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Chapter 89 - The Truth

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Unwilling to Leave https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roc6LBhTicc

"The next jump's the last huh...?" Chris thought to himself, looking around the bow of the Arceanic and leaning over the railing of the bridges balcony, resting his chin on his arms. "I don't wanna do it yet, I'm not ready." he muttered, his somber eyes looking down at all the people and Pokemon roaming about, not a clue in the world as to where they were headed. "What did she mean by greed...? What greed? They're not doing this to be greedy." he added, letting out a sigh while looking towards the horizon ahead. "I mean, yeah the way they spoke was kinda arrogant, but you can't blame em'. This thing was amazing." he thought, raising up and looking around before facing back and looking up at the funnels, their smoke wafting through the sky. Noticing the Arceus artwork on the top of each, he faced forward and looked up at the sky. "Kinda makes you wonder where you are in times like these, no offense." he said, looking around at the clouds. "They say you made the world, is it really necessary to just let things like this happen right under your nose?" he asked, facing back down at the countless lives roaming about. "Then again, I guess the work I do isn't just on Ninetails behalf. In a way, maybe I work for you too in the grand scheme of things." he thought, a momentary smile slightly showing on his face before showing his sadness once more. "Wish you could of brought me into the world when this happened, maybe I could of helped them before they were..." he said, pausing and clearing his throat before shaking his head. "B-Bah, quit workin' yourself up." he lectured himself, patting his cheek before turning and walking along the bridge. "Trying to make yourself seem more important than you are?" Ninetails suddenly asked in his mind. "Come on, can't you lay off for once? You've been nice to me before, why does it always have to come and go so much with you?" he asked in irritation.

"Well, you're not exactly wrong, I suppose." she replied, Chris grumbling in response before pausing and looking up. "Wait, do what now?" he asked. "In a way, you're not mistaken. The one you're referring to did indeed create all that you know and see. But there is a balance that must always be maintained. For there to be good in this world, there must be bad, for happiness, there must be misery. The greater the joy living beings feel, the greater the disaster that eventually comes. And the greater the disaster, the greater the joy in the end once it's overcome. It's an endless cycle." she explained. "If living beings were allowed nothing but joy, nothing but paradise, they would eventually grow bored. They would question their existence. Wishing for everything and obtaining it are two separate things entirely. Eternal success would bring torment in the end. Therefore failures must exist, crisis must thrive, disaster must strike, otherwise the living would eventually obtain the perfection which they seek, and then will suffer the same lonely, empty, envious existence." she went on. "Wait, say what? Empty...? Envious? Is that alright for you to say about, well, you know...?" he asked, pausing and looking up at the sky once more. "Living beings are an intriguing species, no matter how often you strike them down, they stand back up, no matter how much you crumble, they rebuild. No matter the obstacle, they overcome. It gives you something to admire, even with your perfection. You feel as though you're discovering something you've lost, and even though it's something you can never return to, something, even with your perfection, you can never obtain, you still cherish the living beings you've created. And it's because you don't want them to obtain the same life that you strike them down. Because you know the consequences of obtaining all, of being all, and you would never wish such an existence on another, especially those you're responsible for birthing into existence." Ninetails finished, Chris blinking in surprise before laughing nervously.

"That's some HEAVY stuff there. I really don't know what to make of that viewpoint." he added. "Many times you humans ask why, you ask things like how could he and the like, just as you did, but the reason, in my humble opinion..." Ninetails paused, Chris thinking "humble?" with a raised eyebrow. "So living beings never obtain all, so they may forever dream, forever wish. So they can grasp success, and savor failure. So they can taste all, for just a moment in their lives, yet never fully obtain it. As a treat, it's a delight. But obtaining all for eternity, I must say that's a curse not even I would place on another." she replied. "You humans, some of you are lucky enough to have everything nonetheless. Yet what happens when your kind obtain everything? The wealthiest are often the most miserable. Is this not true?" she asked. "It's pitiable, those he chooses to suffer a life filled with everything. But he does this to show your kind it's not all it's cracked up to be, as one such as yourself would put it. A lifetime of want, of wishes, is better than a lifetime where all you could possibly want, you already have." she went on. "As far as you... Working for him as you put it, as I said you are not completely wrong. Just as he chooses those who are wealthy as a lesson to those who are not, he chooses those who take action when others refuse, or simply can't for whatever reason. Many act on his behalf unknowingly in this world, they teach his lessons everyday. So consider yourself the pawn of two if it makes you feel better." she finished, Chris laughing nervously and scratching his head. "Well, thanks for that, I guess." he replied before looking down towards the Arceus figurehead poking up from the bow. "Still, what's his reason for just abandoning them to live at the bottom of the sea for so long?" Chris asked. "Think about it, he created all, he is all, therefore would he not know all? I'd wager it was his plan to sacrifice the few to save many more in the end. And not only will this plan save many more lives than were lost, but those that were lost will find their salvation in the process. Tread carefully and your role in that will come to fruition." Ninetails explained.

"You really make a guys head hurt, you know that?" he replied, letting out a sigh before heading towards the stairs and back to the deck. "The greatest of disasters bring about the greatest bonds in this world. It brings out, you call it humanity I suppose. You will understand soon enough, but until then you must endure. Your life may be chosen for you, but it was not a life chosen to make you miserable. Quite the contrary if you keep in mind all that has happened. Do you not feel accomplished? Do you not feel the bonds you've weaved? Those by your side deem me a demon. Heartless and careless. While granted I've little interest in being close, through my guidance you've obtained far more than you would have living as an ordinary boy in the forest. And through the guidance of another, I suppose. You've a purpose in this world few get to experience. Appreciate it." she told him, Chris looking around and smirking. "Well, guess it does have its perks." he chuckled. "Finish your time here so we may move along. As you know, those in the present don't have much time." she reminded before going silent. Walking along the deck, Chris went over Ninetails words in his mind while looking at everyone around him. "Sacrificing the few huh? The greatest disasters bring out the most humanity...?" he muttered, thinking about the Guardian and where she lay trapped within the chasm. "She's right about that I guess, I mean there's way more people on the Guardian than there were on this ship. I guess it's making the most out of the situation. And if I can get everyone to help us, that would help them pass on, maybe." he added, jolting when several kids ran through him. "Still, did it have to involve so many kids? Especially one's that hadn't been born yet?" he asked himself, thinking back on John's wife and letting out a sigh. "Guess it's best not to think about it, otherwise it'll only make things worse on me." he thought as he reached the stern of the ship. Heading for the railing, he noticed the Andersson's nearby, with Mrs. Andersson sitting in a deck chair playing with little Anna while her husband tossed a ball around with the other children. "Ah hah!! Now it's mine!! Time to head for the goal!!" he shout. "Oh my, but look at the numbers in my path! Can one man tackle such an army alone?" he asked, their daughters and son looking at one another before charging towards their father and tackling him together, all of them falling to the deck laughing. "Man down! I say, man down!!" he laughed, wrestling with them as his wife giggled and shook her head. "Honestly dear, you're far too old for such horseplay." she reminded.

Poking his head out from the pile of kids, he scowled at his wife in response. "Oh nonsense! It's all a matter of mind over body! If you believe you can do anything, well then by george you can!" he replied, growling as he lift the girls off and stood with his foot atop the pile of kids. "And victory is mine this day!" he gloat, holding the ball up in the air before helping the kids up and sitting next to his wife with a sigh. "Ah ha... Worn out now, aren't you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "Q-Quiet woman." he muttered, tossing the ball to their kids. "You lot mind yourselves now and go about playing. I'm going to enjoy the sun for a moment." he told them with a wave, the kids nodding before walking off, tossing the ball back and forth between them. "My, the air has become rather chilling." Mrs. Andersson shuddered, wrapping little Anna up all the more. "Oh come now, sure it'll take adjusting to, but you'll come to live with it in due time. The kids are responding to the drop just fine!" he point out. "Well what do you expect? They're young." she grumbled. "Come now! Mind over body!" he reminded, giving her a nudge. "You and your enthusiasm, can anything get the better of you?" she asked. Thinking for a moment, Mr. Andersson laid back and relaxed with his hands behind his head before letting out a sigh. "Mmm... Nope!" he replied. "Careful dear, pride is a sinful thing. Too much and you'll find yourself stricken down one day." she reminded causing him to jolt and clear his throat. "Heh, they really are awesome." Chris chuckled before turning and heading in the direction of the bow. Along the way, he noticed John and his wife coming out of the aft staircase lobby, their Stoutland, Kitty, following happily along. "OOF!!" his wife shout, holding her stomach causing John to jolt. "D-Darling! Is everything alright?" he panicked, reaching towards her only for Madeleine to hold out her hand with a smile. "Fine dear, fine. It just gave me a bit of a kick was all." she assured. "Oh heavens, don't startle me like that." he sighed in relief. "Don't say that to me." she laughed, rubbing her stomach and guiding his hand against it. "Healthy one, isn't he? Has his fathers strength." John chuckled, Kitty looking up at the two and tilting its head curiously.

"Oh, interested are we? Well, have a feel for yourself old friend." John smiled, helping his wife sit in a deck chair before letting their Stoutland walk up, sniffing her stomach until it felt a kick against its snout causing the Pokemon to jerk back, blinking wide eyed and tilting its head once more before leaning its ear against Madeleine's stomach. Listening for a moment, its eyes widened again before jumping around excitedly and letting out a howl. "Yes indeed! Our newest addition to the Astor family is well on its way." John grinned, rubbing Kitty on the head. "I'm trusting you to take care of him once he's born into this world. Promise me you'll do your best to keep the lad safe?" he asked, Kitty standing straight and giving a solute with a grunt in response. "Ha ha, I knew I could count on you." he chuckled, hugging Kitty before sitting with his wife and rubbing her stomach. "Truly a world of miracles." he said, Kitty jumping onto the chair as well and laying over John's lap, sniffing Madeleine's stomach again before jerking back due to another kick. "I'd say the lad can't wait to meet you!" John laughed, giving Kitty a soft noogie. Walking up, Chris looked at the three before squatting down. "Pardon me..." he said, leaning forward for a listen himself. Although he couldn't feel her stomach moving, he could hear the life within moving about. "You really are a strong one." he smiled, backing away from the three. "You'll keep him safe, huh?" Chris thought, looking at the Stoutland before facing the windows, walking up and leaning against the frame. "You know, thought I could do the same. But no matter who you are, there's some things in life you just can't tackle on your own. Bein' honest, I thought I could for a long time, take on the world no problem. Kinda the same as Mr. Andersson too I guess." he chuckled, letting out a sigh before resting his cheek against his hand and enjoying the breeze.

"With an atmosphere like this, you just wish the cruise could go on forever." he thought before facing back at John and his wife. Showing a somber smile, Chris was about to continue on only to freeze up in surprise when Smith walked through him and up to the Astor's. "Good evening to you, enjoying your journey across the sea I hope?" he asked, shaking John's hand. "Oh indubitably Mr. Smith. When they touted this as the ship of dreams they couldn't be any more precise. Never have I traveled aboard such a fine vessel, nor alongside such a fine Captain!" John laughed, Smith grinning with a nod. "Well thank ye' Mr. Astor! It's a pleasure serving you! Looking forward to the aurora displays in the valley?" Smith asked. "Oh yes. Dear Madeleine here was quite insistent she give birth under the radiant displays of the north. She hopes to enjoy a spectacular view of the sky while the baby arrives. I find it a dandy idea myself." John chuckled. "I plan to have the finest painting made of the two of us and our new arrival once she recovers. With darling Kitty here of course. A grand display of the lights high above my beautiful family below." John smirked proudly before taking out a small book from his pocket and showing off sketches he'd made of what the painting could look like. "It's a fine thing you're doing for them Mr. Astor, and it's an honor to be taking such an admirable family man to his destination." Smith smiled, shaking John's hand once more. "Oh come now, no need for flattery Mr. Smith." John chuckled, taking out a cigar and offering it to the Captain. "Ooohhh, that's good stuff..." Smith said, dragging the cigar along his nose and letting out a satisfied sigh. "Men with excellent taste you and I, a light Captain?" John asked, getting another cigar for himself about to start a match. "Darling! Come now, not so close." Madeleine reminded, John jolting and nearly dropping the cigar from his mouth. "O-Oh yes! Oh dear, I'm sorry." he apologized, motioning for Smith to join him for a walk. Heading off, Chris watched the two laughing as they lit their cigars and enjoyed the view around them before fading away. "Ha ha, now that was a good memory." Chris smirked before heading in the opposite direction towards the bow, Madeleine and Kitty fading away as well behind him.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Wallace and the Boys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkPmm_3BfYQ

The closer he got to the bow, the more Chris was able to make out the sound of music being performed nearby. Heading out of the promenade, he looked down towards the tip of the ship and saw Wallace, having gathered with his band to perform for the lower class passengers. "Well lookie' there! Looks like I got back just in time!" Chris grinned, looking at all of the people dancing about while others stood and sat listening nearby. "I thought they only performed for the first class people? Were they allowed to do this?" Chris thought, looking around while walking down onto the bows deck. As children and couples went through him while dancing about, he turned and faced the bridge, noticing Smith and his officers on the balcony listening in and patting the rails to the tune with smiles on their faces. "Guess that's my answer." he smirked. Turning and facing Wallace, he watched as the man walked forward and started dancing with the kids, several gathering in a circle and joining hands while dancing around him. "Ha ha! You go Wallace!" he shout, leaning his staff against the crows nest support and clapping his hands along with the others. As Chris watched the man dance about, Wallace made his way out of the circle of children and skipped along the deck, people lining up behind him and doing the same while couples twirled about, Smith and his officers giving a cheer of their own while other classes began gathering on the upper decks as well for a look at the commotion. "Come one, come all! Join our serenade and dance to thy hearts content! Be merry, be gay! Rejoice and revel in our celebrations!" Wallace shout happily. "We travel as one aboard the queen of the sea! So on this day, let not your status hold you back! Join hand in hand, and together we'll honor the maiden voyage of this magnificent steamer!" he added, twirling about before swaying in place, children and adults alike now gathering in a circle around him and dancing around. Watching from above and looking at one another, the upper classes hesitated before several finally began climbing down and joining in with the third class groups, encouraging others to do the same until everyone was merrily dancing to the melody.

