Today was the day Matthew would finally be able to sail across the Eastern Seas and into the region of Almia. He was going to become a Pokémon Ranger—it was his way to help the people in the world. He got up; bright and early, gathered his packed bags, and sadly, had to leave his treasured weapon, Sol Blade behind. He was going to miss it, and that's not the only thing he was going to miss.

"Matthew! Come on down, son! The ship to Almia's here!" called his mother, Jenna, from downstairs. They, his family, stayed the night at Port Rago's Inn since Kalay wasn't anywhere near the ocean. "You'll be late and miss it! Hurry up!"

"Eh, coming!" the teen yelled, quickly dressing in his usual attire. He raced to his inn door, and stopped briefly, feeling a pang of guilt stir inside him. He really wanted to bring Sol Blade with him; they were like brothers you couldn't separate. Without a thought longer, Matthew grabbed the hilt of the blade and scurried out. He jumped the twenty set of stairs and landed right next to his mother, startling her a second. "I'm ready, Mom." He said, smiling.

"I see that—wait. Why are you bringing this?" Jenna hinted at Sol Blade held in her son's grasp.

Matthew grinned cheekily before letting a full sigh escape his mouth. "Sol Blade's my good luck charm, and I always bring it with me, no matter what. Come on, Mom. Let me bring it, I promise I won't use it on anyone."

The Fire Adept eyed her son suspiciously, a sluggish frown played upon her features. "I don't think you should, Matt… The islanders at Almia might think it's threatening…"

"Jenna, let him take it. He'll be all right." A masculine voice from behind her, all too recognizable by the others, spoke gently. Jenna turned around, as did Matthew; she still carried the frown while Matthew was grinning. "Oh, Isaac…"

"He'll be fine, trust in him. He's growing independently." Isaac smiled, looking down at his nearly cloned image of himself that presented to be his son. "If anything, Sol Blade will keep him out of trouble, like it has for me. Correct, Matthew?"

"Heh, yeah. Thanks Dad." Matthew replied. The sound of a ship's horn blowing alerted the family; it was getting time to set sail. "My ride's here. I better get going." He said, turning to give his parents a family hug. "I'm going to miss you guys…"

"We're going to miss you too, son." Isaac said, rubbing his hair affectionately as did Jenna. She gave her son a forehead kiss before they left the inn. Outside, the warm sun was invigorating and bright, and not too far from the docks were all of Matthew's friends! Woah, where did they come from? In the midst of them, he saw the one he could have sworn was a figment of his imagination, but wasn't. Matthew skeptically glanced towards the long, blue-haired man who was standing next to Mia and her children. "…Alex?"

"Yes?"

"Why are you here?"

"My, can I not give my 'adopted nephew' a cheerful farewell?"

"…I would say no, but you seem to have changed your evil ways."

"Yes…to satisfy my dear Mia…and my wonderful son."

"Right. Well, thanks anyway."

Just at the mentioning of 'son,' Amiti approached Matthew with a sorrowful grin on his face. He was adorned in his Ayuthaian clothes, as presentable as a King. Alongside him was the Morgal Queen, the beastwoman, Sveta. Both her and Amiti shared the same expression; Matthew felt a tad guilty from seeing them like so. "Matthew, my friend, I will miss you." Amiti spoke up, giving his good friend a friendship hug.

"I will miss you too, Amiti. Lead Ayuthay well." The Earth Adept turned to the beastwoman, trying to hold his cheerful grin. However, deep down, her tearful face was nagging at him. "…Sveta."

"I will try not to worry, Matthew." She approached him closely, fighting the urge to cry. Not just tears of sadness, but of joy and hope. "Please, send us letters of your adventure in Almia."

"I will. I promise." The two embraced deeply for only a moment longer, until a very brash young man with spiky red hair came out to disrupt them, along with another young woman with light green hair tied in a ponytail with an older man, around his thirties, with blond hair in a low ponytail itself. "Matt, I'm going to miss you." Karis, the green haired teen said, smiling.

"Me too, buddy. I know you'll be happy there, but don't forget about us!" Tyrell, the redhead added after. "After all, I heard your uncle's going to be finding some place over there, so you'll have someone in your family there with you." Matthew nodded to his two, best childhood friends. He was grateful for them, as they supported him always as he would for them. "I won't forget you guys, ever. You guys stay healthy and write me back when you get my letters."

"Well of course we will, dork!" Tyrell nudged his blond-haired friend lightly in the arm.

