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Chapter 88 - 100 Years Ago...

Looking back at the Captain, Chris nodded and took his mask. "So, just gotta put it on my face, right?" he asked, Smith nodding in response. "Aye, that will form a bridge between us that will make things easier on me. Slap it on and away you'll go to a time long, long ago." Smith replied. Looking at one another, the Yamask tilt their heads curiously and faced the Captain, wondering how he knew of such abilities. "What...? You don't think sailing a ship was all I did, do you? I enjoyed a good book now and then. Some of them went over a few details about various Pokemon within our world, which, well..." he paused, looking himself over. "Anyway... Just put it on already so we can get this history lesson over with." he added, waving his hand at Chris. Looking towards the Guardian, he also looked at the Mega Stone on his staff again and nodded. "Alright... There should be enough time. But after this, you've gotta give me your word you'll open up to lending us a hand, deal?" he asked, Smith crossing his arms and remaining silent on the subject. "...Better than getting a no at least, guess it's some progress." Chris muttered before letting out a sigh. "Alright, alright. I'll do it. I'm not sure how this works, but uh, don't go letting those Dusknoir try anything funny while I'm out of it." he reminded, the Yamask nodding while gathering around him, the Dusknoir group grumbling and digging in their ears, trying to act like the statement didn't strike a nerve. "Anything starts goin' on with the Guardian, you gotta bring me out of it too, got it?" he told them, getting another nod in response from the crowd of Pokemon while they watched, eager to see what was about to happen. "O-Oy, you're really into this, aren't ya? Okay, okay. I'm puttin' it on." he chuckled nervously before looking down at the mask in his hand and slowly lifting it towards his face. "Guess I'll see you all in a hundred years!" he smirked, the Yamask looking at him confused. "Y-You know, in the past? Cause' I'm..." he began, trying to get his joke across only for Smith to roll his eyes and grab Chris's hand. "On, now." he growled. Jolting in surprise, Chris didn't have time to react as Smith shoved Chris's hand up against his face, smacking the mask firmly in place causing Chris to let out a quick shout of pain. "H-Hey!! That's... Uncalled... For..." he replied, suddenly sounding as if he were falling into a daze as Smith placed a hand atop his head and shut his eyes. "Here we go... Never done this before, maybe it won't fry yer' brain." the Captain muttered nervously as Chris's hand over the mask went limp and fell to his side, now standing in a frozen position before Smith. Closing his eyes, Captain Smith's hand began releasing an eerie aura atop Chris's head, his mask slowly glowing as a result. With a half conscious look on his face, Chris was suddenly able to see through it as if the mask had faded away, seeing the remains of the Arceanic and the Yamask surrounding him. "Ooohhh... You CAN see through them." he muttered with an awkward laugh in a groggy tone, lifting a finger before it flopped back down to his side.

After a moment, everything around Chris began slightly swirling as his conscious was thrown between that of his own and Captain Smith, who being unfamiliar with his powers as a Pokemon was doing his best not to damage Chris's brain during the process of transferring his memories. "Agh, this is rougher than I thought." Smith grumbled, letting out a hiss and rubbing his own head before focusing on the task at hand. "Come on, come on!" he growled, the aura around his hand seeping out all the more, his mask absorbing the energy and sending it through Chris's mind. "Having a hard time?" Smith suddenly heard a voice echo within his own head. "Wh-Who's?!" he jolt in surprise, suddenly seeing an image of Ninetails within his mind causing his eyes to shoot open wide. "Your link is shoddy but passable. Nonetheless I need this one, so I'm afraid I can't risk letting you continue this on your own. Just keep your thoughts clear and your mind open and let one who knows what they're doing handle the task." she told him, the Captain grumbling in response before looking at Chris. "I see, so he's tied to you is he? That explains a lot. Based on what I read in my time, legends say your kind loves playing puppet shows with others." Smith replied with a sneer. "Judging by his display in battle against me, I'd say your poison's already got a good grasp on the lad. If he's stuck with one of your kind his life must be miserable, and makes me question his desire to live all the more. A man's better off dead than tied to a heartless Ninetails of all things. You creatures clearly have no sympathy for those you control." he added. "I'm sure you would know, given your state." Ninetails replied coldly causing Smith to jolt and growl. Looking at one another, the Yamask were showing bewildered looks and shrugging while watching their Captain seemingly talk to himself. "Now's not the time for bickering, you wish to share your memories with him, and I want to ensure that happens without inflicting damage. So shall we continue?" Ninetails asked. Remaining silent for a moment, Smith let out a sigh before agreeing, closing his eyes once more and letting the fox take over.

"Good, now then, lets begin..." Ninetails said before going silent. Suddenly, a golden aura appeared around Chris, slowly growing brighter and brighter catching the attention of those on board the Guardian, who pointed out the scene just as the aura suddenly exploded out of Chris's body and shot into Captain Smith like a bullet through his arm. "AGH!!!" he shout in surprise, clutching his head as the aura engulfed him as well, the Yamask backing away cautiously with their mouths agape in awe. After a moment, Chris suddenly jolt and clutched his head as well, the two groaning before letting out a simultaneous shout as Ninetails completed the link between their minds, and next thing Chris knew he was snapped out of his dazed state and felt a surge of memories rapidly rushing into his mind. "Wh-What is this?!! S-Slow down!!!" he shout, the flood of memories flashing in his head causing an excruciating migraine. Next thing he knew, everything around him was beginning to swirl and spiral, watching as the world around him began twisting and warping as if he were hallucinating in the moment, helplessly enduring the continuing onslaught of memories as Captain Smith struggled to pull his hand away. "C-Cease!! Desist demon!!" he shout, enduring his own intense migraine as well. "What has begun cannot be stopped." Ninetails replied. Struggling to keep his eyes open, Chris was slowly being pulled into another world on his end, watching as the Arceanic and scenery around him began to seemingly transform itself at a blinding pace. "Wh-What's h-happening...?" he groaned, struggling to stay on his feet as the water began swirling around his body. "H-Hey!! What's going on?!!" he shout in a panic. Trying to reach out, he struggled to fight against the water as it swirled faster and faster, becoming a miniature whirlpool of sorts around him as the mask on his face suddenly flew off and began rapidly spinning above him, letting off blinding flashes of its own.

