elders drew near and glanced down at them and the various lines and circles on it briefly, when the Marked Typhlosion turned her head up and folded her arms with a skeptical frown.

"So, what exactly is your strategy for driving these pirates out?" Nina demanded. "And why should we trust it instead of trying to come up with one of our own?"

"Because I'm Starpeak Square's Sheriff," the Krookodile scoffed back. "It's part of my job to know the town inside-out along with the best places to defend it. Are you really telling me that you can do a better job when you've been hiding inside a Mystery Dungeon all this time?"

The Elders quietly frowned but otherwise held their tongues, only for Ander to hesitate and warily speak up.

"Are we even in a position to start planning, though?" he asked. "Since the Elders don't know the full story about what's going on yet."

"What do you mean by that, Scyther?" Roderic asked.

"We found out earlier that the Company organized this raid after interrogating a pair of Company underlings among the pirates," Ander explained. "These pirates specifically came because of them."

The gathering suddenly fell deathly silent as flashes of surprise crossed the Elders' faces. Siana furrowed her brow, before shooting Robbie a skeptical glance.

"Is this true?" the Espeon demanded. "If so, how can we be so sure that we'll just be facing pirates out there?"

"I had a feeling that they were involved, but it doesn't change anything. From the way the raid played out, the Company clearly wants to be able to maintain plausible deniability about their involvement," the Krookodile insisted. "If they didn't, wouldn't they have sent more than two of their Pokémon to try and capture the Protector they're after?"

The Elders remained silent in reply, and now that Crom thought about it, Robbie did raise a good point. It wasn't the first time they'd seen Lyn abandon underlings that were inconvenient for him, but it was a lot easier to dismiss a couple getting captured than entire squads. And if Lyn didn't trust the pirates to do the hard work of catching Pleo, there were surely better fighters on his crew than those two.

The others seemed to piece together the same realization, as Robbie shook his head and turned his attention back to the map.

"That's what makes me confident we're just going to face pirates out there," the Krookodile explained. "And I've got a pretty good idea of how we can deal with them."

Robbie craned down and traced a claw along the map, before stopping it at a long, block-like structure a little ways in from the harbor.

"In Starpeak Square there's two main positions that our defenses are normally anchored around," the Krookodile began. "The first is the local garrison, which has obviously been overrun since those pirates control the entire town right now…"

Robbie moved his claw inland towards a sketch of the walls of some sort of fort. He briefly traced around the lines of the outer wall, before raising his claw and bringing it down on a central building with a firm poke.

"And the other is the Duke's castle. We know based on conversations we overheard from some of those captured pirates' badges that their comrades are using it as a working headquarters," he concluded. "As such, both structures, along with the pirates' ships, will be our primary targets."

There was a moment of quiet contemplation as Nina and the other Elders crowded around the map and studied the markings closely. Ramon eyed the drawing of the castle and its fortifications closely, before tilting his head with a quirk of his brow.

"… Why their ships?" the Spidops asked. "If the pirates are trapped here, they'll have to be fought to be subdued. Wouldn't it be easier and less risky to chase them off the island?"

"It would, but that's unfortunately not an option for us," Ander said, shaking his head. "We need the Ledger back, remember? If the pirates get away with it, it'll be almost as bad as us losing outright."

"And after the last two days of humiliation, I'm frankly not interested in just letting those filthy raiders turn tail. Never was the type to let a Backpfeifengesicht go without a smack if I could help it," Robbie scoffed. "Besides, if we can bog them down and keep them penned up, time will be on our side. The Royal Navy should eventually be able to catch up with us and help finish off anyone who's still standing."

Crom and his teammates sucked in a breath with a quiet grimace. That definitely wasn't going to make their lives any easier. Why, if this battle drug on too long, the navy might arrive before they got the Ledger back!

The Druddigon quietly pinched his brow when he noticed Robbie was staring at them with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

"Though what on earth is in that ledger of yours, anyways?" the Krookodile asked. "You're acting like that book's some sort of state secret."

The Elders fell dead silent and gave stony expressions in reply, with Nina glancing off at Crom and his teammates from the corner of her eyes. It… wasn't exactly the smartest idea to just blurt out loud what was in the Ledger, and from their expressions, the Elders knew it. Still, they had to tell Robbie something…

"We don't fully know ourselves," Crom explained. "Just that the Company is treating whatever's inside of it as something that's dangerous to them."

