Sorry for the long wait! My brain decided battle scenes are suddenly hard to write ;P Also thank you so much for the reviews! I'm happy to hear even people who haven't watched Pacific Rim has been able to enjoy this :)

I always try to open as much of the world as I can within the story, but there are some terms here that I have to explain outside. Since the characters in the story are familiar with them, I felt explaining everything open would be too much exposition. So instead I'll be accounting such terms separated from story when needed, so people who haven't watched the movie wouldn't feel lost.

Drift: Process to link pilots' minds together and attach to Jaeger, a mind meld that requires the pilots to share memories, instinct and emotions to become one with each other and Jaeger. Each pilot controls one side of the Jaeger, right or left

Drift Compatibility: Connection between two pilots, determines how well they work together as one. Depends largely on their personal connection and their ability to work in sync with each other. However it is not predeterminated by pilots' relationship or lack of one.

Neural Handshake: The final process of the Drift and a bind that enables the two pilots' minds to manipulate their Jaeger's every movement. It usually happens as Jaeger doing a Tai Chi greeting to show both side work in sync.

Always feel free to ask questions as well! Also biggest thanks once more to my betas Pico and Willow!

4. Those who fight further

Ash immediately jumped to his feet and dived for the shoes he had kicked off only moments earlier. His actions came automatically for him, his mind running on refined instinct polished by the years of work as a pilot. He knew what was about to go down; he knew there wasn't a second to waste.

After making sure Pikachu was safely left behind, Ash dashed out of the room and hastily locked the door before heading down the corridor, almost running straight into the workers passing him.

The relaxing evening had broken into a hectic alert in blink of an eye, everyone following their orders and sprinting into their positions with the same urgency Ash had. There were shouts, running steps, and alarms piercing through the air; it was organised chaos.

Ash elbowed through a few mechanics and ran towards the elevator, already following the inner map he had constructed in his head, helped by the fact the Shatterdomes around each region shared certain layout constructions. After confirming the Local Command Center's position from a guidepost, he frantically slammed the button to summon the lift, and a few agonizing moments later pushed inside the elevator along with couple of other workers.

The way up had never felt this slow. Swallowing his heightening distress, Ash could only wait, his fellow colleagues frantically whispering around him as the elevator steadily worked its way through stores. No one seemed to know what exactly was coming for them, further details unknown aside from two distressing facts: A) it was definitely a new Kaiju, and B) it was on its way to Johto.

So much for a peaceful night's sleep.

As the doors opened Ash was already bursting out and rushing ahead, only stopping briefly to look for the right direction. After choosing a corridor that somewhat rang a bell he then sprinted forward, his heart pounding in his chest — several misturns later and with help from a passing officer, he finally arrived at the Command Center.

It'd have been an underestimation to describe the mood as hectic inside.

Even with the panic suppressed,fear and determination were thick in the air. Officers were pacing back and forth, barking hasty orders over the din of machines running on high gear; every person and computer was bracing for the impact of the upcoming monster. On any other day Ash would have been to explore all over the Command Center and beaming at every detail. However, right now his mind was only focused on Professor Oak and Lance, whom he had spotted discussing further down the room. Without a second of hesitation Ash rushed towards them.

"How far is it?" Ash called out, ignoring the questioning looks from others.

Samuel Oak immediately turned at him, his deeply concerned face nevertheless managing to melt into a tiny smile as he watched the young pilot approach.

"Ah, Ash! I should have expected you to appear," he remarked. "The situation is still coming together, but we can already tell it's a Class 4 Kaiju and it's headed towards Johto shores. Codename Ceramander, I hear."

"We have an estimated 40 minutes left before the collision," Lance calmly explained; a part of Ash wondered if the man ever panicked before anything. "It is one of the largest ones yet, designed to destroy areas efficiently. Clearly they are taking advantage of our lack of capable Jaegers and quickly trying to cripple Johto shores when they can."

"So what will we do? I can quickly dress up for Charizard and—"

"Don't be foolish, Ash, you don't even have a partner yet," Oak sharply reprimanded. "You cannot participate."