"Calm yourself, you're about to enter this one's memories." he heard Ninetails voice echo. "Rather than a simple transfer of memory, this will allow you to live out the past in person. Brace yourself." she cautioned. Suddenly, Chris felt a strange suction coming from above, and next thing he knew his body was being lift from the remains of the deck towards the mask as Smith was released and blown back against the Yamask, who quickly caught him while continuing to watch. "H-Hey!! W-Woah now!! Hang on!!" Chris shout, flailing about as his body float in place. Raising himself up, Captain Smith looked at the scene as wide eyed as the rest, only to jolt when he felt a ping run through his head and clutch it with a groan. "Time to go." Ninetails told Chris, and as the mask let off another blinding flash the suction became overpowering and pulled him into its light, causing Captain Smith to let out a scream of excruciating pain as Chris vanished before them, letting out a panicked shout of his own while doing so until all that was left of him were the remaining echoes of his panicked voice, the whirlpool exploding sending all of the Yamask and Smith flying back. Watching the mask, it slowly quit spinning as its glow faded simultaneously before sinking towards the deck, Smith rushing up and catching it with a groan. "What in the world...?" he muttered, rubbing his head with a wince and looking the mask over. "Blasted demon, there's no way that should have hurt to such a degree." he growled. On the Guardian, everyone was panicking due to Chris's sudden disappearance, the barrier flickering around them as Serenity went through a moment of panic herself. Noticing this, the Andersson's pointed out the Guardian to their Captain. "Agh, what now?! I've got a splitting..." he snapped, pausing when he saw the barrier, letting out a groan with a slump. "Oh, how delightful... That means we're left with HIS problem until he returns..." he grumbled, looking over his mask once more before returning it to his forehead. "However he returns. I've no clue how these blasted Pokemon powers work." he thought to himself, looking over his hands before facing the Guardian once more.

Behind him, the Yamasks began nudging and pushing him towards the ship before them, trying to coax the Captain into lending them a hand. "First the lad, now you?! Why do you suddenly care?!" he asked in irritation, the Yamasks pausing and looking at one another as if confused themselves without an answer to give. Looking at the group around him, Smith let out a sigh and nudged them back. "Alright, alright. It couldn't hurt to let them know the lad's fine." he coaxed before floating to the tip of the bow with a pause, facing back as the Yamasks smiled and motioned for him to go. "After all this time eh...?" he thought to himself before leaping off and soaring through the water towards the shield. Pausing before it, he looked around at all of the people and Pokemon on board, everyone looking back at him warily in silence. "WHERE CHRIS?!! WHAT YOU DO?!!" Serenity screamed from the tip of the bow, Alicia and Rose struggling to keep her focused on the barrier itself. Looking down at her, Smith hovered around the shield before them and took a look at the three. "I take it you're Serenity?" he asked, only for her to grit her teeth at him enraged. "You lucky I stuck like this." she growled. "Telepathy, that makes things a lot easier. Feel free to let everybody know the lad's fine. That Ninetails demon zapped him inside my mind." Smith explained, tapping his forehead causing the girls to turn from agitated to bewildered in an instant, blinking at him silently. "He... In head?" Serenity asked. "Aye, that's the gist of it. The demon wanted him to live what happened to us first hand. So instead of just giving him my memories the crafty wench sent him for a ride inside my head. Nearly killed the both of us she did, and she thought I posed a risk..." he grumbled, rubbing his head in agitation. "But he's fine, I'm guessing. That creature said he was a necessity to it basically." Smith shrugged, the girls looking at one another with "of course" expressions.

"Well exactly how long will he be gone? Even with our newfound aid, we can't last forever." Alicia spoke up, pointing out some of the woozy Pokemon in the crowd behind them. Looking at the snake, Smith blinked in surprise as she faced him and raised an eyebrow. "...What?" she asked. "You're not a psychic type Pokemon, how are you speaking?" Smith asked. "Oh good heavens..." she groaned, smacking herself on the forehead with the tip of her tail. "Serenity can share her telepathy with us." Rose point out, Smith looking at the rabbit equally surprised and scratching his head. "O-kay then... Anyway, afraid I can't say for certain when he'll return, or how even. Those aboard my ship merely wanted me to come here and assure you he's fine." he replied with a slight bow. "Ah yes, before I go I suppose proper introductions are in order. In my past life, the world knew me as Captain Edward John Smith." he revealed, everyone on the ship going wide eyed and gasping simultaneously. "Aye, all of us are still here unfortunately. We've remained within that wreckage, apparently, one hundred years now. Sad you had to put yourselves in such a position to pay your respects, but I'm afraid there's not much we can do to help you. That lad has been fairly persistent in trying to garner our aid, but even if we really wanted to, there's not much we can do to get this ship out of such a corked predicament. I admit, my passengers have made some progress towards breaking their shells so to speak, but I'm afraid you're still on your own in this situation. A long time ago, we answered a call for aid, and in turn lost our lives because of it. None of those aboard my ship want to answer that call again and risk being the cause of your deaths as well." he revealed. "That lad, Chris, considered us self centered because of it, but the fact of the matter is none of us could bear spending eternity, not only suffering out of our own losses, but bearing the remorse of causing your deaths as well should mistakes be made. There are many reasons we cannot help you, and while many of them may indeed be selfish, I'd like to say that's the main reason we're hesitant." he added before giving his apology and returning to the Arceanic, the girls looking at one another nervously while everyone on the ship started chatting among themselves over the revealing.

