The foursome, after greeting the group of scientists, headed to the 10th floor where Isaac and his sister Melody were.

As soon as they set foot there, they felt a change in the air. The latter had suddenly become much heavier, even a little suffocating.

- It's crazy how much an atmosphere can change in an instant, huh?

- "Hmmm...It's so...Heavy."

- I'm not even surprised. And it's not going to get better, I can feel it.

No sooner said than done! A scream suddenly echoed, petrifying the Union group in place.

- T-That was...!

- "Isaac! It came from this room!"

They immediately rushed towards the source of the sound, until they faced a magnetically locked door. Not waiting any longer, the 2 Rangers tried to force it but only received a magnificent bruise in return.

- Tss! Ouch...! It's not going to move like that!

- "But time is running out! How can we...?"

The brunet bit his lip as he searched for a solution, until a flash of genius shot through him.

- /But of course!/

The younger tapped quickly on his Styler, causing confusion from his comrade.

-...Voicemail! Voicemail! This is Kate. What's going on Kell?

The boy banged loudly on the magnetic door until he hurt himself in the process. Immediately, an adult voice replied furiously:

- Oi! When are you going to stop this noise?! It's out of the question that we open the door to you, stupid Rangers!

A blank settled literally 3 seconds before the voice of the cobalt-eyed one came out of the Styler.

-....Stay where you are. We're coming.

As the Voicemail ended, Kellyn could hear his cousin yelling at her boss to "get his ass cause they had a door to destroy". The teenager chuckled while closing his Styler, then looked at his partner who was confused as hell.

- Kell...? What is-

- "You will see."

They didn't have to wait long, because not even a few minutes later, the 2 Vientown Rangers came down from the floor below.

- Glad to see you guys are still in one piece! So tell me, where is today's target?

The 11th Top Ranger pointed at the still firmly sealed door.

- I see...Step back, we'll take care of it. Kate?

- Whenever you want chief!

The foursome quickly got out of the way, clearly not wanting to end up in a crushed sandwich. The duo then placed themselves at a good distance from their target, practically back to back to each other.

- Target....GRRRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 2 Rangers shouted in unison as they charged at the door, presenting their shoulders to the metal which bent under the force generated. Said metal which flew away almost immediately shattering what seemed to be a piece of furniture or at least something big. Moreover, horrified and terrified cries were heard just after.

-....Remind me to never make your cousin.

- "Okay, haha!"

The redhead forced a smile as he felt the hair at the base of his neck straighten. He let Kellyn and Fischl enter the room, staying behind. The Buizel, still on his shoulders, gave a nervous whistle.

- { Oh my! You better take good care of him, great clumsy oaf!}

- I know I know...

- { It's going to be fine, there's no reason for her to unleash her wrath on you, right? It's not like you're planning to...}

- Of course not! He is my most precious person....I intend to love him and protect him until the end!

- { Well said! Now, how about we join them? I don't want to miss all the fun!}

The crimson-eyed one chuckled before entering the room. As soon had he arrived he saw his boyfriend complete, with style, the capture of an Alakazam more or less stunned by the Staraptor.

- Wow...

The brunet, upon hearing him, turned toward him, his face peony red when he saw the admiring gaze of the other. Aw, was he embarrassed? What an adorable Ranger!

A startled cry caught their attention again, causing them to stare at the source of the din. It was a Dim Sun's Admin, begging to be spared.

- Oh? Are we begging now? You didn't listen to Isaac when he begged you to not hurt his sister....So why should I spare you?

The chestnuthead, who had her foot pressed against the man's chest, pressed hard, forcing the air out of the adult's lungs. The cobalt pupils, usually so bright, had darkened greatly, giving their owner a particularly frightening look.

- Kate, that's enough. You've traumatized him enough!

- Humph! You're no fun, boss.

Barlow sighed in exasperation at his subordinate's behavior, but you could tell by the movement of his shoulders that he was struggling to hold back a laugh. The 11th Top Ranger smiled amusedly at this scene before returning his eyes to those they were looking for: the 2 blonds who were hugging each other tightly, although the oldest's grip was much stronger.

