Seems like this "nap" had lasted much longer than expected, since when Keith woke up, the day was already dawning.

-...A new day begins, huh...?

He yawned openly while leaning back a little more against the brunet who was still sleeping peacefully. Strangely, he still held him in his arms, despite this improvised nap. This finding made the redhead smile, and he amused himself by observing the serene face of his angel.

-...Such a beautiful Angel...How could I have been so lucky?

For a long time the 12th Top Ranger was lost in contemplation, playing with the soft brown locks from time to time, until their owner began to emerge from his slumber.

- Hello my Angel...~

-....Hello Sunrise...

The younger one, after muttering his response under his breath, dislodged himself slightly so he could hide his head in his boyfriend's neck. The latter let him do so, deciding simply to rest his chin on the top of his head.

Aw...~ What an adorable partner...~

- Haha... You're not a morning person, aren't you?

- Leave me just 2 minutes, the time that I recover my neurons...

- As you wish.~

The youngest purred in contentment while enjoying the warmth created by his partner. And true to his words, he quickly became operational, ready to do any mission.

The two ended up getting out of bed, not without exchanging a little kiss before that.

- Well, I'll let you get ready in peace. Shall we meet up there?

- It's fine with me! Oh, and if you see Fischl, can you tell her that she can come back?

- No problemo. See you later, my Angel.

Keith bent over slightly and kissed his boyfriend again, then happily walked out of the room. This made the owner of said room chuckle.

-...See you soon, Sunrise.

A good quarter of an hour later, the brunet finished preparing himself, as well as his feathered beast who had joined him in the meantime.

- (I told you it was all a big misunderstanding!)

- N-No need to remind me!

...She was also gently teasing her partner.

- (Anyway...I'm glad to know that it ended well. I admit I panicked a little when Sapph got us out of there.)

- I can't really blame you...But know that I'm really sorry for worrying you and Sapphire.

The Staraptor nodded gently before starting to rub her head affectionately against Kellyn's.

- (Don't worry. No one died.)

She felt the human relax a little as he tenderly returned her affection. The fact that it worried him didn't surprise her that much. He was always very empathetic after all.

- (Let's forget this little accident and focus on the present. We have to go see the chairperson, right?)

- Yeah. Let's hope they were able to discover something about the Incredible Machine...

The duo headed somewhat hastily towards the Operations room, preferring that to being worried sick over theorizing.

When they reached the 3rd floor, Fiore's duo was already there. The 12th Top Ranger's crimson eyes lit up happily upon seeing the brown hair.

- Kelly!!! Over here!

The boy barely restrained himself from chuckling quietly, contenting himself with joining the redhead as well as his partner.

The two rubbed their foreheads affectionately against each other, then refocused on the chairperson who was watching them tenderly.

- I hope with all my heart that you have rested well my children. After all, this day is going to be very long....Professor, please.

The older lady pulled back enough to make way for the scientist who wore a frustrated as well as a worried expression on his features.

- As you already know, following the infiltration of the oil platform, Sven and Kellyn brought us the blueprints belonging to the Incredible Machine...However, these are protected by a password. We tried to ask Isaac about it, but he withdrew almost immediately.

The man sighed while rubbing the bridge of his nose.

-...We do our best to force the password. So, I would ask you in the meantime to patrol and above all, watch Altru Inc.

- Roger/"Roger"!

The older then hastened to grab the brunet's hand, before gently pulling him towards the exit, which greatly amused him and their partners.

- / Aw...~ You're so adorable Sunrise.../

The foursome barely had time to reach the escalators when Sven came into the room, followed closely by Isaac who was hiding behind his back.

- Oh, Sven! Good morning!

The ravenhead affectionately ruffled the fire mane, whose owner completely let him do so. Well, it seems like Keith had completely accepted his fate.

- Hello Sunshine Boy. And to you too, Moonlight Boy.

The adult made the same gesture for Kellyn, who gave him a smile and a nod in return.

