The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Reno]

"Haha! Maybe you're right!" Sora said with a grin. "But could you imagine how spiky my hair would be after?!" As if it wasn't spiky enough!

It wasn't long before they reached the house and Sora found the hidden key hiding under one of the potted plants, unlocking and opening the door.Walking into this house... was going to be hard for awhile yet. Each time he did he was bombarded with memories and feeling and guilt and...

Without mom this place just felt so empty.

He smiled to the bird that had been apart of his life for years, always there when they got home from school to say hello. At least she hadn't changed. "Hey Pidgeot," He greeted right back, petting a wing gently before venturing into the house. It wasn't hard to find his father, working away.

"Hey... dad?" He called to the man, stepping further into the room. "Can we talk?"


Roxas rose an eyebrow, seeing the call not connecting. "What...?" He murmured. Were the lines down - no, even if they were they had an emergency hot line that all calls got transferred too in case of that emergency. He nodded to Axel suggestion. Maybe it was just tied up?

He dialed out the number again, not noticed how his lover's attention failed. But he certainly heard him stomping away and people yelling and griping behind him. "Axel?!" He called, looking over his shoulder.
Unfortunately, the call could not go through at this ti- "Axel!" He called again, dropping the phone back into the hook and pushed out of the chair, carefully darting around the already open crowd to the TV where Axel seemed stuck to it like he had suddenly turned into a Magnemite. "What are yo..." He started to say as he came to his side, eyes darting up at the screen to see what he was looking at.

Then he just... stared.

The headline at the bottom left read Unexpected eruption: Lavaridge Destroyed!
"It truly was a strange happening, as Mt. Chimney has been claimed by scientists as dormant for years, which was why the town dared build itself so close. It is being looked into by experts now and..."
The rest of the words just drowned out, Roxas having to catch himself against the wall as he started to feel nauseous and dizzy. "Oh...Oh my god..."

No... no this couldn't be...
Lavaridge... their home.

[Rikugurl]

The man stopped his work and turned around, looking at his son and the silverette. He sighed as he saw how close they were, seeing their foxes by their side before shaking his head. He placed the picture down before turning to them. "Mmm? What is it Sora?" He asked, his voice weak and low... as if 20 years were knocked off his life all of a sudden.


"Rescuers all over the world were shocked to hear that their headquarters had been destroyed, many in the area coming to help. It seems like Lava cookies will be rare for years to come. We went and asked the leader of the Rescue group for her explanation of things."
The screen showed a woman with bright red hair and green eyes, her face however was covered in soot and her clothes were a bit rugged. On the bottom of the screen, it read: Sera Xipil.

"It really came out of nowhere." She started, a bit disoriented. "Some people said they heard a roar in the night and then a huge explosion. It got darker than dark and we all knew we were in a lot of trouble. Me and my team got all the pokemon out of the town while the Pokecenter took care of the residents. When we found a secure enough place, some went back to salvage what we could. Luckily everyone was accounted for before the lava hit but... but oh my god... I....I can't believe it!"

It went back to the newsman how seemed to shake his head. "They said they all heard a roar before the explosion. Everyone only has one thing on their mind. Could this be caused by the Legendary Entai? And if so, what made it want to erupt this volcano? People have been debating what happened since this morning; putting myth against science. Here's what they had to say:"

The screen went to two people, obviously one who believed in the legends and a scientist who probably didn't... but everything was blocked out and... his numb body couldn't even feel the tears running down his face as he stared up at the tv like a zombie.

[Reno]

Sora noticed the stare and glanced at Riku from the corner of his eyes, his triplet’s nagging voice telling him to step out of the danger zone. He was proud of who he was though and he hated to hide it… was tired of hiding it for so long. Too long. But for the moment, he needed his dad to listen to him, to at least look at him like a son long enough to take the warning seriously. “Riku?” He said to the other male, “Can you go make us some tea?” He knew Riku knew nothing of their house and it seemed a little cruel to have him go searching in the kitchen for things he knew not how to even find, but Riku read beyond that. He knew Sora just wanted a little alone time with his dad.

He thanked the other quietly as he and Umbreon left to the kitchen before he crossed over the living room, sitting down on the couch while he made a motion for his dad to sit in his chair, giving a faint smile. Jolteon paced around a bit before setting himself down under one of their indoor plants, like he used to when he was still an Eevee, to make it feel like he was in a forest.