"That's a nice boat you're taking." Eoleo, another Fire Adept, much older than Tyrell but younger than said teen's father, noticed the ship docked at the port, called the S.S. Alchemy. The long haired man faced Matthew, grinning. "I hope you get there safely, bud."

"Thanks Eoleo."

"And don't forget what we've taught you!" exclaimed Garet, Tyrell's father. Matthew sighed and the older man got stares and glares from the surrounding group, mainly from the boy's parents. Especially from Jenna. Garet noticed his childhood friends giving him stares and quizzically challenged them with a "What?" expression plastered to his face. Never minding him, Rief and his older sister, Mia, their mother and Piers, another fellow Water Adept and an experienced sailor, approached Matthew next.

"Matt!" hollered the younger Water Adept with glasses. "Good luck with your training there! Oh, I can't wait to hear what these creatures called 'Pokémon' are like!"

"As do I." Kraden, a scholar of the group wearing a brown cloak, and had long, graying hair, added. "I wish I could come along with you!" The group laughed at Kraden's comment, knowing it was the truth. If something perked even the slightest interest to the scholar, he would be all over it for days on end until he figured it out. "Be sure you include sketches of the creatures in your letters. Send a LOT of them, too!" The younger Earth Adept nodded again. "Heh, I will Kraden. You and your research…"

"I hope you make new friends there, Matthew. Then, you'll have more to write about in your letters." Mia chirped happily.

"Take care on your adventure, Matthew." Nowell said after, smiling.

"Oh, and if there are ports there, let ME know too! That way, I can sail the group here to there someday." Piers added, grinning cheerfully.

"I definitely will try, Miss Mia, and Piers. Thank you, Nowell."

Next to approach Matthew was the Yamatan princess, Himi. She was Venus Adept just like him; Matthew smiled and lightly hugged the priestess. "Hey, Himi. You came along, as well."

"Yes. I had a vision you would be leaving. I asked my older brother Takeru to sail a boat here so that I may see you off." Himi replied, her cherry-red eyes staring into the older Adept's own. "Matthew, I will miss you. You have a long way to go, as predicted. But the end is your choice to decide. Be successful."

"Thank you, Himi. I will. I'm going to miss all of you."

"ALL ABOARD! Passengers get ready! We're shovin' off in five!" hollered the Captain of the vessel. The group all heard and sighed. It was time for their Venus Adept to go. "I better be off then." Said Matthew as he turned to his parents, giving them one last hug, embracing them deeply. "Mom, Dad. Thank you."

"Oh, Matthew… I know this is what you want to do… I can't keep you here, but do know that your mother loves you." Jenna said softly, rubbing his back.

"Your father also loves you, don't forget that either. If you want to come back here, the house is always open. But, make sure you come back accomplished with everything, you hear?" Isaac added. Matthew chuckled, shedding a few tears from his parents' words, taking a deep breath all the while. Almia was going to be a completely new world compared to Weyard. He was going farther than he had ever been before.

"I won't come back until I've done everything I want to do. Therefore, Mom and Dad, be on the lookout for my letters. I will send one every chance I get."

"That will give us ease and comfort." The Fire Adept grinned, releasing her son. "Also, be sure to tell Felix that—"

"He knows, Jenna." Isaac interjected, laughing, also releasing Matthew from the embrace. "I gave word to my brother-in-law a week ago about your threats to him bringing that stupid mask with him."

"Hmph. He better not take it with him."

"Ha-ha! I wouldn't put it past him, though. Anyway, Matt. Go on ahead and board the ship. You don't want to miss it. Be good on your journey, and remember that having friends makes life easier and healthier." Ivan, Karis' father added. The boy nodded, picking up his things and got in line of boarding the ship. He flashed his ticket and stepped through, the board closing after he was in. He was on the deck now, high above the dock and waved to his family, friends, and even the 'notorious' Alex. The ship's loud horn whistled, the sail dropped, and the large, luxury-like vessel was taking off in the wind's direction.

"Matthew! Be safe! Take care of yourself!" Karis, Mia and Sveta waved back, shouting.

"Take care!" Amiti, Himi, Kraden, Rief and Eoleo shouted and waved next.

"I love you, son!" Isaac and Jenna said aloud.

"Be well!" Nowell waved. When Alex said nothing, Mia sent him a death glare and prepared her ankh to whack him with it. The groups seemed to have sweatdropped comically, as did the longhaired Water Adept. Sighing in defeat, he waved to the leaving Earth Adept. "Be careful on the way there!" he said, still getting stares from his cousin and chuckles from Amiti.

