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Chapter 76 - Distress Of The Arceanic...

"G-geez! You're cutting off the circulation in my arm!" Chris groaned as Serenity continued pulling him along, mindlessly walking about while venting her frustrations within her mind. "Stupid Chris... Stupid master." she muttered, glancing at him before facing away with a scowl as he felt his arm slowly losing its feeling. "C-come on, seriously. Why are you so sensitive over this? You didn't act this way when I was around other girls..." he asked, trying to pull his arm free only for Serenity to let go and cross her arms. "It not right! Moment we gone, you give another female attention! When we close, you not let girls be that way!" she replied crossly. "I-I do so!! You've seen me with human girls and all!! What's so different about this one?!" he replied in frustration, rubbing his arm as the feeling returned. "This one a Pokemon! And you get all nicey nice and touchie touch with it too! Petting, feeding, walking with..." she argued, her tone fading to a murmur as she poked her fingers. "With girl Pokemon when we not around... That why. You not supposed to do that... Not supposed to make other girl Pokemon... Like you." she added, suddenly sulking as he tilt his head. "B-but what about Lia and Angela? Sally and Victoria? And you didn't have a problem with me liking and treating Rose and Alicia that way!" he reminded causing Serenity to jolt and face him teary eyed and angered. "Females females females!! Have too many females already!! Stop making females like you!!" she shout, pushing him back before leaning against the rail and facing away causing him to blink at her in surprise. "S-Serenity?" he muttered, letting out a sigh and scratching his cheek nervously before they continued walking with Serenity ahead. "O-oy. Sorry." he groaned as Rose looked up at him in concern, Alicia letting out a sigh and shaking her head before slithering over his shoulders. "There's that side of her again." she point out. "Side of her?" Chris asked, looking at the snake curiously as she leaned towards his ear. "Her possessiveness. It's a problem with her kind but especially in her case. It's a bit of a dark secret but they're a rather murderous bunch to the core." Alicia explained causing Chris to jolt in surprise. "S-Serenity? No way." he laughed nervously, waving his hand in response.

"It's true. When it comes to her kind and the one they follow, they'll kill anyone they see fit if they view that being as a threat to that person. They'll also do it if someone is a threat to their relationship with the one they hold close." she point out. "There are many things about our kind humans know nothing of. Those devices you use only tell half the story at best and leave out many other facts, often the parts that are the worst about our kind you humans likely feel best left unsaid. Do you remember how she's threatened me without hesitation? Remember the cliff? The battle in the city? Your incidents with human police...?" she reminded Chris causing him to go wide eyed while listening. "Heed this warning, be wary of how you behave around others, for your sake and theirs. ESPECIALLY by yourself. Nobody can tell when her kind will go off, as it could happen due to something as dire as because your life is in grave danger, or because of something simple such as viewing an outsider as a threat between the two of you. Honor fuels them to kill, but jealousy is a powerful poison within them as well. She can make one vanish whenever she feels into an eternal void with nothing but a slow death to await them." she warned causing Chris to gulp. "You humans leave out so many details of our kind. You focus on the positive things for the most part, but the Gardevoir race is renowned as one of the deadliest in the world. Throughout history your kind have been wiped out by them mercilessly, and that nature flows strongly within her... All the more since she has that OTHER power inside." she continued as Chris slowly turned pale. "This is why I watch myself around her. We may squabble, but I'll not be the one to find myself lost in that void of hers." the snake point out as Chris looked at Serenity and felt a shudder run up his spine. "A-alright then! Th-that's enough!" he panicked causing Serenity to look back and Rose to look up at him confused. "What enough? What wrong?" Serenity asked, raising an eyebrow causing him to jump in surprise and wave his hand. "N-nothing! Nothing at all!" he smiled, sweating slightly as she scowled before facing forward. "O-oy, don't rattle someones nerves like that." he murmured, pinching Alicia's cheek causing her to shout and pull away with a scowl. "Well excuse me for telling the truth. It's not my fault humans can't handle facts." she replied in irritation.

"Serenity, you humans have a word in a foreign language for females like her. I've heard it several times in what you call anime I believe. I see it on TV from time to time. She's what you would call a yandere. Pleasant on the outside, yet deranged within. Obsessive, controlling. Not to mention the blank eyes and blatant blood lust. Ring any bells?" she asked causing Chris to grip his staff tightly while maintaining a smile. "Th-th-th-that's enough." he muttered nervously as sweat began showing on his face. Picking up on his unnerved senses, Serenity looked back once again and stopped, turning and tilting her head. "What wrong? Look strange..." she asked, walking up as his hair seemingly stood on end. "N-n-nothing ma'am!!" he quickly replied, both Serenity and Rose tilting their heads in confusion and surprise while repeating the word "ma'am...?" curiously. "What with that word? You not call me that before." she asked, reaching out and touching his face. "Sweating too. Sick?" she added, rubbing some of his sweat on her fingers as he maintained a smile. "S-sorry. Just ah, you know. Nervous being near you is all! That darned beauty of yours!" he replied with a laugh, Serenity raising an eyebrow. "For some reason... Not like response this time." she muttered, looking at Rose and getting a shrug before facing Alicia who did the same and whistled casually. "Whatever..." she grumbled before turning away with a sigh and walking ahead again. "Ahh man, I shouldn't let Alicia get to me like that. This is Serenity we're talking about! She'd never actually hurt anyone out of jealousy..." he thought to himself, yet thinking back on her previous actions nonetheless and laughing nervously once again. "Y-an-de-re" Alicia whispered in his ear causing him to jolt and push her face away. "I said quit it!! You're freakin' me out here!!" he panicked in irritation causing Rose and Serenity to jump in surprise and face him. "Q-quit with the looks!!" he snapped in embarrassment, the two looking at one another and back at him in concern.

"You not acting right... Maybe should go to room, put in bed." Serenity suggested. "I-I'm fine. Don't worry about it." he assured, waving his hand before scowling at Alicia as she faced away whistling innocently again. "She DID do something, didn't she? What she do?!" Serenity asked, walking up with a scowl and putting her face in his causing him to turn pale again. "N-n-nothing!! J-just told me a sc-scary story is all." he assured with a nervous smile. Looking at the snake, Serenity raised an eyebrow and scowled at her as well. "Not say stuff that scare him. He need to have fun." she lectured, waving a finger at the snake. "Oh do lighten up." Alicia replied, waving her hand in response. Looking at them both, Chris let out a groan and shook his head with a sigh before continuing their stroll, looking at Serenity and going into thought once again before taking her hand causing the Pokemon to jolt and look between them with a blush. "Hey." he called out, causing her to face him with a sudden "y-yes!?" in response. Leaning his face towards hers, Serenity nervously leaned away from him as he looked in her eyes, causing the already red Pokemon to flush all the more and blink nervously. "S-something on face?" she asked as he squint at her eyes. "Mmm... Naaaah." he muttered, shrugging and shaking his head. "I dunno, just can't see it in you. In your eyes... I don't even sense anything like THAT coming from you. People with that kind of stuff going on show it in some way." he replied. "Besides, not even Ninetails picks up anything. I think we're good." he added causing Serenity to tilt her head while the others looked at him just as lost. "Chris... REALLY think you need bed." Serenity told him with a concerned look, Rose nodding in agreement while Alicia looked at the ocean silently. Looking at the two concerned Pokemon, he sighed and rubbed them both on the head. "I'm fine, don't worry about it! I shouldn't be so quick to let something get to me is all." he chuckled, looking at Serenity again before giving her a soft punch in the arm and walking ahead, leaving her rubbing the spot he hit and looking at him lost once again. "Really weird..." she muttered before following, Rose doing the same with a nervous smile and asking if she was alright.

