Samantha dropped her belongings onto her bed, deciding to settle in before the voyage began. It would be a week's travel from Vermillion to the Trilands, and Sam was going to get comfortable with the surroundings as much as possible.

As for me, I watched her flop onto her bed, obviously still disturbed by the events from earlier this morning. From what Flare tells me, she bolted up in bed screaming the name of my now…deceased…partner, Hydra.

I sighed softly, but not noticeable enough for Sam to see. She had a lot on her mind still, and what ever happened this morning, it only burdened her further…

I never thought I'd be thinking in this…kind of protective manner. Sure, I'd protect my trainer, but…to be thinking like this? I never thought…is Hydra's…passing effecting me too? I try to not let it bother me…it's hard…but I have to remain strong, to protect Sam, for her sake, and I owe Hydra this favour…to protect Sam…

I glanced back up to Sam, her legs dangling over the edge of the bed, not moving, her feet pressed firmly against the ground. I knew Sam was staring at the ceiling, deep in thought, again, as she has been since that event. Being reunited with my other Fire type companions and their kids helped Sam out for that time, but it was only a temporary thing, as she was back to sulking now.

With one bound, I leaped onto the bed, right beside Sam. She had her eyes closed now, but I bet she could see me anyway. I nuzzled her neck lightly, forcing a small smile from her. She returned the reply by placing a hand on my neck and stroking my back lightly. Instinctively, I purred, nuzzling her again. I hope this is helping her…

The soft breeze ruffled my feathers slightly, but it was soothing for me. It's been a while since I have travelled on a cruise. I can't remember the last time…I think…it's blurry, I think it was a trip with Samantha's parents towards Cinnabar Island. This was before Sam was born, her parents, both scientists, were moving there upon receiving a job of becoming part of the science community there. They were thrilled with the opportunity, though I didn't think they expected to work in such secret conditions.

I was young then, naïve, unaware of the dangers. I just wanted to make my trainer then proud, and stick by her side. I was her morale support then, aside from her husband and other Pokémon. I hope they are all resting peacefully…

Another avian landed by my side, though he only started out towards the distance. It was going to be a long trip, and we would probably be flying around just to entertain each other. Kystel, which was the name of this Fearow, a Fearow one who seemed quite concerned about me.

I glanced over, but he did not return the gaze, and I wondered if that was intentional or not. I knew the Fearow had sharper senses then I, especially when he was so much younger…or was he? There's something about him…is he drawn to me? Or maybe I am drawn to him…It is very difficult to tell.

He finally looked over, as sort of innocence on his face, as though he were to tell me of his ignorance, or feign of ignorance in this matter.

"Hi," he spoke softly, trying to spark some conversation, I suspect. His attempt was weak, but I knew his intentions were of good meaning. I returned the reply.

"Hi."

I leaped upon my pray, tackling him over. We both wet rolling across the arena, trying to gain an upper hand. Seeing no avail, we both broke off at once, leaping back and preparing another assault.

Before me stood Charles, a Charmander, strong fire type, a father of two, my love…my husband. He was panting softly, but so was I. We have been going at this for a while now, making use of the training facilities onboard the ship to pass time and get stronger.

He lunged forward, preparing a tackle. I stood my ground, preparing to endure then retaliate. Or so I wanted to believe, as he leaped up over me, turning around quickly and firing a narrow feed Flamethrower in my direction. I quickly rolled to the side, the blast grazing my body, though I withstood it with ease. Retaliation.

I flung a Fire Blast in Charles' direction, though he apparently anticipated such an attack. Am I getting predictable? I know I'm getting stronger, but am I up to match with Charles? He has been teaching me all this time, yet, he constantly says I will surpass him. I…I'm not sure… I wonder how Sarpal would react if she saw me now…I know I have grown stronger, but I know Vapour and Jolt have done so as well… I hope I can impress Sarpal, after a disappointed display since I was with her until I left. I snapped back into reality, my gaze fixated at Charles.

The Charmander stood his ground, reaching forward and pushing the fire back with his tiny Charmander like hands. I was expecting a dodge, but instead, he was trying to repel the blow, something I never saw before. He remained planted to the ground, pushing the fire back until it just dissipated, leaving an unharmed, but fatigued Charmander.

I took advantage of the situation, tackling the Charmander over and pinning him to the floor, too tired to currently fight back. I smiled, and he returned it, as I lay on top of him, watching his weakened form.

"Nice fight," Charles commented softly, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. I grinned, nuzzling his neck lightly.

"You too, darling," I answered, before pressing my lips to his.

The waves rocked the boat back and fourth, though it was hardly noticeable considering the mass of the boat. I watched out towards the distance, much like what Kystel and Karrion doing a floor above me, on top of the observation deck. I could hear faint conversation from them, but I wasn't really interested, watching the waves bob up and down in the distance. They seemed so insignificant from my vantage point.

Then again, I'm not sure how else to feel. This is my very first cruise ride, especially one that would last for so long and travel so far. It…is strange…to travel like this, though my bratty brother thinks otherwise. His first instinct is 'cool' and 'awesome', with something like this. He's probably exploring the ship now, leaving trails of mischief and havoc in his wake.

He's so immature; I don't see how I could be related to him. He is nothing like mom or dad, so how did this immaturity get into his gene pool. That question has baffled me for a long time now. Then again, I'm apparently very mature for my age, so maybe I'm just the child who is 'grown up'. At least, that's what Vyren has commented on about me.

