The Tale of Seven: Kidnapped Hope

[Rikugurl]

The redhead looked at the blonde coming close before he nodded. He reached down towards a pokeball, not having to look for he knew which one was which. He pressed the button to expand it before opening it, an energy coming out to form the brilliant fire horse again. "RAAAAAAA!!" She neighed as she pushed onto her back legs and kicked her front a bit before getting back on all fours, shaking her head. Axel pulled the backpack from his back and pulled out her reins. "Time to ride again girl..." He said softly before rubbing her nose. She seemed to be a bit happy... but she could sense the gloom in her master. "Daaaash."

Riku shook his head when Terra finished, sighing softly. "That's horrible. We have less time than we thought."
There was another energy creation next to him. That of a paler flygon who was also a tad bit smaller. "Gon!" She called, her wings beating to make a song as she looked around. However, when she saw the harness, she sighed softly but nodded. She'd try her best!

Fuu blushed a bit as she watched everyone take out their traveling Pokemon before glancing at Aqua. "You don't mind something big and loud do you?"


Sirocco blinked as he looked up at his son. "A....a tsunami?" He was shocked but shook his head. "It figures... bad things always come in three. I have one more thing to worry about... and I'm sure a tsunami will fit well." Slowly he stood and looked down at Sora. "Thank you Sora. I hope your mission will be a success like last time. I'll keep... living." A small smile ran over his lips as he brought his son into a hug. "I'll contact my sister in Saffron City to see if I can stay with her until the water calms."

He pulled away and looked at Pidgeot and Kirlia, smiling at both. "Do you think either could help you along your journey? You are free to bring them with you if they will come in hand."

[Reno]

Roxas looked at the horse as she appeared, sighing softly and reaching out, running his fingers along her flank. Even if she loved to run, he still felt badly for having her race them around all over the world. And he knew, whether if he or Axel had the reins in their hands, their first destination was going to make them drive her far into the night – if the other’s didn’t manage to stop them.

“Yeah…” Terra sighed then glanced over his shoulder, frowning at how the sea roared and rolled in over itself, vicious in its entirety even without any wind driving it on. This was Lugia’s doing. Fucking Entei was making volcanos go off. What was next? Would Suicune gust down some forests? Would Ho-oh burn them to the ground? Zapdos, Raikou, Articuno… “The legendaries control our world. And we’ve got about a third of them more pissed off than they’ve ever been. We’re really fucking screwed…”

He sighed when he saw what Ven was up to and grabbed Flygon’s Pokeball from his belt. The second dragon appeared, larger then Ven’s and darker in shade. The green dragon looked about, blinking but grew excited when Ven took out his harness and reins as well. “Fly!” He lowered his head, letting the other fit it around his neck.
Terra grumbled, “Don’t get too excited you’re flying with me.”
“Gooooon” The dragon started to complain but gagged when Terra yanked his reins some. This trip was going to be a long one, and Moana didn’t have anywhere near the stamina Flygon did. It was bad enough asking her to fly so much; she really didn’t need the extra weight too.
“Stop bitching.”

Aqua glanced over at Fuujin, then grinned in amusement. “Who’s that?” She teased, “Terra? Cause he’s definitely loud and I know he’s pretty chubby…” She grinned more when she caught said brunette flipping her off. God, she loved messing with him! She curled around arms around the woman’s waist and smiled. “’Course I don’t mind.”


Sora swallowed as his dad took the information – surprisingly without question. It wasn’t as if he was going to stray him wrong, and maybe he realized they were in a rush… but it still worried him. Of course, after all that had happened, he didn’t expect his father to act anything like himself. He glanced up at him though (why didn’t he or his brothers get any tall genes, seriously?) but smiled as he was brought into the hug, happily returning it. “Alright dad, tell auntie I said hello.”

They both pulled away, but he looked towards the two Pokemon as well at the offer. The little green and white psychic smiled, almost hopefully. She always did like helping. “Kiiiirl??” But… her talents were his mother’s. Empathy, housework, and caring. As much as he would love her company… he had a feeling his dad needed her more. And… this mission was dangerous, more dangerous than the one before.