"So that's why the lad suddenly cut out, he doesn't even exist right now. Still, wish the Captain hadn't said that in front of everyone..." Rostron muttered in the bridge, looking over the crowd warily. "So he did indeed become a Cofagrigus, that makes sense." Chief Smith muttered, laying comfortably on his stretcher. "Makes sense? How so?" Rostron asked, raising a curious eyebrow. "I heard stories of there being a mummy smuggled aboard the ship when she set off. His soul likely latched onto its coffin and there you have it." Smith explained. "Ahh, I suppose that explains why he's apparently the only of his kind aboard the vessel. First come first serve." Rostron nodded. "That aside, hope the lad returns soon, otherwise we're going to be in the same spot as before." he added, looking at the various woozy Pokemon on the bow below as well. "At least now we know they're not refusing aid out of being heartless to say the least, we got that much out of the Captain." Roston finished, looking towards the Arceanic. "But what I didn't understand was his statement about answering a call and how they died." Smith point out. "Yes... I do wish he could of clarified on that, but I suppose a sad tale is best avoided for the time being given our situation, I'd wager he knew that as well." Rostron replied. Back at the Arceanic, the Captain carefully lowered himself back on the bow of the ship and looked around at everyone. "They should be fine for the time being." he assured, the Yamask's letting out relieved sighs and smiling at one another. Turning back towards the Guardian, the Captain crossed his arms before feeling another ping run through his head, letting out a groan and rubbing it with a wince. "Oy, careful in there." he grumbled before letting out a sigh himself and rubbing his chin. "...Let me ask you this everyone." he said, pausing for a moment as the Yamask's hovered around him curiously. "...What WOULD you say to lending them a hand?" he asked, all of them jolting back in surprise and facing one another warily...

"GAAAAAAAH!!!" Chris screamed as he rocket through Captain Smiths mind. Gathering around him were countless bubbles of sorts containing images of the Arceanic from throughout her time above the sea, Ninetails picking away the memories like grapes from a vine and pulling them all around Chris, his body repeatedly jerked in various directions as she collected what was necessary. "N-Ninetails t-take it easy!!" he shout, feeling himself getting severe whiplash. "Don't be weak, I'm nearly done." she replied, yanking him in another direction once more. All around him electricity shot in every direction, with more bubbles containing memories than stars in the sky. "Th-This would be kinda cool if I weren't being hurled along like a rag doll." he thought to himself. Finally, he suddenly stopped in place causing him to let out a loud "urk!!" as if he'd been punched in the stomach, groaning from the abrupt halt and rubbing his neck. "S-So got what ya needed?" he asked, the bubbles of memory collecting before him until suddenly merging and creating a large gateway of sorts with an image of the R.M.S. Arceanic sitting at port depicted. "Yes, it's finished." she replied. "How did you even know which memories to pick? There's like... A trillion in here." he asked, looking around before floating up to the image and touching it with his finger, causing ripples to appear as though he'd stuck his finger in water. "Never doubt my brilliance. It was merely a matter of seeking out the proper time frame. Our kind are well known for our perfection you know." Ninetails replied in a proud tone. "O-Oy, you sound like Alicia." he told her. "Her's is a false sense of importance." Ninetails scoffed. "H-Hey now, she's important to me ya know. Easy on the comments." he scowled. "That aside, simply pass through the image before you and you'll be on your way. Once the memories are finished you'll return to where you were in the present." she explained. "That simple huh...? It's really weird though. We're inside of his mind, and you're talking to me inside of my mind. Freaky stuff." he muttered. "Try not to think too much about it." Ninetails replied, wanting to brush off the subject and move on with his task. "The more time you waste in here, the more those in the present will suffer, so be on your way." she affirmed, Chris jolting with a quick "r-right!" in response while facing the image before him. Touching it once more, another ripple spread out from his hand before he began floating through, causing it to glow brightly around him until suddenly...

Optional track to LWR - Listen While Reading - All Aboard The R.M.S. Arceanic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8HQzHh-qKQ

"W-WAAAAHH!!!" Chris shout in surprise as it sucked him inside and sent him free falling out of the blue through a light filled tunnel of sorts, countless memories flashing all around him of the ships journey as he fell faster and faster towards another light below, and once he reached the end everything around him suddenly flashed brightly, revealing himself now high in the sky and falling towards the land below. "N-NINETAILS!!!" he screamed, the powerful wind resistance forcing streams of tears from his eyes as he flailed about. The further down he fell, the more he was able to make out below, noticing what looked like where Millennium City should be along with a small port, and right below him was the magnificent R.M.S. Arceanic, making final preparations for takeoff. "G-Gah!! D-Do something!!!" he panicked, clutching his staff and shutting his eyes tightly as the ship grew closer and closer. Plummeting towards the stern, he tried to let out another scream only to get a mouthful of ashy suit, falling through the trail of smoke wafting from the funnels of the Arceanic before nearly smashing onto the deck, only to abruptly halt just a few feet above it. Coughing violently after having sucked in the smoke, he slowly opened his eyes and saw himself floating in place, his staff surrounded in Ninetails aura. "Wh-What is it with you and the last second saves huh?!!" he shout, coughing once more and letting out a groan as he tried lowering himself, only to lose his grip on his staff and fall onto the deck with a thud. "Ouu-ch-ch-ch..." he groaned, sitting up and rubbing his head. "You could've gone a bit easier on me... Was the fall necessary?" he asked, looking around for his staff before facing up, only for Ninetails to release it sending it smacking down against his face causing him to fall back with a shout and groan of pain, rubbing his face with a growl. "You amuse me so..." he heard her voice echo followed by a chuckle from the Pokemon. "Friggin' sadist..." he muttered, sitting back up and reaching for his staff before standing with a wobble. "Gah that smarts." he thought to himself, holding his nose thinking it could be bleeding and checking his hand. "Least you didn't break anything I guess." he grumbled before taking a deep breath and coughing out the last of the smoke in his lungs, looking himself over and patting off the residue on his coat.

