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At the third convention of the new Council, little progress had been made since the first. The captains continued to attempt to push forward their ideas of what needed to be done, causing the conversations to circle repeatedly as either side tried to make their case.

Luke and Torolf remained opposed to the motion of elevating Calhoun and his lieutenants to S-level threat, fearing that such a movement would only make things worse -though not for the same reason. Luke didn't like the idea of putting so many Pokémon into the crosshairs of others, but Torolf's reasoning was that elevating the conflict with Calhoun would only provoke a worse response from the Dark Blaziken, who still held the balance of power in his favour. Most of the council remained indifferent to the subject, except of course for Romulus - the one who had originally suggested the edict, and Mustaf of Team Pride, who still seemed more interested in simply ending the council so that he could leave Hadleigh and cared little about what was decided, leaving Luke -not for the first time- wondering why the Pyroar was even there.

Once again, the council was brought to a temporary recess, and once more Luke left in the company of Torolf, the two of them joining Lady Cinnia at her home. They sat opposite the wide table from the Primarina as one of her servants poured hot tea for them.

"Another day with little accomplished," Torolf said, his disdain at the lack of progress clear. "So far we've only been able to keep the whole council in a stalemate, and this fixation is costing us time."

"Keep heart, Torolf," said Lady Cinnia as she sipped from her own cup. "These sorts of things rarely happen quickly with so many parties involved. It may not seem like it, but not all of the council is won over by Romulus' extremes."

"My biggest irritation at the moment is not so much Romulus, but Mustaf of Team Pride." Luke would add, taking a sip of tea himself, feeling the warm drink help calm his nerves down after a long day of debating. "It's almost as though he's just wanting to come to a quick decision and be done with it. Does he not understand the ramifications of such rash actions?"

"Mustaf is simple-minded," said Cinnia, staring into her cup lamenting. "The shortest distance between two points is a straight line and that's always the course he wants to take, even if it isn't the right one. He also cares little for the civilized side of modern society - this city makes him feel confined, and he wishes nothing more than to leave it and return to the open plains, hence his impatience to see the council finished."

"Were it not for the respect he commands across the rural communities of this region, I would not have even invited him," growled Torolf.

"Be that as it may, he has to understand that whatever affects the civilized cities will also affect the rural areas if a rash decision is finalized." Luke countered firmly. "We're all here right now because we're the last and only line of defense against Calhoun and his forces. Cooperation is crucial for us to succeed right now and this constant in-fighting isn't doing anything to reinforce that." He added, clenching his free paw resting on the table firmly. "I get that we all have things we're uncomfortable about, but for the sake of every Pokémon in the world, we_have_ to put our differences aside."

"Agreed," Torolf added, leaning back and resting his massive hands on his knees. "If we can't overcome that, the situation is only going to get worse... but how can we convince them?"

After a moment of silence, Cinnia looked at Luke. "Your friend Volcan... as I understand it, he was the first among all of you to have seen Calhoun. What would he decide, were this decision presented to him?"

At first, Luke wanted to say he was certain Volcan would oppose the verdict, but something in the back of his mind made him hesitate. After a moment or so of consideration, he spoke his thoughts aloud. "My heart wants me to say that he would be vehemently opposed to the idea of destroying Calhoun and all he stands for," he began, then his expression saddened, and his ears flattened as he went on. "However, Calhoun destroyed Volcan's home and many of the people Volcan was sworn to protect. He and his teammates have more cause to the Dark Crusade than anyone, and I don't think his decision would be made without that in mind.

"I see," the Primarina returned, brow furrowing. "Sometimes, the dead speak to us louder than the living."

Torolf huffed. "I can attest to that," he admitted, picking up his cup - which, for his large size, was in fact a soup bowl he could easily pick up with his fingers. "What we need some way to bring everyone onto the same page... they know both Romulus and I are on opposite sides here despite knowing how we _both_faced Calhoun once before."

Cinnia raised her head at that. "I wonder... perhaps that is exactly the problem," she said, earning a quizzical look from her guests.

Luke's ears perked up a little, looking over to Lady Cinnia curiously. "What do you mean?" He queried.

Cinnia set down her teacup, folding her flippers across her lap - if one could say she had one, as her entire lower body was a fish-like tail - shutting her eyes as she considered by best to answer. "I may be reaching... but the guilds began years ago motivated by good intention, and that intention carries into most of the rescue teams, but not all, and we see that clearly with those who have gathered in this hall. Produced by their motivations and shaped by the work they have done to get here."

She opened her eyes, looking at Torolf. "You and Romulus, more than any other team, present the highest point of achievement within the guilds. You aren't _just_Gold-ranked captains. The two of you have defined the very role for others to follow, yet here your rival remains, still at odds against an enemy as great - if not greater than any you've both faced. Perhaps it is your own inability to reach a consensus that prevents the other captains from choosing their own."

"So, you're saying," Torolf began, pondering her words for a moment. "That if we were of the same mind in this the other captains would follow our example?"

"Yes," replied Cinnia. "If you and he were on the same page I have little doubt the decision would be unanimous for them."

Torolf scoffed. "If it were only so simple. Romulus and I have very different methods. He relies on brute force and intimidation to keep people from turning to crime, while I respond to problems as they appear and implement preventative measures."

"Then you must start elsewhere," said Cinnia. "Look to the other captains -hear their side and try to decide who among them you might support. If you make it seem like you would back them in their own agendas, they may very well reciprocate and in turn support you. If Romulus sees the others support you, it may sway his decision in turn."

Luke hummed a little in thought as he rubbed his chin. "It would seem the latter option might be the better course of action here." He stated. "No offense to you, Torolf, but you and Romulus are like oil and water. I don't think there's a chance in hell you two can come to any consensus on the matter." He said honestly.

"I'm inclined to agree," returned the Swampert. "But where should we start? Or rather, who with?"

"Of that, I am uncertain," replied Cinnia. "Perhaps with Meilin of Team Tao. She is the only one with no agenda in mind for this council."

Torolf hummed as a thought occurred to him. "We learned long ago that Calhoun may have once been a warrior monk from the far north," he said, reminding Luke of the day he had visited Torolf and found out that -rather shocking, fact. "Meilin is such a monk. If she knew where Calhoun came from, and how the shadow corruption changed him, could it affect her decision?"

"It could," Cinnia began with slight hesitation. "On one hand, it could make her understand that even she as a master of aura is not safe from the corruption and feel the need for caution when approaching him. But on another she could see Calhoun as a direct affront to her beliefs and that could put her thoughts more in line with those of Romulus."

Torolf huffed. "Damn..."

"It's a risky gambit, but it might just be one we have to take." Luke commented, coming to a decision. "I will try speaking to her."

"Do you think you can convince her?" Torolf asked.

"She was impressed when Kage revealed I was the one that removed Calhoun's influence from Lugia when his forces attacked Hadleigh. That might give me some leverage to try and sway her to our side." Luke explained.

"She does respect you, at least that much is certain," agreed Cinnia. "Torolf and I should speak to Keirrot then."

"Why Keirrot?" Torolf asked.

"He has not come to any decisions yet either," replied Cinnia. "We could yet convince him to take our side. "We'll bring him here to my home. He may respond better to a more comfortable environment than the guild hall."

"I shall seek out Meilin then," said Luke, finishing his tea and setting the cup down. "Would either of you happen to know where I could look for her?"

"Try the Artist's Road Inn, near the eastern exit," replied Torolf. "It's the quietest inn in Hadleigh. If she prefers a peaceful environment, that's the best one. Be sure you present your team emblem when you ask about her at the front desk, so that they know you're a colleague."

Luke nodded softly. "I'll be on my way then." He said as he stood up. "Thank you for the tea, Lady Cinnia, and for all your help."

"Good day, Luke," the Primarina returned, giving him that heart-melting smile of hers.

He couldn't help but smile back, blushing slightly and giving them both a wave before he turned and headed out the front door and back out onto the streets of Hadleigh. "Okay...Artist's Road Inn." He muttered softly to himself, looking toward the bottom of the hill and walking at a brisk pace toward his target.

Making his way out of the music district he started on the main road through the city, joining the crowd that moved along the road to the other end of the city, but was forced to take a detour when things started to get too confined for him, moving onto a smaller side road running parallel to the main.

It was then he started to get an odd feeling -like someone was watching him. He looked behind him -no one, but the passing crowds on the main street, none of whom were looking at him. He looked up, checking a nearby balcony and what rooftops he could see. Still nothing, and so he moved on, continuing down the street. Yet the feeling did not recede. He turned a corner, and it was when he passed an alley that he heard shuffling behind him. He spun around, but still he saw nothing...

Until suddenly, a clawed hand clap over his mouth and another around his middle. So caught off guard, he didn't resist as they yanked him backward. He nearly lost his balance in surprise, the figure successfully pulling him into the darkness of the alley before they ducked behind a dumpster. He felt something wrapping around his legs, holding them together. He started reaching for their arms, ready to fight before a voice gently shushed him and whispered in his ear.

"Stay still," they hissed quietly. "You are being followed."

That voice... it sounded familiar. At first he thought about pulling away until he heard footsteps outside the alley, which gave him pause, listening as the shadows of two individuals were cast into the alley by the dim sunlight outside, moving about frantically as if in search of something. He heard them speaking, the voices confirming that there were indeed two.

"Where'd he go?" A gruff voice asked.

"Dammit, he must've spotted us," another said.

"My illusion was perfect, but those Lucario see other ways," the first said. "Come on, he can't have gotten far. Onto the next street."

The feet moved away, and it was only when they were completely out of earshot that Luke's assailant let him go. He stepped away as the figure dropped to all fours. Taking a moment to catch his breath he turned to the figure, making out a reptilian form in the dim light as his eyes slowly adjusted. But it was when they turned back to him he recognized the face looking back at him - the smooth, sleek face with protruding fangs along the edges of their mouth, the violet eyes and lithe body, remembering very clearly the first time he'd seen that figure in a similar dim light...

"...Jora?"