He glanced at his dad before he walked over to Kirlia, kneeling down to look at her. “Thanks for being willing Lia, but it’s dangerous and I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
“Liii…” She sighed in disappointment.
“Hey, it’s alright. You’ll be in charge of watching over dad.” The brunette smiled. “Take care of him, alright?”
“Kirlia!”

He stood and looked to Pidgeot, brushing his hand down the long plume of red and yellow feathers coming from her head. He knew she was a strong bird, could even fly through storm winds, but that was why he thought she should stay too. “You too Pidgeot. Things are gonna get rough with the weather all over, dad might need your help getting through it. I know you’ll protect them.” The bird cooed to him lightly, and he gave her another pet before looking back at his dad. “I’ll stay in touch, promise. Every town we stop at, I’ll let you know what’s up.”

He smiled, before picking up the diary from the table, walking to the door that was left open by his brother, Jolteon at his side. He hesitated at the doorway, seeing everyone else getting ready to leave and looked back, giving his father one last smile. “Love ya dad, I’ll see you soon.” The brunette left the house, walking down the porch steps and out onto the beach sand.

His eyes rose however when a VERY large Pokemon made of rock and steel appeared, so heavy the ground depressed around him. “Wow…” He breathed, bit reached for his own racing Pokemon on his belt.
“Jol…” The electric type said beside him, looking up at the ground and steel type. Well, hopefully he was on their side, because he had no chance if he was looking for a fight! He scooted closer to Umbreon while their masters got Arcanine ready.

The brunette carefully secured the tiger dog’s collar, hearing the jingle of the crown shaped pendant with his message etched into it. He looked over her to where Riku was securing their things around her, the look on his face grim, then across towards where his brother was tightening a saddle around Rapidash. Both he and Axel looked pale and worried. “Ri…? What happened?” The silverette looked up at him about to respond, but the blonde he had been looking towards interrupted.

“Rapidash is taking the lead.” Roxas announced as he and Axel recalled their foxes and pulled themselves up on the horse, his voice strangely monotone. That… was a very bad sign. “We know the shortest route there.” His blue eyes darted past them, up towards the house where a familiar man stood, watching them. “Take care of yourself dad.” The reins were snapped and suddenly they were off.

“HEY! WAIT UP!” Aqua snapped, recalling Glaceon quickly.
“FUCK!” Terra growled as he got on his dragon. Wings fluttered musically and suddenly they were in the air, a dust cloud rising in his wake.
“Ahhh – Damn!” Sora cursed, scrambling to recall Jolteon and get on his loyal companion’s back, feeling Riku’s arms wrap around his waist shortly after. “See you dad!!” He kicked in his heels and they took off, hurrying after the horse who already had a led. What was the rush?!

[Rikugurl]

Fuu's eyes widened a bit but she couldn't help but chuckle when she heard her lover's joke about Terra. How did they come to tease each other all the time? She shook her head and laughed. "No... He has more manners than that." He heard Terra grunt again before reaching for a pokeball, tossing it out to energize.... something HUGE.
"STEEEEEEEEEEEEL!" He called, his narrow dark eyes looking around at the beech and town. The sun's rays beamed off him, making some kids far away playing hide their eyes and run off.

He looked down at his master, and the woman she was standing next to. "Liiiiix..."
Fuu smiled as she ran her hand over his smooth face. "We're going on a big trip so I hope you don't mind helping with travel."
The large pokemon seemed to shake his head as he glanced at Aqua.
Fuu looked over and motioned her head towards him. "Pet him and let him know---"
She blinked as she was interrupted, hearing Rapidash call as she was off. "HEY!"

With a sigh, she frowned. "Aqua's coming too... so be nice!" "STEE--" "NICE!"
The iron snake sighed but turned his so they had an easy lift up to his large head by using the rods that came out of his body as a ladder. When she and Aqua got up there, the silverette wrapped her arm around one of the small 'horns', nodding for Aqua to do the same. "Follow that Rapidash!"
"STEEEEEEEEL!" The pokemon looked around, spotting a type he didn't like so much but quickly followed after, making an indent through the ground as he went.