"Alright, so... This is it huh? The Arceanic, way back in her heyday." he said to himself before walking along the stern and looking around. "You know, the wreckage, even after all that time still looked amazing. But to see her in her prime..." he muttered, taking in the fresh air with a sigh of relief after being under the ocean for so long. "It's so weird, I can feel and smell everything around me... I know it's probably not too smart to feed into your ego but... You really are something Ninetails." he chuckled, dragging his hand along the railing. Looking down, he smirked and squat, rubbing his hand along the finely polished wood. "Maaaan... A fella could eat offa this!" he grinned. "That's disgusting..." Ninetails muttered in his mind. "Oh leave me alone MOM." he scowled, feeling like a lectured child as he stood and looked around once again. "Would you stop with that?" she replied, still unable to fully process the name. "Don't like it then don't act like one!" he replied. "Tch, then I suppose I should have let you hit this thing." she replied coldly. "Ahh, but then who would do all your dirty work for you?" he replied smugly. Growling within his mind, Chris was suddenly caught off guard when his staff yanked itself out of his hand and hovered before him. "N-Ninetails? C-Come on now! Quit foolin'!" he panicked, holding his hands out as the staff suddenly flew towards him. Letting out a shout, he ducked with his head covered while running and climbing towards the first class promenade, his staff flinging about behind him trying to land a hit. "Q-Quit it!! Not cool!!" he shout, sprinting inside while ducking and dodging about, doing his best to avoid Ninetails punishment until he looked around himself and slowed down. "H-Hold up..." he muttered, slowing to an eventual stop. "I don't believe it, LOOK at this place!!" he shout excitedly before turning and running up to the windows for a look around. "Check it out! There's the musicians boarding now. I bet that guy there's Wallace Hart-LEEEYYYY!!!!" he suddenly screamed, his tone at a pitch seemingly high enough to shatter glass as he felt his staff loudly whack hard enough to nearly split in two against his backside sending him jumping near the ceiling with his hands clutching his burning cheeks.

"What the HELL you ass?!!" he screamed, standing on his tip toes while hissing and rapidly rubbing his butt trying to ease the pain. "I suppose you would call me one considering yours is likely gone now. I do believe you humans call that a home run?" Ninetails replied, his staff suddenly dropping to the deck by his feet as he paced around rubbing his butt, Ninetails snickering in satisfaction within his mind. "K-Keep that pain in mind." she warned, trying not to laugh as he hissed and struggled to reach down, carefully picking up his staff and slowly raising back up. "Gah, never been hit so hard in my life..." he grumbled, checking his staff making sure it wasn't damaged from the whack. "Screw calling you mother, think I'll stick to warden." he added. "I think that's much more fitting." Ninetails replied, Chris sensing the wide grin on her face and shuddering slightly. "You are evil." he groaned before stiffly walking awkwardly along the promenade once more, rubbing his backside with another groan. Gradually, the pain slowly subsided as he made his way through and towards the exit at the bow, stepping his way down and walking along the deck. Little by little, passengers began walking along nearby, rising from the depths of the Arceanic to enjoy the view for themselves. "You can definitely tell I'm not in my time anymore, look at those suits and dresses." he muttered, noticing the hats on the men and chuckling. "Pip-pip, cheerio, jolly good and all that." he said, standing at the railing with a smirk and looking at the scenery before him. "Hard to believe this place wound up becoming Millennium City, it's still kinda big looking but, geez. Kinda makes you wonder if we really are moving too fast. No sky scrapers, no glass buildings at all really... Millennium Town might suit it better." he muttered, leaning against the railing and facing the massive crowds below as they cheered and waved, bidding those boarding the mighty vessel farewell. Seeing this, his expression slowly changed into a somber one, letting out a sigh and shaking his head. "If only they knew..." he muttered, leaning his cheek against his hand before groaning and rubbing his backside again. "Seriously, that was unnecessary." he grumbled.

Thinking about his own words, an idea popped into his mind causing him to raise up with a smirk. "Ah hah! If they knew..." he thought, looking around and facing towards the bridge, noticing the officers walking to and fro along the deck above. "You know, with me here maybe it doesn't have to happen after all!" he grinned. About to make his way along, he paused when he caught a glimpse of the Arceus figurehead sticking out at the tip of the bow. "Aaaaafter a little sight seeing." he thought to himself before looking around and heading towards the tip, leaning against the railing and having a close look at the colossal carving. "You looked pretty depressing before, but now you look like you could take on the world." he thought, facing the horizon ahead. "You've got one heck of a view buddy." he chuckled before turning and making his way along, pausing when he noticed the support of the crows nest standing tall once more. "Tsss, ooohhh. It didn't want me to leave..." he muttered, looking up at the men checking everything within the nest before departure. "Hope doing this doesn't break the deal, I mean technically I'm still ON the ship, right?" he asked, fearing the Dusknoir might take his soul by default. "Then again, guess I did kinda leave when we had that fight, Smith and I, but they didn't take it..." he added, pausing when he thought of Smith and looked around. "With everyone still boarding, I bet he's with the first class people. Question is, where?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow and heading away from the nest while scratching his head. "Gonna be freaky seein' him alive and all." he added. "Lets see, I know about first class, but where was he...?" he thought. Heading back towards the side of the ship as he walked along, he finally caught a glimpse of Smith below as he greeted the first class passengers while boarding, Chris snapping his fingers with a "knew it!!" shout.

