In the few short moments since Luke and Sickle's match concluded, Koa rose from his seat and prepared to head out to the field, rather than wait for Calyrex's announcement. Along the way, Volcan reached out to him, tapping his side to get his attention.

“Careful, Koa," the Blaziken advised. “Fernidas is a Grass-type, so he resists your electrical attacks. Try to work around that, and do not prolong close-range combat with him; if he manages to get you in his coils, it's over. Wear him down and knock him out quickly."

Koa nodded in understanding and looked at Caulin as he stepped over to see his boyfriend off for his match. “You got this, Koa," Caulin said with a nod, smiling and offering his paw to him. “Go kick that snake's tail."

Koa nodded, grasping Caulin's paw and smiling at him, before releasing it again and turning to leave, making his way down to the arena to face his opponent.

One after the other, the fighters were introduced, with Fernidas being the first, head held high as he slithered out onto the field to take his place, watching Koa as the Zeraora walked out, taking careful, measured steps as he took his spot and let Calyrex introduce the two fighters.

“So. It's come to this," said Fernidas. “Only one of us gets to move forward from here… I hope you know, young man, I have no intention of holding back when I have come this far."

Koa adjusted his duster and widened his stance. “Understood," he said simply as he faced the Serperior.

“Combatants…" came the voice of Revane, as always materializing below the overseer's box with his hands raised. “Begin!" and disappearing as he lowered his hands.

Koa was off in an instant, rushing at Fernidas and slapping him with his paw before pulling back, just as the Serperior swung his tail to Slam him; the tail swipe missed, and Koa didn't press his attack, remembering Volcan's advice. In retaliation, Fernidas cast a Magical Leaf, sending the a whirling leaf blade; Koa easily dodged it on its first pass, but then heard it chasing him; he looked at it briefly, eyes wide in alarm when he saw it change course to chase him.

Koa was off in a sprint, trying to outrun the leaf, but its pursuit proved relentless, adjusting its course each time the Zeraora maneuvered around it. Seeing how it flustered him, Fernidas conjured another one and sent it after the Zeraora, followed by a third, and soon three Magical Leaf attacks were chasing Koa around the arena.

Eventually, Koa, realizing he couldn't escape the leaves indefinitely, turned on them and scattered a Swift attack, sending a flurry of stars into their path, and those that didn't disperse on contact with the leaves zeroed in on Fernidas. The Serperior, in turn, coiled himself tightly and endured the hit, having no way to avoid them.

Then, Koa rushed him again, landing a Mega Punch across his cheek and sending the serpent reeling in pain, his body leaving the ground briefly before he hit the soil again, groaning.

But there, Koa made his first mistake, as he rushed the Serperior while he seemed to be down.

Up in the stands, Volcan tensed. “No, Koa, don't!" he exclaimed. “Don't try to pressure him!"

In forgetting Volcan's advice, Koa was too close when Fernidas recovered, dragging his body together and swinging himself around, finally landing a Slam attack on Koa with his tail and sending the Zeraora skipping across the ground like a stone over water until he managed to recover, and land on all fours.

At that, Fernidas attempted to close in on Koa, rushing at him and striking at the Zeraora, but Koa was off before he could, avoiding the Serperior's lunge, and delivering another slap to his cheek with his paw. Fernidas shook his head to clear it before rounding on Koa again, S-curved and ready to strike, but this time Koa had wisely backed off, not repeating his earlier mistake.

Back in the stands, Volcan breathed a sigh of relief. “That was close," he said. “I don't think Koa's accustomed to having an opponent who can attack almost as quickly as he can. “If he had tried to pressure Fernidas there, that would've been bad."

“Koa's quick to adapt to any situation," Caulin said confidently, crossing his arms. “That said, he's still prone to falling back on instinct. If he keeps to your advice, though, he'll be fine."

“I hope so," said Lashanne. “I don't think we saw Fernidas' full bag of tricks in his fight with Katsu."

“How do you mean?" Neilla called from her seat.

“With Katsu, he was focused on taking away his strength advantage," said Lashanne. “Katsu was direct, Fernidas is devious. We may yet see him pull something new."

As though on cue, Fernidas made his next move, lifting his head high as a green glow briefly shone over his body, and out from himself, a grassy terrain began to form on top of the sand of the arena. Koa instinctively jumped back as the grass spread all the way to him, watching in astonishment as most of the arena was slowly transformed into a Grassy Terrain.

“Now," Fernidas said in a low voice, before he was off, gliding across the ground as though propelled by an unseen force, similar to the Trailblaze attack Sickle had used before.

Koa's reflexes were all that saved him as Fernidas raced toward him, jumping out of the way as the Serperior struck at him again, and forced to move once more as the Serperior altered his course and rushed him again, once more propelled over the grass terrain with unbelievable speed. Finally getting close enough to attack, he swung his tail for another Slam, head held up straight like the snake was doing a dance movement; the tail swept over Koa's legs just as he started to step back, and the Zeraora fell onto his side.

Even as Koa scrambled to get up, Fernidas struck again. This time, Koa had no chance to get out of the way, as the Serperior latched onto his shoulder with his teeth, and they tumbled over the grass, throwing tight coils around the Zeraora.

“Oh crap!" Volcan exclaimed. “He got him!"

“Crap! Cmon, Koa! Break free!" Caulin called out, sitting on the edge of his seat.

Koa hissed and bared his teeth as he felt Fernidas' coils tightening around him, kicking his legs feebly for purchase and trying to push the snake off himself, but it was like pulling at a knot; the snake seemed to only squeeze tighter the more he struggled.