Riku frowned as he watched Roxas and Axel ride off before quickly joining Sora. A beam picked up the black fox before the pokeball was placed back on his belt... and they were off. He leaned in close over one of Sora's ears as they rode. "Entai summoned Mt Chimney to erupt... yearly this morning... and it destroyed Lavaridge Town...

Ven was the last to hop onto Moana, steering her towards Flygon who was already up in the air. Before he hit the reins though, he glanced back at the man who was standing on the porch. They looked at each other silently for a moment before Ven turned and Moana was up in the air, following the others.

Sirocco could only sigh as they watched them leave Porta Vista. "Take care boys..." He turned, looking out at the ocean before looking inside at the two Pokemon looking up at him. "Alright you two... we have a journey of our own to start."

[Reno]

"What?! Are you SERIOUS?!" Sora cried in disbelief, looking back at his lover.
"Ar?" The tiger dog called in worry, looking back as well, making her speed slow some.
The brunette couldn't believe it... when Riku confirmed it. "Oh my god..." He shook his head slowly then urged Arcanine on. "It's okay Arcy..."
The dog whined but looked forward, picking up her pace again. She couldn't understand it either!
"I can't believe it... was anyone hurt?!"


The traveling was long and rather boring. At least last time, they had those communicators to converse with each other which both came in handy and starved off the other distractions like the aching limbs and wandering eyes. Hell, they even once saved their lives!

And it was good to know for when they needed to stop, get some rest and water, to tell another to slow down if they were starting to get outdistanced. This time they didn't have that convenience, and with Axel making the pace they were in a rush to catch out.

They ran far into the night, the glow of Rapidash' body making her easy to follow, but even if she was, the Pokemon couldn't be driven much further. Flygon looked back and whined, and ignoring his master's lead suddenly turned and flew back to where his mate was flying erratically. "Fly! Flygon!"
Terra frowned at the sight of her, she was having trouble just flying straight. "Alright that's fucking it! Ven land Moana we're stopping for the night!" He tugged on his Flygon's reins, but the dragon didn't really want to leave. "Come on Flygon, she'll be fine!"

The dragon whined but followed his master's pull and flew down to where Steelix was snaking across the ground, coming level with it's head. "Hey!"
"What?!" Aqua yelled back.
"This is fucking ridiculous! We're stopping for the night! Follow Ven!"
"What about Axel?!"
"I'll figure it out just stop!" He hit Flygon's reins and the dragon hurried on.

It was a struggle to catch up with Arcanine - who was doing the best out of all of them. It was no surprise, there were Arcanine that were documented to be able to run 6,000 miles in one day. She was still obviously tired though, still exhausted from her run not a few days ago! And Rapidash was still outdistancing her.
"Sora!"
"Yeah?!" The brunette glanced back, wind whipping his spikes about. He pulled on Arcanine's reins so she slowed her pace.
"We gotta stop!"
"I know!" The brunette answered then looked forward were he could still see the glow. "You go ahead Terra, we'll meet you there!"

The brunette frowned but nodded, pulling up on Flygon's reins. The dragon called and then landed, panting some. The brunette slipped off of the dragon's back, "Come on I saw a river nearby." He frowned, reaching up and touching one of the wings. They were incredibly warm.
"Goooon~"

"Hang on Ri! Arcy, Extreme Speed."
"Nine!" The dog barked before a white glow surrounded her body and suddenly they took off like a shot. They came level with Rapidash in record time, stopping by her side. "Axel! Roxas!!"
"What?" The blonde called.
"We gotta stop for the night!"
"No!" Roxas urged before Axel could give any opinion and glanced back. "Tell the others to keep going!"
Sora blinked but frowned. He kicked his heels and Arcanine barked and easily got in the lead before Sora led her up the trial before forcing her to stop. Rapidash came running at them but Axel pulled her reins so she came to a stop.
"Sora, move!" Roxas snapped.
The brunette looked at the exhausted horse then up at them. "You can keep going if you like, it's not you who suffers later." He and Riku got off the tiger dog, Sora gently taking her by her collar and leading her down the trail again.

