The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Rikugurl]

"Yea..." Kuku smiled as he looked up into violent eyes. He leaned in closer, wrapping his arms around the other and running his fingers through the soft hair.

Riku smiled as he watched them. He didn't feel so... alone. Even complete strangers were... gay. And by the years they seemed to be working, they had accomplished much... and where still together. If they could be together for that long with such a stressful life... him and Sora should have no problem. He nodded, leaning down and planting a soft kiss on his lover's lips.

The woman nodded on the other end as she listened, looking shocked and sad at the same time when she heard their things were lost. "That's odd... There's no other center around the area... and we're pretty secluded out here. Are you sure your things were lost around this area?" When Roxas confirmed it, she seemed to tap her lip... trying to think. "Well, the water currents have become very bad lately and our eyes have been peeled to make sure no trainer or pokemon tries to cross the waters. Other than tha--- Oh! Hold on a moment."

She seemed to turn as a young man walked by the TV. "Sanyi, do you know if anything Team has been spotted around here?"
There was a muffled answered and she nodded. "Oh right!" She turned back to the screen and smiled. "There was something odd that happened a day or so ago. Someone reported seeing a large flying machine at the coast. They said there was a large 'R' painted on the side of it but by the time the police got there, the machine was gone. Other than that, nothing unusually except the water patterns here!"

Fuu nodded when she looked at the records, seeing that many had been filled. More successes than open cases. These guy did a lot of work and it really showed. "Wow... you think they even have a place they call home when they're NOT working?"

Back by the door, the gem was being touched so much that it started to get a bit damp from all the sweat. However, when he heard Terra's voice, blue eyes slowly rolled up to look at the other. He breathed in, about to say something when...
"They said there was a large 'R' painted on the side of it---"
His eyes became dark and he looked away, shoving his hands in his pocket.

[Reno]

Eskel smiled at the attention, leaning down and rubbing their noses together. "Mmmm, I can't wait to go home and get some sleep... and then when we wake up we can take a nice, long warm bath together."

The brunette smiled, shutting his eyes and tipping his head up some to return the light kiss, just enjoying the other's closeness. Yeah, the definitely had a lot of years ahead of them to look forward too together. They could make it work.

"Ah - Yes!" Roxas said not fumbling in the least. "We sent them off a normal mail passage on purpose to trick those who would try and steal them - but it seems they got the better of us this time." She seemed to buy it, but her news didn't seem to be very good until he caught sight a man with dark blue hair walking by in the background, a box in his hands. He paused at her call and his voice he could hardly here - all he caught was 'Yes, Miss Namine', and then the strawberry blonde was looking back at him.

This time.. her news was wonderful. "Ah! Really?! Not long ago, are you certain?" Her heart beat in his chest, hearing her confirm it. "Ah, perfect, the times match! This was exactly what we were looking for, thank you so much Namine! I hope to repay your kindness." It was always good... when the centers could work together like this. They said a quick good-bye, "And be careful of the waters please!" He said before they hung up. He turned to Axel, excited. "We got a lead!"

Aqua chuckled softly at her lover's words, flipping another page... then froze. "Huh... would you look at that." she said softly, running her fingers down the picture of the Pokemon, verifying the name of the trainer that had been embedded into her guilty heart for years. A little Porygon-Z, one she remembered returning... long ago. "I wonder how he's doing."

She never thought... she would miss them all as much as she did. Those Pokemon who had, long ago, saved her life... even after all the horrible things she had done to them.

Sometimes she still dreamt about them, wondered about them. Lopunny, Buizel, Milotic, even Azurill...

And if this was the Porygon then... She flipped the page - yep there it was. Ven's stolen Prinplup. They captured them together on a raid of two travelers... and she had remembered how pissy she was that Ven managed to get the water type before her.
"Well, at least your looks like a fucking duck!"

The sentence from the phone nearby... only made her feel lower. "Jesus..." Of course it was them. It was always them.

Terra waited for the other to say something - then the fateful sentence came that made his lover withdraw again. Ah fuck it all! He ground his teeth down; did they seriously have to deal with those fuckers AGAIN? He didn't think Ven and Aqua deserved a second fucking reminder especially after all the shit they went through to get their lives together.

"Ven..." Terra said, reaching out and rubbing his hand along the other's bare arm but the blonde pulled away violently, making some distance from him. He didn't want any comfort even when he needed it. Too bad Terra didn't fucking care about what he wanted. "Will you stop it?" Terra hissed, grabbing him by the shoulders.