- Oh well hello Sven. What brings you here?

The chairperson approached, smiling, making the hazel-eyed one bow slightly.

- Good morning to you too, Chairperson Erma. I came here for a good reason.

He turned slightly, revealing the blond's frightened and ashamed figure.

- Hey, it's going to be okay Mushroom Boy....Nobody's going to hurt you. I don't think those two would just sit there and do nothing anyway.

Emerald gazes cautiously glanced at the 2 youngest Top Rangers. If the oldest was displaying a big smile and showed that he was ready to fight to protect him, the other, meanwhile, was holding out his tablet to his former schoolmate, a reassuring look on his face.

- "You can use it if you don't feel comfortable speaking out loud."

The scientist stood there, speechless, for a few moments.

-...Thanks. But don't worry I can do it. Thanks anyway.

Although his voice had only produced small whispers, he sounded a little more confident and reassured now. So Isaac took a deep breath, and walked over to the older pair.

-...You know, I thought a lot last night. Despite the fact that I'm an enemy, you... Y-You took care of me. Sven treats me like a brother...The Professor, although wanting the password, left me alone when I refused to give him...Even Keith and Kellyn are reaching out to me when the only thing I did was to cause trouble...

He paused, taking advantage of this to observe his surroundings. Upon seeing that no one was going to interrupt him, he resumed.

-...I...I guess that being too focused on my research, I couldn't see what was going on around me. Or rather, I didn't WANT to. I didn't want to believe that I was being used for such purposes....

The teenager gasped trying to contain his sadness.

- B-But this is real. I can't escape reality whether I like it or not. So I had to make a choice.

The scientist's pupils suddenly filled up with extraordinary determination.

- "Melody". This is the password.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Hastings' voice began to echo loudly.

- Tell the scientific team about this info immediately! The password is "Melody"! And no exclamation marks, please!

The blond suddenly relaxed, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He was quickly surrounded by his former comrades.

- Well, bravo Isaac! It must have taken some courage!

- "I know how hard it is for you, and honestly I don't know if I could have recovered from such a betrayal....You showed so much bravery by accepting the facts and moving forward!"

- Keith, Kellyn....Thank you.

The scientist's body was shaking slightly, showing that he was barely holding back his emotions. But, he remained strong, not wanting to impose himself even more. He then decided to follow the professor to the Research Room, hoping to make himself useful.

- It looks like you inspired Mushroom Boy to move on...That's a good thing. He absolutely had to realize that those idiots from Dim Sun were using him.

- Yeah...Let's hope the situation is gonna improve.

- "Knowing our usual luck...I don't think so."

The 2 Top Rangers giggled while the youngest shook his shoulders as if to say: "What? It's the truth, right?".

- Anyway... Knowing the professor, they won't take long to dissect the plans. It's better for you to stay at the Union. Take this opportunity to chat a little among yourselves....The calm will not last.

Sven was right on this one, the brunet felt it perfectly. Unfortunately, the storm would soon unleash it's fury on the troubled region of Almia.

A few hours later, the scientist called all available Top Rangers as well as the chairperson in the conference room. He was already there with Isaac, who had a serious look on his face. Barlow was also present too.

- Is everyone present? Perfect, let's get started. Please look at the monitor.

He tapped his cane on the ground, which instantly lit up. Intricate shots of a familiar building appeared...Wait a minute...?

- What the...? Don't tell me this is...

- I'm afraid that's the case, Sky Queen...

The brunet's lips puckered into a thin line.

- /...The Altru Tower./

- The Altru Tower is the Incredible Machine? What an atrocity!

The Rangers leader barely held back her retching, staring in horror at this design from Hell. The tension in the room immediately became palpable.

-...You mean that this building that we have seen being built over the months is nothing but a giant Gigaremo?

- This is a good comparison Keith. Indeed, it has, thanks to it's size, the ability to affect the entire Almia region within a radius of 500km. Which corresponds to approximately 8 million Gigaremos.

