Here it is guys Chapter 48. I'm going to make this short because I have a very limited time. This chapter was a pain to write because of difficulties with my computer and at home. However, here it is for you guys to enjoy. The contest ends tomorrow, so this is the last call for contest entries. Also the poll will be closed as of April 6th, so make sure to vote on that. Thanks for everything guys! View Rankings: 1st) UK, 2nd) Canada, 3rd) Philippines, 4th) Ireland, 5th) Australia.

[Rocket HQ]

Epsilon woke up from her sleep. She felt better than she had ever felt in a long time, mainly because of her freedom. She stretched and looked around the room, where she saw Omicron. She got off her bed and hopped onto his and carefully got on top of him, so she didn't wake him up. Once she was on top of him she punched him in the snout, waking him up violently.

Omicron yelled out in pain, and holding his snout, "Ow! You bitch!"

Epsilon put her paw to his mouth to shut him up, "Shut your mouth! Get up! We have some work to do today."

Omicron arched an eyebrow and asked, "What are we going to do today?"

"We're going to get some payback on Alpha."

"And how pray-tell, do you expect to do that?"

"By taking you and another Project with me. Alpha's energy has been detected multiple times, but it keeps disappearing. The next place it appears in will be our destination today."

"Who the hell are you going to take with us?"

"We'll ask around."

[Beta]

"Epsilon leave the boy alone."

Epsilon growled, "Why!? We are his enemies!"

Beta sighed, "I'm not helping you."

[Ashlyn]

"No! I have gone after him more than anyone here. I'm so tired of this now."

Epsilon sighed, "Oh come on! You used to be my partner before you teamed up with Omega."

"That doesn't give me a reason to help you."

"Listen, we both hate him. Why not work together to take him out?"

"I don't hate him. Hell, I don't really know him all too much."

Epsilon facepalmed, "Damn it! Where's Omega?"

"In the training grounds."

[Omega]

"Fuck off Epsilon, I don't have time for this."

Epsilon growled, "Why is everyone declining to help me?"

"Because it's you and your stupid plan. Just leave Alpha alone for now."

"Listen, it's simple. We kill Alpha, end of story."

Omega scoffed, "If it's so simple, why haven't you killed him yet?"

"Touche! But come on! You're life's goal is to kill him."

Omega sighed and said, "It is, but I'm not obsessed with it at all times. Sometimes I just leave him alone because it's too much of a bother."

"So you won't help then?"

"Oh good Arceus! No!"

[Epsilon and Omicron's Room]

Epsilon sat on Omicron's bed, sulking at the fact that none of the Projects were willing to help her take down Rick. As she was sulking, Omicron was laying down on the bed, looking at her.

He shook his head and sighed, "Lucy, calm down."

Epsilon laid down next to him, visibly frustrated, "Don't call me Lucy. My name is Lucrecia, and here it's Epsilon."

"But not to me." He said as he pulled her closer and began to kiss her.

Epsilon stopped him, "Jack, not now. I'm not in the mood."

"So you can call me by my real name, but I can't call you by your shortened name?"

Epsilon sighed, "Fine! Call me what you want, but it's not helping me now, is it?"

"True, but I think I know a way to brighten your mood." He said in a hopeful tone, while rubbing Epsilon's arm and back.

Epsilon pushed him off and said, "No Jack. I'm not in the mood to mate right now."

"Aww! Why not?"

Epsilon punched him in the face, "You know why. What have we been doing all morning and what have we been talking about?"

Omicron sighed and said, "I know, I know, I know. Can't blame a guy for trying."

Epsilon chuckled, "I can't." She then sighed, "I just need to find a Project that's willing to help us kill Alpha. I just ask for one that's not you because I know that you're already on board to help."

Omicron then said, "Well we haven't tried every Project now. We kinda skipped one."

"Iota?"

Omicron nodded and said, "Yes, Iota."

Epsilon seemed afraid, "I don't want to talk to Iota."

"Are you still afraid of him?"

"I'm never afraid of anyone! He just demands a lot of respect and he creeps me out."

Omicron arched an eyebrow, "How so?"

"Well he has a very cold personality, he shows no emotions. He's callous, aloof, indifferent, and brooding. Also, he sees us all as expendable."

"In other words, you're afraid of him."

Epsilon couldn't lie anymore, "Yes! I'm afraid of him. He trained all of us and he is so unforgiving."

"I know, he trained me too. It was always horrible. I shiver just thinking about it. However, if you need him then we should try."

Epsilon nodded hesitantly and said, "Alright, but only if you go with me."

Omicron chuckled, "Of course! So when do we go see him?"

"Later today. I want to brace myself for the encounter."

"Your meeting another Project, not the devil."

"He's a Houndoom. He's as close to a devil as you can get."

Omicron chuckled at Epsilon's fear and held her, "Don't worry, as long as you know your place around him, he won't hurt you. Also, I won't let him."

Epsilon smiled and hugged him (I know, this bitch and this asshole actually have hearts...well for one another at least), "Thanks. I'm happy to have chosen you as my mate."

"Well it wasn't like I had much of a choice. If I remember correctly, you were in your first heat and you attacked me."

"I don't need to know the details. Don't ruin this rare moment of affection."