[Rikugurl]

Namine nodded and waved. "I hope you get yours things recovered! Thanks again for the call!" The tv then went out, showing nothing but the Rescue Center emblem. Axel sighed as he shook his head. A 'R' mark huh? That meant that it was Team Rocket again. What was their deal? Couldn't they just let the poor pokemon be? They really went overboard with this one though... stealing a legend's baby! Hopefully... his brother didn't have anything to do with it. Sure.... Reno was his brother... but he could never forgive him...

Not after what he did to all those Pokemon... and his lover.

A hand came up, rubbing Aqua's back as the silverette saw the look in her lover's face. These Pokemon were once hers... and even if she stole them, she didn't treat them like most team members... she made sure they were well taken care of and usually happy.
However, when she heard the others, she frowned. Team Rocket, huh? She had a gut feeling it would be them... or some new Team. Whoever they were, they were going to extremes and they needed to find the baby fast.

It was the yanking of small shoulders that made everyone snap their necks to look at Ven.
"Don't FUCKING TOUCH ME!" He suddenly yelled, pulling away from Terra even more violently than before. "If you're all going after fucking Team Rocket, FUCKING COUNT ME OUT! I'm not going to be fucking accused or fucking asked to do fucking anything! I'd rather this whole FUCKING world blows up than deal with them again!"

He grabbed the door and swung it open before slamming it shut, marching out of the center and back out into the street.

[Reno]

Aqua looked back at Fuujin and smiled faintly - even though she sometimes didn't say much, she often knew just what to do to make her feel better. Too bad the same couldn't be said for the couple not too far away from them.

Heads whirled around quickly at the sudden screams, everyone watching in aghast as Ven just up and yelled at them all before stomping and slamming out of the room like a bloody storm cloud. And all Terra could do for a few moments was stare after him with wide eyes. When he finally caught enough of the situation to pull himself together though, he started to move pulling open the door, "Fuck, Ven wait!!"

He didn't get far before a hand on his arm stopped him and he looked back, glaring at Aqua when he saw her. "No offense to you, lover boy, but I think this genre of topic is more my forte." The two had a silent stare down for a few moments, Terra looking about to bite her head off with an argument... but then he paused and looked away.
"Fine." He finally said, moving aside. She quickly passed him and hurried after the blonde, upsetting the Electrike and Murkrow, not to mention the partially dozing duo on the couch.
"Uh...wha' go'en on?" Eskel slurred. It was the yelling from the phone room that made him straighten more, snapping back to partial attention.

Everyone stood quietly in the room, some staring at the doorway that Terra was looking out at again, his shoulders shaking a little. Why... Why couldn't he fix this? Why did Ven feel the need to... to feel like this when... Why could he make his own fucking lover feel good and confidant in himself?! Why couldn't...
"Terra...?" Sora asked, and even though his tone was soft it seemed so loud in the wake of the silence. "Are you okay...?"
And rather then speaking his inner fears out, how badly he felt like he was failing Ven, failing the person he fucking claimed to love, or how incapable he felt when he needed AQUA to help him with this shit...

He blamed everyone else.
He snarled, looking over his shoulder and his furious blue eyes landed... on Axel. "This is all YOUR fucking fault." The red-head spluttered in confusion, and Roxas stood up next to him, almost protectively.
"Back off Terra." Roxas said curtly.
"Fucking shove it up your ass Roxas!" Terra snapped, roughly shoving him back into the chair and when Sora started to call a protest he snapped a similar insult to him. He came back on Axel, his teeth grinding as he grabbed him by his collar and pushed him against some shelves, a few books falling around them. "What kind of fucking friend are you anyways? Every shitty time you've come and see us, all you have to talk about with him is his fucking past! You think he wants to fucking talk about Rocket anymore? He made a fucking mistake and thanks to you and every other shitty person who just HAS to bring it up, he can't let it fucking go!"

The red-head started to say a protest, his own green eyes narrowed in anger, but Terra quickly cut him off, "Yeah shit face, I get he might be able to fucking help you with some mission or what-fucking-not. But what YOU don't seem to fucking get is he isn't a fucking rescuer like you. It isn't his JOB to give you information, it isn't even his shitty job to CARE. If he knows something, or can help, he might just say something; but you don't have try to rip it out of him. So stop fucking ACTING like he owes this shitting world something, and just fucking act like you a GIVE A DAMN about him as person, not a shitty Rocket!"

If only Ven was here to see this...

The strong brunette let Axel go before spinning around and leaving the room leaving the room in another stretch of silence, eyes slowly turning to Axel.
"Axel?" Sora ventured first, a little concerned when he didn't receive a response back.
"Ax...?" Roxas whispered worriedly, having half the mind to go follow Terra and beat the shit out of him. But not until Axel was alright. "Are you okay?"