"Would you look at that... What a musician!" Chris grinned, looking around before deciding to play along and dance himself. Making his way next to Wallace, he copied the musicians movements so they were a mirror image of one another, skipping and twirling along with a crowd full of every class mixed together around them. Up on the bridges balcony, Smith and his officers were joining arm in arm, dancing in circles together and laughing. Noticing this, Chris paused and smirked. "You sure were a fun loving guy, huh?" he chuckled, unable to resist bursting out in laughter when he saw Smith and his officers stumble over themselves and fall. Facing one another embarrassed, they began snickering and laughing together once more, giving one another a hand to stand back up before patting their backs and returning to the bridge. "Oh man, now that was precious." Chris snickered, wiping a tear from his eye before letting out a sigh. "I think that's enough for me too. I'm not used to all that twirlin' and skippin'!" he chuckled, making his way back to his staff and taking it in hand. "Alright then, I wonder where I should go next? There's a ton more memories waiting for me to see all over this...!!" he said, pausing when the music came to an end and going wide eyed as he turned and noticed everyone had vanished, an empty and silent bow before him. "Th-That was pretty sudden." he muttered, looking around. "Talk about killing a party." he thought, about to turn and head elsewhere only to freeze when he saw a light flash before him in front of the bow atop the figurehead. "...N-Now?" he asked, feeling a sudden suction coming from the light. "S-Seriously, just a little longer?" he asked nervously, stepping back and working his way behind the support of the crows nest. "C-Come on! Just a little bit!" he panicked, feeling the suction growing more and more stronger. After a moment, just as with the passengers and wheel of the ship, his body slowly began fading through the support. "S-Seriously!! I'm still not ready!!" he shout, trying to grab the support only to find himself abruptly yanked away. Trying to run from it, his actions did little good as he found himself running in place before gradually growing closer and closer to the light.

"I-I said n-not..." he growled before being suddenly yanked in the air, his body flying towards the light. "No--w!!!" he shout, reaching his hand out to grab the railing only for his hand to fade through, the light engulfing him with another bright flash. Gritting his teeth and keeping his eyes tightly shut, he felt himself flying through the passage between memories before slamming into something soft and bouncing off, sending him flailing in the air and landing with a rough thud. "Ouuu-ch-ch-ch, again?" he groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head. Letting out a hiss, he felt around for any lumps on his head and looked around. "Man, surprised I haven't been put in a coma yet. Where am I now...?" he muttered. Hearing an odd groaning sound around him, he stood up and felt around, finding a wall and making his way along until finding a light switch. "Ah! There we go." he smirked, flipping the switch on and looking around, discovering he'd landed within a bedroom. "Yeesh, look at this fancy set up." he muttered, noticing the bed he bounced off and seeing his staff lying where he landed on the floor before taking it in hand. "Alright, so question is, where should I go from here then? Considering this is the last stop, it's a lot less... Chaotic, than I expected." he muttered, hearing the groaning around him once again. "What... IS that? Is it the ship?" he asked, noticing a small porthole window above the bed. "It's dark as heck, can't make out much..." he added, walking up and peering out at what should be the sea. "Looks like the ocean's stirred up pretty good. Can't see it too well but it's givin' me serious deja vu anyways." he thought, noticing the glow of the moon hidden by clouds above. "Least that explains the groaning. Now to figure out where to..." he paused, turning towards the door before making his way up and trying to grab the handle, only for his hand to fade through. "Eh?" he thought, trying to grab it again only for his hand to do the same as before. Looking up at the door, he put his hands out and found himself able to walk through, standing in a living area before Captain Smith and several of his officers.

"So we've neared our destination?" Smith asked. "Aye, going by her coordinates she should be nearby this vicinity. The swell's quite impressive, but I can't see it taking her down." Murdoch replied. "We thought the situation here a tad queer, so we decided to come to you for the next plan of action. Shall we continue onward, or best we carry on our original course? It could be she was repaired by crew on board and moved along without making a report." Wilde point out. "Mmm... It wouldn't bode well if it turned out she was under our noses and we abandoned those on board." Smith muttered, rubbing his beard while sitting in a nearby chair. "We've also discovered an ice field around the area. We've passed through several thin sheets of the stuff now, and there have been sightings of jagged ice mingled in, a bit like bergs you could say but hard to identify as one in the same. We tried to avoid waking you, but we thought it was worth your consultation given the unnatural feel of the situation." Pitman reported. "I don't understand what such a colossal gathering of ice could be doing this far out to sea this time of year. Granted we're fairly north now, but we shouldn't be sighting ice for another day or two. Certainly not of THIS magnitude. You can't get any response from the ship?" Smith asked. "Negative sir. We've tried to communicate with the Carvanian for several hours now but Mr. Phillips can't get so much as a peep out of her." Murdoch replied. "Communications went smoothly since the initial call for aid, but once we grew nearer to her location she suddenly went silent on us." Pitman added. Looking at his officers for a moment, Smith stood and took off his hat long enough to straighten his hair before putting it back on with a nod. "Alright, I'm coming up, have a look at the situation myself. We'll decide what to do from there." he told his chiefs before leading them out of his cabin.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Unsettling Darkness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFIGigIXBq8

Watching them leave, Chris tugged at his collar nervously. "Oooh boy." he muttered before following the men. Heading up to the bridge, countless crew members were lining the railing of the ship around the bow, shining lights around keeping watch on the sheets of ice, pointing out nearby bergs and muttering among themselves nervously. "Bit of an eerie feel I'll admit." Smith said quietly. "Many are unnerved sir. Even we couldn't resist feeling a tad unsettled. Everywhere else boast calm seas and clear skies, beautiful stars above, soothing ripples below. But once we made our way closer and closer to this location, the more that changed, and rather abruptly might I add." Murdoch said. "We knew there would be a storm waiting, but this doesn't seem like a natural occurrence no matter how we look at it. Had we stayed on course, I don't believe we would've seen high nor' hair of this situation." Pitman added. "Luckily the sheets aren't very compact so the ship hasn't had too hard a time pushing through. Still, passengers are taking notice more and more. While the majority haven't an issue with the situation, we do have a fair number feeling the same as our crew. This is another reason we've come to you sir. The longer we stay, the more we risk complications on board should passengers get too excited over the situation." Wilde explained. "That's true as well. We also can't afford to delay our arrival in the valley, this was only meant to be a slight detour. We have the company as a whole to consider also." Smith replied, looking at the passengers roaming the deck pointing out all the ice as well, hearing the sound of it breaking apart against the hull below as the waves beat the ice against the sides of the ship simultaneously. "It may not be compact for now, but with the sea in such a state it wouldn't take much to seal us in place. She's a powerhouse, but ice is ice." he added, looking around as they reached the balcony of the bridge.

Walking up behind them, Chris stood near the railing and looked around himself, squinting at the darkness around them. "I suppose it's best to get her out of this mess. Mr. Murdoch, order a slight curve towards port-side and gradually head back towards our original course. We'll continue scanning the surrounding area for any sign of the Carvanian, if we can't spot her along the way we'll just make a report covering our arrival and the circumstances regarding our hasty departure. If there's any heat to take from doing so, I'll take responsibility." he told his officer, Murdoch giving a solute with an "aye sir!" before heading into the bridge. "It could be she sank due to the ice Captain, perhaps a collision with one of the bergs? If she was merely drifting about, one of the bergs may have slammed into the vessel and took her down." Pitman point out. "I suppose, but then even with all of the ice here, wouldn't we see debris and bodies? Lifeboats and such?" Wilde asked. "Good point there." Smith nodded. "For now we'll assume she managed to make her way along safely and do the same ourselves. We'll keep an eye out nonetheless until we can be for certain." he added before heading into the bridge himself, the two men following behind. "They're right, if something happened to it there should be signs to spot along the way. Then again, they didn't find any sign of this ship ei...!!" Chris said, pausing wide eyed when he heard an eerie sound echo from somewhere in the dark horizon. Looking around, he gripped the railing tightly while facing the entrance of the bridge, Smith and his officers having seemingly missed the noise as they conversed together around a table, plotting out their way back on course. Looking down, he noticed the crew and passengers seemingly missed the sound as well, having been drowned out by their own voices and the sound of the ice breaking and scraping all over the hull.

Shaking his head, Chris took a slow, deep breath before gradually letting it out to calm himself, noticing he could now see his breath due to the frigid temperature as it waft around his face. After a moment, Chris faced the entrance to the bridge again and saw one of the officers turning the wheel, sending the ship to port just as Smith had ordered while the others took their positions, Smith crossing his arms and mumbling to himself before heading towards the exit near Chris. "It doesn't make sense, why would they communicate thus far, only to seemingly vanish at our nearest point? If they were stricken by a berg while adrift, surely they would have told us? And had they solved their own problem and went on their way..." he said to himself in thought, standing next to Chris and leaning over the railing. "Nothing but ice... Then there's the bergs, and they don't resemble any bergs I've ever seen." he muttered, looking at one of the larger ones as they cruised past. "It's like the bloody things shot right up in a split second. They're as jagged as shattered glass. One touch of that and you're sure to go down." he went on, Chris looking at the berg as well. "Yeah, no kidding." he replied. "Feel bad possibly leaving her out there like this, but they didn't mention this kind of situation waiting for us. I can't endanger everyone by taking her through such risky territory, especially with this darkness as thick as tar on top of the ice." he sighed, shaking his head as the Arceanic made its way onward. "Sorry folks, but I've got a lot more on board than you do. I just prey we find you along the way..." he finished before motioning for the waiter in the bridge to bring him a drink, being served coffee in response. "Thank ye, much obliged." Smith nodded, the waiter bowing before returning to the bridge. "Captain, if you like, why not return to your cabin for some rest? You've been up nearly non-stop as-is on this voyage, it's starting to show." Murdoch point out, Smith pausing right before taking a sip of his drink and facing the officer.

"Mmm... I'm not so sure that's wise Mr. Murdoch, considering the circumstances at the moment." Smith replied, taking a sip of his drink and letting out a sigh."Come now sir, we should be out of this ice field in no time, and the bergs are spaced so far apart avoiding them isn't an issue. Let yourself have the rest and leave the bridge to me sir." Murdoch coaxed with a confident smile. "Well, what say you Mr. Wilde?" Smith asked, looking at his Chief Officer. "I see no problem with the idea I suppose. I'll be going off duty myself momentarily, as personally I see little to fear, especially once we pass the ice. I'll see to it everything's in order beforehand however. The decision rests with you sir." Wilde replied. Looking at them all, Smith rubbed his beard once more before nodding. "Very well... I put my trust in you then Mr. Murdoch, don't let me down. You lot make sure this ship reaches safety post haste then. As mentioned, thin as the ice may be now, it takes little for it to cluster and trap those unfortunate enough to linger within its grasp." Smith point out, his officers saluting together with a simultaneous "aye Captain!" in response. Nodding at them, Smith replied with a "very good" before making his way down the stairs, Chris looking at his back with a nervous groan before jolting when he heard another eerie, almost lonely sounding noise echo from somewhere the distance, sounding as if something were mourning in the darkness. "That sound... It's kinda like... But it sounds too sad to be..." Chris thought, his eyes scanning the darkness cautiously before looking at the Captain, who had paused and was looking around. "...Bah, starting to hear things. Retiring not a moment too soon I suppose. Some rest really will do me good." he grumbled, digging in his ear having heard the noise but thinking little of it, peering inside his cup. "Could be this stuff, sets all day I'd wager." he added while continuing his climb down and mumbling something about talking to the crew about it, peering in his coffee once more before sighing and taking another sip.