- Oh Melody...! I'm so sorry! If only I was stronger, you wouldn't have had to undergo such treatment...!

- Huhuh! You don't have to apologize big brother! I'm doing well. Miss Lavana was very nice to me! The Crimson Unit too! The others were mean, but that's okay.

The scientist raised an eyebrow, surprised and curious.

- Lavana did...? Well...I'll have to thank her then.

The little girl laughed innocently, not seeing how mixed up her brother was. Luckily for him, Barlow came to his rescue.

- Kate and I are going to escort these clowns out of the tower. Isaac, Melody, do you want to join us?

The teenager seemed to think for a moment, looking at the blonde then at the Ranger.

- Oh...! That's nice of you. But unfortunately, I have to stay. I still have...Some things to do. Can you still escort Melody?

- Of course! You can count on us. Kate! Stop traumatizing these minions, and get back here!

- I'm coming!

The chestnut-haired girl, who had finished tying her victim, straightened up and approached the group, a big smile on his face. She bent over and gently ruffled the younger girl's hair.

- Heyia Melody! I'm sorry, but your big brother has to stay here a while longer. Big sister Kate will take you home in the meantime, okay?

- Oh, okay! Big brother! Do you promise to play with me when you get home?

The teen gave her a nice smile while nodding his head.

- I promise. Be nice, okay?

The young girl emitted a little cry of joy, quite happy. She then took Kate's outstretched hand who began to lead her out of the room.

- I'll be! Come back soon!

Melody waved at the scientist before disappearing with the Vientown Rangers and their prisoners. Said scientist ended up sighing once the group was out of the room.

- Hey. Don't feel guilty about the Incredible Machine. It's not your fault they use such unfair methods.

The blonde jumped when he heard Keith's voice who had approached with Kellyn. If the second gave him a reassuring smile, the first seemed to be watching his surroundings.

- "Keith is right. Don't worry, everything will be fine. We'll put an end to this nightmare."

The brunet had put his hand on the head of his former classmate and was stroking his hair, like a mother would do with her child.

- "That's why you decided to stay here, right? To end it once and for all."

The emerald-eyed one blinked a few times, somewhat confused before realization dawned on him. He turned his head away, visibly embarrassed to have been caught like this.

The youngest of the 3 chuckled silently, amused, then pulled himself together.

- "You don't have to be embarrassed, you know? I understand that you want to try to solve this problem yourself. But know that us, Rangers, are here to support you, okay?"

Isaac chuckled, but smiled nonetheless.

-...You always had a gift for comforting people, huh? But you did aim accurately. And I am grateful to you for wanting to support me in this task.

- No problem! Anyway, how about we go? Time is really starting to run out...

The one with teal pupils, upon noticing his boyfriend's semi-nervous state, decided to rub his head against his collarbone affectionately. The redhead just gave him a gentle headbutt in return.

Satisfied with the result, the teenager turned toward the blonde.

- "Say Isaac? You think you can show us the way?"

- No problem! Follow me.

The scientist then began to guide the group to the upper floor, making sure to stay back whenever a conflict arose. Then came a kind of terrace or airstrip for Staraptors, it's up to you.

- By Arceus! We're quite high!

- "11th floor. And the worst part is that it's not over."

Kellyn winced as he observed the approximate number of floors still to be climbed. He didn't have time to brood too much when a Styler's ringtone echoed.

- A-Argh! Seriously?! Damn jumpscare! Humhum! Voicemail! Voicemail! This is Keith! What's happening?

- Voicemail! Voicemail! Hastings speaking! Barlow informed us that you managed to save the hostages as well as recover the Yellow Gem! For that, I congratulate you.

- Ah, uh... Thank you, Professor.

They heard the man clear his throat on the other side of the device.

- Well let's move on. We can now start the second part of Operation Brighton. Keith, we're sending you a Staraptor and you're going to join Sven and- What do you mean there's no more Staraptor?!