"Fucking Arceus," The brunette growled, and rather then heading out the front door he went stomping down the hall, not caring if he had authorization or not. He threw open another door, walking into a warm room, that was full of fake and real plants and Pokemon.
"Hey, are you supposed to be her-"
"No! Fuck off!" He snapped to some random worker as he passed them.

Meanwhile, outside on the streets, a blue-haired woman crossed her arms, walking after the blonde. "So, got your little tighty-whiteys in a bunch? Oh wait NO, their panties now huh? Saw you trip on stage~" She teased, not even being hindered when he yelled back at her. "Ahh, did I make the little girl have her first PMS? They just grow so fast." She just smiled all the way down the street, letting Ven shoot his mouth off all he liked - but the second they passed an alley, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him inside. She forced him around, grabbing him by the the arms and shoved him into the wall, her eyes glaring into his. Heh, and she was still fucking taller too.

"Listen Ven, you think I can forget either?!" Her fingers gripped onto his arms a little harder, almost painfully when her nails dug in, "You think I don't wake up every fucking day and remember I once fucking kicked Glaceon across the floor because I was TOLD to? Because it was all part of the training? You don't think I look at Buizel every once and awhile and feel sick about how I stole some other kids?! It's ne-ver going to go away Ven. Those reminders? They're always going to fucking be there!"

She straightened some, seeming to loom over him, "And sure, you can fucking hate them all you want. You can hate YOURSELF all you want! But you shouldn't fucking let that hurt innocent people and Pokemon if you know you have something in your power to help! You may be nothing but a fucking coordinator in a dress Ven, but you know and I know, you fucking know your way around and through and ABOVE shit like no one else. So if you don't use those little talents to help those who need you, then you're really are no better then before!"

She let him go before backing away walking to the alley... but paused and looked back. "Oh yeah, and I know you play a girl all the time, but I didn't know you fucking were one under there, acting all compliant and shit. You wanna marry Terra? Then why don't you fucking grow a pair, and ask him yourself!" And then she left him there to wallow or whatever the hell he decided he wanted to do.

[Rikugurl]

As Axel's feet hit the ground, more books fell from the shelf and landed loudly on the floor. He was stunned, silent as no words could even be said. He blinked and glanced around the room, seeing Riku let Sora's hand go and flew out the door after Terra. All that were left was Roxas, Sora and Fuu... who all seemed to be as shocked as he was. Fuu however was the first to move, quickly going to the books and picking them up, placing them back on the rack the best he could as Roxas and Sora came closer.

Axel was still shocked... even when he heard his lover called. He... he didn't even say anything... What happened!?
"What did I do...?"

The silverette didn't find Terra too hard to find as he stomped through areas that he wasn't suppose to even be in. "TERRA!" He called before jogging up to him and grabbing his arm. The brunette tried to pull it away violently but oddly enough, Riku used his own strength to counter it. They became locked up, staring each other down. Where Riku got this strength from... only Sora knew.

"Who the FUCK do you think you are!?" Riku yelled, shutting Terra right up. "You can't fucking slam everyone into a wall who pisses you off and think you can get away with it! NOW LISTEN!" His aquamarine eyes glared up into blue, both becoming dark in anger. "I don't know what Axel has said in the past when he and Roxas came to visit or whatever but whatever he says, I know he doesn't mean for it the way it comes out like it does. For fuck sakes, we all know how humble and laid back the guy is! Look... he's been a rescuer how whole life, protecting and saving Pokemon from team after team. Now that he KNOWS someone was in a team, it makes him feel like he has a better chance. Ventus AND Aqua were in Team Rocket... they DO know the organization from the inside out even if they were grunts. If YOU knew someone who use to be a part of a team and that team was involved, YOU would look at them first for some clues. DON'T FUCKING BLAME HIM!"


In the ally way, Ven just watched as Aqua left, speechless as well. He frowned before looking away, down at the dark bricks below him. A sigh pressed form his lips as his eyes closed. How did she know...? She was always like that. She was the planner... always sitting back and looking at the whole picture, analyzing everything and putting it together to make a plan or to come up with an answer. No wonder her and Fuu were together... they were both like that... though Fuu had her head on straight 99% more than Aqua.

"Ven?"

Blue eyes opened and he quickly looked up to see a woman peer over the corner to look at him, a beautiful Mightyena by her side. "Mrs. Tellus!?" He swallowed, watching as she came over to him. "W-what are you doing here? Did you hear anything!?"
The woman only chuckled and nodded a bit. "I heard enough..."
Ven blinked.... before letting out a long sigh. Great.... she at least knew about his days as a rocket or....