Quickly rushing along, Chris dodged more and more passengers as they swarmed onto the deck, trying to head inside only to find himself blocked from the entrances by the countless people flocking from the ships depths in time to bid another final farewell to those below. "Agh!! Come on!!" he shout in irritation, running from one entrance to another only to find each as crowded as the last. Running back to the bow, the entire railing had been engulfed by the passengers waving and shouting at those seeing them off. "Dang..." he muttered, rubbing his head in frustration. "Can't get inside the ship, can't get his attention from the railing." he thought. After a moment, he shook his head with a sigh and turned around for another go at trying to get inside the ship, only to find himself face to face with Wallace Hartley who was looking him square in the eye causing Chris to freeze up and turn slightly pale from the sudden surprise. "H-Hello sir..." he smiled nervously with a wave, Wallace's face barely inches from his own. Getting no response, he blinked at Wallace and took a step back. "H-Hello, sir?" he repeat, still getting no response as Wallace kept a firm gaze on him before suddenly taking a deep breath. "The ship of dreams, setting sail on the day of dreams. Perfect weather, wouldn't you say gentlemen?" he asked, turning to the other members of the band as they walked up. Getting approvals in response, Wallace chuckled before facing forward once more, looking right at Chris. "E-Er, yeah? G-Good day?" he replied with a confused laugh. "I-It's a pleasure to meet you sir! I know someone who's a particularly BIG fan of yours!" he went on. Reaching out, Chris offered a hand to Wallace only for the man to suddenly walk forward, catching Chris off guard causing him to stumble back trying to avoid being strolled into. "C-Careful sir!! H-Hey!! Watch...!!" Chris shout, putting both hands out.

Trying to grab Wallace, he instead found himself going right through the bandleader as if he were a phantom causing Chris to stumble face forward onto the deck. "H-Huh...?" he muttered, looking at his hands and facing back as Wallace and his band continued on their way. "H-Hey!! Hold up!!" he shout, quickly standing and racing after them. Reaching out, he tried grabbing the men by their coats, his hand fading through them the same as Wallace causing Chris's eyes to widen all the more. "Wh-What is this?" he muttered, following the band and waving his hand through Wallace's body. "This is a memory, you have no influence on those here." Ninetails finally spoke up. "Wh-Wha?" he asked, looking at the men bewildered and swiping his hand through their faces. "Although you may sense that which surrounds you, the beings themselves are beyond your reach. Human, Pokemon... They can neither see nor hear you, and you can't touch them either." she point out. "Y-You mean I'm basically a ghost here?" he asked. "He has a brain." she taunt. Stopping, he watched the band set up for a performance on the bow before looking around, trying to touch others only for his hand, and entire body, to fade through them. "Oh man, that's not fair." he muttered, looking at his hand and letting out a groan. "That means I've really gotta do it then? I've gotta watch all of them... You know, even though I'm right here?" he asked. "That's the way it works." Ninetails replied. "Oh that's cruel... That's just cruel." he groaned, looking at all of the children running about. "This isn't the same as traversing time. Although altering it can be disastrous, within one's memory your influence has zero affect on reality. Even if you could communicate it would only alter this humans memories of the event, not that which actually occurred." she explained. "Again, try not to think about it too much. You'd best prepare yourself." she warned. "Prepare myself? For what?" he asked, only to suddenly hear the ships horns release a sudden blare, letting everyone know departure was at hand causing Chris to shout and cover his ears. "AGH!! They're louder than the ones on the Guardian!!" he shout, letting out a groan and rubbing his ears when they stopped.

"Now then, what was that about getting rea...!!" he said, pausing when his body began lifting off the deck. "W-Woah now!! What's the deal?!" he panicked, his body turning and facing the first class promenade. "N-Ninetails? Explain!!" he shout, looking around nervously before the ship released another blare causing him to shout and cover his ears, noticing the funnels as they started shooting out more smoke. "S-Setting off?" he muttered, hearing the crowds below both on deck and on land shouting excitedly. "You just giving me a better view or some-YEAAAAAGH!!!" he screamed, his body suddenly jerked towards the promenade and sent flying through, his body shooting like a bullet through countless people as he covered his face. "S-Slow down!! Slow down slow down!!" he panicked. Zipping along, the rays of the sun flashed like a camera in his face through the windows before he noticed a light appearing at the other end of the promenade. "Aww no, not again..." he groaned, and next thing he knew he was flung into the light causing another bright flash, and just as he braced himself for another potential free fall, shutting his eyes tightly and gripping his staff once more, after a moment he felt as though he were completely still. Cautiously opening an eye, he saw the deck of the ship right beneath him. "O-Oh, that's go-OMPH!!" he grunt, Ninetails suddenly letting him land flat on the deck. "N-Never gentle, huh?" he groaned, raising up and looking around. "Where...?" he muttered, standing and turning to find Captain Smith standing before him at the ships helm. "Th-The wheelhouse?!" he said in surprise, his eyes widening as he looked at the former elegance of the room. "Oh man." he thought, walking up next to the Captain and looking over his wheel. "Talk about sweet steering. That gloss." he muttered, reaching out to touch it only for his hand to fade through. "G-Gah. Guess touching important stuff is a no-no too." he sighed. "It's complicated." Ninetails spoke up. "About as complicated as you taking these rides through his memory EASY on me?" he complained. "I can be rougher if you like, you do seem like a glutton for that kind of thing." she replied. "N-No thanks, I've had enough of that." he grumbled, rubbing his butt again.

"Alright, so you've shown me the ship leaving port, what's this about?" he asked, looking around once more. "Don't ask me, I just pieced together the events I thought key to the truth you sought." she replied. "Guess that makes things more streamlined." he shrugged before heading out of the wheelhouse and into the bridge, looking at all of the officers at their posts. "Lets see..." he muttered, pointing them out one at a time. "That's Lieutenant Henry Tingle Wilde, and that guy's Lieutenant William McMaster Murdoch... Then you've got Sub-Lieutenant Charles Herbert Lightoller." he began. "Then there's Mr. Herbert John Pitman and Sub-Lieutenant Joseph Groves Boxhall, plus Sub-Lieutenant Harold Godfrey Lowe. And last but not least, there's Mr. James Paul Moody!" he smirked before rubbing his chin in thought. "Moody huh? I know plenty of moody people, but never one with that as an actual name. Gives me an idea for a few friends of mine." he muttered, suddenly feeling his staff trying to jerk away again. "H-Hey!! I didn't say WHICH friends!! Lay off!!" he shout, gripping his staff with both hands. "Geez, one whack is good enough for today thanks." he grumbled before looking around and heading up to the windows. "O-kay, now it's nighttime." he muttered, looking around at the bow glowing beneath the lights of the ship below. "I'm not sure how well I'm gonna be able to keep up with this. Memory travel's throwin' me for a loop in more ways than one." he added, scratching his head before turning around and walking up to Smith, looking at his face through the wheelhouse window. "Really freaky, he looks just like the Chief... Rostron wasn't kidding when he said the guy was the spitting image of the original back when we first met." he said before facing the officers. "Shame I didn't meet them back in the real world. I mean, I've met the Andersson's but..." he said before jolting wide eyed. "The Andersson's!! Oh man, I gotta see them!!" he grinned before rushing out of the bridge, looking around and hurrying along. "Be careful, you'll only set yourself up for more pain." Ninetails warned. "More pain? Say what?" he asked, slowing to a steady walk along the boat deck.

