In the wake of the tournament, more rifts leading between the human world and the Pogemon World begin appearing, along with a surge in the Delta Factor, and a tide of Nevermore's minions. A number of visitors to the Pogemon World take the opportunity to get some answers from the Pogemon Council.

Malik denies knowledge of and responsibility for Nevermore's attacks, and is at the forefront of the defense. Jules is in an understandable panic. Amanda ignores the directives to stay out of the fighting.

The Guardia Initiative gains itself a number of recruits, who attempt to protect civilians from the rampaging monsters. Thorn's encounter with one such rampaging pogemon ends in tragedy.

Meanwhile, others attempt to take the fight to the Pogemon World. Shades seeks to make up for his former connection with Nevermore. Matthew's Questing Sense leads him straight through a rift. Shiro takes a stab at organizing the Travelers who still remember their own identities. Helena makes a surprise return to Investigating.

Next week: With the final battle out of the way, all that remains is the cleanup... and perhaps one more small surprise.

INCIDENTALLY, since the final battle won't be the subject of the last mingle so much as the denouement will, we're considering returning everyone to Liminal Space a little earlier than currently scheduled. There's a toplevel below for thoughts on the matter.