"Ven.... I know a lot more about you that you think I do. I know you joined that team because you felt like a failure as trainer... and now you're scared to face that time in your life again...?"
Ven frowned, looking down but didn't say anything.
"Ventus... you're not a great a trainer."
That hurts....
"But it's because you never tried to be when you failed. You never picked yourself back up again. Never tried harder. You only looked for the easy way out... and it's obvious that you're ashamed now. Even to this day... you aren't satisfied in who you are. That's why you hide under a dress and wig...."

Blue eyes widened. She knew he was Venita too!?
"Look Ven... I know Terra likes you a lot.... and he's a head strong boy... Don't make him fight all your battles for you. You're just as strong as he is... but if you keep making excuses for yourself, you'll never find that inner strength. Terra loves people who are true with themselves. Carefree and knowing who they are and don't give a... well.... you know." She chuckled as he ran her fingers through the soft fur of her companion. "Life isn't always sweet and simple. Its these hard times that makes the real you stand out... and proves to yourself and others that you're not afraid of being you. Sure... everyone has weaknesses and faults... but you also have strengths and goals. Those are what makes a great person, Ventus. Now dear, stop running away."

[Reno]

"I...I don't know." Roxas grabbed his hand, rubbing it comfortingly. He honestly wasn't even SURE where that came from; random outbursts like those he always expected from Ven. "You sure your okay?" Once Axel confirmed it he sighed, then growled angrily. "The fuck was that?! It didn't even make any fucking sense."

Sora sighed as he swooped down, helping Fuujin pick up the slight mess, but hearing his brother he shook his head. "Sure it did. To Terra it did."
"Tch, fucking how?"
The brunette placed some books on the shelves then glanced at them. "You remember the day Moltres left and we came to join you? The first thing you assumed was a team got in the way; and the first thing Axel did was ask Ven." He held up a hand to offer peace before they could say anything. "Now I KNOW Axel didn't do it in any malicious way, and I know he was just doing his job - really Axel, I'm not blaming you at all. You need to do what you must to protect Pokemon, and I would of done the same it's just..." He glanced at Roxas. "We know Ven. He gets so high-strung about everything, takes it like it's personal. To Axel he was just doing what he could to help; to Ven it felt like he was being blamed all over again. And I'm sure he told Terra how he felt when he went rushing off like that."

Roxas frowned, and glanced at Axel. He... really hadn't noticed. Had he... truly not been paying as much attention to his brother's as he used to?

"So, now that we've confirmed it's Rocket, Ven got scared and ran under the ruse he's furious - and Terra took it like he saw it cause you know we're guys, we don't really see beyond what we see sometimes. So he attacked the first person he could think of that to him, had offended and hurt Ven. Which was you Axel." The brunette nodded as if it all made sense. "But in fact, it's not Axel who did anything at all. This is an issue Ven has been ignoring that he really needs to work out. On top of all the other stuff that's happened lately with dad and mom, he probably feels overwhelmed and short-circuited, like you and I do, Rox. And Terra probably feels like he's somehow being a bad boyfriend if Ven's not happy all the time or still dealing with these problems and can't admit he feels like he failed him. You know, being a strong-type trainer and all, he hates to show weakness and that seeps into his personality. He has to act like he's in control of everything, that nothing's gonna go wrong. So see, it's simple."

The three stared at him, in various sorts of astonishment or thought, when another voice interrupted their thought patterns. "That sounds about right." Aqua came back into the room sighing some. "Or we could just call them both all around pain in the asses."


Terra growled when he was grabbed, tugging on his caught arm - but was dutifully surprised when he found he couldn't. And then he was further cowed... when the normally quiet, held-back, in the shadows silverette suddenly started to scream at him. He wasn't sure what fucked with his mind more.

He stared at the other for a few longer moments when he was down, then he pulled his arm away, finding the other let him go easily. "Yeah?" He said, his voice a little more controlled. "And what if he's wrong? He might know shit, but things change. What if his information isn't right, and Axel and Roxas up getting hurt, or dying, or some shit like that? You don't think he has enough guilt to deal with? Enough things he feels he supposedly failed at? I'm not... I;m not going to let him fucking feel like this anymore! If that means telling Axel and Roxas to stick their Sherlock-fucking-Holmes noses up their asses then fine!"

He turned away from Riku and huffed. "Fuck, how is it you and Sora had more shitty problems them me and him, and you two are fucking HAPPIER than us?"

[Rikugurl]

Axel looked down, frowning some as he processed what Sora was saying. He was still hiding from the fact of what he did... over five years? That wasn't healthy at all.... no wonder he didn't seem very supportive at first with this whole thing. The only thing he can or wants to wrap his mind around right now... was his mother's death. And that was perfectly alright.... but he couldn't just block the new problem. The WORLD was in need....