On the verge of panic, Koa tried a Thunderpunch, slamming an electricity-coated paw on the snake's body, to little effect; the Coil attack he had used earlier had bolstered the Serperior's fortitude, making the already ineffective attack all but useless. The coils cinched again, and Koa could feel his ribs creaking under the force of the squeeze.

The tight feeling around his torso was almost too much to bear. He couldn't draw in a breath, the movements of his limbs were soon lost as Fernidas managed to get more coils around his legs, leaving him unable to even kick. But as Koa looked down at the coils, he had an idea.

Putting all of his strength into it, he twisted his body, sharply, throwing all of his weight to the side, opposite to where Fernidas' head was. The tactic almost worked, as Fernidas was forcibly uncoiled partway but he remained latched onto Koa's shoulder, throwing his tail around him again even as the Zeraora managed to get his paws on the ground, refusing to release him.

Finally, Koa did the only thing he could think of. He pulled forth all of his electrical energy, eyes glowing with power as it surged through his muscles. Ferdinand tried to tighten his coils again, trying to force the Zeraora to fall unconscious - whatever he could do. But suddenly his body seemed to ignite with pain as Koa released a discharge around himself; wrapped tightly around the feline, Fernidas received the full jolt as Koa unleashed his power.

This time, when Koa twisted, the Serperior was too stunned to reaffirm his grip, and Koa successfully spun out of his coils, the snake falling feebly onto the sand, hastily trying to collect himself. But this time, Koa was on him, seizing the end of Fernidas' tal before he could bring it around himself, and pulled.

As he pulled, he swung, turning and gaining momentum until the Serperior was off the ground, unable to do more than cry out in disbelief as he was spun by his tail and hurled through the air, slamming into a far wall with bone-jarring force. Then, Koa raced toward him, leaping at him before the Serperior even had time to hit the ground, and landed a final Mega Punch that smashed the Serperior back into the wall, shaking the stone foundation with the force of his punch.

With that, both he and Fernidas fell to the ground, landing in a heap, and for a moment, neither one moved.

The group watched with bated breath, staring down at the two fighters in silence. Even most of the arena had become silent as they watched, waiting to see which of the fighters would move first.

“C'moooon… C'mon, Koa… move…" Caulin pleaded, rocking a little in his seat, gritting his teeth firmly.

As the wait went on, Fernidas seemed to be the first to move. His tail, draped over Koa's back, shifted. Revane reappeared, floating over the pair and watching the Serperior expectantly, waiting to see if he rose.

But as the Dusknoir watched, the trail slid off the back of the Zeraora as Koa pushed himself up on his paws, resting on his knees and sitting upright, while Fernidas remained still. He let out a long breath, and coughed twice, before looking at the Dusknoir. All the while, Ferdinand remained motionless on the sandy ground.

“Winner!" Revane announced. “Koa is victorious!"

“YEEES!!" Caulin threw his arms up and stood up from his seat, wearing the biggest grin on his face as he cheered for Koa's victory.

“Alright!" said Lashanne, pumping her fists in the air. “Way to go, Koa!"

Volcan let out a breath of relief. “Shit, when Fernidas had him caught, I thought it was all over, but he found a way out," the Blaziken said.

“Like Caulin said. He's quick to adapt," Minato remarked with a smirk, nodding softly. “Looks like either you or Luke will be facing him at some point."

“Well, Luke will first; they'll be facing each other for the finals," said Volcan before looking at Sol. “But for me to face him… I gotta get past you first," he remarked, not sounding confident.

Sol smirked. “Aw, what's wrong…? Where'd that confidence all go eh?" Sol teased deviously, grinning from ear to ear.

Volcan gave a nervous chuckle. “I guess I'd better find it again real fast. We're up next," he said, rising from his seat.

“You better," Sol warned Volcan as he too rose to his feet. “Otherwise, I'll lay the smack down before you can say 'mercy.'"

Volcan chuckled. “I wouldn't expect any less," he said.

Sol smirked and rolled his head along his shoulders. “See you down there, 'Cap.'" He replied firmly.

Volcan watched the Typhlosion depart and looked to his family and friends. “Do not bury me in the woods," he joked, “I prefer a cairn."

Volcan earned a slap on the back of his head from Lashanne for that remark. “I'm the sassy one here, captain," she said, indignant. “Now get your feathery butt down there and teach Sol a bit of humility."

“You've got this, love," Luke added, smiling. “You've beaten him once, you can beat him again."

“We're rooting for ya, Dad!" Ignus barked.

“I didn't beat him alone," Volcan reminded, not for the first time, as he started heading for the stairs. Then, he mumbled to himself. “But… If I can beat him… It'll show how far I've come."

Sol was the first out onto the field, hearing Calyrex introducing him as he stepped out. “Introducing, for our third match of the semi-finals, Sol of Port Azure!" the king called. “Legendary son of the mighty Nido, who bested his brother in the previous round, and famous for such achievements… as…"

The king trailed off, as another voice suddenly spoke over his, and Sol's ears flicked as he caught the words. “-quisher of the Black Titan!" they called. “All hail, the Hero of Gladiator City! Vanquisher of the Black Titan!"

Suddenly, the voice was joined by others, slowly rising into a cacophony as the audience began to praise his name. “All hail the Hero of Gladiator City! Vanquisher of the Black Titan!" It was repeated, over and over again, and Sol could only look dumbfounded as he regarded the crowd.

No one had ever praised him like this before… Even as the call for his victory over the destructive, rogue gladiator Eberon died down, their cheers didn't stop - only changed; they cried his name, repeatedly, like a choir in a chapel. “Sol! Sol! Sol! Sol!"