"You better write us!" Tyrell half threatened. "I'll come there myself if you don't!"

Matthew laughed, knowing his best friend would do so. They were slowly fading out of view, and he could barely make out their forms. The strong wind whipped his long, spiky hair wildly as well as his golden scarf he inherited from his father, draped around his neck. They were getting further away, and he progressively sighed, sad to leave his home of Weyard, but he kept on a determined face. He was going somewhere that no Adept has ever been before. How exciting! This was an opportunity he wouldn't want to waste, and something to not turn his back to as well.

Aboard S.S. Alchemy, Noontime

At around noontime, after everyone had been assigned for his or her designated cabins, lunch time was being served in the lower deck. Matthew kept Sol Blade with him, as well as getting odd stares from the other passengers. He was the only one who looked different; nearly everyone was adorned in red and black outfits, and there were many others with other colors on. Must have been some costume party on board before I got on. He thought, not really minding the odd difference. He filled his plate with smoked ham, rice, and sweetened potatoes; his favorite dish that Garet often cooked at the Lookout Cabin. He sat down at an empty table, picking up his fork and started grubbing down on his food.

"Mmm it's so delicious!" he moaned, grinning from ear to ear.

"Is it really that good?" asked his glowing blade, which may have seemed odd to everyone around but not to the Adept.

Matthew nodded, nudging his sword friendly. "You should come out of that form and share my plate, Sol."

"…You know I can't. There are so many people on board. They'll give me weird looks. And, you know I don't like attention like that…"

"Awwh fine, but you're totally missing out on this."

Matthew continued eating happily, ignoring all the odd stares he was getting, mainly because of the large sword at his side. A few minutes passed, and someone was approaching his table. "Hey there." The Adept looked up, coming eye to eye with a taller male with wild, navy blue hair, matching eyes and wearing a red and black outfit as well as a nifty red headband. He was grinning from ear to ear, carrying his plate with him. "May I sit here with you?"

Matthew nodded, finishing his ham quietly. The older teen sat down at an open chair around the table, placing his plate with him. He was loaded with a weird sandwich, according to Matthew's eyes; it was curved bread, meat, lettuce, cheese, tomato, pickles and bacon bits in it, and he had weird, yellow stick things as well, with ketchup on the side. Matthew continued to stare, and noticing it was very rude to, so he asked his apparent question. "What do you have there?"

"A hamburger and French fries." The taller boy replied, smiling. "French fries are made out of potatoes. They're cut thin and then fried a little. It's good."

"Oh, that's pretty interesting." Matthew acknowledged, having learned two new food names.

"Yeah. I noticed you were from that place called Weyard and you looked new. It's nice to meet you. My name's Lunick." He extended his hand, and Matthew took the friendly handshake. After they shook hands, a yellow colored creature with blue blotches on its ears, paws, cheeks with an odd minus-sign shape, and dark eyes hopped onto the table. "And, this is my Pokémon partner, Minun. She's an Electric Type. We've been together for three years now."

Matthew stared, fixated on the creature that was before him. So, this is a Pokémon? Wow, I can feel special energy radiating off them. They're almost like little animals with Psynergy! It's cute. The Adept extended a welcoming hand to the Pokémon, smiling. "Hello Minun. It's nice to meet you." The electric type mouse frowned, becoming very afraid of the newcomer. She couldn't understand why, but this guy had strange powers, and it made her shudder. It only reminded her of one thing.

"…Ground type!" Minun squeaked in Pokélanguage, backing away and hiding behind Lunick. Matthew blinked, perplexed why she sounded so afraid of him. It was then he noticed he could understand her odd language so easily. He maybe thought it was because Sveta had rubbed off on him. However, he felt he could communicate with the creature in her own language; it seemed like it had just slipped into his vocabulary, so he tried it out.

"…Pardon? 'Ground type'? Well, I am of the…erm, ground like Psynergy…" This astounded Lunick when he heard this!

"Woah…" was all the teen could utter in shock.

"You…you can understand me?!" Minun was also in shock. "And you're talking the language of the Pokémon! This just seems… impossible!"

Matthew frowned. "It's very complex, but I felt it hit my tongue right away when you spoke. I don't know why… It just feels right to be talking to you in your own language. But, you seem afraid of me… Is it because of this… 'Ground type' you mentioned?"

"Yes! Very much so! We electric types don't like ground types! It's our weakness!" Minun complained.