[Iota's Room]

Epsilon and Upsilon arrived outside of Iota's room, with Epsilon holding onto Omicron's arm.

Omicron noticed her holding onto him and said, "Don't worry, everything will be okay. What are the odds of him harming us?"

Epsilon replied, "That's what scares me. He's too unpredictable."

"He's very even tempered, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

"How can you tell? He shows no emotions."

"It's just a guy thing. I can talk to him man to man, cat to dog."

Epsilon sweatdropped, "That's a horrible example. Cats and dogs are supposed to hate each other."

"We don't."

"Touche!"

They then heard a voice from inside the room, "Are you coming in or are you going to have a conversation outside my door all day?"

Omicron the responded, "Yes, we're going in."

Omicron then opened the door and walked in with Epsilon gripping him tightly. In the room they saw Iota, meditating, and then opening his red eyes to look at them. Epsilon retreated a little when she saw him and Iota got up and walked off his meditation post. His face was strikingly emotionless. His very gaze sent fear coursing through Epsilon and she hid behind Omicron.

Iota noticed and said, "Why do you hide? Do I sense fear?"

Epsilon didn't respond, instead she stayed hidden from Iota. Omicron tried to defend her, "Iota, leave her alone."

Iota stopped and looked at Omicron, "Don't defend trash. I taught you both better than that."

"She's not trash! She's my mate."

"Yes, trash and garbage, waste and filth. A fitting couple."

Omicron glared at him, "Hey back off!"

"Out of the way Omicron! I want to hear it from Epsilon."

"With all due respect sir, no."

Iota looked at him and then pushed him out of the way, sending him flying into the wall. Iota then looked at Epsilon as she began to back away from him. He then stuck his hand out and she went flying towards him and was suspended in midair as he looked at her.

He then said to her, "Why the fear?" Epsilon didn't answer. "Well?" Epsilon didn't respond again. "Pathetic!" He then threw her towards Omicron, slamming him back onto the wall. "Now, for what purpose have you come to my room?"

Omicron got off the wall and checked on Epsilon and saw that she was alright. He the replied, "We came here to see if you would come with us to help take down Alpha."

"Oh yes, you and Epsilon have failed to do that on several occasions so now you need my help."

"Well we asked everyone else and they all declined our offer."

"And what makes you believe that I wouldn't do the same?"

"Because you can't resist the chance to kill one of the traitors."

Iota stopped and thought for a second. He walked to his chair and sat down. He then said, "Good point. I will help you then. Just to see how epic of a failure this will be and how I will have to remedy the situation."

Omicron responded acerbically, "Gee thanks asshole."

"When do we leave?"

Epsilon then spoke, "When his signal is picked up. Wherever it is, we will go to immediately."

"Very well. Now, leave me to my meditation."

Epsilon nodded and bowed her head as she left the room, followed by Omicron.

[S.A Mercury]

Rick and his team were making their way to the Hoenn region, by request of Mr. Silph himself. Rick was not clear on the details, but if Mr. Silph sent him on a job he was not about to argue. Rick was in the lounge with the guys playing video games.

As some of the guys were playing, Rick noticed A stretching in a vigorous way. Rick asked him, "A what's wrong with you?"

A replied, "I'm recovering from loss of motor control that I suffered yesterday at the hands of a masseuse."

"Wow! How tense were you?"

"Apparently very. I still believe that I don't have complete function in a few of my toes, but I should be over it."

Rick pat him on the back, "So how do you feel? You know, being a pokemon and all."

"I'm getting used to it. I'm still a little shaky with the psychic powers."

Rick shrugged, "It gets easier with practice. That's why we have our children practice from a very young age. Ever since they turn two, we teach them how to use minor telekinesis. Just as long as they can speak and understand what we're saying. However, as psychic types, they learn how to talk faster than most other beings. So now that you're an adult, you should learn faster than the Ralts and Kirlias in our society."

A laughed, "I hope so. I don't want Maiyu to be ahead of me."

Rick laughed with him and said, "Don't worry, she's still learning. The furthest she can go right now is mastering Confusion."

"She's pretty good at it though. Soon, she'll find the resolve to learn Psychic."

Rick smiled and said, "Yeah I know. She knows a lot of moves for her age. She even learned Zen Headbutt and Magic Coat. Which is weird because I never taught her those moves. I taught her Shadow Sneak, Signal Beam, and Double Team."

"What about Shadow Ball? I've seen almost everyone in your species use it at least once."

"Well that's a move we usually learn from our parents or in school. I learned it from my parents, same way I learned Signal Beam."

"How can I learn Signal Beam and Shadow Ball now?"

Rick thought for a second before answering, "Someone has to teach it to you or you just pick it up by seeing it. However, let me test your psychic prowess." Rick looked around the room and saw a book. "Can you bring that book over here from across the room?"

A concentrated his power onto the book and soon the book levitated off the desk. A now concentrated to bring it to him. Suddenly the book went flying towards them and Rick tackled A to the ground to make him dodge the high speed projectile.

A got up and looked at the damage the book made and he said, "I think I gave it too much juice."

Rick got up and said, "Yeah, you did. You'll learn how to control that. Also, you'll learn how to do that without concentrating so much or at all. It'll be like a second nature to you."