But then again... he couldn't force everyone to help. Sure... it would be REALLY helpful but people had their own lives... and even if he and Roxas would give up their life trying to save Pokemon... that was there business. With a sigh, he crossed his arms and nodded. "Gee.... I never looked at it that way. If I knew...."

"It's alright, Axel. We can't assume or think of everything. We're only human." Fuu spoke as she walked over to Aqua. "It's communication on Ven's part that needs work. If something is bothering you enough to hinder you, you should talk to someone about it. That's what I do with Aqua...and I'm sure you do with Roxas and Sora does with Riku. The problem that Terra and Ven had is that Ven is always and forever traveling... and doesn't have the resources to talk to Terra whenever he is feeling down. That and they're both stupidly stubborn."


Riku watched as Terra turned away, his eyes narrowed until he heard the brunette's confession.
What?
He just watched Terra in silence for a moment, that strong protection around him cracking and showing a soft spot. All Riku could do... was smile. "Terra...? What are you talking about? You two are happy together. If you weren't you wouldn't want anything to do with each other. I see the way you look at each other... you're very much in love.... just like the first day you met. Your heart is melting over him just like the first day you came and told us all about Venita."

He walked over to the other, placing his hand on his shoulder. "And he loves you back as much.... but what he needs is someone to listen to him. Someone that sits him down and tells him that it's ok to talk... and he won't be judged. You two need to talk. Communication is the back-bone of any healthy relationship. That and realization that you take things for granted.... until they're gone. That's what happened with me and Sora. Sora left... and I realized that I couldn't be without him.... so we talked... and now we're getting married...."

He smiled at the other and nodded. "There will be bad times... and you can't make everyone happy and be strong for everyone. You need to be there for each other."

[Reno]

At Fuujin's last comment, three of them laughed mostly on Ven's part - well wasn't that the truth! "They, they'll figure it out." Sora said confidently, glancing down at Jolteon. "Love transcends all boundaries and whatnot, right?"
A large smile was on the fox's face at that thought. "Jolt!" After all, he went one step beyond then even the humans - he was dating someone he could never touch.


The brunette was silent, not looking at Riku as he tried to convince him that he and Ven were happy - no, they weren't! It didn't matter how much he loved, how much he sometimes was still fucking head-over-heels for her that every rare once and awhile he still showed that goofy, dreamy, teenager-side of himself that Ven had first met. There were still dinners he took him too that he would swoon over and kiss when he though no one was looking and share dessert with...

But even if he was happy, or though he was happy, was Ven?

The brunette shut his eyes, taking in Riku's piece of advice. Communication, huh? Ugh, neither of them were fans of talking about serious shit...
"What happened...? ....."Terra.... don't fucking hide shit from me."
"Don't fucking worry your pretty head about it. I can fucking handle it."

Or maybe... it was just him. He was probably so wrapped into the idea he led this relationship, that he wasn't allowed to be... weak or scared or that it might even be fucking okay to cry. He thought he was dating a girl, who was obsessed with security and shit. But Ven didn't need that. He didn't need to be treated like a girl, even if he played one 18/6 a week. He needed to be his equal. And that didn't necessarily mean Ven had to reach up and meet him, but that he had to tone it down.

"I guess you're right. Hey thanks R-" He admitted softly, before glancing back at the other, but his sentence never got finished because something very strange caught his eye that made him pause. The silverette seemed a little confused about why he stopped when he looked back, seeing what Terra did.

It was a little yellow mouse holding onto a small blue water can, tipping it over carefully so water rained from the spout over the ground. Behind her, standing up straight, was a tail in the shape of a heart.
".........Is that Pikachu watering flowers?"
At it's species name the ears perked up, an imperfection on the edges of one where some damage had been done so that the tips were frayed or notched-looking, and looked over. "Pi!" She called in surprise, and quickly moved behind a tree trunk as if that would hide her better.

"Yeah that's what she does." Terra and Riku glanced back in surprise, seeing Eskel standing there, his arms crossed and his exhaustion a little more apparent. "Dunno why she does it, but it keeps her happy and doesn't hurt anyone so we've been letting her until we can find her a new home." He glanced towards the tree, smiling when the noticed the mouse peeking around the trunk. When he caught sight of her she squeaked and hid again. He looked back at the two, amused but a little strict-looking. "Now, should you two even be in here?"

[Rikugurl]

Riku blinked when he saw the mouse and smiled. She really was cute. No wonder Raichu was happen when he saw her. He frowned as he heard a familiar voice behind them and looked over. Some blush filled his cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck. "N-no... I suppose not. What's this place for, anyway?"