“Ya gotta be fucking kidding me…!" Sol breathed softly, looking at the crowd in confusion and embarrassment. “They really think I'm the hero here…?"

“I tried to tell you before," came the voice of Volcan, calling out to him from his spot on the field, having arrived when Sol was distracted. “Eberon held a cloud of terror over these people for years; when you struck him down, you ended that. They love you for it."

At that, Sol grimaced and frowned slightly. “I ain't no hero…" He said firmly. “Devils aren't allowed to be called the hero in any story."

“Then what does that make Romulus?" Volcan asked, shrugging. “He didn't become the 'Hound of Terror' because he was friendly, you know."

“He actively worked to make this place the way it is," Sol called back. “Me? I couldn't care less about doing the right thing. I just wanna get stronger, and if I do the right thing in the process? Bonus." He added with a shrug. “Call me selfish or whatever, just don't call me a hero."

Volcan rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Sol; sooner or later, someone out there will overshadow you," he said. Then, he had an idea. “Especially if, say, your new fans here," he said, grinning and widening his stance. “See you get trounced by me."

That was just what Sol needed to hear. His ears perked up, and he shot a look at Volcan. The apathetic look turned to a glare, and a wide grin as he widened his stance and hunched forward.

“That ain't happening," he growled. “The only time you beat me was because you planned ahead and had help… You got no help this time, and no means to alter the weather to your favour… It's my overwhelming strength against yours, and I'm calling it now: You won't last five minutes."

“We'll just have to find out, won't we?" Volcan replied, his wrists igniting as he faced Sol. “For me, time to find out just how far I've come."

“And for me…" Sol remarked, igniting his neck flames and huffing a bit of smoke. “...It's time to smash through one more obstacle in the way to my goal…"

With that, Revane gave the signal to begin the match. Volcan immediately started with Bulk-up, strengthening himself before he raced toward Sol with a Flame Charge, gaining a speed boost on top of his increased strength and endurance, and attacked with swing kick toward Sol's shoulder. Sol in turn raised his arm to block the attack, then threw his arm out to reverse Volcan's momentum and counter with a Mega Punch while he was still in the air.

Volcan sharply twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the punch, and threw his legs around Sol's neck before twisting again, catching him by surprise and throwing him to the ground with the sharp shift of his weight, where Volcan released him and hand-sprung away.

“Huh. That actually worked," Volcan said, mostly to himself. “I've never tried that before."

“...And it'll be the last time you do," Sol growled, quickly jumping up and roaring as he slammed his fist into the ground, unleashing a massive Earthquake attack at the Blaziken.

Volcan, though, had been ready for it, and sprang into the air, jumping as high as he could off the soft sandy ground - which also absorbed most of Sol's Earthquake, minimizing the damage to the arena. From there, Volcan fell into a drop kick toward the Typhlosion, falling like a meteorite toward him.

Sol wound his arm back again for another Mega Punch, grunting as he threw his fist up and met with Volcan's drop kick with all his monstrous strength, cancelling out the attack. The resulting impact of their attacks sent a shockwave rippling through the arena as Volcan fell back, landing on his hands and somersaulting back onto his feet.

“I guess it's true what they say about unstoppable forces, huh?" Volcan asked.

“Guess so," Sol answered, rolling his head along his shoulders again. “That said, when are you gonna actually try? I know you got way more than that in you."

“Just testing the waters, so to speak," Volcan replied, “But, I guess I'm not getting anywhere like this, am I? So…" he reached for his harness, turning it around to expose his Mega Stone, hand hovering over it. “Take two… I haven't used this in a fight against you since our clash in the woods."

Sol chuckled menacingly, his neck flames growing larger in anticipation. “Think your speed can match my overwhelming power?" He asked.

“Somebody forgot the lesson I taught them when we first met," Volcan stated as he touched the stone. “It's not power that's the measure of an individual…" he went silent as the crystalline sphere engulfed him, shining brightly before shattering and revealing the Mega Blaziken.

“It's how you use it!" he concluded.

“Oh, I haven't forgotten…" Sol answered, then he tensed up and let the flames on his neck shoot outward before they enveloped him. Then he floated into the air before the flames turned blue, unfurling into the shape of large, fiery wings, with flaming claws around his forearms.

“I've just adapted it into my own way of life!!" He roared, tensing up and letting out an enraged roar, throwing his head back as the air temperature around him increased to the point his flaming wings and claws turned white hot. Literally.

At once, Volcan was off in a sprint, running at full speed around Sol. He wasn't as fast as Luna yet - debatably, even with his Mega Evolution, he might not be as powerful as the Zangoose; Sol knew this. What he also knew, though, was that Volcan was more experienced and certainly more tactical than Sol's brother; those would be what he would rely on for this fight.

Sol decided to ramp things up quickly, hovering higher into the air and inhaling deeply before lurching downward and exhaling a Blue Flare attack, spinning as he exhaled the wave of fire for maximum coverage. Volcan used a Flame Charge for an extra burst, keeping ahead of Sol's flames - moving faster than the Typhlosion could turn, until the right second.

It came when Sol had to stop exhaling to take a breath, and Volcan raced at him - a blur of motion as he changed his course, zeroed in, and delivered a knee strike to Sol's stomach, forcing out what little air he'd managed to take in. Then, as Volcan turned away, he smacked Sol's cheek with his elbow, turned and backflipped away.

The attacks made him recoil, but didn't have the desired effect as Sol recovered quickly from the strikes and flew at Volcan as he backflipped away, punching him square in the cheek, then grabbing him and flying up into the air before roaring and throwing him back down to the ground as hard as he could, following up with a large Fire Blast attack.

