Teams Valiant and Phalanx return home. Luke and Volcan remain at odds with each other, and the former's family does not all take it well...

Written and edited by myself and :iconlampshadeheadman

Preview:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
“You guys sure you won’t stay longer?” Neilla asked as she walked out of the library with Luke, making their way to the airship while helping him carry some of the luggage he had brought - made bigger by a few souvenirs he had decided to take with him from the journey. “You're more than welcome, you know. The townsfolk certainly wouldn't mind seeing you here for a while longer.”

“I’m flattered honestly, but right now I just want to return home.” Luke answered softly, turning to face Neilla. “I just… It’s nothing against you or this city, but after everything that’s happened, I think I’ve had my fill and I just want to return to a more familiar setting.”

“I understand,” she said. “It’s just likely to be a while before we meet up again.” She chuckled. “Gods know every visit you make to this city turns out interesting, to say the least.”

Luke couldn’t help but share in the small laugh with Neilla. “Yea, I suppose that’s true. Every visit outside of Azure always leads to an adventure somehow.” He concurred, scratching the back of his head for a moment. “I’ll… I'll try to visit sometime in the future, just to check in and see how things are.”

Neilla nodded. “Could always write, too. Postal service is there for a reason,” she added, and then let out a sad sigh. “I’ll be sure to let you know how Sarth is doing too…”

The Lucario nodded, then stepped in and gave her a quick hug to help ease her sorrows. “Send him my regards for me.” He whispered, patting her back softly.

She returned his embrace, holding him and laying her head on his shoulder. “I will,” she said. “And… it may not be my business, but I hope things work out for you.” She added as she pulled back to meet his gaze. “Take care of yourself.”

“Thanks… You too.” Luke returned as he reluctantly stepped back from the Lopunny who had become such a dear friend to him, his ears flattening as he understood it could be quite a while before they saw each other again. They stared at each other for a long moment before Luke finally turned and continued on his way to the airship, seemingly dragging his feet behind him a little as he walked.

He expected to find Volcan waiting for him on the deck, but the Blaziken was nowhere in sight when he ascended the rope ladder and came over the rail. He saw Lashanne and Toby at the helm while the others were getting themselves settled in for the journey home, either relaxing at their own spot on the ship or, those he didn’t see, below decks in the cabins to rest.

The Lucario approached Lashanne after doing a quick headcount to make sure everyone was on board. “Are we ready to take off?” He asked softly.

“We are,” she replied. “Everyone’s on board and I’ve finished checking the ship. She’ll get us back to Azure.”

“Good. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back home.” He answered quickly. “By the way, uhm… How’s your arm feeling?” He asked suddenly.

“Getting better,” she replied, looking at the arm still in its sling across her chest. “Serena said the bones have mostly mended. I should be able to take it off before the end of the week. No arm wrestles for a while yet though.” she added with a wry smirk.

Luke nodded softly in response. “Alright then. If you need anything I’ll be at the stern.” He remarked, then turned and headed off to the stern of the ship, wanting to have some time to himself to reflect on everything.

While he stood there, the ship began to lift off, the gas bag carrying the vessel to a safe distance above the ground before the propellors began to spin to life, whipping the air as they picked up speed and Hadleigh grew further away. Luke stared out at the City of Art for a while, feeling sorrier about leaving than he thought he would. After staying there for so long, and despite all that had happened, it had been a nice place to live, but this would likely be the last time he’d lay eyes on the city for some time.

He saw movement out of the corner of his eye, and looked up to see Sickle standing there, with Caulin resting on his shoulders, taking full advantage of the Sceptile’s height to see for miles over the city.

“Sure looks cool from up here, doesn’t it?” Sickle asked the Riolu.

“Yeah! I can see for miles up here!” He remarked happily, hovering his paw over his eyes as if he were trying to see further ahead. “Way better than from that lighthouse I’m always looking out from!”

Sickle turned his head just enough to look at Luke out of the corner of his eye. “Think you’ll miss it?” He asked the Lucario. “It’s a beautiful city.”

Luke gave a small nod in return, keeping his gaze forward as he watched Hadleigh slowly vanish over the horizon. “Yea, I’ll miss it. Hadleigh is a great city to explore, but… I kind of miss the simplicity that Azure offers.” He replied.

“I for one wish I could’ve had more time to see the city myself,” Sickle added. “All those murals, those gardens, the architecture… it’s like I jumped into another world compared to Bluegrove.” He then cleared his throat and looked at Luke again. “Will you have somewhere to stay when you get home? Grom did trash your house.”

“I’ll ask my mother if I can stay with her for the time being. At least until I can call a favour from the construction workers in Azure.” Luke answered. “What about you? Sticking around for a bit, or heading back to Bluegrove right away?”

“I probably should head back to Bluegrove as soon as we land,” he replied, sighing. “Gotta get back to my team. Everyone should be recovered from the Blackcoast mission by now, and they'll want to get back to work.”

“Understandable.” Luke returned. “Well regardless, thanks for your help with this mission.” He said with a half-smile, finally turning his gaze away from the scenery to look at the Sceptile. “And… thanks for holding me back when we captured Grom…”

Sickle nodded and stepped back from the railing as he lifted Caulin off his shoulders. “Sorry Caulin, just need to give my shoulders a rest,” he said as he set the Riolu down carefully. “Why don’t you go check on your uncle? He seemed a little tired when we came aboard.”

“Oh, okay.” Caulin returned with a nod. He hugged the Sceptile for a moment, thanking him for the ride on his shoulders. Then, he turned and was about to hug Luke as well, but paused when he was just inches away from him. “...You okay, Mr. Luke?” He asked softly.

“Hmm?” Luke perked up, stunned by Caulin’s sudden query. “Erm... yea, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

Caulin stared at him for a moment longer before he gave a small shrug. “I dunno. Just felt like asking.” He answered casually before turning on his heel and trotting off to find his uncle.

Sickle leaned against the railing, eyeing Luke studiously. “I think we both know you’re not fine,” he said, keeping his voice low so as not to be overheard by Lashanne or Toby at the helm. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“...Not really.” Luke answered honestly, turning his gaze back to the horizon and sighing as he leaned against the railing. “Just a lot on my head is all.”

Sickle sighed, clearly having hoped for more but he respectfully surrendered to the Lucario’s wishes. “I won’t press further. But until we get to Azure, I’m here if you need me. Alright?”

“I know… Thanks.” Luke answered halfheartedly this time, even letting his tail droop slightly behind him. “I just need some space for now, if that’s okay.”

Sickle nodded in understanding. “Alright,” he replied, but still reached out a claw to give Luke’s shoulder a reassuring touch before he turned to head back to the main deck, leaving Luke by himself at the stern to watch as Hadleigh grew further and further away.