And a Murkrow passed...

-...Please Isaac, tell me it's a joke!

- Unfortunately no...

While the redhead giggled nervously while scratching the neck of his partner who was trying to analyze the plans, the younger one stared at one spot in particular.

- "And I assume that the kind of diamond at the top is our missing Shadow Crystal?"

- Again, this is a good guess.

The one with teal pupils massaged his temples, feeling the headache coming. Oh by Arceus, that was a life-sized nightmare they had right there!

A clearing of the throat arose, causing everyone to focus on the source of the noise, AKA Professor Hastings.

- Listen. I know we are facing what seems like Hell on earth, but we have some semblance of a solution. Through Brighton's Diary we have learned that the Shadow Crystal fears as much as it seeks the harmony of the 3 Tears of Princes. We have the proof with the fragments.

He then began to pace.

- So here is what we must do: bring the stones near the crystal in order to counter it's energy. Unfortunately, having only 2 out of the 3 will only make it work at 70%, but it's already better than nothing. To do this, you will have to reach the top of the tower using Staraptors, and circle the crystal. Wendy?

- My Staraptors are at your service!

- Perfect. You and Sven were going to take on this heavy task. Try to be careful up there.

The 2 adults stood to attention, looking serious and solemn. They replied in perfect synchronization:

- Count on us Professor.

- Alright. Keith, Kellyn. You will stay at the Union on Standby. We don't know what can happen, and need Rangers just in case.

The teenagers stared at each other for a moment, disappointed, but accepted the orders without much hesitation. The man was right anyway. The latter then turned to the head of the Vientown base.

- Barlow, I sincerely hope that you and your team will be able to keep the situation under control. Because I don't think chaos is inevitable now.

- Let us take care of that! We're going to show you what we're made of!

The scientist nodded, satisfied with his answer.

- Perfect. Since we owe our operation to the diary, it makes sense that we pay tribute to it's owner. I declare the commencement of Operation Brighton!

Immediately a violent shock was felt, making all those present lose their balance. The 12th Top Ranger was the first one to come to his senses enough to react.

- W-Wow!!!!!! W-What was that?! An earthquake?!

-...No. They tested the Incredible Machine for a short while. And given the intensity, it's not at full power.

- E-Excuse me?!!! How come this thing isn't maxed out?!

- Well...I was supposed to make the final adjustments right before Altru Inc's birthday. But since I'm here...

- "...They can't use it's full potential."

- Exact.

...Oh for the love of Mew.

- All more reasons to start Operation Brighton as soon as possible. Sven, Wendy! Go get the Blue and Red Gems, and circle that tower!

- Roger!

The two adults saluted before rushing out of the room. There was no time to waste!

The chairperson sighed softly, somewhat worried.

- Oh dear...Let's hope nothing bad happens...

She directed her gentle, wise gaze to the remaining Ranger foursome.

- My children go to the Operations Room. That way, you can follow the progress of the operation with us, alright?

- Understood ma'am. Kell? Let's go?

- "Lead the way."

The small group went out of the room, heading upstairs. Of course they were all anxious, who wouldn't?

- If all goes well, this case will be settled today...

- "Yeah...Let's pray it does."

The redhead suddenly grabbed his comrade's hand, and began to rub it affectionately. Kellyn understood immediately that his boyfriend was desperately trying to calm his poor nerves, so he let him do as he wish.

The boy gently rubbed his cheek against his partner's, hoping to help him a bit. The latter gave him a grateful little smile as he gently kissed the hand he was holding, which made it's owner blush.

- Oh?~ Looks like things have become official between you two.

The teenagers jumped up, most certainly not expecting anyone to see them. The "someone" in question being the ravenhead as well as the jade haired woman.

- B-By Arceus- D-Don't scare us like that!!!

- Haha! Sorry Sunshine Boy.

