The Blade and the Embrace

by galladefenrir44

The adventures of a Gallade named Rick who arrives in the Sinnoh region from the Hoenn region to fulfill his late trainer's dying wish. It also follows the story of a Gardevoir named Alara whose journey start by accident. Their stories will eventually innertwine and they will have to work as a team to succeed in their goals.

26. Chapter 26: First Day of Work

Chapter 26 is out and I'm glad I was able to finish this today. I'm one day behind my usual schedule but I blame my parents for that one. Anyways, enjoy this story guys. This one took a lot of thought into and I like how it is. Special thanks to Emerald Dynamo for many great ideas that I used in earlier chapters. I'm still taking requests, questions, and suggestions. I might even be able to add viewer characters into the fray but I need suggestions and character info...also the character must be a pokemon or from the pokemon world. So please enjoy the chapter. It was out of my usual style but I like it regardless. View Rankings: Same as last time.

"speech"= talking out loud or conversing

*speech*= thoughts

speech= Pokemon moves

speech= telepathic communication

The sun was barely appearing over the horizon when Rick got up in the morning. He quickly went to his bathroom and got prepared for the day. He then walked into his dad's armory and put his dad's armor before making a call to Alara on his Poketch.

"Hello?"

"Hi Alara. It's me."

Alara smiled, "I kinda guessed. Are you coming? I've been up for a little while and got breakfast ready."

"Yeah, I'll be there in a second. I just need to get something first."

"Okay. I'll be waiting."

"Bye!"

"Bye!"

He then hung up the call and walked to his living room where he then saw X laying down on his couch waiting for him.

"X? Did you want to talk to me?"

"No, I wanted you to paint me like one of them French girls, what do you think? Yes, I need to talk to you about the military."

"Well go ahead. I need to meet up with them."

"Today the first day you're going to be analyzing their skills and training them. Just do what I told you before. The sooner you finish their training the better. We'll eliminate Team Rocket once you get your army ready and round up the other pokemon Warlords, Chieftains, and Kings."

"This is a long term process, isn't it?"

"Yes, it can take years for you to do this or months. I'd rather it be at least a year so that the soldiers can be prepared."

Rick then sighed, "So I'm stuck here for at least a year? I expected that. It's not like I can leave now."

"No, this is your home. I think you should settle down here. Besides, you seem to be almost at the settling down part."

Rick then arched an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"I wasn't in your head last night but your parents told me everything that happened. Looks like you and Alara have been getting closer than I anticipated."

"We were just enjoying our time as friends."

"Oh I saw that. But that was way too friendly."

"Oh shut up and get back in my head."

"As you wish but that was still a fun thing to watch. Watch your emotions and if you are going to mate with her, please warn me first." X said with a laugh as he faded away.

"Like that'll ever happen.

X then reappeared, "So you'll like to think."

"Leave!" X then disappeared. "Stupid time being...wait...what? If he's a time being doesn't that mean...nah!"

He then went back to his dad's armory and took a pile of papers from his dad's desk and put them in his bag. He then concentrated on Alara's house and teleported toward it. He then knocked on the door and Alara quickly opened it and hugged Rick before welcoming him inside.

"It's good to see you again Rick."

"Likewise. So what have you cooked up?"

"Well I have pancakes, sausage, and for a kick, coffee."

"Thank you! I needed a better pick-me-up this morning."

"Well enjoy your meal. Looks like we'll be training all day."

"Yeah. You know I nearly killed Jean last night?"

"Really? What did he do to the car?"

"He took it for a joy ride outside the Sanctuary and got it back to me at one in the freakin' morning."

"Well he got it back to you."

"True but I didn't tell him to do that."

"Oh just let it go. It's not like you can't just buy hordes of those cars."

Rick then chuckled and went on eating his breakfast. "You know, I should cook for you once."

Alara then smiled, "You cook?"

"Yeah. Seras taught me how when I was a Kirlia."

"She taught you a lot."

"Naturally she would."

They then finished their breakfast and Rick then teleported with Alara to the Military District. Once they arrived they saw all the soldiers already in attention, seats already prepared for them, Rick's team standing with the army, and Alara's parents sitting in seats next to them. Alara then waved at her parents and Rick called his team to him.

Rick then said to the army, "I see that you guys are quick to please. I like that but don't treat me like I'm your king though. I'm a soldier like you and today I'm going to assess all of your skills. So tell me, do any of you have any special skills in the army."

A Gallade then said, "There are five sections sir. We have recon, medic, spec ops, intel, and marines."

"You guys have marines?"

"Yes sir! Basic foot soldiers."

"Well this is interesting. Let's see if I can make use of this. So I know I appointed two Captains but let me introduce to you a few new Captains and I'm going to explain my reasons for doing this. The new Captains are some of the guys behind me."

Rick's team quickly stared at him. Shadow, the Gengar, then said, "Run that by me again?"