"The more attached you get to these memories, the more you will suffer in the end. You're here to observe the events revolving that Captain human, not to indulge yourself in what once was." she reminded. "W-Well yeah, but it still couldn't hurt to look around and see people during their time when they were, you know... Right?" he asked. "Do what you will, I'm merely providing food for thought." she replied. "I'll be fine! Nothing bad can happen to me here, right? No need to worry." he assured before continuing along and finding a way inside the ship. "Alright, this way went... And that way was, then you go..." he thought to himself, finding his way along back into the first class promenade below the boat deck. "Alright! Gettin' the hang of this place." he smirked before continuing his way along. Looking around, he found a clock depicting the night was in its late PM hours. "Huh, by now they're probably in their cabin. Should be a piece of cake reaching them then." he chuckled before making his way towards the fore entrance. "Best part is, I get to see the original in its heyday on the way to see them!" he grinned before stepping inside. Heading around a corner, he froze in place as his eyes widened, standing before the magnificence of the first class Grand Staircase surrounded by some of the richest people in the world at the time. "Daaaaaannnng..." he murmured, walking up to the railing and looking up at the glass dome above, flashbacks of its remains appearing in his mind. "They really did go all out on this thing." he thought to himself before looking at the clock on the wall, surrounded in detailed carvings and noticing the Cherub on the deck below. "The one on the Guardian really is a pretty close replica, but I gotta admit I think I prefer wood over marble." he chuckled, making his way around the railing before walking down the stairs. About to walk into a couple, he quickly offered an apology only to stumble through them, freezing in surprise before letting out an "oh, right..." with a sigh and looking back at the two. Recognizing the mans face, Chris went wide eyed in surprise. "Wooooah, that dude's the richest man on this thing!! It's John Jacob Astor the IV!!" he said excitedly before looking at the woman, noticing her bulging stomach as they turned and walked along the railing. "And, his wife, Madeleine Talmage Force..." he muttered, showing another somber look on his face while looking at her stomach. "Oh man, poor kid..." he thought, watching the couple before noticing one of the crewmen bringing a Pokemon up to the two on a leash. "Oh! Kitty! There you are!!" John shout excitedly, rushing up to the Pokemon and squatting to give it a hug while his wife walked up with a smile. "Aww, who's a good fella? They treated you good and proper, right?" he asked, Chris hearing the Pokemon bark in response. Walking back up for a closer look, he saw John's pet was a Stoutland, who was eagerly licking John all over the face as the man snuggled it and laughed.

"Oh honestly John, sometimes I think you love that Pokemon more than me." Madeline giggled, Kitty suddenly jumping up against her as well energetically. "N-Now now, easy there." she smiled nervously. "Kitty! Come now! You know she's expecting!" John lectured, the Stoutland backing way in guilt as Madeline rubbed her stomach. "No harm done dear. No harm done." she assured, petting the Pokemon on the head causing it to perk up and run around them. "Old girl still has that radiant spark of life in her, even after all these years." John chuckled, calling Kitty up and taking her leash. "Alright then, shall we have ourselves a look-see at the lights?" he asked, offering an arm to Madeline before leaving the lobby with Kitty by their side. "Ha ha, who say's wealth robs you of the heart? They remind me of Arthur and Angela." Chris chuckled. "Rich or poor, it just goes to show how great people can be... Takes an incredible man to have that much cash and not lose sight of what's important in life." he nodded in admiration. Turning back to head down the stairs once more, Chris was shocked to see Captain Smith mingling with people at the bottom of the steps. "S-Say wha?!" he said in surprise, looking back towards the top of the stairs. "B-But he was just..." he added, looking down at Smith bewildered. "You're traversing his memories, keep this in mind. Wherever you go, he'll be nearby as part of said memory. When you left the bridge and entered the staircase lobby, you unknowingly waltzed right into another memory. That's how it works." Ninetails explained, Chris scratching his head. "Ugh, that's freaky." he muttered, continuing his way down and walking past the Captain, waving his hand in front of Smiths face. "Sure wish I could warn em' though..." he muttered before looking around and continuing his trek down the ship. "I don't think I could ever wrap my head around how all this works, but it's still cool getting to see everyone like this." Chris added, continuing to make his way past deck after deck until reaching the level the Andersson's cabin was located.

