Author's Note:

Here it is, the second part of our Manaphy arc and the body swap stuff will mostly take a back seat for this part as we jump around the raid and the different factions surrounding it. So last chapter ended on a pretty grim note but know I'm just setting stuff up for the final encounter with both aqua & magma. As hinted, this part will be the meat of the action and I hope you enjoy it. I've tried to build upon the strength of Hunter J and prove, definitively, she is the best villain in the series (not just in my series but the main series) since, well, she kinda is. They had to kill her off because she posed that much of a threat. We also get hints at more of her backstory in this series, so I hope you like it. Not much else to say, just remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin!

Chapter Sixty-Five: Pokémon Hunter & Prince of the Sea P II

She walked across the loading bay of her main ship as the crews climbed into the boats and the one helicopter. Her rows of six Pokémon stood off to the side, overseeing the preparation. While not a fan of the aqua outfits they were dressed in, if it's what the client pays for, it's what they get.

Upon reaching them, she gave a small nod. Aegislash flew over to the copter and hovered beside the two scientists who developed the containment crystal. While Slowking and Luxray each took a place in one of the two boats. Taking out two Pokéballs, she recalled both Ariados and Drapion. Dropping both devices into her pocket, she tightened the golden-guns around her arms and hit the earpiece. Her techno-goggles covered her eyes, providing protection from the elements as well as statistics and even a small clock. With two minutes remaining until departure.

Approaching her main partner, he crouched low, and she climbed on the back. Walking over to the three squads, which filled the vehicles prepared, the clocked ticked over. Giving a small nod, the floor opened up and dropped the two boats into the water below. While the copter started up and flew out of the front of the hanger. Signalling to the pseudo-legendary, he took off and caught up to the others, keeping a small lead in front of them.

Despite the starry night sky, and cool ocean breeze, she wasn't effected. Her goggles zoomed forward several times until the ship cutting across the water came into view. Confirming their target, she signalled once more to her partner.

Salamence doubled down and began flying straight towards the target. She kept an eye on the other units as they approached. As the boat came into view, a small smirk crept upon her lips. Signalling her dragon to remain hidden from the ship-goers, her goggles activated and dozens of heat signatures all over the ship became visible. Some clearly human shape whilst others were more varied.

It took about ten minutes for the boats to move into position as the copter hovered behind her. Seeing them roll up to the side of the ship, she leaned down and her blue dragon charged forward. Heading straight into the tallest part of the ship which overlooked the outgoing ocean.

With a deep breath, a dark blue flame shot out. The dragon pulse exploded, blowing the glass windows out as they charged into the tower.

Jumping off her mighty dragon, she landed on one knee. Three heat signatures filled her vision through the smoke with one running to the side of the wall.

Holding her arm out, she fired a golden beam. A scream filled the room as she stood and walked into the view of the humans. First thing she noticed was the pure gold sailor about to hit a button on the wall, "I assume that's some sort of special signal to get support?"

None of the other two were willing to answer. Cowering on the floor, one of the clutched their arm which seem to have a rather large shard of glass stuck inside. Walking forward, she kneeled beside them and clenched the shoulder, "it wasn't a rhetorical question. Who does that alarm alert? I'm here for just a few things, it shouldn't take long and then you can get medical attention. Longer I wait, the higher chance you'll bleed out."

"T-the G-Men," the man clenched his teeth.

"Leave him." the other man stood up. Studying his outfit, he was clearly the captain of the ship. "Who are you and what do you want?"

"Names J and as for what I'm after, I would rather keep it to myself for the time being." She stood to meet his eye. "Less chance of you purposely hiding my target. But I do have some things for you to do."

"I'm the captain of this ship and-"

"Think this through, captain, your responsibility is to your crew. One's bleeding and the other is dead unless I decide to free them," she replied, "so just do as I say and all three of you can make it out of this. Turn the engine off."

The stern man growled with a lowered browl, but she just glanced to the side where the frozen crew member stood. Her red-winged dragon moved to the side and picked up the initial target, carrying them over to the injured man. Smirking at the captain, he reluctantly moved to the control panel and pressed some buttons. Ending the rumble of the engine, she physically felt the ship stop except for the gentle rocking of the waters below.

"Good boy." She smiled. "Now make an announcement to the passengers. We've had engine failure, it's what the blast was. Nothing to worry about but we've had to anchor down or whatever you say whilst repairs take place. Ask them to return to return to their cabins. We wouldn't want them in anyone's way."

She felt the corners of her lips flick up in a smirk as he did just that. A general patter of footsteps proved they abided by his instructions. Even if a few stragglers remained, they'll be much easier to conceal. Taking out two Pokéballs, she let out her two duel poison types.

Ariados fired off a string shot and knocked the captain back to the other shipmate. Bringing her arm up, the electronic screen popped up and she lowered the levels to free the third person from the golden prison. She continued forward with her previous moment. Stumbling over her own feet as she nearly face planted into Drapion, who let out a loud roar, snapping the pincers in her face. She stumbled back, landing next to the captain.