"But, we don't even have many pilots here—!" Ash argued. "I could just team up with someone from the candidates and perform the Neural Handshake—"

"Such irresponsible actions would only lead to destruction. You are very well aware of what unsuitable Drift Compatibility can cause; you'd not only risk yourself but the entire Shatterdome," Lance cut him off and this time the tone of annoyance was evident in his voice. "This is not time for reckless action. You will stand down until a suitable co-pilot has been found for you."

"But—"

"Ash, please, you know Lance is right," Oak tried to sound reassuring. "I know you want to fight, but this time there's nothing you can do. You have to stand back."

"But—"

"Have Harrison and Marsilea been alerted?" Lance cut off their argument and spoke loudly to a nearby officer instead.

"Yes, Sir. They are heading to the Jaeger Bay. Shall we send them off right away?"

"No, not yet," Lance said, ignoring the looks of utter surprise on others' faces. "Mr. Harrison's injury possesses a risk in battle, hence sending them head-on against Kaiju would be too great of a gamble. That is why they are on the back-up team. Me and Clair take the front position."

Only then did Ash notice the drive suit Lance was wearing. The logos of Dragonite and Johto Defense Corps marking the dark armor, there was no doubt what the man was wearing it for.

"You... So you're going to fight it yourself?" Ash's eyes widened.

He couldn't believe how calmly Lance merely nodded, as if it was everyday for marshals to rush into battles head-on.

"Yes, Clair and I will take care of the Kaiju," Lance said. "We are the only capable Jaeger team at the moment aside Mr. Harrison and Ms. Marsilea, so it is up to us to stop the attack. I told you I wouldn't be cowering behind others in battle."

"But… Are you sure you can take it on alone? You said yourself it's one of the biggest ones yet," Ash noted. With all of his years in service, this was something he hadn't faced before; usually the higher-ranking commanders stayed behind to monitor the situation and change tactics as necessary. Nevertheless, Ash couldn't but admire the Marshal's nerves of steel.

"Don't worry, Ash, they're strong pilots," Professor Oak said, but Ash noticed the slight strain behind his voice. "They have battled alone before and faced greater risks than this. They know how to handle it, just like you do."

Lance nodded next to him. "I should be offended by your lack of faith. You are not the only pilot in the world, nor the best-looking one. My cousin and I will deal with this. Ah, speaking of which—"

Ash hadn't been able to figure whether Lance had actually attempted a joke before the doors on the side opened and a woman in a drive suit marched in. She had her blue hair tied back, helmet tucked under her arm and a fierce glare in her eyes.

"Lance! We're good to go," she informed him.

Lance hummed back in response before facing the others before him one more time.

"Are we clear here, then? Harrison and Marsilea are to get into positions and be prepared for a launch, but if and only if we're about to go down. And as for you, Mr. Ketchum," he then looked at Ash. "You are to wait here with your Jaeger and not take any action. That is an order. Understood?"

Ash bit inside his cheek before nodding in defeat, knowing well the others were right. No matter how fiercely he burned to fight, there was nothing he could have done in the current situation.

And such helplessness strangled him inside.

"Good. Now then," Lance turned his attention to the whole room, everyone around them halting and waiting for him to speak, a tradition before every attack.

"We're facing yet another threat at our door, and just like we've learned before there is no telling when the door could give in," he started. "But everyone here today, not just in this room but in the whole Shatterdome, is putting their lives at risk to stop it. I have no doubt together we are able to stop the monster, just like we have done before. So everyone, remember your positions, follow your orders and do not let fear take over you. We can and will win. Let's keep the door closed."

Not staying to wait for reactions, Lance then gave a firm nod tot Professor Oak before heading towards Clair. Together they stepped out of the Command Center, leaving behind a nervous yet highly motivated group of people ready to fulfill their duties. Despite his calm composure, Lance certainly had a way of bringing out the fire in others around him.

"Mr. Harrison and Ms. Marsilea have entered the Dressing Rooms and are getting suits ready," worker from the side mentioned.