Matthew stayed silent for a minute, having taken notice of Lunick's baffled expression. "Oh, sorry Lunick. I don't mean to leave you out of the conversation. Your Minun's afraid of me. It must be my smell or something. She says I'm like a ground type, and she's afraid of it."

"Amazing! You understood Minun and could even speak in the tongue of Pokémon!" The blue-haired teen grinned. "I knew that residents in Weyard had magical talent, but it's even better to see it up close."

"Uh…yeah. Heheh." Matthew didn't have much comment on that. "But at any rate. She's scared of me. She said so herself. I'll go ahead and leave. It was nice meeting you Lunick, Minun. I hope we meet again." The Adept smiled, standing up, picked up his plate and blade and walked off. He gave his plate to a waiter nearby, and then left the café deck, heading up to the top floors. Lunick sighed, hoping it wasn't his Partner Pokémon that scared the kid away. Nevertheless, he didn't understand what the kid meant about him being a 'ground type.' It was then he forgot to ask the guy for his name! "Augh! I didn't get his name! Shoot!"

"Hey Lunick, what's going on?" A cheery, woman's voice caught his attention from his left. A young woman, adorned in nearly the same clothing as he—albeit a little skimpy—with light blue hair, matching eyes, also wearing a red headband. Her low ponytail was spiked up, and her smile was charming. Lunick returned her grin and patted the chair next to him for her to sit down. "Hey Solana."

She took the seat, and then noticed Lunick's expression change. "What's wrong?"

"I met a boy here not too long ago. He was very friendly, and check it out; he's a native from the place we stopped at hours earlier."

"Weyard? Really?"

"Yeah. It was really cool. He could talk to Minun in the Pokémon language. They were having a small conversation and everything. It was unbelievable!"

Solana gasped in delight, allowing her giddy fangirlism to control her. She loved hearing about the country called Weyard; it was very secluded from the rest of the enormous world and none of its residents had ever been outside of it. Just hearing about this piqued her interest. "Oh my! That's so awesome! I wish I could have been there! Did you get his name?"

"Eeehh…no. I was so caught up in my fascination that I forgot to ask." Lunick replied, frowning a little. "But I know what he looks like. I mean, everyone should. He stands out like a sore thumb. Nobody has hair like him, and in that color, too."

"Well, then that's good. Maybe we can find out where his cabin is and go meet him!"

"Hm, that's not a bad idea. Before we do that, I'm hungry and I don't want my burger and fries to get cold."

"Ha-ha. Well, go ahead and eat. I'm going to get something too. Do you mind if Plusle stays here with you?"

"I don't mind."

"Great! Be right back!" Solana got up from her chair and quickly headed for the meal line, grabbing a plate and checked out many servings of different meals in the buffet. As she was doing so, an identical creature to Minun, only having red blotches where the blue was, with the difference of a plus-sign on amidst the red on his cheeks, hopped up to the table, grinning. He then took notice of his fellow Cheering Pokémon and skeptically eyed her.

"Minun? What's the matter? You look pale in the face."

"Plusle. That kid that Lunick was talking about… He has a weird aura. I could literally feel it. If I was twenty feet away, it could still be felt! That's just how strong it was!" Minun told her friend, her voice and body unable to shake from its panic.

Plusle, as he listened to his friend's words, went wide-eyed. "Wh-what? Really? A human can have such a strong aura like that? Wow. He must have been meditating his whole life to master such a feat."

"It felt like Groudon's aura, only stronger!"

Plusle's eyes went bug-eyed when she spoke of the Legendary's name. Then she had said someone's aura, let alone a mere human's, was stronger than the colossal Pokémon? Impossible! "Minun…are you sure? That sounds so outlandish and it's not even funny to joke about."

"I'm serious, Plusle! You have to believe me! I was scared for my life! His aura was literally screaming 'Earthquake!' at me! I've never felt so terrified in my whole days of living!" The red-eared mouse took a heavy sigh, pondering her words. It still sounded like she was making this up, but he knew his best friend never told lies. It was almost impossible to for the blue-eared mouse Pokémon. Lunick, during their little chat, wasn't paying much attention to them; he was too busy fantasizing about his French fries being dipped into the ketchup to meet his taste bud needs.

Not much later, Solana returned to the table, her plate filled with Macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken legs, three pepperoni pizza slices, and steamed carrots. "I'm back!" she chirped, startling her fellow Ranger friend out of his fantasies and snapping the Hoenn native Pokémon out of their chat. "Look, Plusle, I got your favorite pepperoni pizza!"