"S-seriously, don't spout things like that. If there's things humans don't wanna reflect on it's for a reason! Haven't you ever heard of wanting to move on?" Chris lectured Alicia, pinching her cheek again. "W-well excuse me for giving you a valid warning! I don't see you getting on their case when THEY wish to look out for you." she replied in irritation, crossing her arms and facing away. "Thanks for your concern, but you've got nothing to worry about. If her race was still like that you'd hear reports on it and stuff. I should have thought about that before getting nervous in front of her like I did." he muttered, irritated at both Alicia and himself while Serenity and Rose followed trying to listen in. Looking back, the two jolt and quickly faced away whistling. "...Besides, even if she HAS come close to that kind of behavior several times, she never goes all the way. I mean, as long as I'm around she..." he added, pausing for a moment while thinking back while looking at Serenity causing her to blush shyly. "As long as... I'm around..." he thought to himself. "Say, Serenity?" he asked, causing her to jolt and face him. "...Promise me you won't harm Dragonair?" he asked, causing her to blink at him and suddenly grit her teeth. "Why you bring HER up?! THAT why you act weird and make me worry?!" she snapped causing him to jump and wave his hand. "N-n-n-no!! Not at all!! I j-just want your word is all!!" he panicked as she crossed her arms and faced away with a "tch!" in response. "Thought you looking at me so much for DIFFERENT reason. Let down." she muttered in irritation before glancing at him. "I not hurt stupid fish." she replied coldly sending a shudder down his spine with a nervous laugh in response. "C-could you say it a little less, I dunno... Hostile?" he asked, causing her to glare at him again before letting out a sigh and slumping. "Promise not hurt her, so don't bring up again." she replied in a softer tone. "Female after female, you never think how much it hurt." she muttered before walking ahead. "Eh? Hurt?" he asked, walking up next to her. "Wadaya mean hurt? I'm just being nice is all, same as always! It's not going anywhere beyond that." he explained. "Like it not go anywhere with Rose and Alicia?" she asked, causing him to gulp and face away nervously.

"I thought you accepted them and what we do together...?" he asked as Serenity formed a tiny ball of energy and dropped it on the deck, kicking it along like a can. "I do. I guess. Don't know." she replied while scowling, Alicia and Rose looking at one another silently. "Geez, look if it wasn't for the captain and all I wouldn't even know it was a female. I can't tell Pokemon genders apart." he replied suddenly causing all three girls to gasp, Serenity and Rose both hitting him while Alicia smacked him against the back of the head. "O-ow!! WHAT?!" he shout in irritation before jolting and scratching his cheek. "BESIDES you three I mean. All I'm trying to say is that's just another reason for you girls not to worry. I don't have THAT kind of interest in anyone else. NO intention to get close enough to other Pokemon to figure out what gender they are. I treat every person and every Pokemon as equals, I don't care about their gender." he told them while rubbing the back of his head. "ou-ch-ch-ch... Don't worry about me being alone with other girls when you're not around, alright? That's not something I think about, or need to since I've got you." he added, scowling at the three as they looked at him silently before facing away from him. "Man... You're getting along alright, at my expense." he grumbled before letting out a sigh and shaking his head. "Serenity, didn't you JUST say I should be having fun on this trip?" he asked, causing her to jolt and scowl at him. "Should have fun! Just... Can't help. So many females like you..." she replied, crossing her arms. "Well, I'll admit you draw in your fair share of attention from them." Alicia nodded in agreement. "You are likable." Rose added, poking her fingers as he groaned and shook his head. "I'm never gonna get you girls to have faith in me, am I? ONE moment alone with another Pokemon that happens to be a girl and you lose it. What does it take to make someone realize your loyalty to them?" he asked, the three about to speak only for him to raise a hand. "So you mean to tell me risking your life and smashing your body up from head to toe for you isn't enough?" he asked, causing Serenity and Alicia to jolt and face away. "Not to mention if it wasn't for Ninetails I actually WOULD have died saving you!" he added, facing Rose causing her to jolt and face down with a groan. "Sacrificing my sight to allow you to see the world..." he went on. "Giving you names that came from the very bottom of my heart... Dedicating my every waking moment trying to do my best to make you happy, to do fun things... NONE of that's enough whatsoever to earn your trust? Your faith? Your respect?" he asked as all three rubbed their arms in guilt. "I'm sick of the mood constantly changing between you and me. What good does it do any of us for you to finally get along if all you do instead is turn against someone else or turn against me?" he asked in irritation.

"I've proven I'm willing to die for each and every one of you. I've proven I'll sacrifice anything to give you the life you deserve." he added, looking at Serenity as she nodded, the others doing the same. "I've made it clear from the very moment we met... I don't own ANY of you. But there's something else..." he paused, lifting Alicia and putting her on Serenity's shoulder. "YOU don't own ME either. I've done my best to make all of you happy, to keep all of you safe. To provide for you and give you the freedom you should've always had. Don't chain me down as your thanks because of your jealousy towards yourselves and others. I'd never behave the way you are just because you had a moment alone with someone the same gender as me. And you shouldn't be afraid to get out there and mingle either, be it with males or females. You NEED to have a life beyond clinging to me all the time. And being honest, that would do both you AND me some good." he lectured as they faced down. "I give you my word from the heart that I'll never fool around with other girls, whether you're around or not. Will some come around that become friends? Of course! To avoid girls I'd have to shut myself up in a room my entire life! But that's not something I'll ever do because I've got a right to have friends of both genders JUST the same as you do. Stop making me the only thing your lives are about. If you love me as much as I love you, then you'll do that for me." he told them before looking over the ocean. "Our relationships have been as crazy as the water out there. Swaying all over the place constantly. You girls need to settle that water before you sink us altogether." he point out. Glancing at one another for a moment, the girls nodded together, Chris letting out a sigh and nodding as well with a tired smile. "Good... You've gotten over being against one another for the time being, now just work on getting over your jealousy and paranoia's... I'll never mess around with anyone else, so chill out." he assured them, waving his hand before turning to continue their stroll, only to suddenly smack lips with one of the male waiters who'd been waiting due to Chris and the girls blocking the path causing the girls to watch wide eyed and grin as both he and the waiter flushed, quickly shoving away from one another while choking and spitting.

"Aww man, the hell?! Gimme a break!!" Chris shout in frustration. "I don't get paid enough for this kinda crap..." the waiter grumbled, the two glancing at one another before letting out another shout of disgust and gagging while wiping their mouths all the more. "S-sorry about that." Chris apologized. "Forget it. Don't block the path, we've got more passengers than just YOU on here." the waiter sneered in response before heading past, wiping his mouth and spitting once again while Chris murmured to himself and groaned. "Not know why... But THAT I kind of liked." Serenity grinned while pointing at him. "That was certainly interesting." Alicia smirked. "Wow, you go that way?" Rose asked while tilting her head causing Chris to flush and stomp his foot. "OF COURSE NOT!!! It was an accident! And wadaya mean you LIKED that?! What about all the heck you just gave me just for being close to...?!" he asked, pausing as the three began laughing as he tossed his hand in the air. "Oh screw this. I can't keep up with any of you... I bet what I just lectured you over went in one ear and out the other." he told the group before walking off in front of them, the three looking at one another and smiling before following. "Tch... Try to learn them something and wind up a laughingstock in the end..." he thought to himself. "Well, it okay if you nicey nice with other boys, just not with girls." Serenity point out causing him to jolt and flush. "I"M NOT THAT WAY!!!" he snapped. "And what kind of bizarre thought process is that anyways...? Making out with dudes is fine by you but standing close to a girl is wrong?" he asked causing Serenity to fidget shyly. "Now YOU'RE the one freaking ME out. You have dangerous fetishes. Keep em' away from me, would you?" he asked. "I don't want weird expectations set up..." he muttered before shaking his head and walking onward, looking back at the girls as they continued smiling at him. "I can't tell if this atmosphere is any better..." he thought while looking ahead.

Reaching the stern of the liner, Chris leaned against the rail with a sigh and watched the trail of rippling water behind the ship. "Oy-oy-oy. Why is it so hard to keep up with girls?" he muttered to himself, resting his chin on the railing. "One second they're giving you hell, the next thing it's all giggles and joy again. If this was some kinda story it'd be impossible to follow." he groaned, raising up and looking at the sky. "Men were never made to understand I guess. Or maybe I'm just that slow... Who knows?" he thought. As the girls went up to the railing and enjoyed the view themselves, Serenity glanced at Chris and poked her fingers nervously before tapping him on the shoulder. "Eh?" he asked, glancing at her as she smiled nervously. "S-sorry for getting mad. You do lots, like you say." she told him while putting her hand over the eye he gave her. "I know I get jealous easy. Love you too much, so it happens. I just get scared you get too many friends, get too many females and forget me. More girls you know, less attention I get." she told him, looking at Alicia as she jumped on the rail and at Rose before looking at the water to see if Dragonair was around. "Well that sounds pretty selfish." Chris replied, Serenity showing a somber look and facing down. Raising an eyebrow at her, Chris sighed and pulled her against his side, holding her in his arm with an irritated look yet blushing slightly nonetheless. "Stop worrying about stuff like that. You know no matter what I do my best to make sure you get the time you deserve. This whole cruise is about you girls so stop moping over petty stuff. You girls are with me for life, but the people I meet here and elsewhere are just around temporarily. Friends are with you in spirit, but it'll be you girls actually by my side through thick and thin. Back on the mainland we had Gerald, Arthur and Angela, we even had N and tons of other people around. Yet now here we are, back to just the four of us traveling to a new place. That's how it is when you go on a journey." he explained. "Don't worry about who I form bonds with, they'll never be as strong as the one's I have with you girls. You'll never be forgotten, and even though I might be busy sometimes I'll always do my best to make sure you know how much you mean to me. And uh..." he paused, facing away and scratching his cheek with a scowl. "How much I need you. No amount of friends in the world could ever replace you." he added causing Serenity to flush as the girls looked at him wide eyed as well, all three smiling in response. "S-so there! This whole thing is over with now! I don't want anymore issues like this for the rest of the cruise either!" he told them before nudging Serenity away and leaning over the rail with another scowl on his face.