Ash felt as if an icy hand had wrapped around his heart, but he firmly shook the feeling off. Naturally he felt bit distressed and on edge while watching his friends head out and into battle, but his faith in them was far greater. To stop them from going, telling them to stay safe — now that wasn't like him at all.

Together they had gone through and defeated nightmares far more intense before; the least he could do was to trust in his friends and have them fulfill their duty the same way he was dedicated to his.

Ash wasn't naive when it came to battles, but he knew to cheer his friends on. It was the only thing he could do at the moment anyway.

Fidgeting on his feet and unsure of his next move, Ash took a look around and to his surprise spotted Gary among the people close by.

It should had been expected; not only being Oak's grandson, Gary had already left an impression of someone involved in high-profile tasks as well. The young man seemed calm and his attention sharp, yet there was a slight frown on his face while he eyed the information given, as if he was calculating for the worst already. Ash wondered if the wait for an attack had made him so tense earlier.

Just as he was about to decide whether to approach Gary or not, Ash heard Professor Oak calling to him from the side.

"Ash! Come, there's someone I'd like you to meet," Oak said, standing next to a woman he had been chatting with a mere moment ago.

Ash turned away from Gary and with a rather puzzled expression approached them, not recognising the person next to the professor.

"Ash, let me introduce you to Brigette," Oak gestured at the woman. "She's the Chief LOCCENT Officer here, the one to keep your wheels running in battle. Brigette, meet Ash, the pilot of Charizard-X2."

Brigette was few inches taller than Ash, with a fit figure and glinty brown eyes. Her hair was shade of ginger and styled neatly save for few spikes resting on top, fitting her simultaneously professional and laid-back appearance. She was wearing a white dress with a blue jacket casually hanging from her shoulders, contrasting her bright green slippers that fought against the rest of the composition. In a vague way she reminded him of Misty.

"I've heard good things about you," Brigette smiled as she offered her hand for a shake. "Thank you for joining us! Professional pilots are always joy in my eyes. Is this your first assignment at Johto?"

"My pleasure. And no, I had a mission with Lugia several years ago," Ash said while grabbing her hand. "But my base was in Kanto, so I haven't actually stationed in Johto before this."

"I see! Welcome aboard then, I'm sure you're going to love it here. And if either of us knows their jobs well you'll hopefully be around for a long time," Brigette said.

"I look forward to working with you, ma'am," Ash grinned and raised his hand in a playful military greeting.

Before any of them could utter another word further, the computer generated voice cut through the holographic screen — the same voice Ash had awoken to earlier.

"Pilots on board, Dragonite ready for cage drop."

"Alright, people, here we go," Brigette loudly announced and returned to her position in front of the main screens. "Everyone ready in positions, launch preparations underway." She then leaned towards one of the microphones attached to the control panel. "Sir, do you read me?"

"Loud and clear," Lance's voice responded through the speakers. "Pilots all set here, initiate the drop."

"Initiating the cage drop, sir." Brigette snapped couple of switches on while typing the commands with other hand, the holographic screen reflecting her actions. "Securing the Conn-Pod, getting ready for interface."

The detached head of Dragonite gave a low rumbling sound, massive gears preparing to drive it down a shaft and attach the Conn-Pod to the rest of the Jaeger's body located far below the Drivesuit Room. Ash vividly remembered all his own thrilling drops, the memories of adrenaline filling his senses and his own body almost shaking in anticipation for the battles ahead. Even if preparations had become familiar routine, the wild rides down had never failed to rile him up.

"Release for drop."

"Yes, sir."

As they watched Dragonite come together Ash noticed Gary approaching them from the corner of his eye.

"25 minutes," Gary said quietly and handed the latest report to his grandfather. Professor Oak eyed it with a frown on his face before giving a stern nod at Gary and returned the paper to him.

"Neural handshake starting in ten seconds," Brigette informed, counting aloud the numbers as she switched the neural system on, ready to connect the Jaeger pilots through their minds and meld into one with the gigantic body.

"Pilot to pilot protocol sequence, engaging," the computer voice announced.