Volcan recovered and flipped in midair, then sprang out of the way as the Fire Blast came down, narrowly avoiding it. From there, he turned and jumped into the air, his leap launching him above Sol, and he fell onto the Typhlosion's back with his feet outstretched, kicking Sol back toward the ground below.

He hit the ground hard, but rose back up just as quickly, shoving Volcan off of him as he rose, then turned and curled up as he rolled along the ground, gathering up rocks that formed around him to create a Rollout attacks, the rocks practically already partially turning into magma from how hot Sol was as he zoomed toward Volcan.

Volcan hastily jumped over the incoming boulder, executing a flip before landing on his feet again, turning and seeing Sol coming back around, only to dodge again; he was too fast.

“Give it up, Sol!" Volcan shouted. “You'll never hit me with that move!"

When Sol came around for a third time, he suddenly uncurled and sent the half melted rocks outward like flaming shrapnel, forcing Volcan on the defensive and distracting him from the Double Kick Sol launched into immediately after he cancelled his Rollout attack. Having covered his eyes to protect himself from the stones, Volcan saw the Double Kick too late, receiving two consecutive kicks that sent him skidding back, but not down - thanks to his earlier use of Bulk Up.

Volcan let out a cough, rubbing his chest. “That's what I get for running my beak," he muttered, facing Sol again.

“Like you said." Sol called out, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Power ain't shit unless you know how to use it."

“Fair enough," Volcan replied, returning to his defensive posture - specifically, for his Art of the Eight Limbs, one that Sol had seen a few times in all the times they sparred.

“Finally breaking out the big guns I see." The Typhlosion remarked, hunching forward and snorting flames from his nostrils.

Volcan grinned. “You think so?" he asked. “I haven't even begun yet."

“Good!" Sol exclaimed, punching his fists together before he rushed at Volcan, spinning rapidly as he began using Flame Wheel to close the gap between them.

Volcan, knowing he didn't have the strength to stop Sol once he was in motion, opted instead to leapt to the side and hit him from there, driving a powerful Thunderpunch into Sol's flank mid-roll as he passed. He grunted from the impact, skidding to a stop and rubbing where he was punched before he reared his head back and launched an Eruption attack, spewing fire, lava and half-molten rock from his mouth that rained down all around him in a wide area.

Volcan ran backward, and then turned and sprinted to escape the eruption. By now, his speed had increased to the point that he was as fast - maybe even faster, than Luna. He ran in a wide berth around the arena, waiting for his next opening as the Eruption subsided, before he raced at Sol again, his body a barely perceptible blur at the speed he was moving. Still, Sol was able to bring his arms up to defend himself from Volcan's initial attack, but when he went to counter, he missed entirely, exposing himself to another strike that made him flinch and recoil.

Volcan successfully executed a switch-kick, landing a powerful blow to the side of Sol's head with his leg, stumbling him before he attacked with his other leg, this time aiming for his chest. Sol glared and caught the leg coming at his chest, absorbing the impact and roaring as he lifted Volcan up and over him, then slammed him into the ground as hard as he could. He lifted him up again and slammed him to the ground again, then he rose into the air, took in as much fire as he could before condensing it, ingesting it, then quickly lurching down at the Blaziken and discharging his Blast Burn attack at full power.

“She-IT!" he exploded before he threw his legs over his head to throw himself out of the direct hit, but unable to avoid the blast, the blast sent him hurtling through the air, waving his arms frantically as he tried to steady his course, landing awkwardly on the sand. “Ow…"

“You're mine!!" Sol exclaimed, fanning his fiery wings out as he powered up a Focus Blast in his paw, immolated with fire. He then soared down toward the Mega Blaziken, rearing his attack back as he approached.

“Not… yet!" Volcan retorted before he rolled back, passing under Sol as the Typhlosion came down on where he had been just seconds before.

Sol slammed his paw into the ground, creating a massive crater followed by a large explosion that would have gravely injured Volcan had he still been at its epicenter. The Typhlosion grunted and stood upright again, glancing at Volcan over his shoulder.

“Persistent little shit…" He growled.

“I haven't come this far to fall now," said Volcan, “not when I've still got a few tricks left."

“Well then, you better start using them before I catch you," Sol remarked as he fanned his fiery wings out and began to float into the air again. “Because when I get my paws on you, I'm not letting go until you cry uncle."

Volcan rose slowly to his feet, and widened his stance, holding both arms tight against his sides as he summoned his energy, letting it surge through his body. The visible effects of Bulk Up, used for a second time, were the first to show themselves, but then a glow, bearing the orange colouration of a Fighting-type energy, arced across his body in the blink of an eye.

With that, the flaming ribbons trailing from his wrists intensified, and his eyes seemed to nearly be glowing. This time, when he shifted to a defensive posture, it was with one arm tucked to his side and the other held, knuckles up, in front of him; the Single Strike style. He shifted his feet, evenly distributing his weight between both legs, and looked up at the Typhlosion with challenge in his eyes.

“Let's finish this, Sol!" Volcan declared.

Sol grinned, and in response to the challenge, widened his own stance as fire seemed to 'drip' out of his mouth, almost as if he were salivating lava. “With pleasure…" He growled back, already charging up another Blast Burn in front of his mouth.

Volcan drew his tucked arm further back, channeling more of his power into it to form a Focus Punch. This was going to be the final attack, whether he stayed standing in the end or Sol did… It would take nothing less than everything he had.