Before Eskel could explain, another voice came from behind HIM. "Sometimes we rescue pokemon from abusive trainers or owners." A blonde spoke, leaning on the frame as his eyes could hardly stay open. "With cases like that, we place them in here, kind of like a sanctuary of sorts. People aren't allowed in this room very often, giving those Pokemon time to explore and heal their minds. We then slowly bring them into human contact until they realize that not all humans are mean and hurtful. When that happens, they are taken out of the sanctuary and placed up for adoption."

He frowned as he pushed himself off the frame. "No offense but you two coming in here and yelling put us back a few days in some of these pokemon's recovery."

Riku blushed even more, slowly looking around to see a bunch of pokemon hiding, shaking even. "Wow... I'm really sorry!" He swallowed before quickly making his way out of the room, Terra following behind. The door was closed and Kuku locked it before turning to the two again. "Now... if you need anything else, please let us know now or we'll be heading home."

Riku shook his head and smiled. "I think we'll be alright."
"Good. All our supplies are yours so please feel free." Slowly he glanced up at the purple haired man. "Let's go home..."

As they left, someone came in... in which caught the two's eyes. It was Ven.

[Reno]

Terra also had the modesty to look ashamed, looking about at the place. He even caught sight of the Pikachu looking at them again before she hid when his eyes met hers. She was more skittish, but definitely the same Pikachu that had been on the beach that day.

He also caught sight of a Rhydon reaching its horn to some branches, scar marks down its entire back. It made him shudder to think what his trainers did to him to break that tough, nearly impenetrable skin. In a little pool the smaller hiding behind a large one, were the two Lapras. The more protective one had a large scar down her neck, the one behind her had a broken shell. It disgusted him to think... how people could ever harm these creatures so terribly. It was no wonder they were scared.

The one he didn't automatically see or know where he was hiding was the Rotom. But he had a feeling if he looked long enough the usually playful electric ghost would appear. He knew, from the few things Ven had told him, that some trainers - mostly those in teams - hurt their Pokemon physically when they didn't do what they wanted. But some Pokemon, like ghosts, were not easy to hurt, so they attacked their morale and their confidence instead.

And yet, he was still surprised... if all these Pokemon were in sanctuary, that meant Eskel must have been using his styler on all of them - plus the ones he picked up down at the beach - and at the time would be harder to use in stressed situations that cause a lot of negative emotions between the Pokemon and trainer. That meant he was controlling at least a total of seven Pokemon at one time, most through the capture styler. Even he knew... that was pretty fucking amazing. "I apologize," He said softly, feeling guilty - it was him who stomped in here without asking or any regard to what he was doing. He quickly followed Riku out, hoping to ease some of the damage he caused. All he knew was he could fucking do a job like this. He didn't have the patience or temperament for it.

Eskel smiled, following them out but discretely glanced back one last time. It made him happy to see the female Pikachu had scuttled from her spot behind the tree, her head tilted in curiosity as she watched them leave. Thank god... she'd been here for months. And even if there was a slight set back... they could probably find her a home in the next week or so.

He softly shut the door, making sure it didn't make any more loud noises, then turned on the two. He knew Kuku was being strict on them for a good reason, but he was certain now these two were not rescuers... and they just simply didn't know. "Don't worry it's alright. We have set backs all the time with or without help. we'll get them back on track." Sometimes it was as simple as a loud noise that might send a Pokemon running in fear, or a fight amongst them inside there. Some things they couldn't control.

That was when Kuku took over, making sure they would be alright and when it was confirmed he smiled, nodding. "Alright. I wish you all luck on your journey, may Arceus watch over you!" With that sentence of good fortune, he followed after Kuku, both of them calling to their respective Pokemon.

But who passed them on the way out didn't instantly call to their attention, it did for the two others. Blue eyes landed on the blonde, and even if he was fucking naked and had absolutely nothing distinguishing about him to tell everyone who he was, he never would mistake him for Roxas. "...Ven..." Terra said softly, feeling a little uncertain as he walked towards him.

[Rikugurl]

Riku smiled as he saw Terra walk towards the blonde. They would be alright...
Slowly he turned and walked back to the room where the whole mess started, seeing that Aqua had returned and the books were back on the shelf. "Ven's back." He announced as he came in, closing the door behind him. "So... now that we know Team Rocket's involved... where should we start now?"

Fuu frowned as she tilted her head. "Well... we can do one of three things... or maybe two....or all three."
Everyone in the room looked at her. At least they had someone who thought ahead.
"Kanto is the birthplace of Team Rocket... so there must be investigators or police officers that know the group well and even research them. Some might even be monitoring them. Secondly, there isn't many places you can bring a baby legendary without people knowing about it unless it's a secluded area. We should find a map of all the regions and pick out some places where they could hold such a large water Pokemon and secluded enough for no one to know."