Looking back at the officers in the bridge conversing, they suddenly faded away leaving the bridge empty. "End of the memory huh?" Chris muttered, deciding to follow Smith back to his cabin and looking at all of the people around him repeatedly fading in and out of view once they were walking on the deck. Along the way, he watched as Smith reassured both passenger and crew all was well, casually shaking hands and patting backs until finally reaching his cabin and heading inside, nearly smacking the door in Chris's face causing him to stumble in surprise only for his body to fade through. "A-Ah. Okay then." he laughed nervously, carefully stepping inside the cabin and watching Smith set his hat on the small table next to his chair before hanging his jacket along the back of the chair itself. "Haaah... After this it's just me and the wife. My days on the sea will come to an end." he said to himself while turning to his mirror and examining his face. "The years have been rough on you old boy, haven't they? But you did good, met plenty of fine people in your life, saw the world with your own eyes." he added, stretching and letting out a yawn before heading for his bed. "Still, suppose I'll be glad to sit at home all day, the missus by my side, rocking away on the porch with a spot of tea between us and all the time in the world to enjoy the breeze." he chuckled, opening the door to his sleeping quarters and turning before flopping back on his bed. "Ahhh, that's the ticket." he muttered, pulling himself up and resting his head on the pillow before hearing the ship groan. "Easy girl, steady as she goes." he added in a weary tone, yawning once more and shutting his eyes for some well deserved rest. Walking up next to the old man, Chris looked down with a somber expression. "Sorry Captain..." he said quietly, noticing a chair next to the bed and sitting quietly. "...I'm really sorry." he repeat, facing down in guilt over being unable to help avoid what was to come.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - The End is Neigh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-nRCR73NAk

Sitting quietly with the Captain as if protecting him, Chris gripped his staff tightly in one hand while biting his thumb with the other, noticing a clock nearby repeatedly changing time, skipping forward randomly as Smith woke from his slumber and dozed back off, Chris tapping his foot nervously. "This is like sitting in front of a bomb, waiting for it to blow." he thought to himself. Eventually, the time stopped skipping ahead, with the clock ticking normally again right at the 11:00pm mark. Standing and walking up to the clock curiously, he was about to lift his hand and give it a tap only to hear Smith let out a groan causing him to jolt, turning to see the Captain sitting up with a yawn. "Ooohh aye, a good nap." he muttered, scratching his side as he scoot to the foot of his bed and stood with a stretch before looking around and walking up to his clock as well, going through Chris causing him to stumble back out of the way. "...Only been about an hour? Well, should be clear of the ice by now." he said, looking around and listening quietly. "Sounds like the swell hasn't let down however, odd." he muttered, Chris tilting his head curiously before listening as well and hearing the ship groan. Just as the Captain was about to head out of the room, his phone by the bed suddenly rang causing both him and Chris to jolt in surprise. As Smith walked up to answer however, they felt the ship tremble slightly, feeling and sounding as though something had thud against her hull beneath the surface. "What in the world?" Smith muttered, looking down at the floor while holding the phone to his ear. "Smith he-AGH!!!!" the Captain shout, yanking the phone from his ear when his officer shout on the other end in a panicked state. "E-Easy man! What's the situation?!" Smith asked. Watching the Captain nervously, Chris walked up to listen in, only to jump back when Smith suddenly darted out of his door, dropping the phone on the floor.

"C-Captain?! Hey!!" Chris shout, running after him as Smith grabbed his hat and coat and ran out of his cabin. "F-Fast for someone that old." Chris muttered, chasing behind as Smith yanked on his coat, adjusting his hat while sprinting along the deck. Looking around, Chris saw passengers and crew alike rushing about, rapidly fading in and out of view as he and Smith hurried along, shouting in panicked states. "That's impossible! There haven't been any reports of them here!!" Smith said as he rushed to the stairs leading to the bridge, quickly climbing up only to loose his footing and slip when the ship violently shook beneath them, having been rammed into by something massive beneath the surface sending Chris stumbling as well. "It's them..." he muttered, clutching the railing and watching as Smith steadied himself and continued up the stairs. Once they were at the balcony, Smith rushed to the railing and looked around, his eyes going wide and muttering "God help us..." when he saw the sea ripping itself apart all around them within the lights of crew scanning the surface. All around them the Arceanic was no longer surrounded only by ice, but savage, bloodthirsty Gyarados as well. "They've followed us Captain!!" his fourth officer, Boxall shout while running up next to him. "At first we thought little of the stray appearances along the way, we thought them simply curious, but gradually their numbers multiplied and they've gathered all around us. For whatever reason these creatures are riled up more than I've ever seen before. And the ice, it extends endlessly in this direction." Pitman added, rushing up as well and looking at what numbers they could see in the darkness around them. "We weren't aware of any swarms in the vicinity. This should be a safe route, but seems we've sailed ourselves into a nasty spot of trouble." he added. "If I may, it seems the situation may just be the other way around." Murdoch spoke up, calmly walking up to Smith. "What do you mean?" the Captain asked, raising an eyebrow before feeling the ship thrash beneath them once more. "EGAD what IS that?!" Smith shout, looking around the ship as he and his men clung to the railing, passengers and crew sent tumbling all over the deck below and shouting in fear. "None of these slimy cretins should be large enough to shake her like this..." he growled, looking at the swarm ripping through the surface around them. "Get me a report from below! Make sure the hull hasn't suffered any punctures!" he shout, the officers within the bridge shouting "aye sir!!" before making contact with those on the lower levels.

"Now, what was that you were saying Mr. Murdoch?" Smith asked, rushing into the bridge and taking out a sea chart. "I don't believe they were chasing us initially. Had they intended to attack us outright they would have done so the moment we were spotted. It was only when we attempted to escape their range we found ourselves targeted. I believe they were preoccupied with their own destination, and so long as we were following said path we were seemingly safe. But for whatever reason, the moment the creatures spotted us sailing away from their ranks they went on the offensive." Murdoch point out. "I believe something's out there they were after, and now that we've caused enough of a distraction, we're the target. At least, that's my take on the situation. I've noticed the ice seems to follow their path as well, so there's likely connections to be made." he added. "Then can we not steer back on our previous course? Perhaps then the beasts will simmer down if we resume following." Smith replied. "Unlikely sir, you know as well as I once they've found a target, they don't cease until it's destroyed. Our chance at peace was lost the moment we steered off their course and drew in too much attention." Murdoch affirmed, shaking his head. "Blast... Have any of you witnessed the creature attacking the hull below?" Smith asked. "It's likely the leader sir. The biggest always take the helm of a Gyarados swarm. But this one's likely on a scale of size never seen before, given how the ship reacts to every impact. You don't feel a thing when those others scrape against us, but the beast below is surely colossal. I'm amazed we're not taking on water." Pitman answered. Thinking silently for a moment, Smith looked at his officers before standing straight. "Summon Mr. Andrews and Mr. Ismay to the bridge immediately." he ordered, Murdoch and Pitman saluting with an "Aye aye!!" before hurrying off. "How do we escape a swarm of this magnitude? And in such a volatile state?" Boxall asked. "I need confirmation from the men I've just summoned before I can answer that with confidence. Until then we do our best not to enrage the beasts more than they already have." Smith replied, heading back out to the balcony and looking over the raging water, now a sea of serpents thrashing around his ship.

Walking out of the bridge, Chris went up to the railing alongside the Captain and gripped it tightly. "This is it." he muttered, looking at Smith's expression, noticing the Captain maintaining a calm yet serious look. "It doesn't appear as if the beasts are completely on the offensive yet, rather just trying to keep us in place. But why? What are they waiting for?" he muttered. "These beasts never delay an attack to my knowledge. No matter how you look at it none of this seems natural. First the ice, now their queer behavior..." he added, looking at his passengers and crew down below before facing the bridge and snapping his fingers, Fifth Officer Lowe quickly rushing up with a solute. "See to it all passengers and crew return below deck. I don't want a single soul walking on the outside of this ship asides those absolutely necessary for operational purposes, such as our lookouts in the nest." he ordered, Lowe nodding before hurrying back inside. With the officers now busily working communications, Smith turned towards Chris and suddenly motioned a cross, touching his forehead, followed by his torso and along his chest before taking a deep breath and facing up, muttering a word for mercy before hearing his name shout from the stairs and jolting, turning to see Andrews and Ismay walking up together. "Apologies gentlemen but we've quite the situation on our hands. I need to know exactly how much this ship can handle, and an estimation of how long, against these beasts. I'd like to attempt a hasty escape if possible." he explained, the two men walking up to the railing and looking around at the swarm. "Pah!! You're worried about those garden snakes? No need to fear old boy!" Ismay replied proudly. "She can easily handle these creatures. Smack the girl around all they like, it'll do them little good. Sail onward and worry not." he added, waving off the situation. Looking at Ismay, Andrews rubbed his chin in thought for a moment. "What say you?" Smith asked, noticing his apparent hesitation.

"This ship was designed to weather extraordinary circumstances. I'd wager we'd make considerable progress without any significant trouble but... It depends on many factors." he replied. "One being... She's designed to take enough damage to flood four compartments, but if we were to suffer more than that..." he added, pausing and continuing to think over the situation. "Oh come now, this ship is not only the largest in the world, far greater in size than these worms, but it's designed to be the safest to boot. She's unsinkable!" Ismay affirmed. "If anything, I'd merely consider this an excellent opportunity to test her speed against these ruffians! See how fast, how hard we can REALLY push her!" he grinned, Smith and Andrews looking at him for a moment before lowering their heads in thought. "She's certainly a powerful ship, fast to boot. With the right direction on your part we may be able to pass the swarm until they tire out and leave us be." Andrews said. "Mmm... But can you tire the beasts? Have you forgotten the tales? There's a reason we mark their swarms so fervently. Once angered, they never stop until their target is..." Smith replied back quietly, cutting himself off at the end as Andrews nodded and muttered "quite right, quite right" in response. "It's a gamble, but with our men pushing her to the brink non-stop we may be able to reach safety. It'll be an extraordinary task on their part however, possibly too much a task." Andrews point out. "Come now! We've hired only the best. They'll see their job through no matter the burden. And if I may, we could sit here all day with these creatures banging their heads and still remain afloat. Your concerns are unnecessary gentlemen." Ismay assured. "Captain! A report from below!" Murdoch said, rushing up with a salute. "The men down in the boilers report deep dents in the hull from the impacts we've felt thus far. Whatever is down there, it's definitely not playing around." Murdoch revealed. "There's no sign of water, but from their description of the dents size I doubt it would take too many hits to fill a compartment in a heartbeat. We've got several small fires due to coal flying about from the quakes but the crew are working to contain and eliminate them." he added, Ismay blinking in surprise before crossing his arms. "Dents in the hull, preposterous! The steel plates are nearly two centimeters thick! Not to mention our bulkheads hit close to a centimeter and a half." he point out, Smith looking at the man in irritation. "Mr. Ismay, the scales of a Gyarados are tougher than the very steel which makes up our hull. Its thickness doesn't matter against these beasts." the Captain point out, Ismay turning and looking at the swarm before waving his hand with a scoff once more. "If we were going to sink that easily we would have done so. Plow through the creatures and lets be on our way Smith!" he ordered, the Captain looking at him wide eyed and about to respond only to bite his tongue and sigh.