"Now keep quiet and don't get in my way and this will be easier for everyone. I'll even allow you two to tend to his injury," she explained, "but know that if any of you try to intervene with my mission. I'll kill one of the other two and their blood will be on your hands."

Leaving her two duel-poison types to overwatch the captives, she turned back to the window which they blew out. Salamence landed to her side, and she stepped forward, a gentle breeze blowing past her as she overlooked the ship. She pressed the earpiece which attached to the goggles.

"Containment and infiltration may move in and begin the operation," she informed. Pressing the button once more, she turned to her red-winged menace with a genuine smile. "And you should move into position. Our old friend should be here soon."

He took off and disappeared amongst the night sky as she saw the rows of henchmen climb onto the main deck. Specifically, she made out the sight of her two Pokémon on that team, who seemed to disappear below deck. While the copter landed on top of a roof, slightly below her own position.

They climbed out of the aerial vehicle and started setting up the blue glowing crystal with a ball of water forming around it. The steel ghost type floating around, as if anticipating an attacker from any direction. She remembered them attempting to bring their own Pokémon, but they'd only hinder the plan.

Given how those two have turned out, she could certainly keep them around. The crystal itself is an interesting tool and far more useful for containing the powerful targets over her golden gun but for now she'll just see this mission through. Target one and two of the operation were right on track. Given time then those targets shall be back on board, and she'll be able to bring out the third target of her mission.

May frowned as she laid down, her roommate texting away. From what she gathered; it was her boyfriend back in Kanto. Chewing on her inner cheek, she hugged the pure water type in her arms, frowning at the thought of who she considered that role for herself.

The image of the green-haired boy dancing with Lisia during that showcase ball caused her to frown. Tears stung her eyes as she tightened her grip. He'd curtsy towards her to thank for the dance before lifting her hand. Placing a kiss on the back like he had done to her during their dates. With the image of him trying the same thing with Sakura and when she turned him down, lying to her about the whole situation.

"Mana Mana!"

"Huh?" She blinked back into reality.

Looking down at the pure water type, she realised she must've squeezed the seafaring Pokémon just a little too hard. She stood up and started bouncing him around, singing a relaxing tune to try and calm the small Pokémon. It took a couple minutes, but Manaphy relaxed back into a settled snooze.

"Is he alright?" Misty asked as she sat back down.

"Yeah, I think so," she muttered.

Dropping her head down to stare at the pure water type, she felt the tears sting her eyes once more. Squeezing them shut she used her arm to wipe they away whilst careful not to disturb the sleeping Pokémon. Turning to lie him in the bed, she felt a lump form in her throat.

"Wanna talk about it?" she asked.

"No," she uttered.

"Go on then," she gestured for her to expand.

"I just said-"

"I know what your voice said." She crossed her arms. "But everything else about you screamed yes. So, I'm here to listen."

"You wouldn't understand." She turned away.

"Is it boy trouble?" she asked.

"What did Serena say-"

"She said nothing," she replied, "but these last few months I've had to get good at reading people. You got upset when I was texting away with Rudy, and I know the lovey-dovey duo were keeping their antics to minimum when we were all together. It's an easy to conclusion to make."

"It doesn't matter." She frowned. "You've got Rudy so you-"

"-wouldn't understand, yadda yadda, try me," she interjected, "I might have a boyfriend but that doesn't mean everything's perfect. We don't always get on and we disagree on stuff all the time."

"Like when?" she asked.

"Like coming to Hoenn," she replied, "I was meant to spend the last few months with him before officially taking over the Cerulean gym. We were so excited and then... this came up. He didn't want me to come but clearly, we didn't agree. I know I'm gonna have some making up for it when I return."

"So, what happened?" she asked.

"Our relationship has always been long range. And I guess he was- I mean we both were excited to change it," she sighed, "but duty called. He tried to convince me not to, but I just couldn't."

"Sounds like he's controlling," she muttered.

"No, it wasn't anything like that." She shook her head. "He was agitated but he didn't stop me once my decision was made. Being in love doesn't mean you agree with every little detail. You complement each other and even offer a differing opinion. So now it's your turn."

"Huh?" she asked.

"To share," she replied, "a little girl talk never hurt anyone. It might even help."

A loud bang echoed and shook the boat before she could reply. Both Misty and Absol jumped to their feet, with the orange-haired girl getting a Pokéball in hand. While the pure water type started crying. Standing up with them, she started humming the same tune and rocking her about.

"What was that?" Misty asked in a hushed voice. Luckily, it didn't take her long to settle Manaphy down.

"No idea," she uttered, as the gentle vibrations from the engine cut off, "maybe they blew a fuse or something."

"I don't think so," Misty whispered, "if it was that, then why is Absol still on guard? He can sense impending disasters, right?"

"Yeah, he-"

"This is your captain speaking, we're afraid the engine has given out and that was the noise you heard before. We've got a team working on it right now and will resume our journey shortly. We apologise for the inconvenience but please remain in your cabins while we deal with the unforeseen events."