"Let me explain. The Captains are as follows: Dartz, Jean, Celand, Winston, Wayland, Gloria, Seras, who is not here at the moment, Lucian, and Amari." With that the rest of his team sighed a sigh of relief. "And here are my reasons why. One, these guys have been trained in various military occupations. Two, these guys can kick all your asses but they will train you in their own skills. Now to be fair I will appoint more Captains considering who I see fit to have the jobs. Lieutenants will also be chosen in three months by whoever reaches the qualifications. But that will be up for me, the Chief, and the Captains to decide. So...any objections?"

A soldier then said, "We're actually okay with anything you tell us. We were kinda waiting to get new leaders and training protocols already."

"Why is it that everyone here is so open to everything?"

"We haven't had much action since your father was the Warlord. So you can only guess sir."

"Sure it makes my job easier but it also makes it dull. No one has anything that they would rather see change or something you expect of me...you know what, fuck it! We'll just see how your current training sessions go. Now we're all going to split into two divisions, everyone choose a side immediately."

As soon as Rick gave the order everyone split but they split according to gender. Gallades on the right and Gardevoirs to the left. Rick looked at this with confusion and then Jean spoke to him.

"Are they always separated like that? I guess it's a modesty thing."

Rick then sighed, "Everyone back to your original positions!" They soon returned to where they were standing prior and Rick walked in between them. "Someone please explain to me why you are all separated gender-wise."

Captain Williams then said, "We separate like this because we try to keep both genders apart to limit obstacles."

"You're here to be fighters not to keep yourselves apart. I don't care what you guys say about this. I will not have my soldiers separated!"

"Sir we all have different skills that also makes us separate. Females are the special attackers and males are the physical attackers."

"Should I remind you guys of my special attack strength despite the fact that I'm a male? Should I remind all you guys how Alara over there can knock out many of these males with her killer right hook? Don't bring this bullshit to me. You will all learn to work together as a team by the time I'm done with you all. Males, you will learn how to use your special attack to your advantage and females will learn to fight hand to hand. Now this is what we're going to do. Each soldier will take a partner from someone of the opposite gender."

"But sir..."

Rick interrupted her, "I don't care. We're going to work as a team whether you like it or not! Now everyone move! You have five minutes and counting!"

All the soldiers then scrambled to pick a partner and picked a side of the wall to stand at. Rick then chuckled at the sight of them being uneasy with one another.

Gloria then said, "Isn't it nice. Males and females working together for a change."

One of the soldiers then said, "It's different but acceptable."

Rick then looked at both sides in the gigantic courtyard, "So how many soldiers do we have present?"

Captain Simmons then said, "At roll count we have six thousand soldiers here in this shift in the fortress while the other eighteen thousand are on patrol or off duty at the moment. They switch shifts every four hours."

"Good so I'm going to be here all day. This is going to be quite the day."

"Actually sir you can leave whenever you want and the other leaders can continue your training."

"I'd rather see how this goes but I'll leave when I'm good and ready." He then turned to the team, "You guys will be placed into partners. Jean and Dartz, Wayland and Gloria, Celand and Winston, Serenity and Sage, Anna and Bolt, Aleerah and Shadow, me and Alara, Lucian and Amari, and...wow Seras isn't here so who am I going to put Allen with?" Rick then looked at Alara's parents and saw Amber playing with her ears. "Amber you're with Allen."

Amber then jumped up, "Are you crazy!? I'm not a soldier!"

"Neither is Alara. You need to learn how to fight yourself and what better way to train than with someone who as old as you and still learning. You're in it no questions asked." Amber then screamed in her mouth and walked next to Allen. "Alright! Everyone on the left, go inside the fortress. Everyone on the right, to the training grounds. Wayland and Gloria, Anna and Bolt, Lucian and Amari, Allen and Amber you will go with them to the training grounds to begin. The rest inside the Fortress and I will see you all in the amphitheater in 700 hours military time or 7am. I need to bring in a few packages into a certain area that I found out about last night. It's a surprise for you guys."

[30 minutes later]

Alara was looking at Rick read a piece of paper that he got from his dad's study.

"What is that?"

"It's a memo that my dad wrote while he was the Warlord. It gave me an idea last night. You're probably wondering what's in all those boxes I put here in the amphitheater, aren't you?"

"Yes. What did you order? You have over a thousand boxes of those things in here."

Jean then said, "I think I have an idea. If I'm right then this is going to be fun for all of us."

After he said that the group of soldiers entered the amphitheater. Rick then jumped off of the box he was sitting on.

"Welcome to the amphitheater and the first training session you guys will have. This is assessment and for me to see how well you guys can follow orders and work as a team. You all know this places as the amphitheater but in my father's time this place had another function." Rick then took his amulet and put it in a indentation on the wall. The amphitheater then began to go down like an elevator until it stopped and the wall behind the amphitheater went up and revealed an armory of hundreds of thousands of blades, firearms, and the like. It also revealed a gigantic room covered in blue tile. "Welcome to the Simulation Room. This room is used to simulate fights between teams or scenarios where you all will have to work together to accomplish objectives and finish the simulation."

Alara then asked, "And your dad had this built?"

"Looks like I'm a chip off the old block but point is that Team Rocket fights with guns now since their pokemon are now going to disobey their orders because of Arceus's command. With that being said, they're going to begin using guns more often than usual. This is why you will see guns here. We're going to fight fire with fire and I'll teach you guys how to use guns."