It was clear Lance and Clair were hardcore professionals, Ash thought to himself, watching the duo proceed through the Drift without a hitch right from the neural connection until to the mighty rumble of Dragonite's hands hitting together in a Tai Chi salute.

"Left side, calibrated," Lance's voice cut to them, followed by Clair's confirmation for the right side as well.

"Neural handshake, success," the computer informed, marking the completion of the process and confirming the pilots' control over the Jaeger.

If one had said fifty years back how two people would be able to become one with a gigantic robot in the future, they'd have most likely been laughed under table. To Ash it still felt like a wild dream even if Jaegers had already existed his whole lifetime.

"Connection firm and dazzling," Brigette hummed. "All ready for transfer and launch—hold onto your hats, people."

"Alright, people, listen up," Lance started as the vehicles proceeded to transfer the Jaeger out of the bay and down the harbor to the sea. "Our objective is to intercept the Kaiju's attack and stop it from reaching mainland—protecting the harbor and the civilians is our top priority. We will hold it at the marked point and beat it there as we cannot afford bringing the battle into the city. Brigette, have Swampert go through the Neural handshake and to be ready at moment's notice if it comes to it."

"Aye aye, sir," the Chief Officer responded.

With a mighty rumble vibrating through the area, Dragonite took a step into the sea and started wading its way from the harbor. Even with an evacuation progressing among the coast buildings, several civilians had stayed to watch the Jaeger depart into battle and waved their hands in cheer.

"3.4 kilometers until rendezvous point," one of the J-Tech officers remarked.

"How much time left?" Ash turned towards Professor Oak.

"The Kaiju isn't moving that fast so I'd estimate ten minutes until collision," Oak said. "Dragonite is old and sturdy but it should be able to stop the attack before the red line."

Ash nodded and shifted his attention back to the computer screens, uneasiness eating him inside. He wasn't used to staying at this side of the battle, his blood screaming him to take action.

"Are there any civilian ships near the area?" one officer asked.

"No, and the Goldenrod line has been halted to avoid anyone getting in the way. We should be good to go."

Minutes pressed forward like years as Dragonite marched its way onwards, the sea reaching to its waist and deepening little bit by every step. Ash knew from experience how hard underwater battles were, hence he felt thankful the battle wasn't set to happen submerged.

"Swampert, reporting in," Brock's voice suddenly cut through the screens. "We're ready to launch. Shall we start the drop?"

"Not yet, the marshal ordered you to stay put unless it goes bad," Brigette informed.

"What?!" Misty's irritated cry was heard. "They're going to fight it alone? No way, can't we at least go into position at the harbor?"

"Orders are orders," Brigette clicked tongue. "You just have to sit this one through, I'm afraid."

"Argh, fine! But if things go south we're gonna be there faster than Ash in sight of a dinner, whether the boss likes it or not."

"We'll be in positions then," Brock cut in to end the call, leaving the Control room under a tensed silence once more.

Five minutes… Eight… Ash wondered whether running through window would get him more at ease.

Then finally—

"Target located, right at north-west," Brigette announced and immediately leaned in to the screen. "700 meters away, and approaching."

"All right, people. Let's keep this clean and short. Focus now and pop beers open later," Lance said. "Let's get this done."

The Kaiju emerged from the sea with a mighty blast and a deafening roar. They could immediately tell it was among biggest ones yet, its figure massive yet surprisingly agile, slightly resembling a salamander. A massive horn was attached to it's skull, distantly giving it a boomerang shape of a diplocaulus. A strong tail was set behind, lashing against the sea with a fast yet destructive motion. Ceramander had already figured out it wasn't alone, and was eyeing the Jaeger ahead it with a fierce growl.

The two massive figures slowly circled each other with few steps — few seconds to weigh their options.

Then the Kaiju dashed forward with a growl. Dragonite stepped to the side and received the attack, grabbing the monster by the head while smashing with other hand straight against it. Ceramander gave a shriek before twisting its body and crashing itself against the Jaeger. Dragonite rumbled and screeched but managed to hold itself steady, delivering another strike at the enemy.