"What say you Andrews? I ask you again. You know more of her structure than even Ismay here." he said, Andrews looking at the two men before facing the swarm, Ismay showing a look of insult from the Captains response. "I'd say our odds of survival are the same whether we move or remain idle. The only difference is, if we move we might be able to garner aid along the way and find a means of survival. I suppose we could change course and make haste towards the nearest port." he replied, Smith facing the raging water around them once more. "Both of you are paranoid. I'm telling you this ship will be fine! Push on man!" Ismay repeat, putting a hand on Smiths shoulder, the Captain looking at his hand before slowly turning towards Ismay. "I'll ask you to kindly respect my personal space." he replied, Ismay looking at Smith in silence for a moment before slowly pulling his hand away and showing a look of irritation. "You summon me from my quarters for this? Do your job and order your men to move this ship. You sought my consultation, and you have it. We'll be fine." he told Smith before walking off, heading down the stairs leaving Smith and Andrews on the balcony, both watching him leave before shaking their heads. "Admittedly I admire his faith in her design." Andrews told Smith as they went into the bridge. "Admirable perhaps, but arrogant and foolhardy nonetheless." Smith replied, looking over his sea chart. "Best bet is to resume our course north, sail towards a western degree, we'll make way towards this port here and..." Smith began, pointing out directions on the chart, his officers walking up for a look themselves. After a moment, they suddenly felt the ship thrash beneath them once again, sending everyone falling to the floor in surprise. "Gods!! Alright men, we're moving." Smith ordered, the officers quickly standing and resuming their positions. "Mr. Murdoch, summon Mr. Wilde below deck. I'd like him to survey the damage alongside me down at the boilers. Tell him to meet me there post haste. I'll leave you in charge a moment longer while we do so." he said, Murdoch saluting before making preparations and sending an officer to send word to Wilde. "Very good, Mr. Andrews, may I ask you to accompany me as well?" he asked. "Yes, I'd like to have a look myself anyways. Shall we sir?" he asked, Smith nodding before the two hurried down the stairs.

"I can't believe it, this means their leader really is over a hundred years old." Chris muttered, looking at the sea around them. "It's survived that long, and it clung to its rage the whole time? What the hell set it off like this?" he added. "Yeah they're known for their anger and destruction, but to carry some kinda grudge THAT long?" he went on before hurrying off and following Smith and Andrews below deck. Making their way along, Chris noticed all of the passengers and crew trying to stop Smith for questioning, only for the Captain to assure them everything was alright with a smile on his face and saying he was "merely surveying a minor bump below" to put on record for when they reached port, coaxing everyone to go about enjoying themselves and the ban from exiting the ship was "merely a precaution due to slippery conditions" caused by the Gyarados outside, telling passengers the Pokemon were "just curious and in a playful mood" while heading further and further down the ship. "Captain sir, apologies for doubting your methods but is it truly best we not be honest of the situation at hand?" Andrews asked warily. "We have enough chaos to deal with on the outside Mr. Andrews, chaos which we'll barely be able to handle as is. I'd rather those on board be none the wiser for the time being until absolutely necessary." he replied, suddenly stopping before the stairs leading down to the boilers before turning. "And lets pray that necessity doesn't come." he told Andrews before facing forward and hurrying down. Just as he was about to follow, he heard his name shout from behind and turned to see the Chief Officer running up. "Ah, there you are Mr. Wilde, the Captain just went below." he told the Chief before offering to let him go first. "Thank you Mr. Andrews, mind if I ask a summary of the situation? Afraid I was rather out of it in my chambers. I've felt the ship shaking a moment or two but thought little of it, assumed it the swell of the ocean giving her a hard time." he said while hurrying down, Andrews nodding and quickly following.

Hurrying down with the men, Chris froze in his tracks when they opened the door before him, causing an extraordinary burst of hot air to escape sending him stumbling back and blinking wide eyed. "H-Holy crap!!" he shout in surprise, feeling his hair standing on end from the sudden change in temperature while Smith and his men continued on without a problem. "You gotta be kidding me..." he muttered before slowly following, covering a portion of his face with his sleeve as the intense heat waft around him. Inside, they made their way through the ships boiler rooms using the catwalks hovering high above the engineers and stokers below. "Alright, lets check around and have us a look at the damage." Smith muttered, making his way along with his men throughout the six rooms on the deck. Looking around, they found several small buckled sections throughout the hull, revealing the ship was indeed suffering from the smaller Gyarados as well, the swarms constant thrashing against her gradually taking its toll, and towards the bow of the ship, they discovered three huge dents in separate locations, almost as if the ship had hit bombs and had her hull blown inwards. "My word, look at that." Andrews muttered, pointing out the largest area. "It's a miracle we're not taking on water yet..." Smith muttered. "We need to get out of here Captain, she'll not keep afloat much longer under this kind of stress." Wilde added. Turning and heading back towards the stern section of the ship, the group hurried along through Chris, leaving him looking around and back at them confused. "Where to now?" he thought, lowering his sleeve causing his to breath in the ashy suit coming from the boilers below making him cough in surprise and cover his face again before quickly following the men. "H-How did people work like this?" he groaned, coughing again through his sleeve.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Iceberg!! Right Ahead!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6yIORGasyw

"ALL AHEAD FULL!!!" he suddenly heard men below shouting. "ALL AHEAD FULL!!!" others repeat. Freezing in response, Smith and his men looked down, leaning over the railing of the catwalk watching the stokers and engineers rush about. "FILL EM UP MEN!!!" several ordered. "Mr. Murdoch's made the command, looks like troubles afoot." Smith muttered. "Full speed so suddenly? Would it not be wiser to pull away gradually to avoid enraging the beasts all the more?" Andrews asked. "Aye, a sudden jump to full speed likely means he's spotted something that outweighs the risks. Best we finish here and return to the bridge post haste Captain." Wilde added, both he and Smith looking at one another warily and nodding in agreement before hurrying along. "We'll give the engines a quick look before returning, come along." he replied, Chris looking around warily before quickly following with a nervous groan. Reaching the stern section of the ship, they rushed through another door and stood above the turbines of the ship. "There they go..." Andrews point out, everyone watching as steam erupt from all over, the pistons pumping faster and faster while engineers rushed about. "ALL AHEAD FULL!!!" they continued shouting, rapidly prepping the colossal beasts for the abrupt jump in knots. "The sterns not so bad off. A few places but certainly nowhere near the beating towards the bow... Alright, hurry along." Smith said, heading back towards the stairs leading to the upper decks, Chris remaining behind, watching the pistons continue pumping faster and faster, roaring and groaning from the abrupt stress throughout the system as steam bellowed all over. "Look at that thing... What a beast..." he muttered, awe struck in the moment despite the danger as the engineers continued busily rushing about. Backing away from the railing, he looked towards Smith and the others, noticing how far they'd gotten and quickly running towards them. "C-Crap..." he muttered, stumbling on the narrow catwalk as he made his way along.

Finally reaching the group, they were about to begin their climb up the nearby ladder when they were suddenly rammed into once again, sending Smith and the others falling all over the catwalk while Chris was flung clear over the railing. "AAAAHHH!!!" he screamed, flipping in the air and grabbing the railing as tightly as he could, his grip nearly slipping clear off as he tossed his staff over the railing and held on tightly with his other hand as well. "D-Damn it..." he groaned, gritting his teeth as he struggled to pull himself up, his body dangling over the colossal boilers below. "N-Ninetails!!!" he shout in a panic, barely holding on while looking down at the certain death below should he fall onto the massive steel structures. Getting no response, he looked up and struggled to reach up, grabbing another bar of the railing and slowly pulling himself to safety. Once high enough, he hiked his leg up over the catwalk and pushed himself higher, reaching up once more and clinging to the top of the railing before hanging his body over and flipping himself back on the catwalk, landing with a thud and panting heavily. "O-Oh God, th-thank you..." he wheezed, sitting up and looking at Smith and his men. "Mr. Andrews, are you alright?" the Captain asked, helping him sit up as blood dripped from his forehead, having bashed it against the rails. "Q-Quite alright, best I get up this ladder post haste however, feel a tad woozy..." he replied in a sluggish tone. "A nasty bump here Captain, he needs medical assistance." Wilde point out. "Aye, a moment lads." he said before taking off his vest. "Sir?" Wilde asked, both men jolting in surprise when Smith tore off his white sleeve. "Best we not take chances. Here." he replied, wrapping and tying the cloth around Andrews head like a bandage before putting his vest back on. "Th-Thank you Captain." Andrews replied in surprise. "A shirt is the least of my concerns, come along." he ordered, both he and Wilde helping Andrews up and letting him go first up the ladder.

Looking around, Chris watched the engineers and stokers rushing about faster than ever, busily putting out new fires started by the coal that was tossed about due to the impact while continuing to shovel it in by the pound into the boilers. "Not good..." he muttered before hurrying up himself. Once they reached the top of the ladder, Smith and the men made haste towards the stairs leading to the upper decks, rushing up to the G deck, then the F deck, only to find themselves halted once they reached the bottom of the Grand Staircase on the E deck, surrounded by wary passengers in the lobby who saw Anderson's injuries and became all the more riled up in a state of panic. However, just as before Smith did his best to console the passengers, maintaining a bright expression and downplaying Andrews injury as "a mere slip below" due to the ship shaking beneath them, with Andrews backing up Smith's tale with a "quite right, bit of a bad habit you see, always slippin' about on these feet of mine." and laughing. When question about the shaking itself, Wilde chirped in and assured passengers it was "just a spot of rough waters and some thin ice being a pest, nothing to fear." to ease their worries. Pushing onward, their arrival on every deck was greeted by the same situation, a blockade of swarm after swarm of anxious passengers, oblivious to the truth around them and left with only empty reassurances as Smith hurried along, Wilde and Andrews doing their best to make a path for the Captain along the way. To the D deck they went, then the C deck, panting their way to the B deck, until finally reaching the boat deck at last, all three men crawling their way up the final step wheezing from the trek. "O-Oh my word." Smith pant, pulling himself up against the railing of the stairs, passengers and crew helping the other men stand, with many swarming the group with more questions only for Smith to assure them he would "get back to everyone momentarily" before continuing onward. Wheezing behind them, Chris stumbled his way up the final steps himself, taking a moment to catch his breath on all fours once he reached the top step. "Sh-Shit..." he groaned, looking up at the men already making their way to the exit. "S-Seriously?!!" he shout, facing down with another groan before forcing himself up and doing his best to hurry behind the men, stumbling slightly along the way.

Once outside, the men were about to hurry towards the bridge only to hear an ear piercing roar echo from the stem of the ship. Covering their ears, Wilde was the first to look in the direction the roar came from, his face turning pale in a split second, his eyes wide as can be before screaming "HIT THE DECK!!!", running up to Smith and Andrews and yanking them down just as Chris arrived, only to watch a burst of energy rocket right past the ship, just narrowly missing the men and the ships structure as it flew ahead, exploding in the sea nearby in front of the Arceanic causing a burg to erupt from the surface. "Mr. Wilde!! What on Earth?!" the Captain shout, standing himself back up and patting off his vest before picking up his cap and returning it to his head. "S-Sir!! We're being fired upon!!" Wilde explained. Pointing towards the stern of the ship, he pinpointed where he saw the blast coming from, Smith and Andrews both scanning the area themselves. "I heard it, but can't see it." Smith muttered. Just as they were about to turn and make way towards the bridge, all three men froze when they saw the colossal and jagged berg pass them as the ship sped onward, their eyes widening in unison. "By the God's, look at it." the Captain muttered. "I've seen many a berg, but that's..." Andrews added. "I'm for certain now, the ice, and those bergs, came from whatever it is behind this ship. The moment the blast hit the sea, the berg shot up instantaneously." Wilde point out, the three looking at one another and nodding before hurrying towards the bridge. "That was a lucky dodge..." Chris muttered, watching the men leave him behind. Turning towards the stern of the ship, Chris squint his eyes and could barely make out something colossal moving in the shadows of the darkness just out of reach from the ships lights, noticing a form all too familiar. "And there you are..." he thought, hearing a loud splash as the creature dove back into the sea.

Turning towards the bow, Chris took a deep breath before running towards the bridge, looking back at the giant iceberg drifting further and further behind the ship. Showing a sudden somber look on his face, he shook it off and continued making his way towards the bridge, finally reaching the entrance and walking in to listen in on the officers conversation. "Report! What's the situation Mr. Murdoch?" the Captain asked. "Moments ago, we were in the midst of final preparations for departure when we heard noises coming from somewhere in the horizon. Thinking it best we not delay any longer, I ordered reports from crew throughout the ship, ensuring all was ready for sailing off. All was well for a moment and it appeared as though the Gyarados would remain behind, but no sooner had we let our guard down and let out a sigh of relief when we saw something rise from the sea nearby, something far beyond the size of the Gyarado's we've witnessed thus far. It didn't just rise however, rather one would say it exploded from the surface, sent ice clear into the sky as if making a show when it appeared." Murdoch report. "It was difficult to make out, but it towered far beyond the height of our ship, and going by the vague outline we could see, it didn't appear to be any type of Pokemon we've seen before. It resembled the anatomy of a Gyarados, but it was... Different." he went on. "The moment we saw this beast, I immediately ordered all ahead full, insisting we reach top speed post haste in order to put distance between us and whatever that creature was. As of now it's safe to assume it's responsible for the major attacks on our hull, and the ice itself. After reaching higher speeds, the creature began giving chase and has fired what appears to be Ice Beams, but their magnitude is something we've never witnessed either." he added. "Large, powerful, deadly, and something the likes never seen before, I'd say that's all I need to know." Smith replied. "However, the issue remains of defense. Try as we might to flee, we'll not get far without something to aid in keeping the creatures back with." he point out. "We haven't any defenses on this ship Captain, after all, she wasn't built for battle, rather merely for transporting shipments and passengers. It IS a luxury liner sir." Andrews point out. "Aye, that she is, and that she was not. But that doesn't mean we can't fight back nonetheless. We have our means right in the palm of our hands." Smith replied, his officers looking at one another confused.

