Day: 1, Time: 0002, Location: Air Space of the S.C. Aleathra

Karrion chased after Kystel, forgetting about her duties to keep an eye out for any sort of intruders. The radar and surveillance gear aboard the ship would handle that job; the Pidgeot was more concerned about the condition of her Fearow friend, trying to pin him down and 'interrogate' him. The darkness did little to hinder her progress, strangely keeping up with the younger Pokémon, and even catching up to him.

"Kystel, what's wrong?!" the female shouted ahead of her, though the Fearow made no acknowledgement at all. A few more moments of flying and circling around ship proved to Karrion the futility of her pursuit. Sighing softly, she lowered herself to the deck of the ship, waiting for Kystel to land as well, if he landed…

Day: 0, Time: 2358, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Crew Quarters 1C

Des tried to stifle his yawn, but failed miserably, tired beyond belief after there last mission. The hacker didn't get any rest since then, analyzing the data he got back from the west Team Rocket research facility, Tim by his side as the pair tried to plan out their next course of action. Tim tried not to show his fatigue, determined to rescue Ryna, but the toll of their actions for the past few hours were getting to him.

"You should get some rest, I can keep looking at it," Tim suggested to his friend, trying to press some of the attention away from himself in the process. Des, however, wouldn't fall for that trap, seeing as Tim was just as tired as the sniper.

"Not until you go to sleep to," Des replied, continuing to browse through the data he collected with Tim. "If I leave you alone with my laptop, you'll never get any sleep and just make mistakes on our next mission, possibly fatal ones."

Silence over took the pair, neither wanting to admit defeat, yet, both knew they had to rest. Des glanced at the empty mug beside his laptop, causing Tim to look as well. They both come up with the same idea.

"Coffee."

Day: 1, Time: 0002, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Crew Quarters 3G, Balcony

Vyren sighed softly, leaning on the railing and looking out towards the dark sky, trying to find his pair of aerial companions. He couldn't see them through the darkness, but he knew they were flying…the wind told him such.

A brief knocking on the door shattered his concentration. The sniper looked back towards the inside of his room, telling the person the door was unlocked. He returned his gaze back to calm skies, listening to winds, not paying heed to the clicking of the door as it shut behind his visitor.

"Hi Sam," Vyren spoke, not turning to face his visitor, but knowing it to be her. Samantha approached Vyren, the female wondering how he knew it was her.

"How did you know?" Samantha asked, placing a case onto the table of the room before stepping out into the cool night air that surrounded the ship. She didn't mind at all, however, leaning against the railing.

"The wind told me," he spoke cryptically, Sam throwing an odd look, wondering what he meant with those words. She didn't get an answer, Vyren sighing once more before turning his attention towards the female. "Couldn't sleep?" Samantha nodded her, staring out towards the distant horizon. "Neither could I," Vyren replied to the silent answer, following her gaze.

"That…and I have a present for you…" Samantha spoke softly, closing her eyes and lowering her head, referring to the case she came in with. Vyren raised an eyebrow, wondering what that present could be before heading back into the room, unlocking the case and glancing at its contents.

"A Seraphim sniper rifle…?" Vyren spoke softly, taking a part of the disassembled barrel and examining it. He found an inscription drilled into it, an inscription he recognized instantly. "MY Seraphim sniper rifle?" he gasped, quickly turning to Sam, who's back was still turned to him. Samantha, however, was smiling, glad she could help get Vyren's rifle back. "How did you…?"

"Let's just say I had someone help me retrieve it," Samantha answered, not turning to face Vyren. She continued to admire the night sky. Vyren accepted the answer, nodding and replacing the barrel into the case, locking it up. He returned to his position at the balcony, wrapping an arm around Samantha's waist and pulling her closer. The Gym Leader blushed a little, but made no resistance, leaning her against his shoulder instead.

"Thank you…" Vyren whispered, grateful for her consideration and actions.

Day: 1, Time: 0000, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Crew Quarter 3F

Alken sighed softly, brushing his hand against the back of Abetos, laying by his side on the bed. The Houndoom had his eyes closed, but his trainer knew better. The ex-Rocket knew his partner was staying alert for any sort of intrusions - they were, after all, on enemy territory, so to speak.