"So, it was the engine," May humped.

"I'm still not convinced." Misty whispered with the general patter of footsteps filling the room. "If it was, why would he ask us to stay in our cabins?"

"So, what is going on?" she asked.

"You know when your younger and your parents say everything is gonna be fine because your kids and they don't want you to worry but it just makes you worry more?" Misty asked to which she nodded. The water type specialist smirked. "Everything's gonna be fine."

As if on cue, the door burst open and two muscular men dressed in team aqua uniforms broke in. Absol slashed his horn down, sending a razor wind.

"Get in the corner!" Misty shouted.

Turning around, she heard the familiar sound of a Pokéball opening as she clutched Manaphy tight. Diving into the corner behind Misty's bed, she squeezed her eyes shut. Images of the battle flashed in her head from the sounds outside. It felt like an eternity passed in the fifthteen or so seconds.

When the ruckus settled, she peaked out to find both men tied up by Misty's Tentacruel as Absol stood over some sort of silver gun. She steadily stood up and turned to Misty, who was examine the weaponry. "Why did team aqua attack this ship?"

"They didn't." Misty frowned turning to face her.

"But they are dressed like aqua so if they aren't them then who do they work for?" she asked.

"Someone much, much worst." The fear in her voice was amplified by the slight quiver as she dropped the weapon. Taking out a small device, she turned to face her fully. "I need to make a call. There's some rope in my backpack, use it to tie these guys up."

While she wanted to voice concern but couldn't. Grabbing the items, she set Manaphy down and went on to do as instructed. Shivering as she got close to the water poison type, she focused on the task at hand and tried to ignore the creepy vibes. Surprisingly, neither of them even seemed to struggle.

"It's no use," Misty sighed. "They must've got the signal blocker already up."

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"We need to move and find the others. The lobby is right between all three rooms and knowing the couple, I bet they're already out," she replied, "come on, we can't afford to waste time, but I'll explain on the way."

"You sound just like Ash," she muttered, turning back to pick Manaphy up.

"Is it really a bad thing?" she asked. "You don't want them to get ahold of Manaphy, do you?"

"You think they were after Manaphy?" she asked, hugging the water type.

"Either that or they were just ransacking for Pokémon in general," she replied, "and hit the gold mine here. But I'm not a big believer in coincidence."

She frowned at suggestion. Tightening her grip around the newly hatched Pokémon. Absol moved out of the room with Tentacruel, and both seemed to be standing guard. Misty moved right into her face, but her features softened.

"I know it's scary May, but we still have a chance to make a difference," she replied, "no matter how bad you feel right now. You'll feel much worst when it's over and you know you could've tried. You need to decide whether or not you will stand for people who can't themselves or not. We are."

Frowning at the implication, her mind flashed back over the journey. Mainly the incidents where they ended up facing either magma or aqua. Everything ended up turning out fine but... could the same be said if they didn't intervene. She's been mad about being sucked into the situations, but she could've left at any time, and she even did. The weather institute still happened, and she could've lost her brother or one of her friends. She's even been passive in her relationship, which is how Drew was able to so easily fool her... no more!

Wiping her eyes, she shook her head and stood up. Seeing the orange-haired girl smirk, she turned and made her way out of the room. A flash of light caught her attention and Misty's Spheal sat in her arms. Releasing an icy cold chill back across the floor, the corridor behind them turned into an ice ring.

Several more aqua henchmen appeared around the corner and and charged forward. Seeing them slip on the floor, they took off with Absol leading the way.

Getting onto the outside of the ship, she noticed two guys in aqua clothes with their back to them. Absol wasted no time in charging forward. Tackling one in the back, he knocked him overboard. As the second one turned around, he slashed his horn down destroying the weapon in his hands.

Stumbling from the blast. The grunt had no defence as Absol launched another razor wind to blow him overboard as well.

Unable to formulate words, Misty came up behind and they continued forward. Bursting into the main lobby, she found several people already here, with a low chatter of groans of complaints. It was clear they were trying to get answers and she couldn't blame them.

"Here you guys are." She turned to see Brock and Max walking towards them. Sableye was out of his Pokéball, and her younger brother ran forward with tears in his eyes. Kneeling down, she embraced him with a hug and Manaphy even joined in to.

"I'm guessing the same stuff happened with you?" Misty asked.

"Yeah." Brock nodded. "Sableye was able to use tricks and catch 'em off guard but it wasn't safe being there."

"You notice the weapons they had?" she asked.

"Yep," he replied, "which means it's-"

"J."

Turning to the new source, she found both Ash and Serena. Part of her wondered if the couple had switched back yet but a more pressing question filled her mind, "whose J?"

"She's a Pokémon hunter who we ran into a couple times," Ash, if it is Ash, explained, "she is ruthless and evil."

"But Ash-"

"Serena." She corrected.

"How come Ash looks different?" Max asked, "I mean, I know the obvious, but he doesn't look like Serena normally does."

"It's because he's not wearing make-up," Misty explained.

"Serena doesn't normally wear make-up," Ash muttered.