“Dad… are you doing alright?” He asked softly, worried about him. It was hard enough losing their mom, but he could hardly imagine how his dad felt losing not only his lover and wife but someone he probably considered as his best friend too.


Red eyes glanced over as someone still unfamiliar to this house walked into the kitchen. The only reason she recognized him at all was because of the connection she could sense between him and her one of her young charges. Sora, her master’s eldest child, had always been the easiest to sense and calm when he was a child; Roxas had always been the most difficult mainly because of how he shadowed those emotions. It had taken her a few hours to discover he and that gangly red-head had a thing for each other, when it took her maybe two seconds for Sora and this silverette. Ven had his complicated moments as well, like wanting to be female; she still was uncertain she was even reading that one right. In the end, she had just always been proud that her master trusted her to watch over them at all.

“Kir…lia.” She greeted the man and his Umbreon hesitantly, a plate and towel in her hands. She had been drying it – the chairs of the dining table were spread about the kitchen and leaning against counters, obviously being used as step stools for her. Had she been a Gardevoir, she would have had no problem reaching the cabinets… but she had never wished to evolve.


Roxas came back just in time when he heard a familiar voice, one often filled with kindness and that maternal coo all mothers – even those who weren’t literally mothers – seemed to have. It was a voice that he’d often heard directed to young or hurting Pokemon, those that got rushed in from some high-end mission that were ailing or in need of help or just needed to be calmed down. But this time, though it held a lot of worry, it held none of that reassurance.

It just had fear.

Even still, when his eyes darted up to the screen to see her face – while messy perfectly intact – he felt immense relief. She was alive. And her words were a greater comfort then he could describe. The Pokemon. The people. They were all alright. That meant Absol, and Ninetails… the pups… Thad… oh thank god!

His eyes shut at the hypothesis – of course it was Entei, Ho-oh was doing this – the news reported started to speak of, his throat closing up with the need to cry. Maybe from shock, maybe just from relief. “Thank you Arceus…” He whispered to the Unseen God . They had lost their house… the rescue center… the Lavaridge gym… but compared to what they could have, he could take that loss. Over this past week… he was really starting to realize what was important.
“Axel… Axel come on…” He said softly to his still shell-shocked and crying lover, gently taking his arm and leading him away from the TV he was no longer hearing. He brought him outside, to get some air, and reached up, cupping his face in his hands, turning his head down so they were looking into each other eyes. But he wasn’t really seeing him right now.

“Axel, come on look at me…” He said softly, brushing away the warm tears falling from his eyes. Once the eyes seemed to focus, he smiled up at him shakily, breathing out unsteadily to hold back his own tears. He managed it but just barely, “I-It’s okay Axel… it’s all o-okay. They’re alright… everyone’s fine.”

[Rikugurl]

Riku blinked when he heard his lover, looking down at him as the question was asked. "Hmmm?" It was the making the tea that made him raise an eyebrow. He didn't know where all the stuff was to---

Oh.

"Sure." He nodded as he twiddled his fingers a bit to catch Umbreon's attention before they both walked across the wooden floors towards the kitchen on the right. When he entered, he saw the small Pokemon turn to look at him. She as atop a chair, looking as if she was washing the dishes. At least Sirocco had some help. When she said her shy hello, he smiled at her and walked up. "Good afternoon, Kirlia. You look nice today." He smiled before leaning over so they could be on the same level. "Do you think you can help me make some tea?"


The man sighed as he watched his son sit and motion him over. He couldn't say no... so he slowly walked to his chair, sitting down in it and getting comfortable. He read his news paper in this chair, watched battles and news in this chair. He even babysat in this chair when the boys were too young to get into too much trouble. The chair was worn, but well loved.

"Alright, you ask?" He started, his voice weak and his spirit crumbling. "I'd say I'm.... managing."


Axel didn't even feel his lover pulling him away, didn't even notice that he wasn't staring at the tv anymore. He didn't notice the burst of fresh air and the sounds of cars driving by. None of it. He could hardly see with all the tears in is eyes, on his eyelashes and against his glasses. He wasn't aware that the tears on his face were being washed away, didn't know that he was now looking into blue eyes that held concern and love.