The Salazzle nodded her head as he said her name. "I hope I didn't startle you," she said. "I have been watching those two for some time, though I confess I didn't expect to see you while observing them."

He cleared his throat a bit before replying. "Erm, well I'm here on official Rescue Team business..."

Her answer surprised him. "I know of the summit," she said flatly. "It was not hard for me to guess that is why you were here. I think it's best I warn you though, Calhoun also knows of it."

"What? He does??" Luke practically exclaimed, looking to the Salazzle with alarm. "When? H-How did he find out??"

"I do not know how or when, but those two came here the day before the summit was announced and I recognized them well from my days as his lieutenant," replied Jora, turning and looking around the dumpster again. "We should not talk here - they may double back. Do you have somewhere we can go?"

"I was actually heading on my way to the Artist's Road Inn to speak with Miss Meilin. If we keep going there, we'd have her help if they attack again."

"That inn is across the city and out in the open," stated Jora. "They will find you before you make it there, and they will not be afraid to endanger the citizens to get to you."

"Then we'll just have to stick to the shadows. And it just so happens that I've brought my Shadow with me." The Lucario added with a grin before he put a finger to his earpiece. "Kage, it's me. I could use your infiltration prowess right about now." He said. "I'm in an alleyway in Artist's Row, mid-west from the city center...Yes, that's the one. Hurry on over as soon as you can." He said before cutting the feed and turning to Jora. "He's on his way. ETA five minutes."

Jora nodded, and stepped back to wait with Luke in the shadows. After a moment, he cleared his throat, and spoke lowly to pass the time while they waited for Kage. "So...it's been a while since we last met. What have you been up to since then?"

She turned back to him, considering his question before she answered. "Very little," she said. "Mostly thinking of what the next, best course of action is for my clan. I considered trying to find a way back to Kia He island, but..." She shook her head. "Calhoun would find me there, and there are other things besides him I seek to escape. So, it is my hope we can start a new life here."

"it's nice to see that you're making use of that second chance I gave you and are turning your life around."

"I made a promise that I would not waste it. I intend to keep that promise."

"I'm glad to hear that." Luke replied with a nod. "On a similar note, how did you end up tracking those men who were following me?"

"I had the idea to use my former connections to keep track of Calhoun's movements, hoping I could find out what he plans to do next. My search brought me back here to Hadleigh, and I overheard the large Captain - Torolf, I think was his name, announcing the summit," She turned to look at Luke again. "I spotted those two assassins that were stalking you amongst the crowd. They have been here in the city since before you arrived, and my circle and I have watched them."

"Well, that's a brave and smart plan, Jora." Luke complimented the Salazzle, though his expression grew more serious as he went on. "Of course, having these assassins here does complicate things, and puts the other Councillors and Rescue Teams here at risk of being targeted." He looked out to the open streets for a moment. "Have you heard of any other teams that have been hit or are on their hit list?"

"I have only witnessed the assassins watching your friends here in the city, but they have not attacked them," replied Jora. "They have yet to approach those associated with the new council - until today, that is, when they pursued you. At this moment, I cannot tell if itisfor your actions here, or if it is because you are a councilman they are targetting you now."

"I see..." Luke muttered. "It's rather unnerving to know so many Pokemon are being targeted by these assassins...Calhoun really must be desperate to take us out of commission." He commented before looking back to Jora. "I have to let the rest of the council know about this, after I finish my business with Lady Meilin."

"A solid idea...except for one small detail..." Came a low, monotonous tone from the shadows deeper within the alley.

They turned sharply in the direction of the voice, and at the sight of the Greninja stepping out of the darkness, Jora tensed, her tail standing straight up as her claws flexed, eyes wide in alarm and eliciting a low hiss. Luke whipped around, putting himself between Jora and Kage. "Jora, wait! This isn't Hageshi," he said hurriedly

Kage looked at Jora. "...So you're the one my son tried to kill," he said in a lower, slightly more abrasive tone, one that seemed to indicate his disdain wasn't aimed at her.

"Yes," she replied, the venom in her voice as potent as the venom in her body, lowering her claws slowly. "He tried to end me in front of one of my own children."

The Greninja approached her, laying his hand across his chest and bowing his head to the Salazzle. "I don't condone the actions he took on you, let me make that clear," he remarked. "Were it me in his position, I wouldn't have been so quick to assume your allegiance was set in stone."

Luke rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile before saying to Jora. "That's Kage's cryptic way of telling you he apologizes for Hageshi's transgression."

"Cryptic indeed," the Salazzle remarked with a raised brow, watching him closely for a moment before her expression relaxed. "But... I will accept your apology." She added with a nod.

The Greninja nodded back, then looked to Luke after he was finished with Jora. "If we're going to move then now would be the time, lest those assassins return for another stab at taking you down."

Luke looked up at Kage with some alarm in his eyes. "Hold on, how'd you know about the assassins??" He demanded.

"I didn't until a few minutes ago. I arrived during your talk with your friend here." Kage replied quickly.

"Then how come I didn't-" Luke paused mid-sentence, then slapped his forehead with his paw. "Right...Protean. Shadow Sneak turns you into a Ghost Type."

"Glad to see you've been paying attention," The Greninja replied in a snarky, condescending manner, almost implying he was offended.

"What is the next step?" Jora asked, ready to follow their lead.

"Just stay close to me." Kage returned as he weaved a sign in front of him. His shadow then extended out to latch with Luke's and Jora's, and then they vanished within seconds.

The shadow then moved out of the alleyway and latched onto a passerby's shadow, acting as their shadow. The shadow passed from one pedestrian to another, riding the moving crowd across the city before breaking off and moving to open ground. Only then did they emerge from the ground once again, safely out of sight of the citizens and, hopefully, the assassins.

"...That will be 10 Poks..." Kage commented dryly.

"...Did...Did you just make a joke?" Luke asked, bewildered.

"I never joke about my work."

Jora cast a wary look at Luke. "I cannot tell if he is serious and that is very concerning," she whispered dryly.

"Trust me, you aren't the first to make that comment." Luke replied while rolling his eyes. "Well, anyway thanks for the help, Kage."

He nodded back once. "I'll personally inform the Team Captains about the assassins...discreetly." He added before he suddenly disappeared in a plume of water that splashed around where he once stood.

"The inn you mentioned is right over there, along the road." Jora said, pointing to a fair-sized lodge built across the road from the riverbank. They could see several wagons belonging to traders parked alongside the building, most of which were overflowing with goods and defended by sturdy-looking Pokemon guards. "Remind me, why did you need to speak to this Meilin person?"

"I want to convince her to support Torolf and I, opposing the council's decision to elevate Calhoun's threat level."

Jora tilted her head. "Why would you oppose that?"

"Because it not only makes him a 'kill on sight' target, it further risks involving third parties and possibly civilian pokemon that might think they could take him down." Luke replied firmly. "We can't afford that kind of collateral damage. And, on a more personal level, it goes against everything I stand for. I don't like the idea of killing another Pokemon, even one as evil as Calhoun. We are rescue teams, not executioners."

Jora frowned, but nodded in agreement. "I suppose I can understand that," she said.

They reached the inn, and Jora made herself scarce while Luke went inside to ask the proprietor about Meilin's whereabouts, having to show his guild emblem to confirm he was on official business. The innkeeper admitted he barely ever saw the Mienshao - she did not come down to drink and he only saw her eat once in the daytime, and then she would disappear until the night. Knowing there were no ongoing sessions at the council hall Luke didn't know where he might start looking for the captain of Team Tao until he stepped outside, and saw across the river, a figure seated on a boulder half-buried in the ground. A figure of white and purple, completely still and seated cross-legged on the boulder.

"Well...found her." Luke muttered softly as he started to make his way over to Meilin, finding a bridge over the river to approach her resting spot. He moved carefully as he came up behind her so as not to alarm her. Once again, Jora vanished from sight, a rustle in the tall grass the only indication she had been there and was still watching nearby.

Meilin remained motionless even as Luke neared, and when he stood nearly in arm's reach, she spoke up. "Captain of Team Valiant," she said. "What brings you to me today?"

He paused for a moment, a bit taken aback that she was able to sense his presence, but calmed himself down when he remembered she was also an Aura Master. Luke walked around and stood next to the Mienshao. "I uhm, I was hoping to discuss a couple of things in regards to our recent summits." He replied.

She opened her eyes then, and turned to look over her shoulder at him. "Come. Sit with me," she said invitingly. "I willhear you out."

Luke moved in front of Meilin, and lowered himself onto backside to sit cross-legged, lifting his head to meet Meilin's gaze. "As you're no doubt aware, the council is pretty divided in terms of what needs to be done about this rising threat." Luke began. "I feel this lack of cooperation is tearing us apart, and unless we don't figure out a way to unite under a common interest, the next sessions are doomed to repeat themselves."

"Indeed we have been at a constant stalemate for some time," she agreed, looking ahead and shutting her eyes again as if to return to meditation, but she continued speaking. "I would not doubt it has to do with how accustomed we Rescue Teams have become to working apart. Now brought together as we are, we are faced with our rivals and meant to cooperate, but all of us prefer having things our way." She paused for a moment, her eyes opening again. "It is petty... yet, inevitable."

"It baffles me that they're not only Team Captains, but Gold ranked Captains as well...Earning that rank means you're not only recognized for your strength, but your ability to lead and cooperate with others to ensure mission success. With the way Pokemon like Mustaf and Romulus are behaving, one would question whether or not they're worthy of that rank..." Luke went on with a slight hint of disdain in his tone, though quickly changed the subject before Meilin could pick up on it. "I have to ask though... what are your thoughts on the situation? Specifically the idea of elevating Calhoun's threat level to S rank?"

"What can I say?" She asked. "I have never seen this 'Calhoun', and what I have heard could easily be exaggerated. Hence I have kept my stance on the matter undecided. In my order, killing is forbidden unless absolutely necessary, such as in the defense of oneself or another." She looked at Luke. "But you _have_seen him, so I am told. Is it true that he is a Shadow Pokemon?"