With a splash the Kaiju whipped its tail at the Jaeger. Already expecting it, Dragonite brought its hand to grab the tail midair, managing to stop the attack for milliseconds. It was enough to smash the metallic body against the monster and send the Kaiju fumbling back. Another strike, and Ceramander lost its footing for few seconds and had to retreat few steps to steady itself. Dragonite wasn't waiting but immediately dashed itself towards the opponent.

'They really are professionals,' Ash thought to himself.

The Kaiju managed to avoid Dragonite's grip by twisting to the side and sending its tail to attack instead. Blocking the lashing tail with arms Dragonite remained sturdy but was unable to stop the monster from getting back into position.

"Watch out for the head, it can easily rip through metal," Lance calmly stated.

"Bringing out the cannon!" Clair shouted. "Loaded in ten seconds."

Ceramander roared and moved in for another attack, trying to crash into Dragonite with its massive, rather sharp-edged head. After Dragonite avoided to the side the monster quickly changed direction as if it had already been anticipating this.

Barely managing to escape the fatal strike Dragonite used the opportunity and tried grabbing the Kaiju with his free hand.

"Watch out for the tail, don't let it pierce you!" Brigette yelled.

"We're trying!" Clair hissed. "Cannon loaded in three seconds."

The Kaiju gave another roar and tried to break free from the hold Dragonite had got on its neck.

"I'll keep it down, aim at its head!" Lance commanded.

Seconds felt like years as monster thrashed and twisted, using it strength to escape. The sea around them splashed and roared, the battle turning tides into massive waves. Dragonite's metallic body cried and fingers were giving away its hold under the force of the monster.

"Quick! Shoot it!"

"I can't get a clear shot at its head, it's trashing too much! I'm going for the body."

A high whirr and a blinding blue light; the cannon fired a massive blast at the monster, giving a blow that would wrecked a cargo ship into pieces.

Ceramander shrieked in great pain and trashed back with a gaping wound on its side; had it been any lesser Kaiju it'd have been fatal. But as they had anticipated, it wasn't enough to bring down one of the biggest monsters yet.

"Now we definitely can't expect to get any Christmas cards from it," Brigette said as she kept reading the data given from both of the brawlers. "I need details on the damage from the lower parts."

"Some of its blood has hit Dragonite's lower body," one of the officers hastily informed. "It's corroding the outer layers."

"You heard that, sir? Be careful or with the pressure you might be popping some legs."

"We know," Lance said. "Don't worry, the blood can't get to the core layers."

Despite the pain, Ceramander was far from being done; if anything the pain seemed to drive it into even more frenzied rage. It dashed at the Jaeger, aiming straight at the middle torso. Dragonite managed to grab the monster just before worst of collision, but without hesitation the Kaiju then lashed its tail against the Jaeger's side.

The attack caused Dragonite to lose balance and crash towards the ground. Quickly keeping itself with one hand from completely falling down the Jaeger secured its balance and managed to hit with the other fist against the attacking Kaiju.

Fumbling only slightly Ceramander striked and its claws ripped through Dragonite's side, metal giving away under the massive force.

"They're in a pinch!" someone at the room gasped. Ash clenched his jaws, unable to deny how bad the situation seemed. But he had faith in his colleagues, he had to believe in them.

'They can get through this.'

Smashing its fist against the monster's jaw Dragonite got the beast off for few seconds, enough to force itself back to feet. Despite the warnings ringing clear and loud inside the Jaeger, the pilot duo didn't hold back as they moved in for another attack and brought both of the arms to crash against the Kaiju's body. This managed to knock it off balance and fall to the ground.

"Load the cannon again!" Lance yelled and Clair immediately tapped the buttons to start charging up the deadly weapon once more.

Ceramander didn't waste a second; despite the wound it rose to its feet and gave a deafening, furious roar before dashing at Dragonite. It didn't care it was about to die, it was determined to bring the robot down with it.

"Aim for its leg," Lance ordered, their joined minds already coming up with a plan to end the battle in their favour.