The world around him was dead until---

"Axel, come on look at me…"

Green eyes suddenly flickered, shifting before closing his eyes to release the built up tears. Was it just a bad dream...?
"I-It's okay Axel… it's all o-okay. They're alright… everyone’s fine."
No. It wasn't a bad dream. His birthplace... was destroyed. Gone. Under feet of lava and smoldering. Everything was gone... their house, their little bit of land, their bed, coffee pot, the hot springs, the herb shop, the poke mart, the poke center, the rescue center.... the lava cookies.

All gone.

His childhood was destroyed in hours after all the years he put in.

His face seemed to twist as everything smacked into him again and he couldn't help but grab his lover, pulling him close as he buried his face into Roxas's neck. His glasses fell, hitting the sidewalk but didn't break as he sobs. "Oh Roxas....."


OOC: I'll be on at 5 my time since I'm sure that's when you'll be on but text me if you come on any sooner and I'll be there! ♥

[Reno]

Kirlia blinked but smiled and little and nodded. She handed Riku the mostly dry plate and hopped down from her chair. She walked over to a cabinet, thankfully on the ground and opened it, pointing inside. "Lia!" Inside there was a metal tea kettle but it looked a little too heavy for her. She then pointed to the stove, and nodded. "Kirlia."

It was obvious she had definitely made tea before. She walked away, hopping onto another chair and opened the cabinet and within were cups, before she jumped down and walked to the pantry where the tea stuff would be.


Sora's eyes saddened immensely at his dad's reply - it wasn't like he expected him to jump and say that he was perfectly fine but... it just hurt to see him this way. How could they leave like this?

...But they had to. Blue eyes darted away from his father, glancing at the picture he had been dusting when he had come in. It was a shot of all them from Pokeland, when he and his brothers were still fairly small. It was a whole island that was full of giant, mechanical Pokemon and a few rides at the end of the tour. He smiled a little, looking back at his dad. "I remember that day. You and mom saved up for that trip for a long time. I remember us all fighting over who got to sit next to mom on the Ferris wheel... and to make us stop you decided to buy a whole bunch of tickets so we all got to ride once with mom..."

He drew nervous circles into the coffee table, sighing sadly. "I know it's different... the way you feel to how Roxas or Ven or I feel... how much it hurts... I can't even imagine..." if I had lost Riku. He shook his head, not daring to finish that sentence. His blue eyes met his father's, seeing how aged they were. "But she'll live on in your heart dad. She'll always be there. Your memories of her... the things she taught you the things she showed you... your love of her... they'll always be there."


Roxas' eyes watered some more at the sound of his lover's cries and he curled his arms around the other securely, running his fingers through long red spikes. "Axel.... it's gonna be alright... everything's gonna be fine..."

He blinked away his own rising tears, rocking his lover slightly to give him some comfort. This week alone had been so full of hurt and insanity and strange happenings... He'd lost his mother, didn't even get to mourn fully at her funeral because a ship decided to crash and now he lost his home. Their home.

How much more did the world want to throw at them? Because already a fear was rising in his heart that the report were wrong. already he had the urge to return to that area, to see and make sure everyone was alive...

[Rikugurl]

The silverette stood back up straight before he watched the little pokemon go to the cabinet and opened it, pointing to a tea pot. Riku nodded before walking over, leaning down and taking it before closing the door. He then shifted and put it over the faucet, letting water run into it until it was three quarters full. He then placed the pot on a back burner and turned on the fire, letting the water boil.

He turned to smile, seeing another cabinet door was open, full of cups and mugs. He walked over, grabbing three of the mugs before placing them down on the counter top. By the time he was done, another draw was open across the kitchen, making him walk over to see all the varieties of tea. Wow, the Holani's must of loved tea! There had to be one of each flavor. He looked at all of them, spotting one that might lighten up the mood some.

He grabbed three Pecha herbs from the box and placed one in each mug, making sure the little string was outside. He smiled as he looked down, seeing the little Pokemon look up at him. "Thanks a lot, Kirlia! You were a big help."
The black fox next to him nodded, smiling at the psychic pokemon. Even if they were completely different elements, that didn't mean they couldn't get along! "Breon!"


Sirocco could only look down as Sora brought him to the past. He remembered the day like it was yesterday. They made such a fuss that the only way he could get rid of his headache was to wait and watch them all ride three different times.
What Sora didn't know... was that all three of them became really sleepy when night fell, having worn themselves out. He and Bryna put them in the car, pulled out a storage blanket and cracked the windows. They then went back into the park... and went on the Ferris wheel together.