[Rikugurl]

"Flllllllllly~~~" The smaller dragon sighed as she was lead down. "It's alright... you did great." Ven assured her as he rubbed her neck before she landed easily. He quickly jumped off but his eyes widened when he heard a crash behind him. He looked back, seeing the poor dragon fall on the ground, panting. "Moana..." He frowned as he walked up to her, rubbing her head softly. "You should of said something..."
"Gooooon..." He pasted, her eyes closing under the large orbs.

Ven nodded before recalling her into her ball. She knew that she was trying to keep up with her mate... and being a performer, she didn't want to disappoint anyone. He looked down the trail, seeing AND hearing the large pokemon come close before stopping. He lowered his head, letting Fuu and Aqua down.
"Wow... what a ride." The silverette panted a bit before looking back at Steelix. "Thanks for the lift!"

"LIIIIIX!" He called, obviously not tired at all. Before he could show off, Fuu pulled him back into his pokeball and sighed. It was amazing how such a large creature could fit into such a tiny device!
"Let's catch up to the others!" Ven called, already running down the path, following the large dog paw prints and hooves.

Who they ran into first was Terra.


"Hold whaAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Riku cried before his grip around Sora tightened, being blown forward. He saw Roxas and Axel coming up quick and heard the brothers talk. Well... at least there was a consistency between the triplets. They never knew when enough was enough... He continued to hold on as they speed up and stopped, watching Axel pull on the reins, Rapidash sliding to a halt. The poor unicorn panted a bit but she still tried to look strong. It was easy to see her legs shaking a bit as the two riders seemed to glare at him and Sora.

Riku followed his lover's lead though and got off the large dog, looking up at Roxas and Axel as they passed going back down the road.

Axel frowned as he watched them before shaking his head. He... he needed to get to Mauville City no matter what! He brought the reins up to snap them before he paused. His eyes closed... remembering something his Aunt told him a long time ago when he first got Ponyta. If she gets too tired, she'll become top heavy... and a top heavy horse was bad news. She could fall... and end up pranging her ankle or worse yet... break her leg.

Having their transportation... and a friend.... break their leg wasn't going to help them at all.

Axel gave another sigh before dropping the reins and slowly got off.

[Reno]

"Axel!" Roxas started to argue when the red-head got off - they could make it, it would be fine! - but the red-head spoke softly to him, telling him otherwise.

The six met up in the middle of the trail, Sora walking Arcanine over to them.
"So?" Terra asked, not seeing Axel or Roxas immediately following him. In fact he couldn't see the flames at all anymore.
The brunette shrugged and sighed, reaching up to pet Arcanine. "They'll come. Arcy, water?"
The dog smile her ears perking up before she walked to the left off the trial. The brunette followed after her and the other started to as well. The sound of extra pairs of footsteps made a few of them look back though seeing Axel and Roxas coming down the trial.


They found their way to the riverside that Terra had seen, the tiger dog quickly going down for a drink as they rest of them started to set up camp.

[Rikugurl]

Axel sighed as he reached up and started to take of Rapidash's reins. "You know as well as I that if we over do her... she might fall and break something..." He pet her nose softly as Roxas finally came down and he drew her back to her pokeball. "They said that all the pokemon home were alright... I don't want to hurt one trying to get there..." A long arm wrapped around Roxas's waist and pulled him close before they started to travel back down the road.

They reached a spot where large dog prints went off course and they knew well enough to follow it. They walked down through the woods, hearing talking down lower until they saw Sora and Riku. They all stayed silent as the blonde and redhead joined up before getting out their bags to set up camp.