Watching him in silence, Serenity nodded and bowed before leaning against the rail beside him, Alicia and Rose looking at one another with a smirk before enjoying the view once again, listening to the ocean as the rippling trail flowed endlessly behind the liner. After a moment, they spotted Dragonair as she started leaping over the trail, seemingly playing a game by herself before noticing the group above. "Ha ha, cute." Chris smirked, waving at the Pokemon causing Serenity to scowl before looking down at Dragonair again and letting out a sigh, waving as well while Alicia and Rose did the same. Tilting its head curiously, Dragonair suddenly dipped under the surface before launching into the air and landing on the deck behind the group, causing all of them to jump in surprise as she slithered up. "H-h-hey again." Chris waved nervously. Looking down at him, Dragonair gave him a nudge, wanting attention while the girls watched silently. Thinking back on what Alicia told him about Gardevoirs, he let out a sigh before smirking and petting the Pokemon, glancing at Serenity and the others. "You know, I'm not the only one here you should be trying to make friends with. Why not try getting attention from them as well?" he asked, pointing out the girls causing them to jolt as Dragonair raised up and looked at them, raising an eyebrow at Serenity before facing Chris again. "Come on now, give it a shot! Let bygones be bygones." he coaxed, motioning towards the girls once again. Giving him a wary expression, Dragonair faced the girls and lowered her head towards Serenity, the two glaring at one another before Dragonair gave her a nudge. "Wh-why I have to?" she asked, giving Chris an irritated look only for him to cross his arms with a grunt. "If she can extend a branch, so can you." he lectured, motioning for her to respond to the Pokemon as it gave Serenity another nudge with an irritated noise. "O-okay!! Fine fine!!" she shout before slowly reaching out her hand and touching Dragonair on the head and patting it. "Th-there. Happy?" she asked, the Pokemon scowling at her in response before nudging her again. "Wh-what?! I do what want!!" Serenity snapped, Chris grunting again and motioning for her to pet Dragonair instead. Grumbling at him in response, Serenity let out a sigh and did as she was told, rubbing the Pokemon on the head before following Chris's motions to scratch her on the chin causing Dragonair to jolt and let out a sudden purr-like coo, Serenity blinking in surprise before scowling and continuing to give Dragonair attention while Rose joined in. "She feels really smooth. Kind of like rubbing soap." the rabbit point out in surprise. "It's a combination of her scales and the seawater." Chris explained, walking up and petting Dragonair as well while Alicia remained on the railing, watching them in silence. "See there? When you're nice to others, they'll be nice back." he smiled while looking at Serenity, causing her to quickly pull away and cross her arms. "Q-quiet. I just do for you." she replied with a scowl, only for Dragonair to nudge her against the back for more attention. "I think you just have a problem with her because she reminds you of yourself." Chris point out with a grin causing her to flush. "Does not!! Nothing like me!!" she barked, getting another nudge from Dragonair. "Just relax and let yourself make a new friend." he coaxed, taking her hand and putting it back on Dragonairs head before backing away and watching as she and Rose pet the affection yearning Pokemon together.

"So, you gonna try and make a new friend too?" Chris asked, leaning against the railing next to Alicia. "Oh please, I've no need for that. I've got more than enough "friends" to keep me busy." she replied, waving her hand with her nose up. "Well, don't you think that's a good kind of busy then? At least having them adds something to your life." he smiled before rubbing the snake on the head. "I suppose, but too many is just as bad as too little. Someone like me easily becomes claustrophobic in that sense." she told him with a scowl. "Only because you're so used to avoiding others. Give it a chance and you might like being more social. Don't knock it till you try it!" he replied with a thumbs up, Alicia facing away with an irritated look only to jolt and shudder when he started scratching under her chin. "You don't mind, right?" he asked with a smirk as she glanced at him. "D-do whatever." she replied as he continued scratching. Noticing the snakes tail wiggling about, Dragonair watched curiously before tilting her head and slithering up, leaning its chin over her leaf causing Alicia to unknowingly tickle the Pokemon while enjoying her own attention. "There you go! Making a friend is easy!" he point out, pulling his hand away while Alicia looked back and saw Dragonair playing with her tail. "E-e-excuse me?! Haven't you heard of personal space?!" she snapped, yanking her tail away with an embarrassed blush. "Y-you tricked me!" she barked at Chris. "I didn't do anything. She came up and did that on her own." he smirked as Dragonair nudged Alicia causing her to stumble on the railing. "Wa-watch it you brute!" she shout, clinging to the bar nervously. "B-b-begone!! Begon!!" she ordered, waving her hand at Dragonair causing it to blink for a moment before scowling. "Ha ha, sorry. She's a tough one to get through." Chris explained, rubbing Dragonair on the head before it backed away and made a leap back into the ocean, Serenity and Rose returning to the railing to watch her swim around. "There, see? Kindness towards another gains kindness in return!" he point out, nudging Serenity causing her to grumble. "Yeah yeah. She not bad. Still not like close to you though. But... Guess get over it." she replied, looking at the Pokemon as she jumped over the trail behind the ship once again. "I think she's cute. She's a lot like all of us in a way." Rose added, the group looking at her. "How so?" Chris asked curiously. "Well, she seems lonely but I think she just doesn't wanna admit it. She's just like Alicia basically. And when she gets attention and starts liking somebody she acts just like Serenity. If this is the kinda thing she does for a living, it must be hard making a friend only to watch them disappear when the cruise is over. Wonder how many people she's had to watch leave?" she asked, the group blinking at her before looking back down at Dragonair.

"I hadn't thought of that. She's probably done this since way before the Guardian came around. That does sound pretty tough, having a life where making friends only lasts a few days at a time." Chris nodded. Continuing to watch Dragonair, she suddenly faced the group before scowling and sending a shot of water towards them. Quickly putting her arms up, Serenity was about to dodge only to watch the shot hit Alicia and send her flying off the rail and onto the deck, soaked from the sudden blast and letting out frustrated screams while the others blinked in surprise. "Not me...?" Serenity asked, tilting her head curiously before snickering and laughing at the drenched snake. "Now know how I felt!" she point out. "Well, you did act kinda mean to her." Chris smirked, walking up to Alicia and offering to help her up only to have his hand swat away as she rant in her Pokemon tongue furiously. "W-wow, that mad huh?" he smiled nervously as she hissed at him and exposed her fangs, causing him to stumble back as she stood and thrashing the water off her tail and into his face before walking towards the other side of the stern, stomping along and continuing to rant. "W-well, treat someone kindly, get kindness back. The opposite is just as true... Let that be a lesson them!" he point out, standing and crossing his arms with a nod. "For BOTH of you that is." he added, looking at Serenity with a wink causing her to jolt and look away with a scowl. "Today's been pretty interesting, huh?" Rose asked, walking up and holding out her hand for his. "Ha ha, yeeeaaah, I guess so." he agreed, giving her his hand while watching Alicia mutter to herself, continuing to shake off the water while Serenity looked back out at the ocean, watching Dragonair play with the trail of water behind the ship again before disappearing into the sea. "Days like this definitely make you appreciate the ones without all the chaos. Things have been all over the place since we got up this morning... Even though it's been kind of a pain, I'd like to think everyone's getting out all of the bad from the start so the rest of our time can be great." he smiled, squatting down and rubbing the rabbit on the head. "Hey, sorry for you getting dragged into all this. I shouldn't let myself include you in my lectures when you haven't really done anything wrong. I do owe you an apology for that." he told her before rubbing his nose against hers. "You did kick that Pokemon and hurt Serenity though. While it wasn't really wrong of you to do it, I can't say it was completely right either. Watch those feet, they're dangerous." he point out, Rose jolting and facing down with an embarrassed blush. "R-right. Sorry about that." she laughed nervously. "Just don't hold it against me for getting on your case today too like I did. I promise to make up for it." he assured with a thumbs up, Rose looking at him wide eyed and quickly shaking her head. "N-no need!! You do more than enough!!" she assured with a smile as he stood and took off his coat.