His boys... they were a handful at times but he loved them all... because Bryna blessed him with them. He didn't know what his middle child was thinking... or how mad he was at him but... he was still...

Slowly he looked up at Sora as he started to speak, tears forming in his eyes as he admitted a shaky sigh. "I....I know Sora...."


"HEY! Did anyone see the news on channel three!?" A girl called as she came rushing in, seeing Aqua, Ven and Terra behind the desk. Hey... they weren't the local rescuers...
Ven peered up from looking for the region map, frowning. "No... what happened---"
"HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS!" Another cry came from the back of the building before Fuu rushed out, looking at all four. "Mt. Chimney erupted and wiped out Lavaridge Town this morning!"


Axel couldn't stop his legs from falling in on him, bringing himself and Roxas down to the pavement. Some people walking stopped as they watched the two, unsure what had happened.

"Roxaaaas..... noooo....." Axel continued to sob, shaking his head in disbelief. It wasn't ok! That mountain wasn't suppose to ever go off! Why... Entai..... Ho-oh.....TEAM ROCKET!?
"UUUUUUUUGH!" He cried, his grip on Roxas becoming tighter.

They were going to pay for this...

[Reno]

"Kirlia," She nodded to them both before glancing towards the kitchen threshold. In the other room she could hear soft talk bouncing back and forth, mostly from the younger. The emotions in the room were still really high, and she had a feeling it would be awhile yet until things felt calm.

"Kirlia... I need you... to do me a favor." A book was handed to her, weary, sick blue eyes looked down at her. "Give these to my boys... and this to my dear Sirocco... when the time is right."

Maybe now... was the right time?

"Kirl." The other walked away from the room, leaving Riku to handle the tea.


Sora looked at his father in concern and he wasn't sure if it was an empathy thing or not, but tears started to well in his eyes too. He sniffled some, rubbing away a tear that started to fall. "I'm... I'm so sorry... I didn't make it here in time dad... That I wasn't here for you or for her... I..." what kind of son did that make him? But this wasn't about him. "Dad I-"

"Kirl!"

"I...er... Kirlia?" Sora asked, a little befuddled at the interruption. His mom's Pokemon - he had seen her shortly during the crash, bringing some supplies from their house for the people, but after that she disappeared again. She had been such a strong presence in his childhood - he even remembered her pushing him and his brothers on the swings! How did it feel for the Pokemon to lose their masters?

The little Pokemon walked over to Sora, setting something slightly heavy in his lap. It was a book, the cover worn and spine with creases in it as if it had been opened many times. She reached up and touched his cheek, a little pink glow emitting from her hand and rippling outwards some. The brunette sat there quietly, feeling as if all of his worries were slowly dissipating, all the mesh of thoughts clearing up. His eyes shut, his body relaxing some - Calm Mind.
He lent back in the couch, carefully opening the cover, and saw what was inside. It was full of paper, every page handwritten.
A Diary.
...His mom's... diary.

She smiled a little before walking over to Sirocco, using Calm Mind again to help him temporarily find some peace. In his own lap she placed an envelope with his name written upon it. But the script was what was familiar.

It was Bryna's handwriting.


"So, we'll want to try here." Terra was saying as he pointed, Aqua circling the area in red. There were so many god damn towns near the water... how were the going to accomplish this? And in time?

He glanced up though, hearing a call and a frantic looking woman ran in, someone unfamiliar but from her dress was obviously a rescuer. The three looked at her inquiringly, but there answer didn't come from her. Everyone whirled around, hearing the call. And at her news... they could only stare.

"...H...Holy fuck..." Terra whispered. But Mount Chimney was dormant! It shouldn't of been able to erupt at all. How could that of...
Of course. Fucking Entei!
His fingers curled in fists. "Fuck!"

"Are you sure?!" Aqua cried in disbelief and not only did Fuujin confirm it, so did the other rescuer who had come in. "How the hell could that even happen?! Oh shit Axel and Roxas..." They were... they were trying to call home right now! They had Pokemon still back there and Axel's Aunt! They... SHIT!

"We better go fucking find them." Terra said. He hesitated however glancing between the two. It was bad enough the town was fucking gone but... he had to know. "Was there.... a fatality count?"


The blonde just let the other hold onto him, letting him cry himself out. He himself was still in a bit of shock. He rubbed Axel's back, feeling how his body shifted as he cried. He understood why Ho-Oh was so angry... but what did he think it would solve trying to hurt everyone, including the Pokemon?!

