The group heads to Lake Valor, as you know, and find something... unexpected.
=============
Doing the planned route, the group arrives at Lake Valor, home of Azelf. They quickly noticed an aircraft carrier stranded on the lake, blocking the entrance to the cave.
"Hmmm... I wasn't expecting this...", commented Frostwraith.
"Well, that ship is blocking our way to the cave. Does anyone have any ideas?", said Luco.
"Lady Palutena has spoken to Master Hand about that ship...", told Pit.
"It's known as BlackNoah.", added Dark Pit.
"BlackNoah? That name seems familiar...", said Frostwraith.
"What do you think it is?", asked Ark.
"Let me see... hmm...", said Frostwraith as he tried to remember himself of his numerous travels. "BlackNoah... an aircraft carrier owned by a man named Rugal Bernstein."
"Who's that?", asked Xiroey.
"From what I know, he's an arms dealer and a dangerous criminal with high influence on his world.", began Frostwraith.
"So, he may be one of the Dark Ones?", asked Ness.
"Let's say that isn't out of the realm of possibilities... anyway, he's not going to aid us at all. I've heard that he likes to fight and kill for sport. He often turns his opposers into statues by soaking them in liquid metal.", further explained Frostwraith.
"That's disturbing.", commented Luco.
"You haven't heard this tale yet, then. He once went to a base and murdered everyone inside. He had no reason for that other than show off. The sole survivor of this massacre lost an eye and was eventually found by Rugal himself again."
"Let me guess... he killed him too?", said Xiroey.
"Worse than that. Being... displeased... by his victim to add him to his 'collection', he murdered that man's wife and children as a compensation."
"Who would do such an hideous act?", questioned Luco.
"Rugal Bernstein, the man I just told about and the owner of that ship over there. And to see his ship outside his home world... it means one thing."
"He's one of the Dark Ones!", concluded Crono.
"Exactly... didn't I say that wasn't out of the realm of possibilities? He was likely sent here to find Azelf."
"What are we supposed to do then?", asked Pit.
"Isn't it obvious? We are going to board that ship and face off against Rugal. I should warn you: he's no pushover. As a fighter, he has the ability to absorb power from his opponents. He won't go easy against us.", warned Frostwraith.
♪
Kid Icarus: Uprising - In the Space-Pirate Ship ♪
The group entered the ship, which was heavily guarded by Rugal's henchmen. Despite Rugal's henchmen outnumbering the group, the group had the advantage thanks to their many powers combined.
"Chandelure, burn them!", ordered Frostwraith at his Pokémon, who easily defeated Rugal's minions with his fiery moves.
"These guys don't seem much of a threat.", commented Luco.
"Sure, they have good firepower, but our magic abilities outperform them easily.", agreed Frostwraith.
Richard, Pit and Dark Pit relied on their shooting weapons to fight against minions that would attack from behind. Frostwraith, Luco and Mew helped the group by creating barriers to block the incoming bullets.
After defeating many of Rugal's henchmen, they moved further into the ship and found themselves dealing with Underworld troops. Tetra, riding the Helmaroc King, charged at the troops, defeating them in the process.
"Rugal's room should be close...", said Frostwraith.
After moping the Underworld forces there, the group finally arrives at Rugal's room.
"So, you are the ones who raided the ship... let me guess... one of you goes by the name of Frostwraith.", said Rugal.
"That would be me. I assume that negotiating with someone like you is a death wish, isn't it?", answered Frostwraith.
"Just as the Master describes... Since you're all here... I would think of adding the whole bunch of you to my collection..."
"You wish... since you won't move the ship from this place, I will use force to pave my way through!", said Frostwraith, preparing to battle.
"As much as I am interested in beating you to death, I have strict orders from my Master to keep you alive. So, why don't you send one of your lackeys to face against me?", asked Rugal with a devilish smile.
"So... who wants to step up?", asked Frostwraith.
"This guy is in our way! He's getting ready for a RAWKING!", said Rawk Hawk in his loud voice. "No one threatens this group without fearing the Rawk! The Feral Nuclear Reactor is about to RAWK you!"
"How amusing... let's get started then, birdy.", said Rugal, mocking Rawk Hawk.
-----------------
Crime Lord
RUGAL BERNSTEIN
♪
The King of Fighters '94 - Kettou R&D ♪
Rawk Hawk quickly started the fight with a powerful suplex, knocking Rugal to the floor.
Rugal was clearly not giving his all, attacking Rawk Hawk with light blows.
"What kind of weakling is this?", yelled Rawk Hawk.