"YES! All that worrying made me hungry!" the red-eared electric type squeaked happily, taking a slice and taking a big bite. He turned to Minun, holding the pizza slice to her. "Want some? It's good and you should eat."

"W-well, OK." Minun slowly took the pizza and bit into its cheesiness. The melting of said cheesiness in her mouth gave her a better emotion change and she suddenly forgot about the issue of the human with a stronger aura than a legendary Pokémon. This pizza was way too important right now. Solana and Lunick laughed at their Partner Pokémon eating together, and happily ate their food as well. They endorsed themselves in a random conversation about what they heard was in Weyard and how they didn't have any Pokémon coexisting there.

Matthew's Cabin, Cabin #130

It was around six thirty seven in the evening, and Matthew was in his cabin room, lying on the bed, his eyes closed. He was still mulling over the conversation he had with Lunick's Minun earlier; it was really bugging him. The golden blade to his right began to glow brightly, taking shape of a human with matching features of Matthew, though the hair was a whitish yellow color, pale white eyes and adorned in similar clothes to its wielder. The only thing it didn't have were the long scarf and its hair was spikier and longer. "Master Matthew… I can read you like an open book. Please stop worrying about that."

"Sorry Sol. I just… can't. I can't believe I scared Minun. I didn't want to."

"You didn't do it on purpose. It just happened. It'll be all right, just wait and see."

"Sigh… I hope you're right."

"I'm always right… At the right times, of course." Sol smiled, standing over its wielder with its shining eyes. Matthew's mood changed slightly, his eyes meeting his weapon's own. Being around Sol always helped him cheer up. They were like siblings, and to Matthew, Sol seemed like the older brother he never knew existed until they met at the Apollo Lens. "…Thanks Sol."

"You're very welcome, Master."

"Just call me by my real name. You don't have to call me that."

"Very well then."

There was a long moment of silence between them, Matthew took notice of the rising moon from his cabin's window, and Sol was sitting by the bedside, eyes closed and meditating. The startling siren of the ship and a voice that boomed over the intercom broke the silence: Monsters aboard the deck! Monsters aboard the deck! Everyone report to your cabins immediately until further instructed! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill! Lock your cabin doors and stay put until an official comes by to give you clearance! Uh-oh! The Earth Adept shot up abruptly, not only being terrified of the intercom's technology, but of hearing that monsters from the Eastern Seas could be attacking the ship.

"Great! I was trying to have fun without them." Matthew complained as Sol stood up from its position. "Seems like they wanted to give me a going-away gift. Let's not be rude and welcome them."

Sol grinned deviously, knowing exactly what its master wanted to do. "Let's do." Both rushed out of the cabin, bypassing several scurrying passengers who were running about, frantically trying to find their cabins and to safety. There were too many people on, and the stampeded was impending his way. At this rate, I'll never make it there on time! The Adept groaned irritably. "HEY! Watch out, coming through!" He yelled out, trying to get through the stampede of panicking passengers.

On board the main deck

Sailors and their Captain were on the deck, using their Pokémon they sent out from their Pokéballs to battle the monsters that boarded. There were many Lizard-like creatures armed with spiked heads, tails, shields and long, razor sharp blades in their right hands tightly. They snarled and attacked viciously; the trainers ordered their Pokémon to evade. "Zangoose, use Crush Claw!" commanded one of the sailors.

"Sawk, use Close Combat!" commanded the Captain.

The two Pokémon obeyed, lunging at two of the grouped lizard monsters, their attacks landing a successful hit on their opponents. Growling in fury, the two reptilian fiends struck the two Pokémon aside like rag dolls with their blades. The other two lizards that were with them laughed, claiming victory for that pathetic excuse of battle. Another batch of sailors came around, their faces contorted with rage.

"Throh, go! Use Seismic Toss!"

"Vaporeon, use Scald!"

"Raichu, use Thunderbolt!"

All three lunged at their foes, preparing their attacks. However, the lizards dodged nimbly, and ferociously slammed the magical creatures away easily. The Pokémon rocked towards the edge of the ship, feeling the pain in their bodies. The Vaporeon gritted his teeth, baring his fangs at the lizard man. "Fiend! You'll pay for that!" snarled the aqueous Pokémon venomously.

"Ku-ku-ku! Let'ssss ssssee you try, vermin!" hissed one of the reptiles, tauntingly.

"Humph! You'll be tasting my water attacks soon enough!"