"I made a vow long ago when I first became a Captain to do whatever necessary to serve and protect any and all aboard the vessels I command. So until the last breath I take, I'll not go down without a fight. If these beasts want to sink this ship, they'll have to get through me..." he said, reaching in his vest and taking out a Pokeball, looking at it in silence for a moment before clicking its button causing it to grow in his palm, his officers going wide eyed. "Oh no way... He was a trainer?" Chris said in surprise, watching as Smith tossed his Pokeball in the air. With a bright flash of light, next thing Chris and the officers knew an Entei appeared behind the Captain, causing the men to jolt back in surprise. "How in the world?!!" Murdoch shout in awe. "That's one of the legendary species..." Wilde added. "Aye, that he is. And being such he's got plenty of power to help us along, right old friend?" Smith asked, turning to Entei and giving him a rub. Looking at the Captain, Entei smiled silently with a nod before looking around warily, sensing the danger outside. Suddenly, one of the lines began ringing off the hook, Third Officer Pitman rushing up to answer. "Sir!! Incoming blast, starboard side!!" he warned. "HARD TO PORT!!!" Murdoch shout, Mr. Hichens rapidly turning the wheel in response, the other officers quickly sending signals via the telegraphs to the engine room just as a massive Ice Beam rocket past the ship, yet another iceberg shooting up with the Arceanic narrowly missing by mere feet. "Blasted demon..." Smith growled. "Your position remains unchanged Mr. Murdoch. You keep this ship steady while Entei and I aid in holding back whatever it is we're up against. Don't let this ship falter." Smith ordered, the powerful Pokemon lowering itself allowing him to climb on before standing with a powerful roar, Chris and the officers covering their ears. "Aye Captain! We'll do all we can!" Murdoch replied, giving a salute. Nodding, Smith ordered Entei to hurry out, the powerful Pokemon letting out another roar before dashing out to the boat deck. "Good luck out there Captain..." Murdoch muttered before turning to the others. "Alright! You heard the man! Lets get this ship out of here! I want all stokers on hand at the boilers, working double time! All engineers down below immediately! I want full speed maintained at all times!" he ordered, everyone in the bridge saluting before quickly carrying out their orders.

"To the deck then." Chris muttered with a nod, hurrying out and looking around. "Where did he...?" he thought before hurrying to the stern of the ship, finding the Captain and Entei standing at the ready, the freezing night air blowing against them with brave yet wary expressions on their faces. "There!!" Smith suddenly shout, pointing out something glowing in the distance. Next thing they knew, another blast suddenly shot towards the ship. "Hurry!! Flamethrower!!" he ordered, shooting his hand out while Entei reared its head back before sending a massive burst of fire towards the oncoming ice, halting it half way between the figure in the distance and the ship itself and creating a colossal burst of steam. Suddenly, the impact between the two forces caused a large explosion that lit up the area behind the ship, exposing the creature that had been chasing them causing Smith's eyes to widen, Entei taken back as well by the sight. Sure enough, it was the very same Mega Gyarados that had attacked the Guardian in the present, and now it was trying to take down the Arceanic. "I-It IS a Gyarados!!" Smith muttered in awe, seeing its enraged face. Suddenly, the Mega Pokemon launched itself forward towards the ship, attempting to ram it from behind. "Protect!! Now!!" Smith ordered, Entei letting out another roar before creating a colossal barrier just past the stern of the ship, the Gyarados ramming into it with all its might causing Entei to stumble before stomping its feet down and steadying itself, forcing the Gyarados back using the barrier before sending the Mega Pokemon flipping backwards and crashing into the sea, disappearing in the darkness once more as Entei stood tall and let out a growl. "Steady old boy, you're doing fine." Smith assured, returning his focus to the darkness. "What strength." he muttered. Next thing they knew, a terrifying roar could be heard from where they left the Mega Pokemon behind, and suddenly they felt the ship trembling and heard the sounds of the swarm ramming her hull from every direction. "B-B-B-Blasted demons!!!" he shout, stumbling about before falling against Entei, the Pokemon taking Smith back on its back. "Lets take em down!!" Smith ordered, noticing a nearby rope and grabbing it as Entei took off.

Tying it around Entei's torso, he waited for the right moment and lassoed the other end around one of the davits near the middle of the ship as Entei leapt off the deck, the rope keeping them secured as the legendary powerhouse bound across the side of the Arceanic towards the bow. "Now!! Hyper beam!!" Smith commanded, keeping a firm grip on Entei's mane as it gathered energy in its maw before unleashing it on the Gyarados swarm along the length of the hull below, sending hundreds flying away from the ship. Once near the bow, Entei bound upwards and made a leap high into the air, turning himself around as the officers in the bridge took notice, each as wide eyed as the other. "Captain Smith..." Wilde muttered. "Look at the old fellow go..." Andrews added, watching together as Smith and Entei plummet back towards the ship, swinging downwards before making contact and bounding towards the stern, Entei unleashing another hyper beam along the way sending hundreds more flying away from the ship below. "Good!! Good!! Now, back to the deck!!" Smith ordered, Entei nodding and heading upwards before leaping back on board near the davit Smith had the rope around. "Alright, to the other side! Do the same there!" he ordered. "Incredible..." Chris said, looking at the two wide eyed before jumping out of Entei's way as the Pokemon rushed to the other side of the ship, Smith swinging the rope in the air along the way. Whistling in surprise, Chris couldn't help but smirk at seeing the duo's work, admiring the Captains expertise in defense alongside his Pokemon. "Using a rope to run along the ship... Damn." he said, nodding in respect. For some time, it appeared as though Smith's tactic was going to see the Arceanic to safety, Chris noticing fewer and fewer Gyaradod attacking the ship as Entei took them down by the hundred.

Every now and then, the Mega Gyarados would appear for another round, blasting its frigid ice all over the place, the Arceanic struggling to avoid with constant sharp turns to port and starboard, testing her limits more and more with every appearance of what was seemingly the largest Gyarados in the world. With the mighty Entei working alongside Captain Smith, the duo did their best to tackle both attacks head on, from the swarm and their colossal leader simultaneously. Again and again Entei forced the leader back, each time the Mega Pokemon giving his barriers a harder and harder beating that gradually took their toll, the legendary beasts strength slowly giving out while the leaders strength only seemed to grow the more enraged it became. "B-Blasted d-demon..." Smith growled, his teeth chattering from the frigid air around the ship caused by a blizzard the leader was building up, limiting the visibility around the ship on top of the already blinding darkness around them. Noticing the Mega Gyarados coming in for another attempt at slamming against the ship, Smith ordered another Protect thrown up, Entei readying itself only for both to pause when the leader suddenly vanished beneath the surface. "Hold!!" he ordered, Entei taking a step back and relaxing itself with an exhausted sigh. "Sorry old boy..." he apologized, rubbing Entei's side before noticing the swarm easing their attacks as well. "...What's this?" he muttered, walking up to the sterns railing and hovering his gaze along the surface. "They've settled...? Why?" he asked, looking around for the leader, Entei scanning their surroundings as well and letting out an agitated growl. "Easy there, easy." Smith coaxed. For a moment, everything suddenly seemed calm, almost as if the Gyarados had decided on mercy at last. However, just as Smith and Entei backed away from the railing, the Mega Gyarados launched itself high into the air from the sea below, and in its maw was a collected amount of energy, far more built up than any of its attacks thus far. Almost as if it were flying in slow motion, Smith and Entei watched wide eyed, Chris stumbling and falling backwards onto the deck, his face turning pale from seeing a Pokemon so huge looming over them, hearing it let out a terrifying and ear piercing roar before unleashing what appeared to be its ultimate attack. Sending a charge of frigid energy shooting towards the front of the Arceanic, the size of the beam left the three dumbfounded as the energy crashed into the sea in the distance ahead of the ship, the explosion causing the entire Arceanic to tremble as if the ship itself were terrified.

(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!) the Captain heard echo from the bow of the ship, the signal for oncoming danger ringing from the crows nest. "No..." Smith muttered, rushing back onto Entei and having the Pokemon run as quickly as it could to the front of the ship. "Hurry Entei!! Hurry!!" he pushed, the Pokemon letting out a fierce roar as Chris quickly stood and followed, looking back as the Mega Gyarados fell back into the ocean with a colossal splash. "Oh man..." he muttered, running as quickly as he could towards the bow. "ICEBERG!!! RIGHT AHEAD!!!" he heard echo from the terrified voice of the ships lookout, Frederick Fleet. Arriving on the scene, Chris looked up at the crows nest at Frederick as he repeat the warning through the phone, seeing Smith and Entei at the tip of the bow. Running up to the two, what Chris saw before them left him at a loss for words, his mouth agape and eyes wide as can be. Before the majesty that was the Arceanic, there now float the largest berg he'd ever seen. "No..." he gasped simultaneously with Smith. Turning to the crows nest, the Captain began screaming "TURN THE SHIP!!! HARD A STARBOARD!!! BY GOD TURN THE SHIP!!!" and waving his hands in terror. Relaying his command through the phone, Frederick put as much emphasis in the order as the Captain himself. "Turning hard a starboard Captain!!" he shout down, Smith turning as the berg grew closer and closer. Gradually, the ship began turning little by little, but nowhere near enough to avoid colliding with the obstacle quickly approaching ahead. Acting just as quickly, he tied one end of his rope to the railing of the ship and the other back around Entei before quickly hopping on. "It's all or nothing..." he muttered, looking down at Entei, the Pokemon glancing back in understanding before letting out a powerful roar and leaping off the ship, landing on the side near the tip of the bow and quickly storing energy within its maw. "Steady... Steady..." Smith coaxed, the inferno within Entei's mouth growing stronger and stronger, hotter and hotter by the second until finally...

"NOW ENTEI!!! FLAMETHROWER!!! FULL POWER!!!" he ordered. With the loudest roar Entei could give, you'd think it could be heard around the world as the Pokemon unleashed a burst of fire from its mouth so fierce it could be seen from miles away, blasting against the colossal iceberg in an attempt to both, push the ship away, and the iceberg simultaneously from one another. "Steady... Steady... Keep at it...!!!" Smith encouraged, gripping Entei's mane tightly and gritting his teeth. "Move... Move damn you!!" he shout, the berg continuing to grow all the closer despite both the ship and Entei's efforts. "No... No... NO!!!" Smith shout, finding their efforts in vein as Entei was suddenly thrashed off the side of the ship, dangling in the air causing him and Smith to smack against the hull repeatedly as the ship let out an ear piercing screech. Down below, the sound of the hull scraping against the ice could be heard, chunks plummeting down onto the bow of the ship from above as it was forced to abruptly turn away, Chris ducking and dodging the ice falling from above before freezing beneath an enormous piece, its shadow engulfing him before smashing down onto the deck where he stood. "I'm dead... I'm dead... I'm dead!!" he repeat, his arms held over his head before slowly opening an eye, then the other and looking around, noticing he'd phased through the ice. "Oh God..." he groaned, nearly falling to his knees in relief only to shake himself out of his nervous state and run out from the center of the chunk, heading up to the railing and looking over at Smith and Entei still dangling from the rope below. Shaking off the blows, Entei climbed his way back up and flopped himself over the railing onto the deck, letting out exhausted growls while Smith climbed off and watched the berg drift away from the ship. "Did it...?" he asked in a wary tone, noticing the ship slowing until coming to a complete stop. Rushing to the railing, he leaned over and hovered his gaze along the hull where the berg hit. "Captain!! You're needed in the bridge!!" Frederick shout, Smith jolting before responding with an "Aye!" and telling Entei to rest before rushing off.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - Countdown to Demise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CnJbHf1OOw

"YOU IDIOT!!!" Chris and Smith heard Murdoch shouting as they entered the bridge. "Hard a starboard!! I said hard a starboard!!" he added, the two watching as Murdoch shook Hichens violently by the throat, the man struggling against the officers grasp. "Enough of that!! What's going on here?!" Smith shout, yanking the two apart. "He steered us in the wrong direction!! His moment of incompetence has just cost everyone their lives!!" Murdoch shout, pointing at the quartermaster as he gasped for air. "I-I tried!! T-Tried!!" he shout back as he choked. "Tried to kill us?! WELL DONE!!" Murdoch replied enraged. "Calm down!! We don't know for certain the damage so hold your judgement!!" Smith ordered, keeping the officer away from Hichens. No sooner had Smith said that however when the phones began ringing off the hook, several officers answering the calls together and each showing the same sudden pale, lifeless expression as the other. "C-Captain?" Lightoller said nervously. "Breach... In the hull below." he revealed, Smith going wide eyed while Murdoch grit his teeth and started fighting against Smith to get to Hichens, who quickly ran to the wheelhouse and locked himself within, Murdoch slamming against the door. "Breached...? How severe is the damage?" Smith asked, the other officers finishing their calls before standing around their Captain, looking at one another before facing down with grim expressions. "We've a tear running from beyond the tip of the bow as far back as boiler room six sir. While the ice alone is doubtable to cause such damage, it's likely due to the weakening of the hull from the Gyarados rampage." Boxhall point out. "...And the compartments?" Smith asked. "Going by that report, I'd say at least five have been exposed." Andrews explained, standing and walking up from where he'd been resting on the floor near the windows. "And she's only designed to handle four." he added, Smith and his men turning and facing the windows in silence, each as unsure of how to take in the disaster as the other.