A cacophonous hubbub echoed from inside the machine, confusing the 2 Rangers.

- Tss! Change of plan! You'll have to get close on foot! Staraptors are no longer receptive to commands from Stylers! Or rather the case of Pokemons in general!

- Oh oh....That's bad. We have to hurry...

As the older boy mumbled trying to come up with a solution, the Flying-Type moved closer to her partner.

- (Eh. I'll take care of it little Amethyst.)

- / H-Huh? Excuse me?/

- (I'm going to take Keith to the Shadow Crystal. You're going to stay with Isaac, okay?)

The teen stared at his feathered beast for a long moment before shifting his attention to the older teen. He seemed...Anxious.

- /...Are you sure?/

- (Kell...I know you're worried, but it'll be fine. I won't let anything happen to us, I promise.)

The boy thought for a moment while biting his lips. Finally, he gave in.

- /...Okay. But, don't take unnecessary risks, okay?/

- (I promise.)

Kellyn took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves before catching the attention of his comrade still conversing with Professor Hastings.

- Hmm? Kell? What's the matter?

- "Take Fischl with you. She can take you up there without any problem."

- Fischl...? Wait, are you sure?

- "....Yeah. I am."

Oddly, the other Ranger didn't seem convinced.

-...OK. If you say so. Professor! It's all good, we have a solution!

- Really? Pray tell?

- Do you remember Kellyn's Partner Pokemon? It's a Staraptor, and he offers that I take her for the operation.

- Oh yes it's true! Why didn't I think of that sooner?! Alright! Keith! You know what you have to do!

- Roger!

- And you, Kellyn! Normally you should receive an upgrade for your Styler, created from the fragments of the Tears of Princes! Although it took some time to design it, I can assure you that it will be effective! It's name is "Incredible Program"!...Not very inspired, I know. But you can call it Vatonage Styler if you feel like it.

The duo couldn't help but giggle, but still decided not to say it out loud. Probably because they didn't want to end up deaf.

- Understood Professor. We take care of the rest. We will contact you as soon as the situation changes.

- Perfect! Now let's get back to work!

And he hung up, letting silence fill the air again. Keith took a deep breath while stretching.

-...OK! Let's get down to business.

Fischl, who had also prepared herself physically and mentally, crouched down to allow her future passenger to climb. Said passenger who received from his comrade the Yellow Gem.

- "Eh...Careful okay?"

- We will, I promise.

As the brunet absentmindedly stroked with his thumbs the 12th Top Ranger's forearms, the latter looked up at his partner.

- Sapph?

- { Understood.}

The Buizel jumped from the older teen's shoulders to land gracefully on Kellyn's, who looked up in confusion.

- It's out of the question that I leave you without a partner. And since Fischl has to come with me...Sapphire will stay by your side, ok?

- "I-Is it really...?"

- Necessary? Yes it is.

Their eyes met and stared at each other for a long minute, during which the crimson one showed all his will and his determination to the other. Another who ended up admitting defeat.

- "....Okay. You won."

Keith's shoulders relaxed visibly as he realized his partner was giving up. He sighed softly before leaning his forehead against the brunet's.

- Thank you for trusting me Kell....I will try not to betray you.

- "Hmmm...I'll do my best, too."

The redhead made a small Eskimo kiss while smiling.

- Well said. *sigh*....Come on, it's time to get to work.

The 2 therefore separated, allowing the oldest to climb on the bird which immediately took off from the ground. She stood still so that her passenger could properly adjust his position.

- Yosha....! Let's do a good job, Fischl!

The bird let out a small cry, as if approving Keith's words. Oh yes it's true. The 12th Top Ranger couldn't understand what she was saying!

...Shit. How was he going to communicate with the otter without using his tablet?

- {We'll be fine on our own, don't worry.}

Ah, it looks like the Water-Type is more perceptive than expected. Undoubtedly good news given their current situation.

As the duo began to gain height, Kellyn reached out in reflex before forcing himself to stop.