"Four seconds, three, two…"

While Lance brought the left hand up again to grab the attacking Kaiju, Clair aimed the cannon on the right hand towards the leg of the beast. With the second got from the block they managed to blast the Kaiju's left leg, the monster giving a shriek of pain before falling down to its knees.

"Now, the head!" Lance yelled. If they only managed to hold the Kaiju down for the next ten crucial seconds, it'd be their win; everyone both in battle and Shatterdome knew this.

Ceramander roared, unable to escape from the grib Lance had on its head. Instead, it suddenly brought its tail up and without warning, accompanied by a tearing sound, the tail splitted in two.

Ash's eyes widened. But before he or anyone else could react better the Kaiju roared again and with the newly-given agility pierced its tails through Dragonite's chest.

The metal gave away before the sharp tip of tail, ripping apart and screeching as the Jaeger lost its footing, crashing down to its knees. The tails hadn't cut the body in two but crushed through the chest area and destroyed vital engines inside.

"No!" someone in the room shouted.

Ceramander immediately took advantage and ripped itself free from the Jaeger's hold. It then crashed itself against the mighty robot and with a swing pulled its tails back only to pierce them through the metallic body again.

"They're gonna die!" another voice cried out.

"Quick, send Swampert there!" one of the officers yelled. "Dragonite has suffered severe damage!"

Another strike, accompanied by the pained yells from Lance and Clair.

"Swampert in position, we're heading out there right away!" Ash heard Brock shout as the vehicles transported the Gen III Jaeger into the sea.

'But, can they make it there in time?'' Ash swallowed, inner panic starting to take over his mind. They had to do something now, it was a matter of seconds before—

"Sending air forces," Brigette informed and contacted the fighter planes around.

"No, we can take care of this!" Lance suddenly cut through, he and Clair struggling to keep their Jaeger from falling down. "Hold your positions!"

Pieces crashed into the sea as the Kaiju mauled Dragonite, wrapping the Jaeger in a tight hold with its tails.

"This is hardly not the time to be heroic, sir," Brigette argued with fierce tone. "We're sending support."

"We're on our way, Marshal! Just hold on," Misty's voice came through the speakers as Swampert accelerated into a run, its design helping to move faster towards the scene.

"No, stay back. We can still win this," Lance strictly ordered, out of breath and in pain as the body they were attached to kept getting more and more destroyed. He then turned to Clair next to him, who nodded.

"The cannon's loaded!"

"Now, shoot it!"

"Wait—!"

But before Brigette could finish her sentence, Clair pulled the trigger.

It was as if the world around exploded. The cannon fired just as Ceramander dived in for final attack, the destroyed weapon channels permitting the blast to break through and into the robot's power source. When Dragonite released its final shot, the blue spark sent the destructive force right into the core — and igniting a massive explosion.

Before everyone's eyes, both Dragonite and the Kaiju shattered into pieces in one enormous blast.

And with that, the battle was over.

A nauseating feeling stunned Ash. He couldn't take his eyes away from the screens as the heavy silence had fallen upon the room, his mind lost somewhere between disbelief and shock.

'No — no, wait, they… they couldn't have—'

No one said a word, until Brigette finally took a deep breath and broke the spell.

"Battle ended at 9:02 PM, no life signals detected. I report, both the Kaiju and Dragonite have been eliminated," she said in a firm tone, before taking off her headset and tiredly burying her face in hands.

The others in room followed her example, the situation finally getting down to them. Some shed tears openly while others yelled orders for air forces and kept the situation going. Ash saw Professor Oak pinch the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed, while next to him Gary was staring at the screens with a blank face. He heard Misty yelling something through speakers but the words were lost to him.

Ash couldn't believe it, the world was spinning around him while icy fingers strangled his insides. It had to be a mistake. But the reality was laid open mercilessly before him; what had been vivid heart rates were now steady lines as the pilot profiles confirmed what his mind yet refused to believe.

"Ash, are you alright?" he heard Professor Oak ask.

Ash simply nodded, his mind frozen. "Yeah, I'm… I—"

There were no words for it. No matter how many times he saw others die, it was something no one would ever get used to.