Once he started to calm he ventured to speak again. "Hey... Axel... we can head back. Right now."

[Rikugurl]

Soft eyes watched the small pokemon walk out of the room, not really worried about what she was doing now. Instead, he watched the water, sighing a bit. What were they going to do? It seemed.... well.... it seemed damn near impossible that they could warn all the ocean dwelling communities about the bad water... AND try to find the baby in time. Fuu had some good ideas... but they took time and that was one thing they didn't really have right now.

Yet... here he was making tea.

in the other room, Sirocco watched Kirlia as she placed her hand on his son's cheek. He knew what she saw doing the minute he saw the red glow and sighed softly. She had really been a big help since Bryna... He blinked, noticing the book that was placed on Sora's lap. He knew that book... from a long time ago. It was about the time they were still newly weds and moving into this very house. He was helping her unpack her things when he picked up that very book and asked her what it was.

That was when she told him she was pregnant... and that was going to be her diary as a wife and a mother. She wrote in it every night since that day. All the way up until a few days ago... when she no longer had the strength to hold anything.

His own thoughts were suddenly calmed when he felt a warmth on his cheek, smiling down at the small Pokemon. "Thank you..." He blinked however when an envelope was placed on his lap. Suddenly, a larger Pokemon flew into the room and landed on the back of the old chair. It was obvious that she perched and even roosted here for her talons fit perfectly in the marks she had made. "Piii?" Her head tilted as she watched her master open the envelope.


Fuu shook her head but continued to frown. "What I heard, all humans and pokemon are accounted for... which is a miracle in itself." The rescuer seemed to agree. "That's what I heard too. I can't imagine what made the mountain blow!"

Blue eyes became dark as he looked at Aqua, Terra and Fuu. They all knew. "Come on! Let's find Axel and Roxas!" He called, grabbing the map and rolling it up quickly before the whole group was out the door, leaving the rescuer behind.

[Reno]

Sora looked at the book nervously, shutting the cover. It felt wrong... to read it. his mother used to tell him when he was a kid to never touch it, that it was rude and an invasion of privacy. He glanced over at his father, seeing him opening an envelope that Kirlia had brought him, recognizing the signature on it.

The papers within where pulled out and unfolded, straightened carefully before his dad looked down at them to read.

Sirocco,

You know I'm not usually ever lost for words, but I'm not even sure how to start this letter. How will I ever fit all the things I wished to tell you in just a few sheets?

Well, unfortunately if you are reading this, then that means I have passed and Kirlia has followed my last order. I suppose I just wanted to write this because I know once this disease gets worse, I won't be able to give you a proper good-bye. the one I really wanted to say out loud, but couldn't think of the words.

I love you Sirocco. My days were filled with happiness because of you. The day you proposed to me - you remember that day? Up in the hot air balloon? - it was one of the most magical I've ever had. And together, we raised a beautiful family. Three boys - all at once! And how proud you were when you got to hold each of them in your arms that day at the hospital... Sirocco that day I knew we were going to last. That we were meant for each other.

I just wish I did have to go so soon. There are so many things I will not get to see. Our sons marrying, grandchildren screaming down our halls. So, Sirocco, though I know it is cruel and unfair, I have a request for you.

Live. Live for all that I will miss. See what I will not. Take care of what is left of us. Please. Our sons need you; our Pokemon need you. I know it is hard and I am certain one day, maybe even soon, our sons are going to tell you secrets that they told neither of us but I have discovered without breathing a word to you. Please, accept them, love them. They are still who they were when they were little and now they will need you now more than ever.

We built this family together Sirocco, please do not let it be torn apart.

I left my diary to them. In it, as you know, are my words and my thoughts ever since I knew I had them. I know I will not see them in time to say a proper goodbye either and this seemed like the best substitute. It will tell them all all the things I wanted them to know.

Darling, please watch over Kirlia for me. She has been my loyal friend for so many years now, and I was happy to raise her. She has promised me to stay with you and do what she can to help and will listen to your orders.

I will dearly miss you, Sirocco. Stay strong my love, death is not the end. All our experiences together, everything we have done and everything we have made still exists. I am not gone as long as you remember me. We will be together again one day.

Loving you, now and beyond,
Bryna


The four hurried from the center, letting Ven led the way since he knew the town and where the center was. It wasn't very far - the rescue center and Pokemon center were usually built close together, in case of animal emergency and Pokemon needed to be spent between one center to another.

