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Lykas arrived back at HQ a few moments after Reno, finding the Channeler with his husband and his Shedinja. Taking the pair from Reno, he would take them both to the barracks to rest before returning in time to witness Deo and Blizzard exchanging words. As others shared their thoughts on the matter, the Jellicent hybrid was approached by the child-sized Clare, who'd arrived alongside Aile with Libelle, now free of the collar SWIPE had put on her. He whispered a deeply grateful thanks to her as he took the baby and gently bounced her in his arms.

As the other continued to share their thoughts, he would find his own opportunity, eventually, and added his own thoughts. "Deo, listen-" He began. "You're one of us who has actual family outside of the team. If you felt they were threatened, I can forgive you for doing hat you felt you needed to to protect them." He told the hybrid. "I might have done the same if that offer had been made to me, just to keep this one safe." He admitted. His eyes and voice hardened after that, though. "That said... While I appreciate you getting her back to us, if you ever throw my daughter like a football again, I'll kill you where you stand and still have time to catch her. Do you understand?" He warned, black light flashing within his eyes as spectral energy threatened to spill out at any moment.

“Threats aside, just try harder to do better. You need to learn to deal with stress without breaking under it so easily.” He advised.

As Amaranth gave her own response, not to Deo directly but to Sub, he couldn’t help but to nod along. She had a point. Several of the Snagems had put a great deal of work into self-improvement in a variety of ways over the last year and suddenly, it was like none of that work mattered anymore all because of things beyond their control and completely outside most of their knowledge. While the blue hybrid typically trusted Sub to have thought things through and to have a plan of some kind, sometimes it really felt like he was just taking random stabs in the dark at finding a path toward the future ever since Ein’s downfall.

~~~ ~~~

After handing Libelle off to Lykas, Clare raised their hand into the air, glass appendage helping to make sure attention was drawn to their child-sized form. “I have little to say on this matter. The team I was part of in my original world never had anyone turn traitor, except for me, maybe? Still a little fuzzy on that, honestly, but I can say that making yourself trustworthy is what matters.” They offered up. “You need to be helpful to your teammates, honest with them as much as possible and loyal not only to the cause but to your allies.” They explained. “I got myself blown up trying to figure out if there was a way to get those collars off just to try and help them escape, if you didn’t notice. Not that I’d suggest you or anyone else do the same. I’m still surprised I survived that…”

~~~ ~~~

In the barracks, Odd’s body was changing, still. His physical form flickered and faded in and out of the physical world, his soul’s spiritual frequency destabilized by Dialga’s attacks. It seemed, perhaps, to be trying to find stability once more but there was no telling when, if or even how that might happen right now, considering the Channeler was unconscious and there was no telling when he might awaken.

Darts and Ogerpon clutch their heads in unison as the explosion of noise cascaded across both of them, the gambler's jacket writhing and twitching underneath him as his companion's golden eyes squeeze shut with pain, tan eyelids obscuring as they scrunch up in protest to the offense, sleeve-hands too short to reach her own ears.



They both stumble off the couch and to their feet, just as quickly recovered from the sonic assault as Sub was and both of them found they were feeling pretty fresh, all things considered. Neither had fought Dialga for any extended period of time like some of the other Snagems had, and only Darts had really expended any major energy in that final bid to get them out of the Trick Room.

Moving to place themselves between the front row of the new group of figures and Sub, the gambler had to admit that internally he was not pleased with what was going on, had been going on, and continued to go on. Between the trial, Dialga, Cyrus, whatever was going on with SWIPE, and everything else in between he was in a sour mood and inclined to take some of his draconic temper out on them. Teacher wouldn't be pleased, but that was something Darts was inclined to live with for the moment.

Ogerpon wasn't pleased either, and the Hearthflame mask was burning to showcase that fact, flames licking along the surface of the red-tinted wood. She, however, unlike her master was more upset that she had been put to use with grunt work like KO'ing wild Dugtrio than fighting any worthy opponent. Surely these people in their own strange masks would give her a chance to see real combat.



Ignoring the perceived bubble of their 'personal space' the Giratina hybrid muscles his way into the midst of the technologically advanced quartet. "Hey, hold on a second here." Darts says, tone less than pleased as he addressed Phyco, keeping a little space between the two of them as he attempted to outmuscle the Recon Squad member slightly. "I don't know where you get off barging in here and just interrupting and accusing us of things but we've had a rather lot of that lately." He puts a golden hand on the man's shoulder, firmly enough to send a message. "So why don't you come in with a little more pleases and thank-yous and we'll see what we can do for you then?"