Some Pokemon were let out.. but carefully as they didn't want to start a bunch of fun and games. They needed to sleep and rest before leaving early in the morning. Roxas and Axel would have it no other way.
Once they were done feeding themselves and their creatures, they laid down their respective sleeping bags... which seemed to only be four large ones. One for each couple. Respective pokemon slept by their master's side except for two who kept watch.

Golden rings reflected off the still water as a purple haze floated over it.


In the morning, it was much the same. However, many were worried. During their last journey together, Axel wouldn't budge without his cup of coffee.... but this morning, he didn't attempt to make a pot. Instead, he was brushing down Rapidash and feeding her some extra Pokeblocks while they sat around and ate a quick breakfast.

"YES!"
They all stopped when Ven paused, looking into his old backpack. "Found some!"
He pulled out some devices that some had on their mind yesterday. The communicators. "See~~" Spat out his tongue to Aqua. "It's a good thing I made a lot! Still... there are only four left."

[Reno]

A pale hand dipped into cool water, feeling it shift and move as gravity pulled it in the direction of the sea. Blue eyes reflected the color, though they were rimmed in black showing a sleepless night. He sighed, pulled out the canteen and capped it. "Next."
"E!" Flareon yipped, picking up a strap of an empty water bottle and trotting over so her master could take it and fill it. He had spoiled her today, letting her splash some in the water taken her on a nightly walk to frolic with some flutter bugs (getting past her brother and the ghost was a bit of a fun challenge though). Even let her have his whole breakfast!
Both of them glanced back curiously though when they heard Ven's exclamation.

Aqua crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You still don't have enough!" She said matter-of-factly, sticking her tongue right back just like they were two kids on an elementary school playground. Only four... when five years ago they had started with ten. Back then, they had enough that each person had gotten one.

But during their mission they got lost or broken.
Roxas' was destroyed when Reno's Manetric went after him.
Aqua and Ven had lost theirs when the explosion of one of elena's bombs sent them flying.
Terra lost his when Moltres flew him into the sky.
Sora and Axel lost theirs when they went jumping four stories out of sky tower on Arcanine after Breloom.
The only one who managed to still have his to return was Riku!

"Well, four is better than none." Sora said cheerfully from where he was giving Arcy a light meal while Riku carefully cut some of her mane so it wouldn't get in her eyes. "How will we divide them though? I'd say one to each riding group but there is five of us."

"No, four. Ven is riding with me." Came an announcement from the far side of the field, making the other glance towards where Terra was stooping over Moana, running his fingers over her wings gently. They still felt warm, which was a sign of strain rather than fever, and he and Ven both knew not to push their Flygon when the wings felt heated. It caused unstable flight which could end in a crash. "At least for today."

They had hoped the rest for the night would be enough, but they had traveled for nearly twelve hours without so much as a break, and it was just barely past dawn now which meant none of them had even a full night's sleep. Luckily, they weren't too far from their destination, but it was better to be safe then sorry.

Flygon was close to her, nudging some berries under her nose but she turned her head away and shut her eyes. It was obvious she needed some rest and Flygon would be fine, handling both Terra and Ven. He did it once before. "Goon~" The larger laid down beside her, curling his tail around hers.

"It doesn't matter as long as we get where we're going." Came a unsurprisingly apathetic voice, but from one of the last person one would expect considering his profession.
"Roxas!" Sora snapped disapprovingly but the blonde didn't say another word, just continued to fill up their water supply.

[Rikugurl]

"SO!?" Ven shot back, glaring at Aqua which made Fujin laugh. They were such kids when they were around each other. She knew that they were good friends though... even if they refused to let it show. She ate some more of her toast and jelly when they heard Terra not too far away and all three looked back.

The smaller of the dragon sighed as she felt Terra's hands on her wings. She felt horrible... she wanted to fly but she could hardly get off the ground. She wanted to be strong for her baby, to show him that he'd be great as either a fighter or performer... but why would he want to be a performer if they were so weak like her...?
"Flllllllllly...." She spoke softly as she looked away from her mate. He could of found someone other Pokemon better than her...