"Alright then, c'mere you..." he smirked, walking up behind Alicia and suddenly scooping her up in his coat and wrapping her within as she screamed in surprise and tried to thrash. "Oy-oy!! I don't want you getting sick so chill out. I'm using my own coat for this so be happy would ya?!" he told her causing Alicia to jolt and freeze up, looking over her wrapped body and blushing slightly before facing away from him with a scowl. "There... Much better." he sighed, carrying her up beside Serenity. "I didn't ask for this." she suddenly muttered. "Doesn't matter if you did or didn't. I don't want you catching a cold." he replied, rubbing her face with the sleeve of his coat. "S-stupid... You should have gotten a towel. This thing reeks of you." she told him while facing away again, slightly blushing in embarrassment. "Eh? Well excuse me. If it's so bad we've got the worlds biggest bath all around us to wash my horrible scent off with." he point out causing the snake to jolt. "Y-YOU WOULDN'T DARE!!!" she screamed, suddenly thrashing as he called out for Dragonair, the Pokemon poking her head out near the ship and looking up curiously as he walked up to the railing. "A-A-ALRIGHT!!! Thank you for caring!! I like the smell!! I like it!! Just quit!!!" she panicked, continuing to thrash once again before clinging to him desperately as he smirked and backed away from the railing. "Huh. So you like my smell? I wasn't going for that kind of response. A thank you was enough." he point out causing Alicia to flush and groan. "I take that back. Drop me." she muttered, covering her face with his coat as he laughed and rubbed where her head was with an "aww" before looking down at Dragonair. "Sorry for bothering! Just wanted to see you again!" he smiled causing the Pokemon to jolt in surprise before scowling and disappearing into the sea, seemingly embarrassed while he started rubbing Alicia dry. "Ha ha, aright girls. Lets head back inside the ship and kill some time in our room. I'll order us something to nibble on as long as you promise not to let it spoil your dinner tonight!" he grinned, Serenity and Rose both shouting "yes!" in agreement before quickly following, letting Serenity hold his staff while he focused on Alicia along the way down. "Heh, like my smell..." he muttered, snickering causing Alicia to peek out of his coat. "I heard that!! Shut up!!" she ordered, covering her face once again and grumbling as he apologized and led them back to the room.

Eventually, what was intended to be a short stay wound up passing hour after hour, with Chris getting caught up in his Pokedex while Serenity snoozed on the bed and Alicia alongside Rose watched show after show until darkness engulfed the outside of the ship, the group failing to notice until Chris opened the blinds and blinked in surprise. "Yo, check it out..." he point, Rose and Alica turning and blinking in surprise as well. Looking towards the bed, Chris sighed at the sight of Serenity still fast asleep, slightly drooling on herself and murmuring awkwardly. "Haaah, she's never gonna get to sleep tonight." he groaned, walking up to the bed and poking her on the cheek. "Yo! Time to get up!" he ordered, only for the Pokemon to groan and roll over. "Ngh, why you..." he muttered, shaking her shoulder. "Up up!! It's night already!!" he shout, only for Serenity to roll towards him and squint her eyes in irritation. "You..." she muttered, causing him to jolt with a nervous look before she suddenly yanked him onto the bed in her arms like a body pillow. "Yummy..." she added with an awkward giggle before licking him on the cheek and munching on his hair causing Chris to blink bewildered before feeling her tugging his hair with her teeth. "T-the hell? Hey!! Snap out of it!! I don't wanna be bald!!" he shout, flailing causing Serenity to slowly release him and sit up with a yawn before rubbing her eyes. "Aaaagh, what waaaaannnnt?" she whined, facing Chris as he rubbed his head and jolt when he saw strands of his hair in her mouth. "Y... You actually ATE my hair?!! C-cannibal!!" he shout, pointing at her causing Serenity to tilt her head, remaining in a dazed state before shuddering and sticking out her tongue and picking the hairs off. "...Yucky." she groaned, shaking the hair out of her hand before yawning once again. "What talking about?" she asked, standing up and stretching. "Y-you just chewed off part of my hair that's what!" he replied, rubbing his head with a scowl as she picked another strand out of her mouth. "...Taste better in dream." she replied. "Y-you dreamed of EATING me?!!" he replied in shock, backing away as she raised an eyebrow. "Ew, no!! Had dream you giant statue, made of puff. It yummy, till you wake me up. You ruin good dream." she sighed before looking outside. "Huh, dark." she point out as he groaned with a slump. "Oy... Yeah, it's dark, that's why I woke you up." he sighed, standing as well as she faced him. "Sorry for eating hair. Not mean to. Hope not get hairball." she apologized, patting his head before letting out a "blech" sound and picking at her tongue again.

"You know, when it's dark out there like this, everything looks so... Empty. Like nothing's out there, or ever was." Rose point out while leaning against the glass, trying to make something out beyond the balcony. "Huh, that's pretty deep." Chris muttered, walking up next to the rabbit and looking out as well. "But that's true I guess. It's kinda like you're in a whole different world at night. It'd be different if the moon was out though but it must be a little cloudy." he added. "Imagine what it must have been like for them..." he muttered with a sudden somber look while touching the glass himself, Rose tilting her head curiously. "For who?" she asked, causing him to jolt and laugh nervously. "Oh, nothing. Considering the time, I bet they're serving all the dinner stuff by now. Wanna go see what's on the menu at those restaurants down below?" he asked, the rabbit smiling and nodding excitedly. "I'm hungry too!!" Serenity shout, suddenly hugging him from behind. "Y-you should be full after taking a bite outta my hair." he grumbled. "Hey hey! I say sorry! Not my fault you bug me when having yummy dream." she scowled, poking his cheek while Alicia turned off the TV and walked up. "I'm ready for something myself. Shall we be on our way then before they stop serving?" she asked, the group nodding in response as he went onto the balcony and brought in his coat. "Ahh, looks like that last bit of sun was enough to dry it out." he chuckled before slipping it back on, giving Alicia a wink causing her to jolt and blush embarrassed. "S-stupid. You did that on your own." she muttered as be lift her in his arm and rubbed his nose against hers causing the snakes tail to shoot up in surprise before laying her across his shoulders as she faced away with a blush and a scowl. "Alright then, lets go see what we can find to fill up on." he smirked, leading them out and along the corridors. "Is there anything in particular you feel you're in the mood f...!!" he asked, cut off as the speakers clicked on. "Attention, would all of our first class passengers please report post haste to La Guardania Bistro! A special dinner with our very own Captain Rostron has been arranged for our most distinguished guests tonight, an experience courtesy of Platinum Star Line!" the announcer revealed. "Huh, kinda forgot about that..." Chris muttered, scratching his cheek as the girls looked at him curiously. "O-oh, right. You see, the people that made this ship ALSO made the ship we're gonna be stopping by day after tomorrow. That's another reason they were able to get permission to sail over the wreck site." he point out, causing all three to turn a slightly pale color.

"Th-that sounds like an omen..." Alicia groaned. "Not like sound of that either." Serenity agreed, clinging to his arm tightly as Rose stood close as well, keeping a tight grip on his coat. "C-come on now! Technology's WAY more advanced than it was a hundred years ago. I hear they haven't had a disaster like that since so relax! That aside their records clean!" he assured, coaxing them back into a comfortable state. "Humans are pretty good at learning lessons. We just suck at getting over the fact we had to learn them in the first place is all. Call us prideful perfectionists I suppose." he smiled nervously. "Funny, I don't see YOU fitting that description at all." Alicia retorted causing him to jolt and groan. "G-geez. Ouch." he muttered, the snake raising an eyebrow and scratching her cheek nervously. "P-pardon, that was a tad much." she apologized. "N-no worries." he assured, waving his hand as they made their way down. "Alright, La Guardania eh?" he thought, looking around. "You girls see the one they talked about?" he asked, all three tilting their heads in response. "R-right. You can't read." he laughed nervously, clearing his through before finally coming across the restaurant. "This is the one! You girls behave now." he reminded, Rose nodding while Alicia rolled her eyes and Serenity crossed her arms. "...For me?" he asked, causing the two Pokemon to jolt and nod as well before heading inside together. Looking around, the place was still fairly empty due to the reservation for dinner with Rostron, save for a few other passengers that had already shown up. "Guess we got here ahead of the crowd. That makes things a lot easier I guess." he muttered, walking around until they found the captain sitting at the largest table with a menu in hand. Hearing the group walk up, he raised his head and smiled. "Ah, on the dot eh? A good quality in a man! Please, have a seat." he motioned, offering the chairs next to him. "If you don't mind me being honest, it'd likely be better to have you by my side than most of the others. When you've been in this line of work as long as I have, being around the same kind of people time and again grows dull. Do keep that between us if you would." he smiled as they sat. "I'm actually glad we got here before the rest then. There were a few things I wanted to talk about." Chris told Rostron while looking at his own menu, the girls going through all the pictures in theirs. "Considering you're not the type to bring up stocks and bonds and conversations of the like, I'm all ears!" he laughed, having a waiter bring them a kettle full of tea along with cups and sugar.