Luke lout out a long sigh. "Yes, he is a Shadow Pokemon, but he's nothing like what the books would describe as a typical Shadow Pokemon." He replied. "He's somehow able to take control of the energy, harness it, and make it into his own life force... He has the power, but he has retained all of his sentience of a typical Blaziken."

"A Blaziken..." she repeated, humming in thought. "I wonder how he managed to learn to control it... even I do not know if I could manage such a thing." She looked at Luke again. "There was mention he can infect and control other Shadow Pokemon. How many have you encountered?"

"So far only two." Luke replied. "Upon first encountering him, we were shocked to discover he had control over Mewtwo. The second time around was right here in Hadleigh, where he sent Lugia, which you already know about."

She nodded in reply. Luke decided at that moment, it was best he get to the point and find out what he really wanted to know from Meilin. "From which temple do you hail from, Miss Meilin?" He asked.

"We are of the Order of the Fist. My own temple lies, beyond the mountains north of Daffodil Valley," she answered plainly.

"Would you know about any other temples of your orer and the Pokémon that reside within them?" He further inquired.

"There are only a few, but there are others," she replied, nodding. "It is common that the Grandmaster of our order travels to them every few years, making a pilgrammage across the east and north continents where they are located."

"Has your Grandmaster ever mentioned a Blaziken with amethyst coloured eyes?" Luke asked, getting to the point.

That seemed to get her attention. "Yes, there was. At the northern temple, I heard mention of the Amethyst-eyed Blaziken who was rising quickly among the warrior monks there. A student of Master Zheng. Why do you-" She paused, and her eyes opened again, turning to look squarely at Luke with clear intrigue. "...Describe Calhoun's fighting style to me." She bade.

Luke nodded. "It was unorthodox, to my recollection. He never attacked with his hands - he only used his legs and feed to strike. He moved like flowing water, and he was incredibly quick."

Luke heard her take in a deep breath, clearly trying to hide how the revelation had caught her off guard. "That is the Capo variant of the Art of the Rapid Strike," she said. "Pioneered by a former master of the order years ago, when he lost one of his hands in battle." Her composure waivered, just slightly. "Then it is true... he is one of us."

"That's kind of what Torolf eluded to when Volcan and I caught up with him during our trip back home from Princeport." Luke commented. "I was.. shocked to find out that our nemesis used to be a _monk_of all things but one thing that's always bothered me about it was if he was trained to be a monk, then why did he suddenly turn rogue? What was the catalyst that drove him to be the menace he is today?"

"His reasons for doing it, I could not tell you," replied Meilin.

Luke saw her brow furrow, her paws clenching tightly as she took more deep breaths, keeping herself calm. Luke felt a bit unnerved when he saw her composure falter so dramatically upon this revelation. He started to wonder if perhaps he should have kept that bit of information under wraps for the time being, at least until more of Calhoun's plan was unveiled. But she soon collected herself, and turned to look at him.

"Thank you... For telling me this," she said, rising to her feet slowly. "I will have to inform the Grandmaster when I return, once our business in Hadleigh is concluded. Though I do not yet know _what_I will tell him."

"There's something else you should know." Luke said as he rose to his feet as well. "Watch yourself when you're out on the streets...I've just discovered that we have assassins among us trying to claim our heads."

"...You don't say." She said, before she looked behind her. "What of that one hiding in the grass back there?"

The Lucario turned to look in the direction Meilin was looking at, then back at the Mienshao. "She's an ally." He assured her. "It was through her that I found out about said assassins. She even saved my life prior to me coming here."

Meilin glanced at him, and then looked out to the tall grass again. "You out there," Meilin called to her. "You need not hide. Come forth."

At her call, Luke heard the rustling of the tall grass, grown impressively high considering it was not too late into the spring yet. Jora slowly emerged from the grass, making her way over to the two, stopping at the base of the boulder and looking up at Meilin with a neutral expression.

"A Salazzle..." Meilin said in a low whisper. "I have not seen one of your kind outside of illustrations. It is odd to see one so far from your island home."

"It is... complicated," Jora replied, shifting uncomfortably.

Luke stepped down from the boulder and gently placed a paw on Jora's shoulder to help calm her nerves. "Jora used to serve under Calhoun, though unwillingly. Now she's here helping us fight against him by using her connections to gain leads on what he's planning next." He explained.

Meilin narrowed her eyes as she studies Jora. "You worked for him?" She asked. Then, without waiting for an answer, she waved her paw, her eyes glowing as she peered intensely at Jora. The Salazzle stepped back instinctively as she saw the look on Merlin's face, only to freeze in place as an Aura similar in colour to the light from Merlin's eyes engulfed her, and the Salazzle let out a startled cry.

"Be still," she commanded, in a voice that seemed to echo through the air.

"Miss Meilin, what are you doing?" Luke asked apprehensively. He was conflicted, an urge to defend Jora flickering through him.

"At ease, Luke," she said, in a tone both equally commanding and assuring as Jora was lifted into the air, her eyes narrowing further. "...It seems Calhoun was not done with you yet."

With a sharp jerk of her paw, Jora suddenly let out an pained gasp, and something seemed to erupt out of her chest. She jerked, then dropped out of the air, landing on the ground in a heap to cough hoarsely as she clutched her chest. Luke was quick to support the Salazzle, kneeling down next to her and slowly easing her into a sitting position.

"Are you alright?" He asked in a concerned manner, then he looked over to Meilin, ready to demand what she had just done to Jora. His words died in his throat, however, when he saw the black mass hovering above her paw, contained in a field of her Aura and thrashing violently against its confines. His eyes widened with recognition and horror at the sight.

Jora lifted her head, and saw the mass Meilin held. "Wh-What is that?" She demanded.

"Let's call it a sleeping parasite," replied Meilin. "It is the corruption, dormant and inactive but it is the real thing. Calhoun must have placed this within you - likely from all the way back when he first enlisted you."

Luke looked between Jora and Meilin. "He must have placed inside of you as a failsafe, in the event you did defect to the other side..." Luke muttered.

"But then... why did he never awaken it?" Jora asked. "I left the Crusade months ago. Why did he not use it to find me or kill me? Or even..." she shuddered.

"His plan was likely far more devious than you being another puppet," stated Meilin. "It is possible Calhoun knew you would eventually betray him, and he sought to turn that to his advantage. When someone came to you hoping to use you against him, he would then use you to eliminate that threat by awakening this dormant fragment." She looked at Luke. "Likely... he would have used her to kill you, or any one of us when the opportunity was presented to him."

Luke's brow furrowed after hearing Meilin's hypothesis, his paws clenching tightly as he grit his teeth hard. "That ...bastard!" He growled angrily. He was equally angry at himself, for not sensing that dormant vessel within Jora. He had scanned her Aura before yet he'd never seen the corruption, yet Meilin had sensed it. It was equally mind boggling and frightening, to know that Calhoun had thought so far ahead. How many others of his army had these dark switches within them, waiting to be unleashed? "Is there no length he won't go to in order to get what he wants?"

"This is one plan he will not see brought to fruition," Meilin said as she glared at the black sphere held by her energy, her eyes brightening until the glow paled from blue to a near white, the shadow energy seemingly coming alive in response as it twisted in the grasp of her aura, until it exploded into a swarm of tiny black pieces... and vanished completely.

Jora was shaking violently, as if stricken by a sudden chill. Her claws continued to hold her chest as she rested on her knees, a distant look in her eyes. Luke moved to console her, but Meilin spoke up again.

"Luke," she said, gaining his attention. "What you have told me, and what I have seen..." She paused momentarily, considering her words. "I admit, it has brought me conflict, between the ideals of my order and my obligations as part of the Guild system. But I believe you are in the right in this debate. Calhoun destroyed the north temple, for certain now. If even the Shifu Brothers could not stop him, there may not be a Pokemon alive who _can._Sending people after him would only result in their deaths. You shall have my support henceforth."

With her cryptic promise made, Meilin leapt down from the rock, and began to walk up the shore of the river. She headed for the nearby bridge, to return to the city proper.

"It was there," Jora whispered suddenly. "All this time... his tainted essence was inside of me..." her claws were clutching her body so tightly that Luke could hear the lightly curved, delicate talons at the end of her fingers scraping against her scales.

The Lucario turned fully to her and rubbed her shoulder. "It's alright. It's gone now." He whispered softly to the Salazzle, gently embracing her. "It won't make you hurt anyone else now that Miss Meilin has taken care of it."

She continued to shake even as she leaned into his embrace, still clutching her chest. He was certain that she felt violated and disgusted, and her mind reeled with the possibility that she had been carrying something so evil inside of her. Amidst her racing thoughts, horrified images crossed her mind.

"...What if... What if it affected those he sent me to coerce? What about my children? Oh Lunala, what if it has infected my clan?!" She was nearly to hyperventilating, and Luke had trouble keeping her still even as he held her on the verge of a psychotic breakdown.

"Jora, listen. You need to try and calm down. Take slow, deep breaths and listen to my voice." He said softly to her, tightening his grip on her as she grew more and more restless. "I don't think it's affected your clan. In fact, I'm sure of it. Otherwise, if it were able to pass on to others, it would also be inside me as well."

She looked at him in alarm, meeting his gaze. The turmoil ran so violently through her he could nearly see it as easily as feel it as he held her shoulders, keeping her steady as she fought to collect herself. He could hardly fault her for her reaction, already filled with regret for the things she had done for Calhoun. Knowing he had implanted her with Shadow essence likely felt to her like being the carrier of a virus that she could have passed on to her clan unknowingly. Luke wasn't sure if the corruption worked that way, and would have to ask Meilin when next he managed to have a conversation with her...

Finally, Jora was calming down. She still fought to catch her breath, but the shaking had stopped, and she was finally able to pull her claws away from her chest and place them on the ground to steady herself. Luke slowly loosened his grip, facing the Salazzle and speaking softly to her, lifting his paw to her chin to keep her gaze on him - not difficult as, on her hind legs, she was taller than him.

"You're going to be okay, Jora...you and your clan." He assured her."I promise...I won't let anything like that happen to you."