The Human glanced down at his companion, wondering what he was thinking, let alone what the Pokémon speaks when he says his own name on their missions. The trainer sort of envied Des for his ability to communicate with Pokémon, but at the same time, Alken understood the curse of a Chimera and what they had to go through, especially with so many factions out to get them.

"Just what do you speak of when we do our missions…I wonder…" Alken whispered, leaning back and closing his eyes. Abetos growled his name, part of it, something indistinguishable to the Human, and for most Humans in the world for that matter.

"It's a curse and a blessing at the same time…" the Human thought, his mind confused and curious to get any form of sleep. Instead, he would wait, thinking all night, contemplating the next plan of action.

Day: 1, Time: 0003, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Deck, Bow

Alex gazed up towards the sky, sensing the presence of Kystel and Karrion up above. He could feel the pain and guilt of Kystel for letting his partner disappeared. The psychic could also sense Karrion's cause to help him, but Kystel just refused to get help.

"I don't blame Kystel…considering…" Alex thought, closing his eyes and reaching out with his powers. As much as he enjoyed the hospitality, he didn't enjoy the ship at all, sensing other underlying plots that coincide with his and his party's own, a way for them to take advantage of the situation.

There was something else that bothered him, something from a certain soldier on board the ship, someone he met, a friend of Carter's. Sighing softly, he sensed that person's fatigued presence, though his spirit burned with determination of rescue…burned…like the soul of a…

"Hello," Sarpal spoke, the song of the Lapras soothing Alex's mind as he sensed the female Chimera's presence behind him. The Angel-Chimera slowly opened his eyes, turning around to greet the blue-haired female.

"How is Ice?" Alex asked, knowing there was nagging concern at the back of Sarpal's mind for her male counterpart, hence her lack of sleep. She smiled, tilting her head down.

"He's resting…I think he used too much of his powers in the facility…" Sarpal commented, gazing into her hand. She giggled softly. "We have a tendency to get injured in alternation…strange…"

"No, not at all," Alex answered, turning away again. "Better that only one of you gets injured at a time so that the other can care for the injured." The remark caused Sarpal to blush deeply, looking back up and choking to find some form of refusal, but she couldn't muster any. "You can't hide it Sarpal, I am psychic after all…"

"Yes, I know," Sarpal answered telepathically, sighing softly, but smiling as well. "You should get some sleep…your body might not show it, but your mind is fatigued, especially after your mass Teleport." Alex nodded, taking note of Sarpal's concern but not moving at all. Without much more she could do at the moment, the female broke the conversation and headed off back to her room, also feeling tired after Alex helped her get her mind off of certain things.

Day: 1, Time: 0624, Location: The S.C. Aleathra Bridge

The morning sun shinned through the windows, partially blocked out by the tinted glass. Carter wasn't bother by the shined, instead, enjoying the view while waiting for his 'commanding officer' to show. Even if he was more or less a permanent crew member on board the ship, he felt no loyalty towards these people at all. He wanted to help Tim and Des out as much as possible, after how they separated before…he felt obligated to help them out.

The soldier redirected his gaze towards the approaching CO, walking slowly towards Carter, arms behind his back as he approached leisurely. Carter watched in silence, unsure how to take the approach on what form of omen.

"Sir…" Carter spoke, but was silenced when the captain raised his hand.

"I reviewed your proposal…" the captain began, clearing his throat beforehand. Carter waited anxiously, at attention. "I must say…it is very daring indeed…"

"With all due respect, sir, I…" Carter started, but once again interrupted by the commanding officer behind the operation.

"I approve of it," he spoke, breaking any concern Carter previously had of having the plan of action approved. "Most of it," the captain added, causing a resurface of concern. "I…am not trust worthy of your friends on board, even if they are…your friends." The captain began to pace back and fourth in room, Carter keeping an eye on him. "You request yourself and four of your companions to embark on this mission, leaving the rest of your party to recuperate aboard the ship."

"The rest of my party are civilians, sir, they do not need to go into combat," Carter answered, still at attention. "They pose no threat towards the well being of this crew." The captain nodded, understanding that fact.

"I still believe they should be under your supervision, just in case," the captain advised, turning away.

