(A/N: Here is chapter 11, successfully uploaded the same day as chapter 10! You guys are getting another one tomorrow, so I hope you're excited, I know I am! Enjoy!)

Chapter 11: Beginning the Journey

The whole town was in an uproar from the attack by Nebuloid Naga and Shryke Supernova. People became very suspicious of the research center, seeing as it was the only source of technology on the continent. Rebuilding projects had to be scheduled, supplies had to be provided, and most of all order had to be restored. After they all went to their parents to show them that they were ok, the four kids headed back to the barn with supplies for their journey. In all the commotion it was a perfect time for them to slip away, unnoticed. Rio arrived at the barn last since he was in charge of gathering as much food as possible for the trip.

"Sorry I'm late, had to raid my moms stash of dried food under the floorboards," he trudged through the barn door, carrying four backpacks.

"That's fine, it took us just as long to transfer all my data," Gerry was tinkering with a device on his wrist, as was Gina.

"Transfer your data to what?" Rio walked over to peek at the gizmo.

"This portable computer Ichiro snagged from the lab. It has more power and I'll be able to track the other suits better."

"But you won't be able to travel into space with those! We will need to leave the continent like you said, that won't protect you," Rio failed to see the practicality in the computer watch.

"We're going to cross that bridge soon, first we have to get set up at home base," Ichiro chimed in.

"We should set up at the ruins! It would be a perfect spot!" Rio got excited.

"That would be a fantastic idea, you'd be able to get better reception with the height, Ger," Gina smiled.

"That's the first place they would look for us though..." Gerry pointed out how illogical it was.

"Come on Ger, pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaassseeee? We can just hide in the basement levels or something, it's the perfect spot!" Gina tried to schmooze her twin.

"What about you Ichiro, what do you say?" Gerry asked his fellow scientist.

"I'm fine with wherever."

"...ok, fine."

"Whoo!" The red head and the girl cheered for joy. Rio and Ger took the heavy stuff while Gina helped Ichiro to walk. It normally took about fifteen minutes to get to the ruins at a good paced walk, so at their slow pace it took at least double that. And having to navigate the rough terrain of the ruins made it even longer. Gerry and Rio finally decided to go on ahead while Gina continued with Ichiro.

"...I heard you crying," the blonde commented out of the blue.

"Oh! Th-th-that was nothing! I-I-I was just-!" she tried to explain.

"I won't let him die, if that's what you want."

"N-no! That wasn't-!"

"Not everyone is as oblivious as the red head. Just saying." They continued walking in silence, heading toward the tower. After another ten minutes of navigating, the finally passed through the threshold of the tower. Rio was there, standing on top of a desk, surveying the first floor. He turned back to the other three, smiling wide, he said,

"Welcome my friends, to the new base of the Maverick Hunters."