"I just, I need some air…"

The world still swirling around, Ash left the center room. He didn't even know where he was heading to, his legs taking him forward until he finally sat down on a bench in hallway.

Letting out his breath, Ash buried his face in his hands and rubbed his eyes tiredly. It was always hard, to compose yourself. The turn of events, the explosion, the feel of helplessness; everything had happened so quickly. He should have been prepared for it, just how many times had he already been through this? He should had overcome such naivety a long time ago.

Sighing, Ash ran his hand through his hair.

He hadn't even got to know Lance. When they had first met, Ash had been sure there'd be trouble brewing between them. Now he wished he'd never presumed anything in the first place.

'And in the end, he stayed true to his words, they took care of it…'

People were passing him, each whispering with worried tones or rushing to get more information on the attack. Ash didn't know how long he had been sitting there, only snapping from his through when two persons stopped by his side.

"You all right?" Misty asked kindly and rubbed his shoulder. Next to him Brock sat down as if ready to console him.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why is everyone worried about me, I'm not the one who went down there," Ash chuckled tiredly. "It just… came as bit of a shock."

"I know. We just thought, with the explosion and all…" Misty trailed off. Brock let out a sigh and rubbed his neck but remained from commenting.

"So, what now?" Ash lifted his gaze to look at the other two. "What's gonna happen next?"

"The project will continue, we heard," Brock explained. "Protecting the coastline remains our priority. They said someone will take over the position soon, but meanwhile Professor Oak will be in charge."

Ash didn't look surprised. "Yeah, figured he's one for the job," he gave a small, sad laugh. "Shame Lance didn't have his will ready or successor set in line. He seemed so prepared for everything."

Brock sighed. "To be honest none of us could have predicted the outcome," he said. "Otherwise me and Misty would have broken out to get there in time... These things, you just never get used to them."

"You got that right," Ash said and leaned back on the bench. "Fucked-up world when you're expected to see your friends die."

They stayed there in silence for several minutes, each of them deep in thoughts. The excitement from earlier evening had faded, the harsh reality of their mission once more heavy on them.

Eventually they got themselves to move, walking along the hall until departing before the elevator.

Ash thought of going to his room, to Pikachu, but instead pushed the button to take him to the first floor and decking area. He slipped past the workers and out through a door on the side, a cool sea wind greeting him when he moved forward and reached the end of the wharf.

There was something calming about watching the waves fade into darkness of the night. Their noises rippled through the air and if one closed their eyes and let themselves be wrapped in the soothing lullaby of the sea, it'd have been easy to imagine everything was alright. Whenever something had been pressing Ash's mind, he had found most comfort by the sea and letting it calm his senses down.

Even if many of his colleagues had been killed in its depths.

Feeling the worst of his shock starting to settle down, Ash let out a deep breath and sank into his thoughts once more.

What were they going to do now? Even if the damage to the harbor had been avoided, they were down another Jaeger and had managed to lose their Marshal as well. Ash knew someone was set to come and take charge eventually, but the situation had dropped from bad to quite worse in mere hours—not to mention his lack of a partner. It was eating him inside; he hated standing idle, his fighter within screaming to take action.

But even Ash knew, just like Lance had said earlier that night, that the only thing he could do now was to wait for orders.

"I hope you're simply there for the atmosphere; the water is rather cold," a voice cut through to him. Ash snapped his eyes open and turned to look back, recognising the person immediately.

"I'm just here to ventilate my thoughts," Ash said while Gary stopped few meters from him. "It usually helps to move on from… well, stuff like that."

"Yeah, what could be a better therapeutic than a cold deep sea," Gary sneered. "Accompanied by this lovely wind, of course."

"Well, the door inside is that way if your highness can't handle here," Ash turned back towards the wharf. "What even made you come out?"

"They sent me to look for you, with a message," Gary answered with a shrug. "It's about the candidates. Because of today, your co-pilot tryout has been moved up to two days from now."

"Really? Okay, thanks," Ash nodded. So the project indeed was still ongoing; a small feeling of relief settled within him.