The Vaporeon's trainer noticed his Pokémon getting up and burning in rage. He grinned at his partner's enthusiasm and jabbed a finger at the lizards. "Vaporeon! Quick Attack!" The water type raced towards the bunch, speeding about, dodging their blade attacks all the while circling them with his increased agility. When he found an opening, he lunged with forward, using his momentum to head butt the taunting fiend right in his back, knocking him into his cohorts. They all hissed with fury, now fuming with anger. Vaporeon grinned victoriously, but didn't celebrate for long; his opponents still had plenty of energy left. Solana and Lunick had raced up to the deck with Plusle and Minun, watching with worry. They were Rangers, not Trainers, and couldn't do much but hope the sailors and their Pokémon won.

"Come on Vaporeon! You can do it!" Solana cheered.

"Yeah! Raichu, Zangoose, Sawk, Throh! You guys beat these monsters!" roared the sailors encouragingly.

"Make them walk the plank! Show them they have no place on this deck!" Lunick added, smirking confidently. The Pokémon got up, filled with renewed energy and ready to fight back and defend their master's ship with their very beings. The group of Pokémon surrounded the lizard fiends, fists, fangs, claws and cheeks sparking, prepared. The Captain and his crew smirked themselves, feeling invigorated with new energy boosted from the cheering. Plusle and Minun jumped into the fray as well, going to lend help by using Helping Hand.

"Ready, Minun?"

"You bet, Plusle!" She chirped, then turning to the other Pokémon. "Guys! Let's show these fools who we're made of! Make them remember not to mess with us!"

"YEAH!" jeered the other Pokémon in unison. The two Hoenn natives sparked their cheeks like Raichu, but they were of a different color; white.

"Hissss! You fools won't beat ussss so eassssily!" hissed another lizard. Plusle huffed at him, his dark eyes narrowed hatefully at the one who spoke. "Oh yeah? You'll regret those words!"

"We only want the boy who's on board! Give ussss the boy and we'll go!"

The Captain stepped up this time, fists clenched. "The boy you want is one of my passengers! I ain't 'bout to let ya'll get to him! Protecting him is my top priority so you's better forget it!"

"Humph! Pompous fool! So be it! We'll kill you ALL! My brothers! Let them rot in the watery grave below! KILL THEM!"

Solana and Lunick exchanged glances to one another. What boy were these monsters looking for? They hoped it wasn't one of their friends on board! "Plusle! Use Helping Hand!" Solana commanded.

"You too, Minun!"

The Cheering Pokémon obeyed, lending their assistance to the other Pokémon, giving them more power.

"Zangoose! Close Combat!"

"Sawk! Slam 'em with Brick Break!"

"Raichu, hit them hard with Shock Wave!"

"Vaporeon! Use Hydro Pump!"

"Throh! Use Close Combat as well!"

The Captain and his crew threw their commands, their respective Pokémon obeyed and all launched their attacks in unison. The Close Combat users struck first, and then Sawk came up with his Brick Break, followed by the brilliant combination of an electrical powered Hydro Pump. The lizards had blocked the close quarter attacks but didn't evade the Shock Wave infused Hydro Pump! They were pushed off deck, landing into the water below! The sailors, added by the two Rangers, celebrated. Victory was theirs! "We won! We won!" The light blue-haired young woman chirped happily. Plusle and Minun were dancing around with the other Pokémon excitedly, well with Raichu and Vaporeon that was. Sawk, Throh and Zangoose crossed their arms confidently, but there was no doubt they were thrilled to win the battle.

Matthew and Sol had reached the deck a while during the fight, having seen the combined attack of Shock Wave and Hydro Pump. They were literally amazed at how these creatures packed so much power. They could be called a new brand of Djinn if one wasn't too careful. "Sol… Did you see that? They wiped those Lizardman right off the deck."

"Indeed. It seems that we won't be seeing those fools for a while. They got their just desserts."

"Definitely… But I don't think that was the last of them… We should check to be sure." Matthew jumped off from where he had been, landing right in front of Solana and Lunick, startling them. "Ah!" they cried.

"Oh, whoops! Sorry!" Matthew apologized quickly. Sol landed right next to him, scaring the daylight out of the Rangers too. "Anyway, let's sweep up and check, Sol."

"Right." The two left, leaving the Rangers baffled for words. Lunick was glad to see the young boy was okay, and again, while Solana's lip quivered. Not from fear or being cold, but for being amazed. Was this the boy Lunick had talked about during lunchtime?

"L-Lunick? Is that him?"