"Can we please just focus on the matter at hand?" Serena sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Alright Serena." May nodded. "Why is this J here now?"

"If I were to guess... Manaphy," She replied, "it's no coincidence Absol foresaw something revolving around him and now this is happening. Which means we need to fight back before they get what they want. None of us are safe until they're gone-"

The entire power shut off with only the moonlight shining through the windows illuminating the room. Their group moved closer together.

"So, the way I see it, we have three objectives," Misty whispered, "they're clearly in the generator room and we need to get it back up and running. We should also turn this lobby into a fort. You said they'll keep coming so why make it easy for them. Then our third objective is taking the fight to them."

"I've got that one," Serena frowned, "we've got unfinished business from the last time we met."

"I'll come too." Misty nodded. "Chances are she's kept the blocker nearby like on mount silver. So, if we can stop it then we can get back up here."

"I'll head down to the generator," Ash added, "chances are they left once they cut the power so hopefully, we can get something up and running. After being shocked by Pikachu enough times, I should know a thing or two about it."

"Then myself, May and Max can work on creating a sealed room. We might even be able to expand out for medical supplies," Brock smiled.

"Hold on," May replied, turning to Misty and Serena... whose still in Ash's body. "I'm going with you two."

"How come?" Serena asked, while the orange haired girl smirked.

"Because you said they were likely after Manaphy so if we're in danger then might as well get it sorted," she replied, "and if it takes pressure of the boys, they'll have an easier time with the supplies. Besides, if J's as bad as you claim then you'll need all the help you can get."

"Atta girl," Misty nodded.

"Who are you and what have you done with May?" Ash asked.

"Har har, very funny." She mocked. "Now are we just gonna stand here and make jokes or are we gonna do this?"

All of them looked at each other and gave a serious nod. The three of them turned to the deck and set off while Ash took off further into the inside of the ship, leaving both her brother and Brock in the main lobby of the ship. As she ran, she slid the water type into her backpack to keep him hidden.

Ash ran down the corridor, but he was finding some difficulty with still being in Serena's body. Mostly the fact that her chest was bouncing around not allowing him to enter a stable rhythm. Trying not to focus on such things, his eyes glanced over the signage on the walls and followed them down to the engine room.

Stopping around the wall of the corner, he noticed two guards walking away from him. Taking a deep breath, he was expecting to feel the familiar tingle of energy trying to break through his veins but to no-avail. Shaking his head, he took out a Pokéball.

"Sleep powder, Venusaur!"

Jumping around the corner and releasing his grass poison type. A thick cloud of powder erupted out of the plant on his back.

The two guards barely had chance to turn around before falling down to the ground. Smiling at his seed Pokémon, they took off over the sleeping guards, but they sliced up the weaponry with a couple razor leaves as they passed by. It didn't take them long to come up to the room labled engine.

Pushing his way in, a light flicker of light illuminated the corner of the room, but the rest was pure black. Venusaur took a deep breath, illuminating the area himself with flash. The two of them moved closer in but stopped as they came face to face with a familiar Pokémon... a Slowking.

He stood centre room with arms behind his back. A straight back and narrowed eyes, emphasised by the corners of his lips flicked down.

Sounds of aggression echoed through the room and sparks continued to flicker from the corner, he glanced around to try and get a better look at the source but froze as he noticed the black furred feline stalking towards them. With razor sharp fangs sparkling with electricity and sharp claws scratching the floor. He couldn't help but focus on the piercing red eyes which shone through the limited light. He slowly pulled out his Pokédex for some info.

Luxray, The Gleam Eyes Pokémon. The final evolved form of Shinx. Seeing through solid objects uses up a lot of Luxray's electricity, so the Pokémon sleeps for long periods of time to store up energy. Careful if you encounter a wild one as they can be extremely territorial

The pure electric type charged forward but a series of vines countered. Striking the feral Pokémon, he knocked him back behind the Slowking.

He quickly switched his Pokédex for a Pokéball and tossed it forward. A powerful flamethrower shot out and engulfed both opponents.

A jet of water shot out through the centre and evened out. Torkoal quickly withdrew into his shell, spinning out of the way of the counter.

Several vines shot towards the water psychic type, but a ball of ESP surrounded him. Picking Venusaur up, he was thrown back into a wall.

Torkoal let out a loud cry and a cloud of thick black smoke covered the room. Raising an arm to cover his mouth, he struggled to see through the new sort of field, but the sound of his coal Pokémon's voice was evident enough he had a plan in mind and was instructing Venusaur appropriately.

He fell back as the burning red eyes of the electric type burned through the smoke. His mind remembered the x-ray vision the species supposedly has.

Whiffs of smoke moved to reveal several vines attempting to restrain the gleam eye Pokémon but to no avail. A white mist covered the smoke.

Depleting it down to nothing, he found Slowking stood at the centre. While his safeguard expanded over the room and countered the smoke, he took in the sight and frowned. He could see Venusaur, Luxray and Slowking but Torkoal was no-where to be seen.