Ogerpon has suddenly had a bad feeling and is not following her trainer full on into the fray. As soon as they had approached, a gnawing caution had swept over the smaller Pokemon. While it wasn't enough to douse her flames of fury and necesitate a switch to another mask, there was a strange sense of... intimidation that this particular foursome brought to the room. Well, if Just Darts thought he had it, it was probably the duty of a good apprentice to watch and learn anyhow and she would just... intervene when necessary like a dutiful apprentice, she decided, keeping her master between the group and herself. She still approached, just... with a slightly Dartsian-shaped shield at the forefront.

In the response to the noise, Keiko and Yuna have to hold their ears down - a task that was easier for the Lopunny hybrid than the Buneary hybrid. Serena, who couldn't hold her own age due to her infancy, grunted in discomfort before starting to quietly cry. Hearing her youngest child's distress, Keiko instinctively activated Return - the Normal-type energy rising off of her body like evaporating water. It was a gentle aura only because Keiko wasn't sure whether the newcomers she sensed as they traversed through their portal were friend or foe.

Keiko watched the newcomers in clear unease as they talked. When I started to make sense of what they were trying to say, I stood up. "C'mon, lemme show you were the beds are," I said calmly to Yuna before I started to leave, not wanting the small children to be involved in whatever was going on. Chaos and Absinthe didn't seem to care about the newcomers, though they mentally prepared to take action if it became evident that a fight would break out.

The sudden noise that blared through the room got an instant reaction from two of the trio. Rachel came running into the room, holding her hands over her ears, while Amber returned from the roof holding her ears, intensely cold air radiating from her as she sent a murderous glance at the four that had just come calling at their HQ. Brian, however, didn't react quite as strongly as might be expected, given the noise. The fact he was partially deaf in one ear might have had something to do with that, as loud noises no longer affected him as much as they used to. Still, his good ear was bombarded with the noise, and he, too, sent a less than friendly look to the quartet that had appeared.

"Who the hell are you freaks?" Amber snapped, her question answered immediately afterward by Phyco. She wasn't at all happy with the way this day had gone; she was even less happy that their supposed safe space was no longer 'safe', according to what the Ultra Recon Squad was saying. "I don't really care what 'crimes' you think we've done," she growled, leveling her gaze at Phyco and the other three. "We have all had a very trying day, and I, for one, am not in the mood to entertain anyone who just waltzes into my home the way you four have just done. So either you clear out and come back when we haven't been through hell and back, or I personally unleash every single one of my Pokemon to send you packing with a message you won't forget." As she was speaking, both Spooky and Arauth were holding Shadow Balls, ready to fire but not yet willing to release them.

Brian and Rachel, on the other hand, were more level-headed, though Rachel felt things could have been handled slightly differently. "What exactly do ye mean when ye say we're quarantined from the rest of Ultra Space?" Brian asked. "This is the first I'm hearing of this Ultra Council, or Ultra Megalopolis. How do we know ye're not secretly agents of SWIPE sent to Furret us out once and for all?" Rachel heard several others claiming to be Sundaria, and she couldn't resist joining in. "Don't listen to those fools," she said, moving a few steps forward. "I'm the one you're looking for. I am Sundaria."

A loud noise would jolt him "Ah! What now?" As he would then go to the crowd and see more officials. "What now? More police officers?" hearing why they are here, he would go into a rant "Why cant we have some (quack) peace when we are arrested for every arceus-(quack) thing under the arceus-(quack) sun and especially happening to us out of all the (honk) people and....." His rant would be interrupted by his own psyduck jumping on him and stuffing a bar of soap in his mouth. Where it would eventually be spat out onto the floor and he would spit some and say "ok! ok!" as he would sulk a little and slink into the background.

"BWAAAHP!"

Ulla quickly covered her ears as she summoned her staff and had it pointing towards the crack in reality. Once the noise vanished, she gripped onto her staff tighter. Not even a moment to relax, and they were already having to deal with another ripple in reality? Once people finally emerged from the ripple, Ulla didn't detect any sort of murderous or harming intent. It was more of a stern authoritative emotion she was feeling. She lowered her guard as the child looked around to see none of her teammates were going on the offensive.