"I hope so. I really want to master this."

"There's a difference between being prolific at it and being a master at it. Being a master means that you can use it on almost anything. Which is pretty pointless for you since your sword already does that for you."

A smirked, "Well at least that eliminates one criteria."

"Yeah, well I'll be seeing you. Alara wants me to see her on the deck."

"Alright, have fun. I have to go see Green soon anyways she went somewhere with the girls."

"Okay, bye!"

Rick walked over to the transporter and took it to the deck's elevator. He arrived at the deck and looked for Alara and soon found her looking out from the edge of the Mercury, with Avion flying around the Mercury. Rick walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, making her jump.

Rick chuckled and said, "You wanted to see me."

Alara smiled and said, "Yeah. I just wanted to know what we're going to do in the Hoenn region."

"I'm as lost as you are." Rick said as he let her go. "All Mr. Silph told me was that it was imperative that we all go to the appointed location. However, he wouldn't give me a reason as to why go there."

"But you're still going since you respect the man so much."

"Yep."

Alara laughed and said, "Oh well, it's always interesting to see what that old man has in store for us."

Rick shrugged, "Yeah. The old man loves to surprise people, especially me. Also, I think I have an idea of what we might be doing."

"What?"

"I'm not telling."

Alara giggled, "Then I guess I'll have to wait."

Rick smirked and said, "Is that all you called me here for?"

"Not really. I just didn't want to be alone out here."

"Where are the girls?"

"Somewhere inside. I decided to come up here to relax for a while. We've been traveling a lot haven't we."

Rick wrapped his arm around her shoulders and said, "Yeah. If you want, we can stop for a while."

Alara laughed, "Are you kidding!? I love this. I used to rarely leave the Sanctuary until you came around. So I've been enjoying the chances to see new things so much."

"Well we'll enjoy Hoenn when we get there, but we're still a good while from there."

Alara sat down on a reclining chair that was on the deck and said, "So now what?"

Rick laid down on the chair with Alara, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm sleeping. We woke up too early for this trip."

Alara giggled again and laid down next to him and rested her head on his chest, "Great idea! I'm tired too."

They both soon closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep. Avion saw them and landed next to them. He then folded his wings and fell asleep next to them.

A soon appeared on the deck with Green and said, "Rick, Screech said that we'll be in the Hoenn region in about three ho...urs." He stopped when he saw them sleeping and said to Green with a smile, "Let's leave them alone. We don't want to wake them up." With that they left and left Rick, Alara, and Avion to sleep.

[Three Hours Later]

Rick and his team arrived in the Hoenn region. Rick sent the Mercury back to the Sanctuary and the team got onto Avion to fly to the appointed location that Mr. Silph gave them. They soon arrived in Route 121 and got off of Avion, who transformed back into his Titan Seal.

Jean asked Rick, "Is this the right place?"

Rick looked at the directions that Mr. Silph sent him, "Yeah, it's in this route. So I guess we just have to go west from here until we find the place."

"Any idea what this place looks like?"

Rick shrugged his shoulders, "Not a clue."

"Then what the hell dude!?"

Seras stopped them from arguing by stating, "Look! To the north of us is our old home. To the south of us is where Rick lived in with his parents before he became a Project. This whole region is a pool of memories for us."

Rick sighed and said, "I'm not looking to the south."

"Why?"

"To the north it's full good memories. To the south houses my pain."

Seras looked at him with sympathy, "Rick, it's in the past. Leave it in the past. Focus on now."

Rick nodded, "You're right. Now to figure out where in this route we're supposed to go." Rick then received a call on his Poketch. Rick looked and saw Mr. Silph's name on his Caller I.D. "Hello?"

Mr. Silph then spoke, "Rick? Good to hear from you again. So are you at the location?"

"Not quite. I'm in the Hoenn region with my team. However, we can't find out how to get to this place."

"Oh yes. Just go west and you should see a cabin in the horizon."

"A cabin, sir?"

"Yes."

Rick facepalmed, "So what was the purpose of this trip sir?

"You'll find out. Now just get to the cabin. I'll have one of my men shoot a flare to get your attention."

Rick and his team then saw a bright red light coming from an area in the forest. Rick sighed and said, "Alright, we know where it is now."

"Very well. I will speak to you all in the cabin. Goodbye!" Mr. Silph then hung up the call.

Rick sighed again and said, "Let's go. I already know what's going to happen."

No one asked Rick what he meant, instead they just followed him through the forest. After another ten minutes of walking in one direction, they finally arrived at what looked like a large cabin in the woods. The team saw Mr. Silph's men on the patio. They saluted Rick and opened the doors for the team.

The team walked in and were directed to a room in the back of the cabin. A guard opened the door to reveal Mr. Silph sitting at a desk.

Rick shook his head and asked Mr. Silph, "Sir, do you remember why it's so dangerous for you to leave your secure location?"

Mr. Silph took a puff from his cigar and said, "You can't protect me forever boy. Also, I prefer coming out of that building every once and a while. Anyways, it's good to see you again and to see your team with my own eyes. Alara dear, you've let your hair grow a bit longer."