"...We're going down." Smith said, his eyes remaining wide without a blink to be seen, same as the other officers. "How long do we have Mr. Andrews?" Smith asked. Remaining silent for a moment, Andrews thought over the situation before nodding confidently. "It all depends on many things really. But a rough, and best estimation, would be approximately two hours. Give or take depending on our surrounding circumstances." he point out, reminding them of the Gyarados still at large. At the door of the wheelhouse, Murdoch had settled down and was facing Smith and the others, slowly lowering his face towards the floor with a "what have we done?" expression on his face, backing away from the door and facing Hichens, slowly shaking his head before walking up to the Captain's side as well. "Sir, orders?" he asked. Looking at the officer, Smith remained silent for a moment before walking up to the windows, looking down at Entei as it lay on the bow, looking around and facing down, Smith feeling the same disappointment within himself. "We gave it our best..." he muttered, the officers looking at one another. "Sir?" they asked. "We gave it our best." he repeat, turning back to them. "I wanted to avoid dragging more souls into this mess, but now I've no choice. Mr. Wilde! Send word to Mr. Phillips! Tell him to send out a call for aid immediately!" he ordered. "Aye Captain!" he replied. "Mr. Murdoch, Lightoller and Pitman, you three each make your way to each of the three classes of the ship, round up crew and do your best to keep the situation among passengers under control. The moment you feel it's safe to do so, return here immediately." he added. "Aye Captain!" all three replied simultaneously before hurrying off. "Mr. Boxhall, Lowe and Moody, you three go over a plan of action to keep the ship safe from any further attacks. The less those beasts touch us, the slower she'll sink." he went on, once again getting an "aye!" in response. "But... What of you sir?" Lowe asked. "I'll be the defense until the rest of you are prepared. Entei and I can keep them at bay until then. And..." he paused, looking through the wheelhouse windows at Hichens and letting out a sigh. "Get that man out of there, be sure to keep Murdoch from killing him when he returns." he added, the three nodding in response before he tipped his hat and hurried off.

"This is it. It's really happening." Chris muttered, looking out the window at Smith as he rushed back to Entei's side. "Better follow..." he added before turning and noticing the officers and Hichens had vanished. Quickly shaking his head, he was about to rush out the exit himself only to run into some kind of force and bounce backwards, slamming onto the deck. "Th-The hell...?" he muttered, sitting up wide eyed before quickly standing and feeling around the exit. "H-Hey!! What is this?!!" he shout, slamming his fist against what seemed to be a barrier. "L-Let me out!! Hey!! NINETAILS!!!" he panicked, turning and rushing towards the other exit only to run into another barrier. "This isn't funny!! Let me out!!!" he shout, slamming his fist against the invisible wall before him. Suddenly, he began seeing flashes all around him coming from the windows. "A-Agh!! Wh-What's going on?!! You're freaking me out!!" he shout, shielding his eyes as he felt something happening beneath him, the deck tilting awkwardly bit by bit with every flash. Stumbling about, he made his way to the windows and squint his eyes, struggling to look outside only to see something strange happening to the bow. "Wh-Wha...?" he muttered, noticing Smith atop Entei's back, randomly appearing and disappearing during what appeared to be a battle. With the light repeatedly flashing in his eyes, he finally had to back away and shield them once more. "S-Stop with the flashing!!!" he shout, feeling the deck beneath him continuing to abruptly tilt again and again. After a moment, the flashes suddenly stopped and the deck ceased its random tilting, allowing Chris to steady himself and uncover his eyes, seeing sparks flying about due to suffering the blinding lights. "A-Agh..." he groaned, rubbing them and blinking until his sight returned to normal. "Wh-What was that...?" he muttered before hearing something slam against the front of the bridge causing him to jump. Turning around, he went up to the glass and looked down, seeing Entei and Smith laying on the balcony just outside the wall, while before him, he saw the bow of the Arceanic, now submerging itself beneath the surface of the sea.

"I-I..." he stuttered before suddenly running towards the exit. "I waaaannnnt OUTTA HEEEEEERE!!!" he screamed, slamming his fist against the barrier over and over, ramming his arm into it several times. Falling backwards onto the deck once more, he hissed and rubbed his arm, about to stand and try escaping again onto to stumble back when the officers suddenly appeared before him, carrying Smith in with his arms over their shoulders, the others carrying Entei into the bridge together. "Are you alright sir?!" Wilde panicked, sitting Smith against the wall as the officers checked both him and his Pokemon over. "W-We've done a-all we can..." he groaned weakly, letting out a hiss from his impact with the bridge as he sat up straight, looking at Entei who lay unconscious. "A-Andrews. Where's Mr. Andrews?" he asked. "Here Captain, right here." the man replied, walking in from the balcony as well and squatting down. "Time lad, how much remains?" Smith asked. "Not much I'm afraid, with the bow submerged it's only a matter of time before the water starts rushing in from other entrances to the ship. We're nearing our two hour limit. Once she dips down a bit further, the ship will rapidly plunge below the surface." he revealed. "Mr. Wilde! What of responses to our calls for aid?" Smith asked. "No luck sir. Not a single response. All appears in working order on our end but the world is deaf to us." he replied, facing down sadly. "I'm sorry Captain, it appears nobody's..." he added, Smith looking at his Chief silently before putting a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, my thanks to all of you." he told them as he pushed himself up, slightly slipping on the ever tilting deck. "We've kept the truth from the passengers as best we can, but we've reached the point where panic is inevitable. We cannot hide it any longer sir." Murdoch replied. "I-I'm sorry Captain, I'm sorry..." Hichens apologized. "It's all my..." he went on, pausing when Smith shot his hand up.

"Silence, I'll not have any of you men taking the blame for this and wallowing in self loathing during what time we've got left." he replied. "The fact of the matter is we all gave it our best to keep a straight face and press onward. If anyone shoulders the blame, it's I as Captain of this ship who ordered us off course." he told the men "No Captain!! You made the call in order to preserve life!!" Wilde insisted. "Yes, but at the cost of so many more." he replied "This ship is going down because I sought to garner acclaim, more than we already had, which was more than enough as-is." he added. "We all sought to do so, not only you. If we cannot shoulder the blame alone, we refuse to allow you to do so, with all due respect Captain." Murdoch replied. "What's important now is the preservation of life for as long as possible." Moody point out. "I suggest summoning all passengers to the stern of the ship, it'll be the last to go down and it may aid in acting as a counterbalance in the process to keep the ship afloat, even if only seconds longer." he added. "Is Mr. Phillips still sending out calls for aid?" he asked. "Aye Captain, refused to leave his post he did." Wilde replied. "Very well... I'll begin orders myself to guide passengers to the stern. Along the way I'll relieve Mr. Phillips of his position. You lot see to it everyone makes it to the stern without harming one another." he ordered, his officers looking at Entei before facing the swarm around them and the Mega Gyarados as they recovered from battling. "With all due respect, that position will do us little good." Moody responded. "Aye, he's right. With your Entei unable to fight those Gyarados will begin attacking at any moment. If we preoccupy ourselves with guiding passengers, there will be nobody to keep the beasts at bay." Lowe added. "What are you suggesting we do then?" Smith asked. "Captain, while you go about seeing everyone to the stern of the ship with the rest of the crew, we'll take to the lifeboats and fight them off as best we can, as long as we can. We've already rounded up a fair number of other..." Wilde explained, the Captain turning pale. "Are you daft?!! I'll not allow such suicide!!" he shout back. "We've made our decision unanimously while you were fighting them all your lonesome. During your battle we managed to round up a fair share of crew willing to aid in the fight alongside us." Pitman added.

Looking at them all, Smith went up to the windows and looked at the surrounding death himself. "...Are you certain, for absolute, that this is what you wish to do?" he asked, glancing back at his men. "Aye Captain! We feel the same as you! If they want this ship we'll fight to our last breath to defend her and all those on board!" Murdoch replied, all of the officers and the Chief standing with a firm salute. "Watching your single handed efforts to protect everyone was inspiring to us all sir. I'm one of the few willing to lay his life on the line as well." Andrews spoke up, walking next to Smith and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Mr. Andrews, there's no expectation of you to do this." Smith replied. "I know sir, but I'm the man who designed this ship and allowed it to be touted as unsinkable. I've grave sins to account for." he told the Captain before backing away as he and the officers pulled out their Pokeballs with brave smirks on their faces. "Captain Smith, it has been an honor." he added, the officers and chief nodding before giving him a final salute. "...It has been an honor for me as well. Good luck out there men..." he told them all, giving his own salute before they rushed off to gather those willing to fight. Watching them leave, Chris tugged at his collar nervously, facing Smith as the Captain faced the windows once more. "...Alright, keep your people alive Smith." he told himself before nodding at his reflection and turning back to Entei, the Pokemon slowly coming out of its unconscious state and shaking its head. "I've got a final request of you, will you hear me out?" he asked before taking out the Pokemons ball from his vest, Entei blinking at him confused and tilting its head. "This is your last assignment, one I'll ask of you, not as my Pokemon..." he paused before letting the Pokeball fall from his hand, lifting his foot as Entei watched wide eyed before sending it smashing down on the ball, causing it to shatter beneath his foot causing Entei to jump up and roar at him. "But as my friend of many a year..." he continued, Entei jolting and raising an eyebrow, unsure of how to read the mans actions while Chris watching equally bewildered, yet somehow impressed inside. "Entei, you're free to act as you wish now. Every man for himself. But if you would hear out this request, I'd be much obliged." he told Entei, walking up and rubbing its head.

"Please my friend... Make your way through the ship, and help those who cannot make it to the stern on their own reach it before they drown. If you wish to escape to one of the nearby bergs, I'll not hold you accountable for a thing, I'll not pin any blame on you. In fact, I'd encourage you to escape as much as I do for you to carry out this request. The decision rests with you Entei..." Smith finished, giving his Pokemon a somber smile as it looked down at him, its eyes heavy with sadness. Letting out a quiet growl, Entei lowered its head and rubbed its cheek against Smith's, nodding at him before bounding out of the bridge, the Captain hurrying out and watching as Entei dashed into the entrance of the fore Grand Staircase. "Thank you Entei..." Smith said quietly before heading to communications and making orders for his crew throughout the ship to carry out guiding everyone to the stern. Once finished, he straightened his hat once more with a nod before hurrying out the exit. "H-Hold up!!" Chris shout, racing up behind Smith before pausing where the barrier was. "Please let me out, PLEASE let me out..." he muttered, feeling his way along as he inched forward, noticing it was no longer in place. "I-I'm free?" he thought, quickly stepping out onto the deck. "I'm free!!!" he shout excitedly, only to jolt when he heard the ocean washing over the bow behind him, turning to see it sinking deeper beneath the surface and gulping. "R-Right." he muttered, shaking his head and quickly following Smith as he ran inside the fore Grand Staircase entrance. "G-Going inside of a sinking ship, oh man." he thought before taking a deep breath and following nonetheless.