Rugal continued his slow paced fighting, giving many opportunities to Rawk Hawk to attack. Frostwraith noted something a little off, but remained silent, watching the fight.
"Har har har har HAR! This fellow is pathetic! Clearly, I am the superior fighter! The one and only Rawk Hawk!"
Rawk Hawk grabbed Rugal and made another suplex, knocking Rugal down.
"Har har HAR! Did you see that RAWKING?! I am the winner here! Har har!"
"I have toyed enough with you, birdy... ha ha ha...", said Rugal as he got up and took out his jacket.
♪
The King of Fighters '94 - Ketsutou R&D ♪
"Let's get serious!", yelled Rugal.
"Ready for another RAWKING! HAR HAR HAR! How pathetic!", said Rawk Hawk as he recklessly charged against Rugal.
"Genocide Cutter!", yelled Rugal, while using his signature kick uppercut attack, knocking out Rawk Hawk instantly.
"What just happened?!", said Pit in shock.
"His Genocide Cutter... his most powerful move... few people can stand against that brutal attack.", explained Frostwraith.
"Who's next?", said Rugal.
"That would be me.", said Richard.
"You? Ah, another one wishing to join my collection, I see."
"Your crimes will be punished now!", yelled Richard attacking him at blinding speed, while Rugal was off-guard.
Managing to avoid most of Rugal's attack, Richard had the advantage against the Dark One.
Rugal used his Reppuken and Kasier Wave projectiles to attack at a distance and began to use some of Rawk Hawk's moves as well.
A few minutes later, Richard was already bleeding from the blows he was taking from Rugal, but he resisted and managed to land some of his moves on Rugal as well.
Rugal began to charge at Richard attempting to grab him, but Richard predicted the move and countered with a low kick, knocking Rugal, who was bleeding as well. They continued to exchange blows, and eventually Rugal was finally defeated.
--------------
Richard was bleeding heavily, requiring Luco's help to heal him. Rawk Hawk was unconscious and was taken to Final Destination.
As the group was leaving Rugal's room, Rugal pushed a button.
"If I am... to die... you die... as well... urrghh...", muttered Rugal.
"WARNING! CARRIER'S SELF-DESTRUCTION PROTOCOL ACTIVATED. IT WILL DETONATE IN 5 MINUTES. PLEASE EVACUATE THE CARRIER IMMEDIATLY."
♪
Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Vs. Ridley ♪
"Damn... this ship is equipped with a Magic Seal mechanism! I can't use portals! We have to get out of here quickly!", warned Frostwraith.
The group ran as fast as possible. Arriving at an outside part, they quickly relied on flying Pokémon to transport the team members out of the ship.
"That was close!", said Luco, relieved.
The ship blew up and the group headed inside the cave.
♪
Pokémon Diamond / Pearl - Lake Cave ♪
"Uxie... what are you doing here?", reacted Azelf at Uxie's presence.
"We need you and Mesprit... Arceus demands it...", Uxie responded.
"The dimensions are in danger... you need Palkia... certain...?", said Azelf as it read the group members' minds. "We cannot dawdle then..."
==================
Extensive part, huh?
==================
By the way, here are the current team members.
[COLLAPSE="Current team members"]Frostwraith
Cynthia
Pit
Dark Pit
Frostwraith's Pokémon team: Chandelure, Hydreigon, Golurk, Haunter, Gengar, Rotom, Umbreon, Houndoom, Froslass and Zoroark (Shiny)
Cynthia's Pokémon team: Spiritomb, Milotic, Lucario, Eelektross, Braviary, Glaceon, Togekiss, Roserade and Garchomp
Luco
Richard
Albert Wesker
Crono's party: Crono, Lucca, Magus, Marle, Frog, Ayla and Robo
Ness's party: Ness, Paula, Jeff and Poo
Lucas's party: Lucas, Kumatora, Duster and Boney
Ninten's party: Ninten, Ana, Loid and Teddy
Luco's Pokémon team: Pikachu, Lucario, Charizard and Luxray
Xiroey
Mew
Xatu
Rawk Hawk
Shellshockers
Regirock
Uxie
Azelf
Celebi
Alder
Alder's Pokémon team: Accelgor, Braviary, Escavalier, Vanilluxe, Drudiggon, Bouffalant, Conkeldurr, Reuniclus, Chandelure, Krookodile and Volcarona
Tetra
Helmaroc King
Ark[/COLLAPSE]
Arceus, Master Hand, Palutena, Dyntos and Dialga are in Final Destination, watching over the group.