She stared at him in silence for a moment, her expression souring as she stifled a sob. She lifted a claw to wipe a tear from her eye. "Luke... I know you have other responsibilities here," she began. "But do you think you could come with me to check on my clan? I-I have to make sure Calhoun did not get to them as well. I _have_to be sure." She pleaded, her claws reaching up to clench his shoulders in desperation.

"Of course." Luke returned softly with a nod. "I'll do what I can to help. Now that I know I need to look deeper, I should be able to find any traces of the corruption."

She nodded softly to him. "Thank you," she said. "I will... try to make it a quick visit. I know you are busy here."

He shook his head slowly at her. "You saved my life earlier. It's only fair I make time to help you in return." Luke replied in a warm tone.

~~~~~

Meanwhile...

Calhoun shifted in his seat, sensing a disturbance within himself before he opened his eyes, finding the source of it. He felt as if something he knew had vanished from the world, leaving behind an empty void, and it took him only a moment to find what it was...

"Jora," he said aloud, his words catching the ear of Sash, who was in the middle of sparring with several recruits, brutally dropping them as they attacked in unison and leaving several of them with injuries. Just as the last one fell, he heard Calhoun utter the traitorous name, and his attention immediately shifted to the dark Blaziken.

"...Your tone suggests the traitor has further slipped through your grasp." The Gallade remarked as he approached his comrade, his elbow blades sheathing back into his arms and letting his tattered cloak fall around his body.

"She has had help in that regard," said Calhoun, rising from his chair and beginning to pace around the room. "I don't believe I told you this, Sash, but I have known Jora's whereabouts from the moment she turned on us, thanks to a little... gift I left planted within her."

"As crafty as you are insane..." The Gallade remarked. "Where has that despicable wench been spotted? I will personally see to her demise."

"Truthfully, she never left the vicinity of Hadleigh. She has been living in that region since the failed siege," replied Calhoun. "Now she is back in the city, and with who else but one of that troublesome pair that Mewtwo failed to eliminate." He brushed a hand over his arm as if to swat a fly. "That blue jackal is proving to be quite a large thorn in a very painful spot. But now, the dormant shadow spore I placed within Jora has been destroyed, somehow."

He shut his eyes as he considered his options, humming in thought. "Sash... I know you have wanted out of this wretched city for some time. Our business is far from complete, but you shall have your opportunity." He turned to the Gallade, smirking.

The Gallade started to grin wickedly, his eyes shrinking to beads as his hands twitched in anticipation. "Where shall my blades strike next?" He asked in a diabolically gleeful tone.

"You may get your chance, but for now this is more of a dropoff," he said, and that sadistic smile started to form on his face. "I would like for you to take Eberon to Hadleigh. Set him loose upon the area, and in the chaos to follow, you may see if you can track down Jora if it pleases you. If you happen to find her, then you may do as you wish with her. No restrictions."

His grin grew all the more wider. "And what of the Jackal?" He asked.

"Assuming he survives Eberon's rampage, then the same goes for him. Make certain of it - don't want him to rise from the dead again," replied Calhoun. "But Eberon must be brought back after. That one is too powerful an asset to let go, so do not come back without him." He added in a serious tone.

"Understood." Sash replied, his tone matching the seriousness of his colleague's...but that sadistic, twisted grin never left his face even after he spoke that one word. "When do we depart?"

"Seji should have him back on his feet by now. You will go as soon as you both are ready," replied Calhoun. "And please..." he grinned again. "Have fun."

"I intend to..." The Gallade returned, then he turned on his head and quickly went on his way to find his master and their newest recruit, eager to get his new assignment underway, leaving Calhoun smiling after him as he fantasized the doubtless chaos that would follow his cohort...

~~~~~

Jora's clan had not been camped far away from Hadleigh much to Luke's relief. In fact, they were hiding out in an area most familiar to him -the very place he first met Jora's clan, at the hills covered in various tunnels that they used for shelter from the elements. They spent what remained of the afternoon checking Jora's circle and her children, with Luke searching through their individual auras thoroughly as he sought traces of the dark energy within them.

By the following dusk, they were on their way back to Hadleigh, and not for the first time on the return trip, Jora asked him, "you are certain there was nothing? They are all safe?" She asked.

"They're all clean. Not a single trace of corruption was present when I sensed them." Luke answered confidently. "You can rest easy, Jora."

She let out another sigh of relief, hearing his assurance once more and thankful that he humoured her so, even though she had asked him this question so many times now. "I am... sorry, if I have caused any inconvenience," she said, as if realizing how annoying she had been, even though Luke had not shown any irritation.

He stopped and gently touched her shoulder, getting her to look at him and seeing his smiling face. "It's alright, really. I didn't mind helping you at all." He assured the Salazzle warmly. "You were right to be concerned about your clan after this newest revelation."

She shuddered again at the reminder, lowering herself to her haunches to sit upright. "I can't believe he was planning on turning me into another of those monsters," she said, her claw crossing over her chest to clutch herself. "I don't want to think about the things he'd have made me do..."

"Trust me, the feeling is mutual." Luke remarked with a nod, stroking her shoulder in a comforting manner. "Let's...try not to think about it, ok? You and your clan are safe, and you can breathe a little easier now that you have that closure."

Jora looked up at him, lifting a claw to rest upon the paw clasping her shoulder. "Thank you," she said, softly.

"You're welcome." Luke returned gently, holding his paw on her shoulder and just staring at her in a reassuring manner. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" He offered.

She shook her head. "You have already done more for me than I could ever have asked," she replied, smiling warmly at him. "I just wish I knew how to repay you for it."

"You don't owe me anything...As I said, I was more than happy to help you." Luke returned as he gently pulled the Salazzle into a gentle embrace. "I only wish I could repay _you_for all the help you've given us...from the information against Calhoun's forces up to saving me from those assassins."

She smiled a little wider, returning his embrace and holding him tightly for a long, warm moment before she gently pulled back, looking at his face. He felt her claw grip his chin as she leaned closer. He jerked, fearing she was about to kiss him, and he was about to protest -not wanting to do anything without Volcan's consent, but at the last moment she turned his head and placed a kiss on his cheek instead, though it was still a warming gesture to the Lucario.

"I will continue to keep watch for the assassins," she promised. "If you need me, I shall be near."

"R-Right. Thank you." Luke returned, rubbing his cheek slightly and blushing prominently from the touching gesture and smiling even more back at her. "Take care of yourself, Jora."

"You as well, Luke," she replied before she crawled over to the nearest wall, scaling to the top of the building and vanishing from sight, leaving Luke alone in the street to stare after her.

As he stood watching her, he soon heard a voice calling out his name as footsteps ran up behind him, and he turned to see Neilla jogging over, coming to a stop beside him. "Hey, what're you doing out here?" She asked, panting slightly from her run.

"Oh, hey Neilla." Luke greeted her warmly as she approached. "I was uh...just catching up with an old friend before you arrived." He answered.

"Oh? There are people you know out here besides me and my crew?" She asked, looking around for some sign of whoever Luke had been talking to.

He looked around for a moment, as if to check if they were being watched or not, then he gestured for her to follow. "Perhaps we should move to somewhere more secluded." Luke suggested. "There's a fair amount of stuff that I need to fill you in on...unless Kage as already approached you."

"He did. He mentioned that there are people out for our necks," she replied, crossing her arms. "I was just heading to meet up with my team for night briefing, but I think I'll use that time to address them on this. I'm thinking none of us should go anywhere alone for now." She smiled then, gesturing to Luke. "Want to come along?"

Luke smiled and nodded. "Sure. Would be nice to catch up with your teammates again."

"Alright. We're meeting up by the river," she said, and grinned. "Last one there owes the other a drink?" She challenged.

Luke grinned back. "Are you challenging me to a foot race?" He asked with a chuckle. "You_do_know how fast I can run, right?"

"That's why I want to try, to see how we compare." She said. "So how about it?"

"Okay. I'll bite," agreed Luke, nodding. "Any ground rules worth noting?"

"No using Extreme Speed. Natural speed only. Which in turn means I can't use Agility to boost myself either."

"Fair enough." Luke returned with a nod of agreement. "Ready when you are then."

She nodded, turning to face into the town, and then to the outer limits of the town. "Can't race through town, too crowded. So, we'll go around." She dropped into a half-crouch, and then waited for Luke to do the same. "On your mark..." she began.

Luke crouched low himself, holding one paw in front of him and another behind him, grinding his leading foot into the ground to give him a strong foothold to kick off from when they started sprinting.

"Get set..." she added, her paws grinding and legs flexing as she readied herself, smiling in anticipation.

And on "Go!", they were off. As if fired from cannons they took off across the grass, sprinting for all their worth around the city...

Though Neilla had the initial lead, her stronger legs giving her a head start, Luke's quick-moving feet were allowing him to overtake her rapidly. He pulled ahead of her just as the river came into view, ultimately winning the race. True to her word, she paid for the lemonades they picked up on the way to meeting their teams, and carried the others in a tray in her left paw while sipping from her own as they walked. Soon, they found Neilla's team, and she filled them in on the situation with the assassins. Azrael visibly tensed at the mention of the assassins, and they saw him moving closer to Breenelle - his Umbreon wife, standing over her protectively.

It was agreed, unanimously, that they would be safer staying together. Sarth offered to stay with Azrael and Breenelle, who readily agreed to give the guest room of their home - though not without a remark from Bree about 'peeping' that made Sarth blush and babble a protest. The others shared a laugh at the poor Flygon's expense. Aerendyl offered Luke a place to stay at his library, which was also the Espeon's home. Momentarily considering, Luke agreed. The assassins had already made a move on him as soon as he was alone - if they found out where he was staying he knew they could easily attack him when he slept. The meeting ended and the group dispered, with Luke and Neilla leaving together as they both had items to pick up before they headed to Aerendyl's.