Alara chuckled and said, "Yeah. Trying to get myself ready for the wedding. So I let my hair grow longer than usual. Mainly so I can make it look so pretty when it comes time to get married."

Mr. Silph smiled and said, "Oh yes. I got the invitation. I can't wait. I want to be there and I have cleared my entire schedule for that week so I can attend the wedding."

Rick smirked and said, "Well I'll be more than happy to have you stay with us during your stay. I'm also so happy that you're attending sir."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world boy. I'm very proud of you. You're moving ahead with life."

A noticed something and asked Mr. Silph, "Sir, how can you understand us?"

"A very good question. You see, as the head of Silph Co. I was given a translator." He then looked at Green and said, "The same type that you have on at the moment."

Rick then asked, "Sir, with all due respect, what is the reason you called us over here?"

"Oh yes, that's right. Well first off, don't get mad at me. The reason I called you and your friends over is because I wanted you and your friends to have a spa day for today."

"Oh great! Another vacation. Sir, I don't think I need to relax."

Mr. Silph then chuckled and said, "Not by my diagnosis. Rick, just take the day. Treat your friends to some R&R. Some of them look as if they need it. Anyways, there's a spa here with a complete staff to attend to you."

Rick sighed and looked at his team and nodded, "Alright sir. We'll take the day for resting."

Neil laughed and said, "Looks like we have to let Rick have most of the relaxation."

The team agreed and laugh. Mr. Silph then said, "Well on that note, I shall be leaving you all. I must return to my secure location and have a meeting with Stephen Stone. Take care everyone!"

Everyone said their goodbyes to Mr. Silph and immediately split up and went throughout the spa. Rick and Alara were together and decided to go to the hot springs. There Rick and Alara got comfortable in the warm water, well Alara at least. Rick was still haunted by the thought that Epsilon could attack at any minute. So he feared every second that passed, in anticipation for destruction.

Alara snuggled up to Rick and said to him, "This is so relaxing. Isn't it babe?"

Rick snapped out of his train of though and said, "Huh? Yeah. I guess."

Alara was surprised by Rick's lack of attention and asked him, "Babe, what's wrong? You haven't been yourself lately. You've been so distant. As if you're waiting for something to happen."

"That's the thing Ally. I told you that Twilight said that Epsilon will be free and will attack in the near future. I just can't shake if from my head. I've been on high alert lately."

"Dear, please don't let it bother you so much. Try to relax. Want to hear a little secret?"

Rick was suddenly interested, "Let me hear it."

"I'm the one that asked Mr. Silph to book a spa day for us."

Rick looked at her with a semi-angry face, "You did what?"

Alara tried to explain, "Rick, you've been so stressed lately. I was worried for you. I just want you to relax. You're growing old and you're not even twenty three yet. That just tells me that you need to calm down. Hell, even Maiyu is noticing. You're not playing with her as much as you used to."

Rick sighed and said, "I can't just sit around and do nothing. I have to protect my people. So I'm not exactly happy with this little stunt you just pulled on me."

Alara gave Rick a doleful expressing and noticed that he was looking away from her, "Rick, please don't be angry with me. I just wanted you to relax a little. Can you blame me for trying?"

Rick looked at her and lost his angry face, "I can't. I've just haven't been myself lately because of the revelation. What worried me right now is that I'm nowhere near home and I don't know what to do if something happens. It just really eats me up inside and..."

Alara cut him off by kissing him, "Relax. This is a day for you to leave all your troubles behind and take it easy." She then giggled, "You know what I just remembered?"

"What?"

"Remember that day when my parents locked us in the hot springs back in the Sanctuary?"

Rick laughed, "Oh yeah! One of our most awkward moments ever. I never got your dad back for that."

"Oh don't worry dear. I already did."

"What did you do?"

"Let's not go there."

"Alright, I'll leave it be."

Alara giggled, "We had a nice hour stuck in that room. Well it was still very awkward. I was naked and we weren't dating. The one thing that I wanted to do was to get out of there, but my parents sealed us in there. I was so embarrassed."

Rick scoffed, "You were embarrassed and I was trying not to look down. We had a nice chat though."

"Yeah. I remember that. You explained Remnants to me." She then thought of something, "Rick, do you think you'll ever turn me into a Remnant?"

Rick was surprised by her question and said, "I don't think so."

"Why not? You told me the risks, but all that seemed to be the common denominators is that since I'm of your same species, then I will assimilate to your power."

Rick thought of a better way to explain, "Alright, let see if I can somehow explain why I haven't turned you into a Remnant. Alright, think of this, if I turn you into an Assimilated Remnant then there is a chance our kids might come out as Assimilated Remnant. Personally, I don't want that. Do you?"

Alara thought for a second. She then sighed and said, "I guess not. Still it would be nice to be stronger. Having all my skills improved."

Rick shook his head, "You can get stronger without that shortcut."

"Can I?"

"Your ability to get stronger does not depend on becoming a Remnant. Being a Remnant just accelerates your training progress. I can continue to train you until you become as strong as a Remnant."

Alara was surprised, "Is that possible?"

"Of course! I'm not as strong as I used to be as a Project. Mainly because I gave up my powers. So I began to train until I reached this level of strength."

"So I guess you have a lot to teach me."