The pure electric type bite down on one of the vines with his fangs burning with fire. With a loud cry, he withdrew the vine and allowed the opponent to move.

A second pulse echoed out of the royal Pokémon. This time with a psychic tint, setting up a sort of box all around them. He pulled out his device again:

Trick room: This move reverses the speeds of everyone within the field.

Slowking wasted no time in using his newfound speed. Charging forward, he deliver two swift ice punches straight into his grass poison type.

Venusaur cried out as a wave of ESP engulfed his body. Being picked up with ease, he was sent flying over the room. A small brown seed shot out of his plant and down onto the water psychic type. Roots expanded out over him as the fully evolved starter crashed on his back.

A glint emerged from the side of the room and his fire type reappeared. With a deep breath a white beam of solar energy shot out.

The solar beam blasted into the side of Slowking and knocked him into the electric type. Both Pokémon ended up in a pile as Torkoal ran across the floor.

With a leap, he slammed down onto the back of the electric type, who cried out in pain. Slight seismic tremors echoing out directly into his body.

Psychic energy engulfed his body and threw him back. Withdrawing once more, he spun to regain control and landed on all fours.

Venusaur re-joined his side, looking a little worst off. Giving off another instruction, the seed Pokémon launched several seed bombs over the room.

Quickly firing a barrage of small embers. The seed bombs ignited into fire balls and exploded around the two Pokémon. Blowing them back into the trick room wall. Cracks began to appear over the psychic barrier and is imploded into nothing. The two Pokémon struggling to their feet.

"Alright, let's finish this!" He declared. "Both target Slowking first!"

Launching out a series of razor-sharp leaves shot out of his grass poison type. Luxray quickly moved in front of his partner.

A ring of electricity engulfed his body. Intercepting Venusaur's attack, the leaves burned down into nothing but piles of soot. If there was any doubt before, this proves these are a part of J's team and not just one of her grunts. He's used grass to block electricity due to the resistance but never the reverse.

Glancing over behind the feral Pokémon, he noticed Slowking. The water psychic type's body glew with a mystic healing shimmer.

Both of his Pokémon powered up their attacks with another barrage of exploding seed bombs. Through the explosion, he noticed the royal Pokémon flash with psychic type energy. In the blink of an eye, both of the opponents disappeared out of the room.

"They teleported," he grumbled.

"Tor Torkoal."

"Venu-saur."

"I really miss not being able to understand you guys," he muttered, "but your saying we should focus on the repairs, right?"

Both Pokémon nodded and he took out two more Pokéballs. Releasing both Metang and Duskull, he watched as his seed Pokémon instructed both of them. His ghost type disappeared into the walls before pulling loose wires out and handed them to the steel psychic type. Using thunder punch, he clenched the vary of wires in both metal claws. It took a couple seconds but soon the lights in the room turned on.

"We did it!" He cheered, throwing a fist up into the air. "Venusaur. Where did you learn about electrical circuits?"

"Saur, Venusaur."

Guessing by the shapes his vines made, he frowned. "Is it something to do with Pikachu at the lab?"

He nodded.

"And I'm gonna say he'd prefer if I didn't know?" he asked, to which he nodded again. "When we switch back and I can understand you again, will you tell me?"

Venusaur nodded a third time with a smirk.

"Alright well, Metang, you kinda need to stay there until help arrives. Is that okay with you?" Metang nodded. "Great. I just hope the others are getting on this well."

Glancing between his four Pokémon, his mind wondered over to his friends. How could their encounter with J be turning out? He wished he could've helped them but right now he's more useful getting the power going again. Clearly that was something J needed gone for... whatever she's after.

"Dus Duskull."

"What's up?" he asked, walking over to the ghost type.

Looking at where his first caught Hoenn Pokémon pointed, he found a white block with wires sticking in and out of it. Some sort of phone device sat on top with the wires connected. His hands trembled as he starter recalling his team. Even letting the power stop once more because of the threat.

Just how far will J go to get what she wants?

Serena ran beside Absol as she glanced around the open part of the deck. Both Misty and May were slightly behind so she stopped her dark type so they could keep up. Placing a hand on her chest, she felt her... or rather Ash's heart racing. She had to admit that running seemed slightly easier in his body.

"What's going on?" May asked in a hushed voice. "Why'd you stop?"

"I don't like it," she whispered, "we know she likes to fly so she's likely on top of the ship-"

"Especially since it would give the signal blocker more coverage," Misty added.

"-but we've not seen a single guard on the way here," she continued, "surely she'd..."

"Maybe she's just that confident," May shrugged.

"She's confident but also smart," Misty explained, "we should get moving but we can't let our guards down."

"Right."

Leading the way, they started ascending the outside staircase. Glancing up to the command tower she frowned and tightened her fist. Swallowing hard, she focused ahead and continued the climb. A massive hole was blown into the side of the tower, where the captain would steer the ship. From seeing the tower earlier, she knew it should have windows, but just black smoke blocked her view. If nothing else, it indicated that J was there.