She frowned as she looked at the group. "Or thirdly... we can find a Rocket member and try to get the information out of them. Aqua and I being security officers, we can easily act like police... and having that brute Terra around, he can easily scare a grunt into telling us information....."

Axel nodded, thinking of their options. "Another thing we can do is watch the news... and see if any more abnormal things pop up."
"Yea." Riku agreed. "If we do our research, we'll probably get a trail in no time."


Outside, Ven stopped as Terra advanced towards him. When he grew close enough, the blonde sighed but looked up into the blue eyes he knew so well. "I'm sorry Terra... I didn't mean to... get you angry or the others either. I guess I just have a lot on my mind right now..."

[Reno]

"Yeah, but we need to be careful." Roxas put in. "Remember what Terra said this morning, about how the ocean currents are going to start affecting our planet? If we assume that's all fairly accurate, then we're gonna start seeing a lot of abnormal things showing up on TV."

"It is," Aqua clarified, "Geographically wise, out planet does depend on all sorts of systems to maintain equilibrium like air currents and tectonics. Ocean currents are the same way and since they do cover more land space then land itself, it's going to be a big problem. And it's not really the fact that they're out of balance, but rather Lugia changed how they shift so that it changes the rest of the planet's systems. But human activities leave marks, we should be able to tell." She glanced away, humming some. "Since they do have a legendary though, they're going to try and do the same thing they did to Moltres. Get it somewhere it won't die precisely, but can't escape."

Sora frowned some, leaning against Riku. "I just can't figure out why anyone would do this... It's such a terrible thing to do."
"Because some people just don't care." Roxas said simply. "Listen, Sora, you should head home and let dad know what's up, so he's prepared to get out of here in case something worse happens."
"Huh? Well... sure but where are you going?"
"I need to head to the Pokemon Center and get in contact with Sera. The longer it takes us to find Lugia, the worse the world will get right? Well, I figure that means we'll be seeing a LOT of natural disasters... so we're gonna need Absol. Or Zan." He looked back at Axel. "And we can leave the other back there, to watch over the town and stuff."


The brunette hesitated as Ven looked up at him, but at his apology he frowned, rubbing the back of his neck almost nervously. "I know... A lots happened in the past few days. And I guess... I really haven't been all too supportive have I? I mean I know I've been here but... I guess I haven't really been listening."

[Rikugurl]

Riku listened to everyone talk, feeling a bit bad that he didn't have much to contribute at the moment. He kind of wished that he had that old woman's powers right about now... things would be so much easier. Well... not so much but it would damn well come in handy! When he heard Roxas ask Sora to tell him to tell Sirocco, he figured that was where he was going as well. He nodded and followed the brunette out the door. When they walked back into the back room, they could see Ven and Terra still talking by the front door. "Let's not bother them and go out the back."

Axel looked down at Roxas before slapping himself in the face. That's right! He didn't call his aunt yet today to make sure if the pups were born or not... then again... she never called him back either...
"Come on, Rox!" He called, grabbing the blonde's wrist and flew out the door, deciding to take the back exit since Riku and Sora were already heading out.

That left Aqua and Fuu. The silverette looked at her lover and smiled. "Think you can find a map somewhere around here and I'll look online to see if any headlines are abnormal?"


Ven smiled as he rubbed his neck as well before shaking his head. Slowly he walked closer to the man he loved, running his hands up his strong torso. "Let's go on this mission... and when we're done... let's think about.... settling down. I'm tired of spending nights in a hotel without you by my side, Terra." He paused, unsure if he wanted to say what he was about to. "I'm going to.... retire Venita... but she can come and play with you.... any time you want~"


As Riku and Sora rushed down towards the beach to a house they all knew rather well now, Roxas and Axel headed to the Poke center. When they got inside, it was rather busy with trainers in line trying to heal up their pokemon from the gym leader battle. However, they ran towards the back to see that two of the three TV phones were in use. Their run turned into a walk as they glanced at each other. Axel wasn't sure if they should talk about the weather becoming so bad with people around who could hear...

They didn't need any mass panic.

[Reno]

As the room cleared, leaving the two woman behind, Aqua smiled and chuckled, walking over to her. "Well these legs were more meant for sea, but I can certainly do my best." She lent down, giving the woman a sweet kiss on the lips, wrapping her arms around her waist and bringing her close. She hadn't ever expected she'd end up here again, like this, running on a journey of uncertainty and danger to save Pokemon.

But at least this time she had the comfort of knowing... that this time when doomsday seemed to be coming upon them, at least she'd have the comfort of cuddling the person she loved.