To the one who called themselves 'Phyco'; Ulla listened to the supposed crimes they have committed. She started to tense up as she glanced at Crystal. The child sighed as she was about to step forward but then Darts got in between the rest of Snagem and the Space Cops. She noticed everyone chip in to claim they were Sundaria. I'm pretty sure they already have an idea of who they are looking for... Ulla thought as she noticed Crystal step forward. Ulla tightened her grip on her staff as she walked over and held onto Crystal's arm with her free hand.

"Hold on Mr. Phyco. Ulla Hanabi is my name. If what Crystal said is true about it being over a year. Why only now are you here? From your words...you said U-59 should be under immediate isolation. NOT Snagem of U-59...so is their other individuals that you plan on detaining?" Ulla asked. She knew she was over her head on this, not completely understanding the idea of Ultra Space. But..she knew her team. They wouldn't purposely harm others.

Phyco would remain firm in his position, not allowing Darts to push him out of his space but would also not stop the man from touching him, the commander of the Recon Squad looking down at the golden hand now resting on his shoulder, unflinching in spite of the pressure Darts was bearing down on it. The commander would look towards Sol who appeared to be backing Darts' request for additional politeness, proceeding to tap the side of his visor a few times as he stared at Sol. "DSHH-NS-2004-59, self designated as Sol. Sentient admixture of homo sapien and feng phoenix. Ultra persistence, major. Current threat level, low." He said as if reading off some sort of spreadsheet. He'd then turn back to focus on the man touching him and again tapped on his visor a few times before speaking again. "ATLT-NS-2004-59, self designated as Darts. Sentient admixture of homo sapien, unknown dragon based genetics and anti-matter particles. Faller. Ultra persistence, constant. Current threat level, high. Retract your extremity and cease all physical contact, Darts." Phyco would not wait for his demand to be met, instead a zap of energy would be emitted from the man's suit and violently flow into Darts. It was unlike an electrical shock and instead felt like he was being briefly suffocated, a sensation Darts has no doubt not felt in a long time. The jolt temporarily disrupted his exchange of spiritual energies, eliciting this feeling of 'suffocating'. It would last only a few seconds but long enough to get Phyco's point across.

"Freaks!? Sundaria! Get your-" Zossie began to shout in response to Amber's comment, however her partner, the man named Dulse, would put a hand out in front of her as if to stop her from going after the Froslass hybrid as Zossie took one step forward.

"Temper yourself, Zossie. I'm certain the denizen of this reality meant nothing by their statement." Dulse said as he looked towards Amber, tapping his visor, doing similar to Phyco earlier. "DGFG-GA-9920-59, self designated as Amber. Sentient admixture of homo sapien and yuki onna. Faller. Ultra persistence, minor. Current threat level, medium. Heightened emotion state observed. They are simply upset with the news we are presenting to them, Zossie. Though I do ask the one self designated as Amber to please cease such hostilities." He would however take a small pen-like object off his belt and held it out in front of him, pointing it in the direction of Amber and her Pokemon. As he clicked the top of the pen a quick flash of white light would go off and the Shadow Balls were Pokemon were charging would disappear all together, whatever light that came from his pen dispelling them with ease.

Soliera would smile at Cera and shake her head as others tried to claim they were the one called Sundaria. When the real Sundaria, Crystal, stepped up the woman would give her a little wave. "It appears you made many of a close connection with the denizens of this reality, Sundaria. Or rather, reforged them, considering this is your own reality. I must acknowledge that it appears to have seen better cycles. Its current state is worrisome, is it not?" The woman commented and asked, glancing around as she did. Her eyes would fall upon Freth, Soliera staring at her for a good long while from the moment she spotted her. "...very worrisome."

"It is pleasant to witness you once more, Sundaria. It is-" Phyco began to address Crystal however he'd be cut off by Monique as she began to shout at them. Each of the four squad members would be staring at her as she went on, standing there in silence as if waiting for her to finish.

Once she was finished Dulse would perform his scanner read on Monique. "QBOO-NS-0421-369, self designated as Monique. Sentient admixture of homo sapien and illusion vupes. Faller. Ultra persistence, minor. Current threat level, minor. I see, you are from U-369, one of the Ultra Ruins. It's always appalling to see a reality fall to a UB-05 infestation. While I acknowledge your heightened emotional state I must also state that it is regrettable you would endanger other realities with your presence to spare yourselves. Unauthorized Ultra Space travel is a danger to the greater Ultraverse." Dulse said dismissively before turning his attention back to Crystal, standing at attention and going silent as he waited for Phyco to continue.