Continuing up the staircase, she saw the two rocket members who were after Raikou. A blue crystal was between them with a weird floating Pokémon she couldn't reconsign. The crystal was a different colour and even seemed to have a sphere of water engulfing it.

The Pokémon seemed to notice them and charged forward. Absol's horn glew black with a purple outline, knocking it back as he took up a battle stance.

"Are those two working with J now?" She wondered aloud.

"We were head hunted and given a specific scientific role within the organisation," the women replied, "Aegislash, if you wouldn't mind."

Giving a serious grunt, the sword-shaped Pokémon went to move once more. A jet of water smashed into the floating Pokémon.

"Go Serena!" Misty instructed, her Tentacruel moving forward. "We can handle these guys. Someone still needs to get J!"

Nodding, she took off and her dark type followed suite. Glancing back, she noticed the tentacles of Misty's water poison type pulling the opponent back as it tried to pursuit them. Combusken materialised next to the jellyfish Pokémon, taking up an offensive stance.

Entering the fire door into the corridor beside the captain's quarters. She closed her eyes and silently muttered, "be safe you two."

While part of her wanted to stand by her friends and fight them too, she knew someone had to confront J. As long as she remained, Manaphy and everyone on the ship was at risk. The best way to get the invaders off the ship is to run their leader out and if its anything like mount silver, she'll have the blocker on her.

Walking down the corridor towards the captains control room, she took a deep breath. Taking out a Pokéball, she released Zangoose next to Absol.

From the look on the run up, she has Drapion at the very least and the room hardly seemed big for an all-out battle. She could use Beedrill, but he'd have limited flying space and these two have been training together. That sort of teamwork could make up for a big part of the battle... and given the previous encounters, Salamence won't be far away. Maybe with his new mega evolution, they'll stand a chance at countering the red-winged menace.

Giving each other a confirmation nod, they set off around the corridor. Coming to the destination, her dark type used razor wind to blow the door open.

Charging forward, she entered the captains room. Absol and Zangoose either side of her. The first thing she noticed was the three crew members tied up in the corner with the Ariados hanging overhead. While the silver-haired hunter stood in front of the panel with Drapion by her side.

"Where's Furret?" She raised her voice.

"Sorry?" she asked, "do I know you, boy?"

"You took my friend!" She yelled, feeling a power tingle through her body. "And then you tried to kill me!"

"You have no idea how little that narrows it down," she shrugged, turning around she glanced to the poison dark type. "Get rid of them. But the two could bring a nice sum so be gentle with them. We don't want to damage the merchandise."

Her two Pokémon charged forward with the dark type launching out a series of razor winds. Blocking the projectiles with his long pincers, her two Pokémon used the opening to attack their new opponent.

Closing her eyes, she turned back to the hunter. As they opened, her vision was tinted with ESP as she sneered at the target.

Charging forward, she lept towards Hunter J but she ducked as she went sailing overhead. Releasing her psychic powers to control the flight, she landed on one knee and sent out a blast straight into her face. She crossed her arms over her face, flying back and landed in a standing stance.

"Well... now you have my attention, psychic." She uttered.

Holding her gun out, a golden beam shot out straight towards her. Holding her breath, she extended her arm once more.

The psychic blast dispersed her shot. Clutching around the gun, she used her powers to rip it off and charged forward.

Delivering a solid punch to her lower jaw, the arm was swiped to the side. J seemed to take the blow in stride as she delivered several smaller punches which caused her to retract. Somehow, she must've hit the pressure points with pinpoint accuracy.

A flash of dark covered her eyes and she found herself in a dark room. Blue chains of aura restrained her arms and legs but... it was actually her body. Off in the distance seemed to be some sort of screen which was her vision from before. The combat between J and... her? Ash's body? continued.

"Aura, as well?" she blinked. "You are full of surprises. I might need to reassess the third objective here today."

From around her back walked Ash but a dark blue flame erupted around him. His eyes darkened with a lowered brow framing his menacing look.

"YOU! ARE NOT! WELCOME HERE!" Ash's voice boomed but with a slight quirk within.

"Dark aura?!" she gasped.

"Just aura... the god given gift... you've soiled our vessel for too long. First the child aura-bonded with your sort. The idea he'd fall for the abomination designed to destroy his very being is sickening but now we have the opportunity to finish you once and for all."

The evil spirit of her boyfriend formed a glowing blue stick in his arms. It stood about half his height taller, and he spun it around like some sort of showmen.

Summoning the little remaining power, she could, a weak psychic blast erupted from her body. Knocking the spirit back along with the bone rush spear.

Glancing over to the screen, she noticed the hunter press some sort of emergency button on the wall before taking off out of the hole in the wall which she assumed she entered from. Her Drapion knocked both her Pokémon back before crashing the ceiling down and prevent pursuit of them both.

A whirlwind of psychic and aura surround the real body as they seemed to levitate of the ground. Her powers activated and broke the mind restraints.

Taking up an offensive stance, she found herself facing off against the mental avatar of aura. This is what Red warned them off.