Sol lifted his head back and ingested the Blast Burn, holding it in and letting it simmer in his mouth, glaring back at Volcan for a small moment before he lurched and expelled the attack. Volcan banked to the side to get out of the path of the attack, and practically flew at Sol as he raced - full speed, at the Typhlosion, even as Sol turned to try to catch him in the attack…

Closer…

Closer…

Volcan didn't quite make it; Sol managed to turn just enough that the Blaziken was caught in the Blast Burn, taking it full on and letting out a pained cry as he was blown back, losing his Focus Punch in the process and sent tumbling across the arena. When he didn't devolve immediately, Sol knew he wasn't quite down yet, but now was his chance.

He fanned out his fiery wings and rushed forward as fast as he could, rearing back his arm and roaring as he delivered one final Mega Punch straight across Volcan's cheek, hitting him with as much of his remaining strength as he could. Volcan, just barely having risen to his feet, couldn't dodge in time and the punch struck him clean across the cheek, sending him spiraling back off his feet. His mega evolution faded as he fell, and he lay prone in the sand.

“Winner!" called Revane. “Sol claims victory in the semi-finals!"

“Aww man," said Neilla, rubbing the back of her head. “He was so close, too…"

“He fought well, but… This is Sol we're talking about," Minato piped up. “Volcan's as strong as he is smart, but Sol? He's all about strength, tenacity, and ego. It was an uphill battle right from the start."

“He climbed that hill well," Luke stated, defending his husband. “Him lasting as long as he did against Sol by himself is proof of how far he's come since he and I first met."

“Maybe so," said Neilla, and then looked at Luke. “I guess now it's down to him or Romulus, if you can beat Koa. This tournament has come right down to the wire."

“Yea…" Luke said with a bit of a chill, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hard to believe the tournament's come this far already."

“Time flies when you're having fun, right?" Neilla asked. “And boy, have I been having fun - even spectating."

“Yeah, no kidding!" Caulin jumped in. “The fights here have been nothing short of amazing!"

“And they're only going to get crazier," said Lashanne. “Because now, it's just down to four, and they're the strongest that the world has seen." She looked at Luke. “A sappy, but powerful Lucario," in Koa's direction, “a wildcat faster than a shadow cast by light," then down into the arena, “the fiery Blessed of the God of Truth," and finally to the box where she could faintly make out the Houndoom watching, “and the Hound of Terror - the top Gold-ranked Captain in the Guilds."

“These finals are going to shake the freaking world with their scale," finished Lashanne.

“Indeed… One might say they will be 'legendary.' Minato added.

Back down in the arena, Sol approached the defeated Volcan as the Blaziken came around, sitting up and rubbing his face where Sol had punched him. “You know," he said, “if I had teeth, I wager I'd have lost about half of them after that last punch… I'm going to be feeling that one all night."

“Ah, you'll be fine. You've taken worse." Sol said as he took Volcan's hand and hoisted him back to his feet. “Ya lasted longer than I imagined ya would. You've gotten stronger," he pointed out with a smirk of approval.

“I have. But, still not stronger than the son of Nido," Volcan returned cordially, giving Sol a light nudge with his elbow. “Looks like I still have a ways to go."

“You'll get there. One day," Sol remarked with a shrug. “I'm just not gonna make it easy for ya. Besides… there's still a few people I gotta beat before I can think about relaxing."

Volcan nodded. “Right… With this win, you get Romulus in the next round," he said.

Sol nodded back. “I'll have to settle with him, since I'll never get my rematch with the big man himself…" Sol grumbled.

“Hey now, don't sell the old hound short," Volcan warned as he and Sol began to make their way out of the arena while Calyrex announced the end of the day's matches. “That guy competed with Torolf on equal footing for years. He won't be easy pickings - not even for you."

“I know that," Sol answered. “I'm just saying… My rematch was meant for that overgrown Swampert. I'm not saying Romulus is a pushover." He stated. “I just… wish he didn't have ta go and take that blast head on…"

Volcan frowned. “Torolf did what he thought was right," he said, “using his last breath to get them out of danger when he had no way to save himself. If he hadn't done that, Necrozma would've killed all of them, and in all likelihood, we would have failed to stop Calhoun…"

“I know, I know…" Sol remarked dismissively. “Just… forget I said anything, aight? Let's just get you patched up."

“You know you can always talk to me; no judgement," Volcan reminded. “But, yeah; good idea."

They walked in silence for a few moments, making their way to the infirmary, before Volcan spoke again. “So… Any predictions for how the fight between Luke and Koa will go tomorrow?" he asked. “Both of them put on quite a show today."

“Eh, dunno," Sol answered honestly. “That cat's got speed. Lots of it… Maybe even more than Luna does." He said. “But Luke's got strength, durability and more experience… He's fast enough to keep up with you, so… eh?" He said with a shrug.

Volcan nodded. “My money's on Luke too. Still, seeing Koa in action, the kid's not lacking in power," he said “Hell, if I had to guess, he might be just as powerful as my brother - maybe stronger. His technique is raw and he lacks experience as you mentioned, but I daresay he may be one of the strongest fighters here otherwise."

“Guess we'll find out tomorrow," Sol said while patting Volcan's back gently a few times.

With Calyrex's announcement that the finals would be held the following day, the arena spectators dispersed. Even as they left, the group could hear the crowds abuzz with anticipation; a few looks of admiration were cast in the directions of Luke and Koa, and Luke managed to capture a few wagers being placed on the pair of them.

Such was the nature of combat sport, he supposed. People still liked to bet on who they thought would be the winners. Luke felt somewhat uncomfortable with the knowledge that bets were being hedged on his battle tomorrow, shifting back and forth a bit as he walked with Volcan and Ignus back to his mother's home, accompanied by Neilla and her team as they made their way out of the arena.

