As Alec listened to Aaron, he eyed the vicinity around them as they continued making their way north. Still, everything seemed to be in the clear, as there weren't any signs of Team Rocket. There also weren't signs of other dangers either. At first, Alec thought at first that his reasoning for joining was intentional, but Aaron actually confirmed that it wasn't.

He explained further, saying that Littleroot is home, which made sense, given the recent attack on the small town. Alec was still in hiding around that time, which was why he didn't do much. If one thought of his current situation in regard to being reinstated as a Gym Leader, that was also something he considered 'unintentional'. It wasn't like he had asked for his job back, let alone expecting it to happen. It just ... did. Not gonna lie, Alec confessed to himself that his sudden reinstatement concerned him quite a bit, As Alec believed that it was just a way for the Higher-Ups to keep tabs on him. Despite them having a good reason to do so, it was like he was secretly on house arrest.

Yet, they decided it'd still be a good idea for him to be a part of this battle, despite his obsession for revenge. Alec gave up on trying to understand the reason behind those that were above him. "I guess that makes sense," Alec started to say. "us Gym Leaders that are here on the front lines didn't have a say in the matter. Regardless, I wanted to be here too." Alec said, his hand gripped tightly as he walked. Aaron knew that Alec wanted nothing more than to rid the region of Team Rocket; not just because of his occupation either.

It was more personal than that. After all, they did try to kill him. "If I could, I'd kill each and every single one of them," he thought to himself. Aaron's statement shot him back to reality, prompting him to speak again. "Hatred can do many things to someone - even make them do things they thought they'd never do," Alec said, talking from personal experience. Alec was even sure that there were those among the opposition who fought with hate as well. Alec wasn't naive to the notion that those among Team Rocket joined them because Society failed them. However, Alec believed that in so doing, they had just given up completely. To him, that was a poor excuse. Throwing your life away all because society rejected you? Alec considered that reasoning flawed, despite the fact that perhaps the League itself was part of the blame.

Did Alec believe that the League was open to change due to their past mistakes? Honestly ... Alec didn't know the answer to that question.

---

Notes: Cargo mission #1
- IC Post (10 MP)
MP Total: 30 MP

Alec wasn't really surprised with Aaron's callous nature, however, it was definitely something that the kid needed to work on. He understood that he was tough, but that didn't mean for him to be an asshat to everyone he met. However, before Alec could say anything, they were under attack, having come across a Checkpoint, which was set up by Team Rocket. Alec, a little irritated by the small setback, quickly brought outa Yanmega from one of the Pokeballs that was attached to his belt.

After bringing out the Yanmega, it flew ahead with Alec following after him. Despite Aaron's Scizor taking care of whatever fired the barrage of EMBERS, more attacks were being fired, managing to pass through Alec and Aaron's Scizor, heading straight toward Aaron. That was when Inferno stepped in front of Aaron, casting PROTECT, forming a barrier of energy around him and Aaron, shielding them both from harm. As Alec had rushed ahead, a Houndour jumped forth attempting to attack him.

Alec quickly pulled out a STICKY GLOB from his pocket, throwing it at the Houndour's face, obstructing it's view, while also having it stick to ground, due to the fact that it's face hit the ground hard. Tonbo then released a BUG BUZZ, making a supersonic wave of sound that came from the fast vibrations of it's wings, disorienting all enemies around them. This would give Aaron's Scizor time to come in and attack as well, along with Inferno. Even though Veta would stay with the cargo, Alec was confident enough that she could handle herself without Alec needing to look after her. Besides, she'd be able to keep the Cargo from getting damaged or stolen all on her own as well.

---

Aaron Toral
Notes: Cargo mission #1
- IC Post (10 MP)
- Using a Sticky Glob (10 MP - 2/2)
- Assisting another character and/or their pokemon (10 MP)
MP Total: 60 MP

After the battle was 'seemingly' over, the Rocket Grunts that were in front of them were lined up. When Aaron asked Alec what they were going to do them, Alec had truly thought of just killing each and every single one of them and take their own supplies, adding it to the cargo they were responsible for shipping. However, Alec thought of something. He wanted to know what they were up to, and he wouldn't be able to find out if they were all dead, would he? Of course not.