- /...No. This operation is much more important. Time is running out and you've already delayed them for far too long!/

The boy then felt a warm mass cradle lightly against him. Coming out of his torpor, he saw his partner's head against his chest. Given the position she took to perform this action, she was anything but comfortable. Instinctively, he scratched and fondled her neck, no doubt trying to minimize the pain and aches to come.

- /...Come back safe and sound, okay?/

- (We swear. Be careful on your side too, ok?)

- / Hmmm...We'll do our best./

Thus, the group separated definitively. The redhead gave his boyfriend a big smile, which he returned the best he could.

Everything was going to be fine....

- Magmortar, go.

Suddenly, a projectile hurtled at high speed, straight towards the 11th Top Ranger. The latter did not have time to react when he heard a "Watch out!!!", and he was suddenly pushed out of the way.

Time seemed to slow down all around the brunet as he watched his 2 partners being hit head-on by the attack. How their faces contorted in pain, how Keith hurriedly dropped the Gem instantly, how their screams echoed inside his head...Kellyn witnessed it all.

The teenager stretched out his arm towards his comrade who tried to grab his hand...Except their fingers only brushed before the 2 new partners flew completely away from the force of the impact.

The boy let out a silent scream when he finally understood what had happened, almost even wanting to jump after his comrades. Fortunately, Sapphire still had a good head on his shoulders, though his expression reflected shock and despair.

- { Hey hey!!! Calm down! It's gonna be okay, it's gonna be okay!!}

The Buizel could only see the pitiful state of his new partner who was crying his eyes out, unable to recover. The Pokemon turned towards the culprit, furious before stopping in his action.

Despite her straight and confident posture, Lavana was shaking. She was shaking like a leaf, visibly struggling not to break down in front of her opponents. She was clenching her left fist with such anger that her pink glove was starting to turn red. But the worst...Was her expression.

The pursed lips, ready to bleed, the quivering and shining pupils, the drawn features, the breathing in apnea... The young woman was on the verge of tears.

The Fire-Type she commanded handed her the Yellow Gem he had picked up, quite clearly unaware of the condition of those around him. The only female of the SinisTrio put her free hand on the stone and firmed her grip, most certainly internally conflicted.

- Lady Lavana, let us take care of the rest.

Two members of the Crimson Unit came out the entrance leading to the top floors of the tower, and positioned themselves in front of their leader, ready to fight. Said leader who hesitated for a long moment before her subordinates pushed her gently towards the door.

The pink-haired one took one last look back, then disappeared with the Magmortar inside the building. The minions then focused on their targets, Miniremos out.

- Don't blame us, but we have a job to do.

As they tapped on their machines, Isaac, who had been in shock the whole time, stepped in, shielding his comrade with his body.

- I won't let you do as you wish! I may not be a Ranger and a Fighter, but I won't allow you to harm my friend!

- Just like we won't let you lash out at Lady Lavana! En garde!

The situation was seriously starting to degenerate, and that made Sapphire panic, while he was desperately trying to bring Kellyn back to reality.

- {Oi, Kellyn! You hear me?! Hey!!!! Kellyn!!}

The teen didn't answer, being trapped in a whirlwind of despair. His surroundings plunged deeper and deeper into darkness, gradually distancing him from the real world.

....Until a familiar voice was heard, deep in the pitch blackness.

- "Shhh.....~ Don't cry little one, it's alright...."

-......?

- "Focus, you can do it! I know you can."

-.....!

- "Keep going, you can do it....&%*÷%"$."

The Pokemons controlled by the Crimson Unit's minions suddenly stopped, as if petrified. No one understood what was happening until the Miniremos suddenly exploded, surprising the goons as well as the scientist.

- What was that?!

The blonde barely had time to register what had just happened that he caught sight of his former comrade, standing by his side.

- K-Kellyn...?

The teen had his Styler engaged, but his gaze had... Changed. His teal pupils had become strangely sharp and filled with an extraordinary will.

...But, why did they seem so empty?

- "It looks like victory is ours. Are you going to let us pass now?"