Once they got there though, they didn't have to go inside to find them. They didn't have to say a word when they spotted the two sitting on the sidewalk, holding each other.

They already knew.

[Rikugurl]

The man pulled out two sheets, both scribed in beautiful handwriting of his wife. He always had her fill out the checks and write the notes... because he adored her script so much. It had a classy elegance to it...even if they were middle class. They were never poor though. Who needed money when they had such a family and everything they needed.

He swallowed before he started to read the note. It didn't take long for tears to form in his eyes again. His face twisted a few times, actually having to look away every now and then to get a hold of himself. Even still, he made his way through the first page... and then the second. Warm tears ran down his cheek as he pulled his palm up to his mouth, shaking his head.

It was easy to tell when he was finished reading, the papers dropping to his lap before he hunched over. His shoulders started to shake as he began to sob. "Bryna.... Bryna, why?" He choked.
At the same time, Riku came from the kitchen, two mugs of tea in each hand as he looked out across the room. He frowned and stepped back a bit when he saw and heard Sirocco. Seemed like he came at a bad time...

The large bird behind him seemed to slump as well before she fluttered to the floor. A large wing rose as she started to rub her master's back.


Ven's run slowed down as he saw his identical twin on the sidewalk with his lover. They came to a stop not far from, glancing at each other when they weren't sure what to do. It seems like they somehow got the news before it could be delivered.
Blue eyes became dark as a fist was made. How much more fucked up was this week going to get!?

They blinked when the silverette woman walked from their group and over to the two. She slowly reached down, picking up Axel's glasses before placing a hand on his back.

The redhead pulled his face away from the now wet neck of his lover, glancing back to see a blurry view of red eyes looking at him. "F-f-fuu?"
"Yea, it's me.... I'm so sorry...."

[Reno]

Sora sat their quietly while his father slowly read whatever his mother had left to him, biting his lip nervously when his dad started to struggle. He became sad... and worried, when the papers fluttered to the floor and his father started to cry.

"Oh dad..." He whispered softly, standing up and crossing over to his side. He gently placed the pages on the table so they wouldn't get ruined and brought him into a hug. Though it was strange to be the one comforting his father... he knew that he really needed it. He felt the feather's of Pidgeot's wings tickling his arms, but he didn't mind. Tears welled in his eyes and slipped down his cheeks as well. "It's gonna be okay dad..."

"Jooool..." Whined the fox from under the tree, slowly moving from his hiding spot to nuzzle himself against his master's leg.
"Kirl..." The psychic Pokemon sighed sadly - but Bryna had warned her there would be a lot of crying. That even her powers might not be enough for awhile yet.


Roxas pulled away from the red-head some as Fuujin came near, before his shoulders slumped and he looked at his lap. Now Sora, Riku, Aqua, Fuujin, and now Axel and he were all homeless. Would Terra's gym be next? Were the Eevee coins cursing them now?

He placed a hand on his face shaking his head. "Dear Arceus..." He was going to have a fucking meltdown pretty soon.

"Come on you two, lets get off the ground." The blue-haired woman said as kindly as possible as she walked over, offering her hand to help them up.

[Rikugurl]

Riku shifted as he watched the scene, looking away before returning to the kitchen. He placed the tea on the counter and sighed, looking out the window at the sea that still seemed different. He wondered... if this was how his mom was when she found out his dad died. He remembered her crying a lot... but he was sure she kept as much in as possible not to upset him.

His fingers tightened into a fist as he closed his eyes. Umbreon's ears lowered as he looked up at his master. "Umbre...?"
"It's not right.... I understand that the birds are upset that someone took their child but... it's almost as bad for that to happen to what they're doing to innocent people."

He looked down at his fox before sighing. "We have to stop them before they destroy anything else..."
He slowly looked back outside and up at the sky.
Darkrai.... can you do anything to help?


Tears were wiped away and glasses were put back onto the purple tattooed face. Axel sniffed a bit, getting up on his own as Roxas took Aqua's hand and was boosted up.
The silverette sighed but gave the two a weak smile. "We should head to Mauville City to make sure everyone is alright. This is obviously the work of Entai... because they said it was sudden. One of your Absols should of knew about it way before it happened... but they have no idea when a natural disaster is summoned. Maybe we can find more clues there."