"I do, but we have a lot of time to do that. Hell, tomorrow is supposed to be our next training session. I'll teach you essentials if you ever run into a Project or a Fragment."

Alara closed one eye and said to Rick, "Oh I can handle Fragments."

"Dear, you handled Catalina. There are way stronger Fragments. Each with unique skills."

"Thanks for shooting down my thunder."

Rick laughed and said, "Sorry, but I have to be honest. You're strong already, but you need a bit more of a push."

Alara giggled, "Don't push me too hard or I'll sue."

Rick shook his head and said, "That was a bad joke."

Alara giggled again, "I know. I just had nothing better to say at that moment."

"Oh well. Anyways, I'll try to relax today."

"Promise me that you will."

Rick sighed and said, "I'll try. I can't promise yet."

"Well I guess that's the best I'm going to get from you."

Rick chuckled and pulled Alara into a kiss as they indulged in the tranquility of the water.

[Six Hours Later]

Rick and the team were all in the main room of the cabin, all talking and spending time together. Everyone seemed to be more relaxed and rejuvenated than before. They all spoke of their day, each one taking turns. Rick sat down on a chair and listened to all of them talk of their day.

Seras was speaking, "Well I took Jean through nearly everywhere in the spa. I even got him to get a manicure for his talons."

Jean followed up by saying, "And my talons have never looked so much better."

Dartz then walked up to him and hit him with a steel chair, "That's payback you son of a bitch!"

A then asked Dartz, "Damn Dartz! What the hell did he do?"

"I was at the masseuse and then this idiot appears from out of nowhere and..."

[Two Hours Earlier]

Dartz was laying down on a massage bed, waiting for the masseuse to begin.

The masseuse then said to him, "Alright, I have to return to my office to get something. I'll be right back."

Dartz nodded, "Alright, take your time. I'm not going anywhere."

The masseuse left the room and Dartz made himself comfortable in the massage bed. Unbeknownst to him, Jean managed to sneak into the room and silently stacked two other beds so that he could be a considerable distance off the ground. He then put on a lucha libre mask and positioned himself perfectly. He then jumped off and elbow dropped Dartz.

Jean quickly got up and yelled, "YEEEEAH! Flame Bird wins again!" He then ran out the room, leaving a hurt Dartz in the room.

A minute later the masseuse returned to the room saying, "Alright, I'm back...What happened here?"

Dartz said in an angry, yet hurt tone, "A bird...a bird happened. There is going to be bloodshed today."

[Back In the Room]

Rick chuckled and said, "I agree with Dartz. He had it coming."

Dartz then said, "Good! Thank you!" He then slammed the chair onto Jean again and sat back down.

Neil walked up to Jean and helped him up, "You guys really are some cold motherfucker."

Everyone laughed and soon began to socialize again. Rick however began to get haunted by the same thoughts as earlier, and Alara sensing it.

Alara asked Rick, "Rick, are you okay?"

Rick nodded, "Yeah, I just have to clear my head." Rick got up from his seat, "Well it's been nice and all, but I have to go take a walk. You know, to clear my head of all of this." Rick then gave Alara Avion's Titan Seal. "Here Ally, take Avion."

A snapped his head towards Rick and said, "Say Rick, don't you think that you might want to be a bit more cautious? You should keep a guard with you. Or better yet, not go at all."

Rick arched an eyebrow, "Why would I need a guard?"

A tried to reason with Rick, "Team Rocket hasn't made any moves in a long time, but if they spot you alone, I'm pretty sure you'll come under fire."

"While I admire your concern and your opinion, I think I still want to take the walk alone. Mainly because I don't want to worry others. Sadly, you kinda did that just now. A, I just want to clear my head and walking alone is the only way I know how."

A growled in frustration and then threw his hands up and said, "Alright, but I don't want anyone to call me paranoid if I'm right." He then walked out of the room saying, "Now I need my own walk."

Rick shook his head and kissed Alara before leaving the cabin and going on his walk. Rick walked around the the forest for a few minutes, enjoying the nature around him. It made him miss his old traveling days and he wanted this walk to count for something.

"Ah, just what I needed, fresh air and no worried...for now."

Rick soon found a large rock on a cliff that overlooked the forest. He sat down on it and teleported his guitar to his hands and began to play. After a few minutes of playing he finally stopped. Rick then sighed and said, "I should of brought Ally with me. She would of liked it here. Oh well, I guess I should go back to the cabin. Alara is probably waiting for me."

Rick got up from the rock and began to walk back to the cabin, which was now a spec in the horizon. Rick walked for a little while until he heard footsteps behind him. Rick drew his blade and turned around and was met with Epsilon slashing at him with her scythe. Rick blocked the attack and kicked Epsilon back.

Epsilon began to laugh and said, "It's been a while, Alpha." Epsilon cocked her head and looked at Rick, "Well you've changed a bit. It's been what, six months since you last saw me?"

Rick growled at her and said, "What the hell are you doing here? Your last attempt got you a house arrest sentence for the last six months."

"I'm actually here on Giovanni's orders."

"Well how do you like that? The idiot finally made a good decision."

Epsilon scoffed and said to Rick, "Sorry to ruin the moment, but I'm here to kill you."

"All alone like this?"

"Who said I was alone?"