Once inside the lobby, Chris was swamped in crowds of people phasing through him as they rushed out of the ship, the crew doing their best to guide them as orderly as possible as ordered while Smith pushed his way through, coaxing everyone to make their way out in an orderly manner as well along his way. "Wh-Where is he...?" Chris muttered, stumbling down the steps trying to keep up. Running through the ship, he watched as Smith checked countless cabins, coaxing as many as he could to hurry to the stern. Going through various lobby's, several recreational rooms and more, it seemed as though Smith's energy would never fade, while Chris wheezed his way along trying to keep up with the Captain as best he could until they finally stopped at one of the cabins, hearing Smith muttering something about "Your attention sir..." before jolting and stumbling back when he saw Mr. Andersson step out. "Hello there Captain, just putting the young ones to bed." he smiled. "M-Mr. Andersson, I needn't tell you the situation, correct?" Smith asked concerned. "Yes, I'm well aware as is my wife." Johan replied, putting his hand on Smith's shoulder. "But we wish for the children to bear as little fear as possible. We're going down Mr. Smith... If we rush to the stern, it's merely a delay of the inevitable. I do not wish that on my children... Please, let them be at peace for as long as possible, and leave us to a death that, to my hopes, is as abrupt as possible." he told the Captain, causing him to look at Andersson wide eyed before slowly facing down. "I-I hadn't looked at the situation in such a manner..." he replied. "Delay the inevitable, THAT'S where he got it from!!" Chris thought to himself, remembering the Captain's words in the present. "B-Be that as it may, you're certain I cannot convince you to..." Smith insisted, only for Johan to put up his hand and chuckle.

"I bid you farewell Mr. Smith." he replied, cutting the Captain off. "My children are tired, as am I, we're ready for our rest." he added before shaking the Captains hand. Hearing something blow behind them, all three turned to see water rising in the corridor in the distance. "M-Mr. Andersson! Please!" Smith begged, only for the man to shake his hand with another brave smile. "Goodnight Captain." he replied before returning to their cabin and closing the door. "M-Mr. Andersson..." Smith muttered, his hand still reaching out before slowly lowering it and facing down. "Very well then..." he said before facing the rising water and gritting his teeth before running off. "Oh man..." Chris whispered, having a look inside the cabin and seeing Mrs. Andersson cradling little Anna while Mr. Andersson held his daughters, their son and smallest daughter lying in bed together as he smiled at them and mentioned telling a story before they fade away. Feeling something under his feet, Chris pulled his head from the door and saw the water had already reached the cabin, hearing the sound of other locations blowing apart in the distance causing the water to rise all the quicker. "I gotta go..." he thought, looking at the door one last time before rushing off after the Captain. Finally heading back up towards the boat deck, Smith continued doing his best to ensure as many as possible heeded his warning, trying to save as many as he could along the way until they rushed back out at last. "Oh my God..." Chris muttered, his eyes wide as he saw the Gyarados in the heat of battle with the crew and officers in the lifeboats, quickly rowing their way as far from the ship as possible to widen the distance between the swarm and the Arceanic while attacking every inch of the way. "That's what happened to the lifeboats..." he thought, suddenly hearing terrified screams from passengers as they pointed out one of the lifeboats. Seeing the Captain rush up to the railing, Chris did the same and saw Chief Wilde and those in his boat trying to draw the attention of several Gyarados that were about to attack the hull of the ship, their Pokemon blasting away as best they could to draw the attackers away as well.

In response to this, Chris and everyone aboard on the starboard side of the ship watched in horror as the Gyarados turned and, instead of the hull, unleashed their collective power on the lifeboat, blasting it to splintered shreds and sending all aboard flying into the water. "Get out of there!!!" Chris shout as the men and Pokemon flailed on the frigid surface. Watching in terror, they saw the Gyarados swim together towards them, Chris and Smith alike now screaming for them all to swim away, only to freeze when the Gyarados began grabbing them within their giant maws. "Th-They're eating..." Smith muttered with a pale face, Chris gagging and covering his mouth at the sight. Struggling to watch, he saw Wilde as he noticed the Captain by the railing. Motioning and screaming for his Chief to swim away, Smith paused when he saw Wilde give him a final salute, maintaining the proud pose as one of the Gyarados came crashing down on top of him, trapping the Chief in its mouth as it returned to the depths below. "M-Mr. Wilde..." Chris stuttered, unable to take his eyes off the place Wilde was floating. Gripping the railing, Smith grit his teeth and quickly wiped his eyes before turning away and hurrying back towards the sinking bow. "P-Pokemon... E-Eating..." Chris stuttered before falling back onto the deck, his body trembling and face pale as a ghost. Looking around, he saw all of the passengers screaming and running towards the stern faster than ever, now nearly impossible for crew to control as they pushed and shoved their way along. Nonetheless, despite the loss of their Chief, the other Officers continued fighting against the Gyarados, doing everything they could to keep them at bay and as far back from the Arceanic as possible in the lifeboats. Seeing this, Chris's eyes started tearing up before gritting his teeth and quickly shaking off the emotions, standing with a wobble and looking towards the bow. "You can do it... Endure..." he told himself, looking back at where Wilde was once more before hurrying off.

All around the Arceanic the officers and crew, along with several brave passengers, continued blasting away at the swarm and leader, trying to keep their attention away from the doomed queen of the sea for as long as they could. Seeing them all sacrificing themselves, Chris struggled to keep his focus on chasing Smith, until finally coming to an abrupt stop at the entrance to the wireless room. "Gentlemen, a word with you." Smith said, walking in with Chris following. "Mr. Phillips, Mr. Bride... You've fulfilled your duties admirably. As the Captain of the Arceanic, I give the order that you are hereby relieved of your posts. It's every man for himself now." Smith told the two. "C-Captain, surely you jest? Is there no way...?" Bride asked. "She's too far gone I'm afraid, and we've not a single response to our calls for help..." he replied. "I refuse!! I refuse to quit!!" Phillips shout, continuing to send out calls for help with what little power the wireless room had remaining. Looking at the young man, Smith walked up and put a hand on his shoulder. "I have relieved you of your post, but if you wish to remain you have my support Mr. Phillips... And my admiration..." Smith told him, Phillips looking up and putting his hand atop Smith's. "I won't let you down sir. I'll keep calling for aid until she's gone." he told his Captain, Chris struggling to hold back his tears once again as Smith nodded, watching as Phillips stood and the Captain offered a quick embrace. "Thank you." Smith said before pulling back, Phillips immediately returning to his seat and continuing to call out for help. "Mr. Bride, what of you?" he asked. "I-I'll stay by Phillips side for as long as I can sir!" he replied nervously, yet giving a brave solute nonetheless. Nodding at the man, Smith gave Bride a hug and pat on the back as well before heading back out to the boat deck, Chris watching the two for a moment before rushing out to the Captains side.

However, they suddenly heard shouting coming from the wireless room. Both quickly turning around, Chris and Smith rushed back in to find the cowardly Bruce Ismay fighting against Bride, trying to get to Phillips and strip him of his life preserver. "MR. ISMAY!!!" Smith shout furiously, causing the man to freeze and look at him just before Phillips delivered a blow to his face that knocked the man out cold, sending him falling from Brides arms to the floor. "Arrogance and cowardice..." Smith muttered, Phillips immediately returning to his seat. "We'll be fine sir. Please, return to your tasks at hand." Bride assured. "Aye... That I will..." he replied, looking down at Ismay and shaking his head before rushing towards the stern, Chris looking down and doing the same. "Andrews is risking his life out there and you're in here trying to sacrifice others to save your own skin..." he muttered before hurrying off alongside the Captain. As the two rushed through the clustered crowd to the stern, Chris and Smith saw the Gyarados take down several other lifeboats, mercilessly devouring all aboard each and swallowing the remains of the boats themselves. "THAT'S why there was no debris..." Chris muttered wide eyed, watching the Gyarados eat every speck of wood on the surface before turning his face away from the gory scene around them and focusing on Smith once more. Once they were finally at the stern, Smith pushed his way through the crowd until standing at the railing, looking down at the surface below and seeing the propellers now airborne over the sea. "By the Gods..." he gasped before facing up and scanning the area around them. Suddenly, he jolt and froze from head to toe, his eyes wide as can be. "I-Is that...?" he muttered, leaning over the railing for a closer look. "Is that... What?" Chris asked, looking around as well trying to see what he was seeing.

Taking out his binoculars from his vest, Smith focused on a spot in the darkness and shout "Ship ahoy!! SHIP AHOY!!" excitedly, the passengers around him screaming and shoving themselves against one another trying to look as well. "Ship?! Where?!" Chris shout, continuing to look around before noticing lights dimly flashing in the distance. "I-It is!!" he shout just as excitedly. Trying to get a better look, Smith adjusted his binoculars until Entei suddenly leapt onto the railing from behind, lowering its head to Smith wondering what was going on. "Over there boy! Fire a shot and give us a better view!" he ordered, Entei nodding before gathering energy in his mouth and releasing a large ball of fire, sending it flying towards the direction of the blinking lights before exploding revealing the ship. "Good lad!! It's a ship alright!! It's the..." Smith shout excitedly before cutting off, his words fading as he put his binoculars up to his face. "Th-The Carvanian...?" he muttered. "What in the...?" he added. Far off in the distance, the ship could be seen quickly pulling out from hiding between several burgs, attempting to race away from the scene leaving the Arceanic behind. "H-Hold on!! What are you doing!! HEY!!!" Smith shout, the passengers noticing as Entei shot off another ball of fire to illuminate the ship and screaming for its attention as well. Focusing on the escaping vessel, Smith noticed the Carvanian taking off with a towering haul of eggs on its deck, the men rushing about to box them and store them below. "Pokemon eggs...? What in the world?" Smith muttered. "Pokemon eggs? Say what?" Chris asked, squinting his eyes at the ship and barely making out the tiny figures of people rushing about on the Carvanian. Thinking back, Chris remembered the calls of mourning he heard before the Gyarados attacked the Arceanic, both he and Smith both gasping "thieves" simultaneously.

"TRAITORS!!!" Smith screamed. "TREACHEROUS SWINE!!!" he repeat, the passengers and crew behind him looking at Smith bewildered while watching the Carvanian shrink further and further in the distance. "We've been had..." he growled, gripping his binoculars tightly before hurling them over the sea towards the ship, splashing into the sea below as he gripped the railing tightly. "YOU USED US!!!" he screamed, the passengers looking at Smith as he lost his temper, becoming all the more terrified in response before they began screaming even louder than before. "C-Captain? D-Do something..." Chris muttered, trying to grab his shoulder only for his hand to phase through. "Oh man..." he thought, turning to see people shoving one another all over the place, the Gyarados too focused on the Arceanic and the men trying to protect her in the lifeboats to notice the Carvanian in the far distance behind them, sailing off to safety with their haul of eggs. "Sacrifices... They used us as sacrifices..." Smith muttered, facing down wide eyed and pale, losing himself in the moment. Seeing this, Entei tried rubbing its face against Smith's, only for the Captain to remain lost in his own mind. Looking down at his human friend sadly, Entei jolt when he saw someone waving from nearby among the crowd. Tilting its head, Entei leapt off the railing and landed in the crowd before the person who had been calling for its attention. "What's up...?" Chris muttered, jolting when his feet began to slip slightly due to the ship continuing to dip at the bow, the propellers gradually lifting higher and higher. After a moment, he suddenly had to cover his ears when Entei let out a ferocious roar to draw the attention of the crowd and silence it, everyone turning to the beast with terror on their faces yet obediently quieting down before spreading apart where Entei was, his mouth fuming with fire and smoke as a warning to back away, making room in the middle of the stern.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - The Legendary R.M.S. Arceanic Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCEfqj9pDAI

"Agh!! That hu...!!" Chris said, pausing when he suddenly began hearing music being performed. Hearing the familiar sound of Wallace's violin, Chris's eyes went wide before rushing through the crowd, freezing when he saw Wallace bravely making a final performance for everyone on the stern as the ship continued slowly tilting. Looking at the crowd as they watched Wallace and his band, one by one they began shedding tears and clinging to one another, the men doing their best to maintain a brave face just as Wallace was doing. While all around the ship the officers and passengers who sacrificed themselves were being devoured one by one, they listened to the music as well, fighting on while watching their comrades disappear in the mouths of the vengeful Gyarados, each weeping as they ordered further attacks on the swarm, screaming "FOR THE CAPTAIN!!!" and "FOR THE ARCEANIC!!!" loudly, others screaming "FOR THOSE WE LOVE!!!" as well. Cheering themselves on, their tears streamed down their faces as they boldly faced their ends for the sake of giving those on board just a moment longer to live, a moment longer to savor life and take in the beautiful performance on the stern. Listening to the music himself, Smith grit his teeth before his body began trembling, tears finally streaming down his face as well while slowly turning and giving a salute. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." he sobbed. As the men began performing louder for the sake of those remaining in the lifeboats, the sound of the ship imploding in on itself due to the pressure beneath the sea could be heard, water shooting up in the air as the front half of the ship began sinking at an angle at last, the passengers watching the sea grow closer and closer causing many to weep all the louder.