It technically wasn't a lie, but much to Crom's unease, it didn't seem to dislodge that suspicious look on Robbie's face. Nina noticed it herself and briefly let fire flicker from her vents, turning the Krookodile's attention towards her with a sharp harrumph.

"… Alright, you've made a decent enough argument, but even with our help, there will be three targets to deal with at once," Nina said. "The amount of fighters we can muster isn't that large, so how do you propose that we pull this off?"

"By knocking those pirates off-balance before they know what hit 'em, and keeping them trapped in places where we can take our time mopping them up," Robbie insisted. "One team will hit the garrison, since if we break through there, we'd also solve some of your 'monpower worries. I'm sure the Pokémon the pirates are keeping locked up in there won't need a lot of pep talking to help us take the town back. With a bit of luck, we might even get some supplies if the pirates haven't already stripped the armory bare."

Crom paused and glanced down uneasily at the sketch of the garrison. He knew that in the grand scheme of things, the garrison wasn't all that big since there were only three floors, but just from what he could see on the sketch, there were a lot of rooms inside that would need to be checked. What would keep the pirates from moving Nida and the others around?

… Or even from going outside entirely? A disquieting realization came over the Druddigon, before he warily glanced back at Robbie and Nina.

"I wouldn't hold your breath on getting those supplies, Krookodile," Nina explained. "One of the pirates our defenders interrogated revealed that they were holding Lugia's companions captive inside of that armory."

Robbie briefly stiffened up before giving a puzzled blink

"I mean, I suppose I can see how it could be used as a cell, even if I'm not sure how much stock we should be putting into pirates' words," the Krookodile murmured. "But at the very least, it won't be hard to find the armory and see how true that lead is. It's on the second floor over here: close to the center of the garrison."

Robbie moved his claw over to a set of sketches of the garrison's floors and hovered over a prominent chamber near the center. Aside from it being on the floor above, it didn't look that far away from where the cell block was, except if there were pirates inside, they'd likely have to fight for every step forward. Pleo looked back up at the Krookodile Sheriff as he uneasily shifted his wings.

"O… kay, so we obviously need to free our friends and the Pokémon in the other cells at about the same time," he said. "But how do we deal with all the pirates that would be in there?"

"By trying to lure them outside and sneaking you in afterwards," Robbie replied. "The pirates can't bog you down inside the garrison if they're busy fighting outside."

Pleo tilted his head. He supposed that that made sense, except this was just one location. And Starpeak Square was an entire village.

"Wait, but won't the pirates be all over town right now?" he asked. "What do we do about them?"

"Take them out when they're scattered, or better yet, get them to come to us on our own terms. After taking the garrison, the pirates will be forced to try and deal with us in a place where we're dug in with reinforcements," Robbie explained. "It's a lot easier to mop up small bands of pirates trying to hide in shops or alleyways from there, especially if the villagers start rallying to us. If we can cut them off from their supplies and their own reinforcements, fighting in the village proper becomes a game of numbers on disadvantageous territory that those pirates can't win."

The Krookodile turned his attention back to the map and moved his claw off to a patch of blue hemming the town in from the north with lines jutting off into it: the piers of the town's harbor.

"That's why we also want to hit the harbor at the same time. We were able to raise some swimmers to help, so while the teams dispatched to the garrison are doing their thing, those of us who are more aquatic work with them to go after those pirates' ships," he insisted. "The hard part will simply be getting close enough to line up shots on their hulls and sails, but those pirates being spread thin should make that a bit easier. It's also close enough that if the garrison is taken before it, that the teams there can come over as reinforcements while we rally the villagers to help us."

Uneasy murmurings started to go about the gathering, with a couple Pokémon audibly musing to themselves about how the strategy seemed to make sense. Both the guards with Robbie and the local Marked, much to Guardia's surprise. Even so, Guardia just couldn't help but notice that even though the castle was closer to them on the map, that Robbie had avoided talking about it so far…

The Cubone tugged at her helmet briefly, before glancing up with a wary tilt of her head.

"Didn't you mention earlier that the Duke's castle also needed to be attacked?" Guardia asked. "It's the closest of your three targets to us, how come you didn't talk about it before these other two?"

"Because it's the hardest of the three that we need to worry about."

A grave expression came over the Krookodile's face as he moved his claw back to the castle, carefully tracing it from one sketch to the next as he spoke in a low, serious tone.