“Sorry you didn't make it to the finals, Volc," the Lopunny stated, looking at the Blaziken. “You put up one hell of a fight against Sol."

Volcan shrugged. “Gave it my all. But, it seems I still have a ways to go," he said. “Still, making it to the top eight is an achievement. I may not be the winner, but I'm still a winner."

Neilla chuckled. “Well said," she agreed.

At the top of the hill, they said goodbye to their friends before making their way over to Romulus' house, while everyone else headed for the repurposed Diplomat's Manse. They found Romulus waiting for them out front, along with Luminara, as always cradling Marilla in her arms.

“Welcome back, boys," said Romulus. “Volcan. I just saw your fight with Sol. Well done." Then to Luke. “And to you as well, Luke. Your battle with Sickle was monumental."

“It was a rematch a long time coming," Luke said as he went over and greeted his mother first, kissing her cheek before kneeling at Romulus' level. “But now you're going to be up against Sol in the next round, instead of my husband… I hope you're ready for what he's packing."

“He will not be the first Blessed I have faced," Romulus revealed with a wry smile.

Volcan caught the expression, looking squarely at the Houndoom. “Wait just a minute," he said. “Aside from Calhoun, who else did you fight?"

“Why, her of course," Romulus replied, looking at Luminara. “Do you think, after all the time she spent training Luke and his brothers, she would not seek to keep her own skills sharp with an opponent who could handle her?" He added fondly as he leaned into Luminara's shoulder.

Luke looked toward his mother, who only smirked and gently placed her arm around Romulus as he leaned into her. “I may be mothering your baby sister, but that doesn't mean I am over the hill just yet." She remarked with stunning confidence. “Would you believe me if I said I nearly considered taking part in this tournament myself?"

“If that had happened, it'd be hard to keep your secret," Volcan pointed out. “Not to mention it's pretty obvious you'd make it to the finals. Considering your patron is the creator, you might be the most powerful Pokémon in this whole city."

“Oh, that's questionable," Luminara answered; if she noticed Volcan's failure to adhere to anonymity, she made no mention of it. “Romulus has kept me on my toes every time we trade blows. I got to see firsthand why he and Torolf were such fierce rivals." She added, smiling down at him. “He certainly gets that certain spark in his eye when he's fighting~"

“I am a Gladiator," Romulus reminded. “Combat has been ingrained into my very being."

Ignus, after hearing his father, had grown silent, thinking about what he had just heard the Blaziken say… When finally, it clicked, and his green eyes shot wide open in shock. “Wait, hold on!" he barked, looking between his parents and his grandparents. “Dad, Papa… You never told me Grandma was Arceus' Blessed!" He exclaimed.

Luke went rigid in realization. “...Ooohhhh…" He remarked, casting an apologetic look to his mother.

She laughed softly and waved it off. “It is quite alright… The secret came out long ago, and I'm not so closely guarded as I was when the Crusade was still at large," she said reassuringly.

“I suppose it was going to come out sooner or later," said Volcan with a sigh. “Yeah, we did tell Ignus you were Blessed, but we figured you'd want to explain the finer details - including your patron, personally. We don't know how much 'The Big Boss' is willing to let you disclose as of yet or to who, so best we not get you in trouble, right?"

“I appreciate your concern, but as I said, I'm not as guarded as I once was," She stated to Volcan, then gently gestured for Ignus to approach. “Come, little one. Why don't we talk about it inside? I'll tell you everything I can about how I came to be his Blessed."

Ignus lit up and smiled. “Sure!" He barked, eagerly stepping up to his grandmother as she led him inside, his tail wagging furiously.

“That's going to be quite the story to unpack," Volcan muttered.

“I take it you know it already?" Romulus asked.

“After we found out she was Arceus' Blessed, everything else just kind of fell into place," replied Volcan. “Especially the part about how she's physically not much older than her own children; that alone was hard to explain until that missing piece. Even now, after coming back to life, she's not out of her prime. We've seen for ourselves she can still bear children; if she were the proper age, she'd be too old to do that anymore."

Romulus nodded slowly. “Indeed," he said, thoughtfully.

“...Well, I don't know about you guys," Luke began. “But after my fight with Sickle and watching everyone else's fights, I'm feeling kind of starved." He added while rubbing his stomach idly.

“Oh gods yes," Volcan agreed. “I must've burned every last calorie from breakfast in that fight with Sol."

“The chefs are preparing dinner for us now," said Romulus. “Tonight, we shall feast… Tomorrow, the best fighters in the world shall be decided."

Luke, for his part, could hardly believe that the Torolf Memorial Tournament was almost over… He'd faced some strong opponents - including two of his closest friends. Now, it would all be decided after just one more night…

Luke absently looked up toward the sky as Romulus and Volcan went indoors, watching the last of the sun set over the horizon and give way to the night sky. A small smile started to cross his face as he continued to stare at the horizon.