Phyco was just about to address Crystal again however Ulla would speak up, the man looking down at the child and listening. "That is a pertinent inquiry, Ulla Hanabi. You are correct insofar that Team Snagem is not being detained, instead U-59 in its entirety is to be quarantined. And with this I shall answer your own inquiry, Sundaria; we have no intentions for individuals outside of those who have posed the greatest threats to this reality's stability, including yourself and ATLT-NS-2004-59." Phyco answered.

"Their self designation is Darts." Soliera leaned in and whispered to Phyco.

"Darts. May the light warm you, Soliera." Phyco thanked his squad mate. "I shall provide further explanation. Anomalies involving this reality have been detected for some time now. It is expected for there to be occasional minor anomalies however this reality has presented far too many, far too frequently. This reality has suffered multiple Ultra Beast intrusions which brought with them several Fallers. Intentionally created Ultra Wormholes as well as inter-dimensional tears into the Distortion World. Multiple instances of time travel and the alteration of future and past events. And widespread distortions of the material space. This reality has suffered such seismic events that the stability of-"

"This place has more holes in it than a Snorlax after a swarm of Buzzwole get a hold of it!" Zossie shouted, throwing her hands up for emphasis.

"...may the light warm you, Zossie..." Phyco said, then clearing his throat before proceeding. "The Ultra Council has decided to deploy our ultimate fail safe to cut off this reality from dimensions and realities to ensure its safety while it is given the time to re-stabilize itself. No further threat of Ultra Beast intrusions and no further ahem...Ultra taxi services, as Zossie called them." He said, looking at Crystal. "As well as no more tears into the Distortion World." This time he looked at Darts. "Almost all denizens of this reality will be free to do as they please while this world is quarantined for five Ultra cycles, which I believe is almost three hundred years on this world. Most will notice no difference."

"And what about the 'denizens' that won't be free?" Sub spoke up, having quietly listened to all this.

"They will be mostly free as well, only mildly inconvenienced. Sundaria and Darts will be required to wear inhibitors at all times to negate their inter-dimensional abilities. Even one more wormhole or tear could spell the collapse of this reality. It is for the best of this one and the greater Ultraverse." Phyco responded.

There's a gasp from the hybrid as he starts to suffocate again for the first time since coming into this body. He'd pant sometimes, by reflex in his exhaustion or exertion, but he didn't actually need to breathe since he'd become a Giratina hybrid. The interruption of his ectokinesis that kept his Ghost-type energies regulated and moving smoothly was, to his body, the equivalent of a gumball down someone's windpipe. It dropped him to his knees quickly, sucking wind for a breath that wouldn't come until whatever charge the suit had shot through him dispersed, letting Darts get his composure back as he pulls himself up to his feet, his jacket wrinkling in obvious discomfort.

"Pion pyo po." Ogerpon commiserates with her master, having come to his side as soon as he had dropped to one knee... though not quite taking him out of the line of fire. I really thought you had them there, Just Darts.

"Unguarded... flattery doesn't really serve you well, apprentice." He manages to groan out, one hand still clasped to his chest as he rises.

"Pon pon." As you say, master. She chirps sweetly, keeping a wary eye on the Ultra Recon Squad as she keeps Darts balanced between herself and them.



The being self-designated as Darts listens in on the rest of the discussions, not loving the facts being presented to him. It sounded like more collars for himself and Crystal, and based on their little show of force a moment ago it didn't seem like they would have any issues holding them down if they made a fuss of things. On the other hand, trying to avoid being pulled into the Distortion World had been a main objective of his since changing over into this body. Maybe he could take this jacket off that anchored him to the world for once... Either way, the gambler wasn't very aggression-adverse but he very much doubted a fight even with him and Ogerpon giving it their best was going to go any way but poorly. They knew too much about his physiology and had eons to plan, seemingly.

"Alright." He says, looking past the scientists at Crystal who had stepped forwards, his red eyes meeting with the intergalactic pools of space that served as hers. His hands come up in a show of appeasement, palms up and wrists together as if to say 'cuff me officer'. "Far be it from me to rip apart this reality, if what you're saying is true as far as the damage we've been causing."