"Well, it's actually some stuff about the Arceanic, if it's not too touchy a subject to bring up." Chris replied, giving a cup to each of the girls and mixing the sugar in for them as the captain rubbed his chin. "Certainly, what's on your mind lad?" he asked, having a drink before looking over his menu again. "That night a hundred years ago, you said the original Rostron received the coordinates for the ship, right? Was there ever any explanation as to why there weren't any signs of, well... ANYTHING found?" he asked, having a drink of his own tea as Rostron closed his eyes to think. "Normally when something like her sinks, you find lifeboats full of passengers, unfortunate souls drifting across the sea... And miles of debris. But there wasn't anything of the sort. Just an ocean as calm as the heavens above as though nothing happened." Rostron explained. "My grandfather searched for hours on end, but nothing was ever found. Since then, there HAVE been attempts at finding her, expeditions done in secret of course, but even with today's technology there hasn't been any luck. Instead of sinking in the sea, it's as if she drift straight to the heavens." he added. "Those many years ago, my grandfather wrote down every second of the rescue efforts, notes I've kept by my side since I was a child." he revealed, rummaging through his coat and handing a stuffed envelope to Chris. "Oh wow, you can tell the age alright." he muttered, opening it up and reading it over. "12:35 am, Monday, distress call from R.M.S. Arceanic received..." he began, the girls jolting and listening curiously. "First officer and junior officer rushed to my door, alerting me to the ships urgent need of assistance. Her location was pinpointed 41º 46' north, 50º 14' west. Without hesitation I immediately ordered the Caterpithia to set course for her location. I asked several times if they were certain it was the Arceanic while dressing and finding our position on my chart. She was 52 degrees west, true 58 miles from my position." he read, Rostron silently listening along with the girls. "I ordered our chief engineer to make all possible speed towards the Arceanic and he told me my orders would be carried out at once. I went on to order all men on deck to cease their work immediately and take positions as lookouts, to prepare all lifeboats and spare gear, and have everything ready for turning outboard. After that, I sent for the heads of every department on my ship. The doctor, the purser, the chief steward, they all came to my cabin. I then issued out my orders, which included the following." Chris read, pausing while looking through the letter.

• Kanto doctor, with assistants, to remain in first class dining room.
• Kalos doctor, with assistants, to remain in second class dining room.
• Sinnoh doctor, with assistants, to remain in third class dining room.
• Each doctor to have supplies of restoratives, stimulants, and everything to hand for immediate needs of probable wounded or sick.
• Purser, with assistant purser and chief steward, to receive the passengers, etc., at different gangways, controlling our own stewards in assisting Arceanic passengers to the dining rooms, etc.; also to get Christian and surnames of all survivors as soon as possible to send by wireless.
• Inspector, steerage stewards, and master at arms to control our own steerage passengers and keep them out of the third class dining hall, and also to keep them out of the way and off the deck to prevent confusion.
• Chief steward: That all hands would be called and to have coffee, etc., ready to serve out to all our crew.
• Have coffee, tea, soup, etc., in each saloon, blankets in saloons, at the gangways, and some for the boats.
• To see all rescued cared for and immediate wants attended to.
• My cabin and all officials' cabins to be given up. Smoke rooms, library, etc., dining rooms, would be utilized to accommodate the survivors.
• All spare berths in steerage to be utilized for Arceanic's passengers, and get all our own steerage passengers grouped together.
• Stewards to be placed in each alleyway to reassure our own passengers, should they inquire about noise in getting our boats out, etc., or the working of engines.
• To all I strictly enjoined the necessity for order, discipline and quietness and to avoid all confusion.
• Chief and first officers: All the hands to be called; get coffee, etc. Prepare and swing out all boats.
• All gangway doors to be opened.
• Electric sprays in each gangway and over side.
• A block with line rove hooked in each gangway.
• A chair sling at each gangway, for getting up sick or wounded.
• Boatswains' chairs. Pilot ladders and canvas ash bags to be at each gangway, the canvas ash bags for children.
• Cargo falls with both ends clear; bowlines in the ends, and bights secured along ship's sides, for boat ropes or to help the people up.
• Heaving lines distributed along the ship's side, and gaskets handy near gangways for lashing people in chairs, etc.
• Forward derricks, topped and rigged, and steam on winches; also told off officers for different stations and for certain eventualities.
• Ordered company's rockets to be fired at 2:45 a. m. and every quarter of an hour after to reassure Arceanic.

"HOLY CRAP!!" Chris shout, causing the Captain to choke on his tea and the girls to jump in surprise along with the other passengers who'd already arrived, everyone blinking at him wide eyed as he looked back at them before hiding his face with the letter. "H-heavens lad, don't do that..." Rostron muttered next to him, clearing his throat and patting his chest before taking a deep breath. "Felt like the entire ocean had suddenly flooded my wind pipe. What's the matter?" he asked as Chris looked over the letter. "Your grandfather, he was pretty amazing." he replied, the Captain blinking at him in surprise. "How so?" he asked curiously. "All these orders he listed. This part here reads..." Chris paused, finding his place. "As each official saw everything in readiness, they reported to me personally on the bridge that all my orders were carried out, enumerating the same, and that everything was in readiness." he read before lowering the letter. "That's one heck of a Captain and a hell of a crew to be able to do all that." he told Rostron, causing him to smirk and cross his arms with a nod. "My grandfather was heralded the world over for his actions, one of the greatest heroes in the world when he was alive!" he replied, holding his head up proudly. "He did all that in no time at all too... Incredible." Chris nodded. "What do you girls think?" he asked, turning to them as they looked at one another. "Too much in list. Couldn't keep up. It too confusing." Serenity replied, glancing away embarrassed. "I'll admit, to perform all of that in such an organized manner does make that human and those under him commendable." Alicia nodded. "N-not that I could really keep up either." she admit. Looking at Rose, the rabbit laughed nervously and point at the girls. "I'm with them. Sounds like a bunch happened but that's way too much for me to understand." she confessed, rubbing the back of her head.

"Can't say I blame them lad. Even with my experience it'd be nearly impossible for me to carry out the same rescue efforts as my grandfather, especially in such a rapid manner and in such a short amount of time. He was one in a million, and just trying to imagine the activity on his ship leaves my mind swirling the same as them. I just wish it hadn't been all for not..." Rostron admit looking down at his tea with a sigh and a somber expression. Looking at the letter, Chris continued reading. "Upon nearing her location, I made out an iceberg about a point on the port bow, to which I had to port to keep well clear of. I had to take extra care and every precaution to keep clear of anything that might look like ice. Between 2:45 and 4 o'clock, the time I stopped my engines, we were passing icebergs on every side, having to alter our course several times to clear the bergs. I saw an iceberg close to me, right ahead, and I had to starboard to get out of the way. I had to clear this ice." the letter explained, Rostron murmuring to himself while rubbing his chin. "What's up? Want your letters back?" Chris asked, the Captain jolting and shaking his head. "No, it's just that part that always gets to me. The night the Arceanic went down, that location is NORMALLY scarce of such obstacles. Granted there's a risk because of the northern valleys nearby, Arcticu being one of them, but not to the extent my grandfather experienced back then. Even with current changes in climate, the threat of ice remains fairly low this time of year around the site, which is one reason we have permission to sail through. Our question has always been... Why? What caused all of it to suddenly appear as it had? There's absolutely no explanation... The sea was in perfect condition for sailing save that ONE location..." he point out, Chris and the girls looking at one another. "After several search and rescue attempts, other reports alongside my grandfathers confirmed it was that specific radius littered with bergs and sheets, one that seemingly began at a single point and drift outward at rapid paces." he added. "Each day it became harder and harder to measure the field, due to constantly spreading and thinning, and within a week it was gone altogether as if it had never existed, the same as the ship herself... Another unnatural mystery." he added.