May clenched her fist in anger at the sight of the battle. It was her Combusken and Misty's Tentacruel against the sword and shield Pokémon which she learnt was called Aegislash. Several tentacles were holding the steel ghost type down as her starter charged forward.

Flames engulfed his body as he closed in. Swiping his claws and feet at the opponent, it cried out in pain as flames covered both.

Jumping up over the opponent, a jet of water struck the back. Sending the floating Pokémon away from both of them.

Tentacruel gave some sort of instruction to her starter, who nodded. Running ahead, his beak extended and lead his charge.

The royal sword Pokémon stopped and turned back. A pink outline surrounded his body as he spun overhead. A slash of psychic type energy shot down and smashed straight into her starter. Diving into a shadow on the floor, he shot forward.

Leaping out of the ground, he collided with her stunned fire fighting type. Spinning around, an orangey-brown colour outlined the body.

Knocking straight into Combusken, he was sent flying. A couple tentacles reached up and grabbed him, lowering him back down into the field.

"Mana?"

The pure water popped his head up out of her backpack. Frowning she kneeled and slipped the bag off. Part of her wanted to tell him off for not hiding but she knew how stuffy it must be in her bag and hearing the commotion must've been scary for him.

Glancing up to the battle, she found the two Pokémon stood around, looking for their opponent... but to no avail.

In the blink of an eye, Aegislash pounced up from beneath her. Slicing at her arms, she was forced to let go. The bag went flying one way as she landed on her behind. Nasty lashes covering her arms, but they appeared to be superficial.

Looking up she found the royal sword Pokémon pierce the arm loops and carry her bag towards the two scientists. A pair of tentacles reached out.

Wrapping around the bag, Tentacruel tried to pull Manaphy back. Sliding out from his hold, Aegislash spun around, and psycho cut the tentacles move.

Snatching the water type up with his stache arm, the shield move over the sword body. A jet of water blasted into the front, but a barrier formed to block the blast as their opponent retreated backwards across the ship. Spinning on an axis, he launched the prince of the sea away.

Manaphy crashed through the water sphere and ended up next to the crystal. He tried to swim away but couldn't break the seal.

Waves of water seemed to sap off him, as he cried out in pain. Tears burned her own eye, "Combusken!"

Her fire fighting type charged forward. His entire body burst into the flames as he tried to break the water type free.

The sword came down once more, intercepting his attempted flame charge. Using his speed to his advantage, none of the young fowl Pokémon's moves seemed to have the desired effect on the royal Pokémon. With a slash of the sword-body, Aegislash sent Combusken back.

Charging forward, he dived into a shadow on the floor. Leaping out underneath Misty's Tentacruel, she was sent flying.

Spinning under the now-airborne water poison type. The steel ghost type ended up on top. Crashing back down, piercing the jellyfish Pokémon.

Leaving her deflated on the floor, a red light engulfed her. Glancing to the side she saw Misty ready with... not a Pokémon but the silver device from before.

Rolling her eyes and narrowing her glare across the makeshift field. Her starter laid down against the wall, but his eyes burst open before she could say anything. Struggling back up to her wobbling legs, she watched his eyes burn blood red with a flaming outline radiating off his body. She used her Pokédex:

Blaze: This ability increases the user's fire type moves when put on their last legs

With a loud cry, he launched out a massive stream of flames which consumed the sword Pokémon. Erupting into a tornado of flames around.

Making a b-line straight towards the fire-spin. A purple ball of ghost type energy shot out. Using his claws to intercept, it burst in front of him.

Engulfing his claws entirely, he continued and jumped into the flames. Using the newly formed shadow claws, he knocked steel ghost type back.

Landing on one knee, the royal sword Pokémon stopped an inch from hitting the ground. His stache arm extended out and wrapped around his foot. Lifting her fire fighting type high into the sky, he spun him around. Smashing into the ground. He finished up with a direct psycho cut to his downed body.

Running to her starter she skidded down to his side and found Combusken face down with a nasty gash over his back. Tentatively reaching out, she couldn't touch his burning body. Unboiled rage followed through her body as her vision became blurred.

Tears escaped down her cheeks as Manaphy struggled through the water prison. He cried out with bubbles flowing through the sphere. She tried to run up to the prince of the sea but found herself face to face with the sword-shaped Pokémon. The pointed end aimed at her throat. Swallowing hard at the implication, she stumbled back and landed on her behind.

A blur ran past, and she found some sort of larger feline Pokémon with black fur ran past. Stopping next to the water crystal as the two scientists started loading the objects into the helicopter. The large muscular man took place in the piolet seat and the aerial vehicle took off.

Another Pokémon walked up at a slower pace. This one holding both arms behind the back and was pink... with what seemed to be a crown on the head.

"Drap!"

Turning to the side, she found Misty being frown down with the large purple skorpion Pokémon blocking her path. Glancing back to the others, she only got a glimpse before the newest member waggled their fingers, teleporting themselve, the remaining scientist, the sword, and the feline Pokémon away. Along with the crystal of water which still trapped the newly hatched water type.