The man flicked the forehead of the crimson-eyed one who mock-complained. The only woman in the group shook her head, looking exasperated, but everyone knew she was very amused.

- Come on Sven, don't tease them like that! Looks like they want to keep their status a secret...

- Y-You could say that....

It was one of the few times the younger one saw Keith so embarrassed, but Wendy did have a point: neither of them wanted to openly announce their relationship just yet.

- "Could...Could you not talk about it, please? We...We'll probably take care of that, but not now."

The teenager tried to remain rather vague, while looking around him. Luckily, there was no one in the hallways for once. The adults quickly understood the anxious state of their juniors, and stared at them for a moment before smiling at them.

- Don't worry kids, your secret is safe with us.

- Yeah. We will even take it to our grave if necessary. So calm down, everything is fine...

The younger Top Rangers looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes, as if surprised, but let their bodies relax.

-...Thanks.

The older duo was satisfied to see that their protégés trusted them enough with this subject.

- No problem, Sunshine Boy. Well, that's not all, but we have to start the mission quickly.

- Oh yeah, my poor Staraptors must be getting impatient too!

They bade farewell to the teenagers and then started to leave while discussing attack plans and tactics. The brunet watched them go for a moment, then suddenly went to hug the Flying Ranger tightly.

- Kellyn? What's going on, little one?

The young woman passed her hand affectionately through the hair of the boy who remained silent as death.

-...You're worried, aren't you? Don't worry, we won't die-

-...Careful...Be....Careful....Come back....Home...Safe...

The Top Ranger stopped in her tracks, stunned. The voice was so low she thought she was hallucinating at the time, but she quickly realized that wasn't the case.

The emerald-eyed one then leaned down, returning the hug with strength. A small tear slowly rolled down her cheeks, however that didn't stop her from smiling.

-...Promise. We will come back safe and sound. Don't worry.

The 7th Top Ranger, who had finally come out of his trance, joined the "mother-son" duo before also taking part in the embrace. He immediately turned his gaze toward the redhead, who was waiting there, patiently, then motioned for him to approach. The latter hesitated for a second, but still approached the small group.

When he was finally within arm's reach, Sven pulled him towards them, getting a small muffled cry at the same time. A few seconds passed during which the Ranger of Fiore was as petrified and tense as possible. However, the warmth and the heartbeats he was hearing eventually calmed him down, and made him accept the embrace.

- You won't get rid of us that easily, rest assured.

- The cowboy is right. If we have to cheat death to come back... Fine, we'll do it. So don't worry about it, okay?

The younger two just nodded, tightening their grip, although the crimson-eyed one was somewhat more timid than his partner.

The hug lasted a long time during which the adults reassured their cadets as many times as necessary. Unfortunately, all good things had an end, because the embrace had to break.

- Come on, Sunshine Boy, Moonlight Boy. Don't worry about us, we'll be back soon.

- You are therefore entrusted with the Union during our absence, do you think you are capable of it?

The partners stared at each other for a moment, before responding in unison:

- Count on us!/ Try...Not....Disappoint...!

A satisfied and proud smile appeared on the older ones' lips.

- We're all good, then. Take care of yourselves, children.

After a last embrace, the duo finally went to accomplish their mission, leaving the lovebirds alone. Keith immediately turned toward the brunet, a big smile on his face.

- You did it my Angel! You did it!

The other one only replied with a shy little smile.

The Fiore Ranger began showering his boyfriend with affection, telling him over and over how much he loved him and was proud of him. Who knows, maybe his voice will be completely unlocked one day.

- Well, that's not all, but how about we go join Rhy? She must be waiting for us, poor thing!

The teenager chuckled lightly while planting a mini-kiss on his partner's cheek, who flushed on the spot.

- I follow you Sunrise.

The older teen chuckled before leading the small group towards the Operations Room. As a reminder, their partners had moved back slightly to give them privacy...Although they had nothing to envy their human companions!

Long hours passed during which the foursome did their best to help the Operators to manage the Area Rangers as well as bring them something to relax.