"I must be part of the mission team," Carter replied defiantly. There was an unsettling pause between them, the captain with his back still turned towards Carter. All actions seemed to have stopped on the bridge, watching the pair as they unfold in this conversation. None of the crew members has seen anyone oppose the captain's order, and not get chewed up for it.

"I know you have confidence in your 'civilians', but I do not, so I require that you stay," the captain answered, raising his voice a notch, but still nothing intimidating.

"I have a strange feeling this has something to do about my post proposal note," Carter remarked bitterly. It was a note that he will quit once he finds Ryna and gets his companions safely away from this war zone, feeling obligated to stay with his companions now. Of course, he also had an obligation to deal with his 'employer' as well.

The unnerving silence returned once more as the pair faced off, neither acting anymore for fear of interrupting the other. Carter finally ended the 'duel'.

"I'll go find myself a replacement," he spoke, before saluting and excusing himself from the confines of the bridge.

Day: 1, Time: 0701, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Ship Docking Bay

Klik stared at his own reflection in the water. The water flowed through the bay like a river with the ship's movement, making a rather fuzzy reflection for Klik, but he wasn't truly concentrating on himself at the moment. The Flareon gazed 'upstream', seeing small boats docked against the sides, being towed along by the S.C. Aleathra from within.

He was alerted by the presence of another by the soft stepping magnified by the splashing of water as the foot hit a puddle. Klik slowly turned his attention, seeing Umbre approach him cautiously.

"Flare's child," Klik muttered, looking back down at the water again. "He'll be strong, no matter what…the question is if he'll be strong enough…" The Umbreon continued his approach, unsure if the pair was on 'friendly' grounds yet. "What do you want, kid?"

"Um…I…" Umbre started, unable to speak his mind towards the older 'eon evolution. Klik grunted, wondering how this child will protect his family if he didn't even have the confidence to speak properly.

"Don't expect to be able to protect them if you can't even speak," Klik muttered harshly, his mutterings audible this time towards the younger Umbreon. Umbre narrowed his eyes, hostilities beginning to spark.

"I'll protect them, even if it means everything," Umbre answered seriously, stepping closer without fear anymore. Klik chuckled, impressed that his reverse psychology worked. "I'm just…wondering…what you said back there at the facility…when you said…'for me'…"

Klik sighed deeply, recalling those painful memories of his sins towards Flare. He looked up towards Umbre, seeing the innocence and immaturity in his eyes, and also the burn of determination. This could have been Klik's child…if he had…

"I can't protect your family," Klik stated plainly, not letting his tone betray his emotions. The fire type stood up onto all fours, trotting towards Umbre. "Your mother and I…we have a dark history…and I don't wish to bother her anymore, so I leave the protecting to you." Klik nuzzled Umbre's neck gently, getting a soft giggle from the child Pokémon. The Flareon smiled gently, stepping away. "Be strong, you can't waiver in your commitment, or all will be lost…"

The Umbreon nodded in understanding, watching Klik trot away slowly, Umbre detecting something chewing at Klik. The Flareon's swaggered steps showed something other then that spoken that was in his mind, but Umbre would not pursue…if this history between the pair of Flareon's was truly that dark, the child of the female wished in no way to interfere.

Day: 1, Time: 0654, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Infirmary

Espe gently placed a paw against the glass, watching her mother continue to mourn for the Espeon's father. The female psychic felt the gentle brushing of leaves against her side, finding comfort with that touch as Psy tried to calm the other Psychic in the room.

"Will she ever…be the same…?" Espe asked Psy, not breaking her gaze towards her mother. Psy wasn't sure how the answer, sensing the anguish Flare continued to go through, and sensing the deep concern Espe held for her mother. The Bulbasaur didn't want to upset Espe, but the grass/psychic Pokémon knew the psychic type could feel that same anguish that resonated inside the chamber.

"I can't say…if she continues this way…" Psy trailed off, unable to speak anymore in that manner. She knew she had to remain optimistic, and she had to pass that down to the daughter so that she may pass it to her mother. "Have faith, Espe…everyone must move on, just some cannot accept those facts better then others…"

"I can't just forget about dad…it's so hard not to..." Espe whispered, lowering her head in shame and sadness for thinking such a thought.