Gary didn't move to leave, but instead watched Ash with a speck of curiosity in his eyes.

"Why do you even need a new partner?" he suddenly asked, receiving a confused glance in return. "From what I know you had a partner back in Hoenn, what happened that left you here waiting for new one?"

Ash blinked. "Oh, well…" he started, feeling taken aback by Gary's sudden interest.

"You don't have to tell if you don't want to—"

"No, it's okay," Ash shook his head and let his eyes wander back to the waves before continuing. "Yeah, I had a partner in Hoenn. Her name was May, and we ran on missions together for three years. She's not dead if that's what you thought, but..."

He let out a small sigh and ran his hand through his hair. "It was around year ago, when that Kaiju hit Lilycove City. Me and May were there with our Jaeger Blaziken to stop it, while the evacuation was still ongoing. We managed to win but… it wasn't without losses."

Gary didn't say anything but listened with a calm that Ash hadn't before thought to be possible between them.

"May had a fiancé, Drew, who worked in the J-Tech. He was there when the attack happened, but not in the safe zone like we thought. Later we found out he had stayed behind to help with the evacuation. That was when the Kaiju got to the city and Drew, he… got caught in the destruction."

Ash stayed silent for a short moment and kept watching the dark sea ahead. "Losing Drew, it broke May. He had meant worlds to her; they had been supposed to marry that year, too. She kept blaming herself for not being able to keep him safe, and how she should have made sure Drew had gotten to safety. I tried to help her, but the loss was too much for her. She couldn't keep fighting anymore, so she retired."

"I see…" Gary said. "That's understandable."

"Yeah, it was hard time. But now she seems to be doing better, and I'm happy for that. She's strong so I know she can keep going," Ash smiled.

"And do you also know if she's okay with you spilling all about her tragedy to others?" Gary then remarked. Ash's eyes widened in surprise.

"What? But you asked—"

"You could have just said she retired after a personal trauma, instead of blabbering about her personal business to a stranger. I know I sure wouldn't feel comfortable in her shoes with a friend like you."

"Hey, watch it!" Ash glared. "I'm not that much of insensitive idiot, she said herself it's okay for me to explain her disappearance."

"Okay, okay. Loyal friends forever, I get it," Gary smirked and raised his hands up in surrender. "Well, that certainly answered my question. Thank you."

Without a further warning he then turned to leave and left Ash behind at the docks.

"Oh, uh, you're welcome?" Ash called back to him.

Watching Gary's retreating back the pilot scratched his head and wondered if he ever could figure out the other man's mind, even with all the world's Drifts combined.

Soon after, Ash followed Gary's footsteps back to the Shatterdome, his mind still in middle of processing everything that had occurred today. Even if the worst of shock had worn down, a heavy curtain had fallen over the place. People were discussing with worried faces, hallways seemed more grim than usual; Lance's death had cast a dark looming shadow above them all.

Flicking his keycard and opening the door Ash stepped into his room, not bothering to turn on any lights. Pikachu perked up from the bed where he had been nestled on and quickly skittered to his owner. Sometimes—or more accurately, rather often—Ash wondered if the ferret could sense his moods like a dog, his theory once more strengthened when Pikachu gently nuzzled his cheek.

"It's okay, buddy," he smiled and patted the ferret.

Kicking his shoes off and throwing his jacket who knew where, Ash once again slumped onto his bed. Careful not to crush Pikachu he settled on the sheets and dragged the blanket up to his chin, closing eyes and once more trying to lull himself to sleep.

The excitement from earlier had faded, instead replaced by anxiety and drop to reality yet again. It felt like ages already from the last time he had hit the bed, completely oblivious of the attack only minutes away.

But there was no use dwelling on the night's events, he knew, and bawling over it wouldn't bring Lance and Clair back. Just like before, he had to endure and look for tomorrow.

The day's stress finally catching up to him Ash drifted into sleep, hoping for once not to dream of explosions or death.

AN: Brigette is the woman who runs Poké Bank in games, in case someone wondered. Thank you for reading, feedback is always appreciated! :)