"Yeah. I thought my description of him was…bad."

"No, no. Your words were nearly spot on! W-we should go talk to him! Oooh I'm so nervous!" Lunick sighed and followed his giddy friend. Matthew didn't notice them, and as they were close to approaching him, something struck at Lunick! He screamed in agony, having not seen it coming. It was sword of incredible size, mauling straight into his thigh, grabbing him and knocking him off the ship, sending him pummeling into the deep-sea waters below! Solana screamed, and the sailors panicked in shock; it happened so fast!

"LUNICK!" she bellowed, tears flooding out of her eyes. Matthew snapped around, seeing the same four lizardmen monsters boarding the deck yet again. They were far from being finished, and the battling Pokémon were on edge again. These guys just don't know when to give up!

"LUNICK!" Minun cried, fearful of losing her best friend. She didn't waste anymore time; she jumped over, heart heavy with emotion as she was desperate to save him.

"Minun!" Plusle roared with worry, but his voice didn't reach her in time. His eyes darkened even more, rage consuming him like a wild fire. "You fiends will pay for what you've done to Lunick!"

"HAH! That fool wassss in our way!" laughed one of the lizards. Then, he noticed Matthew and his apparent doppelganger of a sword next to him. He sneered lustfully, jabbing his blade in the boy's direction. "There he isssss!" The others turned around, noticing the Earth Adept as well and jeered. They had found whom they were searching for! "Time to earn our prize! Capture him!" The reptile swordsmen charged for Matthew, loving the fact he was unarmed and would be easy prey. Solana snapped around, her heart beating rapidly.

"W-watch out!" she cried, warning Matthew.

The boy evaded each strike the lizards aimed for him, following their movements easily. He had battled these buffoons before and their technique was definitely old news to him. He jumped away, holding his right hand out. "Sol!" he cried, the humanized weapon obeyed his voice. It lit up in a golden light, taking the shape of the oversized sword that most had recognized and the pommel now grasped in Matthew's hand. The teen avoided another horizontal strike against him, and he countered with a vertical attack of his own, felling one of the lizards. The remaining three hissed venomously, enraged at their fallen cohort and rushed the boy again.

Matthew twirled about, dancing head to head with all three of them with his large blade, bouncing their attacks off like they were inflatable beach balls. "Sol, we have to finish them quick! Lend me your power!"

"On it! Psynergy Vitality, connected!" Sol responded, its entire blade glowing with hot, white flames of molten energy infused. Matthew's body submerged in this same energy, as did his hair for reasons he didn't know why at the moment, and leapt up high. The entire skies turned into a deep red color, as if the deities above were angered, and an enormous, sphere of earthen magic was summoned from nowhere, and synced with Sol Blade and its wielder.

"MEGGIDO!" Both Matthew and Sol blared, slamming the flaming sphere of energy straight at the lizards. For what appeared to be 'invisible magic' to the common folk, the ones on deck couldn't see this marvelous, but apparently dangerous ball of golden fire being launched straight at the ship! They could only feel the energy, but didn't know where it came from. The Pokémon gaped in awe, feeling no malice from this energy, but their trainers were freaking out. Solana, however, having seen this with her own eyes, felt captivated and privileged to see the boy whom she wanted to speak to in action. Plusle was speechless; Minun was right about this person's aura being stronger than Groudon's! In fact, it felt like it was about twenty times stronger. How could that be?

The earthen sphere struck the remaining three, who couldn't evade in time, and incinerated them entirely to nothing. Matthew landed to his feet easily, satisfied. But, something felt very wrong. "Matthew! That Lunick boy and his Minun are overboard! Help them!" Sol warned. The teenaged Adept didn't hesitate another second; he dropped Sol Blade and rushed over the edge of the ship where Lunick had fell, and dived in. The sailors, Solana and Plusle, along with the other Pokémon ran over as well, all worried and petrified. What was that crazy guy thinking?!

"…Ready a life boat! And quick!" the Captain ordered his crew, which they obeyed without a second thought.

Underwater, Matthew found a struggling Minun trying to swim to the surface with Lunick's body tightly in her paws. He hurriedly swam to them, knowing time was against him. Minun didn't see or notice him, but she felt that 'Earthquake!' vibe again and had a feeling who it was. When she turned around, there he was, the boy from the table. She wanted to scream, but couldn't; his gentle hands were around her small body as the other grabbed Lunick's, and began swimming up. He noticed that something splashed into the water; he faintly recognized it to be a lifeboat. Thank goodness!