"Alright, now to figure out how to find their cabin." he muttered, looking around while thinking back on his trek through the ships remains and taking out his Pokedex. "I'll just get a little help." he smirked, turning it on only for the device to show a static filled hologram screen. "E-Eh...?" he muttered, giving it a shake and a pat against his hand. "What's the deal?" he scowled, pressing buttons and shaking it again. "Yo!! Show me some blueprints would ya?!" he ordered, patting the device again only for it to remain silent. "It won't work here, you should know that." Ninetails point out. "Ugh, fine." he grumbled, shutting it and putting it back in his pocket. Looking around, he decided to stick with his gut and follow what he felt was a path similar to the one he took before, looking in various rooms. Along the way, he saw Captain Smith randomly appear in the corridor as he made his way through memory after memory, almost as if he were stepping through a scrap book of sorts. Finally, he came to a room filled with the sound of kids. Walking around the corner and into the doorway, he took a look inside and found the Andersson family gathered together. "Ha ha!! Found ya! Sup guys?" he asked, walking in with a wave as Mrs. Andersson cradled little Anna, feeding her a bottle of milk while Mr. Andersson lift his son Elias high in the air. Looking at them all, Chris leaned against the wall with a chuckle. "Right, can't see, can't hear." he muttered, letting out a sigh while watching the two eldest daughters, Elisabeth and Constanzia, fixing up their younger sisters hair, Ebba who sit silently between them on the bed. "Ahh, we're off to a new life in the valley of the north." Mr. Andersson chuckled, sitting and offering his lap to his son. "Won't it be rather frigid father? By chance we fall ill to some unknown disease?" Elisabeth asked. "Worry not child. Never doubt the power of modern medicine. We're off to help cultivate the land, help it grow and prosper. Those who have journeyed before us have reported the extraordinary events that occur in the region. With help from those like ourselves it can become a destination renowned the world over!" Mr. Andersson assured.

"Honestly dear, moving to such a frigid climate like this. Even if the benefits are eye opening, it's going to be a tremendous burden adjusting to it!" Mrs. Andersson point out. "Oh come now, I'm sure the kids will fall in love with it quick as a snap." Mr. Andersson replied, literally snapping his fingers. "Aaaannnd, that's not all. They'll have snow to play in year round! Kids love snow, isn't that right?" he grinned, their children nodding excitedly. "Think of it, we'll go down in history as one of the many families who helped found the extraordinary location future generations will flock to for merriment. They say the aurora shows in the valley are the most spectacular in all the world! Many a night you children will be able to slumber with a brilliant rainbow of light engulfing the sky, like you're laying beneath a world straight from your wildest dreams." he added, the kids looking all the more excited. "I give my word I'll put my best foot forward to ensure your lives in the north are as grand as can be. Father has never let you down before, has he?" Mr. Andersson asked. "Turning the arctic tundra of the north into a paradise? Oh come now Johan, don't go exaggerating your capabilities." his wife lectured, giving him a nudge in the side. "I'm not exaggerating a thing Alfrida! I'm perfectly capable of insuring my families happiness no matter where we are! Just you wait!" he replied. Looking at him silently, his wife let out a sigh and shook her head before giggling. "I suppose that's one thing I love about you. A man who stands tall no matter the obstacle." she said, Mr. Andersson blinking at her before glancing away and scratching his cheek shyly. "Honestly, working me up like that." he muttered, both his wife and the kids laughing in response. "Aww, what a swell family." Chris chuckled. "I know how it feels to have a girl catch you off guard man. I've got three who mess with me all the time!" he laughed, watching as Alfrida nudged her husband again teasingly and winked. "I've birthed five of your children now dear, if nothing else shows my love and support for you, that should be it. Don't get so frustrated over a little teasing." she coaxed. "Yes yes, believe me I know full and well the blessing you are in my life." he replied, smirking at her before ruffling his sons hair and smiling at his daughters, pinching little Anna on the cheek. "But my word, I do think it's time we showed some restraint!" he laughed, looking at their children while Alfrida flushed wide eyed before shouting his name. "Not in front of the children Johan! You know better!" she lectured, her husband laughing all the more having turned the situation around on his beloved, their eldest daughters letting out "oooohhhh" noises and giggling, knowing what their father meant while Ebba and Elias looked at them all bewildered, still too young to catch the reference.

"Yep, they remind me of the girls alright." Chris smirked before noticing Captain Smith walking past the Andersson's cabin. "Ah, there he is again." he muttered, looking at the Andersson's once more before smiling and leaving with a wave, knowing they couldn't see him but wanting to bid farewell nonetheless. Walking through the corridor, Chris saw Smith fade in and out of view at various locations until winding up at the lobby of the aft Grand Staircase. "Huh, now where is he?" Chris muttered, scratching his head only to feel himself being lift in the air once more. "E-Eh? A-Again?" he asked, looking around before facing up and noticing a light shining from the dome. Nodding, he looked around and faced back down the corridor behind him, a somber look on his face as he thought about the Andersson's. "Alright, lets go." he sighed before facing up and being launched abruptly into the light, shielding his eyes from the flash before finding himself flung in the air above the deck, nearly hitting the ceiling before surprisingly landing on his feet this time and standing frozen with his arms outstretched. "Wh-Wha?" he muttered, facing down before straightening himself. "HA!! Now THAT'S more like...!!" he said, pausing when he turned and walked right into a post, smacking his face into it causing him to drop his staff. "It-mphm." he groaned, inching back and rubbing his face. "Owww-ow-ow." he muttered. "You REALLY are a hard luck human. You even screw up perfect landings..." Ninetails echoed in his mind. "Sh-Shut up." he growled, letting out a hiss from the pain before shaking his head and looking around for his staff. "Ah, there it..." he said, pausing when he reached down and noticed several pairs of feet before him. "Is? Who...?" he muttered, raising up and seeing Captain Smith surrounded by his officers and one other man, holding a small piece of paper in his hand. Noticing he was back in the bridge, Chris saw the sun shining through the windows once more. "Oh man, another time skip? So, did I go back or...?" he murmured, rubbing his head confused. Looking at the group, he walked up and peeked over Smiths shoulder at the piece of paper.