They reached the inn first, picking up Luke's belongings - few as he had brought with him, and Luke checked out of his room at the front desk before they started heading to Neilla's. They passed the time on the walk by talking about the council meetings, where Luke filled her in on the council's perpetual stalemates

Neilla let out a sigh. "I wish I knew what to tell you," she said. "But this is totally out of my element." She blinked. "Though, I imagine you're in a similar boat. I imagine _most_of the captains are... did the guilds really never come up with a contingency plan in case of something like this?"

'Who could have ever prepared for a Shadow Pokemon, let alone one that would go so far?' thought Luke. "Sadly no." Luke replied, shaking his head. "The only real thing we have going for us is the fact that the Shadow Energy Curse can be purified, as you already have seen." Luke explained. "Other than that, we're still fighting over elevating Calhoun's threat level to S Rank."

"While I can't disagree that Calhoun _is_extremely dangerous, I agree with you that elevating his threat status that much would turn into a manhunt," agreed Neilla as they rounded a corner, her house in sight. "When that happens, the line between a Rescue Team and Bounty Hunters or Assassins blurs. Necessary or not, some won't look past that, and it'll put a lot of people on Calhoun's trail. People who have no idea what they're getting themselves into."

"See, that's what I'm trying to make the others see, but unfortunately everyone's too held up in their own bias against the situation and each other to see the bigger picture." Luke griped, rolling his eyes and sighing heavily. "So far, I think I've managed to convince Miss Meilin to vote against the notion, but I need the support of the majority of the Council."

"Well, it's a start if nothing else," said Neilla, reaching into a hip pouch to produce her housekey. "At least Meilin can see reason."

Luke nodded softly, checking over his shoulder and looking to see if there was anything out of the ordinary that warranted further caution, even tuning to his Aura Sense for a better look at their surroundings. He spotted a single aura nearby on the rooftop that caught his attention, but on closer examination he saw it was Jora - she was, as she promised, staying close by in case he needed her help. The other auras around them were just ordinary townsfolk passing by, as far as he could tell.

But then, he heard Neilla say something. "Luke..." He shifted back to his regular vision, and looked her way. Her body was tense, staring down at the handle for her door intensely, the key only halfway out of the keyhole, and the handle partially turned.

"The door... It's not locked," she said.

Understanding the concern, Luke tuned immediately back into his aura sense, Luke peered into the house. Sure enough, there was an aura inside - only one, but that did not mean there weren't other Pokemon present, like a Ghost-type... He took the lead, directing Neilla to stay behind him as he summoned his bone rush. Neilla opened the door and let him take the lead, following the Aura toward the master bedroom, straight ahead from the main door. He used his Aura Sense again once more to determine that the life form was in the closet as he slowly nudged the door open, and turned his gaze toward it as he reverted to his regular vision again.

An eye stared back at him as his gaze fixed on the closet, peering through the crack in the closet door. The eye widened in alarm before something burst out of the closet, leaping for the window above Neilla's bed.

"No you don't! Get back here!!" Luke hollered as he burst in, hurling his Bone Rush like a javelin at the fleeing figure.

They were only halfway out the window when Luke's bone struck them in the backside, knocking them the rest of the way out involuntarily. The figure fell into Neilla's back yard, landing with a clang onto the refuse bin beside her back gate, spilling them and the bin onto the cobblestone walkway.

"I'll head him off!" Neilla called, turning and dashing back out of the front door while Luke pursued the culprit out the window.

The culprit rolled out of the path of Luke's descent, and in the brief moment their eyes met Luke saw the intruder was a Zangoose - easily recognizable as he knew one personally. But this one was matted and dirty-looking, and eyed him fearfully before turning to run, dropping to all fours for more speed. Luke was after him immediately, both of them leaping over the gate leading out to the street. The Zangoose tried to go right, then turned the other way as Neilla emerged from around the corner, barely avoiding colldiing with Luke as he came over the fence, and both of them ran after the Zangoose who ran into an oncoming crowd, forcing them to scatter to avoid being bowled over by the Zangoose and his pursuers.

As they left the crowd, Luke charged an Aura Sphere and hurled it after the Zangoose when he was sure it wouldn't hit any bystanders. The Aura Sphere arced through the air and struck the Zangoose in the back, knocking him onto his stomach and sending him skidding across the pavement. Luke then dashed forward with Extreme Speed, closing the distance in seconds and falling onto the Zangoose, pinning him.

"Got you..." He growled at the Zangoose.

Neilla caught up quickly and stepped in front of the two, kneeling to look into the Zangoose's eye. "What were you doing in my house?" She demanded.

"Look, I'm sorry! I was just looking for some jewelry or something," he answered. "Quick bucks, yanno? I wasn't looking for trouble."

But Neilla was not so easily convinced. "Then explain my unlocked door, my open window, and you hiding in my closet. If you were just looking for jewelry, you should've bailed out of there as soon as you heard the door open - and don't say you didn't hear us, else you wouldn't have been hiding."

The Zangoose said nothing, eyes darting to and fro as if looking for an escape or struggling to come up with an explanation, as Neilla had him in a box with her reasoning.

Luke would further press the Zangoose for answers after he remained silent, pressing his bone a bit harder into his throat. "You're after the bounty on our heads, aren't you?" He demanded. "The one Calhoun placed on us not too long ago."

"Cal-who?" The Zangoose asked, then yelped when Luke twisted his arm. "Ow! Come on man, I'm just a lackey! I don't know any Calhoun, I work for a guy called Vlad! He handles our contracts, not me!"

"So you _are_after the bounty on our heads..." Luke growled and twisted the Zangoose's arm again. "Start talking! Who is this Vlad you speak of?"

"He's my boss! A Zoroark, purple mane!" The Zangoose squealed, his other paw pounding the pavement frantically.

A Zoroark... the same one that had tried to come after Luke earlier that day, perhaps. There was no guarantee it was the same one, but Zoroark were not commonly seen - let alone as heads of an organization. Curious, Luke got up from the Zangoose slowly, once again summoning his Bone Rush and holding it against the Zangoose's neck as they sat up, letting them know he wasn't done with them yet.

"If your organization doesn't work for Calhoun, then how did your benefactor know about the bounty on our heads?" He asked. "From what I gather, I imagine they were sent out to assassins loyal to his cause."

"I told you, I'm just a lackey! Vlad gave me a job, told me to take out the Captain of Team Plainsrunner!" The Zangoose cried, cocking his head at Neilla. "I'm just following orders here!"

"Luke, I think he's telling the truth," Neilla put in. "It's not unheard of for Bounty Hunter groups to operate like this. One calls the shots and finds the jobs, the rest take the jobs as the shot-caller finds them. This Vlad guy's probably the shot-caller."

"Yeah! Like the lady says!" The Zangoose agreed. "He doesn't tell us who we work for, we just get paid!"

"Doubt you get paid much if you rat them out though, do you?" Neilla asked.

"Vlad's a mean bastard - not going to take broken bones for him," the Zangoose retorted. "Besides, you won't find him, hot buns - nobody can catch-"

Neilla took a threatening step forward, glaring into the Zangoose's eye "Call me 'hot buns' again and I'll be making a necklace out of your teeth," she warned.

Luke scoffed. "In that case, you can run and give your boss a message for me." He said as he shoved the Zangoose forward with a slap of his paw. "Tell Vlad that we're onto him, and if he's not careful, he won't be calling anymore shots."

"Wait you're... you're letting me go?" The Zangoose asked.

"Get out of my sight, before I change my mind!" Luke practically roared.

Frantically, the Zangoose sprang to his feet and ran. "I'm going!" repeatedly until he was out of earshot.

Neilla was grinning as she looked at Luke. "Using Aerendyl's trick, are we?" She asked.

"I picked up a thing or two from my last visit here." Luke returned, matching her smile. "Also..." He lifted the paw he had used to push the Zangoose with and the pawprints along his palm were glowing slightly. "I've made sure that we'll never lose him no matter how far he runs."

Neilla blinked, her smile disappearing. "You're _tracking_him through Aura?" She asked. "How did you know you could do that?"

"My mother taught me," replied Luke.

She shrugged and nodded "Alright. We should get ourselves some backup then. I can go get Azrael and Sarth and we can chase this guy down."

"And I'll call Kage and... my other contact here in Hadleigh." Luke offered, being careful in his choice of words.

"Other contact? The 'friend' you mentioned earlier?"

Luke nodded softly. "Yea, that's the one." He confirmed. "You'll meet them soon enough. For now, let's tail that Zangoose."

"Alright. I'll go get my boys and meet you..." She looked in the direction the Zangoose had gone. "Which way is he heading?" She asked.

Luke looked in the direction the Zangoose had gone, reaching out with his senses to pinpoint the assassin's location. "So far he's retreated into the nearest alley and heading East." Luke answered. "It also looks as if he's trying to hide his tracks by meandering through the dark corners of each alley too."

"A typical trick, but not one that'll help him much," said Neilla. "If he's heading east, we'll meet you by the statue park then - he's probably heading for the riverfront. I'll be back soon!" She turned and strode off to find her teammates.

Luke waited until Neilla was gone before he began to search for Jora, leaving the main street to duck into an alley before he called her name, keeping his voice low. The Salazzle soon climbed over the side of the building, descending halfway before she dropped, landing in front of the Lucario and turning to him.

"I saw the assailant. Why did you let him go?" She asked

"Because I'm tracking him." Luke returned with a nod. "He's going to lead us to his boss, and any other cohorts he might have. We'll bag them all at once and pry the information out of them when they're safely behind bars."

Jora smiled. "Very clever. What would you have me do?"

"Stay hidden for now, but stay close. I have a feeling we'll be needing your... talents very soon." Luke informed the Salazzle.

She arched an eye ridge at him. "Talents you say?" She asked, and then snickered when she saw him blushing, and laughed when he tried to correct himself. "I will follow, and assist if you need me. Be safe Luke," she promised before returning to the wall and climbing back over the top of the wall onto the rooftops, her long tail the last to disappear.

He let out a long sigh and rubbed the back of his head. "That woman is something else.." He muttered before he would start making his way to the statue park to meet with Neilla and the others.