Captain Williams then said, "We're already trained in that."

"Wait...what?"

"Yeah. Just in case it ever came to that we were trained to use guns and how to disarm opponents."

"This is surprising but it also makes this process a lot faster. So here's the deal, I'm going to pick a scenario from the computer program and you guys will come in here and pick your primary, secondary, and melee weapons. Use your pokemon powers when you need them. In here there is no rules but you must follow your leaders' orders. Now this brings me to what is inside of these boxes. Jean if you will?"

Jean quickly took the lid off of one of the boxes and looked inside before telling Rick, "I'm so going to love these exercises so much."

Rick then went to the opened box and took out a gun's clip and took a round out. The bullet was purple in color and had what appeared to be a gel in it. "This is a debilitator bullet. It was created by Silph Co. for world militaries to train with. When you get hit by these bullets they will burst and cover the place you were hit with a gel that hardens and leaves you immobilized if you got in a vital area. You can still move if you get hit in a limb but the limb will be debilitated until you are taken out. When you are taken out you will be automatically teleported back out of the room." He then took out a purple knife. "This is a debilitator combat knife. Keep one on you at all times for close quarter combat. It works the same way as with the bullets. Once you stab someone with it, it will smear the gel on the hit location and harden until the victim is immobilized. Finally we have debilitator grenades and flashbang grenades. I don't think I need to explain what they win versus battles by eliminating a chosen soldier or finishing the objectives. So is everyone game for a match?"

Everyone then said, "Yes sir!"

"Alright but remember, we're still pokemon. We will use our powers more than firearms or any form of weapon. It's just that if the situation calls for it we will have to fight like they fight and we will be ready to win. Everyone grab four magazines or a number of shells and your weapons of choice, three grenades and three flashbangs. Move on out!"

Each soldier then went into the gigantic armory and set their weapon classes before stepping into the simulator. Rick took two M1911s, an ACR, and a debilitator combat knife. Alara took a FAMAS, a Desert Eagle, and a debilitator combat knife.

Rick and Jean were immediately concerned for Alara when she picked the Desert Eagle. Jean the told her, "Umm...Alara don't you think you might want a smaller pistol?"

"You don't think I know how to use it?"

"It's not that. It's just that...well that thing is bigger than you."

"Oh please! I can handle it."

"Alright fire it at that target."

Rick then said, "Jean no! Don't make her do that."

Alara then told him, "Rick I can handle it."

"I'm just looking out for you. That thing has a lot of recoil."

"I appreciate that you're trying to protect me but I want to do this."

Alara then aimed her sights on the target and Rick braced himself to see her in pain really soon. Jean just smiled and had his hand on his chin. Alara then pulled the trigger and fired a shot but the Desert Eagle recoiled back and hit her in the face. She quickly dropped the gun and grabbed her face in pain before walking to Rick and sinking her head in his chest. Rick just held her and rubbed her back to comfort her until the pain subsided. She then lifted her face and had a bruise on her face. Rick quickly healed it with Healing Pulse and smiled at her before taking one of his M1911 and giving it to Alara. Rick then noticed a little drop of blood on her face and he then wiped it off and she sank her face in his chest again.

"Here Alara. You can have on of my pistols. It's a M1911, it's smaller but more reliable than a Desert Eagle. It doesn't matter if your gun is more powerful, it only matters if it gets the job done." He then felt that she was still in a little pain from the recoil hit and he then held her again as she took the pistol from his hands. "I'm here don't worry. The pain will leave soon."

Jean was watching the entire thing unfold and chuckled, "Aww get a room you two. So cute together."

Rick then glared at him and then announced, "Hey guys! Demonstration time!" He then pulled out the other pistol and shot Jean in between the eyes. Jean fell back and a purple gel covered his face and then hardened, leaving his body immobile and muffling his words. "That's what happens when you get shot. It doesn't hurt nor does it harm you." Rick then let go of Alara and walked up to Jean's immobile body and pistol whipped the gel off of Jean's face, releasing him and letting him move again.

"Alright I'll stop with the comments."

Rick then walked back to Alara and saw her laugh quietly. Rick then pulled out a screen on his Poketch and activated the room. "Alright, let's set the scenario. You know what let's randomize it for now." Rick then pressed the randomize button and then saw the settings that came up. "So here's the match: Two teams: Red and Blue, Team Red is commanded by Jean, Dartz, Celand, and Wayland. Team Blue is commanded by Me, Alara, Serenity, and Sage. The location is a military lab and the match is...oh great I love this kind of fight. The match is a Search and Destroy match, which means that one commander from each team will be the target. Blue Team's target is Jean and Red Team's target is...Alara...oh crap. Well let's start. The computer is going choose the team members by changing their colors."

As soon as he finished, Rick and Alara turned blue, as so did many of the soldiers in the room. The same happened to the other team by turning them red. Captain Williams joined the blue team and Captain Simmons joined the red team. Everyone's vision then went white and Red Team then found themselves inside the facility and Blue Team woke up seated in helicopters headed to the facility.