"Question them. Make sure you get any information out of them ... by any means necessary," Alec said, randomly picking up one of the grunts by their throat, dragging them away to question him privately. Once Alec and the grunt he was dragging were out of view he tossed the man in front of him, giving him at least a moment to catch his breath. Inferno, Tonbo, and Veta were now beside him, not worrying all too much about the cargo being unattended for. Aaron was close by it, able to watch over it while Alec had his little chat with the grunt he took from the group.

The gym leader bent down on one knee and gave the Rocket Grunt a look that was so frighteningly calm the man moved back bit, terrified. "Tell me, What are you after here?" Alec asked. Alec even got up, allowing the Rocket Grunt to do the same. However, he was silent, obviously not willing to cooperate. That was when out of nowhere, a Houndoom appeared, firing a FLAMETHROWER Attack. Inferno used PROTECT, shielding him and Alec from the flames. Veta dodged, however, Tonbo wasn't so lucky, taking a nasty hit from it, getting knocked out.

Alec silently fumed, deciding to not waste any more time. If he didn't want to cooperate, then so be it. Alec was done trying to reason with someone who was just going to try and kill him and Aaron anyway. Alec first activated his TERA ORB first, then once Veta had fully Terastallized, he activated his MEGA GLOVE. "Deal with them" was all Alec said to his two dragons as he recalled his Yanmega back to it's Pokeball. The Dragonite disappeared within a blink of an eye, using EXTREMESPEED to attack the Houndoom from behind, only for it to be pummeled into the ground by a single yet powerful DYNAMIC PUNCH from Inferno in its Mega-Evolved state. As Alec recalled his Charizard; simultaneously recalling his Charizard, the scream from the Rocket Grunt was heard from behind him as Veta encased the man fully in ice from an ICE BEAM. He looked at Aaron and said, "I think we're done here. Let's get going," He said to him, wasting no time in grabbing some Rocket's Supplies that they had just lying around.

---

Aaron Toral
Notes: Cargo mission #1
- IC Post (10 MP)
- Used Terastallization (10 MP)
- Used Mega Evolution (10 MP)
- Pokemon got KO'd (50 MP)
MP Total: 140 MP

As Alec and Aaron departed once again, Josh couldn't help but smile, gently ruffling aaron's hair, reassuring him by saying, "Don't worry, Aaron. You'll get more chances to crush a lot more toes, fingers, and whatever else that belongs to a Rocket Grunt in the near future," giving the kid a gentle smile. to be honest, if Alec were Aaron's age, he'd probably pout about the same thing too. As they continued further north, Alec blinked as Aaron's question regarding Matais.

"Well, truth is, that's the really the only thing I know about him. Aside from his obvious last name of course." Alec said truthfully. It was apparent that MATIAS SILPH was related to Fernando. "Why do ya ask?" Alec said in a slightly curious tone. Was there something that he should know? Other than what was publicly known about him anyway. Alec would listen to Aaron's answer, regardless of what it was. But shortly after the boy would give his answer, regardless of what it was, they were stopped at yet another checkpoint. However, this one was their actual destination.

"Relax, it's me," Alec said to the guards. "Alec Foster - Here with the supplies ya needed. Even managed to get some more from some Rockets along the way with Aaron's help," Alec said to the guards. As they had begun taking the cargo shipment, Alec recalled his dragonite back to her pokeball. He then turned to Aaron and said to him, "Well, looks like we completed our mission. We should rest up while we can before heading out."

---

Aaron Toral
Notes: Cargo mission #1
- IC Post (10 MP)
- Mission Participation (50 MP)
- Mission Completion (100 MP)
- Mission Success (200 MP)
MP Total: 500 MP