Watching everyone, Chris noticed the children as well, desperately clinging to their mothers and fathers while the Pokemon remaining on board refused to leave their human companions, despite constant coaxing to escape to the nearby bergs. Seeing this, Chris suddenly pictured Serenity and the others alongside him in the same situation, and at last he too was unable to resist his tears as they began streaming from his face, finally weeping alongside everyone himself. Bit by bit the majestic Arceanic disappeared beneath the surface of the sea, constant explosions heard from within her proud structure causing the rest to dip into the icy waters all the quicker. Thinking about the Andersson's, he knew they were gone by now, just as the men in the wireless room and he found himself weeping all the more, stumbling towards the railing and clinging to it due to his legs having lost nearly all their strength.Wrapping his arms around it, he shut his eyes tightly and grit his teeth, hicking and sobbing before noticing the silence around them and slowly looking out at the remaining lifeboats. Seeing their loved ones now on the brink of death, those that had been fighting the Gyarados had stopped at last and turned away from their foe, every man saluting the ship and all on board, standing proudly having done their best and now only wishing to see those they loved off with honor. Although the Gyarados continued shattering the boats and devouring those within, the men maintained the silent and brave solutes, jolting whenever they heard another boat shatter and the screams of their comrades yet gritting their teeth and maintaining their stances nonetheless, their Pokemon standing tall and proud, remaining by their human companions side just as the Pokemon aboard the Arceanic. Seeing this, Chris grit his teeth once more and stood up straight, wiping his face and taking a deep breath to calm himself before giving a salute in return.

Although they couldn't see him, Chris wanted to pay his respects nonetheless, and no sooner had he done this when Smith walked up beside him, saluting the remaining men as well and enduring the sight. With every explosion of a boat, every crunch of a body, and every implosion from the Arceanic, Chris and Smith jolt yet maintained their stances, while down below the water had engulfed most of the ship, the remaining portion above the sea sinking ever faster. Finally, there was but one lifeboat remaining, and on board proudly stood Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Andrews along with several crew and passengers. Wanting to shut his eyes, Chris bit his lip and watched nonetheless as several Gyarados swarmed the boat and took it down together, both he and Smith watching as the last of Smith's men were devoured right before their eyes. "They're gone..." Smith muttered, trying to stop himself from shedding any more tears, wiping his face and lowering his hand, Chris doing the same and watching as the Gyarados finished off the remains of the final lifeboat before turning their attention to the Arceanic herself. "And here they come..." he added, turning and facing everyone while Wallace and his band continued their performance. As the water finally reached the stern, passengers and crew began slipping into the sea, the suction pulling many under the surface as the Gyarados gathered for another meal, the leader lying in wait as well while watching the last of the ship disappear. However, when several Gyarados began swimming closer, the leader let out a roar causing them to freeze, looking back at the colossal Pokemon as it rose from the surface and glared them down, causing them to back away obediently and wait, all of them watching and seemingly listening as well as more and more people and Pokemon began slipping into the sea, the remaining crowd trying their hardest to force their way towards the railing, packing themselves in tighter and tighter while Entei did his best to hold them back from the band.

As the water reached them, Wallace looked down at his feet and took a deep breath, proudly raising his chin and finishing his performance with the others while listening to the terrified screams of those remaining on the deck and those freezing in the waters around them. Sinking more and more, the water rose to their knees as they reached the end of their song, and slowly lowering their instruments one by one they took a bow before Wallace turned to his band. "Gentlemen, it has been an honor performing with you. I bid you all farewell." he said before turning and facing the passengers, taking his case off his back and shutting his violin within before standing silently and proudly with the others, all of them taking a final bow as the water reached their hips and those around them began washing out to sea as well. Stepping back bit by bit to avoid the water, Chris watched as the band too was suddenly sucked into the ocean, holding onto one another trying to stay together only for the current to yank them apart and send them rapidly drifting in different directions, their instruments sent flying before being sucked under the surface as well. Inch by inch Chris made his way back until he was against the railing of the ship, holding on tightly as the ship continued imploding, sending water shooting everywhere and appearing as if boiling around them as the sea claimed the last of those on board, Entei having returned to the Captain's side on the railing. "You've performed admirably my friend!! Please, leave us now!! You can make it to that berg!!" Smith point out, a nearby hunk of ice slowly drifting along. "I must remain with my ship, my passengers... But you, you can go!!" he added, trying to coax the beast into leaping away while it had the chance.

Looking down at Smith, Entei faced the iceberg and shook his head before suddenly grabbing Smith in its maw and tossing him over its back, remaining on the railing of the ship determined to go down with Smith. "I said go!! You can live!!" he shout, trying to climb off only for Entei to face back at him, the Captain seeing the dedication in the beasts eyes and remaining still. "...Very well old boy. Together..." he muttered before holding Entei tightly. Facing up, as the sea swallowed the remainder of the ship, Entei let out one final roar before unleashing a colossal blast of fire into the sky, spiraling higher and higher until blasting its way through the clouds above. Looking up, everyone watched as the clouds spread away and exposed the stars and the moon, almost as if heaven had opened above them as the last of the ship went under. "N-No... No... NO!!!!" Chris shout before taking a deep breath and making a leap of faith away from the ship. Now finding himself in the freezing waters, he screamed from the extreme shock before finding himself sucked towards the ship, fighting as best he could to keep away only to be dragged under the surface alongside countless others, Smith and Entai included. Trying to swim upwards as best he could, Chris finally managed to break the surface and gasp for air, his teeth already chattering and body trembling from the frigid sea around him. "S-S-S-Smith!! S-S-S-SMITH!!!" he shout, looking all around at the other passengers and crew flailing about on the surface, screaming in terror and out of pain from the icy water. Suddenly, he saw Entei burst from the surface with Smith still clinging to his back. "G-G-Good b-boy." he said, patting Entei as the Pokemon struggled to paddle along, seeking something to climb on among the countless people and Pokemon mixed in with the debris. Trying to swim alongside them, Entei suddenly changed direction, managing to find a large chunk of wood floating on the surface and climbing on, Smith falling off and laying by his side while coughing.

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - An Icy Grave... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sF3cEitwXLI

"Oh th-th-thank g-g-god..." Chris sighed in relief, quickly swimming up and climbing onto the wood alongside the two, rapidly rubbing his body trying to warm himself. Looking around, the surface was swamped with people and Pokemon, Chris watching as small flying types did their best to air lift their human friends from the water to no avail, one by one giving in to fate and allowing themselves to freeze with their humans, cuddling against them in what time they had left. All around them Chris could see the Gyarados lying in wait, just watching everyone suffer. "B-B-B-Bastards..." Chris growled, jolting when he heard Smith groan and watching the Captain raise himself up, trembling from the cold. Looking around, he suddenly jumped when he heard a passenger shout his name. "C-C-C-Captain!! M-M-My wife!!!" he heard, Chris jolting by the familiar sound of the voice and turning, seeing John Astor pulling Madeleine across the surface. "P-P-Please!! Expecting she is s-s-sir!!!" he shout, Smith quickly crawling to the edge of the wood and helping bring her on top. "B-By G-God... That's r-right." he muttered, looking at her stomach. Seeing this, Chris's eyes went wide and his already pale skin turned whiter. "Th-The baby..." he whispered before suddenly hearing an odd bubbling noise, looking down and noticing the wood slowly sinking. "I-It w-won't hold us a-all!!" Smith shout, John quickly shoving himself back to try saving his wife, instead struggling to keep the wood lift above the surface despite his own agony. Looking at them all, Entei looked down at Smith sadly before letting out a somber growl causing the Captain to jolt, turning to see his Pokemon stand proudly and smile at him. "Wh-What are you...?" Smith asked, only for it to rub its cheek against his one last time before Smith watched as Entei suddenly leapt off the wood, splashing into the sea nearby among the passengers. "E-ENTEI!!!" he screamed, freezing when he felt the wood rise back over the surface, Chris watching in dumbfounded silence.

"J-J-John..." Madeleine called out weakly, the Captain looking down at her before facing John as he clung to the side of the wood. "H-He's here madam..." Smith replied, helping pull the man onto the wood. "I-It'll sink!!" John panicked, about to leap back into the sea only for Smith to grab him by the shoulder as the wood began bubbling again. "N-No, it won't... I don't kn-know h-how much longer it'll g-give you, b-but I'll be joining my friend while y-you join your w-wife..." Smith said, giving John a smile before taking off his vest, laying it over Madeleine and doing the same with his shirt, now sitting topless beside them. "C-Captain...?" John asked warily. "P-Please, make th-the most of your r-remaining time..." he smiled before standing with a wobble, leaping into the sea as well and swimming up to Entei as the Pokemon struggled to keep its head above the surface, the Captain doing his best to help. "C-Captain!!" John shout, Madeleine reaching her hand out weakly and clutching his arm. "J-John, I'm c-cold... Th-The baby..." she said weakly. Looking down at her, Chris struggled to fight back his tears once again, looking up at John and seeing the man struggling to fight back his own before doing the same as Smith, taking off his vest and laying it across his wife along with his shirt. "Y-Y-You'll be f-fine dear. W-We'll s-see our b-baby s-soon!" he assured with a smile, trying to chuckle as Madeleine's eyes grew heavy. Rubbing her stomach to try creating some warmth for the unborn life within her, John continued trying to assure his wife all would be well, smiling and joking about random things in order to get his wife to smile in return. After a moment, Chris jolt and looked around when everything began awkwardly fading and reappearing around him, this time the scenery changing due to random darkness instead of light flashing as if his eyes were opening and closing.

"Wh-Wh-What...?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes thinking his vision was fading due to the frigid air. Looking around confused, he faced down only to see John now laying over his wife. "H-Hey..." Chris said, looking over the two. "H-Hey!! HEY HEY!!" he shout, trying to reach out only for his hands to phase through them. Inching back, Chris looked around and noticed most of the passengers and Pokemon were now just as still in the water. "I-Is this some k-kind of sk-skip...?" he muttered, looking back down and leaning his ear towards Madeleine's stomach, now unable to hear any form of life within her. "N-No..." he muttered, slowly raising and looking around, noticing the Gyarados had begun eating away all of the debris and various passengers and Pokemon by the mouthful, each ensuring there wasn't a sign left of the disaster. Unable to speak, he continued looking around before finding Smith and Entei drifting nearby. "P-P-Pl...ease..." he heard Smith's weak voice call out, the old man shaking his Pokemon. "E-Entei... P-P-Please..." he repeat, the Pokemon now still and lifeless in his arms. "E-Entei... E-Entei..." Smith repeat, the sound of him hicking and beginning to weep heard. "I-I'm sorry... I'm s-so s-sorry o-old fr-friend..." he said, rubbing Entei's head. "I'm s-sorry... I'm s... S-sor... sor..." his voice stuttered, growing weaker and weaker as Chris watched the two, shooting up on his feet with a wobble when seeing Entei slip from Smith's arms and sink below the surface. "C-Captain!!!" he shout, watching as Smith slowly began sinking as well. "I-I'm s-sorry... S-Sor... S..." he repeat, weakly looking up at the stars as his eyes grew heavier and heavier. Unable to speak anymore, his eyes finally shut before his head dipped beneath the surface at last, one of the last people alive now sinking to the depths causing Chris to weep. "Captain... Captain... CAPTAAIIIN!!!!" he screamed before leaping from the wood and diving into the sea, swimming after Smith as the man went further and further down, barely making out Entei even further below as the icy water felt as if it were burning through him to the core.

Reaching out to Smith, he saw the mans eyes open one final time, almost as if looking up right at Chris with more sadness and grief within than he could bear, the dim rays of moonlight shining through the water on him. Reaching out, Chris tried to grab for Smith's hand, knowing full and well his inability to aid yet fighting to do so nonetheless until the light around him began fading, everything slowly going black as Smith's eyes closed for the last time... And just before everything vanished completely, Chris saw the face of the Mega Gyarados, swimming up to Smith's body and looking at him for a moment, and as Chris float silently, looking right at the monster, he watched as it opened its mouth and took Smith's body within, causing everything to completely vanish in an instant, the feeling of water vanishing as well leaving Chris gasping, now able to breathe and floating in an empty darkness...