"There are two common theories, one being an absolutely massive and record breaking berg had been drifting and rapidly fell apart creating the field of ice, the second being it wasn't a natural occurrence at all... Either way, one thing is certain, no matter the speculations. And that's the fact the Arceanic was never found." he sighed as the restaurant filled with more and more passengers. "Although the waters at the sight are still frigid this time of year, that's still no explanation for the sheer amount of ice gathered there that night. I don't think of it as a natural occurrence myself, but I can't place my finger on what else could have caused it." he told the group as Chris looked over the letters. "What exactly did the distress calls say?" he asked, Rostron motioning for the notes before going through them. "Here are the records..." he said in a somber tone.

12:25am - "Come at once, we have struck iceberg" "Come quick" "Require immediate assistance. Sinking. Can hear nothing for noise of steam" 41.46 N. 50.14 W.

12:26am - "Are you coming to our assistance?" "We have collision with iceberg. Sinking. Please come." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

12:27am - "I require assistance immediately. Struck by iceberg." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

12:34am - "Are you coming to our assistance?" 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

12:50am - "I require immediate assistance." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

1:10am - "Sinking Head down. Come soon as possible." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

1:30am - "Women and Children in boats, can not last much longer." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

1:35am - "Engine room getting flooded." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

1:45am - "Come as quickly as possible. the engine-room is filling up to the boilers." 41° 46 N. 50° 14 W.

"I-I don't get it, why did they keep repeating the same thing basically?" Chris asked. Putting the notes down, Rostron shook his head. "I don't know. My grandfather had his crew desperately trying to respond to her throughout the journey but the Arceanic behaved as though not a word went through." he explained. "They tried to rally help from others, but they too had similar problems with the Arceanic. It was a one way conversation for everyone." he added. "So all any of them could do... Was hear them begging for help?" Chris asked, facing down as the girls did the same. "It must have been a bewildering and blood curdling experience. Nobody could get any other details from her. After that final message it became harder and harder to make anything out as the Arceanic lost power. The final message came at 2:17am, with which she used to make a CQ, call to all ships. Sadly it ended abruptly, likely the moment the ship finally went down." he explained before letting out a depressed groan and putting the notes back in his envelope before tucking them away safely within his vest. "It might've been chilling for the ships listening to the cries for help, but imagine how everyone on the Arceanic felt thinking absolutely nobody cared about them..." he muttered, jolting when he saw Rostron wiping his eyes. "O-oh!! M-my bad!! Sorry!!" he panicked, waving his hands as the Captain shook his head. "It's fine. I've thought the same myself over the years. It's a terrible feeling that's been passed down ever since that terrible night. We all share the guilt, even if we had no part in what happened." he replied, clearing his throat and relaxing himself. "Do forgive me for the display, it happens when I talk about that ship. Rest assured I'm honored you wished to discuss this with me nonetheless." he smiled as the last of the first class passengers arrived and filled the tables throughout the restaurant. "Well... I know it might not mean much, but I think your old man would be proud of you sir. You've spent your life doing this kinda stuff, being a captain and all, and now you're taking everyone here, most of which are related to the people on that ship, including your own crew, to where the Arceanic sank to try and find some way to make amends. Under your command, you're sailing the first public ship to go to the site in a hundred years... I think by doing this you're helping your grandfather overcome his own guilt at the same time. And the same likely goes for the rest of your family." Chris smiled, the Captain raising a curious eyebrow before smirking with a nod. "You really are a good lad." he chuckled before standing with a sigh. "Better welcome everyone here then. You lot feel free to dine whenever you see fit." he nodded before heading off through the restaurant to greet the passengers and shake hands.

"Poor guy..." Chris muttered before taking another look at his menu. "Poor guy? How he poor?" Serenity asked. "Well, think about it. He's having to make sure this cruise goes perfectly while doing stuff like this at the same time. Having to talk and smile constantly. You saw how he acted just now. He should have his own time to grieve too, but he's gotta put that aside for everyone else. I can't even imagine how his crew must feel. His Chief Officer is a descendant of the Captain of the Arceanic and the other officers are descendants too, even that Murdoch guy that was steering the ship. I understand why all of them are here but at the same time... Its gotta be a painful toll." he explained, the girls looking down with somber faces. "Still, best we not show any pity. It won't do anyone any good." he added, the girls looking at him and nodding before looking at the Captain as he conversed with everyone. Looking over their menus, Chris helped the girls pick what they wanted before choosing his own meal, having one of the waiters write it down and relaxing while waiting. "I intended to eat with the lower classes tonight, I can't really mingle with people like this." he smiled nervously, the girls looking around silently. After a moment, they noticed the Lucario and Garchomp from before walking up, Serenity and Rose shooting up out of their seats in defensive stances causing everyone to look at them confused only for the two Pokemon to jump back and quickly wave their hands, looking at one another before bowing to the girls. "Oohhh, I get it. An apology! Huh, you mean you two are here with someone in first class?" Chris asked, the two nodding as he chuckled. "That explains their ego then." he thought to himself as Serenity and Rose relaxed. "Okay, you say sorry. Now shoo shoo." Serenity told the two, motioning for them to leave with her hands. "Ha ha, hey now. Be nice. They're not putting any moves on you so give em' a chance!" Chris smiled, Lucario and Garchomp grinning at the girls with a nod of agreement. "...Fine. Do what want." Serenity muttered before sitting back beside Chris and scooting close to him while Rose did the same on his other side. Looking at one another, Lucario and Garchomp suddenly walked away from the group, only to return with a flower in their clutches causing Serenity and Rose to blink at the two and raise an eyebrow at Chris. "Just be nice." he coaxed, Rose taking the flower from Garchomp with a nod while Serenity took the one Lucario had, scowling at the Pokemon before looking at the flower and giving a quiet "thanks" in response. "There you go." he chuckled, rubbing both girls on the head.

Looking at the two Pokemon, Chris smirked and stood, forming that of a huddle with them for a moment until the two backed away with a nod and went off again as he grinned and sat back down. "What you just do?" Serenity scowled. "Bah, don't worry about it. Just had a bro moment was all." he assured with a thumbs up. "Bro moment?" all three girls asked simultaneously. "It's a guy thing. You gotta help each other out from time to time." he explained. "Guys help out their fellow man just like girls have sister moments and help out other girls." he point out, Serenity and Alicia raising an eyebrow at one another. "W-well, that's how it is in MOST cases." he laughed nervously, looking at the two. "Well, if you ask me they should be happy others have an interest in them." Alicia shrugged. "Not need other males interest. I am ONE man female." Serenity replied, waving her hand. "Yeah, I'm pretty happy with who I've got too." Rose smiled, both of them causing Chris to blush slightly and scratch his cheek as they leaned against his sides. "Aw g-geez. Not in the open." he muttered shyly. Watching the three getting cozy before her, Alicia scowled and crossed her arms in irritation, Chris taking notice only to find himself distracted when the waiters suddenly arrived with their food. "Ahhh, thanks. Been ready to have some real food for hours." he grinned as they laid out the table before bowing and going about their job serving other guests. "Well then, dig in gir...!!" he paused, blinking wide eyed as all three stuffed their faces full before he could finish speaking. "H-ha ha. I should be used to that by now." he smiled nervously. "Swooo gwooood!! Nuffin' like food after nap!!" Serenity shuddered, struggling to swallow and letting out a sigh when her mouthful was gone. "J-just take it easy, don't want anyone choking. We wouldn't want Alicia having to use her vines again." he point out causing the snake to jolt and groan in disgust. "Not when people are eating, have some manners." she scowled, not wanting to think back on the incident with Serenity before she evolved. "Woooow, it's like this stuff came right out of the ground!" Rose cooed, forking down the mountain of salad and vegetables on her plate. "You gwirls are absowutely hopewess." Alicia scoffed with her nose up, Chris looking at the snake and snickering. "Say's the one with her mouth fuller than theirs and still talking." he point out causing her to flush. "Shwut up!!!" she snapped, facing away and grumbling in irritation.