"There's a moat, two curtain walls deliberately smoothed out to prevent easy scaling, and enough cannons placed around it to sink a fleet of ships. The place is our town's citadel, so it's built to be a pain to overrun."

"… Wait, but then how'd the pirates capture it in the first place anyways?" Guardia asked.

Robbie brought his arm back to his side, and let his eyes drift towards the ground with a tired sigh.

"Its defenders surrendered," he murmured. "After the Duke and Dutchess were captured in town after leaving the Courthouse, the pirates demanded their surrender in return for their lives."

A quiet chill came over Team Traveller's members before Trizano gave an uncomfortable ruffle of his wings. Even if it must've surely been disappointing for the defenders to just yield like that, he wasn't sure if he could blame them…

"Well, they certainly upheld their duty to the Duke and Duchess as guards, at least," the Skarmory said.

"Maybe, but it's a moot point since we're going to have to deal with the pirates they surrendered to," Robbie grunted. "The castle's all but guaranteed to be the best-defended of the positions among the pirates if it's their working headquarters, and it's almost certainly where they'd keep that Ledger if it's anywhere as important as you're making it out to be."

Trizano stiffened up at Robbie's reply, and so did just about everyone else in the room. Nervous whispers started floating about over the idea of having to fight their way past a castle of all places, and even some of Robbie's underlings couldn't hide visible flashes of anxiety on their faces. Ander tapped his scythes briefly, before turning back to the Krookodile with a wary frown.

"Wait, but then how are we supposed to take over the castle if it's so well defended?" Ander pressed.

"We aren't. Especially not with how well-built it is," Robbie clarified. "But that was never my plan."

Robbie moved his claw towards the castle's outmost wall and stopped it in front of one of its gates, before he lifted his claw and repeated the process on a second gate on the opposite side.

"It was to set up chokepoints right outside the gates so that way we could just keep those pirates bottled up inside the castle and ambush anyone that tried to leave it," he explained. "If we do that, it'll keep them from sending reinforcements to town or fleeing Gestirn. From there, it's just a matter of running the clock out on them until the navy arrives and those pirates are forced to choose between surrendering or being bulldozed by superior numbers and armaments."

Pleo grimaced and visibly set his teeth on edge. This strategy wouldn't work for them at all! The moment that the navy arrived, they would surely try to capture him and they'd be in no position to fight all of them off!

Their plan to get the Company and Empire to stop chasing after him and the other Protectors of Anyilla hinged on the volumes of the Knights' Ledger, including the one inside the castle. Even if they had some way of sneaking away after the Imperials came, what good would it do if they lost the Ledger in the process?

"B-But we can't risk the Ledger getting damaged like that!" Pleo protested. "If it's inside while the castle's getting stormed, all it'd take is a stray attack to destroy it forever!"

The Lugia glanced at his teammates who looked about as on-edge as him while Robbie appeared to be at a loss for words. Dimitri stopped and brought the back of his wrist up to his mouth for a moment, before turning to the Krookodile with a worried glance.

"Don't we have any way of getting the Ledger out before the castle gets stormed?" the Kabutops asked.

Robbie crossed his arms and turned his gaze to the ground, visibly pondering for a moment, before turning his head back to the Kabutops.

"… It'd be risky, but we could try dropping in a small team that you could tag along with to get in and get out," he offered. "We do have teleporters to work with…"

… It was something at least, even if Dimitri wasn't sure how on earth that was going to work out. Robbie didn't look like he was fully sure how he'd manage himself, and shook his head in reply with a low grunt.

"But it doesn't make sense to be getting ahead of ourselves like that," the Krookodile said. "If we can't pin the pirates in Duke Franz's castle down to begin with, we won't be in any position to consider mounting hit-and-run raids of any sort."

It was hard to argue Robbie's point, even if it didn't make Dimitri or anyone else from Team Traveller feel any better about it. Travellers above, they were going to be cutting things close even if everything went to plan. Why, by the time they got ahold of the Ledger, they'd likely need Kelly's help to teleport to safety again.

Dimitri sucked in a breath and quietly grit his teeth. He supposed it really didn't make sense to worry about getting the Knights' Ledger and escaping too much just yet. A lot depended on how those earlier fights they had to get through would turn out, so it probably didn't make sense to make plans that could be swept out from underneath them.

Though even so, there were still some lingering questions that he couldn't shake. And judging from Margi's expression a little ways down the table, he likely wasn't the only one who had them…

"And how are we supposed to pull this off without getting spotted again?" the Hydreigon demanded. "The garrison and harbor aren't exactly at the edges of Starpeak Square. How would any of us get all the way there without immediately alerting all of the pirates in town?"