- By Arceus...! I had no idea that staying at base could be so stressful!

- "Probably because the end of the world can happen at any time?"

- Arceus forbids!

While the duo was bickering gently, their partners watched them delighted.

- (Aw~ Look at them! They're acting like an old married couple already!)

- {I can hardly imagine when they will really be one...}

- (Don't say that! They deserve a Happy Ending.)

- { I never said the opposite!}

The Pokemons chuckled at their stupidity as they went to join their friends who were staring at them in confusion.

- May I know what you are planning this time?

- { Nothing at all!}

- Huhh. I know I'm dumb, but not that dumb! So spit it out!

- {Ah, sorry but I don't think I will!}

- Sapphire!!

The redhead started chasing the orange otter which was doing what every good sea dweller did very well: slipping through his fingers. And this, under the amused gaze of the Almia duo.

- ( These kids are irredeemable!)

- / Nah, they behave like siblings. Nuance!/

- ( One doesn't cancel the other out!)

The brunet chuckled in deep amusement as he affectionately scratched his feathered beast. No matter how childish it might seem, Kellyn appreciated those precious moments of peace and innocence.

Especially since he knew it wasn't going to last.

BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

A loud explosion brutally shook the entire building, petrifying everyone in the Operations Room.

- What- An explosion?!

- T-That came from the 1st floor!

- "Keith! I'll go see what's going on! Stay here with Sapphire!"

-K-Kell wait-

The 11th Top Ranger didn't give his boyfriend the time to protest that he rushed out, followed closely by a Fischl who was ready to fight.

As soon as they reached the scene of the incident, they were greeted by a lot of debris and smoke of all kinds, completely overwhelmed Area Rangers, as well as a familiar figure accompanied by an Electivire...

- You ask if me have appointment ? Hahaha!! Me appointment be "Atomize Union that day"!

....HIM.

The boy's blood raced, replacing adrenaline with pure rage. And for once, the Staraptor didn't try to hold him back. At least, not entirely.

The Ranger and his friend therefore placed themselves between Heath and the other Rangers, showing that they were present.

- Oh? You again? Thanks again for stone! You done me favor!

An inaudible growl escaped Kellyn's throat, warning the bird that he was about to attack.

- (Be patient little Amethyst. Don't attack first.)

- / Grrr...../

The teen champed a bit the best he could, clenching his fists so hard they started to bleed. The hefty man seemed to enjoy his fury before starting to tap on his Miniremo.

- You be pissed but on the way too. You be eliminated! Electivire go!

The electric creature roared fiercely while charging the duo who easily dodged it. The latter automatically went into combat position, Styler and talons deployed.

- / Let's go my dear?/

- (Down with the enemy!)

The 2 friends immediately launched an attack on the colossus, intending to protect the Union and make this imbecile with dubious grammar swallow his pride!

The battle was somewhat tough, as despite it's size, the Electric type possessed remarkable speed. This one, however, was by no means a match for the Almia duo's.

Although indeed, sometimes they had seen it's powerful blows pass just a few millimeters away from them...Anyway.

Still, the capture ended in a victory for the brunet and his partner.

....

.....?

- (Why doesn't this beast react?)

- /....Something is wrong./

BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!

A new explosion suddenly happened.

-/What- Again?!/

- (It's from the 2n floor this time!)

- / Oh no-/

The blond's demented laugh abruptly interrupted his thoughts.

- Hahahaha!!! You fallen into trap again! Me be diversion! Mashup done!

- / For Arceus'-! Drat! Fischl!/

- ( I follow you!)

They royally abandoned the member of the SinisTrio, going to join the 2nd floor urgently.

- We won't let you take Isaac!

They then discovered Keith as well as Sapphire protecting the young scientist and the professor from a new intruder. Said intruder known as Ice, who was also accompanied by a Garchomp who growled fiercely at it's "obstacles".