After spending time filling their stomachs and enjoying a moment of peace together, the Captain finally returned to his seat near them with a sigh and rubbing his hands. "I'd hate to say it, but my days at sea will probably be over soon. Still, if I'm gonna go out of service, at least it'll be with a bang." he smiled, picking up his cup and taking a sip only to jolt and grumble from the tea having turned cold. "You're gonna quit sailing?" Chris asked in surprise, the girls pausing curiously as well. "Ahh lad, I've been at sea for many, maaaaany years now. I'd decided long before the girl was finished that she'd be the last one I took charge of. After this, it's a life with the wife until my time is up." he chuckled, patting the table and looking around the restaurant. "The Guardian's a fine ship, I could think of no better way to retire. I've got a friend out there who deserves to finally settle down as well." he added, relaxing in his chair while waving for a waiter to bring fresh tea and going over his order. "Ohh, you mean Dragonair!" Chris point out with a grin. "Aye, she's the one. Although she doesn't show it, Dragonair is getting on in years herself, deny it as she may. No matter how much time has passed she looks as youthful as the day she was hatched when I was a lad still wandering about on all fours, but under that appearance is a Pokemon who's clock is ticking slower and slower as well, just like mine." he nodded. "In her old age she's grown more and more temperamental and lonesome though. She has her moments where her energy spunks up, but don't let her looks fool you lad, she's old enough to be a grandmother." he laughed. "Ooohhh you're lucky you said that in here." Chris smirked. "Believe you me, I know. If that kind of comment was made outside I'd be flying clear across the ship and out to sea. Old as she is that girl could hit a target MILES away!" Rostron grinned, Chris looking at the girls and snickering. "Yeah, I know." he replied, Serenity and Alicia both scowling at him causing Chris to laugh and apologize.

"I do hope you'll forgive her though with that in mind. She doesn't mean to bother or hurt anybody. Dragonair just wants to give and receive what affection she can before the other world calls her. Once we return home, I've got neighbors with plenty of Pokemon and kids to keep her busy. She'll be more than happy to be back. The same as me." Rostron sighed. As the group continued eating, Chris glanced at the Captain as he looked into his cup silently, waiting for his own food to arrive. "Wish there was something I could do for the guy..." Chris thought to himself before taking another bite of food. "Ah, say Captain? About that favor in the morning... I was thinking maybe I could do something in ret...!!" he paused, cut off by the sound of shouting and dishes crashing causing both he and the Captain to shoot up as the girls looked around nervously, many passengers doing the same until they saw the Lucario and Garchomp dashing out of the kitchen with Puffs in their arms, rushing towards the girls and quickly piling them up on the table. "Wh-what in the?" Rostron asked as the two grinned and gave what looked like a thumbs up before rushing out of the restaurant, the chef and his staff running out of the kitchen enraged as well trying to find the two. "U-uhhh..." Chris murmured, looking at all the Puffs with slight sweat on his face as the girls looked over the pile of sweets before them. "Those wouldn't happen to be your...?" Rostron asked, Chris quickly shaking his head and waving his hands. "Not mine and don't even know em'! They kinda have a thing for the girls here though." he explained, smiling nervously before bowing and apologizing to the Captain as the Chef and his staff noticed all their puffs on his table and quickly came up. "A-ah, I'll pay for every Puff!! I assure you!! S-sorry about that." he laughed while waving at the staff. "You listen here!! We have a limited amount of ingredients on this ship to feed passengers with until the end of the voyage!! What you stole could feed a dozen Pokemon for at least two days!! By stealing that, you steal from them!!" the Chef lectured as Chris took a nervous step back. "I-I assure you, it wasn't an intentional incident. Th-they aren't even with me, the one's who took em'." he tried to explain, the Chef raising his spatula at Chris's face with a growl causing Serenity to scowl in irritation before using her abilities to bend the spatula backwards as she sat continuing to eat. "Alright then, that's enough. If you want someone to lecture save it for when we find the owner of those two." Rostron ordered, the Chef jolting and apologizing to the Captain. "Th-that's not necessary! They just have a crush on the girls is all. Let it slide and I'll pay for every Puff here and they can be shared with the other Pokemon." Chris told them, the Chef raising an eyebrow before tossing his hand up and returning to the kitchen with his staff while Chris and Rostron sat back down. "Haaah, never a dull moment with you lad." he smirked, shaking his head before letting out a chuckle. "I-it's a curse I guess." Chris laughed nervously, looking over the pile of Puffs on the table before sighing.

Once the Captains meal arrived and they spent some time together, Chris and the girls offered the Puffs to the various Pokemon in the restaurant until there were none left, Rostron looking around at all of them nibbling and snarfing down the treats with a smile. "That's another interesting thing about you, people always seem to find joy with you around. I've heard the tales about your past deeds, but it's really something to see your actions in person." he point out as Chris finished his drink. "Bah, it doesn't hurt to be nice is all." he shrugged as a waiter came up with the bill for him to pay and sign. "Just gotta put that here, and sign there... Done!" he nodded, the waiter taking the bill and scanning his card before bowing and returning to the service desk. "It only seems interesting because of how few people there are like that nowadays. I hate saying it though but it's true." he replied, Rostron nodding in agreement. "Well, I know I've said it before, but I'm glad to have you aboard this voyage. Good to know there's still men like you out there." he told Chris with a thumbs up causing him to laugh shyly. "N-no need for that again! It's a great cruise! Glad to be here." he assured as the girls slumped in their chairs while rubbing their stomachs. "Ahh...? Uh huh, overate again didn't you?" he lectured, raising an eyebrow as they scowled at him and stuck out their tongues. "I always tell them to pace when they eat but they dive right in every time. That happens when you don't let your stomach have the time it needs to keep up with your mouth." he added, the three of them groaning in response. "Guess we better get back before they pass out on me in here. Thanks for sharing those documents with me." Chris told the Captain, shaking his hand before standing with the girls. "Not a problem lad. I don't have much else to tell you about that ship, but you're welcome to talk with me anytime you wish about it nonetheless. If you want to look over them again, let me know. Maybe they'll be of some use in learning the truth someday." he nodded before standing himself and calling the passengers to attention, going into a speech as Chris and the girls made their way out of the restaurant.

"Urr... Too much." Serenity groaned, rubbing her stomach. "Yeah, but it was sooooo good." Rose swooned before letting out a hick and looking down embarrassed. "It was good to have a meal like that again. I suppose dining with others wasn't too terrible after all." Alicia shrugged while slithering up Chris's body and slumping over his shoulders with a groan of her own. "What make those males bring us Puffs?" Serenity asked, looking at Chris causing him to jolt and laugh nervously. "W-well, remember the whole bro thing I brought up? I... Kinda told them how much you liked those things and suggested some as a gift. But they uh, kinda went overboard." he explained. "That's why I didn't want them getting in trouble since I suggested getting some in the first place. I didn't expect them to do all THAT though." he added, shaking his head with a chuckle. "You girls sure do have some powerful effects on others." he smirked, Serenity tilting her head and leaning against his side. "Have powerful effect on you...?" she asked, looking up at him causing Chris to jolt and blush slightly. "Wa-wadaya mean? I'm used to it." he replied with a nervous smile as she rubbed her chest against his arm with a disappointed look causing him to gulp. "Oh, I think we do." Alicia smirked, brushing her tail against his cheek. "You can feel his pulse." she point out, touching the side of his neck while Rose held his hand and rubbed her cheek against it. "A-a-Alright!! Whatever!!" he shout, pulling away from the two and scowling in frustration. "Q-quit trying to fluster someone." he muttered, poking Alicia's cheek as they let out an "aww" together and laughed. "Geez, can't you let me put on a tough act at least once?" he asked, the three thinking about it before responding with a collective "naah!" and giggling. Looking at the three, he smirked and gave both Serenity and Rose a playful push before pulling Alicia down in his hands. "You wanna mess with me then I'll mess with you!" he grinned before lifting her up and blowing all over her underside causing Alicia's eyes to shoot open before bursting into laughter and thrashing. "S-stop!! Cease!! Desist!!" she shout, trying to wriggle out of his grasp while pushing against him before tearing up and begging, only for Chris to set her down and turn on Serenity and Rose instead, grabbing the two and blowing into their necks causing them to flail and push against him the same as Alicia had while tickling their torsos. "Who has an effect on who now huh?!" he laughed before letting them go, the two catching their breaths before scowling at him and facing one another with a nod and a grin, holding their hands out to grab him with sly looks. "Ooohhh no ya don't." he told the two, holding his hands out and about to turn and run only for Alicia to trip him up with her tail giving Serenity and Rose a chance to tackle him down and get revenge, the two doing everything he had to them causing Chris to shout and laugh with tears in his eyes, shouting for mercy as the girls laughed and tormented him.