Suddenly Omicron and a Houndoom with a glowing 'I' on his sternum appeared. Rick looked at the Houndoom and immediately recognized him.

"Omicron...Iota." As he said that three energy attacks came flying toward the Projects. Iota noticed them and got swung his hand upwards, knocking the attacks away. The attacks exploding in the horizon.

Epsilon then asked Rick, "You have an ally with you?"

Rick sighed and thought to himself, *Damn it A! You couldn't just leave me alone, could you?*

Epsilon laughed and asked Rick, "So Alpha, where's your mate?"

Rick glared at her and said, "Nowhere you can harm her anymore."

"I can harm her by killing you."

"Are you going to attack me or just taunt me all day?"

Epsilon sighed, "Well you're no fun. But if you insist then alright."

(Battle Music: Belmont the Legend from Castlevania: Curse of Darkness)

Epsilon and Omicron then attacked Rick and Iota simply sat down on a rock, meditating.

Rick quickly blocked Epsilon's attack and ducked under Omicron's attack. Rick then elbowed Omicron in the head and swung Shadowbane at Epsilon. Epsilon barely blocked the attack and jumped back.

Rick lunged for Epsilon but was pulled back by Omicron who punched him to the ground and pressed his foot onto his chest. Rick tried to pry Omicron's foot off his chest, but to no avail. Omicron the lifted his axe to kill Rick. Rick stopped him by immobilizing him with Psychic and hitting him with a Signal Beam, making him get off of Rick. Rick jumped to his feet and kicked Omicron back. Suddenly, a gust of wind picked up and Omicron went tumbling away.

Rick said to himself, "So you want to help, don't you A? Alright, just don't get killed." (Omicron vs A appearing in A Deal With A God by EmeraldDragon1)

Rick turned around to face Epsilon and dodged an energy blade from her. Rick ran forward and disappeared as Epsilon swung at him. He reappeared behind her and pulled her by her hair. Rick the put two of his fingers onto her head and began to charge a beam on his finger tips. She quickly swung her scythe behind her, making Rick jump back. Epsilon then charged a Night Daze and slammed her arms onto the ground. The force sent Rick flying onto a tree and he quickly shook the pain off. Rick then saw Epsilon charge a Dark Pulse, prompting Rick to charge a Signal Beam on his spike. They released their beams at one another and an explosion suddenly erupted.

Rick staggered up onto his feet and patted the dust off his body. Epsilon staggered up as well and looked at Iota, who was still sitting on the rock, meditating.

She scoffed and asked him, "Are you going to fight or not Iota?"

Iota looked at her and said, "When the time comes, I will."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Pay attention!"

Epsilon turned back around and was barely able to dodge a slash attack from Rick. Rick then fired an energy blade at Epsilon. Epsilon sliced it half with a Night Slash and ran forward towards Rick. Rick grabbed her arm as she was slashing at him, he then headbutted her and hit her with the blunt of his sword.

Rick looked over Epsilon and charged another beam at her. She then suddenly woke up and threw dirt into Rick's eyes. She then kicked Rick's legs and hit him with a Night Slash, sending him to the ground. Epsilon then stood on his back and charged another Night Slash, but she was suddenly knocked off by a Flamethrower attack, coming out of nowhere. She got up, and to her surprise, Project Delta was there in front of her. Rick rolled onto his feet and looked at where Epsilon was looking and was astonished at the sight of Delta.

Rick then said, "Delta?"

The Ninetails smiled at Rick and said, "It's good to see you too Alpha or would you rather I call you Rick?"

"Call me whatever the hell you want. I'm just surprised to see you."

"Same here, but then again, I knew something would be up and Mr. Silph wanted us to keep and eye on you."

"Us?"

Delta elaborated, "By 'us' I mean me and Gamma."

"He's here too?"

"Yeah, but he's helping your friend fight Omicron. Their fight should be over really soon."

Epsilon growled and said, "Hey! I thought this was a fight not a chat!"

Delta growled and said, "Epsilon, mind yourself!"

Unexpectantly Epsilon apologized, "I'm sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to...wait...what the hell am I apologizing to you for!?"

Delta chuckled and said, "She still remembers the pecking order. You two were so sweet when you were children. Now you're a psychopathic, egotistical Zoroark, and a stressed out of his mind Gallade. Oh where did I go so wrong with you two?"

Rick then asked Delta, "Are you going to help me fight Epsilon?"

Delta shook her head, "No. You see I'm actually...um...I'm pregnant Rick. It's a little embarrassing saying that to you since I took care of you when you were little."

Rick was surprised, "You're pregnant!? Damn! Gamma put in work."

Delta punched Rick's arm, "Oh don't say that!"

Rick laughed, "It's true. Oh how I've missed you guys so much!"

"We did too."

Rick suddenly noticed an energy blade headed towards them and sliced it in half with Shadowbane. Epsilon then charged towards them and Rick kicked her back.

Rick sighed and said, "I'm ending this now. This is ridiculous."

Rick then charged energy into Shadowbane and ran to Epsilon. Epsilon swung down at Rick, but the energy in the blade increased the force of Rick's block and sent her scythe recoiling. Rick then hit her with an energy blade, sending her flying. He then charged and fired a beam at her and used Psycho Star Storm. The combined energy then exploded, leaving Epsilon as a smoldering mess.