Alara then looked at Rick who was sitting next to her, checking his guns. "Rick, do you think that we'll ever need helicopters as pokemon?"

"Maybe not but just play along with the simulator."

"Alright. So we'll get out when the choppers land then."

Rick then activated an earpiece in his ear and then a broadcast opened on the earpieces in the Blue Team's ear. "Captain Williams, this is Warlord Aeruthael. What's your status. Over!"

A voice then came over the broadcast, "This is Captain Williams. I can hear you loud and clear. We're alright here. I'm in chopper 5."

Another voice came up, "This is Private First Class Allo, we're a-ok here in the second chopper."

Rick then said, "Pleased to meet you Private First Class Allo. Alright guys here's the 411: We need to barge into the facility and take out Captain Jean. Knowing how they are, they've already taken precautions to protect him. Alright we'll need to break into six teams with at least one commander and we have enough commanders and Allo will take care of the recovery team. Your job is to help whatever teams is in trouble and to protect them.

"Yes sir!"

"Williams, you'll be assault team two. You provide a diversion for us to go in. Be very careful Williams. These guys aren't pushovers."

"Yes sir!"

"Serenity and Sage, you guys will be the next assault team. While the first team attacks you guys go in through a different route. My team will protect Alara and try to take out Jean. So time to get out of the hueys."

"Hueys?"

"It military slang for helicopters."

"Oh okay. So I'm guessing we're landing then. See you guys on the ground."

They then landed and quickly swarmed out of the many helicopters and grouped around to figure out when to attack. Rick then came out of the helicopter with Alara holding onto his arm and covered away from the facility, to shield her from an attack.

Rick then said, "Okay so time to strike. I'll go in first and take out the sentries. When you hear return fire then start the attack."

Alara then grabbed his arm, "Isn't that a bit too risky?"

"I've done it before. I find it fun taking out the first wave of enemies. I'm surprised on how quickly they already set up their defenses. Knowing Jean, he won't like the defensive approach and go on the offensive. I'm waiting for him to mess up. However, I need to protect you so I'm going to clear the courtyard to let you guys in."

A sniper shot then cut through the air and missed everyone before hitting the ground near Rick.

Captain Williams then yelled, "Sniper! Get down!"

Everyone then hid behind the choppers and different structures that could offer cover. Serenity took Alara and hid her while Rick stood in the open where he was before. He then turned and looked at a sniper on the wall.

The sniper then said, "Alright! That was your one warning shot! Leave now or give up!"

Rick then said, "That's not going to happen!"

"Alright I warned ya'. Sayonara beatch!" He then fired at Rick and Rick took his combat knife and knocked the shot back at the sniper. "Oh come on!"

"And that's the first down. Now I'm heading out. Watch and learn and pay attention to your monitors. That's the things that are over your eyes. They will tell you the location of enemies and how many are left. Well I'm out!" Rick then disappeared and everyone turned on their monitors and saw that they had radar capabilities. Rick's voice then came through the broadcast. "I forgot to mention, the radars don't work on the inside unless hotspots are placed but that only works on one floor. Also, I didn't order hotspots so we're out of luck. Okay killing time."

Rick somehow managed to pass the guards on the wall and got behind them. He quickly got rid of four guards with his combat knife. He then grabbed a pistol and drew his other pistol and began to follow a patrolling soldier. He then hit the soldier in the back of the head with one of his pistols and then grabbed the soldier's gun holster and knife sheath and fired through them to muffle the sound of the pistol. Rick then found more soldiers and took them out silently until a gate opened in the facility. Rick quickly activated the front gate doors to let the others in.

(Battle Music: Anumati by E.S Posthumus)

Rick's team then got into their positions and then a squad of Red Team members came out of the facility. Everyone then scrambled for cover and began to fire at the opposing team that also returned fire. Rick immediately grabbed Alara and pulled her away from the fire. He then took out his ACR and prepped it before firing back and taking out a number of soldiers. Alara then took out her FAMAS and fired along with Rick. Rick then stopped her and took her by the arm to an awaiting team.

Rick then broadcasted, "Williams, do your thing."

Williams then responded, "You got it sir!"

A flashbang then went off and Rick ran through the gate with Alara, while shooting multiple soldiers on his way there. The team then joined him and Alara held on to him while paying attention to her surroundings and sensing for anything nearby.

[In the Courtyard]

Williams was holding back the attacking squad and then felt a familiar energy nearby. She then took out her AK-47 and aimed at the squad. She looked though her sighs and then saw a bullet heading towards her, forcing her to dodge and making it hit one of her soldiers. She then saw that the bullet came from Captain Simmons.

"Simmons! You'll pay for that!"

She then fired at Simmons and he dodged it and lost a few of his men. He then rushed towards her while firing and she returned fire. She then jumped out of cover and ran towards him with her combat knife drawn, blocking bullets with it and with Psychic. Simmons then drew his combat knife and met her in the center.

"So Williams, when was the last time we had a one on one match?"

"It's been a while. Not since we mated. That seemed to stop us fighting one another." All the soldiers then stopped after they heard that and then Williams said, "Yes, we mated months ago. Go back to killing one another because in battle there won't be time to stop." They then began to fight again.