"Aww, isn't that adorable!" they heard a familiar voice call out, the group freezing before looking up at Sally and Victoria. "O-oh. H-hey again." Chris smiled nervously, remaining trapped under the two while Alicia stood aside with her head held high as if the scene had nothing to do with her, giving the two a wave in response. "You uh, on your way to see the Captain?" he asked as Sally's Growlithe came up and gave him a long lick over the face. "Yeeeuuuuck!!" he shout, shuddering and letting out a groan with a trail of drool along his face, his bangs licked upwards causing Serenity and Rose to snicker and laugh while Alicia smirked. "Sorry about that." Sally apologized, calling her Pokemon over. "Yes. We're a bit late though. Is he still there?" Victoria asked. "Oh! Yeah, we just got done eating with him ourselves actually." Chris nodded, the girls finally getting off allowing him to stand and wipe his face off. "We were on our way back to our room but got a little, err... Distracted." he explained, looking at the girls with a scowl as they stuck out their tongues and smiled. "We could see that. You sure do love each other." Sally giggled causing Chris and the others to blush slightly. "Y-yeah. But if you two wanna catch the captain you'd better get goin'. When we left he'd already started eating and giving a speech. I dunno how much longer he'll stick around." he point out, the two thanking him before heading past the group and bidding farewell. "Did you have to keep me down and let that thing lick me?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow at Serenity and Rose as they looked away innocently. "We not know it going to do that." Serenity replied. "Yeah. We were just having fun was all! Can't help it when something happens outta the blue!" Rose added with a grin, the two glancing at one another before snickering. "By the way, hair still messed up." Serenity point out, Chris looking at his reflection in a porthole and groaning as she walked up and fixed his hair with a smile. "There, all better." she nodded, giving him a hug causing Chris to look away and scratch his cheek shyly. "Y-yeah. Thanks." he replied, looking at her as she faced him and rubbed her nose against his causing Chris to jolt and step back. "Q-quit that! I can't handle that outta the blue stuff." he muttered, Rose giving him a hug as well while Alicia slithered over his shoulders and rubbed her cheek against his. "Bah, you know we can't resist getting reactions out of you. A fool you may be, but you're an admittedly adorable one." she nodded with a smirk, Chris raising an eyebrow in response. "Not sure how I feel about that one." he smiled nervously, the snake pinching his cheek. "Be thankful for what you get." she lectured as he winced and rubbed where she pinched. "Y-yes ma'am." he replied, looking at all three of them before smirking. "Dunno what I'm gonna do with any of you." he told the group as each cuddled all over him, making their way towards the room once more.

Once back inside, Serenity slumped and dragged her feet slowly with her arms out like a zombie. "Aaahhh, bed. I see bed. Must have beeeed. So fuuuull." she moaned, suddenly plopping down face first on the sheets. "Looooove bed." she said in a muffled voice. "Geez, you JUST got up from a nap right before we had dinner." Chris point out. "Not care. Love bed. Can never have too much sleep." she replied while raising her face up and waving her hand before flopping it back down. Shaking his head, he walked up to the others as Alicia sat in a chair and Rose took the couch, laying down and rubbing her stomach with a sigh. "This is the life." she cooed while closing her eyes. "Ha ha, you're gonna doze off too huh?" Chris asked, rubbing the rabbit on the head. "Sorry. I really did eat a lot. It makes you sleepy." she smiled embarrassed. "Hey, don't worry about it. Even if you made yourselves a little sick, I'm glad you enjoyed as much as you did. Nothing's better in my opinion than a lady with a big appetite!" he praised with a thumbs up. "Problem is, having one ruins your figure." Alicia spoke up, poking her stomach with a scowl. "Ehh, that stuff doesn't bug me. I'll take a healthy body over skin and bones any day. This worlds so obsessed with that kinda stuff it's crazy nowadays." Chris shrugged before rubbing Alicia on the head as well. "I think having a little pudge after a big meal makes you look all the more cuter too!" he chuckled, poking her stomach causing the snake to shoot up and smack his hand away with a flush. "Sh-sh-shut up!! No touching!!" she snapped, turning away and covering her stomach embarrassed. "Poking a lady's underside after a meal. How rude..." she murmured as he grinned and apologized. "Well, if Rose and Serenity are gonna call it a night I'd better get em' tucked in. You gonna watch TV again?" he asked, finding the remote and offering it to Alicia. "Yes, there's bound to be something on. Perhaps a good rerun..." she replied, taking it and clicking the TV on before flipping through channels. "Gotta admit, you're a smart one for figuring out how human tech works so quick." he praised with a thumbs up causing Alicia to blush slightly and smirk. "Naturally, wisdom's in my blood. Along with grace, beauty..." she replied, starting to go on only for Chris to cut her off with an "alright, alright!" before giving the snake a playful nudge. "I know already, you're the perfect girl." he winked causing Alicia's eyes to widen before quickly facing away. "Th-that gets you nowhere." she muttered shyly as he went over to the couch.

"Lets get you tucked in first." he smiled, taking the blanket off the back and tossing it over Rose. "Don't want anyone getting sick, and a nap ain't a nap without a good, cozy blanket." he added before giving Rose a peck on the cheek. "Sleep well, alright? If you're still on the couch later, I'll bring you to bed when I go myself, sound like a plan?" he asked, the rabbit nodding and lifting the blankets up shyly. "Love you." he told the rabbit, rubbing her on the head again before heading towards the bed. "Alright you, easy way or hard way?" he asked as Serenity looked at him and stuck out her tongue, Chris trying to lift her up and pull her along the bed only for the Pokemon to put on a limp act. "S-seriously. These habits of yours." he muttered, losing his grip causing Serenity to flop down before rolling her way back to the position she was in with a laugh. "C-come on!! You know this game bugs me!!" he barked, only for Serenity to giggle and stick her tongue out again. After several attempts, he finally got Serenity under the sheets and tucked in as well. "There!" Chris sighed as she grinned before puckering her lips. "Night kiss!!" she ordered, causing Chris to jolt and blush slightly. "Alright, alright." he muttered, leaning over the bed to kiss her only for Serenity to yank him down in her arms and press her lips against his. "Mmmm!!" she moaned purposely, the sound muffled by their kiss as both Rose and Alicia watched with jealous looks, more-so coming from Alicia as Chris flailed and tried to push away only for the Pokemon to snatch his right hand and yank it on her chest with a giggle. "Hurry to bed..." she whispered. "My master..." she cooed in his ear causing Chris to let out a frustrated shout and yank himself away, flushing brightly as she grinned. "Q-q-quit doing that!!" he shout in both irritation and embarrassment causing Serenity to laugh. "You know you want." she teased, giving him a wink before rolling over with a yawn. "O-oy... I'm never gonna get used to you." he replied before making sure she was tucked once more and closing the curtains around the bed. "Sleep well. I love you too, even though you try to give me heart attacks." he told her, getting another giggle from Serenity in response before he head towards the balcony.

"Oy! You girls need anything, I'll be out here." he told the group, getting an "okay" from all three in response before heading out and sitting at the small table. For some time, he remained in his chair enjoying the peace. Looking up at the stars while listening to the sound of the ocean surrounding them, and occasionally exploring his Pokedex until the chill of the night air finally sent him back inside the room, checking on Serenity and Rose as they soundly slept while Alicia remained awake watching late night shows. "I might start having to call you a Hoothoot." he chuckled quietly as she looked up and scowled. Trying to respond, only her Pokemon voice came out causing her to jolt and face the TV with a grumble. "Ahh, yeah. Serenity's out of it so guess we're stuck in a one sided situation for the time being." he replied before heading towards the drawers. "I'm gonna go ahead and take my bath for the night and get changed. You need anything just lemme know, and if they wake up just tell em' I'm in there." he told her while rummaging for his pajamas. "I gotta stop mixing them in here." he muttered to himself while Alicia watched before looking at Rose and glancing towards the bed silently. "Ah! Found the pants finally." Chris whispered before closing the drawer and walking back up to the snake. "Sorry I didn't give you this earlier. Figured I'd do it now in case you're out of it before I get done." he told her before bending down and kissing Alicia on the cheek as well causing her tail to shoot up before waving with a smile and heading into the bathroom. Watching as he left the door cracked, Alicia sat for a moment glancing back and forth between Rose and the bed before quietly climbing off the chair and heading towards the bathroom.

Looking inside, she watched Chris turning on the shower with his coat and shirt already off, quickly looking back at the rabbit and bed cautiously before watching him again with a small smirk on her face...