The little blond moved forward slightly, visibly very frightened, although this fear was nothing compared to the determination painting his gaze.

- Ice...I'm not going back to Altru Inc. You...You used me. Because of my inability to understand it, I created this...Thing.

He gently clenched his fists, obviously in a fit of frustration.

- So no. I won't return. I have no intention of completing the construction of this walking nightmare!

Isaac had put everything into his tirade, emotion, will, knowledge...Everything. But it didn't bother the adult either way. He even seemed to have anticipated this reaction.

- Come on, come on...You're making us look like barbarians, professor. You know very well that we are a peaceful organization.

Professor Hastings was brutally offended.

- You attacked the Union while blowing a huge hole into the wall and you dare call yourself "peaceful"?!

...He really wasn't wrong on that point...

In short, the fact remains that the Dragon-Type Pokemon was starting to become seriously aggressive and that the duo of Fiore were preparing to fight.

...But they didn't need to.

- Garr-!

The creature had just been violently tackled by a somewhat furious Fischl.

- (I'm your opponent, you asshole!)

- [ DESTROY!!!!!]

The two began to circle around each other slowly, roaring fiercely at each other's faces. On the one hand was a creation of Satan themself that even them feared, and on the other a creature capable of fistfighting both God and Satan at the same time.

...By Arceus, this was going to end very badly.

The redhead who had jumped because distracted, quickly turned his pupils around, thus finding his boyfriend at his side. He had his back straight, the Styler deployed, a few scratches from the fight against Electivire....But what caught his attention the most was his gaze. Sharp, serious, cold... He wasn't used to seeing such an expression on his usually gentle face.

Still, the brunet gave him a discreet little smile before refocusing on the blue-haired man, leaving his partner to take care of the Garchomp.

-...Oh, it's you. You survived in the end.

The teenager instinctively placed his arm in front of the older teen knowing full well that an urge to kill was about to show up.

-....You... It's your fault that Kell almost died at Almia Castle?!

Yup, here it is!

- Hmm? Oh, don't put it that way. Anything can happen in a battle after all.

While Ice was completely laid back, the red-haired boy wasn't at all, seeing red at the moment. The one with teal eyes even thought he was going to have to step in if the man didn't shut up.

Luckily for everyone, another voice chimed in.

- Oh my! Are we having trouble my dear?

From the hole emerged the slender and muscular figure of Lavana who was holding, with the help of her right arm, a young blonde girl. The latter looked a bit frightened, although it seemed more because of the height than the woman carrying her.

...She seemed oddly familiar.

- Melody!!

...Oh. That's why.

- Big brother!

The girl held out her arms towards the scientist, and as if answering her silent request, the pink-haired woman approached, except that she stopped at her teammate's level.

- I see you're back, Amazon.

-...What did you think?

- Nothing pejorative. You were always the most efficient of us 3 anyway. And to answer your question: proper diplomacy takes time.

If the one with blue hair seemed satisfied and normal, this was not the case for the only female of the SinisTrio.

- /...? Is she sick?/

Kellyn had already flinched at Lavana's tone, but....Something was wrong.

- Anyway...Professor, would you reconsider your decision? I can hardly imagine what could happen to your precious little sister if you ever refuse...

The man then approached the little girl before pinching her cheek, making her cry out. Automatically Lavana's body jerked, causing her to go into combat mode. Except that she held back at the last second, seeming to be caught in the crossfire.

- /...She...She wanted to hit him...?/

When Ice turned his attention back to the older blonde, he didn't see his teammate hold her hostage against her. Or to be exact, no one noticed, except for the boy who was fully focused on her.

...Oh? She seemed to be whispering something to Melody...

..."You are on the right track, little princess".

- / What...? Lavana...?/

The woman then noticed the teal gaze watching her, she lifted her head slightly, staring at her enemy in the eyes for a short moment, then lowered her eyes again, returning her focus to the little girl in her arms.