Along the way, he activated his earpiece to contact his own teammate. "Kage, it's me. I've just found a lead on the assassins here in Hadleigh. Meet up with Jora and follow after us from above. Do _not_let anyone see you." He commented firmly before cutting the feed.

~~~~~

Tracking the Zangoose through the aura he had placed in him, Luke led the group over the bridge leading across the river, on the outer boundaries of Hadleigh. There were few buildings on this side of the river but they were still considered part of the city. Luke worried that Kage and Jora might have difficulty approaching the site unseen as sources of cover they could use became thinner as they crossed the river. Then, the trail led them to a fishery, built partly over the water with the majority over land to anchor it in place. Neilla mentioned that the fishery had been closed all summer as the fishermen who worked there had fled Hadleigh before the siege and hadn't come back, and the place was not yet considered abandoned by the mayor's office.

The four hid behind the wall of one of the town's flood barriers on that side of the river. Through his aura sense, Luke could see five separate signals inside, one of whom was the Zangoose, standing before a second aura, probably talking. A third was standing by the door, which had a foggy window through which Luke could just make out a pair of eyes staring out. At first he thought they were looking in their direction, but when the lookout turned their head away, he relaxed.

"Okay, what's the plan here?" Neilla asked.

"Well, it's very likely that they know we're coming, so subtly is out of the question." Luke answered, looking back to Neilla for a moment. "Do you think Sarth could punch a hole through the roof of the Fishery?"

She looked at Sarth, who smiled and nodded. "Piece of cake," the Flygon said. "What'cha need me to do?"

Luke hummed a bit in thought, once more turning toward the fishery and rubbing his chin. "...Neilla... does the Fishery have a back door?" He would ask.

"Yes, over the wharf there," replied Neilla, pointing at the stilted pier above the water. "Easy access to the river."

"...Okay then." Luke returned with a nod. "Then here's how we'll proceed." He turned to Sarth first. "You'll make the first strike, blasting a hole through the roof to get their attention and keep their eyes off of us, even if just for a moment." He then looked to the rest of the group. "I'll have Kage storm the back door and take them by surprise after that, further disorienting them while we charge in the front entrance"

"Hitting them from three directions all at once," said Sarth, nodding. "Okay, can do."

"Alright," Luke stated. "Make sure to fly in a wide arc so they don't notice your approach." He then would lift his paw to his ear piece. "Kage, get into position at the rear entrance of the fishery. As soon as Sarth makes his entrance, breach and clear."

"_Understood."_Kage replied quickly.

"Alright. Take wing, Sarth - move on Luke's word," Neilla instructed her Flygon comrade.

Sarth promptly spread his wings and took flight, rising over the fishery until he was out of sight of any windows as the building did not have a skylight. There he circled, waiting for Luke to give the word.

He waited for a moment, his keen eyes watching the window that the pair of eyes was viewing from. The second he saw them turn away though, Luke quickly got to his earpiece and raised Sarth. "Now! Blast them!" He hollered.

Down came the Flygon in a swoop, firing a Dragon Pulse into the roof to blast it open before he plunged into the building. Panicked shouts erupted from the inside, giving the others their cue to move in. Neilla and Azrael rushed the door, the former going into a flying drop kick to smash the door off its hinges. Behind the door, a Pangoro fell, the door practically imbedded into his back with Neilla standing atop it as he lay coughing on the floor. Azrael leapt in soon after, and with a snarl leapt upon a retreating Barbaracle who was about to run for the opposite opposite door. Sarth was engaged with a second Barbaracle, leaving only the Zangoose they had been tracking, and a rather gruff-looking Zoroark with purple highlights where another - like Hank - would've had red. They turned to run for the opposite door, only for Kage and Jora to burst in, barring their path.

"Oh crap, we're cornered!" The Zangoose exclaimed, nearly panicking.

"Thanks, captain obvious," the Zoroark returned nonchalant.

Kage drew his Ninjato and pointed it toward the two assassins before him and Jora. "This can go one of two ways," He warned in a low tone. "You can surrender quietly, or we can force you to submit. And I promise, option B will be excruciating..." He added.

The Zoroark -evidently Vlad, if what the Zangoose had said before was to be believed- let out a derisive laugh at Kage's claim, a wide grin stretching across his face. "Well boys," he said, apparently addressing his men, who all looked at him in confusion. "Sorry to cut things short... but it seems this is where we part ways."

"Wait, boss! You're not-!" The Zangoose started to say before the Zoroark snapped his claws.

The Zangoose, the Pangoro and the two Barbaracles went rigid as a black fog descended over their eyes - even the additional eyes on the hands of the Barbaracles. Within seconds, they began to scream and thrash about, swinging their arms at opponents that were not there. Azrael and Sarth ducked their heads as their two Barbaracle went into a frenzy and began swinging their arms about, their deadly claws whistling through the air and forcing their opponents back - or at least their real opponents.

The Pangoro that Neilla had kicked down before flew up to his feet, throwing the Lopunny into the rafters where she rebounded off the wooden beam above, air leaving her mouth in a loud exhale before she fell back to the floor with a loud thump, and the Pangoro immediately went for Luke following. Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Vlad picked up the Zangoose, who screamed in horror as he felt himself being thrown, outstretched claws swinging wildly as he was hurled at Kage by the Zoroark. Kage ordered Jora to secure the Zangoose as Vlad pushed past and went out the door, the Greninja in hot pursuit.

Luke quickly jumped out of the way of the Pangoro before his massive fist impacted the ground. He retaliated with a Force Palm to the large ursine's hip. The force of the impact made the Pangoro stumble and allow Luke the chance for a Close Combat assault, roaring out furiously as he pummelled the massive bear until he submitted to his onslaught. The Pangoro took the barrage, and then with a furious roar backhanded Luke into the wall.

Luke gasped heavily and slid down until he was sitting against the wall he was slammed into, grasping his chest and groaning in agony as he struggled to regain his breath. He tried forcing himself back to his feet, but he'd taken a bigger impact than normal thanks to Close Combat's detrimental effect of lowering defense and special defense with every use. Just as it seemed the Pangoro might attack him again, Neilla appeared in the corner of his vision and delivered an aerial roundhouse kick to the back of his head. The Pangoro teetered precariously, and Luke frowned ashe toppled forward and landed on the Lucario, pinning him to the wall under the brute's bulk.

"Ah! Sorry!" Neilla exclaimed.

"G-Get him off!! I can't breathe!!!" Luke wheezed.

Neilla grabbed the Pangoro's shoulders, gritting her teeth as she heaved with all of her strength. She managed to shift the Pangoro just enough that Luke was able to take in a breath, and together they shoved the bear off of Luke, letting the Lucario peel himself away from the wall, rubbing his chest where he'd taken the Pangoro's backhand.

"You okay?" Neilla asked.

"Yeah... but now I know how meat on a sandwich feels," the Lucario joked.

Kage returned a moment later without Vlad, announcing that he had been unable to catch the Zoroark. Vlad had dove into the river and turned invisible, leaving the Greninja no means to track him. He assisted the others in subduing the other assassins, injecting them with sedatives to calm them until they could be carried off to the town jail. When everything was finally calmed down, Neilla addressed the Donphan in the room, pointing at Jora.

"So...Anyone wanna tell me what _she's_doing here?" She asked.

Stoically as ever, Kage responded. "She is a friend... and is helping us against Calhoun and his followers."

"I know who she is," replied Neilla with a glib tone, looking sideways at the Greninja. "I was under the impression she had left after the battle of Hadleigh."

"That's something best left for her to explain." Kage remarked, jerking his head back to the Salazzle as a cue for her to speak up.

Sitting upright, Jora turned to face them, and taking in a deep breath before she began her explanation, starting from her reasons to coming back to Hadleigh as she had told Luke, who joined them on the pier while she was talking and confirmed to Kage that it was just as she had told him. She reluctantly even went on to mention the fragment of Shadow essence that Calhoun had implanted in her which, adding hastily, Meilin had seen and removed.

"I was following Luke the rest of the day forward," she continued. "Even after he met with Neilla. I was witness to the assassin they encountered in Neilla's home," she nodded to the Zangoose, "and Luke summoned me after he let them go and asked me to join you in subduing the others."

"So, you're trying to work against Calhoun," said Neilla. "What's in it for you? You joined him to _save_your clan, or so Luke told me." She glanced at the Lucario. "You've already freed yourself of him so what do you have to gain from this now?"

"I just..." Jora paused, lowering her gaze. "I just want a chance to right some of the wrongs I made under him. Not the least of which my attempt to manipulate Luke into abandoning Hadleigh, but that is but one of many things I did for him..."

"And while I'm thankful for it, I told you before that you don't owe me anything." Luke said as he limped over and gently placed a paw atop her shoulder. "I've already forgiven you for what you've done."

"_You_have forgiven me... but I have not," she replied plainly. "I'll not leave this world with my successor to tell the tales of her mother as a monster, and you are not the only person I hurt."

Luke, Neilla and Kage shared a look, no two the exact same as they glanced between each other, until Azrael gently nudged his way between Neilla and Kage. "I don't mean to intrude," he asked. "But are we going to look for the leader?"

"No... it'll be nearly impossible to find him," Neilla replied, turning toward the city. "Anyone who can project an illusion around himself, make him look like anyone else, could hide in plain sight - it could take days to find him."

"What of the other assassins?" Azrael asked.

"We'll gather 'em up and bring them in. Once the sedative wears off, we'll come to question them," replied Neilla, turning and heading back inside to help her crew. As she passed Jora, she cast a glance at her. "For what it's worth... I appreciate your help today." She said.

"We should assist in getting these fools to their cells." Kage commented to Luke, taking the Zangoose and throwing him over his shoulder. "...Try not to get lost in each other's eyes for too long."

Luke jolted a bit and looked incredulously at Kage as he passed by. "E-excuse me??" Luke exclaimed as a deep blush ran along his snout.

"What did he mean?" Jora asked, curiously, casting a glance at Luke.

"Either he's telling a joke, which is not something he's _ever_known for...or he's insinuating that there's something special budding between us." Luke remarked. "Considering his history, I'm leaning toward the latter..."

"And do you, even though you are spoken for?" Jora asked, raising a brow.

"U-Uhm..." Luke stammered, making him look to Jora in alarm, his eyes wide open and his blush making his face look like a tomato. "W-well...I mean...I wouldn't ever go behind his back consciously-I mean...!!" He fumbled around with his words some more, realizing what he just said might have brought back some unwanted memories. "I'm...not really helping my case here, am I?"

Jora let out a snicker, moving closer to him and standing on her hind legs as her tail wrapped around behind his knees while she leaned into him. "It is not _unheard_of for a Matron to take other species into her circle," she remarked enticingly.

But as Luke tried to babble an answer, she stepped away, withdrawing her tail from him. "Of course, your customs are not the same as my own, and I shall respect that. Had we met another time, well..." she grinned, and let the sentence hang there as she stepped back into the fishery to offer help, leaving a most flustered Luke staring after her from the pier.

He stared at her until she disappeared into the fishery. Then he let out a long, exasperated sigh as he turned his gaze to the river. "Of all the times I meet an attractive woman who sounds like she's into me, it happens while I'm already engaged." He muttered as he shook his head. "Sometimes I curse my luck..."

"Better hope Volcan doesn't hear you say that."

Luke yelped and nearly leapt out of his fur, spinning around to face Neilla. He hadn't heard her come back out from the Fishery. "H-How long have you...?" He asked after taking a moment to calm down from suffering a mild jump scare from the Lopunny.

"Only long enough to hear that part, but I know what you mean," she said, snickering. "Don't worry, I won't be a gossip." Her grin didn't fade. "But, I may tease you about that yelp for a while - seriously, you squeak like a Vulpix."

Luke's ears flattened in embarrassment at that comment. "Let's... just finish up here." He suggested, rubbing his chest a bit. "I think I need to rest my body after taking a heavy blow from that Pangoro...then getting crushed by him after." He added pointedly.

Her grin disappeared then, and now it was her turn to blush with embarrassment. She frowned, and pointed a finger at him. "Touché," she remarked. "Speaking of, care to help us move the dead weight?"

As if on cue, they heard Sarth calling from inside the fishery. "Someone give me a hand here? This guy's heavy!" The Flygon complained. "Really need to lay off the protein shakes, big fella!"

"Coming!" Luke replied as he ran inside with Neilla to assist the others.