Epsilon coughed in pain and tried to reach for her scythe. Rick then stepped on her hand and kicked the scythe away. Epsilon the looked up at Rick in fear and Rick lifted Shadowbane to kill Epsilon. He quickly looked over to where A's fight with Omicron was and he saw an Arcanine fighting Omicron.

Rick thought to himself, *Gamma? Wow they really did come to help me. Anyways, I have to end this now.*

Rick looked at Epsilon and swung down. Suddenly, he couldn't feel Shadowbane in his hand and looked to see his hand empty. He looked to his right and saw Shadowbane plunged into the ground, and Iota rubbing his hands for touching the blade.

Rick was shocked and said to himself, "I couldn't see his movements."

Rick tried to move forward, but then felt his gut being cut open. He looked down and saw a large gaping wound on his gut. Rick turned around and saw Iota on the other end, holding a bloody sword. Rick continued to look at Iota's cold, emotionless eyes until his legs failed him and he fell to his knees, letting Epsilon scurry away. As Rick fell to the ground, Iota grabbed his hair and positioned his blade behind Rick's back.

Suddenly, A appeared and yelled to Iota, "Hey, try taking someone else on!"

Iota looked at A and said, "My mission is to eliminate Alpha. You are not my target. Why waste time causing collateral damage?

"Who's wasting time!?" A yelled as he slashed at Iota.

Iota didn't seem phased and ducked under A's attack and kicked him, flipping him in the air. A jumped to his feet and tried again. Iota put his sword in his mouth and caught A's wrist. He then kicked A in the gut and kneed him in the face, making him bleed from his nose.

Iota said to A as he staggered to his feet, wiping the blood from his face, "I don't think you understand who you are up against. I am Project Iota, the trainer of the Projects, and for all intents and purposes, the most powerful Project. I am no Houndoom that you can find roaming around. I can overlap the power of even Omega. However, I have no wish to kill you. Leave now and you will live."

A frowned and replied, "I'll leave when I have secured Rick."

"Then you will die. It's as simple as that."

A growled at his opponent and lunged for him. He stopped when he came face to face with a charged beam that Iota charged on his fingertips. He fired it and sent A flying through the air, landing in a lake.

Iota saw what he had done and said, "And like that you have lost." He then put his blade back on Rick's back and said, "Think of it this way Alpha. This is a way for you to pay for your sins. I suggest that you embrace death, because you can't escape it."

Iota suddenly looked and saw Delta running towards him yelling, "Iota! Brother please don't do it!"

Iota scoffed and said, "Oh Alison, my dear little sister. Tell me, why should I listen to you?"

He then plunged his sword through Rick's back, it exiting through his chest. He kept his blade in Rick until Rick stopped breathing and then kicked him off the blade. He then said, "The deed is done. Epsilon, get up! Where's Omicron?"

Epsilon pointed in one direction and Iota saw Omicron fighting Gamma. He then saw Gamma firing a blast a Omicron. Iota suddenly vanished and reappeared knocking the attack away.

Iota then said, "We are leaving."

Omicron protested, "But we haven't killed these guys yet."

Iota violently then punched him in his gut, "We are leaving NOW!"

"Y-y-yes sir."

Epsilon then appeared and opened a portal.

Gamma then yelled, "Where do you think you're going!?"

Iota turned around and said, "I'm going back to tell Master Giovanni that he can sleep tonight. That Project Alpha is now dead. Next time we meet, I will kill all of you."

They suddenly vanished with the portal and Delta went to check on Rick. She began to try to revive Rick, but failing miserably. A then appeared and pointed his sword at Delta, holding his side because of a series of broken ribs.

He then said, "Trying to add insult to injury?"

Delta then said, "You wouldn't harm a pregnant pokemon , would you? Also, I wouldn't harm him. I used to take care of him when he was little."

A frowned and then put his sword away. He then picked Rick up and said, "If you want to help then please open a portal to a place south of Route 212."

Delta nodded and said, "We know about the Sanctuary. Don't worry, we work for Silph Co. now."

Gamma then appeared and said, "Don't carry him like that. You're only making him bleed out faster." Gamma went over and took Rick from A and said, "We'll take him to the Sanctuary. You go tell his friends and mate about what happened. We'll be waiting."

Gamma and Delta then walked through a portal and A ran back to the cabin, dreading what he would have to tell Rick's team. Worse, what he would have to tell Alara. Soon he reached the door of the cabin and took a deep breath before going in. Once he walked in, all the eyes in the room were on him.

Alara then said, "A? Good to see that you're back, but where's Rick?"

A sighed and said, "May I speak to you in private?"

Alara was confused but decided to follow him into an adjacent room.

Alara then asked him, "What's going on?"

A said to her, "Please sit down." Alara did as A said and he then began. "I'm sorry, but you should be the first one to know. Alara, Rick was attacked while on his walk. I was there. I followed him because I had my suspicions that something was going to happen and that he would be in danger. While he was on the walk, three Projects by the names of Epsilon, Omicron, and Iota attacked him. I tried to save him and so did two other individuals by the names of Delta and Gamma. Sadly, he was skewered by Iota. Gamma and Delta took him back to the Sanctuary, but it's safe to say that his situation is critical."