Although the young Ranger looked confused, his attention abruptly turned to the scientist who started to walk towards the Dim Sun duo.

Oh yes. He had slightly forgotten about that.

- Isaac! You don't have to-

- No. I...I can't risk her safety...I know I promised to not finish the project but I guess...For her, I am capable of sacrificing the world.

The blond went to stand next to the only woman of the SinisTrio, ignoring as best he could the icy gaze of the other man. Luckily, the pink-haired one came to his rescue.

-...Wise decision professor! Well, if you'll excuse us dear, I'll let you take care of the small fry.

She didn't give him the time to protest that she took her 2 hostages somewhat hastily towards the new "entrance" of the Union. She made the scientist go first, before following him right after, not looking back.

-...Did she really leave me like that?

The blue-haired adult sighed, royally ignoring the glares on him.

- Oh well... What's done is done, I guess. Well, that's not all of that, but I have to go, too. Don't worry, I'll leave you a little buddy to play with...Garchomp, take care of them.

He snapped his fingers causing a roar from the dragon who was still facing the Staraptor.

- Farewell, losers!

And Ice jumped from the 2nd floor.

- Motherfucker! Come back here!

The redhead raged at the adult, earning a pat on the shoulder from Kellyn.

- "It's not the moment, Scarlet! We slightly have a spawn of Satan in front of us!"

The oldest apologized hastily, before switching on his Styler and putting himself on guard.

Thank Arceus, Fischl was already facing the creature, closely assisted by the young Buizel. The human duo stared at each other for a split second, then nodded to each other in perfect sync.

Let the capture begin!

It was complicated to face a Pokemon such as Garchomp inside an enclosed space! Caution was required, since it was necessary, at best, to avoid too much material and/or human damage. Oh? Did we forget to mention that the Dragon-Type was a real war machine?

All that to say that this creature was giving a lot of trouble to the foursome who had to be much more cautious than usual. Especially if they didn't want to take a misplaced attack....

So, when Garchomp was FINALLY captured, the 4 friends let out a more or less deep sigh of relief.

- For Mew's sake, I never want to fight a Garchomp in my life, again...!

- "The feeling is mutual, Scarlet...."

As Kellyn sat down on the floor, trying to catch his breath, he was joined by both his partner and the redhead's. They collapsed against him, seeking his warmth and comfort. The boy didn't need to be asked twice and instinctively started to cuddle the Pokemons who relaxed.

- / You two were great....Rest, you have fully deserved it./

Out of the corner of his eye, the teenager saw his boyfriend kneel beside them, and he gave him a nice smile which he returned shyly. The two then turned their attention toward the remaining scientist who was beginning to pace.

- By Arceus! This is a very thorny situation! Using a hostage, what cowardice! The plans for Operation Brighton must be changed urgently...! With Isaac back in their hands, I'm not sure our 2 gems will be able to weaken this contraption enough!

As he mumbled rapidly incomprehensibly, a cry of distress echoed from the upper floor, startling the young Rangers.

- It's not over yet?! What more could they want?!

- "They must think that the other 2 gems are still here! Let's see!"

The foursome quickly stood up, heading for the Operations Room. They just had to hope that everyone was fine...!

- Ouch! Ouch ouch ouch!! Enough! Ouch!

In front of them was a scene of dread....But not in the way they believed.

- Try again to manhandle these poor Bidoofs, I dare you.

A short man with ugly green hair, whom Kellyn recognized as President Blake Hall's right-hand man, was getting beat to the pulp by a fairly furious Rhythmi. Who would have thought she had so much strength in her fists?

...Uh, he's bleeding copiously, isn't he?

- Rhythmi! What is happening here?!

The blonde heard her friend's voice, and straightened up before turning her head towards the newcomers, a smile on her face.

- Oh, Keith, Kell! Don't worry, the situation is under control!~

...Maybe it was due to the blood and dust on her face, but her expression sent chills down their spines.

...Wait a minute, was she hurt?