Ven frowned as he saw how blue Moana looked before getting up and walking over to her. He leaned down, running his hands over her antennas. "It's ok, girl... so maybe you're not as stronge as Flygon.... but you have other great qualities that make you equal...and unique at the same time. I'm sure you'll be a big help in this adventure in another way!"

The big globes seemed to look up at him, a spark of hope in her eyes. "Goon~~"

Riku frowned as he heard the blonde and shook his head. Why was he being so negative? His mom always told him he had to stay positives when the worse...
He looked away as he brushed some of Arcy's fur back and pinned it up with her favorite bow. Sometimes he was like that too though. It wasn't hard to think of the worse. It was a less pain when you actually see it. Losing your home, town and even... memories were hard.

He had no way he could put himself in their shoes at this point.

The other silverette actually nodded at his statement, shoving in the last of her toast in her mouth before taking the devices. She walked over to Sora, Terra, Aqua and..... "Here Axel." The communicator was handed to the redhead, green eyes staring at it for a moment before he silently took it. When he did, she turned and grabbed her pokeball, tossing it out and the large, bully Pokemon appeared again.
"STEEEEE--"
"Quiet... there are others trying to sleep." She put calmly, making the large steel pokemon sigh.

She turned to the rest of the group before climbing up. "What are we waiting for guys? Come on!"

[Reno]

The brunette watched Ven as he comforted his dragon, smiling softly as he encouraged her to rest up before returned her. He wasn't sure what it was about the scene but it warmed his heart - Fuck, he was a sap, wasn't he?
Flygon whined lightly but got to his feet, ready for his job and the blonde, unknowing of his admirer, started to harness up the dragon for the flight ahead.

Just as he finished his wrist was grabbed sand he was tugged lightly into a strong chest, a hand winding around his waist. Fingers intertwined with those of the wrist once caught as passionate blue eyes looked into the other's. "I love you," He said, almost randomly, before he brushing his lips against Ven's.

Meanwhile another brunette, well KNOWN for his sappiness, was thinking along the same lines of his lover. He understood why Roxas was acting so out of place and almost cruelly. The week had been such a stress for all of them and losing his home on top of it had somehow made his little brother's brain stall. Any more worry or problems and he'd probably have a breakdown.

It made him worry about him. He knew how he felt technically he and Riku had lost their house too, though they did so by abandoning it. Though, who knows if it was even still standing since Lugia was rearranging the tides and everyone on the islands were probably trapped now and-
"FINE! Take the boat then and go kill yourself! Don't ask me to come with you either! No reason for TWO people to end up dead!"

The brunette stared blankly at his tiger dog, before slowly looking up at Riku who was completely oblivious, smiling in a simply happy way as he placed on Arcy's bow. Had he stayed on that island like he said... had he not come after him...
Oh Arceus...

A tan hand reached out, gently being placed over a paler companion. The ring that signified their love shimmered in the morning light. When Riku looked at him, Sora had to fight back tears as he smiled at him. "I'm really glad you came with me Ri..."

Arcanine looked between them and her tail wagged, a little doggy smile on her face.

Shortly after all the sappiness ended - mostly due to Fuujin - the others quickly snapped to attention. Communicators were placed in ears, water canteens were handed back, Pokemon that weren't used for riding were recalled and they were off with Rapidash taking the lead once more.

[Rikugurl]

Ven smiled as he rubbed the bottom of Flygon's chin, seeing how much he liked it before he was suddenly grabbed and pulled back. He looked up and behind him to see Terra looking down at him. A large blush ran over his cheeks as their lips brushed only to close his eyes and kiss back, their lips sounding as they did a few times before pulling away. His eyes fluttered opened, feeling like he was already flying...

Wow...

"I love you too..." He smile back up at the other before kissing him one last time before Fuu called. He gently pulled away, though one of their hands still joined longer before Ven hopped onto Flygon, taking the reins. He felt Terra sit behind him, smiling at his warmth before patting flygon's neck. "Up and away, flygon!"