"Well I didn't want to announce it yet."

"Yeah but they had to find out eventually. So are we going to duel or not?"

"As you wish. You know, I haven't decided whether I'll take your name yet."

"For military purposes keep your name, but for family sake you should take my name."

"We'll see. Prep yourself!"

She then lunged at him with the combat knife and he blocked it. She then fired a Thunderbolt at him which he dodged and pulled her close and kissed her. She then kicked him off of her and hit him with a Shadow Ball. Simmons quickly got up and tried to stab her but she grabbed his hand and twisted it and then tried to stab him but he caught her arm. Both of them were fighting for the advantage and the knives were inches from their faces.

Williams then spun around and managed to stab Simmons in the shoulder, faintly hindering it. Williams then smiled and giggled at him and Simmons just smiled and lunged at her. He then managed to slash her face but she wiped the gel off since it was not threatening in any way. He then fire a Signal Beam at her and it managed to knock to the knife from her hand. He then backed her into a corner and knocked her guns away from her and then held the knife to her throat.

"You know. It's amusing how you managed to hold me off and even hit me. So any last requests before your game ends?"

"Just the one. Come here." Simmons then kissed her and Williams then returned the kiss. She then shot her eyes open and kneed him in the groin, took his pistol, and shot him in the head. "Sorry dear but never let your defenses fall for anything. I'll see you later after the simulation."

"You...bitch." He then stopped moving and was teleported out of the simulation.

Williams then smiled and then turned but only to be sniped down by Celand.

She then looked at the vantage point that Celand was at and then said, "Well fuck. Karma's a bitch." She was then teleported out of the zone.

[In the facility]

Rick received an update from his Poketch. "Well we lost Williams and they lost Simmons. Be careful Celand, Jean, Winston, and Dartz are in here somewhere. Also, Williams left her communicator on. She's Simmon's mate, but I guess that's not important right now. Let's go!"

Everyone then nodded and took their positions around Alara. Rick then sent two soldiers to scout ahead and check for hostiles. The scouts went and then gave the a-ok sign but then they were shot by what appeared to be shotgun blasts. Rick quickly got Alara behind him and aimed at the corridor, waiting for someone to come out. Jean and Dartz then walked down the hall, surprising Rick and his team. Rick kept his sights on them as did all the other soldiers and Alara.

Jean then said, "Kind of you to bring Alara to us. Hand her over!"

Rick then replied, "Go fuck yourself!"

"A fighter as usual. Look at what's in my hand. That's right, it's a SPAS-12, I can take all of you in one blast."

"You always take the shotguns. Cheap bastard!"

"I just prefer them to most conventional weapons since I can take out multiple targets without aiming. Also, this thing has an extended clip. I can fire up to 16 shots without reloading and that means I can fight against your assault rifles without fear of losing."

"Are you done with your lecture? Gloating won't win the fight, actually doing something will. Also, I would of thought you would of played the defensive game but I guess your pride got the better of you."

"I don't need to run and hide behind my partners like Alara over there cowering behind you."

"Well make your move then."

Jean then fired a round off in Rick's direction and Rick dodged the buckshot as did most of his soldiers, he also pulled Alara away from the shot. He then fired at Jean who used his accelerated movement to get out of the way. Dartz then began firing at Rick with his TMP, which Rick dodged and rushed Dartz and headbutted him before knocking the TMP away and fighting him hand-to-hand.

Alara was left with the soldiers fighting Jean, who kept moving from place to place and slowly taking out the soldiers. Alara then threw a flashbang and made Jean stand in place and tried to shoot him but Jean blocked the shots with his shotgun. Jean then threw his combat knife at one of the soldiers and took their M-14. He then aimed for Alara but the his gun was knocked to the side by a soldier who tried to attack him with a Psycho Cut. Jean quickly dodged and punched the soldier in the stomach and then shot him. Jean then heard a shot ringing from the end of the hall and saw Rick defeating Dartz with his handgun. Rick then fired at Jean and forced him to get away from Alara.

Jean then charged Rick and blocked Rick's bullets with his own. They then clashed with each other and exchanged bullets in close range and dodging them. Rick then grabbed Jean's arm and flipped him and fired down on him but Jean dodged the bullets and pistol-whipped Rick with his handgun. Jean then jumped up and tried to shoot Rick with his M-14 but Rick knocked the gun up and then kicked Jean to the other end of the room.

Alara then ran up to Rick and huddled near him. Jean then got up and then snapped his finger and a door opened with Celand and Winston appearing with a squad. Rick's remaining squad then huddled around Alara and Rick snapped his finger. Once he did that Serenity and Sage appeared after throwing in a flashbang and their squad was with them.

Jean then laughed, "Looks like we're even." He then coughed a little. "You really did a number on me that quickly. I haven't had this much fun in a long time."

Rick then said, "Let's end it!"