The youngest of the trio hastened to join the girl, completely forgetting the intruder. He took her hands delicately, lightly stroking the bruised knuckles, royally ignoring the crimson liquid.

His face contorted in panic and worry as he searched inside his medical bag for something to treat his comrade's wounds.

- Eh eh...! Everything is fine Chocolate! They're just scratches.

She laughed as she saw the teal pupils grow dubious. Deciding that it was better to not lay on thick, she let the brunet take care of healing her. The latter therefore set to work, taking care not to hurt the young Operator.

The teen let out a silent cry when he felt something grab his ankle. Looking down, he noticed that the poor Altru employee, with a completely distorted face, was trying to stand up while holding onto the nearest thing. Said thing being the 11th Top Ranger.

...That was a big mistake on his part.

Suddenly, the man let out a cry of pain because he got his wrist crushed by Rhythmi but also Keith. The 2 had an icy look and were filled with a mute rage.

- Those idiots made a huge hole into the 2nd floor's wall... Do you mind if I throw him out from there Rhy?

- Nope! Oh, and while you're at it, can you get me something to clean myself? I think the blood is disturbing Kell.

- Sure thing.

The redhead fiercely grabbed the adult by the collar and dragged him downstairs. Kellyn, upon seeing the scene, tried to run after his boyfriend, except that the one with golden eyes emitted a small complaint of pain making him immediately refocus on her.

Meanwhile, Chairperson Erma and Linda were observing the scene from a little further away. If the first seemed amused, the other was livid.

- I swear the new generation is an absolute menace!

- Only towards those who attack their loved ones, my child.

- If you say so ma'am...?

The lady chuckled softly while giving the blue-haired Operator a smile.

- In any case, we have to believe that Kate's teachings have borne fruit. Our little Rhythmi has grown strong enough to handle the situation on her own. Although I wish she didn't slaughter him until he bled, but that's just a part of the story.

- It's what I said, we are dealing with a real menace!

The leader of the Rangers laughed frankly while looking back at the 2 young teenagers who were far too busy to notice them.

Minutes later, everything was back to normal: Rhythmi was bandaged and bloodless, Wheeler was "kindly" kicked out by Keith, and the floor was shining brightly.

Professor Hastings, who had wisely chosen not to ask what had happened, had also come upstairs with a new plan in mind.

- As you know, with Isaac back at Altru Inc, it's only a matter of time before the Incredible Machine is complete. So we need to change our approach: Sven and Wendy will continue to circle the tower from the skies while you, Keith and Kellyn will directly get inside the building. Why is that? Because Sven has just sent his report, and informed us of the presence of a triple barrier which was not mentioned in the plans. That's why you have to go and deactivate it from inside.

The man sighed to calm his nerves while observing the serious faces of the Top Rangers.

-....They must also surely keep the Yellow Gem somewhere between these walls. Therefore, you must also find it and recover it. Once done, Keith will join the other two in the sky to complete the maneuver while Kellyn will take care of getting Isaac and Melody out of there.

He suddenly tapped the tiles with his cane, effectively renewing the duo's attention.

- Here are the 3 objectives of your mission: save the hostages held prisoner, recover the missing gem and deactivate the triple barrier protecting the Shadow Crystal. Are you ready to accept it?

- Of course/"Count on us!"

- Good! I now declare the second phase of Operation Brighton engaged!

- Roger/"Roger"!

....Here it is. The end had only just begun. Operation Brighton....Must not fail!

---------------------------------

Keith and Kellyn: *acting lovey dovey with each other*

Rhythmi: YES!!! Finally!

Sven: Seems like it.

Wendy: Though I wonder who did the first step...

Rhythmi: Kellyn.

Wendy: Haha! You owe me 50 Pokédollars cowboy!

Sven: Shoot! But know that I'm gonna win these back with the marriage proposal!

--------------------------

Garchomp: *about to attack*

Fischl: Call an ambulance...*charge at Garchomp* But not for me!