Riku smiled as he ran his hand through Arcy's fur. He had really fallen in love with Sora's motherly Pokemon. It kind of felt like his mom was on his journey every time she'd come out and play. Sometimes... it wasn't always great. She'd nip you good if you didn't brush your teeth!

He blinked when he felt a warm hand on his, looking over to see Sora. He frowned a bit, spotting how more watery his eyes were all of a sudden. Was he---
His lips pressed together as he heard the other, a feeling of guilt running through him as he remembered how horrible he acted that day... and it hurt even more that Sora would of still loved him overseas even if he stayed.
But he knew where Sora was coming from. He understood what his lover was thinking. "I am too, Sora..." He leaned down, kissing those lips softly before they heard Ven call out, the sound of Flygon's wings singing as they shot into the sky. "Better get going."

They pulled away before Riku climbed on, reaching down and helping Sora up to sit in front. When they were settled, they were off as well.


When Roxas got to Rapidash and Axel, they were all rather silent, making the fire unicorn a bit uneasy. She had never seen her masters so quiet around each other... unless they had really ugly mad faces at each other... but this wasn't the case. Had they both not have their brown water today?
She didn't fuss as they mounted her, and when she felt the reins hit her side, she was off...

And wasn't happy that that HUGE pokemon was in the lead!
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!" She cried as she started off, passing it with no problem.

[Reno]

Hooves and paws beat into the trial, leaving prints behind. they were quickly swept away however as a large, heavy creature made of rocks passed over them, erasing all trace of the first two. Up above, flying with a song, was a green insect dragon who was spending some time simply dodging bird and other insects that flew in a panic from the forest due to the loud noises the rock snake was making. The last time they made so much noise, the little brunette limped around for days.

Hopefully that didn't happen again.

The sun was shining high in the sky now - they had only stopped once and only for twenty minutes to get a drink, stretch sore muscles and have a very light lunch before they were off once more. Now, the heat was beating down on them, and if it wasn't for the wind sweeping in a cold front, all of them would be sweating and would have hair and clothes plastered to skin.

"Crackle Hey, we can see Mau-Crackle-ville from up here." Came a handsome, rough voice accompanied by wind and musical wing beats. Possibly due to age, the communicators were crackling a lot more then they used to but it was ignorable. "Looks crowded. Crackle"

There was a short answer from Axel, confirming this and stating to keep up with him. They continued on for a few moments before the red-head pulled the reins and Rapidash went off the main trial to a smaller one. Arcanine easily cut the corner and followed after and Flygon flew overhead. For Steelix however it was a tight squeeze and a few trees were no doubt going to fall.

The end of the trial came quickly and reins were pulled and feet kicked in and orders to stop were made. Four Pokemon lined up nearly side by side as the trainers looked towards the quaint town. Or once quaint. The streets were crowded with people and Pokemon, as if they suddenly had a large population increase overnight. There were random activities going on every which way from games to keep children occupied to leading away people for some medical treatment. There were some people, unable to find shelter, simply sleeping on benches or in any available space they could find.

[Rikugurl]

Wind blew into red hair, making most of shift behind him and against the face of another... but he didn't seem to mind. As for shorter red strands, they stuck to the sides of his neck and face. The sound of trotting, huffing, ground indenting and song above didn't bother the noise in his ear. "GoodCrackle. Y-Crackle lead."

He glanced up, seeing the dragon soar above and down the trail. "HEEYAAA!" He called, slamming his heels into Rapidash's side which made her pick of her pace. He pulled her reins back towards the right, making her turn that way down a path. He knew that this city was in the crossroads to many places by they tried to keep it as quaint and quiet as possible. However, when they reached the clearing and looked over the city, it seemed like they couldn't keep that look forever.

Instantly, Axel recognized a lot of people that were in the streets before looking up, seeing the black clouds atop a large mountain. That was where their home.... use to be. Emotions ran through the thin body for a good few minutes, the silence between the group almost defining. They all knew they had to go and find Sera though and make sure everyone was still alright.