“...We're gonna be alright, big guy," Luke muttered under his breath. “The world's in good hands now… I just wish you were here to see it." He added before finally turning and heading indoors to join his family for dinner.

~~~~~

Sleep did not come easily to the family that night, as everyone was eager for the events that awaited them on the morrow. Especially Luke, knowing that his match with Koa would be first, had some trouble falling asleep and woke well before anyone else - even Romulus.

With nothing else to do, he headed downstairs for breakfast, greeted by one of the cooks who was doing their morning prep in the kitchen that day. The cook was a scrafty, wearing a typical chef's hat and apron, and when Luke peeked into the kitchen he was putting a large pot of water on the stove top.

After that, he turned to head to the refrigerator, only to spot Luke out of the corner of his eye. “Oh! Good morning, sir," he said. “My apologies; I didn't see you there."

“It's alright. I just had a hard time sleeping last night…" He answered with an awkward smile.

“Were you wanting to place an order for some breakfast this morning?"

Luke was about to answer before he looked up in thought. “...Actually…" He mused. “Would it be alright if I cooked something up myself?"

The Scrafty arched an eyebrow. “Well… I suppose there's no harm in it," he said. “There's plenty of room for two in this kitchen and my assistant is off today. So, sure. Go right ahead. Just please, if you take anything out of the pantry, put everything back where you found it; we have a system."

“Oh, don't worry. I know better than to disrupt a system." Luke said as he stepped past the Scrafty and grabbed an apron, tying it around his waist and taking a look at the kitchen's inventory for inspiration. When he finally had an idea on what he wanted to create, he got to work, grabbing all the utensils and kitchenware he needed, then the ingredients, then got to work on putting together his envisioned meal.

The moment Luke started prepping, he was on autopilot. Mixing together ingredients and juggling several different tasks as his meal started to come to life. By the time he was finished, he had prepared a rather large omelette, left somewhat runny on the inside even after he folded it over, stuffed with a whole assortment of sliced meat, cheese, various peppers with some salt and pepper sprinkled on top, with just the right touch of hot sauce drizzled on the top.

“Whew… that felt good." He said with a smile as he began putting everything he had used back where he found it, cleaning it prior of course. “That took a large portion of the edge off for today."

With everything all cleaned and put back where he found it, Luke took his breakfast back to the breakfast table and began tucking into it silently, sighing as he relished in his own cooking. As he ate, he heard the door opening, and looked over to see Romulus entering the dining room, spotting Luke quickly.

“Good morning, Luke," he said, and then inhaled through his nose. “Mm. That smells good," he remarked. “Not the work of my chef, I presume?"

“No, actually. I made this myself." Luke answered. “I felt the urge to flex my culinary skills, so… I did."

“I thought as much," said Romulus, nodding as he took a seat at the table. “Luminara often gives the cooks days off for a chance to cook for us herself. Personally, where Marilla is concerned, I'm fine with it. Who would know better what a baby needs than a mother, after all?"

“Well, normally I'd agree, but… my son has two fathers, so..." Luke said, trailing off a little before he grabbed a plate and cut some of the omelette he was eating off and slid it onto the plate. “Here, try some."

“Thank you," Romulus replied, lifting himself from the seat he was in, eyeing the omelette piece and snapping it up, chewing slowly before swallowing to capture every taste.

“Well?" Luke asked, eager to hear his critique on his dish.

He hummed and nodded in approval. “Well done," he said. “Cooked through, but leaving just enough of the yolk to run that you don't miss out the flavour; not a method I've seen done before. A fine blend for the seasoning and filling as well."

Luke smiled. “I may have added a few things I normally don't, but I felt inspired to try something different." He said with a nod. “Both Volcan and Ignus swear by my cooking, and I've been considering applying for his mother's diner back home as a line cook."

“Sounds like the perfect side job for the slow months," said Romulus, nodding again. “If I am not mistaken, your friend Sickle works at a local… Establishment of some sort?"

“I know he volunteers at the orphanage not far from Bluegrove," Luke answered. “Ironically, it's the same one he was raised in until he was adopted. When he was old enough, he wanted to give back to the place that helped raise him into who he is today."

“Very noble," said Romulus, fondly.

“Very." Luke agreed with a nod, then his smile lessened softly. “So… How are you adjusting to fatherhood yourself?"

At that, Romulus frowned. “Not… Easily," he said. “It is an adjustment, to be sure. Do not get me wrong; Marilla means the world to me… Never in my life did I imagine I would be a father, and she is…" he smiled fondly. “She is such a sweet, adorable little pup…"

Then he lost his smile. “But… She is the daughter of the Hound of Terror; born to a man who was nearly broken by the cruelty of life," he said. “I can protect her from my enemies; I will protect her, even if Giratina himself should return and seek her out. But…" He lowered his head. “Who is going to protect her from me, or my inner demons?"

Luke frowned slightly. “I think the question you should be asking yourself is… have your inner demons reared their heads while in hers or Mother's presence before?" He had asked that question pointedly.

“Well, no, they haven't," he replied. “It was your mother who helped finally bring out a… Better side of me; one I didn't even know existed. I had thought long ago that my heart had turned to stone… Shamshir's death showed me that, at least, that had not happened. Then, when she comforted me… It's like I became a pup again, longing for the love of my family."

He raised his head slowly. “In her or Marilla's presence, I feel… At peace. Yet…" he choked slightly as whatever he meant to say died in his throat. “I am unsure… I know that side of me is still there, somewhere… I know Luminara knows of it. But I don't ever want Marilla to see her father as the monster I often tried to be."

“Then my advice would be to keep that part of you reined in until it's necessary to bring it out," Luke said softly. “You've already shown that you can keep that side of you at bay, and Mother has helped you become a gentler man thanks to her guidance and love for you." He went on. “And now you have Marilla, your daughter, my step-sister, giving you more of a drive to be the best man you can be. You're still the Hound of Terror, Romulus, but you've changed for the better since you and I first traded blows… We've all seen it."