Celand then fired a shot from his scoped M-14 at Alara and Rick knocked it back with his combat knife, taking out the scope but missing Celand. Both squads then fired at each other and tried to find cover. Serenity and Sage then attacked Celand and Winston and tried to beat them back. Rick exchanged fire with Jean and Alara took out many of the soldiers. After a few moments Alara ran into a problem, she ran out of ammo and switched to the handgun that Rick gave her. She then fired at Jean and managed to jam his gun. Jean then fired a Fire Blast at Rick and Alara. Rick fired a Dark Pulse at the fire and caused an explosion, Jean used the smoke to charge at Rick and managed to knock his ACR away and drove Rick's head into the steel wall. Alara then hit him with a Thunderbolt to drive him back and knelt down to try to wake Rick up.

Jean then sprang to his feet and grabbed Alara and threw her to Celand. Alara looked next to her and saw Serenity and Sage unconscious on the ground. Celand then pulled out a handgun and aimed it at Alara. Sage and Serenity then woke up. Serenity then slashed the back of Celand's knee with her combat knife and Sage knocked the gun away. Serenity then slashed Celand's neck with the knife and took him out of the match. They were then shot down by Winston. While Serenity was being shot down she threw a grenade at him and he looked at it.

Winston then said, "Deadman's hand...well played."

The grenade then went off and took Winston out of the match. Jean then noticed his allies were gone and it gave Rick the opportunity to beat him back. Jean then blocked Rick's incoming Focus Punch and hit him with a Sky Uppercut. He then grabbed a handgun and lifted the disoriented Rick by the neck.

Jean then told Rick, "Man you're hard to take out. Well looks like you're seeing stars now. I must of hit you in the perfect place at the perfect time."

Jean then fired at Rick but the gun jammed. He then threw the gun away and drew his combat knife. Alara was watching him do this and then took out her own knife and put it in a throwing position, like her father taught her. She then threw it a Jean and hit him on his side.

Jean quickly looked at the place where the knife hit him. It didn't hinder him but he let go of Rick who regained his composure. Rick then tackled Jean through a window and they went free-falling down until they hit a steel pole. Rick then fell onto a steel platform and Jean stayed on the pole overlooking the downed Rick.

Alara went to the huge hole that they made and saw Jean climbing through poles, pipes, and girders. He was hunting Rick and Alara had to take him out if Rick couldn't. She then slowly levitated and began to float down as slowly as she could without catching Jean's attention.

(Battle Music: Krosah by E.S Posthumus)

Down on the platform Rick got up and moved his sore body. He then used Recover and stood up and looked around and tried to sense for Jean's presence. He quickly drew his combat knife and then heard metal moving behind him. He quickly turned to block a knife attack from Jean. Jean then kicked him and brought down the knife on Rick. Rick rolled out of the way and punched Jean in the face and tried to stab him, only to have his attack blocked.

Alara finally made it to a nearby platform and silently made her way to a vantage point to see the fight and to help Rick. When she got to the point she saw both Rick and Jean exchanging slashes and dodging their attacks. Rick then managed to slash Jean's arm but only as a flesh wound that can't debilitate him. Jean then gave a battlecry and charged at Rick and viciously attacked Rick. Rick caught the incoming attack and flipped Jean but then got a Blaze Kick to the face. Rick fell onto his back and dropped his knife, Jean quickly kicked the knife away

"Well looks like you're done. Die already!"

Jean then brought the knife down and Rick caught his arm and got into a power struggle to keep the knife away from his throat. Alara then came out of nowhere and punched Jean off of Rick.

Jean quickly grabbed his jaw and said, "Why did that hurt?"

Alara then helped Rick get up and then checked his face for any injuries. She then hugged him when she saw he was okay.

Rick quickly turned Alara around, "Pay attention to the fight! He's still kicking...literally. My face still hurts."

Jean then said, "Okay you all will die now."

Rick quickly took Alara and put her behind him. He then took Alara's combat knife and got into position. Jean then charged a Blast Burn in his mouth and aimed at Alara who stepped away from Rick to retrieve his knife. Rick immediately ran to her and Jean fired the attack, which rushed towards Alara. Rick quickly pushed her out of the way and got hit by the attack. He was then sent flying and hit a pole. Rick quickly got up and ran to Jean. Jean quickly grabbed a steel pole and hit Rick before kicking him back. Rick was once again disorientated and Alara was by herself with Jean on hunter mode.

Alara was on the ground and saw what Jean did. She then quickly took out her handgun and fired at the approaching Blaziken but Jean disappeared from sight and reappeared in front of Alara. He then kicked the gun in the air and then caught it. Alara then scurried back and then watched as Jean changed the clip and put in a new one.

"You know. I thought you would of put up a fight but looks like Rick is your only lifeline. Well good game."

He then held the gun up and aimed at her. Alara closed her eyes but then she heard Jean grunt. She opened her eyes and saw a combat knife on Jean's arm, where the gun was at. Jean dropped then gun and turned to be met by another knife in the chest from Rick, paralyzing him. Alara then grabbed the gun and shot Jean in the head, defeating him and winning the simulation. She then panted from the adrenaline and then got up and walked to Rick who was still down but conscious.

She then asked him, "Are you okay?"

Rick said in between grunts, "Yeah...that was tough. My head still hurts."