More tears broke down her face as uncontrollable sobs escaped her lips. Curling up into a ball, she only heard a general ruckus as the strain on her heart from the thought of the small water type being in pain and alone sunk in. Some force blew her back and through the blurred vision, she glanced up to see Misty on her side but the same metal device from before in hand. A red flashing light on top of the device emphasised the smile on the orange-haired girl's face.

"Yes! It worked!" Misty cheered.

Frowning at the sight, she wanted to join in her new friends excitement but couldn't. She couldn't explain it, even if she knew Manaphy even less than her other Pokémon, she still cared for his egg and watched him hatch. It was like having a part of her ripped out and frown to the depths of the ocean.

Metal footsteps drew their attention and a silver haired women in a long, purple trenchcoat walked down the staircase with some sort of bug Pokémon beside her. Green goggles covered her eyes and seemed to have some sort of tech base.

"J," Misty hissed.

"Huh?" She turned to face them. "I assume you're with the boy upstairs. And faired just as well by the looks of it. All well, not every mission can challenge."

"You're done, J!" Misty shouted, pushing herself up. "I got the signal out. Lance is already on his way here. Right now."

"Ignorant child." She rolled her eyes. "I got my signal out first. He's been on the way for longer than you'd imagine. In fact, I think that's him on the horizon."

"Why would you want to get Lance here?" she asked.

"I had three objectives with this raid. First being the prince of the sea. Second being extras from what merchandise held by the passengers and I achieved both of those without breaking a sweat," she replied, "so of course I'd lure my final target here. The only reason I kept the humans on this ship alive is because when I make my escape, living beings will require more of his squads attention over pursuing myself."

"Your planning on attacking Lance?!" she gasped.

"Gold star, well done. Since you're a fan of his, I'll let you get a front row seat to this spectacle," she muttered glancing to her bug poison type, "just keep her and her friend quiet." Turning and walking away, she saw the multicoloured bug approach. Shooting out two blobs of string, one hit her mouth and the other hit Misty. Collapsing down on the floor, the image of Manaphy in his final moments filled her sight among the starry-sky.

Lance glared over the ocean horizon as the wind blew through his cape. The sound of his fleet of boats beneath him as Dragonite lead the charge forward. His vision focused solely over the night sky as he tried to home in on the location.

A small vibration went off in his pocket. With a sigh, he rolled his eyes and reached for the device. What else could be going wrong today? A ship sailing close to the aqua base has sent out a distress call and the own aqua admin they we're able to apprehend has turned up dead in the prison. Pulling out the small silver device, he frowned seeing it was Misty of all people... and she activated the distress call.

Opening up the tracker, he relaxed slightly seeing it have the same location as the ship in distress. Realising she must be on board, he put the device back and used his feet to signal his partner to double down. The speed increased and the wind made it difficult to keep a focus on the next location.

Soon the ship came into view and his eyes widened. A ball of what appeared to be psychic energy expanding from the captain's tower but with the swirling mess, it was difficult to make anything about it out. Fumes of smoke bellowed out from several points on the ship.

A massive ball of ESP emerged, breaking the tower into the swirling vortex. It seemed like some sort of humanoid was in the centre, but it was difficult to make out human or Pokémon. Something else seemed mixed in with the psychic energy, but he couldn't quite make out what. Being to disjoined and dissolved within the other power source. His mind began running of possible scenario's which might've happened to this ship but regardless of the cause, a pool of dread flooded his stomach with each passing second as they got closer to the distress signals.

His eyes blinked as a gut punch forced them shut. Being frown back, he glanced up as his orange dragon was falling beside him with another Pokémon overhead. Swallowing hard, he forced himself to spin.

Taking out a Pokéball, he crashed into the water and released the selected member. Materialising in a red light, the red scaled water flying type roared. He charged straight into him and lifted him back up above the surface of the water. Breathing heavily as he kneeled on the atrocious Pokémon's head, he ran his hand down his face to wipe away the water.

Glancing up to the sky, his pseudo legendary flew around the sky. Locked in battle with the blue-body-red-winged dragon.

"Glad to see you could make it... constable."

The female voice sent a shiver down his spin, reminding him of his first posting in the G-Men. Glancing over to the ship, he found a single figure stood in a long trenchcoat which blew in the wind. Her goggles withdrew to reveal the cold grey eyes which filled him with dread.

"J!"

His eyes widened before the browl narrowed. Swallowing hard as images of his old commanding officer in the academy and the rigorous training she put him through filled his eyes. His bottom lip trembled as her flicked up in a smirk, standing high over him from their current positions.

"Is that any way to greet your superior?" she asked, "I thought the G-Men were meant to impose discipline and respect into you."

Signalling to the water flying type, he charged forward. Unclipping his cape, he let it to hang on one of Gyarados' head fins. Reaching the boat, the atrocious Pokémon stopped, allowing him to use the moment to fly onto the deck to face the adversary face to face.

His mind hoping that Dragonite will be alright... there's few Pokémon who could go one to one with him, but her Salamence is near top of the list.

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...