Coming out of their state of shock, the 2 women stared at each other for a moment before respectfully stepping aside.

- " Thank you."

- Nah, no need. You won fair and square, and a promise is a promise after all. Be careful up there, the Boss is a bit...Weird.

And they went to join the lower floor, leaving the trio alone.

- { Kellyn? Are you alright?}

The otter, who had recovered from his surprise, rubbed his muzzle against the brunet's cheek, who immediately came out of his lethargy.

-.....? / W-What....? What the...?/

- { Oh thank Mew, you've come back to your senses!}

- /....Sapphire....?/

The boy tilted his head to the side, visibly confused and lost. He looked really tired...

- {I don't know what you did exactly, but...You showed them who the Boss was!...Don't do this kind of thing again though, please.}

The younger one blinked before half understanding what his partner was talking about. So he nodded quite vigorously, and displayed a smile, hoping to reassure the Buizel. Said Buizel, who was staring at him, looking more or less questioning.

-....Kellyn?

The duo jumped at the sound of Isaac's voice, who was watching them curiously.

- "Oh, Isaac! Don't worry, it's fine! I just...Spaced out for a bit."

- Other than spacing out! You sounded like a completely different person! A kind of Berserk mode, even!

- "...That much?"

- Yeah....I don't know what went through your head, and frankly, I don't want to know, however, you were really efficient with that capture! No one has seen you moving!

As the young blond explained the situation with stars in his eyes, probably because of his curiosity, his friend was thinking.

- / A Berserk mode, huh? Could be handy. On the other hand, I might not really remember what happened....Hum.../

He looked up distractedly until he found Sapphire's ebony gaze staring at him, a semi-stern expression on his face.

- { I know what you're thinking about, and the answer is "No"! There is no way you're gonna use such a destructive mode! It can only lead to ruin!}

The Water-Type tone was firm and determined, strongly protesting against Kellyn's new ability.

- { *sigh*...I know a Berserk mode is very powerful, but all it will do is destroy your health. So let's avoid using it, ok?}

The brunet thought for a moment longer before nodding, causing his partner to relax. The latter rubbed his cheek against that of the teenager who returned his affection while purring.

The 2 then refocused on the scientist who had come out of his bubble made up of theories galore.

- Humhum! Alright, let's get serious and see what's the situation. The Incredible Machine is already being activated. It's designed to gradually increase in power over 3 levels before reaching the maximum power. Said power which comes from the Shadow Crystal at the top and which will be reached at midnight.

He paused while observing the colored barriers that had recently been put in place.

-...We need to deactivate the triple barrier protecting the top of the tower as quickly as possible in order to allow Sven and Wendy to get closer. Although we lost the Yellow Gem again in the process, the other 2 should be enough to at least seriously weaken it. Of course, the best would be to have all 3 but we were reckless, and it fell into the enemy hands while also causing us to lose contact with two of our comrades.

Isaac, resuming an upright and serious posture, pointed toward his comrade's Styler, who had tensed at the mention of Keith and Fischl.

- Normally, you should have received the Incredible Program. The latter will most certainly be useful to you soon enough. Because the triple barrier, as it's name suggests, is made up of 3 protective fields distributed in the upper part of the Altru Tower. And I highly doubt Blake Hall didn't order the SinisTrio to keep them safe.

The blond took a deep breath, while staring at the Ranger, his gaze ablaze with unrelenting will.

- The objective is therefore to destroy the triple barrier and reach the Boss as quickly as possible, while trying to recover the Yellow Gem along the way. Do you feel capable of it?

The 2 friends looked at each other for a moment, then nodded vigorously while bowing.

- "Roger!"

Isaac couldn't help a relieved smile from appearing on his face.

- Alright! Let the second part of Operation Brighton begin!

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

Barlow and Kate: *destroy the door while traumatizing the Dim Sun Goons*

Keith: By Arceus, even in Fiore they weren't THAT terrifying!

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

Kellyn: Berserk mode huh...? Can be use-

Sapphire: *cuddling Kellyn* End this sentence. I dare you.