"I would of been done if you didn't save me."

"I know. I couldn't let you get hurt by him. Even if it was only a simulation match and you wouldn't feel pain...unless he uses the environment to kick your ass."

"You took a beating and Jean was playing dirty."

"If you can't win then cheat. All is fair in love and war. I'm just mad I couldn't use my sword to turn the tide a bit faster. I'm just glad your okay."

Alara then sat next to him and then used Healing Pulse on him. She then hugged him and he slouched back and took a sigh of relief. He then turned his Poketch on and then ended the simulation, transporting them out of the simulation room.

Once they were back in the room they saw Jean taking the gel off and Winston getting help taking off the large amounts of gel from the grenade. They then saw Simmons and Williams talking and Rick then walked up to them with Alara on his arm.

"So I see you guys left out a little detail when I first met you...then again I never got to know the soldiers personally. How long have you two been mates?

Williams then responded, "About three months now. At first it was innocent flirting and then things go serious between us. We try to be professional in our job and then go back to normal when we go home at night."

"Well that's actually good to hear. My two Captains are mates."

"And apparently you and Lady Alara are as well."

"What?"

Alara just facepalmed and sweatdropped at the remark.

"Oh you two aren't mates? You guys act like it."

"We're just close. Nothing more."

"Well my mistake."

Rick then felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Sayer standing while still taking gel off his face.

"Sayer? I didn't even know you were in this exercise today. You didn't make a noise...what team were you on?"

Sayer then responded, "I was on Blue Team. I got taken out early after getting hit from a sniper shot from Celand."

"Who was your commander?"

"Captain Williams."

"Well that explains a lot." Rick then said to everyone. "Good work today everyone! Nice effort! Jean you're a psychopathic ass! Expect this exercise twice a week but if you have a group you can come here and practice anytime. Alright you're all dismissed to enjoy your day!" He then turned to Sayer. "Let's go! I promised to take you to the sixth den today."

Sayer then nodded and followed Rick and Alara out of the room. They soon arrived at the transporter and went down to the six den. Rick didn't waste any time to get to a place where he knew they will find more of their species, the market. Once there Rick and Alara helped Sayer look for a good female.

Alara then pointed out a female that was just browsing outside the stores, "How about that one over there?"

Sayer looked, "Wow...she's very beautiful."

Rick then told him, "Well get off your ass and go talk to her."

Sayer was shocked by what Rick said, "Excuse me! Um...what do I tell her?"

Rick then put his hand around Sayer's neck, "Listen here noob! It doesn't matter what you want to say. Little fact, we males are so scared to talking to females that we neglect to realize that if we do talk to them we have an advantage over other suitors. Now go and talk to her. Whether she rejects you or not is just a consequence. You can try again another time."

Sayer took a deep breath and walked towards the Gardevoir.

Alara the asked Rick, "Do you think he stands a chance?"

"I doubt it but I'm hoping and praying I'm wrong."

Rick then got a message from X in his head, "Sorry to interrupt whatever it is that you're doing."

"I'm in the middle of something X."

"Yeah I realize that but you have like no apps in here. I've been playing Temple Run for the past six hours."

"And who told you to be sifting through my...wait...I have apps? I have Temple Run?"

"Yeah you can use your spike to connect to the internet and get mental apps. Apparently you never dwell into the cool stuff in your head."

"I mean I meditate but...this is so off topic. I'll talk to you later X."

"Fine! Bye!"

Rick then went back to see how Sayer was doing.

Sayer was approaching the Gardevoir and then he got her attention, "Hello there!"

The Gardevoir then turned around and saw Sayer, "Hello there. Can I help you?"

"Umm...I just...umm...wanted to ask you something."

"I'm listening."

"Um...what's your name?"

"My name is Leta."

"My name is Sayer. I'm a soldier in the army."

"I'm a baker's daughter. Cooking is really all I know. I wish I could fight like a soldier."

Sayer then chuckled, "Well being a soldier is not all it's cracked up to be. I have to wake up early and do random tasks and exercises. I'm surprised I even get out to socialize much with the new Warlord in town."

"Have you met him?"

"Yes. In fact he's right there with Lady Alara. We were having a small conversation earlier."

Leta looked and saw Rick and Alara watching and blushed in embarrassment. "Oh dear! If I knew they were here I would of brought them a gift."

"Don't bother! Warlord Aeruthael is actually quite tired of receiving gifts. He's just happy to be back here in the Sanctuary."

The then shared a small laugh and then a clock bell rang in the den.

"Oh I have to go back to my father's bakery. It was nice meeting you Sayer."

"Well I see you again?"

"Maybe. If you're around. We'll have to wait and see." She then smiled at him and walked away.

Sayer then turned to Rick and Alara and shrugged his shoulders, "Oh well, I tried."

Rick then pat him on the shoulder, "Hey I count that as a success. These things take time and yet you already managed to engage in a conversation with her. Also, you made her smile. There's no doubt in my mind that she'll remember you. You'll just have to be patient."

Sayer nodded and then looked in the direction that Leta took off. He then saw the street and got worried.