Sol. He's hurt. I'm going to use Psynergy to heal him. Matthew sent telepathically to his blade.

On deck, the golden sword had already assumed its human form, freaking out most but ignored the stares as they weren't important. "All right, Matthew. I will be here waiting and will assist if needed." The teen surfaced, getting a grasp of air into his burning lungs and found the lifeboat. He swam quickly to it, letting Minun in first, then lifted the unconscious body of Lunick in next and he held onto the boat's edge, exhausted to bring himself in. "…U-up! Bring it up!" Matthew coughed, choking on the seawater.

"Hurry! Pull it up! Pull it up!" The Captain ordered, his crew and he himself tugging the rope to raise the boat to the deck level. Once it was secured, the sailors picked up both Lunick and Matthew and raced to get medical supplies. Plusle and Solana collapsed to the teen Ranger's side, panicking.

"Oh, Lunick! Lunick! Say something!" Solana sobbed, clutching his hand tightly in hers. Minun was crying in Plusle's arms, unable to take the emotional pain she was suffering. She had let her friend down. Sol quickly aided its master towards Lunick, and the Adept was out of breath. Despite he knew Water Psynergy spells, he was not a fan of going underwater for a long duration.

"…He will be all right." He spoke to the crying Solana, who only looked to him with a quizzical expression. Before she could say anymore, Matthew waved his hands over Lunick's unconscious body. Tapping into his minimal Mercury power, he drew up the excessive water that plunged into the Ranger's lungs, drawing it out from his mouth. Lunick was now choking, shaken to life miraculously! Minun and Plusle gaped in awe, as did Solana. She couldn't believe what she was seeing! Then, Matthew clapped his hands together, golden light forming into his hands, stretching out like a miniature sun. The same light enveloped him, and Sol could see his wielder was adding a little of his own soul power into the move. It was the dreaded Psynergy technique it disliked the most.

"Revive." Matthew whispered, putting his hands onto Lunick's chest. The energy swirled into the other male's body, healing his thigh wound completely and revitalizing him. His eyes slowly opened, only half lidded, and his gaze found the worried expression of Solana, and the tired eyes of the boy he met at the table.

"…Solana…?" Lunick choked on her name weakly, but he was definitely all right. The girl Ranger gasped in delight, her worries ceasing as did Minun's. The pair of Hoenn native Pokémon and she hugged the male Ranger tightly, thrilled he wasn't dead. Matthew smiled warmly, knowing he did a good deed. He knew even his father would be proud of this feat. "…Sol… I am glad he's okay…" Matthew spoke softly and collapsed forward. The human weapon caught its wielder before he hit Lunick, and held his body close to itself. Solana, Minun, Lunick, Plusle, and the remaining sailors stared, the two Hoenn natives wondering what that light they saw, and why the ship hadn't been damaged from that weird, but powerful earthen sphere attack earlier.

"Yes, I am too." Sol replied to its sleeping master, picking him up. The blade man eyed the Captain, who nodded in understanding. Sol walked off the deck and into the main ship cabins, heading for Matthew's assigned cabin to lay him rest.

"Wait!" Solana called after them, but was too late; Sol had already disappeared that quick. "I didn't even get his name…"

"Aye. That was Matthew." The Captain said, having heard Solana. "He's from Weyard. The port we were at hours ago, was Port Rago. Famous fer its ship repairs n all. The boy's what they call an 'Adept'. They can use magic and stuff. Fascinatin', isn't it?"

Solana merely stared at the elder man when he pronounced the mysterious boy's name, as well as confirming what Lunick told her earlier. "…Yes it is. And, he saved Lunick's life… Matthew's his name, huh? I'll…have to thank him." She told herself, watching where said teen had gone with his apparent duplicate. Those two were such strange people; for one, how could a weapon retain a humanoid appearance? It's probably something from that Weyard place. Maybe it's a common...thing. Solana told herself, yet again. The Rangers that were on deck assisted in getting Lunick to his own cabin for him to rest, leaving the blue-haired young woman by herself with the pair of Electric-types. Minun and Plusle glanced up at her, worriedly. The female Ranger caught their gazes, and smiled assuringly.

"Don't worry, you two. Lunick will be all right. Later today, we will pay a visit to him and that Matthew. Does that sound all right?" The pair of Cheering Pokémon grinned a little, however, Minun sighed afterwards. That power, that kid, just everything about him was complicated. One thing was certain: how did that human have aura stronger than Groudon?

Updated: 12/17/2013