~~~~~

"The news brought forth to us by Captain Luke of Valiant have proven that even now we, as the acting guild council, are still at risk," explained Torolf, standing beside Luke as he made the announcement. "The enemy we have all come together to face knows that we are working together now. Assassins have been found in this fair city, and thank Arceus that they were dealt with before they had a chance to make an attempt on our lives." He cast a glance at Luke, giving him a thankful smile.

"Unfortunately," Torolf went on. "The leader of the assassins remains at large and therefore is still a threat to us - it is possible he will return with reinforcements to finish the job he started. We must increase security measures for the summit, to ensure our own safety, as well as those of the city itself. Council members, what say you?"

There was a short pause before anyone spoke up, the first to break the silence to be Meilin, rising from her seat and raising her voice enough to be heard. "I propose that each of us, henceforth, arrive under the escort of our most trusted comrades."

"Do we then invite them all to attend the council meetings?" Captain of Team Oaken, Cedaris, spoke up, pointing out the most obvious weakness in the plan. "The more ears hear our discussions the more likely word may pass to the wrong ears."

"That is why she said your most trusted," Romulus spoke up, seemingly not bothered by the risk. "Anyone who knows how to be discreet. It is a viable plan - I concur with Captain Meilin's proposal. Though, I must advise that they be here only as observers and protectors - this is still a meeting of the captains. We have already made that exception for Keirrot, but we must keep this group as small and orderly as possible."

"Agreed," Valorin spoke up, followed by several others.

"What options do we have for security detail?" Cedaris asked. "From what we were told, the assassin leader is a Zoroark. I have met their kind before - cunning and highly proficient with their illusion powers. He could slip in here at any time, or even approach one of us looking like our aforementioned, most 'trusted' advisors and depending on his acting ability, we might be none the wiser."

"Personal security will have to be our own priorities, individually," Romulus stated. "But indeed, we should not allow anyone to come into the hall without a thorough check. Does anyone have any suggestions? How might we uncover potential imposters?"

"We could try a sort of passcode system." Luke offered as a suggestion. "Something that only we and our escorts would be able to recite to a Tee."

"That could work," agreed Torolf. "It accommodates Eddresdi with his interpretar." He gestured to the Feraligatr and Breloom seated next to Mustaf.

"That is all well and good," Mustaf spoke up. "But, only Luke himself has seen this Zoroark. None of us have. How do we confirm he is not here already?" He seemed to be directing this squarely at Luke, his derogatory gaze lingering on the Lucario.

Torolf caught the look, glaring harshly at Mustaf for his lack of tact, but he begrudgingly admitted. "Captain Mustaf raises a good point. Before we develop a passcode for the security of the summit we must make absolutely sure everyone present here is who they say they are - that will go for those we choose as our escorts as well. We do not know how cunning this new adversary is, or the depth of how well he knows any one of us."

At that, they heard Eddresdi rumble, casting a glance at his Breloom interpreter, Musharoo. The Breloom looked up at him, nodding before he spoke. "Captain Eddresdi suggests that Captains Luke of Valiant and Meilin of Tao could test those present here. If the Zoroark is one of us, they will surely pick up on it."

"What if the imposter is one of them?" Mustaf pointed out, glancing briefly between Luke and Meilin.

"That is why he suggested both of them," Musharoo stated, and was about to explain when another growl from his captain silence him. "Captain Eddresdi also trusts the two in question will understand his reasoning, as he does not wish to... voice it aloud, for lack of a better term."

Luke understood. Eddresdi was being cautious, not giving away too much in case the Zoroark, Vlad, was indeed in that room presently. Luke could see aura, even through the illusionary mastery of a Zoroark - what seemed to change outside did nothing to alter what lay beneath, and not even Hank, exceptional in the craft, could hide that. He knew Vlad's aura already - he had seen it before, and could recognize it easily. Meilin did not _see_aura as he could, but she could sense it through other means not too unlike what Luke could. She had not met Vlad but she had been in close proximity to Luke earlier that day - although Eddresdi could not know that, he was banking his suggestion on Meilin having already familiarized herself with Luke's aura well enough to know if it wasn't him.

A quick glance at Team Tao's leader, and Luke received a nod from her. She had the same understanding, and was already rising to her feet to carry out the examination. Luke too rose to his feet, though he stayed where he was as he closed his eyes and tuned to his Aura Sense. The auras of those present in the room lit up like burning flames that had taken physical form into the bodies that they inhabited, some of them different colours, others burning brighter than those beside them - a sign of the differences in power between them all, but overall they seemed to match those of the Council members present. When he was done, he found Meilin standing beside him. With a nod of consent from him, she raised her paws, her eyes shining as they had when she had found the dark essence hidden within Jora. He could almost feel her energy reaching into him, searching him out.

When the glowing of her eyes ceased, all feelings her power around him receded, and she addressed the council. "I can confirm that this is indeed Captain Luke of Valiant," she said. "His aura is familiar to me."

"And I can confirm the auras of those present here belong to their respective owners." Luke returned. "I sensed no fluctuations or abnormalities within your auras when I scanned them. Vlad is not present."

"That is good enough for me," said Torolf.

"And myself," agreed Romulus. "We can now move on to discussing further security measures."

From there, the meeting went on to implementing a passcode, one for each member of the council. As a means of adding security, no one else was to know the codewords of another, which was when Meilin made a surprising move by calling Kage forward to serve as a mediator, to be the only one who would know everyone's respective passphrases, which would give him a role as security detail for the chapel. Luke did not need him as a bodyguard as he'd be staying with Neilla and Aerendyl -either of them could accompany him to the council hall where Kage could then take over.

Kage accepted the role, and so the conversation shifted back to the usual discussions. Romulus once more tried to push forward the idea of elevating Calhoun's threat status, which was met with initial groans and glowers, as well as Luke presenting his counter-proposal again. Torolf once more backing him, Mustaf once more backing Romulus, but this time a new voice joined in. Meilin spoke up in Luke's favour, finally ending the monotony of the discussion.

"I have considered Captain Luke's reasons for opposing the threat status increase for Calhoun. If we are to raise it to such a height, there _must_be certain conditions for anyone undertaking the cause of pursuing him," she stated, in a thorough and convincing manner. "The Class-S threat level has only been used once before, but this is a task for Gold-ranked Rescue Teams, to pursue someone as dangerous as this. Currently, all qualified gold-ranked members who could take the task are here," she slowly waved her paw over the table to indicate everyone in the room.

"Due to the lack of qualified Rescue Teams who might take up this mission, I must oppose the elevation of Calhoun and his lieutenants, else the guilds quickly find themselves short-handed when lower-rank teams with delusions of grandeur lose their lives chasing a monster we do not fully understand yet," she added.

Just like that, with her reasonable explanation, the stalemate was broken. Other captains, including Cedaris - who so far had been quick to spot flaws in plans proposed by others, voiced no such protests with this suggestion. Romulus' eyes narrowed, but not in irritation, more in consideration, and the Houndoom lifted his head as he spoke.

"Meilin speaks truthfully," he stated, somberly. "Perhaps in my haste to see this threat quelled, I have been too quick to look for a simple solution, but with the threat we face there is no such thing." He sat back in his chair. "I will offer a compromise. We settle instead on retaining this faction at threat level B. All teams in the region will be cautioned of his existence, given descriptions of him and his known associates, provided by all those who have seen them -myself included- and avoid confrontation with him if possible while they report to the closest Guild Hall, and an appropriate team can take up the cause."

Luke gave a satisfied nod at that, smiling a bit in satisfaction. "I can agree to those terms." He stated before he addressed the rest of the council. "All those in favour of this compromise?"