Axel was the first to get off his Pokemon, even if his legs were weak and shaking when he hit the ground. Ninetails, Absol, Zan, Borva, Edana, Thad and the newborns.... were they really all ok?

It seemed like someone heard his concern though...

"VUUUUUUUUUUL!" A call came from the trail below, making everyone look to see a Vulpix running up towards them. Her fur was a bit ratty and rough and it was easy to tell that she was a bit shaken up... but the points in her leg design made it easy to tell that it was---
"Edana!" Axel called as she came running up, leaping into his arms and licking his face happily. "PIX! PIX!"

[Reno]

The travelers all slowly slipped off of Pokemon's backs and hopping down to the ground, letting them all take a good rest. They wouldn't be able to travel with them inside of the overpopulated town because they would hardly have room to move themselves.

It was just... the sight of it that made everyone slow to react. These people were so lucky they all made it out alive. What if there had even been a minute's difference between their awareness and the explosion from the volcano? How many who had just barely escaped would of been lost?

It was the sound of a happy cry that made everyone look to a small Vulpix rushing towards them, six tails flowing behind her gloriously. But it wasn't just any random Vulpix it was-
"Edana!" Roxas said simultaneously with Axel, reaching out to run his fingers down her back when she found her way into his lover's arms. Her fur was messy and unclean but otherwise she was fine. It was such a relief to see her! At least seeing her meant that-

"Soool?"
Blue eyes went wide glancing towards the trial and seeing a questing Pokemon, obviously looking for something (or someone) finding his way onto the trial. His fur was patches of black, gray and white, the grays and blacks smeared to show just how dirty he was. The only injury he seemed to have was the scar that went over one of his eyes, though the tissue seemed so healed that it must of been years old.
And of course, he was as well known as the little fox. "Absol!!" Cried the blonde as he suddenly took off down the trial towards the dangerous looking animal, the scythe on his head and sickle for a tail looking uninviting.
Red eyes found him, but rather than growling the dog smiled and hurried forward as well. "Absol!!"
Arms were throwing around the dog's neck, the blonde falling to his knees. "I'm so happy to see you!"
"Soool~" The dog agreed, nuzzling his master. He had missed him as well.

[Rikugurl]

Ven hopped off of Flygon just as Fuu and Aqua climbed down Steelix. The largest of the Pokemon was taken back into his Pokeball, probably so he wouldn't make anyone startled from his loud cry. Blue eyes lightened a bit as he watched the scene, glancing at Sora who seemed more than happy.

"Ah, look." Riku pointed out, making everyone look back towards Roxas where another white dog was coming up, a tad smaller than the one the blonde was hugging now. He had less dirt and soot on his fur but he seemed shaken up as well.

"Sol...?" The young Absol said softly as he came around the backside of the blonde... a bit worried that he'd be yelled at. He was a coward when the explosion erupted, hiding under the bed and his father had to pull him out by the gruff of his neck like a pup!
But he was pet and happy sounding words came from his master as he was brought close.

More Pokemon were called back and the group of human walked down to meet up with Roxas, Edana in Axel's arms. He easily held onto the red fox as he reached down, petting both of the white dogs. "You guys need a bath." His heart was feeling less weighed down now and positive thinking finally hit him. It was true that they lost their home, his birthplace of memories and the volcano he loved so much.... but what he didn't lose were things that were irreplaceable. His family.

Lavaridge would be rebuilt... and life would come back to the mountain. New places will be made and memories will be made again.
It wasn't as bad.... as he thought... though being homeless wasn't something he was looking forward to, even though he knew one of the others would surely invite them to live with the---

"AXEL! ROXAS!" A call came from the town as a woman rushed up towards the trail towards them. Green eyes seemed to lighten up more as the woman was familiar to him. "AUNT SERA!" He smiled as she rushed up, panting a bit. She was a bit overweight... and he was sure all the stress and running and such made her short of breath anyway.
"Relax auntie..." Axel frowned as he watched her catch her breath.

"I...I'm so happy to see you two..." She panted before standing straight and sighing.