"A distress call from the S.S. Carvanian eh...?" Smith muttered. "Mr. Bride! Any other messages received?" he asked. "Mr. Bride...?" Chris thought, looking at the man as he walked up and solute Smith. "OH! That's Harold Sydney Bride!" Chris point out, blinking in surprise. "Wow, that guy sure was young..." he muttered. "Yes sir! Other messages via telegraph included further details regarding her cause of distress. The ship has apparently malfunctioned in some way and she is stranded in the midst of a rather unsavory storm. We appear to be the closest to her location." Harold replied. "What say you, sir? Do we change course to aid?" one of the officers asked. "Mmm... I suppose it wouldn't set us back too far to do so. She's along our general course as well so I'd say the delay would be fairly minimal. If there's a storm at Carvanian's location then we have to sail through it anyway even if we remain on our set path. Might as well make the trip all the more worthwhile that being the case. Yes... We can pick them up and carry those on board along to the valley, then make arrangements from there. I doubt she has too many on board, so preparing accommodations will require little effort. Hard luck for them, but I'd say a rescue along our maiden voyage would do wonders for the Arceanic's already grand reputation. First trip to sea and already saving lives." Smith replied with a nod. "Respond and let them know we're on our way post haste. Find out exactly how many we'll be taking on." he ordered, Harold saluting once more. "Aye sir! I'll send the order to Mr. Phillips right away." he replied before hurrying off. Having one of the crewmen bring up a folding table, the officers set it up allowing Smith to lay out a map of the surrounding sea. "Her location's set at 41.46N 50.14W... Getting there from here should only take a matter of hours. Once we arrive, not only can we accommodate them, but with our ships power we should be able to bring the Carvanian along in tow single handed. That would REALLY show the world what the girl can do!" he smirked proudly, his officers nodding and grinning, giving one another pats on the back.

"Imagine the headlines lads. I tell you it's destiny! This ship was born for miracles!" he grinned. "In all my years, never have I set sail on a day as extraordinary as when this ship left port. It's as if the Gods themselves are celebrating her birth! And if I may..." he paused, facing down at the map with a proud smirk before slamming his hand down and raising his fist. "Not even the GODS could sink us. Lets go save us a ship men!" he added, the officers getting riled up and cheering. "Aw Smith..." Chris muttered, shaking his head as they excitedly made further plans together. "I remember he said something about helping others being the cause of their deaths. So... Does that mean they died trying to help the Carvanian? But there's no reports of anything revolving that ship." he added, walking up and looking down at the map. "41.46N and 50.14W. That was where they reported striking an iceberg..." he thought before looking at Smith and the officers. "Yeah, this is it alright." he groaned before backing away. "I don't get it. I went through every bit of material I could dig up on the wreck, and I didn't see a single thing about the Carvanian anywhere. It makes no sense..." he thought to himself, taking out his Pokedex. "And this things useless for the time being. The heck?" he muttered, tucking it back in his pocket. "You mean to tell me I only came here to find one answer and wind up with a million more questions? How's this gonna do me any good?!" he shout in frustration. "Give it time. Although more questions arise, they too will answer themselves as you journey through this humans mind." Ninetails point out. "Yeah, I guess, but this whole memory traveling thing has me WAY thrown off. I'm here, then there, plus I don't even know WHEN I am right now. Did I fast forward? Rewind?" he asked. "I warned you not to think about it too much. Just endure the experience, that is all you need to do." she replied. "Yeah yeah..." he muttered, crossing his arms.

"Alright, so I know everything set off just fine. Doesn't seem like anything's wrong with the ship so far the way everyone's acting, and everything's on course. So in other words, they went to help out another ship and sailed themselves into a Gyarados swarm. Isn't that the gist of it?" he asked. "You're looking at the picture from too great a distance. Only through patience and close observation will you find the details hidden within." Ninetails replied. "Please don't throw that kind of line at me right now." Chris groaned, rubbing his head while looking around. "Then do this, TRY to figure out when you are. Use your brain. I know you have one because I reside within it." she coaxed, albeit a tad coldly. "Figure out when I am? Ugh, well, I guess I'm..." he paused, looking around. "Let me think. Smith just said they were heading for the place the Arceanic report it sank, and the ship sank four days in so... That means it's April 14th!" he answered, snapping his fingers. "And there you have it. Good boy. You've went forward in time." Ninetails replied. "Does that make your head feel better?" she asked. "Well, no, not really. That means I'm about to see all these people, well, you know." he answered, looking back at Smith and his officers as a waiter came up and offered them coffee, the group toasting one another with a hearty "cheers!" before heading back to their posts. "The arrogance of man is the greatest curse of all." Ninetails said as Chris followed Smith into the wheelhouse. "What are you on about now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in irritation. "You humans always boast about your limitless potential. You go so far as to cast down those you place your faith in whenever you think you've bested them. And as a result, time and again your race is struck down, yet time and again you never learn." she explained.

"What ARE you talking about?" he repeat. "Man, throughout history, has always tried to go beyond the limitations of reality. To find a way to go beyond your Gods. Yet for all the evolution you've managed, you've done nothing but further doom yourselves with each advancement. The bigger they are, the harder they fall as you humans say." she point out. "Based on my observations, the more you beings advance, the more corrupt you become in the process. Power and wealth is all it takes to turn the best of your kind into the worst. Arrogance sent these people on a course to their end, and greed strung them along like a Rattata to cheese." Ninetails explained. "Okay, seriously. This is NOT the time to talk trash. Especially cryptic like that and all. Not even foolin' with you." Chris replied sternly. "You will understand my meaning soon enough." she sighed. "In the meantime, if there is any further sightseeing you wish to do, any visitations you wish to make, do it now. The next leap will be the last." she warned. "I'll give you some time before opening the next passage, unless you wish to continue on now?" she asked. Remaining silent, Chris looked around and watched as Smith took the helm and began making orders, turning the wheel towards their new course. "No. I'll stick around for a bit." he replied, walking up to the wheel and reaching out, gripping his hand tightly wanting to send the ship back the way it was going only for his hand to fade through. "Very well, just remember, avoid attachment." she cautioned before going silent.

Backing away, Chris looked at Smith before facing down with a somber expression and leaving the wheelhouse, slowly walking past the officers in the bridge before heading out to the balcony and facing the bow of the Arceanic, now pointing in the direction of her demise...