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[attr="class","textbox"]That used to be the hard part. Zev Harcourt used to be one of the most subtle creatures Isaac had ever met. He was a consummate professional, through and through, covering his tracks with ruthless efficiency. Most of the world knew him as the well-loved founder of Slateport's finest establishment. Not as . . . this.[break][break]

Yet how much of that was born of desire, and how much of that was born of need?[break][break]

The second he'd no longer needed the Howling, he cast it aside as if it had been worth nothing to him. Was his subtlety simply another shield? Even before all of these testimonies, Zev had been nigh-invincible. Even with Suicune's powers leveraged against him, Zev waltzed through them without a sign of feeling threatened. Weapons, Pokemon, even legends, none had so much as scratched the surface of his crystalline armor.[break][break]

What use did a god have to hide his true nature?[break][break]

"He'll keep leaving signs." A blade in the dark and the subtle machinations of a Gengar were nothing compared to the tools Zev used now. When he struck again, it would be obvious, even if it had to be pulled together from strands of terrified testimonies. "And when he does? We-"[break][break]

Isaac's voice and heart faltered alike. Could he, in good faith, say that they would stop him? So far, the most he could do was slow Zev down. Twice now, he'd narrowly escaped with his life. That was all fine and dandy for him. Would it do anything to stop Zev from getting stronger? Would it do anything to protect the Hoenn region? Or would he be buoying himself on the region's blood just to save his own hide?[break][break]

It was as if he'd never left Rocket.[break][break]

"We'll figure it out." It didn't matter how terrified he was. He had to step up, because who else would? Who else knew Zev how he did, even if but a shadow of his true self? Who else had the power to stand to him, even if his best paled in comaprison? Who else had experienced the worst of Zev Harcourt and lived to tell the tale?[break][break]

"We have to."