Ven's changes of pace surprised him slightly, but he didn't mind the sudden closeness. It was the last bit that really shocked him into silence, his eyes going dark. There was a long enough stretch of time that Ven looked up at him in worry, almost looking afraid he wouldn't be supported.

But that... wasn't it at all.

"And what if..." Terra started to say, his hands curling around Ven's waist, tugging him closing until their bodies were flush against one another's. He tilted up Ven's head, looking down at him intensely. "What if it's just you I always want to come and play with me?"

He had come to a decision as well. If Ven was willing to hang up the dresses, then he would stop chasing her skirts. He wanted Ven to know, from here to fucking forever... that he didn't love that fake ruse he put up for his contests. He never wanted him to feel inferior to his 'other' half. It was bad enough he was a triplet and competed with his brothers... but he didn't want Ven to think he was doing the same with him.

He loved who was there under those dresses and inside that heart. "I love you Ven."


Sora hummed softly as he walked alongside Riku as they headed to his old home, but blinked rapidly suddenly. "Hey! You know what I just noticed?!" The silverette rose an eyebrow, looking at him curiously. "We'll all together again! Just like last time. And this time, it was even more unlikely... with where you and I lived and where Aqua was... but here we are. The seven Eevee coin winners."

He crossed his arms, tilting his head as if the whole thing confounded him. "You know, the first time Rox and I had lunch with Terra and Axel, that was weird enough. Axel thought it was something like fate... and soon we all were together again. It was... weird but... it's like our Eevees give us some sort of special luck. Axel befriended Moltres, and Roxas heard Lugia sing, and Darkrai came to you and saved you. I mean proportionally wise that should be impossible! It's like... phenomenal!"

He hung his head though and sighed. "But maaaan I still never got to see Zapdos or Raikou! I wonder how cool it would be to be shocked by them?"
"E-e-e-e-e." Jolteon laughed; his master was so weird sometimes!


Roxas shared that glance with Axel and smiled lightly to ease his worries. "We'll have to tell her when we make it to another town that's more quiet. Come on, let's just ask about Ninetails and have her transfer one of the Absol to us." He squeezed past the crowd and found, to his relief, a phone open. He sat down, dialing out the number quickly and watching Rotom dance across the screen, making a small smile appear on his face.

He just hoped she answered this time.

[Rikugurl]

Fuu blushed, smiling into the kiss and returning it softly. Now she would be able to help along side those who risked everything to save their pokemon. Sure... she was just a security guard but the courage this group had made her feel adventurous... and wanted to help. Especially now that Aqua would be joining the ride. Besides, they wouldn't have a job until the waters calmed and that wasn't going to happen until Lugia gained her child back.

And here she was... not even knowing that Lugia had a child...or that it was even a girl!


Ven blinked as he was pulled closer but didn't argue it as he looked up into true blue eyes. He heard what Terra said... and he blinked a few times to register it. As he did, tears started to form in his eyes. Terra wouldn't care if he never saw Venita again....? All he cared about was....
"Terra.... I love you too..." He smiled and choked a bit as tear ran down his cheek before hugging him tightly.


Riku rolled his eyes but laughed. "Sora, I don't think Moltres would have enough power to bring you back if Zapdos or Raikou zapped you." He shook his head, enjoying the wind in his long hair as they reached the house. The door was opened, a large wise bird looking to see who was coming in before she pulled up a wing in greeting. "GEOT!" Riku waved to the bird before following Sora into the living room where Sirocco was dusting off some pictures.


The little Rotom continued to dance until it suddenly hit a little brick wall.
Unfortunately, the call could not go through at this time. Please try again in a few minutes.
Axel's eyes narrowed as he looked at the screen. That wasn't right. "Try again, Rox." The blonde nodded and pressed a few buttons before the Rotom started to dance again.

"For those of you who are looking to gain the Heat Badge soon, you'll have to make put it off for quite some time."
The narrow eyes widened as he caught a bit of the TV that hung over the station. He looked back, but his glasses weren't powerful enough to make out the screen from here.
"Last night, Mt. Chimney suddenly erupted out of no where without any signs. The town of Lavaridge had an emergency evacuation---"

Axel was gone like a flash, pushing people and pokemon out of the way and ignoring their cries and angry yells. He got right up to the TV, watching the playback of Mt. Chimney erupting, lava flying everywhere. The redhead's mouth gaped... and the world around him didn't seem to exist anymore...

"The residents of Lavaridge fled all the way to Mauville City in the early hours of this morning. So far, it seems like every person and Pokemon is accounted for. The Rescue team was able to help people and Pokemon alike but they were not able to save their town."
Another image came on the screen, that of a camera from a helicopter. It showed a spot where hot lava had taken over... right where a town was suppose to to be.