"I never said to forget, only to move on," Psy responded, trying to focus Espe's pessimism into something else, to hopefully manifest it into something that will bring the psychic back to her nerves. "Your memories are important to you, but you can't let the terrible ones keep you down…"

Espe sighed softly, continuing to watch her mother and father behind the glass, unable to say anything anymore. She was afraid, afraid of what might befoul them next. The psychic wished for nothing to happen to her family, she was living in her idealistic world that they were invisible, that no one could hurt them, that they would live happily ever after.

Psy pressed herself a bit closer to the other psychic inside the room, unsure how to calm the psychic down anymore, just nuzzling against the younger one. The silence was never broken…

Day: 1, Time: 0644, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Training Deck 2 - Mountain Terrain

Ripper took cover behind a stalagmite sticking out of the ground as a Hydro Pump attack blasted against his cover, dissipating into droplets of water. The mountainous terrain this portion of the deck provide proved to be good training grounds, though the Hitmonchan wished that the lights weren't as bright up above - it proved difficult to see sometimes with the glaring light.

"Are you getting slow, Ripper?!" Blaster taunted, 'lock and loading' his cannons while waiting for the Hitmonchan to reveal himself from the cover.

"No, you've just gotten a lot bigger!" Ripper shouted back, pressing his back against the stalagmite while deciding how to handle the situation. Blaster only laughed, but kept his aim steady and true towards Ripper's current cover. The fighting type slowly looked out, quickly ducking behind his cover upon seeing the ball of water fire again, causing more splashes of water against his cover. "I can't intimidate you like I used to!" Ripper yelled out, glancing about for any alternatives to his current situation while listening to more laughter from his companion. Inspiration struck like a lightning, Ripper deciding to use his cover to his advantage.

Reeling his fist back and taking the best estimate towards Blaster's position, the Hitmonchan obliterated the foundation of the stalagmite, cracking it at the base. As it tipped forward, Ripper reeled back again, taking aim and attacking the falling stalagmite. The force of the attack sent the large rock spike right towards Blaster, who gasped in surprise at the flying projectile. With one quick swipe from his left arm, the Blastoise obliterated the projectile into millions of pieces, the haze of rocks partially masking Ripper's rush towards Blaster during the distraction, the fighting type's arm pulled back and preparing a punch. Barely able to react, Blaster raised his right hand and caught the fist of the Hitmonchan, inches from the water type's face. There was a smirk on Ripper's face, barely seen through the rock shrapnel still flying through the air, some bouncing harmlessly off the Pokémon duelling each other. Blaster returned the gesture, impressed with that manoeuvre on the Hitmonchan's part.

"You've gotten better," Ripper commented, withdrawing his hand and bowing his head. Blaster bowed his head in return, also admitting his sparring partner grew better.

"Times make us stronger as we go," Blaster commented, glancing about at the mess they made in the arena: stalagmite were toppled, walls with imprints in them, half the area was flooded by water, and definitely more then a few impacts against the ground. "I wonder how they're going to clean this place up…"

"Not our concern at the moment," Ripper replied, gazing at the mess as well. "Anyway, I wonder how Carter handled the proposal…" Blaster was also curious of that proposal, the pair leaving the area to find the leader of their trio of trainers.

Day: 1, Time: 0643, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Deck, Bow

Alex continues to watch the distance, the sun slowly rising over the horizon. He could sense the hustle of activity within the ship, and that part of that activity came from his companions - some old, some new. It made him wonder if this meeting between all of them was fate, or if there was some stronger presence that drew them all together. The Angel-Chimera sensed something that bothered Sarpal, something she heard earlier, before everyone was brought together. The male psychic couldn't understand that uneasy feeling, but he felt a justified concern from the female Chimera.

He could sense frustration and confusion approaching him, from a male that he was familiar with, a person who - with his Pokémon - helped him defeat Angel only so long ago.

"Something on your mind, Carter?" Alex asked, not looking back at the soldier who so badly wanted to help his oldest friends in finding a certain female.

"I wonder if you intended that question as a joke," Carter replied, informed of Alex's rather immense psychic potential. Alex chuckled softly, turning to face Carter now.

"You seemed like you could use something to distract you," Alex answered, crossing his arms. Carter's mouth curled into a small smile as he approached. "So, what seems to be the problem? You wouldn't approach me if there wasn't one……and before you say read your mind; I prefer to respect the privacy of my companions." Carter nodded, acknowledging.