"That street has quite the reputation for violence. Should I go after her to make sure she's alright?"

Alara then said, "That would be the chivalrous thing to do. Go!"

Sayer then left and went down the same street Leta walked down on earlier.

Alara then asked Rick, "We're following him, aren't we?"

"You know it. If something goes down, I will have to help him." Rick then brought two patrolling soldiers with him and Alara.

Sayer was running down the street trying to locate Leta and then he caught a bit of her presence nearby and looked over a corner and found her walking peacefully. He then breathed a sigh of relief and then followed at a safe distance. Not too long after she turned into an ally and Sayer followed. It didn't take long for trouble to present itself to Leta and Sayer. As she was walking down the street she was blocked off by a Gallade with red hair.

Leta then said, "Oh no not again. I already told you that I'm not interested in you."

The Gallade then said, "You just need to warm up a bit to me."

"Like that will ever happen." She said as she tried to move around him.

He then grabbed her and put her to the wall, "Listen here! Who are you to say 'no' to me?"

"I'm not your mate and I never will be. So let me go."

"That might change very soon."

"Go fuck yourself!" She then spat at him.

The Gallade then rose his hand to slap her but Sayer made it in time to catch his hand. Sayer then pushed him out of the way and pulled Leta away from the Gallade.

Sayer then said, "Now is that any way to treat a lady? Apparently you lack some class and or morality."

The Gallade then said, "Who are you to interrupt two courting adults?"

"Courting? That's not what I've been seeing. Leave now and leave her alone."

"And if I don't?"

"Then I might have to place you under military arrest or just beat you senseless. Maybe that will teach you a thing or two about treating a female."

"So it's a fight you want? Fine! I'll take on your challenge."

Sayer then turned to Leta, "Stay somewhere safe."

Leta nodded and took cover behind a crevice in the nearby wall. Sayer then drew his blades and cracked his neck. "So are you ready to get this over with?"

"Whenever you are soldier boy!"

The thug then charged at Sayer and Sayer quickly dodged a Focus Punch and punched the guy back. He then hit him with a Night Slash. The thug then attacked him again but Sayer flipped him and proceeded to be punch him repeatedly. It didn't take to long to see that Sayer had the thug beat easily.

Sayer then got off of him and said, "You attack that girl again I will break you on the spot. You got that!" The thug was too hurt to answer and Sayer then walked towards Leta. "Are you alright?"

Leta responded, "Yes. Thank you for being so brave and saving me. He's been a bother to me since I rejected him."

"I wasn't brave I was just doing my job. I know what that guy felt but I'm not like him."

Rick's voice then sounded behind them, "And you did your job well too. Good work." He then gave the soldiers and order. "Take the thug away men!"

Both soldiers then gave a salute and arrested the thug and took him away.

Rick then walked up to Sayer and Leta with Alara clinging to his arm, "You did good. I knew getting you out here was a good idea. You made a friend and saved her life. I guess I'll be seeing a more...chivalrous Sayer from now on. Good work...Private First Class Sayer."

Sayer was surprised at what he just said, "You're giving me a promotion?"

"You proved something to me and it didn't disappoint in the results. Enjoy!"

Leta just looked at Rick and then said, "It's a pleasure to meet you and Lady Alara sir."

"The pleasure is all ours."

Alara then said, "You're very lucky Sayer came when he did."

Leta then replied, "I really am."

Rick then said, "Well looks like I'll have guards and soldiers patrol this area from now on. I don't want this to repeat itself anymore. Sayer, take her home and then you're finished for today. Do whatever it is that you want."

Sayer then saluted Rick, "Yes sir and thank you sir."

Rick nodded and both groups turned and walked in opposite directions.

It took Sayer about another ten minutes to reach Leta's house, it was still a bit of a walk from where they originally were.

Leta then told Sayer, "Thank you so much for saving me. I really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it. To be quite truthful I kinda forgot of my soldier duty and went there to save you. I saw you turned onto a notorious street and I got worried."

"Well I'm glad you chose to make sure I was safe."

"Any time. Well I have to go. I hope to see you again."

She then grabbed Sayer's arm and typed on his Poketch, "Here's my number. Call me for anything."

"Will do! Good day!"

"Goodbye."

She then went inside and closed the door while Sayer thought about his luck for the day and how Rick actually managed to help him.

[Rick and Alara]

Rick and Alara arrived at her house after the day and Rick did his usual thing of taking her home.

Alara then told him, "I'm really happy about what you did for Sayer. Most people wouldn't of been so generous."

"Well I'm not most people. I wanted him to leave you alone and I succeeded."

Alara then smiled, "Thank you!"

"So I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah or later. It's still light out so I might head over there later to hang out."

"Alright, I'll keep my schedule clean. Bye.

Alara then hugged him goodbye and walked inside her house to rest a bit while Rick took off for his house.

Man I this one took longer than it should of but I had to change so much on it. Well tell me what you guys think and I will have the next chapter up by probably Friday. Leave me your reviews, questions, requests, and suggestions and I will do the best I can from them. I do check my messages and I do reply to them so please feel free to drop me a message whenever you guys want. Well bye guys!