Mature, but very weak. I could hardly use any powerful Psychic attacks when that man capture us in his net. I tried, as much as I could, but it did not work at all. I am weak…though mom tells me my abilities will develop, in time and age, just like her.

I wonder what my mom was like. She tells me meeting Charles and Ryna basically changed her life. I wonder how she was before that…soft spoken? Pessimistic? Did she have to bound the same barriers as I do? She…she is so strong, I wonder if she had to go through what I'm feeling right now…

And then there is dad, he's arrogant, but not arrogant to be over confident. He knows he is strong, but also knows he has to protect his family. Mom and dad, they are always training together, trying to grow stronger, pushing each other to the limit, but at the same time, not going overboard.

I have to train like that, to get stronger, so that I can protect mom and dad when the time comes, and Umbre too, if he keeps up that act of immaturity. Should I have to worry about him? He seems able to get out of his own scrapes…

Then again, if I don't help him, I am not really much of a sister.

The floor was cold as I lay on my stomach, watching the waves outside the observation deck, into the distance…

A few days gone by, and my wings were starting to ache due to lack of activity. It bothered me a little, but I knew we would be doing a lot of flying soon, when we hit the Trilands.

Vyren was by my side, leaning back against the support pillar on top of the observation deck. He requested it, saying he needed fresh air. I complied, wondering what was on his mind.

Right now, the sniper was just toying with his rifle, re-adjusting the scope, polishing the barrel, just to name a few activities in the last hour of us being up here, silent.

"Is something wrong?" I finally asked, breaking the hour long silence above the observation deck. Vyren didn't look up, but I looked down at him, stretching my long neck a bit.

"What makes you think that?" Vyren questioned, levelling the scope of the rifle to his eye, taking aim. Satisfied, he began to take apart the rifle and replace the pieces into his pack.

"You've been awfully quite, and not the sniper kind of quite either," I commented, glancing back out towards the distance. Once again, silence engulfed us, though only momentarily this time.

"I've had things on my mind," he answered softly, locking the case up and placing it over his shoulders. He pulled his knees up to his chest, watching the horizon now too, admiring the sea.

"Sam," I responded, not as a question, but as a statement. I knew this encounter would be bugging him, though I didn't think the effect could be so…prolonged. Is he still feeling guilty? It's been almost a week now, and it is still bothering him. He didn't reply, though the answer was clear.

"Come on, let's get back," the sniper spoke, standing up. I didn't agree, just complied, stretching out my wings and tilting myself a little, allowing my passenger to board. He held on, as I leaped off the observation deck, gliding away from the ship, then coming back for a return landing.

Everyone is so tense, as if it were all going to end. It's not like it will, and no one is stronger then mom or dad. They really know how to put up a fight, being able to take down many Pokémon from other trainers that tried to 'catch' us. They failed, mom and dad being able to take them down. It was so cool, how they could do that.

I wish I could be as strong as them. If I was, that person, with his dumb net…he wouldn't have caught me and Espe. I would've broke free, and make that man pay. I would show Espe I wasn't so immature, that I could grow up, be responsible, not just play.

But Espe can't see me for who I am, someone who wants to grow up. It's so hard…maybe I just can't…I can't change who I am. I am what you see, a playful Pokémon, and even though I may be playful, and probably not the most mature of our party, I am pretty sure I can pack a punch as I get older, and more experienced.

That is my dream, to be stronger, to show Espe I am more then just a useless brat. I'll show her, I'll prove it to her. I have to…if I can't impress my own sister, then I can't impress anyone…

I can feel the wind pick, beckoning for my attention. I can see land in the distance, land with buildings, their lights on. The darkness is outside, though the lights of buildings are quite visible. We were almost there…

I could feel Flare's apprehension for this place. I can understand why as well. Something felt amiss in these lands, three landmasses all connected by one large underwater continent. Here we were, adventuring again, with an old friend, even if we thought…it was the end for her. A strange tale told, about her fire based powers now, and the fact she holds no pendant. It probably is related, though I don't know how…

I placed my arm around Flare's shoulder. She drew closer to me, leaning against me, as we watched the island of our destination approach. The ship was slowing down now, preparing to dock, as the sun was just beginning to appear over the horizon. It was a long trip, but I believe Flare and I got a lot of training down. We are going to be prepared this time, and we are going to protect each other, unlike what happened at Stadium.

I glanced at my mate, the Flareon returning her gaze to me in response. We started at each other, admiring the beauty of the other, smiling lightly. She drew closer more, leaning her head on my shoulder now. The lights were turning off one by one on the shore, in response to the sunlight. Night was falling, day would take over, and when day breaks, we will be on our way again.

I hope Ryna is okay…Sam tells me she was reunited with Tim, much to my surprise. But I guess I shouldn't, if Sam could do it, Tim could to. It was…destiny? I don't know. I feel sorry for Burner, being taken like that, it was so cold. I wish I was there, and didn't run off, I may have been able to save Burner…

No use contemplating on the past, as it only leads to more regret and guilt. I should concentrate on the future, my friends and companions need me now more then ever. I have to stand up to the challenge…

I pulled the Flareon slightly closer, having a strange feeling about this place. Something was going to happen, and it wasn't going to be good. I feel this may be the last time I say this…

"I love you."