"I need someone to replace me on the mission to rescue Ryna, since the captains doesn't really like all the 'civilians' I brought aboard running amok unsupervised," the soldier started, shaking his head.

"Let me guess, you want me?" Alex inquired, though he had a good feeling, gut feeling as well as a psychic one. Carter nodded, though the psychic-Chimera had to refuse. "I'm sorry Carter...something calls for me here…something with fate that I have to answer…" The soldier sighed softly, knowing he shouldn't push his friend to agree - he would just have to look somewhere else…

"Try Guile, he's pretty intent on finding Ryna," Alex suggested, turning his attention back towards the horizon. Carter blinked, feeling unsure with such a suggestion that Alex detected. "He may be immature in terms of their abilities, but he also has a lot of potential…trust me on this." The 'leader' analyzed those words for a moment, then analyzed the one known as Guile mentally, wondering…

Day: 1, Time: 0653, Location: The S.C. Aleathra, Training Deck 4 - Duelling Arena

The stage was marked out, the pair of trainers staring at each other eye to eye. The pair was unable to get any for of peaceful rest after their last adventure, and by their latent psychic ability, they figured their entire group had the same lack of sleep, or in the extreme case, no sleep at all.

"Three-on-three, the remainder of our team!" Ryu shouted across the field, glancing at his group of four out of their Pokéballs, the remaining two inside because of their nocturnal nature.

"Agreed," Guile answered, looking towards his group, each Pokémon of the six affirming their readiness, despite only 3 battling. He knew more then a few Pokémon from the combined twelve was itching for some combat. The pair wanted to conclude that confrontation at the previous stadium, to give rest to any speculation of who could best who.

"The score is 1-2 with you in favour, let's continues this duel," Ryu spoke, calling for his Hitmonchan, Tyson, to enter the arena. The Hitmonchan leaped into the battlefield, taking a few practice swings with his fists.

"Here, let me, I haven't duelling him a long time," Rocker answered, the Geodude taking up the challenge despite being at a type disadvantage. Guile, however, made no protest, allowing for old friends to meet in combat.

"This is going to be quick…" the Scyther on Ryu's team whispered to the Quagsire known as Hydroquake. However, the water/ground type disagreed with that statement.

"Should be it's still anyone's game, Blade…Charlie took care of my pretty badly back at stadium," Hydroquake answered, referring to his own duel with the Charmander on the opposing team the day before. The bug-type made no response, waiting for the duel to unfold.

"Tyson, Mach Punch!" Ryu commanded, going towards the 'charge into combat' routine. The Hitmonchan launched straight into the attack, right arm forward as he torpedoed right towards the Geodude.

"Rocker, Defence Curl! Defend yourself!" Guile quickly countered, knowing Tyson would win in a straight out fist fight. The Geodude quickly curled up into a ball, absorbing a barrage of quick jabs after the quick punch from the opposing Fighting type. Guile gritted his teeth, knowing he could try THAT attack, but at this range, it may not be very effective; however, he did need something to break through the combo Tyson was dealing or else it would be over before it started. "Rocker, Sonic Crusher!" Tyson's last punch sent Rocker reeling back as he uncurled, sliding to a halt before re-curling into a ball, rolling on the spot. Tyson stared in wonderment.

In the next instant, Rocker blasted forward at sonic speeds, surprising Tyson with the sudden attack. Barely able to defend, the Hitmonchan was knocked backwards and onto his back as Rocker landed on the opposite side of the arena, charging up again for another Sonic Crusher attack.

"Oh man…that's not good," Ryu muttered, taking aback by the sonic attack. However, Rocker wasn't the only one with such attacks… "Tyson, prepare to unleash!" Ryu ordered, the Hitmonchan needing no more encouragement and falling into a crouch position, watching the rolling Geodude intently.

"What is he thinking…" Guile thought, watching the pair of Pokémon on the field charging up for the next anticipated assault. Without much concern; however, Rocker went straight into his next attack, releasing himself from the ground and diving forward to give the Hitmonchan another dose of sonic speed. They were mere inches apart…

"Tyson, Dragon Punch!" Ryu shouted, as the Hitmonchan leaped into the air, hitting the spinning Geodude with one powerful uppercut that sent the Rock-type sprawling backwards and out of his spin. He landed with a thud outside of the arena and right by Guile's box, knocked out. With a brief cheer, Tyson stepped out of the arena as well, clutching his chest in pain.