Axel nodded slowly as he got himself together. "I need to make sure... the pups are alright."
He could feel a lot of pain in his chest... that he knew wasn't exactly him. They were having problems down at the house... but he wondered if Sora broke the news to their dad that he had to leave the house before something horrible happened to it... and him.

The group stood around for a few minutes, making sure Axel and Roxas got themselves together and were somewhat ok before heading back to the beach and to the house they knew well now. When they got close, Ven stopped and looked at Roxas. "Go ahead." His eyes rolled before he looked away. "Dad said I wasn't allowed inside anymore..."

[Reno]

Sora laid his chin on his father's shoulder as he held him, shutting his eyes. What else could he do? He couldn't erase the hurt... Mom, why did you have to leave? We... We can't manage without you.

The little white and green emotional Pokemon hurried from the room, running to her master and lover's bedroom. She returned a few minutes later and carefully walked up to the two, tapping Sora's side lightly.

The brunette sniffled but looked down at her... and smiled at what she was offering to them now. He took the handkerchiefs carefully, "Thanks..." He remembered his dad used to always carry one around in his pocket when he went to work. He never really understood when he was young. Just knew it was a guy thing.

Some of them were hand sewn though, and that was probably what made them special.


Roxas walked beside Axel his head hung low and his eyes on the floor. Between them their hands swung a little, interlocked for comfort as they got lost in their own thoughts and worries. The day had only just begun, and already he felt so exhausted and worn. He wondered if Absol or Zan could sense the volcano exploding - after all it wouldn't be natural if Entei called for it would it?

He hoped they had though... hoped some sort of warning besides a roar came to them. If that was the case, having one of them nearby would be of great help. Who knew how many troubles they would run into on their journey.

Tired eyes looked up when the rest of the group stopped in front of him. He looked at Ven silently for a few moments, debating whether to argue and snap at Ven that who the fuck cared what dad wanted he had every right to be there. But in the end he couldn't muster the strength for it. "Okay..." He whispered, letting go of Axel's hand and walking up the steps.

He pulled open the door, not expecting to find it locked, and his assumption was correct. He walked into the house and then paused, seeing his dad and brother... wiping their eyes with handkerchiefs. What in the...?

"Hey..." He called his voice emotionless. "It's time to go."

[Rikugurl]

The man sighed as he saw the handkerchief, nodding as he took it. He dabbed his eyes a bit with it before stuffing it into his pocket. Bryna had made those for when he had to work. He always complained that the towels and such were never good when he tried to wipe his brow from sweat. They were either too rough, not durable or didn't do the job. So Bryna sewed him up these... and they were perfect. He brought them with him even if he didn't need it... because it always put a smile on his face when he saw it. That and he knew that no matter how hard the job was, he had a family to feed at home.

He looked up however when he saw his younger come through the door, the look on his face as if he saw a ghost. Had... something else happened. Behind him, he could see the group that his children were a part of... including Ventus...
At Roxas's words though, he frowned and glanced up at Sora. "You're leaving? Where are you going?"
They couldn't possibly be going home again...

Riku turned when he heard Roxas's voice, seeing him in the doorway. Go? But they didn't even have their tea yet! Slowly he walked towards the short blonde and frowned. "Did something else happen?" Roxas didn't say a word... so the silverette slowly slipped behind him and outside where the rest of the group was. He noticed that Axel was paler than usual. "What happened?"

[Reno]

"Uh..." Sora stuttered out, almost having forgotten the reason he came here in the first place. "That's actually what... I needed to talk to you about dad."

The blonde looked away from Riku when he asked, unable to put the events into words. He glanced over at his brother and sighed. "Hurry up Sora, we really have to go." He then turned and walked out of the house where he found Terra explaining to Riku what had happened in Lavaridge. He walked over to Axel, rubbing his arm. "Call up Rapidash Ax~ Let's get her ready to ride."

Blue eyes followed his brother out the door, the brunette frowning. What's wrong Roxas...? He shook his head and looked to his dad. "I... well..." He sighed. "Axel and Roxas and all of us... we have to go on a rescue mission. That storm yesterday, it wasn't normal. And well..." He sighed running a hand through his hair. "Well, I can't really... give out details dad but... the reason I came was to tell you that you might be in danger. Terra says that the news is showing weird uh ocean patterns and is afraid it'll eventually start causing some er... tsunamis... so... that's why I was here. I wanted you to get prepared to get out of here if you need to."