"Simple," Robbie replied. "Every defense has its weak points, and we'd be turning them to our advantage."

The Krookodile stooped and rooted through the bag by his foot and took out a folded-up piece of paper. He unfurled it and revealed that it was a roughly sketched map of the town, just in more detail with the streets and different landmarks noted more clearly. There were sketched arrows on the map at the outskirts of Starpeak Square that marked several lanes leading into town, which Robbie pointed out to his audience.

"Normally, those weak points are the places that me and my peers would try and cover with extra patrols. A bunch of pirates that just sailed in yesterday wouldn't know how to deal with them as well as we do," he explained. "Even if they found out about them, they've likely spread themselves thin even before the losses they took today if they've been sending teams to go prowling the hinterlands looking for your Protector friend there."

Robbie pointed off at Pleo as everyone looked at him… and then back at the Krookodile. Ander shuffled in place with a dubious murmur. It wasn't that Robbie's train of thought didn't make sense, but…

"That… feels rather presumptuous given how badly these pirates already caught you and your underlings off guard," Ander muttered. "Since even if there aren't many pirates at those specific approaches to get in, nothing keeps more from coming as reinforcements."

"And we still don't have a solid idea of just how strong those remaining pirates are," Siana harrumphed. "Krookodile, you can't expect us to risk our fighters' hides just marching in blindly."

Robbie folded his arms in reply to the Marked Espeon and let out an unimpressed huff in reply.

"That's why we'll be sending scouts to get a feel for what's coming at us as we make our way in," Robbie retorted. "Naturally, we'd also be striking at a time when said reinforcements are least likely to respond: tonight, during witching hour."

Nina paused and blinked, as she and her fellow Elders traded skeptical looks with one another.

"Wait, you're expecting us to support you with less than half a day to prepare?" Roderic asked.

"Yes, because the longer we wait, the harder things will get for dealing with those pirates."

Robbie batted his tail back and forth impatiently, before shooting a stern frown back across the table.

"Every hour we wait is another hour that those pirates will have time to recover," the Krookodile Sheriff explained. "I feel confident in taking a gamble on them still being off-balance enough for us to have the upper claw tonight, but they certainly won't be after a night to rest and prepare for our arrival."

"Also, the hour would be the most advantageous for us," Dimitri chimed in. "The pirates who'd still be awake and standing guard would be a skeleton crew made up of nocturnal Pokémon and anyone else they need to fill the gaps. Most crews don't have that many nocturnal underlings, so most of the pirates that would still be up at that hour will be groggy and not as alert as they'd normally be."

"Or drunk," Trizano added. "Considering the sorts of habits pirates tend to get into, I wouldn't be shocked if many of their numbers who aren't awake would wind up stumbling to their feet hungover. Hardly a state in which they'd be at their best while fighting."

Murmurs of agreement went around the table, as Crom brought a claw up to his mouth in thought. The more he thought about it, the more Robbie's idea of attacking the pirates tonight made sense. After all, they were in a race against time to get off the island along with Pleo, and the sooner they made their move, the better their odds were of successfully escaping from Gestirn with the Ledger before the Empire caught up with them. The Druddigon cast a glance off at Nina who brought a paw to her chin in thought, before nodding back at the Krookodile.

"I think that we've heard everything that we need to in that case. We'll see to it that word goes out to the local guards."

Crom looked on in quiet disbelief when he looked over at Robbie's end of the table. The Krookodile was glancing over the gathered group, with the ends of his mouth curled up in a small smile.

"Glad to hear," the Krookodile said. "I suggest you all rest up, then. We'll need our strength tonight."

Crom had to fight the urge to pinch himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. They'd actually managed to convince everyone to work together, and they actually had a chance of making things right. Nina and the others headed off and the crowd around the table began to thin before the Druddigon let out a sigh of relief.

After everything that seemed to go wrong in the past few days, it was nice for things to finally be looking up.

---

Author's Notes:

- Fermicula - German: "Durant"
- Nani kore? (何これ?) - Japanese: Informal multiuse expression that can be rendered as "What's this?", "What's going on?", or "What the hell?". Can be considered impolite depending on context of use. (Hepburn Romanization)
- Backpfeifengesicht - German: Expression equivalent to "punchable face" or referring to someone with such a face.