"Are you alright?" Ryu asked the Fighting-type when Tyson returned, still clutching the spot where it hurt. Tyson only nodded, gazing towards Rocker, tended to by Guile before the next round of combat began.

"We're tied at two…" Guile thought, turning towards his remaining pair once he finished with Rocker - a Psychic, and an Electric. "Alakazam, you're up," Guile spoke, turning back towards the field. In the next moment, he teleported into the arena.

"Ken, go for it," Ryu told his Quilava, the Fire-type trotting into the arena, glaring at the opposing Psychic. "Flamethrower!" Without further ado, the Fire-type opened up with a stream of fire, only to have it repelled by a quickly erected Light Screen shield around the Alakazam.

"Return fire! Psy Beam!" Guile shouted out, a beam of changing colour ripping forward back along the same path as the now dissipated Flamethrower. Ken dodged to the side at the last moment, the beam attack sailing right past and dissipating before it even reached the end of the battlefield.

"Ken, Fire Blast!" Ryu yelled out, his retort coming the in the form of just throwing more power towards his opposition. The fire spat out from Ken's mouth, forming into the Japanese letter as it sailed towards the Alakazam, scorching the ground in the process.

"Retreat and retaliate with Psychic!" Guile answered, as the Alakazam used Teleport, getting behind the Quilava and hefting into the fire type into the air with psychic might. Before Ken could answer with any sort of snap attack, Guile's Alakazam threw Ken back into the ground, before lifting him up again. Angered, Ken began to glow as fire surrounded him.

"No, he's learnt that attack too?!" Lin gasped, watching as more fire engulfed the Quilava. "He's using Charger, get out of there!" the Pikachu screamed into the arena, though it was too little too late as Ken broke free from the Psychic hold due to his 'fire shield' as he launched himself at the Alakazam. Without even time to yelp, the Alakazam was sent flying with only a grunt, landing outside of the boundary.

"3-2 towards my favour now," Ryu spoke, still slightly surprised Ken used Charger on instinct, as a defence mechanism. The Alakazam teleported back towards Guile's side, disappointed with the lose, though Guile was just glad the Psychic wasn't seriously injured. Ryu released his last Pokémon. "Cloud, let's get to work!" Ryu threw the Pokéball into the arena, releasing a Haunter.

"Lin…" Guile started, but the Pikachu was already in the arena, getting in quickly with an Agility. She regarded the Ghost-type for a moment, then shrugged, sighing softly.

"Sorry kid, I'm gonna have to end this fast," Lin answered, charging up electric power, gaining that energy faster then anything Ryu has seen before.

"Cloud, quick! Disable her with a Hypnosis attack!" Ryu shouted, best to leave the pain for later. The Chimera regarded that Pikachu as a very dangerous threat if it would charge so much energy so quickly.

"Too late!" Lin exclaimed, staring the Haunter directly into the eyes as he tried to put the Pikachu to sleep. A barrier of cackling electricity formed around Lin, igniting into a Rolling Thunder attack. The Pikachu leaped straight at the Haunter, blasting past him as Cloud reeled back in pain, shocked to hell by the charging Pikachu. However, she didn't let it end there, still in air, she slowly back flipped, regaining her targeting before diving right down towards Cloud again, throwing them both into the ground with a mess of electricity. In the next moment, Lin leaped out of the pile, landing on all fours, not even breaking a sweat.

Everyone in the arena could only gape at the Pikachu, at least, those who were still conscious. Ryu silently recalled the unconscious Cloud.

"So much power…so effortlessly…" Ryu gasped, clipping the ball back onto his belt as the Pikachu slowly trotted off the arena, effectively making the score tied at three.

"That's Lin for you," Carter remarked from the doorway, watching the whole final round. Attention was turned towards the spectator, no one noticing him before. The soldier approached Guile's side of the arena, hoping he was making the right decision in all this. He stopped right in front of the younger trainer, inhaling softly. "Guile, who would you like to take a shot at rescuing Ryna?" Guile's confused look slowly phased into a wide smile.

"I'd love to," he answered, cracking his knuckles together.