Torolf, Cedaris, Meilin, Eddresdi - through Musharoo, all raised their arms - or foreleg in the case of Cedaris -into the air. Seeing so many concur with the proposal, it was soon followed by Sorana of Team Hex, Valorin of Team Raptor, and Keirrot of the Westport Guild. Mustaf did not seem either pleased or displeased with the decision, once more his only care seeming to be getting the meeting over with, and so he raised his paw.

"The ayes have it," Cinnia chimed in. "Calhoun and those associated with him will be remain at Threat Level B. I shall commission an artist from the locale to sketch the renegades based on the provided descriptions of Captains Torolf, Luke, Romulus and those of Teams Plainsrunner and Storm as they too have encountered this enemy, and we will then arrange to distribute them across the region."

With the unanimous agreement reached, the meeting once more concluded, with progress having finally been made. Luke, Torolf and Cinnia all sat in the council hall once the others had left, a sense of accomplishment having finally ended the perpetual stalemate that had plagued the hall for days.

Luke felt as though a tremendous weight had been lifted from him as he sank back in his seat. "FINALLY... some progress." He said as he patted his chest. "I was nervous this plan wouldn't work at first..."

"You did well convincing Meilin of the rightness of our cause," stated Cinnia, smiling gratefully at him. "Well done, Luke."

"Thank you, but I can't take all the credit." Luke returned with a smile to the Primarina. "I had some help from the outside, serving as my extra pair of eyes and watching me from above."

Torolf tilted his head. "Would that be this 'Ana' person you mentioned, when you learned about this assassins?" He asked. He meant Jora, but Torolf did not know whole the Salazzle was outside of Luke's explanation.

"Correct." Luke returned with a nod. "She saved my life from the same assassins before imparting the information to me about their operations here in Hadleigh. Were it not for her...I might not be here to talk about it right now."

"I'd like to meet this Ana, if she is willing," said Torolf. "But I will leave that up to her, and you if you decide to introduce us." He covered a yawn with his large hand. "I believe I will retire for today. We will likely be resuming these meetings on the morrow - perhaps we can finally get to rebuilding the guilds properly."

"I agree." Luke agreed, stifling a yawn himself as he stood back up on his feet. "It's been a long day for all of us. I think a good night's rest will benefit us all for our next summit." He added as he began to walk around the table toward the main doors. "I wish you both a good night."

"You as well, Luke," returned Cinnia. "Rest well."

He gave them a small wave as he shut the doors behind him, this time letting out a loud yawn as he felt exhaustion creep over him. His body also still ached a bit from that blow he took earlier, and a bed was starting to sound really good right now...Of course, his thoughts would then drift off to his beloved Volcan as he wandered home, making him grimace as he remembered he would be spending another night alone, with only a pillow against his chest to keep him company.

But as he stepped out of the hall, a deep voice startled him. "Luke," and he spun around to see the speaker standing by one of the pillars.

It was Romulus. Stepping away from the pillar he approached the Lucario, his expression blank and unreadable as he addressed the Lucario. "Do you have a moment to talk?" He asked. There was no intent behind the voice - he did not sound displeased or stern to the Lucario, so Luke took solace knowing that Romulus was not upset about the events of the council meeting.

"I have a little time." Luke returned with a nod, turning to the Houndoom. "What's on your mind?"

Romulus stopped a few feet from him, meeting his gaze but hesitant to speak. He looked over his shoulder a few times, as though he wanted to be sure no one was eavesdropping. Luke considered asking him what was the matter when the Houndoom began to speak. "These assassins you spoke of... A thought occurred to me as I was leaving the hall, and I needed to confirm something," he began. "Remind me, how long did this informant of yours - this 'Ana', say they've been in the city?"

Luke hummed in thought as he rubbed his chin trying to recollect the information Jora instilled upon him. "I think she said they had arrived the day Torolf had announced the summit." He answered.

Romulus' eyes narrowed, a paw lifting to brush against the underside of his muzzle. "The day of the announcement? But that was four days before the first meeting..." he said, and then a low growl escaped his throat. "Dammit..."

Luke's eyes narrowed in suspicion as he looked down at Romulus. "Do you suspect more trouble is afoot?" He asked lowly as he took a kneel before him so that they were at eye level with one another.

"Unfortunately yes, and it carries some implications I still hope are false," he stated, looking back at Luke. "We might have a mole in our midst."

Luke's expression went from deadpan at first, but then the realization began to hit him like a stampeding Donphan, causing him to stammer a little before he would eventually find the words to speak. "You're suggesting that one of us is a traitor?" Luke asked in a much quieter tone.

"As of now, I am only guessing," he admitted. "But, consider this... the assassins were here, before_Torolf made the announcement about the summit." He huffed. "I began to suspect something was off when Torolf told me Calhoun was attempting to break into the Siphon Prison only two weeks after he put out the call to all of us. But I had hoped it was only a coincidence." He looked at Luke again. "Having assassins though in the very place we're holding the summit, before_it even begins... how could Calhoun possibly know we'd be here?"

Luke's eyes looked away from Romulus' as he processed the information being fed to him. "That's... actually a good point." Luke admitted. "How_could_he have known about the summit before it happens? Unless the Shadow Energy offers him clairvoyance, there's no way he should have known until _after_the announcement was made, days later at most."

"Exactly. The only ones who knew about the summit before that day were us captains," confirmed Romulus. "I haven't ruled out the possibility that maybe someone slipped their tongue, but the odds of that being enough to spur Calhoun into action, it just doesn't seem plausible. For all we know of him, he isn't privy to acting upon hearsay. He'd want to be sure of his next move."

Then, Luke cut in. "Wait...Why are you telling me this?" He inquired, looking at the Houndoom with a mixture of confusion and incredulity. "Why not inform Torolf about this possible breach of security?"

Romulus' expression grew more serious - if such a thing were possible, yet Luke was pretty sure of it, especially with what followed. "Because almost no one on the council right now is above suspicion, not him, not even I and not our respective team members either, for it could just as easily have been one of them," he stated. "No one is, except... for you. You were chosen last-minute, so you never received the summons yourself until Torolf went to retrieve you in person. By that ruling it is impossible for you to be the mole."

"...Wait, wait, back up a second." Luke said as he lifted his paws up. "Did I just hear that correctly? Did you just say that you..._trust_me?" He asked, more in confusion rather than in a condescending manner... not that he was _trying_to be condescending.

"I have said so before, Luke - our methods may differ but we both want the same thing in the end. Right now more than anything I want to make sure this council succeeds, but if there is a mole among us, feeding intelligence to Calhoun, everything we do behind these walls," he looked up at the cathedral-turned Council Hall they stood in front of, "becomes another advantage he will have over us."

"I understand," Luke returned as he looked up to the cathedral as well, gulping nervously at the concept that there was a traitor among their ranks. Whether they were willingly or forced to do so had yet to be seen, but he could agree with Romulus that they had to be extra vigilant from now on. "How should we proceed then?"

"For now, we proceed as normal," he replied. "We must not let the mole know we are onto them. I will leave exposing them to you. Take the time to learn what you can about the other captains, and go from there. Perhaps, in doing so, you will uncover clues as to which of them is the traitor. Once you find them, and are sure of it, report back to me and we will decide how to confront them." He hummed in thought, eyes rolling to the side. "Perhaps... you may even be able to use the assassins you captured."

"How? Vlad never told them who they were working for," said Luke.

"Perhaps not, but they may know where he fled to," replied Romulus. "And _he_may know who the traitor is. Whoever hired him on Calhoun's behalf would surely want to make sure he's getting the job done, so I think that if we find him, we can find our mole. If not... then we will have to find the mole the hard way."

"I'm hoping it won't come to that. The sooner we figure out the mole's identity, the sooner we can end this threat." Luke remarked firmly. "For now though. I need to sleep. It's been a long day for me and I can't stay awake another moment longer."

"Of course," Romulus agreed with a dip his head. "Stay safe, Luke. See you at tomorrow's meeting."

"You as well." Luke bade the Houndoom as he stood up again, waving him off as he proceeded on his way to Aerendyl's library so he could get a proper night's rest.

Upon arriving there, he knocked on the door, and Aerendyl opened it for him moments later. He invited Luke inside, shutting and locking the door behind him before he offered to take him up to his room. Luke was so exhausted that he barely took in much of his surroundings as the Espeon led him to the stairs at the end of the corridor they were in, leading him up to the next floor. They ventured down another short corridor, along at catwalk overlooking the library below, which Luke looked at through half-lidded eyes.

The library was a decent size, with at least two dozen rows of books that he could see, with the entire walls of the main antechamber lined with shelves. A more awake and alert Luke might have been curious to go down to see if he might find something he'd like to read, but right now all he cared about was where he would sleep. Aerendyl led him to the second-last door on the right of the hall, opening it with his Psychic powers, and then holding it ajar for him.

"I know it's small, but I hope you'll be comfortable," he said, gesturing to the small room beyond -not quite as big as the room he'd had at the inn, but it had a dresser, a small desk, an oil lamp mounted on the wall, and most importantly, a very inviting looking single bed.

"It's perfect." Luke replied with a smile toward Aerendyl. "Well... almost, anyway." He added with a hint of somberness in his tone. "Regardless, thank you for your hospitality, Aerendyl."

"Pleasant dreams, Luke," Aerendyl bade as he backed out of the room, closing the door behind him and walking back to the stairs.

Luke fell onto the bed. In the moment his back touched the mattress, the day's events caught up to him. His feet tingled from all of the walking and running, his body ached from the battle at the fishery, and inside his head was a blurred mess of the council meetings and everything that happened between them. Not the least of which, the revelation that the council might have been infiltrated and that Romulus was entrusting him -_him,_the youngest and least experienced captain among them, especially after the stalemate in the council had finally ended it. It was all so much to take in.

"...I could _really_use your warmth right now, love..." Luke whispered softly as his eyes drooped shut. "After everything that's unfolding here...I don't know how much longer I can last without you..."

With that thought, he was soon drifting off to sleep, with the image of his beloved Volcan lingering in his mind. He wondered how he was doing up there in the north, chasing escaped convicts. He hoped above all else that his beloved Blaziken would come back to him alive and whole soon...