Alara looked at him and began to cry, "What? Are you sure?"

A sighed and nodded slowly, "I wish I was wrong and that this was a bad dream. I can't be sure if he'll make it or not, but I sincerely hope that he does. Alara I'm really sorry. Now, I have to explain it to the team. However, do you have anything to ask me?"

Alara began to sob and yelled out, "Amber! Seras!"

The two females suddenly walked into the room and Alara quickly began to cry on Seras's shoulder.

Amber asked A, "What happened? Why is she crying?"

A sighed again, not liking what he had to relay to them.

[The Sanctuary; 1st Den Hospital]

Rick entire team was in the waiting room of the hospital, waiting for the doctor to come out to explain how Rick's surgery went. Alara was an emotional wreck, crying on her mom's shoulder and the other girls trying to comfort her. Jean, Saifer, Daedalus, and A were pacing, anxious for some news. After a few minutes a doctor then appeared and walked to them.

A sighed when he saw the doctor and asked her, "Doc, please tell me that everything is fine."

The doctor, a Gardevoir, sighed and said, "Well I have some good news and bad news."

Jean said to her, "What's the good news?

"The good news is that the blade missed his heart."

A gave a sigh of relief, "Oh thank Arceus! What's the bad news though?"

"I have two sets of bad news. One, it his lungs filling them with blood. Two,...this one isn't easy. He slipped into a coma."

Once Alara heard that she began to cry harder, but this time on Green's shoulder.

A ran his hands through his hair and asked, "Is he going to live?"

"Comas are tricky things, it's hard to say. He has a 50-50 chance. You can go see him if you want. He might still be able to hear you guys if he's not completely gone."

A paused, then nodded. He looked at Alara, then waved Saifer over. They had a short conversation before Saifer went to Alara and told her to go see Rick, with her mother, Seras, and Amber at her side.

Alara and the girls walked up to Rick's room, all of them helping Alara. When they entered the room they saw Rick on a hospital bed, hooked up to different machines. His wounds were clearly visible and Alara began to sob again as she saw him. The three girls had to work hard to hold her up as she wanted to fall to the ground and cry. The girls however managed to get her to a chair next to Rick's bed and she began to cry while looking at Rick.

[An Hour Later]

Everyone was beginning to walk out of the hospital after seeing Rick. However, Alara was still in the room with Rick, sleeping next to him on the chair she was sitting on. She fell asleep, with Shadowbane in her arms. She then heard someone in the room and woke up slowly.

She opened her eyes and saw A standing in the room and said, "I thought I heard someone come in. How long was I asleep?" She looked at the clock. "Only a few minutes. Sleeping is impossible now. Did you come to see Rick?"

A nodded hesitantly, then said, "I thought you would be with Seras, Amber and your mother. How are you holding Shadowbane without it killing you?"

Alara rubbed her eyes and said, "Shadowbane only harms those that do not have permission to hold it. Also, how can I go with my friends and family when my mate is in this situation?" She began to cry again. "How am I going to explain this to Maiyu?"

A then said to Alara as sympathetic as he could, "I don't want to sound cruel here, and I'm sorry if I come off that way. But you're not going to do him any good by stressing out like that. I'm sure he would want you to stay with your friends, which you should. They can be a source of comfort for you during these turbulent times. You need to be strong for both yourself and him. As for Maiyu... tell her that Rick is just going through a rough time right now or something. Perhaps a trial run. Just don't let her anywhere near him right now."

Alara sighed, "She'll want to be with her cousin. She's with us almost everyday."

"Well, until he heals up, she shouldn't be allowed to see him. This sort of sight would damage her psyche. I've seen it happen before, and I would never want to see it again."

"But none of us, not even the doctors, know when he will wake up...or if he ever wakes up." Alara began to cry again.

A moved to her and laid a hand on her shoulder. Then he said gently but firmly, "Never think like that, alright? I know it's hard, but he's not gone yet. Don't give up hope that he will return to you. I know he's kickin' and screamin' within his mind to get back to you, and he will. Just have faith in him and Arceus, alright?"

Alara nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes, "Thank you. I know that I shouldn't be like this, but I made so many plans for us. I just wonder when he'll wake up."

A nodded knowingly and said, "I understand. We all go through something like this at some point in our lives, some of us sooner than others. What helps determine your character is whether or not you can still perform regardless of the difficulty of the situation." He paused to let that sink in, then extended a hand to her, saying, "You should go and be with your friends. They need you as much as you need them."

Alara looked at his hand and then back to Rick. She took a minute to decide and then leaned forward and kissed Rick and told him, "I'll be back soon. I love you." She then took A's hand and walked out of the room. As they were walking Alara looked back at the room and then at A, "I wish he would wake up."

A nodded and told her, "I know, but these things have a tendency to happen, whether we like it or not. Don't worry, though, he'll come back to you soon. I know it." He gave her a reassuring smile before they exited the hospital.

There you have it guys. Sorry if you guys hate me now for what I did to Rick, but I needed some drama. Anyways, keep sending me your review, question, contest entries, requests, and suggestions. Thanks guys. Ciao!