It was an awful display that, thankfully, Hideo couldn't see. And Uxie knew better than to describe it to him - though it didn't avert its gaze.

Hideo could hear the panicked screams of the simulated onlookers, and felt a good deal of discomfort; he knew they weren't real - nor was the man Freya just killed, by the victim's own admittance - but it sounded realistic enough.

And Freya's distaste for the woman who made AQUA didn't help matters. Hideo knew better than to ask any more details on that subject, even if curiosity was swimming in his mind.

"...guess AQUA at least gives people something to look up to. Even if it's not as glamorous as it looks. And the incentives do sound nice."

Health insurance, a paycheck - both were things he already had as a Gym Leader. Protection was probably the main thing he'd get out of it - mainly for his family.

"...hope we don't have to deal with simulated police now…"

freya morningstar

Fortunately, Freya was right; the simulation shifted before there could be any simulated retaliation for the simulated murder that was just committed.

By the wooden footing, the rocking underneath them, and the sound of the waves, Hideo realized which simulation they were in now - and he was not excited for some seasickness.

"As it should be," he said, his hands searching for something to lean on - settling on the mast of the ship. "You think the people in it make it a good thing? Something to look up to?"

He didn't know everyone that was involved with AQUA - though he did know Melody Miro , John Sullivan , and Navy were in it, and he trusted them well.

"Also…Thundurus is gonna appear soon. I've done this one before."

freya morningstar

There was a bit of comfort, knowing that at least most of the people in AQUA were good people. The ones he knew from it were good people - though he didn't know many AQUA members to begin with.

His faith wouldn't have to be plagued with doubts.

As Thundurus descended from the clouds, and Freya set out one of her Pokemon, Uxie floated to face it. It may be smaller than both Thundurus and the dragon Freya let out, but it was no less a threat than the legendary before them.

Hideo stayed where he was, trying to manage the onset of seasickness.

"I'll…keep that in mind. I was always worried if Uxie became known to the League, they might try to force it to help them out. But nobody's really asked for its help yet."

Actually getting direct help from Uxie would be a challenge of its own.

Battle it +100 points

freya morningstar

Understanding Uxie's motives proved to be a fruitless endeavor a while ago - but Freya's words did bring a smile to Hideo's face. At the very least, he could trust that Uxie was on his side. Same for Mesprit, and he could trust Azelf would be the same.

Upon hearing Freya let out a lot more Pokemon, Hideo reached to take out some of his own.

But before he could take any out, a wayward lightning strike struck the mast he'd held. His own hand was safe, but the mast wasn't so lucky. Hideo let go, just as a wave struck their ship.

He was certain he heard Freya shout to him - but it was hard to focus between the storm, the fight, and his body sliding back - and off the ship.

The water was cold. So much colder than that simulated lake Azelf was in. He didn't struggle, knowing this was still just a simulation, even as the cold saltwater soaked every part of him and his breath threatened to leave him.

He'd drowned before, so many times before. This would just be another on the list of faux deaths.

Yet, he could feel a hand grab onto his, pulling him up from the water. A small hand, one he was familiar with, enveloping him in a Mystical Power.

But maybe Uxie's with you because it needs to protect you.

Sink Into the Depths

freya morningstar