Romulus looked sidelong at Luke. “I have asked your mother this question once as well, but I'd like to hear it from you too," he said. “Do you really think it could be so easy, to leave behind the animal I've been for so long?"

Luke stayed silent for a moment, looking at the table to formulate his words before he spoke again. “I don't think it's really possible to leave anything behind, Romulus." Luke answered. “Especially when it's been with you all your life." He added, then he let out a sigh. “You know… Volcan still to this day struggles with what happened to Arc Island. It doesn't happen often, but there are nights where he shoots awake in a cold sweat because he had that recurring nightmare where he failed to protect everyone from the Crusade." He explained.

Luke then looked squarely at Romulus. “Which is why I believe you can never really leave that part of you behind, just like Volcan can never really leave his trauma behind. What you can do is learn to live with it; to accept that it's part of who you are, but not so much that it defines who you are." He explained. “As I said before, you are still the Hound of Terror. Your entire motif has always been about instilling fear to the corrupt and to injustice… but you also know when to keep that beast on its leash. If you need further proof, look no further than this whole event and your railway project." Luke stated with a nod. “A beast wouldn't go that far… and you're no beast, Romulus."

Romulus sat in silence for a moment, meeting Luke's eyes for a while. Eventually, he sucked in another breath, and cracked a small smile. “I guess even old dogs like me can learn from the younger generations, can't they?" he asked. “Thank you, Luke… That helps more than you might think."

Luke nodded, then he slid off his seat and did something he never expected he'd ever do. He wrapped his arms around Romulus and held him, like a son would their father, rubbing the Houndoom's back gently. Romulus tensed as he felt Luke's arms around him, but didn't attempt to pull away from him, and slowly began to relax, shutting his eyes and leaning into the embrace.

“At least now I know for sure you don't despise me anymore," he said softly.

Luke smiled. “I stopped despising you when you made me see reason after… that incident," he reminded Romulus.

“I didn't think that alone would be enough to earn your forgiveness," he remarked. “I thought I would have to do more, and I was ready to do that. Especially for the sake of the budding relationship Luminara and I shared… I already wronged you at the Council; the last thing I wanted was to cause any friction between you and her."

“You'd be surprised how much someone can forgive when someone who wronged them goes on to save their life," Luke answered. “Besides… You had a plan back then. I acted on impulse. It was a huge wake-up call that you helped me see… How could I hate you after that?"

“Speaking from experience… Sometimes it takes more than saving someone to earn their forgiveness," Romulus remarked, turning his head to look at Luke as the Lucario pulled back. “I could tell you more than a few stories of criminals whom I had to save from themselves, and yet they resented me for it."

“Ah, but that's the thing," Luke said, pointing at himself with a smug grin. “I'm not a criminal."

At that, Romulus actually chuckled. “Ha. Right you are," he said. Then, he sniffed, and his smile disappeared as he frowned. “…Apparently we have an audience?" he asked rhetorically, arching a brow and turning his head to look at the door to the hallway.

Following his gaze, Luke saw their family standing there. Luminara was beaming, looking at her son and mate with clear pride on her expression, while Volcan and Ignus both looked pleased by the development.

“Sorry. We didn't want to interrupt," Volcan apologized. “Seemed like you two were having quite a moment."

Romulus scowled at Volcan. “A moment which would have endured, had you respected our privacy."

“Hey, wasn't my idea," Volcan said, putting up his hands. “Luminara just wanted to make sure nothing happened that'd make you two try to kill each other."

Luke looked aghast at his mother, eyebrow arched. “...Really, Mom?"

She shrugged helplessly. “I know you two are on better terms now, but…" She paused, then looked up and closed her eyes for a moment. “No. No, you're right… There's no excuse for this," she relented, then smiled. “Still, it's nice to see you two actually bonding instead of being cordial to one another."

Romulus sighed. “I suppose I was guilty of the same, believing Luke resented me until just now," he admitted.

“You could've just asked either of us - we'd have told you things were fine," Volcan offered. “Even I know Luke forgave you a long time ago for that crapfest with the council. You did what you thought was right, and so did he."

“True. But I wanted to find out from him. Asking him outright would've just made me seem paranoid," he looked at Luke, a humble expression on his face. “I wanted to know from him, now that I'm his father… What good parent ever wants their son - even a stepson, to hate them?"

Luke's ears pricked up as he turned to look at Romulus formally addressing himself as his father. A new feeling began to well up within him, making him smile broadly at the Houndoom.

Then, Luke felt a touch at his foot, and looked down to see a tiny black paw brushing against his shin, seeing Marilla's large, fiery eyes staring back up at him. Luke's smile only held firm as he slowly knelt down to Marilla's level, stroking her head a few times before gently scooping her up in his arms, holding her against him, to which she began gnawing lightly on his chest spike, whining happily as she did so.

“Especially now when he's also a big brother," Volcan added.

Luke let out a shaky sigh, looking back at his husband, his mother, his son who had only then just wandered into the room, then turned and looked at Romulus, then down at Marilla, before he cleared his throat and gently walked over to hand Marilla back to Luminara.

“You know what?" He said softly. “...Why don't I take care of breakfast today?" He offered. “I think it's about time we all shared one as a proper family…"

“Fine by me," said Volcan. “Any way I can help out?"

“You can help by making sure Ignus doesn't chew his napkin while waiting for breakfast," Luke said with a wink, already turning and heading back to the kitchen.

Ignus blushed in embarrassment. “...I don't… Chew on my napkin."

Volcan snickered. “Okay, love," he said.

Romulus looked at Luminara. “What about you, my dear - will you be helping him or let him impress us?" he asked.

Luminara smiled. “I think we should 'let him cook' as the youth say these days." She answered.

“I just hope my chef doesn't think he's invading his workspace," Romulus remarked as he settled back into his seat.